Meet the team: Luke Inderwick
How did you start your career?
I am an experienced VFX compositor with a background working at renowned studios such as Bait Studios, Clothcat Animation, BDH, and Bumpybox. My contributions span projects for major networks including BBC, Apple TV, E4, and Channel 5, with notable titles like “Kensuke’s Kingdom” and “Tiny Planet.”
As my career progressed, I developed a keen interest in programming within Nuke software, which eventually led me to web development. Around four years ago, I began teaching myself programming and building websites for friends and family.
For the past two years, I have been working professionally as a frontend web developer, specialising in creating software for VFX studios.
What has been your biggest career success before joining Ynput?
My proudest career achievement is successfully transitioning into web development. Through self-motivation and perseverance, I learned and built web development projects while working full-time. My design background has allowed me to develop a unique skill set that combines technical and creative abilities, distinguishing me from other web developers.
One of my most recent projects before joining Ynput involved collaborating with a local Guernsey artist to create a customized online portfolio and shop at eleanordaisy.com. This project allowed me to showcase both my creativity and technical expertise, delivering a tailored solution that met the artist’s specific needs.
What has been your biggest success while at Ynput?
My journey at Ynput began by addressing impostor syndrome. With the support of my team, I took the time to learn the codebase, gradually building my skills. This experience not only equipped me with technical knowledge but also increased my confidence to tackle new projects.
My early work as a web developer included leading the creation of a well-received public documentation website. This project proved valuable in further developing my technical skills and leadership abilities.
Building on that experience, I transitioned to larger projects, including Ynput Cloud, our new cloud platform. I also played a key role in our recent production tracking initiative, contributing to the release of several important tools and features.
I’ve grown into a Product Manager role and I’m excited to dig deeper and further develop my skills in this area.
Why did you choose to join Ynput?
The chance to make a real difference in the creative space drew me to Ynput. Having spent years as a VFX artist, I knew all too well the struggles of slow and clunky tools. Joining Ynput felt like the perfect opportunity to use my skills to solve these problems, and that’s incredibly motivating for me.
The Ynput team has been fantastic. They’re always willing to lend a hand, no matter how basic my questions might be. It’s a refreshing change to work with a group of people who are all passionate about the same goal and genuinely invested in each other’s success.
Ynput’s environment is fast-paced and keeps things interesting. I love the opportunity to contribute across different projects and areas. It allows me to constantly learn and grow as a professional.
What do you enjoy the most about working at Ynput?
Ynput fosters a culture where fresh ideas bubble up constantly, and initiative is celebrated. There’s no room for shutting down thoughts, and everyone’s encouraged to push boundaries.
This freedom to explore and experiment with new designs and approaches is exhilarating. The team trusts me to bring those ideas to life in impactful ways. It’s incredibly rewarding to have that creative licence and see my contributions make a real difference at Ynput.
What’s a typical day like for you at Ynput?
A typical day for me at Ynput involves working on a mix of smaller tasks to make progress on larger, ongoing projects. I also handle any urgent issues or tickets that come up throughout the day.
Collaboration is key to success at Ynput, and I work closely with the AYON Server team to solve problems and create new solutions. It’s rewarding to be able to contribute to a larger vision and work towards a common goal.
In addition to my focused tasks, I often take a step back and evaluate the project as a whole. This allows me to prioritise my work and ensure that my efforts are aligned with the bigger picture. Overall, my days at Ynput are dynamic and fast-paced, and I thrive in this environment.
What’s the most exciting project you’re currently work on (or recently finished)?
Our production tracking tools are a major focus for me right now. I believe they have the potential to significantly improve VFX project management workflows.
We recently launched a new activity feed and inbox system that’s already generating positive feedback. It streamlines communication by providing artists with clear project context and relevant updates tailored to their roles. This allows them to collaborate more effectively and focus on delivering their best work.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to do Web Development?
At Ynput, being proactive and taking initiative is key to excelling in your role. Waiting for work to come to you is not an option if you want to make a meaningful impact. Instead, you need to actively seek out tasks and opportunities to contribute to the team.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
When I’m not working, I love spending time outdoors and exploring new places. In the winter, you’ll often find me hiking or cycling in the mountains, while in the summer, I love to go surfing.
Travelling is also a big passion of mine, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have travelled to various parts of America, Asia and Australia. Exploring new cultures and trying new things is always an exciting adventure, and I’m always on the lookout for my next destination.
Overall, I believe that having a healthy work-life balance is essential for maintaining productivity and happiness, and these hobbies help me achieve that balance.
