Shows
Object Subject FormThe Cost of Playing It Safe“Stepping out of your old identity will feel scary. But choosing who you want to be is the bravest risk you can take.” — Marko Pfann
Playing it safe can feel logical in an unpredictable market, but in this current creative landscape, safe work is quietly making creatives replaceable. It keeps your work familiar, your opportunities limited, and your identity tied to who you were instead of who you have the potential to become.
In this episode of Object Subject Form, creative coach and Paradiso co-founder Marko Pfann joins Simon for a conversation about risk, identity, and the...
2025-11-241h 21
AI Design ResourcesWorlds most Exclusive Design Retreat? 5 Days Hanging Out With LegendsParadiso Fest was the first of its kind - a five-day design retreat in Merida, Mexico. It featured some of the biggest names in the Creative industry just with out the separation and VIP area. The very first day, we were welcomed by a shaman and told to expect an experience like no other "Paradiso is like a school trip" - And it was, except better, and for creative professionals. If you're a little confused as to what it was right now, don't worry, it was an experience like no other, which is why I invited some new friends...
2025-06-0147 min
The Creative Condition podcastEp 264: Jessica Hische and Timothy Goodman on the PERSONAL in work live at ParadisoPersonal. Work. Personal work. What does any of it mean, and is there a rule about how personal work needs to be, or whether work and personal are best separate?
Of course not! In creativity, there are no rules.
I had the delight of chairing a conversation about all this between lettering artist and author Jessica Hische, and artist Timothy Goodman live at the inaugural Paradiso festival in Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico, and you can hear it now.
A huge thank you to the co-founders of Paradiso Héctor Ayuso and Marko Pfann for...
2025-05-2137 min
FabulistParadiso: Build What Scares You with Hector Ayuso & Marko PfannWhat does it take to create a truly transformational experience—not just an event? In this special episode, Joel Pilger sits down with Paradiso co-founders Hector Ayuso and Marko Pfann to unpack the heart, hustle, and human connection behind this one-of-a-kind gathering in Mérida, Mexico.Born from a dream—and a desire to break all the traditional “conference” rules—Paradiso set out to eliminate the divide between speaker and audience, to prioritize intimacy over scale, and to create the kind of creative connection that changes lives.Together, Hector and Marko reflect on the inspiration behind Para...
2025-03-3137 min
UNFOLDINGThe Four Conversations: A New Model for Selling ExpertiseIn this episode, Marko Pfann sits down with Blair Enns, founder of winwithoutpitching.com, to discuss his latest book, The Four Conversations: A New Model for Selling Expertise. Together, they explore the importance of structuring your sales process and dive into exclusive insights from Blair that didn’t make it into the book. This is a must-watch for anyone looking to elevate their approach to selling expertise—don’t miss it!
2025-01-2443 min
Daring CreativityBreaking out of your creative comfort zone - Marko Pfann"A creative business cannot be structured like any other business. Why? Because wasting time is where the magic comes in. You cannot productise that." - Marko PfannFormer broadcast design studio owner turned creative business mentor Marko Pfann shares insights from scaling a studio to €4 million in 18 months and its eventual dissolution. He discusses the challenges of creative business growth, the importance of authentic relationships over automated systems, and his approach to helping creative studios find sustainable success without sacrificing creativity. Through his journey from running a high-pressure broadcast design studio to becoming a mentor, Pfa...
2024-12-2359 min
UNFOLDINGThe art of trusting intuition — Marko Pfann Talks with Ben TallonIn this episode, Marko Pfann chats with Ben Tallon, a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator, and writer, about the magic of creativity and trusting your instincts. They dive into the value of journaling, finding your authentic voice, and how creative breakthroughs often emerge from embracing unpredictability. Ben shares his journey from art school to becoming a published author and coach, revealing how he balances passion with life’s pressures. This inspiring conversation is packed with insights for creatives navigating the challenges of modern artistry in an AI-driven world.
2024-11-2252 min
UNFOLDINGYou can't work your way up — Mike Alderson with Marko PfannWe discuss the bold decisions and strategies that propelled MvsM to the top of the industry from the very beginning. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Discover how they defied conventional wisdom, took calculated risks, dealt with burnout, and still managed to build a world-class brand.
