Shows
Content AlchemyHow Has Thought Leadership Impacted Your Social Media Presence?In this episode of Content Alchemy, Shelby Hagerdon and Matt Vojacek delve into the intricacies of thought leadership, focusing on the importance of honesty, transparency, and relationship building in content creation. They discuss Matt's 10-week series documenting the growth of Made By Things, exploring the challenges and insights gained from sharing personal stories and experiences. The conversation emphasizes the significance of storytelling in business and how it can foster deeper connections with audiences.2025-04-0740 min
The CMD-Z ShowThe Final Episode - What Do You Wish You Could Do All Day?Episode 100. On the final episode of The CMD-Z Show, Matt and Shelby explore the very first question ever asked on the show over two years ago. "What do you wish you could do all day?"2024-10-3151 min
The CMD-Z ShowCan The Motion Industry Go Back to the Glory Days of 2021 - 2022? (w/ Hayley Akins)In this conversation, Matt Vojacek and Shelby Hagerdon discuss the current state of the motion design industry with guest Hayley Akins from Motion Hatch. They explore the challenges faced by freelancers and studios in a competitive market, the impact of economic fluctuations, and the importance of self-reflection and niche marketing. Hayley shares insights on building a business in difficult times, the role of social media, and overcoming fears associated with putting oneself out there. 2024-10-141h 03
The CMD-Z ShowHow Has Your Third Year of Freelancing Been? (w/ Audrey Havey)Matt and Shelby are joined by Audrey Havey to discuss the journey of freelancing and her experiences and insights gained during her first three years. Audrey shares her growth in confidence and understanding of the freelance landscape, while Matt reflects on the challenges and adaptations required in the freelance world. They explore the importance of momentum, financial planning, skill development, and marketing oneself effectively.2024-10-071h 03
The CMD-Z ShowWhen Will the Drought End for the Creative Industry? (w/ Kevin Rapp)Matt and Shelby have Kevin Rapp back on the show to explore the current state of the creative industry and the challenges it faces. The main themes include the impact of budget constraints on content creation, the rise of AI technology, the need for experimentation, and the potential risks for freelancers and midsize companies. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of strategy and the value of handcrafted creative in delivering results for businesses. They also explore the importance of strategy and relationships in the creative industry, especially in the face of AI advancements. They emphasize the need for creatives...2024-09-301h 03The CMD-Z ShowRapid Fire Questions!This episode covers various topics related to the creative industry, including landing dream projects, growing client relationships, discovering creative missions, determining if the creative industry is the right fit, overcoming imposter syndrome, and knowing when to change paths or take a break. In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss the importance of taking breaks and scheduling time for rest and reflection. They emphasize the need for creatives to step away from their work and engage in activities that inspire them. They also explore the balance between consuming and creating, highlighting the value of both. Matt shares his favorite books...2024-09-231h 05
The CMD-Z ShowRapid Fire Questions! (w/ Saulo Nate)Matt, Shelby, and Saulo Nate discuss various topics related to starting and growing a creative business. They touch on the importance of authenticity, understanding your target audience, and creating brand awareness. They also discuss the challenges of marketing and finding the most effective content strategy.Links to books mentioned by Matt:https://amzn.to/3XsksfBhttps://amzn.to/4e8VhpMhttps://amzn.to/47CaL2Xhttps://amzn.to/4e49PHbhttps://amzn.to/3XwC75Qhttps://amzn.to/47x6OfNhttps://amzn.to/4eoqDIyhttps://amzn.to/3BjgY7G2024-09-161h 16
The CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Start When You're Not Good Enough? (w/ Jesse Gentry)Matt and Shelby invited Jesse Gentry to the show to explore the theme of starting something new when you feel like you're not good enough. It touches on the importance of having a support system, confronting fears, and staying humble. The discussion also highlights the role of education and the need to adapt to changing circumstances. 2024-09-0957 minContent AlchemyWelcome to Content AlchemyIn this episode, Shelby Hagerdon and Matt Vojacek introduce themselves and discuss their backgrounds in content marketing. They explore the importance of storytelling and creativity in content marketing, as well as the need to entertain and engage audiences. They also discuss the concept of taking up space and standing out in a crowded market. The episode concludes with a preview of what to expect from future episodes of the podcast.2024-09-0629 min
The CMD-Z ShowWhat Does the Current State of the Creative Industry Look Like for Recent Graduates? (w/ Gail Albright)In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss their experiences after school and the challenges they faced in finding jobs in their respective fields. They share their personal journeys and the lessons they learned along the way as well as discuss the challenges and uncertainties of finding a job in the animation industry.2024-09-021h 06
