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.

Kevin Rapp is an experienced creative director who has developed branding and content strategies for both emerging startups and established Fortune 500 corporations, including notable names like Netflix and Twitter. His methodology leverages systems thinking to create modular content that can be adapted for various channels. Kevin's techniques are designed to produce a higher volume of content while minimizing costs, optimizing budget efficiency. He also brings expertise in enhancing content performance, making him an indispensable resource for any creative initiative.

What You'll Learn:

• How to better articulate the business value of creative work.
• The impact of cultural and systemic factors on creatives' careers.
• Strategies for creatives to navigate and advocate within the business landscape.
• Insights into leveraging personal experiences and professional challenges to foster career growth.

Episode Overview:

In this thought-provoking episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, hosts Carl and Ross engage in a deep dive with Kevin Rapp, co-founder and chief creative officer of the creative agency Ultra Friends. They explore the often overlooked value of creativity in business, the systemic challenges creatives face, and strategies for articulating and enhancing their professional worth.

Matt Vojacek is the Founder and Creative Director of Made by Things, where he merges his passion for creativity with his roles as an entrepreneur, husband, and father. He prides himself on being a creative thinker and continuously strives to live up to the aspirations of his 12-year-old self. Every day, Matt is dedicated to shaping a world that his younger self would be proud to see, driving innovation and leadership in the creative industry.

What You'll Learn:

• Different approaches to managing creative teams and processes.
• How personal experiences shape professional growth and creative output.
• Strategies for adapting business models in response to personal challenges and industry demands.
• The importance of creating a supportive and flexible work environment in creative industries.

Episode Overview:

In this engaging episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, hosts Carl Cleanthes and Ross Ciuppa sit down with Matt Vojacek, founder and creative director of Made By Things. Watch as they explore the intricacies of creative processes in digital studios, the journey of adapting to and overcoming professional challenges, and the personal stories behind the artists' inspirations and motivations. Key moments include a heartfelt discussion on personal losses and how these have influenced their creative outputs and business philosophies.

Brandie Grace Wong is the dynamic founder of Totally Brand It, an Operations and Strategy Agency that specializes in boosting agency revenues and optimizing operational efficiency. With a diverse entrepreneurial background that includes everything from selling healthy coffee to photography and custom t-shirts, Brandie's journey reflects a steadfast commitment to adding value and making a positive impact. An advocate for continuous growth and helping others build wealth, Brandie's multifaceted life blends intense business acumen with a passion for rugby, art, and living life to the fullest.

What You'll Learn:

• Transitioning skill sets from photography to filmmaking.
• The impact of AI on business operations and creative processes.
• Strategies for authentic business growth and efficient operation management.
• How to leverage AI for better efficiency and scalability in creative businesses.

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, hosts Carl and Ross together with their guest Brandie Grace Wong dive deep into the nuances of running a creative business, with a particular focus on operations, strategy, and the effective integration of systems for scaling businesses efficiently. Brandie shares her journey from photography to filmmaking, discusses the pivotal role of AI in streamlining operations, and offers insights into sustaining authentic business growth through strategic innovations.

Beginning his career at just seventeen, Julien-Pier Bélanger started working with Daniel Leblanc at Lihu Photographie in Montreal, where he developed a deep passion for photography. His artistic journey took an exciting turn when he ventured into videography while shooting a music video for his band, discovering a newfound love for storytelling through film. Today, he is dedicated to helping artists and entrepreneurs showcase their authentic selves, capturing their unique visions through his compelling videography.

What You'll Learn:

• Transitioning Careers
• The Role of AI in Creative Industries
• Networking and Business Development
• The Essence of Business Partnerships
• Mentorship and Growth

In This Episode:

Join host Carl and guest Julien-Pier Bélanger as they dive deep into the nuances of launching and running a creative business in today's digital age. Discussing their journey from photography to filmmaking, insights on embracing AI, and strategies for authentic business growth.

Greg Walter, the owner and creative director of 2Tall Animation, brings excitement and community spirit to sports and lifestyle brands through dynamic animation. His studio not only serves major clients like Puma, FOX Sports, NFL, and ESPN but also creates captivating original content, such as the NBA "Playoffs KNOCKOUT" series, which has amassed over 200 million views. Before venturing into sports animation, Greg crafted original educational and scripted children's shows, achieving international recognition and widespread viewership.

What You'll Learn:
Transitioning into Sports Animation
Navigating Business Dynamics
Creative Challenges in Sports Storytelling
Personal Insights and Studio Management

Episode Overview:
In this engaging episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl Cleanthes, founder of Epic Made, and Ross Ciuppa, Creative Director, sit down with Greg Walter, owner and creative director of 2Tall Animation. They delve into the world of sports animation and storytelling, exploring how it differs from more traditional branding and corporate projects. Greg shares his journey into sports content creation, revealing insights into the adventurous and innovative nature of the industry and the unique challenges it poses.