In this series, we ask Imagination talent all about the experiences that have made them who they are. This month we spoke to Jordan Manning-Ferguson, Design Director of Environments at Imagination Sydney.

A bit about me…

I am an absolute dork and live to make fun of myself (and I think that comes across in how I approach most situations). What’s the point of doing something if you can’t have a laugh doing it? I love family time whenever I can get it and eating is my go-to activity…ALWAYS.

The creative experience that influenced me the most…

Hamilton The Musical really changed the way I approach creative ideas. I love musicals and was in awe of the simplicity of the stage set as soon as I saw it. It was a single set that was never removed. Instead of constantly swapping flashy sets for each mood and act, they managed to create a modular set that was able to flex and evolve for all acts. The set knew its place and was built for function with no distractions and let the actors shine.

My industry hero is…

I don’t normally like to pinpoint individual people. I think the best work is always a product of collaborations between industries and people, but if I had to put one person on a pedestal it would be Dan Potra. Dan is an award-winning production designer who has created incredible concepts for set designs, opera, theatre and large scale events. We got the privilege last year of him coming to our office and it was incredible, I may or may not have fangirled.

The piece of work I’m most proud of…

The project that fills me with the most pride is the Electric Playground, a collaborative effort at Vivid for Samsung. Despite the challenging budget, we managed to create an incredibly playful and enjoyable experience. It was a turning point for me, as I was able to expand my skills beyond just the physical space. With movement in the lighting, we created an atmosphere that evolved throughout the night, making the space come alive. While the project wasn't necessarily the most luxurious or emotional, it allowed me to explore the art of storytelling through technology and lighting. It was also incredibly satisfying being able to bring my family and friends through, and showing them that I was more than just a nerd behind a computer.

The piece of work that makes me cringe…

It was a residential project from when I was young and naïve. I didn’t have the confidence to say no to a client so just became a yes-(wo)man. In the end, their house had a giant fish tank in the centre of the living space, with black-light systems that could activate in the living room to create a ‘party den’. It was so cringe and I knew it from the get-go. I thankfully never took photos of it, but picture it as a modern day Austin Powers den.

Lesson learnt: Black lights and fish tank walls don’t belong in a living room (in reality they don’t belong in many places at all).

The experience I wish I had created…

I wish I had created literally any of the Team Labs exhibitions. They are iconic and if you haven’t created a mood board using at least one of their activations you are lying. Their ability to fuse technology and design is always so creative and playful and their presence in the industry is pretty epic. To be the brain behind them would be pretty wicked.

Advice to my 18-year-old self…

Don’t care as much about what others think. If you have an idea put it out there, people won’t knock you down for expressing what you love.

What’s next?

We are in a period of exciting growth. I love working on pitches and creating ideas from nothing. The fast-paced nature of pitch work is so exhilarating as it pushes you to your limits and back in the span of a few days to really show you what you’re made of and challenge you. Even if we don’t win it all, the rush is always thrilling.