2024-11-0136 min
UNFOLDINGIs our design education setting us up for failure? — With James MartinWe explore how outdated methods and lack of client interaction leave talented designers struggling. Hear from industry expert James Martin on the importance of evolving teaching practices. Learn how real-world unpredictability and soft skills can transform your creative journey. Discover a new approach to design education.
2024-07-2651 min
UNFOLDINGEmmy Winner Ian Dawson on: The Future of VFX & AREmmy Award winner Ian Dawson shares his journey in VFX, from iconic films like Iron Man to AR innovations. Discover his vision for the future of our industry, how AI and AR are transforming creative fields, and what skills are essential for thriving in this rapidly evolving landscape.
2024-07-2449 min
UNFOLDINGDigital Design Days 2024: The magic of creative events with Filippo SpieziaAttending a creative event is an exhilarating experience, filled with a unique energy and a sense of magic in the air. The potential is palpable as you connect with like-minded individuals, expand your network, and meet your idols. It’s a chance to escape the demands of clients and the constraints of the real world for a few days, allowing your creative battery to recharge and your soul to rejuvenate.If you want to feel your creative spirit come alive this October, join us at DDD in Milan. This one-of-a-kind festival is designed for the digital creative in...
2024-07-1020 min
UNFOLDINGHow to create strategic impact as a creative business — Dimitri (Jim) AntonopoulosMy special guest and friend Dimitri (Jim) Antonopoulos made a great point: Creative studios can access big budgets by incorporating strategy into their offerings. Strategy involves making choices to achieve outcomes, which can be challenging for individuals and organizations. The value of strategy for small studios includes increased profits and the ability to have clients that actually follow your lead.
2024-07-0349 min
UNFOLDINGUseful Not True — The new book by Derek SiversToday, we’re discussing Derek Sivers’ new book, which argues that beliefs can be useful even if they’re not true. It challenges conventional views and covers perception fallibility, the utility of various perspectives, and thought reframing for better decision-making and personal growth.
2024-06-2654 min
UNFOLDINGFrom Good to Great: Real art connects with everyday people! — With Timothy GoodmanToday, we explore the transformative power of real art that connects with everyday people. My special guest, artist and muralist Timothy Goodman, shares his journey of self-discovery and how he found his artistic voice. From creating murals on the streets of New York City to engaging in social experiments, Timothy emphasizes the importance of creating work that stems from personal experiences and resonates with a broader audience.
2024-06-1936 min
UNFOLDINGBeing true to yourself pays off—listen in to learn how! — With Radim MalinicTo Radim Malinic, being true to oneself is his recipe to being a success creative. We discuss his journey of self-discovery and how he found his true identity as a designer and author. Finding one’s purpose and message in one's work IS what sets you apart from others. We also talk about the challenges of navigating client demands and deadlines while staying true to oneself.
2024-06-0645 min
UNFOLDINGUnspoken secrets from the creative industry — OFFF BCN'24 Panel TalkJoin us for a fiery discussion on how artists can ride the waves of new technologies without losing their artistic soul. We'll dive into the art of choosing the right talent, celebrating unique styles, and steering clear of the creative hamster wheel. Hear from the masters on the power of personal expression, the dangers of bypassing the basics, and the tightrope walk between passion projects and paying the bills.
2024-05-1552 min
UNFOLDINGThe challenge of leading creative people — With Ekaterina SolomeinaTune in as I chat with Ekaterina Solomeina, co-founder of London Future Academy. We're cutting straight to the chase on leadership in creativity. The London Future Academy primes top creatives to lead, not just create. We dig into what it takes to steer creative businesses forward and zero in on their Design Leaders program. This is where the real gap—knowing business and leading well—gets filled for creatives at the top. We talk about why designers must get business, linking art to money and strategy, and we tackle how AI is reshaping the creative scen...
