Mack Garrison, the co-founder and Director of Content at Dash Studio, brings over a decade of expertise in motion design and animation. Having worked with major brands such as JP Morgan, IBM, and Lenovo, Mack’s journey is a testament to creative excellence and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Mack enjoys exploring nature with his wife, Molly, and champions the importance of community and collaboration in the creative world.

What You'll Learn:

• Insights into the evolution of the motion design industry over the past decade.
• How AI and new technologies are reshaping creative workflows and the ethical implications involved.
• The rise of user-generated content (UGC) and its integration into professional animation and motion design.
• Why storytelling and problem-solving remain essential in future-proofing creative careers.
• The importance of authenticity, collaboration, and community in building successful creative businesses.
• Tips on effective client communication and maintaining professionalism.
• How referrals and genuine relationships drive long-term business success.
• Mack’s perspective on embracing imperfection and navigating ambiguity to foster creativity.

Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl Cleanthes and Ross Ciuppa dive into an engaging conversation with Mack Garrison about the future of motion design. Mack shares his journey from starting Dash Studio to becoming a trusted name in animation and content creation. The discussion highlights the industry’s evolution, the impact of AI, and the necessity of staying adaptable. They emphasize the value of authenticity, collaboration, and community in driving professional growth. With a mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice, this episode inspires creatives to embrace challenges, refine their craft, and build meaningful connections.

Mia Pokryfka & Elissa O'Dell are the founders of Huxley, a Shorty Award-winning creative tech studio specializing in innovative chatbots designed to build meaningful relationships in the DMs. Their all-female team has worked with a range of clients from best-selling authors to nonprofits like charity water, merging cutting-edge technology with a deeply human approach. They have a longstanding partnership since the viral Kony 2012 campaign, marking over a decade of pioneering digital communication and championing women in STEM.

What You'll Learn:

• Insights into the rise of AI chatbots in marketing and their impact on brand-consumer relationships.
• Strategies for using chatbots to engage consumers in one-on-one conversations that build trust and loyalty.
• The evolution of digital communication and the potential of AI to enhance rather than replace human interaction.

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Carl chats with Mia and Elissa about the transformative role of AI chatbots in marketing. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of using chatbots to forge genuine connections with audiences, emphasizing the need for chatbots to facilitate rather than automate conversations. The conversation delves into the technical and ethical aspects of AI, exploring how businesses can use these tools to enhance customer engagement without compromising on the human touch that consumers value. Highlights include Huxley's innovative approach to using chatbots for interactive online courses and their success in creating compelling digital narratives that resonate on a personal level.

Fadi Boulos is the founder of Supportful, a startup focused on reducing Lebanon's brain drain by linking global tech firms with top Lebanese engineering talent. With 16 years of international experience, Fadi effectively addresses both the needs of the tech industry and the economic challenges in Lebanon. Supportful offers a transparent, cost-effective staffing solution, rapidly connecting companies with pre-vetted engineers skilled in various tech disciplines. Outside the office, Fadi is an avid reader interested in history and politics, a football enthusiast, and a devoted father to four beautiful souls.

What You'll Learn:

• Adapting to Remote Work
• Cultural Enrichment
• The Evolution of Remote Work

Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Pixel Retentive they discussed shedding some light on the transformative power of remote work beyond its practical benefits. Through Fadi's experiences and vision, we gain a deeper understanding of how embracing remote work can enhance company culture, foster global connections, and drive significant societal change, particularly in regions facing economic challenges. Fadi’s perspective encourages business leaders and entrepreneurs to rethink how they can leverage the flexibility of remote work to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Kerry Ann King is the CEO and founder of Eluminate Labs, a software development company that focuses on decolonizing tech and creating inclusive software for human well-being. A lifelong dancer and choreographer, Kerry Ann leverages her artistic sensibilities to foster collaboration and innovation in the tech space. Her company, Eluminate Labs, is currently launching its debut mobile app, Finn, aimed at enhancing personal productivity through tailored feedback and coaching.

What You'll Learn:

• The role of self-discovery in boosting productivity and the importance of understanding one’s personal productivity style.
• Strategies for decolonizing technology and creating ethical, inclusive tech solutions.
• The significance of the artist’s approach to solving business problems and enhancing communication.
• Insights into managing personal and professional growth amidst the challenges of modern entrepreneurial landscapes.

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, host Carl Cleanthes engages with Kerry Ann King in a deep dive into the intersections of creativity, technology, and productivity. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of starting and running a tech company with a focus on human-centric, inclusive design. Kerry Ann shares her journey from working in tech-adjacent roles to founding her own company, driven by a desire to make significant, values-driven changes in the tech industry. The conversation explores the concept of decolonizing technology—not just in terms of developing software but also in reshaping the cultural narratives around tech development.

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.