Jared Beasley is the Founder of Istoria, a creative agency based in Norfolk, VA, dedicated to crafting story-focused video, photo, and web experiences for socially impactful brands around the globe. With expertise in commercial, headshot, sports, restaurant, and food photography, as well as videography and video editing, Jared utilizes media to influence and inspire positive change. Under his leadership, Istoria serves a diverse clientele, aiming to make a significant impact through powerful storytelling and high-quality visual content. Jared's professional motto, "Let's make some magic happen," encapsulates his commitment to blending creative vision with meaningful narratives.

What You'll Learn:

• How shifts in consumer preferences are influencing content creation.
• The role of authenticity and organic content in engaging customers.
• Strategies for integrating storytelling into marketing to enhance brand connection.
• The potential impacts of AI on marketing and the necessity of transparency.
• Practical tips for marketers to adapt and thrive in a changing digital environment.

Episode Overview:

Join Carl Cleanthes, founder of Epic Made, with guest Jared Beasley, founder and creative director at Istoria, as they dive into modern marketing strategies and business creativity. This episode unpacks the evolution of content creation, the importance of authenticity in digital spaces, and the intersection of technology and marketing. Discover insights on how storytelling fundamentally shapes marketing and how businesses can navigate the increasingly digital landscape.

Sebastian Lopez, a dynamic content creator and marketer dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs through his co-founded agency, Awake Abroad Media. Raised in Toronto with roots in Mexico City, Sebastian combines his Communications degree from the University of Toronto with his vibrant global experiences from living in 12 cities, to create impactful content for a diverse client roster, including Olympic athletes and major tech firms like Uber and Intel. As a co-host of "The Content Era" Podcast and a prolific YouTuber, Sebastian is a creative powerhouse helping over a thousand realtors elevate their online presence.

What You'll Learn:

• Strategies for creating sustainable content that doesn't lead to creator burnout.
• Insights on personal branding and the importance of integrating personal interests to connect with a broader audience.
• The role of AI in content creation, including its benefits and potential pitfalls.
• Practical tips for entrepreneurs on content creation without extensive resources.
• Unique approach to leveraging cultural experiences in social media strategy.

Episode Overview:

In this engaging episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, hosts Carl and Ross welcome Sebastian Lopez Fernandez, a creative entrepreneur and co-founder of Awake Abroad Media. Dive into a comprehensive discussion on the interplay of social media content marketing, personal branding, and sustainable content workflows. Discover the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in content creation, along with practical advice on building authentic and effective personal brands.

Kaci Smith and Jennie Davis co-founded Mothers of Mograph, a thriving community dedicated to supporting mothers in the motion graphics and related industries. Their initiative transforms isolation into connection by fostering a network where challenges are met with collaborative solutions and doubts evolve into unwavering confidence. Through their leadership, they have cultivated a supportive space that empowers women to balance their careers and motherhood with confidence. Their success is a testament to their commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive industry for mothers everywhere.

What You'll Learn:

• Insights into the distinct challenges faced by mothers in the motion graphics industry.
• Strategies for achieving work-life integration that respects personal goals and professional commitments.
• The importance of community support and networking for mothers in creative industries.
• Perspectives on the evolving dynamics of the workplace in relation to parental responsibilities.

Episode Overview:

In this enlightening episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, host Carl Cleanthes welcomes Jennie Davis and Kaci Smith from the Mothers of MoGraph community. They delve into the unique challenges and experiences of mothers in the motion graphics industry, discussing the importance of work-life integration and the impact of motherhood on career dynamics. The conversation also covers practical aspects of managing both personal and professional life as creative professionals.