2024-05-0838 min
UNFOLDINGHow to get noticed: Present your creative work to stand out — With Stephen Price from STASH MagazineJoin me as I host Stephen Price from STASH, sharing essential strategies on standing out and making an impact in the creative industry. Discover how to get your work featured in publications like STASH by leveraging creativity, technical skill, and emotional depth. Explore the role of characters and storytelling in motion design and learn how to maintain high-quality work over time.Key Takeaways:Understanding STASH: Learn about Stash Media, its role in the motion design industry, and how to utilize the Stash Permanent Collection for inspiration and exposure.Getting Noticed: Tips on blending...
2024-05-011h 12
UNFOLDINGSelling Creativity & The Scarcity Mindset — With David C. BakerThis episode is all about moving past the scarcity mindset in your creative business. David stresses the importance of autonomy, specialisation, and embracing AI. David also discussed the importance of focusing your expertise to overcome impostor syndrome and the need to aim high in business.
2024-04-2445 min
UNFOLDINGHow to outpitch big agencies — With Rob MiddletonToday, I talk with Rob Middleton, former ECD at Astro Television in Malaysia, about finding and securing big brand projects as a creative studio. We discuss how leveraging personal networks, building trust on a personal level, and engaging prospects the simple way can lead to winning major branding pitches—even against large agencies. Tune in to learn how you can successfully reach out to and work with big brands without needing an agency.
2024-04-181h 08
UNFOLDINGUnstuck yourself! — With Ben BurnsIn this "Unfolding" episode, Marko talks with Ben Burns from The Future about beating the doubts that hold creatives back. Ben tells his story of moving from being a police officer to a big name in creative education, showing how changing his own doubts helped him grow. They chat about common fears like not being good enough or needing others' approval, and how these can stop creatives from reaching their goals. Ben's experiences offer a powerful lesson: overcoming these doubts can lead to big changes and success.
2024-04-101h 02
UNFOLDINGYour Dogma Sucks — With Andy Starr from Level-CWelcome to our no-nonsense chat on why branding matters and how to get it right. Branding can make everything about your business clearer and stronger - but only if you nail it. Mess it up, and you're looking at a whole lot of confusion.Good branding means your marketing and sales are singing the same tune, making it easier for customers to get what you're all about. This helps them choose you over anyone else, because they really get why you're different.But here's the thing - lots of folks try to hack their way...
2024-04-0357 min
UNFOLDINGThe Role of Leadership in Creative Excellence — With Kate BateMy Guest: Kate Bate, COO, Tendril and ForeverDiscover how genuine care for your team's well-being fosters excellence in creativity. Liste in to gain insights into effective leadership in the creative industry and learn how to set up an environment that attracts top talent and brave clients.
2024-02-0750 min
UNFOLDINGAI, And The Need For Disruption — With Wesley Ter HarThis thought-provoking video delves deep into the world of AI and its profound impact on the creative industry. Join us as we extract key insights with Wesley Ter Har, the co-founder of MediaMonks.Throughout this video, we'll explore a range of compelling topics:1. AI Revolution: Discover how AI is on the verge of revolutionizing the creative landscape. From turning leaked scripts into Hollywood-level movies to reimagining content creation across all media, AI is reshaping how we approach creativity.2. New Business Models: Explore the evolving business models in the digital world. With the pace...
2024-01-3144 min
UNFOLDINGResidence — Changing The Way Creatives Do Business — With Ryan HoneyIn this episode, join Ryan Honey, co-founder of BUCK and now Residence, as he unveils the essence of Residence. This global network of creative companies not only services the industry but also nurtures creative communities. Residence integrates companies specializing in diverse areas, from design to media, enhancing their focus on creative work through shared operational support. Emphasizing the perpetual need for human creativity, Residence is a testament to the evolving landscape of creative industries.
2024-01-1740 min
UNFOLDINGAI — The Impending Creative Revolution?! — With Andreas HoessThis podcast episode will shake up your perspective on the future of the creative industry! Andreas is at the forefront of artificial intelligence research and has been there since the early 90's. Can you imagine? Experts predicts a massive societal transformation in the next 20 to 40 years due to AI. YET here's the twist – Andreas believes it's happening much sooner! Like in the next 3 to 5 years. And that's only if we are lucky. Discover why many big companies, especially in design, are seemingly unaware of the impending changes. They might be in for a surprise sooner than they think. The en...
