BEing: Aurelien Dallaserra

How’d you get the nickname Oz?

I had long hair when I was in high school, and I used to wear Hawaiian shirts and a shark tooth necklace because well—that was cool at the time. One day, I was hanging out with some people and they asked me what my name was. After they couldn’t quite get “Aurelien” down, it was agreed that I needed a nickname. Someone immediately jumped in and said: “You look like an Australian surfer dude!” and then, I became Oz—short for Aussie.

So what do you do here?

I’m a hybrid; I do digital design and development. I’d say I’m more passionate about development, because there’s more problem solving, but I’ve always loved all things design related. So I suppose I fall into a category of interactive/digital multitasking.

What got you into design?

Well, I really liked architecture. I had an internship in that field that I enjoyed, but was turned off from it when I realized that a massive section of architecture is laws and restrictions. In my search for a less restrictive industry, I realized how much I appreciated 20’s poster designs (especially from Germany’s Bauhaus) and that got me into graphic design. Then, once I figured out how to make my graphics move, it was game over. I trained myself in developing and fully jumped into interactive design.

What’s the best part of your job?

The creative license, specifically the ability to mix creativity and a certain amount of that creative license in a commercial environment. But ultimately the best part is being able to make a living doing something I love.

Do you have any hidden/secret talents?

Woodworking. I’ve been playing with tools since I was 8. I’ve made bikes, tables, and a ton of other random things. I basically just like building stuff—regardless of what it is.

What TV series/movie would you want to star in?

I would say Game of Thrones—that’s if I could make it through at least a season without being killed off. Everyone dies. Why do they all have to die?

How’s life with a 2 year old?

It’s amazing. My little dude is extremely funny. He’s really just a tiny version of one of the boys, so that’s pretty much how I take him. I thought it was going to be difficult, but it’s actually been surprisingly easy—minus the sleep at first.