The CMD-Z ShowWhat are the Most Important Things You've Learned on Your Journey? (w/ Christopher Adornato)In this episode, Matt and Shelby interview Christopher Adornato, one of the owners of Solari Creative. Chris shares his journey of starting as a 3D artist and working his way up to becoming an equity partner in the company. He emphasizes the importance of staying at one place and climbing the ladder, even in a field known for burnout. Chris also discusses the challenges of dealing with clients and learning not to take feedback personally. 2024-08-2653 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Fall Back in Love with Your Portfolio?In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss the topic of falling back in love with your portfolio. They share their personal experiences and insights on how to create work that you're proud of and passionate about. They emphasize the importance of periodically reassessing and updating your portfolio to reflect your current interests and goals. They also discuss the value of personal projects and the freedom to start over at any point in your career.2024-08-1946 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Build a Content Plan? (w/ Drysen Carsten)In this conversation, Matt, Shelby, and Drysen Carsten discuss the importance of building a content plan that aligns with a brand's goals and target audience. They emphasize the need for a discovery process to understand the brand, its values, and its target market. By diagnosing the brand's needs and weaknesses, they can develop a customized content plan that addresses specific problems and provides targeted solutions2024-08-1231 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Build a Creative Environment People Actually Want to Work In?In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss how to build a creative environment that people actually want to work in. They touch on topics such as employee benefits, flexible working hours, recognition and growth opportunities, and the importance of a comfortable and stable work environment. Matt shares his insights and experiences as a small business owner and emphasizes the value of creating a workplace where employees feel valued and invested.2024-08-0544 min
The CMD-Z ShowWhat is the Future of the Motion Design Industry? (w/ EJ Hassenfratz)Matt and Shelby sat down with EJ Hassenfratz wo chat about the future of the motion design industry and the impact of AI. The guests discuss the potential of AI in motion design, the ethical implications, and the importance of maintaining artistic authenticity. They also touch on the role of clients and the need for artists to find personal outlets for creativity. The future of the industry is seen as more interactive and focused on storytelling, with a divide between clients who value authentic, story-driven work and those who prioritize cost and efficiency.2024-05-281h 07
The CMD-Z ShowCan You Make $200k a Year as a Freelancer? (w/ Austin Saylor)Matt and Shelby had Austin Saylor on the show to discuss how he was able to make $200k in a year as a freelancer. What were his steps and what made him successful? How can other freelancers find this kind of success as well? Hear all about it on this episode of The CMD-Z Show!2024-05-2058 min
The CMD-Z ShowWhat Holds Small Studios Back From Reaching Their Full Potential? (w/ Joel Pilger)In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss the challenges that small studios face in reaching their full potential and are joined by Joel Pilger, a creative consultant. The main themes that emerge from the conversation are the importance of taking risks and going all-in, the need for studios to differentiate themselves and find their unique value proposition, and the power of personal connections and networking. 2024-05-131h 04The CMD-Z ShowWhat Should You Be Focusing On In Your Creative Career?In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss the challenges of staying focused as a creative and knowing what ideas to pursue. They explore the concept of being easily distracted and the importance of harnessing distractions in a productive way. They also discuss the need to commit to projects for a significant amount of time and the struggle of letting go of ideas that aren't working.2024-05-0649 minThe CMD-Z ShowWhat Should You Do When You're Feeling Creatively Stagnant?In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss what to do when feeling creatively stagnant. They explore the importance of taking breaks, both relaxing and adventurous, to recharge and spark new ideas. They emphasize the need to get away from the usual way of thinking and consuming new experiences. They also discuss the balance between consuming and creating, and how external factors can impact creativity. 2024-04-2952 minThe CMD-Z ShowIf You Had One Shot... Would You Capture It or Just Let It Slip?In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss the concept of seizing opportunities and taking risks. They reflect on their own experiences and how they have created opportunities for themselves. They emphasize the importance of being flexible, not being afraid to try new things, and learning from each experience. They also discuss the idea that opportunities are not limited to just one big moment, but rather a series of smaller moments that can lead to significant opportunities.2024-04-2244 min