2023-12-2726 min
UNFOLDINGThe Magic Of Creative Spaces — With David Sheldon-HicksIn this episode with David Sheldon-Hicks, we explore the transformative power of creative spaces, delving into how design influences mindset and work quality.
2023-12-2029 min
UNFOLDINGCreative Leadership In Action — With Aporva BaxiOne of the most important things, is to create context. Like change the context and the mindset to help someone see what they're doing and have some objectivity.
2023-12-1333 min
UNFOLDINGMy journey to creative freedom — With Dot LungI took a bet on myself. That was the biggest risk I ever took, but to have courage to put yourself outside your comfort zone actually is a very slow process. It took me many years to be comfortable with the idea that I might not be comfortable for some years.
2023-12-0649 min
UNFOLDINGWhat is creative leadership? — With Simon Dixon“You have to make sh*t work to make good work" — This was the core insight that I gathered from my talk with Simon. It's a raw, unfiltered truth about the creative process. Far beyond mere aesthetics, it's a call to embrace the imperfect and the challenging.
2023-11-2934 min
UNFOLDINGForever — Is this the future business model for creative studios? — With James CallahanIn the realm of creative innovation, "Forever" is not just a name—it's a vision. A vision that's bringing together some of the world’s most forward-thinking studios, like FutureDeluxe and Tendril, into a collective that's set to redefine the creative landscape. The cornerstone? A shared R&D and experimentation ethos. Each studio joining 'Forever' is pledging to fuel an innovation lab—a think tank that's all about exploring uncharted territories of technology and aesthetics. Our clients love that. They need that. They themselves are the leaders of the...
2023-11-2241 min
UNFOLDINGWhat startups can learn from corporations — With Ezequiel AbramzonEzequiel is a brand consultant & former Vice President of Global Product Creation at Disney. Listen in to learn what start ups can learn from big corporations and why branding is so important in this process.Guest: Ezequiel Abramzon, brand consultant and former VP of Global Product Creation at Disney.
2023-03-1039 min
UNFOLDINGThink Big; Create Frameless — With David Sheldon-HicksThe future of creativity is frameless, it's innovative yet creatives need to learn how to lead their clients into this bright new future.Guest: David Sheldon-Hicks, Co-founder of Territory Studio in London
2023-02-2437 min
UNFOLDINGCreativity is a super-power — With DixonBaxiCreativity is far more than good design. DixonBaxi understands creativity as a superpower that shatters limiting beliefs to create deep and lasting connections between clients and their audiences.
2023-02-2246 min
UNFOLDINGThe 4 day work week — With Nico PuertollanoGuest: Nico Puertollano from Rezonate.tvListen to Nico and find out how Rezonate manages a team across the globe on a 4 day work week. Learn more about cultural differences and their Culture Handbook!
2022-12-0533 min
UNFOLDINGThe 4 keys to creative success — With PJ RichardsonWith PJ Richardson from Laundry (laundrymat.tv)Today, I talk to PJ Richardson from Laundry about his 4 keys to creative success, and how he went from being an early graffiti artist to co-founding one of the hottest studio out there. Learn how PJ publishes daily art pieces on social media, and how that helps to get new clients in the door. Enjoy!
2022-11-0226 min
UNFOLDINGIs this the future of the creative industry? — With Justin ConeIn this episode I talk to a real legend in the motion design and animation field, Justin Cone. Justin is now working at BUCK, and they are on to something called RESIDENCE. A concept that might just change how the creative industry works. For more go to thisisresidence.co
2022-10-2153 min
RevThinking™Win the Client, Not The Pitch with Marko Pfann“That was one of those moments when I was thought okay, there might be more to pitching than just coming up with a great idea, having a great pitch deck, and doing a stunning presentation in front of the clients.” - Marko PfannIn this episode of the RevThinking podcast, Marko Pfann - RevThink's new European based consultant out of Munich Germany, discusses a variety of topics including Marko's journey in the industry and how he became a consultant, how client perceptions can affect your success in the industry, and how it is your job to win the...
2018-07-1155 min