As a creative producer with a keen eye for emerging trends, Hert creates digital experiences that push boundaries and make a real impact. His journey ranges from pioneering Flash video campaign sites to producing high-end 3D animation projects, consistently staying ahead of shifts in the creative sector. With his artistic heritage and technical expertise, he combines strategic thinking with creative vision to tell compelling digital stories. Through his company LIGHTHUGGER, he explores new horizons in creative technology while remaining active in emerging digital spaces.
1996
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1999
INTERACTION DESIGN
Hert's journey began at HKU (Utrecht School of the Arts) where he studied Interaction Design during the wild dotcom boom of the late '90s. While many of his fellow students focused mainly on web design and development, which was naturally considered "hot", Hert chose multimedia with video and animation.
The Digital Wave
When the dotcom bubble burst in 2001, Hert found himself at a crossroads. Instead of shying away, he saw an emerging opportunity: the fusion of Flash and video. This insight led to the co-founding of Refunk, a company that would develop Flash video-based campaigns for brands like Adidas, Volvo, and Nokia, commissioned by advertising agencies in Amsterdam.
His work on "Volvo Life on Board" received international recognition, including a Gold World Medal at The NY Fest and Gold and Silver Cyber Lions in Cannes.
The Art of Adaptation
MOTION DESIGNER
When Steve Jobs effectively ended Flash in 2010, Hert took a new turn and delved entirely into motion design and 3D animation, building on his existing relationships with Amsterdam agencies. After moving to Arnhem, he started his own studio and worked directly with companies. As projects grew, he built a network of trusted freelancers for focused collaboration.
CREATIVE PRODUCER
In 2018, while seeking broader collaboration opportunities, he joined Colorbleed Studios as a creative producer. There, he led high-end 3D animation projects for international clients, including key partnerships with Framestore and Anomaly.
LIGHTHUGGER
Today, Hert offers creative production services through his company LIGHTHUGGER, where new technology—particularly AI Automation and Cryptocurrency—meets visual/motion design.
Hert's distinctive feature is his philosophical approach to creative work.
As the son of visual artists, he learned early on the value of intellectual property and creative entrepreneurship while choosing a path that connected creativity with commercial viability. His management style, based on trust and respect rather than traditional carrot-and-stick methods, reflects this artistic heritage.
Herts' approach to creative production is based on a few core principles. He believes in investing in quality talent. His dedication to thorough planning ensures efficient execution, while his open communication fosters genuine connections with clients and team members.
His technical expertise includes project management, creative direction, and hands-on production. He is proficient with industry-standard tools while also exploring emerging technologies, including AI automation for motion design.
As a lifelong gamer and science fiction enthusiast, Hert brings a wealth of fascinating knowledge to his work, translating insights from speculative fiction into practical creative solutions. He finds that his best ideas often emerge during his walks, away from screens and devices.