Living in Istanbul, being inspired by music, “do not make something just to make it”, and being a Google lover. This week we meet Mesut Danış (Balistique) from VideoHive.

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Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from, what do you do for a living?

My name is Mesut and I’m 27 years old. I’m from Turkey and I live in Istanbul. I grew up here and I love this city.

I’ve been working as a motion/3D designer for eight years. I worked in several national TV channels and production companies. At the moment I’m only working as a freelancer.

I love my job because it makes me really happy to create things that people likes and it’s a great feeling to know people appreciate your work. I can’t imagine myself doing another job.

Which marketplaces do you belong to? What types of files do you sell?

I’m an VideoHive author and I make After Effects templates for VideoHive. I make trailers, intros, presentation and openers, etc. But I want to be a part of 3DOcean and GraphicRiver in the future if I can manage to find spare time from my work.

How did you get started? Have you had any formal training?

When I finished high school I was playing professional basketball, but it wasn’t as good as I expected it. One day I meet a friend of mine, who works for a production company. We had a little chat about his job. After a short while I started working for the same company and that’s where I met After Effects.

I have not had any formal training, but my curious personality helped me a lot to learn all about After Effects and other software. I have had a lot of help from the Internet as well.

Describe your home workspace.

I have a small and simple office in my house. I use a mid level PC computer. And that’s where I do all my work.

I have some of my projects posters on my wall for motivation, and most importantly I have my Vuvuzella on my table for making my music.

Describe your creative process. What steps do you normally follow to create your files?

Most of my items started with music. For me music is very important because it’s where I get all the inspiration. When I listen to music I start imagining scenes, then I start working on them. Then I follow my imagination and everything comes along. Every project has its own process.

What is your advice to other authors regarding how to create a successful portfolio?

Our job has a very strong competition. Because of that, only unique and quality items can survive.

The most important thing I can advise is, do not make something just to make it. Try to use your imagination to make a variety of items that have quality and stand out.

What do you do to market your files?

I have a website where I have all my works presented. I also upload my videos to some social websites.

What are your three favorite files, and why do you like them?

My fist favourite file is BlacKnight. It helped boost the attention to my items.

My second favourite file is UnitedMotions. I made this template with my wife Berrin, and it was fun working with her.

My third favourite file is Purple Party, because its my best seller.

Apart from yourself, who is your favorite marketplace author, and why do you like them?

I have three answers for this question.

1. InlifeThrill. I like him because this guy makes remarkable files.
2. sonorafilms. I like him because this guy is a master of the keyframes.
3. DaniMult. I like him because this guy has his own unique style.

What do you do in your spare time?

Generally I do not have any spare time. I am a computer guy and I love my Google.