Justin Robert Lees

Personal Pronouns

He/Him/His

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

As a Videographer and Producer at Apple working on technologies in spatial computing and XR, my role is to engineer new methods in how Apple produces media content within these emerging platforms. This content can be experienced across Apple's channels, social media, website, and within our marketing and commercial films. The challenge for me is to be creative and technical in how product stories are told through collaboration with fellow colleagues and ensuring authenticity in this media in the way these new technologies work, such as in the product features of Apple's Vision Pro.

I imagine my experience to be a lot like the product launch of the first iPhone. Fast paced with high expectations, and us at Apple looking to develop and change an industry to push the boundaries of how we use personal electronics now and into the future. I have grown immensely professionally by learning new ways in producing digital content. By being a creative engineer, I blend my technical skills with my creative ideas to produce high quality content that is seen by millions everyday.

How did you get your job?

I interned at Apple in 2019 as an Assistant Camera/Director of Photography for Apple's Support YouTube Channel. I stayed connected to a few colleagues who moved from that media team to the current team I am on, and they asked that I interview for my current role that I started in 2022.

How long ago did you graduate from MCAD?

1–4 years

What inspires you/your work?

What inspires my work is the idea that even in a world that is becoming clouded by fast paced technological development such as artificial intelligence, artists are going to become more important than ever because of our human instinct to want to interact with genuine human qualities through a diversity of mediums and channels. I am inspired by the idea that artists should be even more elevated to solve real world problems such as climate change, the disparity in the economic well being for underserved groups, through the necessity of creative problem solving and engineering. This and other work will be modeled to guard rail artificial intelligence, and I keep this idea in mind through my own every day practice.

How do you network yourself and your art?

Within my role, I get to work with many different teams at Apple. I am currently networking within my company, but also outside of it within the media and filmmaking industry. I network by keeping the connections I already do have, continuing to collaborate with them and others who I am introduced to. I also network by demoing cutting edge technology with a filmmaking focus to inspire the industry in what's to come.

What was your experience living in the Twin Cities? Any hidden treasures?

The Twin Cities is the best example of a creative hub, where you can really pick up any art form and find others who are interested in the same type of work, and go on to make something together. This filters into the economics of the Twin Cities, such as agency work or start ups. But also in the performance art elements such as music, theater and others. I love Minnesota and the Twin Cities for the accessibility of art practice and collaboration, with its culture and community, and our willing to keep art in focus.

Where are you originally from and how did you hear about MCAD?

Minneapolis, MN - I applied at MCAD per a recommendation from a family member right out of high school in 2012. I was not accepted, and went to community college instead and started my own business before returning to MCAD in 2020 and graduating in 2023.

Why did you choose the bachelor of science program?

I chose the Bachelor of Science program because of my drive to use my creative practice in filmmaking to create impact through my skills as an entrepreneur. I started a media production company in 2015, with the mission to work with non-profits and small businesses through community story telling in the Twin Cities. These client collaborations inspired me to create a network at MCAD, and through my decision to seek my degree in the Bachelor of Science program, I expanded my craft as an artist and learned additional valuable skills in how to be entrepreneurial minded.

Favorite project you worked on for a client?

My favorite MCAD project was an advertising class project called Joining Forces, an arts exhibition that raised money for survivors of human trafficking in coordination with the Talitha Kum organization and in partnership with Edelman, a New York based advertising and PR agency. We live-streamed the exhibition and hosted it at MCAD.

Briefly describe at least one of your internships.

I interned at Apple in 2019 where I shot, produced and edited videos for the Apple Support YouTube Channel, where you can learn how to use features for any of your Apple devices. During this internship, I learned how to run and manage a professional studio. I also got to be talent in a few videos and learned new skills in motion graphics and audio recording and production.

Best thing you ever found on the free shelf?

Was a glass jar that I used for one of my installations in my science class with Abbi Allan.

What have you learned since graduating from MCAD?

That art school is the best playground to make mistakes, try new things, and build a repertoire. Those things carry with you through your career work. And in my career work, I treat it as if it were art school, by keeping a learner's mindset and to always be curious.

Did MCAD prepare you for life after graduation? In what way?

MCAD prepared me in a really meaningful way when it comes to collaboration. I would describe it as finding ways to integrate other people's creative practices that are different than my own into projects I am working on and vice versa. For example, seeing how I can collaborate through my digital video project with a sculptor or painter. Almost always, these collaborations elevated the project's outcomes and made for unique client deliverables.

Is there anything you wish you knew when you were an MCAD student?

That it's even more endless when you want to involve outside of MCAD resources and mentors in your class work and it's heavily encouraged. MCAD is all about community building, and networking.

Name your biggest takeaway from the program?

That entrepreneurship and business isn't a boring idea. That the future economy needs artists at the helm to transform industries for climate and moral responsibility.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I had a hard time with education. I didn't think I would ever finish college, and I think others thought I wouldn't amount to much during my time in high school. Getting my degree at MCAD was such an important accomplishment for me. I learned that MCAD wasn't about getting the degree, but the journey in pursuing. I am proud of my degree, and not just for finishing it, but for the work I did towards my degree and the time and memories I have during my time at MCAD.

What do you miss about being a student at MCAD?

I miss the weirdness. Being around like minded people, making random and creative art projects, and also using all the studios!

What advice do you have for current MCAD students and/or artists at the beginning of their creative careers?

Think unconventionally when trying to find new opportunities to work in. Your next gig could come from unexpected places. Don't be afraid to pitch ideas to anyone and any place. People want to work with creative people, and projects can start from pursuing randomness.