The CMD-Z ShowWhat Are the Big Challenges Affecting Studios Right Now? (w/ Amanda Russell)The main theme of the conversation is the challenges affecting studios, particularly in relation to AI and the economy. Amanda highlights the lack of control over budgets and timelines, the uncertainty caused by AI, and the fear of job loss. Matt emphasizes the importance of building a strong creative community and adapting to change. They also discuss the role of ego and the need to embrace learning and growth.2024-04-1554 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Position Your Brand to Find Your Niche Audience? (w/ Shawna Poliziani)In this episode, Matt, Shelby, and guest Shawna Poliziani discuss the importance of finding your niche audience and positioning your brand. They explore the role of emotion in the creative process and the value of human touch in art and design. They also touch on the limitations of AI in creating meaningful and emotionally evocative work. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, trust in one's own taste, and the need for artists to prioritize their art over social media content creation.2024-04-0954 minThe CMD-Z ShowWhat is the Best Business Model for Creatives?In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss the best business model for creatives. They explore different models such as standard employment, freelance, and the agency model. They also dive into the details of running an agency, using a retainer model, implementing a subscription model, and exploring e-commerce. They highlight the pros and cons of each model and emphasize the importance of building relationships with clients and share their personal experiences. They also encourage creatives to constantly evolve and experiment with different models to find what works best for them.2024-04-0153 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Build a Successful Marketing Strategy for Brands? (w/ Jess Fogal)In this episode, the Matt and Shelby discuss building a successful marketing strategy and the importance of storytelling and empathy with their guest, Jess Fogal. Jess is the head of marketing and culture at Provide. They also explore the collaboration between marketing and sales teams and the significance of creating a supportive team environment. The conversation highlights the value of empowering team members and fostering creativity. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of collaboration and trust between teams and the value of trusting external partners. The conversation explores the emotional impact of storytelling and the power of personal stories to...2024-03-2553 min
The CMD-Z ShowWhat Should be the Roles and Tasks of a Creative Producer? (w/ Katie Weger)"What do producers even do?" Well, in addition to having Shelby (co-host and producer) on the show, we also brought on Kate Weger, our other producer at Made By Things, to chat about their roles as producers. From a producer's importance and organization within a project to their role as a fellow creative, we chat through everything that makes a producer great.2024-03-1844 min
The CMD-Z ShowWhere Do You See The Creative Industry in 5-10 Years? (w/ Mack Garrison)By this point, I'm sure we've all seen the latest updates to AI and the realistic video it can produce. So what does that mean for the creative industry? What will it look like 5-10 years from now? We sat down with Mack Garrison of Dash Studios to talk about it on this week's episode of The CMD-Z Show. This is a passionate episode with passionate creatives. Don't miss it!2024-02-2650 minThe CMD-Z ShowWhy is Running a Creative Business So Damn Hard?Why is running a creative business to damn hard? The creative industry is constantly evolving and it can be challenging to know when your business should evolve with it... Or to predict where the evolution is going to occur. Will it be within the market? With tech advances? Or maybe the services you offer? In this episode of The CMD-Z Show, we outline how we handle these changes and our process of knowing when it's time to take a risk.2024-02-1942 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Know When It's Time to Innovate Within Your Creative Business?How do you know when it's time to switch things up in a creative business? The industry is ever-changing and we are all currently in a period of transition. So what does that look like for your business? How do you know when to evolve? How can you overcome the fear of trying something new? And how do you choose to face it all?These are all big questions and probably too big for one podcast episode, but we tried to answer them anyway this week on The CMD-Z Show. And after you listen to our deep dive, you...2024-02-1244 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Create a Stand-Out Portfolio?How do you create a stand out portfolio? Is there one trick that will make you rise above the other applicants? How do you make sure you're the one called back for an interview? And how do you get the job? We chat about all of this and more on the latest episode of The CMD-Z Show. And if you have a portfolio you think could use some help, visit makecreateacademy.com where you can ask industry professionals to review and provide suggestions to make your portfolio really stand out!2024-02-0555 min
