10 years
50+ customers
150+ projects

Our mission

Since its inception in 2014, Raconteur has been instrumental in customers securing $10s of millions in sales and fundraising.

Collaborating with industry trailblazers such as Meta, Festo, Daikin, ULC Technologies and Underwriters Laboratories, Raconteur continues to help push the boundaries of cutting-edge innovation.

Testimonials

“We've managed to build our waitlist of 1,000 companies, partly thanks to the video that gives people a quick and easy way to understand the product. I think it stands out dramatically from other videos out there, and it gives us an edge in terms of user acquisition.”

“[Meta] used the animation in presentations to stakeholders. The video helped facilitate the conversation and address concerns about the robotic system since they were able to pause and discuss specific areas of operation.”

"Completely blown away. I've worked with creatives for 18 years and have never seen anyone pick up a vision and deliver on-target results as quickly and efficiently as Joe."

“Joe is able to fill in the gaps of your vision and creativity and give you work that is better than you could ever hope for. We were looking for animation for a client of ours, and the work needed to be photo-realistic, dynamic, and tell a story at the same time. He accomplished all of that for us. Highly recommended.”

"[The animations] were helpful because they communicate complex subject matter to many different, non-engineering audiences. These renders were used for pitches to clients and have resulted in positive traction for new projects due to their realistic 3D quality and rapid turnaround.”

JOE RULE

Founder/Executive Producer

In high school, Joe became obsessed with VFX and 3D through creating short Star Wars fan films. That led him to pursuing a BFA in Electronic Imaging at Northern Michigan University where his senior film, ”Eat Your Vegetables” won Best in Show at the senior exhibition and went on to win several more awards at film festivals around Michigan

Joe founded Raconteur in 2014 to support technology that makes life better for humans. He keeps a sharp focus on the future of tech and creativity and is obsessed with storytelling that drives measurable growth.

Joe excels in connecting with people and teasing out the details of their story, tech and businesses. This enables him and the Raconteur team to produce innovative work that solves comunication problems at a deeper level.

On the weekends and evenings you’ll find Joe reading sci-fi, hiking, cooking, and playing couch potato with his cat Jaguar.

DARREN GARDNER

Creative Director

Darren’s earliest memories are of X-Wings and Tie Fighters battling it out in the expanse above the Endor moon. The sheer size and scope of George Lucas’s visual storytelling in the Star Wars Trilogy captured his imagination at an early age and never let go. As he got older, he realized that for all the gorgeous spectacle and finely crafted visual effects, the thread that held the whole thing together was simple, clear, and relatable storytelling. This recognition shapes his approach to art today and motivates his pursuit of fine craftsmanship that strengthens story, delights audiences, and forges lasting relationships between them.

For the last 15 years, He has partnered with agencies to help nurture and enrich notable brands such as The Home Depot, Walmart, Verizon Wireless, HGTV and Dunlop Sports. From initial concepting to post-production and finishing, he excels at managing the full production lifecycle with a strategic and efficient workflow that transforms creative ideas into compelling 3d animated stories, connecting with audiences and driving sales.

When unplugged, he delights to be with his wife and four children. He’s pretty open to whatever they want to do and just enjoys being a part of the mayhem.

DYLAN DROPTINY

Lead 3D Animator

As a kid, there was nothing that Dylan looked forward to more than coming home from school and watching his favorite cartoons. It was that same passion for animation that brought Dylan to Northern Michigan University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Art & Design.

Dylan became a valuable member of the Raconteur team when he joined as an intern in 2020.

During his time with Raconteur, he has been deeply involved in numerous projects, showcasing his adeptness and commitment.

Dylan’s exceptional abilities in communication, visualization, and unwavering dedication have propelled him to assume the role of Lead 3D Animator at Raconteur.

Still based in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Dylan enjoys spending his time at Lake Superior, playing video games, and spoiling his cat Pepper whenever possible