This week, I had the pleasure of talking with the endlessly creative Jon Kane, founder of Optic Nerve and an early trailblazer in the MTV visual revolution. Jon has spent over four decades at the bleeding edge of motion graphics, editing, and multimedia experimentation. From shaping the visual identity of MTV and Nickelodeon to helping legendary directors bring their visions to life, Jon's career reads like a love letter to the intersection of art, instinct, and innovation. And now, in his 60s, Jon's wisdom hits harder than ever.
What You'll Learn:
"When things balance, no matter what the objects are, they look good."
This beautiful metaphor from Jon captures the essence of creative harmony, not just in sculpture or design, but in life. Whether you're editing a film, structuring your career, or deciding how to spend your day, there's a moment when everything just clicks. Jon's obsession with physical balance in objects mirrors his pursuit of emotional and professional balance. It's not about perfection, it's about listening to gravity, literally and metaphorically, and letting it guide you toward alignment.
Overview:
This episode was one of the most relaxed, free-flowing conversations I've had on the podcast. Jon's journey is a powerful case study in creative autonomy. We traced his path from the scrappy VHS edits of his college days to building and intentionally downsizing a $20 million company. He's done the high-end production thing, the art-for-art's-sake thing, and everything in between. And through it all, he's stayed grounded by asking himself one question: "Am I happy doing this right now?" His answer shaped a life full of purpose, balance, and meaning, and it's a reminder that you get to choose your story. Whether you're a striver or a soul searcher, there's gold in here for everyone.