The CMD-Z ShowWhat Level of Communication Should You Expect from Freelancers? (w/ Jeremy Thibodeau)When it comes to working with freelancers, it can be tough to clearly define how quickly they should respond and how often they should send updates. Is an appropriate response time 10 minutes? An hour? A day? What are the expectations? And how does that impact your relationship with them? We discuss this with Jeremy Thibodeau, creative producer at Rubicon Story, in the latest episode of The CMD-Z Show.2024-01-291h 05The CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Tell a Client They're Wrong?How do you tell a client that they're wrong? No one ever wants to, but the sign of a healthy client relationship is being able to talk through any issues that might arise... Like whether something should be blue or red. But if you approach it right and collaborate, maybe you can come up with a solution that's purple.2024-01-2237 minThe CMD-Z ShowWhat Are Some Things You DIDN'T Learn in Art School? (w/ Melissa Lee Johnson)2024-01-1541 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Get Back to Work After the Holidays?2024-01-0832 minThe CMD-Z ShowWhat Were Your 2023 Goals and What's Coming in 2024?It's that time of year where we reflect on the past 12 months, the goals we made in January, how we did on those goals, and what the next year will look like. On this episode of The CMD-Z Show, we go through the goals we set at the beginning of the year for ourselves and Made By Things. We also chat about our 2024 goals... You might even hear about some of the exciting things we have planned for the future. 2023-12-2659 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Start a Personal Project?How do you make time for personal creative projects and how do you decide which one to pursue? On this week's episode of The CMD-Z Show, we discuss our processes when working on side/personal projects and how we view them. We also walk through how we decide what we should share and what is better kept to ourselves. These projects are just what the name suggests... personal. So everyone will have their own approach. Check out how we handle them!2023-12-1846 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Have a Creative Career with a Disability? (w/ Jeffery Lawson)We have a very special episode of The CMD-Z Show this week with a topic that doesn't recieve enough discussion. We sat down to chat with Jeffery Lawson about having a creative career while being disabled and how the military reinforced his love of art.2023-12-1143 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Negotiate Pricing?A subject no one likes to bring up to their clients... pricing and budgets. How do you start the conversation and how do you negotiate once it's been brought up? How do you set appropriate pricing and how do set a plan in place for growth? And how do you get past the awkwardness of bringing up budgets? It's all in this week's episode of The CMD-Z Show. 2023-12-0454 minThe CMD-Z ShowDo Studio Owners Work on Creative Projects?This week we're answering what has been our most-asked question as of late... Do studio owners ever work on creative projects? From time management to finding new creative routes, we walk through how studio owners decide when to step into projects, if they prefer to stick to personal work, and how they balance it all. 2023-11-2737 minThe CMD-Z ShowWhy is it So Hard to Find a Job in the Creative Industry Right Now?On this week's episode of The CMD-Z Show, we are going back to our roots and answering the question, "Why is it so difficult to find jobs in the creative industry right now?" From resumes to applications to seeking out new opportunities, this is an episode as timely as ever. And while we know every experience is different right now, we hope this can shed some light on the current state of the industry and how to approach it. 2023-11-2053 min
The CMD-Z ShowWhat Would You Undo? (w/ CJ Casciotta)On this week's episode of The CMD-Z Show, we sat down with CJ Casciotta to discuss his new book, "The Forgotten Art of Being Ordinary: A Human Manifesto in the Age of the Meteverse." We also dig deeper into AI and what it means to slow down during the creative process.2023-11-1349 min
The CMD-Z ShowWhat Would You Undo? (w/ Kevin Rapp)Aaaaand welcome back to The CMD-Z Show! On this week's epsiode Shelby and I sit down with Founder and Chief Creative Officer Kevin Rapp to talk about some of his "undo's" in his creative career. With topics ranging from overcoming insecurities, building self confidence, delegation, and understanding your worth, this is an episode you can't mess!2023-11-0650 min
Styleframe SaturdaysKeeping It Stupid Simple with Matt Vojacek (Ep. 21)➡️ Today we’re chatting with Matt Vojacek! Matt is the Founder of and Creative Director at Made by Things in Columbus, OH, and his team has had the opportunity to work with tons of recognizable brands over the years. He is guided by inspiration in his everyday life, both in his creative and entrepreneurial pursuits, and it it’s often these simple sources of inspiration, which create meaningful moments, that can even be seen in the Favorite Frame™ 🎨
➡️ Check out this episode of the podcast on Youtube as well.
