Listen in as we explore the creative world of Kelli Anderson. Kelli takes us on a journey through her artistic path, revealing how her interests in art and science led her to an unconventional approach to motion design. Our conversation explores this unique intersection, the importance of communication skills in the art and design industry, and the magic of trusting our own feelings in the creative process. The episode is a tribute to the power of art to transcend our physical limitations.

Join us as we delve deep into a captivating conversation with the multi-talented designer and director, Peter Clark. From his humble beginnings of learning the ropes in high school Photoshop competitions, all the way to selling his first piece of art and taking the plunge into his dream career, Peter's journey is nothing short of inspirational. Discover how Peter transitioned from school to the professional realm, the significance of personal projects, and the courage it takes to chase your dreams.

What if we told you that animation is no longer a male-dominated field? That's right! On today's podcast, we're joined by Bee Grandinetti and Dorca Musseb, the brains behind Panimation, a thriving community for women, trans, and non-binary individuals involved in animation and motion graphics. The pair share heartening anecdotes from their career journeys, their roles as educators, and shed light on the significant changes they're witnessing in the industry. They also reflect on Panimation's journey, from a humble Facebook group to a robust platform with a directory, Instagram handle, and an exclusive channel. Staying true to their ethos, Bee and Dorca don't shy away from addressing the less glamorous aspects of the industry. Together, we dive headfirst into pressing topics like microaggressions, mentorship, the value of seasoned peers, and the need for ensuring fair treatment for all. They paint a vivid picture of the complexities of the animation world while emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for discussions about worth and value. We also discuss the unique challenges that crop up when working with different studios, touching upon sensitive issues like health insurance and student debt.

We are thrilled to welcome the multifaceted Sofie Lee, a designer, illustrator, art director, and storyboard artist with an inspiring journey to share. We delve into her transition from South Korea to Vancouver, LA, to SCAD, and ultimately establishing herself in the world of freelancing. We'll discover how a visit to the digital media building at SCAD led her to switch her major to motion media design and how this transition opened up a new world of self-expression for her. We also discuss the profound impact of parenthood on career and worldview. Through her own experiences, she underscores the importance of creating spaces for those who break from the mold, and the evolution of her communication techniques. We wrap our chat by reflecting on the creative industry's specialist and generalist roles, the unique opportunities they present, and the inherent challenges.

Imagine being a teenager who has to escape your homeland, learn a new language, and then you proceed to become a leader in the motion design industry. In another installment of our interview series, we welcome such a person - Hung Le - and his co-founder at BIEN Motion Design Studio, Ricardo Roberts. Both have unique, inspiring journeys that embody the spirit of determination and innovation. Hung recounts his incredible escape from Vietnam at 16 and his path to becoming a household name in motion design. Ricardo, on the other hand, was born in Ecuador and relates how a chance elective in grad school transformed his life, leading him from studio art to motion design.

Ricardo and Hung discuss their ‘Double the Line’ initiative, a mentorship program that aims to break down monoculture in design. Join us as we traverse this inspiring journey that encompasses not just the world of motion design, but also the larger issues of diversity, inclusion, and representation.

In another episode of our interview series, you’ll hear from industry expert Carlo Vega, a motion design veteran with over two decades of experience. Carlo shares memories of his early career, his first professional job, and his journey to New York. The discussion covers Carlo's use of technology to create art and the topics he explores through his passion projects. The episode concludes with the importance of understanding the process and the value of failure when working on projects.

Welcome to the first episode of our interview series featuring Ariel Costa, an Emmy-winning Creative / Animation (mixed-media) Director based in Los Angeles, CA. As the world constantly evolves, so does the motion design industry. Ariel gives his take on the emergence of new talent, the rise of AI and NFTs, and the impact of the pandemic on the industry.

The conversation also covers the implications of AI on the industry, copyright infringement concerns, and the potential loss of the industry's 'soul.' Ariel lets us in on his creative process, the allure of 'blinking our brains,' and how the marriage of analog and digital elements creates harmony in design. Join us for this insightful and enthralling conversation about the challenges, triumphs, and evolution of our industry.

For part three of the “Reel Time, Real Talk” mini-series, Erin and Austin take things a step further by reviewing and critiquing one listener reel submission in depth, including actual real-time edits and adding suggestions in their “choppy chop” process, as Erin likes to call it.

Today’s reel is from Tyler Benjamin. You’ll hear and see advice on scaling typography, adjusting speed and music cues, adding drift (with a camera or scaling), and notes on the artist’s personal branding intro/outro.

Reel Time Real Talk - Part 2