Meet Maddie Wagg | Motion Design & VFX

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maddie Wagg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maddie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I am a strong proponent of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. My perspective on this was shaped by my experience transitioning from the Australian work culture to the American work culture. In Australia there was a prevalent focus on achieving a healthy work-life balance, which allowed me without effort to strike a wonderful equilibrium between productive work and personal time. Upon moving to America and starting a Motion Design & VFX department at a post-production company that operated on 10-hour workdays, I recognized the need to establish a new standard for my team. I was determined to implement 8-hour workdays to prioritize work-life balance. However, despite my efforts to protect my team’s well-being, I found myself occasionally succumbing to exceptions to my own rules, leading to a work-life imbalance that eventually resulted in burnout.
This experience forced me to reassess my approach to work and life. It took some time, but I emerged from the burnout stronger than ever, armed with clearly defined boundaries. By setting boundaries and adhering to them, I now work more productively and efficiently, accomplishing more in less time while enriching my personal life.

What should our readers know about your business?
The decision to establish Moonwalkers Motion came during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others, I found myself reevaluating my life, choices, and future aspirations. Having spent over a decade in the industry, leading teams, building departments, and running a motion design and VFX operation within a larger production company, I knew the moment had arrived to pursue my dream of starting my own creative business. The pandemic acted as a catalyst, propelling me to take the leap and turn my vision into reality. Armed with a wealth of creative expertise, business knowledge and a network of dedicated, talented artists, I brought Moonwalkers Motion to life. The name “Moonwalkers” was born from our tagline “out of this world,” symbolizing our mission to deliver exceptional and groundbreaking content that goes beyond the ordinary.
Starting a business during a pandemic was far from easy, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. My prior experience and leadership skills, combined with the dedication of my supporting team, allowed us to navigate through uncertainties and obstacles successfully.
Throughout this journey, I have learned valuable lessons about the significance of creativity, collaboration, and adaptability in the face of change. Assembling a team of exceptional creators from different corners of the world has been instrumental in driving our studio’s mission to produce premium, unparalleled content.
I want the world to know that Moonwalkers Motion is more than just a motion design and VFX studio. It represents a passion for pushing the boundaries of creativity, seeking out the brightest minds and talents globally, and delivering content that truly stands out.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I do love showing my friends what I love about this city. When I first moved to LA, it felt pretty mysterious and unwelcoming. I knew zero people. It’s a tough place to come into I think. But now I feel like a local with all the insider knowledge. So, I’d make it my mission to showcase all that I love about this place!
We’d kick off the day in true Venice style by grabbing the surfboards and riding our bikes down to the beach for a morning surf. There’s nothing like catching waves early in the day while the sun rises over the Pacific Ocean, maybe we’ll see some dolphins. Straight from the ocean, we’d head straight to Menotti’s, a cozy coffee spot nestled right under the Venice sign, and get that well deserved morning coffee.
As this is our leisure day I’m assuming no working – so our next stop after a quick rinse at home, would be the Getty Museum. The awe-inspiring art, serene gardens and architecture would leave us both captivated and inspired.
The afternoon calls for some friendly competition, so we’d take our choice from paddle tennis, pickleball, or beach tennis. Of course, we’d need to recruit some competitive friends to join the game and bring the good times. With lots of banter and a refreshing drink or two, it would be a fun afternoon under the warm Cali sun.
As evening approaches, we’d migrate back to my little beachside rooftop for a sunset BBQ. With good food, great friends and beautiful views it would be the perfect ending to our day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to four incredible women: Karen Song, Daniela Bau, Michelle Demkiw, and Alessia Alciator. These remarkable individuals played a pivotal role in my success and have been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. Together, they formed the senior leadership of the design department at Network Ten, a prominent TV Network in Australia. Straight out of university and with no prior experience in animation software, they took a chance on me and offered me a motion design role. Despite my lack of experience, they saw potential in my design eye and I think believed in my ability to be a hard worker, a fast learner and a good cultural fit. These amazing women dedicated themselves to teaching me the intricate skill of animation from the ground up. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity they provided and the months they spent painstakingly guiding me through the learning process of animation software, which remains a crucial part of my daily toolkit.
Throughout five years of working with them, I had the privilege of learning from their extensive knowledge of the motion design industry. Their mentorship and friendship provided me with a solid foundation and the confidence to succeed in this competitive field. Without their unwavering support and belief in my potential, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you, Karen, Daniela, Michelle, and Alessia – you have been my guiding lights and an indispensable part of my journey.

Website: www.moonwalkersmotion.com

Instagram: maddie.wagg

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddie-wagg-1a39555a/