➡️ Come connect with us on social: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
➡️ Enjoying the show? Feel f...2023-11-0455 min
The CMD-Z ShowWhat Would You Undo? - With Mack GarrisonAnother week, another new episode of The CMD-Z Show. And we're thrilled to share our first guest of this new season. Let's welcome Mack Garrison to the studio!Mack is the co-founder and director of content at dash. On this epsiode, we chat about learning from mistakes, having confidence to lead as a small studio, williness to ask questions, and handling projects early in a creative career.2023-10-3040 minThe CMD-Z ShowWhat Would You Undo? - Matt Vojacek and Shelby HagerdonGet ready for SEASON FOUR of The CMD-Z Show! We have a new format and we're kicking it off by asking our co-host, Matt Vojacek, what he wishes he could do "undo" about his creative career.On this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss the value of staying focused on one thing at a time and having "eras" during your career.2023-10-2330 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Pitch to Get Work?Pitching can be hard and timeconsuming for both sides when starting a project. With a lot of unspoken and unwritten rules, we dive deeper into the world of pitching and how we can make the industry better by finding a new alternative. 2023-06-2650 minThe CMD-Z ShowSpecial Episode! Make Create Club QuestionsGet ready for a special episode of The CMD-Z Show! We invited members of the Make Create Club to ask questions LIVE in the “studio.” ;) We cover everything from developing your skillset to understanding software to getting started in the creative industry. And don't forget to join the Make Create Club at makecreateclub.com.2023-06-2058 minThe CMD-Z ShowDoes Art Require Meaning?“Art for art’s sake…” or so the old French slogan goes. A topic that’s been debated for centuries, Shelby and I ask the question, “Does art require meaning?” Philosphical and relatable, we dive deeper into what really makes art art and how we can define it in order to find its truth. 2023-06-1246 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Can Creatives Change the World Around Us?As creatives, we’ve all heard the phrase, “We’re not curing cancer.” We’re told that what we do doesn’t really make a difference in the grand scheme of things. But how can we change that? How can we use our skills to change the world around us?That’s the question we decided to tackle in this week’s episode of The CMD-Z Show. From finding organizations that speak to you to getting involved in communities you care about, there are plenty of ways to use your skills.2023-06-0529 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Find the Right Stories for Clients?Finding just the right story to encapsulate a client's brand and mission can be a challenge. From understanding your central themes to knowing the story's purpose to discovering how your voice works within the project, there are a lot of working parts to consider. On this week's episode, Matt and Shelby discuss how you can find those stories and, once found, how to tell them well. 2023-05-2949 minThe CMD-Z ShowWhat Do You Do When Business Slows Down?Some seasons are slower that others… And sometimes seasons are impacted by recession and plague. Whatever is happening to make business slow down, you have to be prepared. And beyond just being prepared… How can you use it as an opportunity to grow? 2023-05-2244 min
The CMD-Z ShowWhat is it like to be the First Employee at a Company? (w/ Colin van't Veld)When you’re just starting out and you finally hire your first employee, it can be daunting. But what does that look like for the person you’re actually hiring? This week, we invited Made By Things’ first hire, Colin van’t Veld, onto the podcast to give his perspective. 