Gunnar Valdimarsson - Audio Engineer, Designer, Video Editor, Cinematographer.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I was born in a very small town in Iceland called Húsavík. I grew up there and then moved to Akureyri when I was seven. I lived there most of my life, and then moved to the States in May of 2007. I don't eat fish, and I love bacon. I love technology, microphones, compressors, EQ's and gates like some people love cars."

How did you become interested in Music?
"I had little music growing up, except Pink Floyd when my dad was doing the dishes. So I didn't really dive into the world of music until I broke my hand playing sports. I was forced to stay home for a while."

So do you think that was very important, breaking your hand?
"Yeah, it's kind of weird that I picked up the guitar when I broke my hand, but that's how it happened."

How did it develop from then on?
"I started a band with my friends, and through infinite member changes we eventually became Nevolution. Not long after that, I started recording our music with my friend. We wanted people to hear our music over the internet, and from then on my interest in technology kicked off"

So you started in the world of audio?
"Yes, I played around with it for many years before eventually going to Full Sail University in Florida. I wanted to learn more. It felt like I had become static. I wasn't getting better at the time."

When did you start your career in Graphic design?
"Well, I was working as a Kindergarden teacher, believe it or not. My friend was quitting his job and moving away. He had promised his boss that he would find somebody to replace him. So he asked me. As it turned out, this was a job creating signs and designing all kinds of things cut out of adhesive vinyl. These signs were put on company cars, etc. That is where it all started."

So you went there not knowing anything about design?
"I wouldn't say that I didn't know anything; but I was definitely not a pro. With the help of my co-workers, I became very proficient on Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects and later Dreamweaver. I soon started doing all kinds of design jobs on the side, and even more after I moved to the States".

What would you say was your main strength in the fields mentioned above?
"I would say my strength was my knowledge of audio, and what goes into producing a quality sound for any type of medium. But I think I enjoy design even more, whether it be for video or just still images. I also believe in a good balance. The ability to do both is very important. It gives a different perspective on things when you have been on both sides."

What was your part in creating Niceland Productions?
"Casey and I have been friends ever since we started school at Full Sail, and I met Skúli there as well. We were working on all kinds of music videos, so we thought to ourselves, why not start a company. That's exactly what we did. We then asked Casey to join. What I think is best about this trio is that we all possess skills in different things. Skúli is a video expert, and Casey is an audio expert. I come in with my design, audio, and video skills. I think the three of us make a good team."