Meet the members: Max Phillips

At Gather Round, we love shining a light on the brilliant creatives who make our community what it is. This time, we’re catching up with Max Phillips – a motion designer, editor, filmmaker, and all-round smiley, friendly moving-image maker.

Read on as Max shares what inspires him, the projects he’s loved most, and why Gather Round feels like more than just a place to work.

Tell us about what you do?

I work with all things moving pictures, so I’m not just a motion designer. I also edit, and occasionally I’m brought on to direct and shoot small projects. I come from a filmmaking background, and moving into animation means I’ve built up a broad set of skills over the years. I often get asked to do bits of editing and animation across the spectrum, and I bloody love it. It’s always good to wear multiple hats!

Primarily, I work in the food and beverage sector, which is where I thrive and would love to do more. But I also do work in gaming, tech, and some higher education projects.

Do you work with agencies or directly with brands?

A bit of both. I’ve worked for some pretty big agencies and clients like Coca-Cola, P&G, and Unilever. One project I really enjoyed was with Jolly Hog – amazing sausages! I got the job through an agency to animate some incredible food photography by Josh Campbell, an amazing photographer. Easily one of my favourite projects.

How did you get into motion graphics?

I started as a filmmaker straight out of university and launched a film production company, making work for charities and small businesses, plus lots and lots of music videos. About two or three years in, motion design was starting to get big, and we had a music video that needed kinetic typography. I thought, I’ll give this a try. And I fell in love with it. I’m really into music, so timing animation to music was an exciting process. 

After that, I spent almost every evening for two years teaching myself, watching tutorials, and making little passion projects. Eventually I decided to put my focus into animation, and I’ve never looked back!

Where do you find your inspiration?

Honestly, everywhere. But mostly from music. When I hear certain songs, I can almost imagine animations going with them – it’s like a kind of synaesthesia. When a good project lets me play around with sound and music, that’s when the best ideas come out.

Favourite podcasts and books?

For podcasts, I think a lot of people rate Blind Boy, which is amazing, but I want to give a shoutout to a podcast called Ghost Frame. It was started by a motion designer who’s been in the industry for years. It feels like listening to a well-produced NPR podcast, where she interviews everyone, from big names to smaller, unknown freelancers abroad, discussing all sides of the motion design world, including personal experiences like becoming a parent as a freelancer. It’s a really holistic view of the industry, and I really enjoy it.

I love to read, I can’t go to sleep without reading! My favourite is Lonesome Dove; it’s an incredible Western. Weirdly, I didn’t grow up watching Westerns and I’m not super into them, but my mum gave me the book and I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in a couple of days!

Best spot to eat out in Bristol?

Wilson’s is incredible. I love trying different restaurants and foods, and normally I’m not into tiny, small plates kind of dining. But Wilson’s has a great mix, rustic but also fine dining. It’s a perfect balance.

When did you join Gather Round?

I joined in November 2024. I’d come to a few events before that, always peeking around, thinking this place looks nice. Eventually, I realised I needed a workspace outside my home.

What’s your take on the community?

When work gets busy and I don’t come for a couple of weeks, I really feel it, especially the social aspect. I’ve tried other workspaces, but there’s something about the people here and the community that’s been fostered. I’ll go for a coffee break and end up having a good 20-minute chat with someone I just met! I haven’t felt that anywhere else.

One of the other things I love about Gather Round is that I get to bring my dog. Honestly, most members remember my dog’s name more than mine. Her name is Cayenne, she’s a very little Labrador and very excitable

Huge thanks to Max for giving us a peek into his creative world. Whether he’s deep in the zone, syncing visuals to music or catching up over a cuppa, he’s a much-loved part of the Gather Round community. We’re also thrilled to share that Max will be upgrading his membership – he will soon be one of the very first members to move into our brand new Flexi Plus room, opening this August at Brunswick Square. If you fancy joining Max, get in touch soon to book a tour. Spaces are limited, 7 out of the 15 desks are full already!

To sweeten the deal, every new Flexi Plus member who signs up between now and 1st August 2025* will receive a bag of goodies from one of our favourite foodie brands, Delli.

Not Bristol-based? No worries – you can still join Flexi Plus in Bath** and snap up the same perks. Full T&Cs here.

Max is currently working on a new website to showcase his work, keep your eyes on that one. Or connect with him Linkedin to get in touch with the man himself.