2023-05-1551 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Establish Your Worth as a Creative?In the current age (at the time of this episode's posting) of the writers strike and understanding how we can define the value of the creative services we provide, Shelby and Matt sat down to discuss how creatives can establish their worth. From finding your confidence and holding your ground, to the financial ramification of knowing one’s worth, to the value of AI… We cover a lot of ground in this episode of The CMD-Z Show! 2023-05-0855 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Foster a Creative Community?Getting creatives together in one space where they can learn and grow together has always been a challenge, especially once you’re working outside the realm of academia. But at Made By Things, we’ve been creating a place to do just that. In the latest episode of The CMD-Z Show, we chat about creative communities and our new instructional space, the Make Create Club. 2023-05-0138 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do Creatives Effectively Self-Promote While Remaining True to Their Brand?The term “self-promotion” can really make a creative cringe. It’s uncomfortable to just put yourself out there, whether that be on social media, through phone calls and emails, or simply creating demo reels. No one wants to come off as sales-pitchy. So how can a creative effectively promote their work while remaining true to their brand? 2023-04-2438 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Find Your Personal Style? (w/ Melissa Lee Johnson)Finding and developing a personal art style is a process every artist goes through. While that process may look a little different for everyone, artists all face the same anxieties, pressure, and cyclical exercise of defining and re-defining what their style looks like. We sat down with Made By Things art director Melissa Lee Johnson to discuss what this process looks like on the latest episode of The CMD-Z Show.2023-04-171h 03The CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Manage the Financial Side of a Creative Project?Which came first? The money or the artist? We’ve worked on projects with a wide range of budgets, but it can still be challenging to know when it’s time to get scrappy and when we should really start to push ourselves and our capabilities on a project. In this week’s episode of The CMD-Z Show, Matt and Shelby discuss just how much of an impact finances have on creative projects and creative businesses as a whole. 2023-04-1052 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Change Career Paths? (w/ Nils Root)You've been on the same track for a long time and it's time for a change. But how? How can you alter the path you’ve been on this whole time? That’s what we asked Nils Root on this week’s episode of The CMD-Z Show.2023-04-0356 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Was Your First Year Back Being Full Time? (w/ Dylan Menges)Matt and Shelby chat with Dylan Menges about his first year back working full-time (as opposed to freelancing).2023-03-2751 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Overcome Imposter Syndrome?Imposter syndrome looks different for everyone, especially those working within the creative field. From being a perfectionist to doing everything yourself to becoming an “expert” for self-validation, the feeling that you are impersonating the professionals can take many shapes. Matt and Shelby discuss what imposter syndrome means to them and how creatives can overcome it.2023-03-2051 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Actually Finish a Side Project?Finding time to have a side project can be challenging, let alone really finishing one. From budget constraints to time commitments to losing steam midway, there can be a lot of challenges in completing a project outside of our usual working hours. But when your work/life balance focuses on the love of the work, this can look very different. This week on The CMD-Z Show, we sat down to discuss Shelby’s latest side project, her feature film “Between the Lines,” which recently premiered and is currently making its way through the film festival circuit. Shelby breaks down how sh...2023-03-1351 min
The CMD-Z ShowWhat is the Role of Technology in the Future of Creativity? (w/ CJ Casciotta)At the heart of creativity sits the human urge to make things and tell stories in ways only we as individual creatives can. But, with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, will that all change? What happens to the role of the “maker” when technology can also create? Matt and Shelby sit down with CJ Casciotta to discuss these questions and more in this episode of The CMD-Z Show. 2023-03-061h 02
