The Shutterstock collection reached 60 million images today, and we’re marking the occasion with a video that celebrates everything we love about design and the creative process. Watch the “A Is for the Artist” video below!
Made with videos from Shutterstock’s collection of 3 million clips and music from PremiumBeat’s royalty-free library, this video documents creativity from A to Z. The tongue-twisting track was written and recorded by Paul Yutaka, a designer, rapper, and filmmaker.
After working with Yutaka to finish the project, we sat down to get his thoughts on the process and inspiration behind “A Is for the Artist.”
Shutterstock: What was the greatest challenge you faced in creating this work?
Paul Yutaka: There were 3 elements that I knew had to exist in every line — each line had to contain words that began with a certain letter of the alphabet, each line had to serve some type of rhyme scheme, and each line had to be about creative professionals. Combining those three elements while making sure it all still made sense was the biggest challenge.
The other alphabet rap songs that are out there are either abstract or detailed with themes and playful ideas that jump all over the place, which I really couldn’t do in this song without losing its purpose. It was often exhausting to find certain words for certain letters that relate to one single main topic, but I’m really happy with the final product.
Was this project significantly different from past projects you’ve worked on?
I’ve worked on other songs and videos, but I haven’t worked on something where from the very start I knew it was going to be edited and animated line-for-line, so that was different. That allowed me to write some things with visual ideas in mind, knowing the editor could be creative with them.
How many of the design terms were you familiar with?
Ha! All of them. I’ve been involved in graphic design, video editing, and web development. I’ve worn a few hats as a freelancer and an artist to make sure the rent is paid. That’s what made this project really personal and authentic for me.
What did you think of the PremiumBeat collection?
There’s a huge library to choose from — I probably didn’t even get through 5% of the tracks. I have a hard time believing someone couldn’t find a song that fits their needs. (For this project, we ultimately decided on Ben Beiny’s “Science in Action” track.)
Is your background in music and rap? Or is it mainly a hobby?
It’s all more than a hobby now — I recently finished a full length album that isn’t out yet — but I push to stay creative or productive in all the areas that appeal to me. I rap, I’ve done business in music production, I co-produced a short film this year that’s been working its way through some festivals this summer, and I’m co-producing a feature length film that shoots next summer.
I’m not really content unless multiple things are cooking. Then again, I’m rarely content anyway. That’s why I pace so much.
What are some of the most fun raps you’ve come up with?
The ones I say to myself in the shower. But those are for me only.