The CMD-Z ShowHow was Your Second Year of Freelance? (w/ Audrey Stemen)Matt and Shelby catch up with Audrey Stemen to discuss her second year of freelancing. Check out last year's episode to hear more from Audrey!2023-02-271h 03The CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Give Effective Feedback to Help Your Employees Grow?Matt and Shelby discuss what goes into effective feedback and how reviews should be constructed to help your team grow. 2023-02-2032 minThe CMD-Z ShowWhat Does Transparency in the Workplace Look Like?2023-02-1343 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow to Handle A Project After Saying "Yes," When You Should Have Said "No"?Matt and Shelby discuss setting boundaries with projects, understanding red and green flags, and how to handle projects you've said "yes" to, when you probably should have said "no." If you're interested in hearing more about this topic, check out a past CMD-Z Show episode from October 2022, "How Do You Handle 'Bad' Clients?"2023-02-061h 01The CMD-Z ShowEnd of Year Review: What Were Your Goals and Where are You Now?Matt and Shelby discuss the goals Made By Things had for this year and where we are now. This is a great episode for anyone looking to reflect on their past year and looking for inspiration on where to head next with their goals. 2022-12-1245 minThe CMD-Z ShowWhat Does Being a "Creative Director" Mean?Matt and Shelby discuss the meaning behind being a creative director and how one can effectively lead a creative team.2022-12-0555 minThe CMD-Z ShowRapid Fire Questions - Business and BudgetingMatt and Shelby answer questions about business and budgeting from young creatives, covering everything from social media, distributing work, buying and renting equipment and software, and handling financial emergencies in a business. 2022-11-221h 02The CMD-Z ShowHow Can Creatives Start a Business on a Budget?Matt and Shelby discuss what goes into starting a business from scratch and how to accomplish your goals on a tight budget. 2022-11-1455 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Can Small Creative Business Owners Create Better Financial Strategies?Matt and Shelby discuss tax strategies for small creative businesses with accountant and tax advisor Eric Thiergartner. 2022-11-071h 03The CMD-Z ShowDoes Creative Block Exist and Where Can You Find Inspiration?Matt and Shelby discuss the existence of creative block, how creatives can break it, and how to find inspiration. 2022-10-3142 minThe CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Handle "Bad" Clients?Matt and Shelby discuss how to handle "bad" clients.... and if bad clients even truly exist.2022-10-2429 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Do Creatives Handle Bad Days? (w/ Jeromy Laux)(Part 2)Matt and Shelby discuss how to handle the bad (and good) days (or months) with Jeromy Laux from Laux Creative. This is a follow up to when Jeromy appeared on The CMD-Z Show in July 2022.2022-10-111h 07
The CMD-Z ShowHow Can Young and New Creatives Stand Out? (Part Two)Matt and Shelby discuss how creatives can get into the industry. This is part two of our last discussion.2022-10-0355 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Can Young and New Creatives Stand Out?Matt and Shelby discuss how to stand out as a young or new creative just entering the industry as a freelancer or full-time artist.2022-09-261h 04
The CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Build a Creative Team? (w/ Lacey Picazo)Matt and Shelby discuss how to build a creative team and maintain a healthy workplace with Lacey Picazo of ZoCo Design.2022-09-191h 02
The CMD-Z ShowIs 10-Year-Old You Proud of You Now?To celebrate Matt's birthday, Matt and Shelby discuss whether their ten-year-old selves would be proud of themselves now and the importance of self-reflection. 2022-09-1243 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Can You Build a Creative Community?Matt and Shelby discuss how to find and build creative communities and discuss their value.2022-09-0555 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Come Up with Creative Ideas? (w/ Lisa Quine)Matt and Shelby discuss how to come up with creative ideas with Lisa Quine!2022-08-2957 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Can Creatives Live Their Best Lives (w/ Jay Clouse)Matt and Shelby discuss how creatives can live their most authentic, fulfilling lives with Jay Clouse from Creator Science.2022-08-2258 min
The CMD-Z ShowWhy Do Creatives Suck at Sales? (w/ Kelly Sells)Matt and Shelby discuss how creatives can become better business developers with Kelly Sells.2022-08-151h 04
The CMD-Z ShowHow Can Individuals be More Creative within a Team? (w/ Jon McNeal)2022-08-0856 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow Do Creatives Handle Bad Days? (w/ Jeromy Laux)Matt and Shelby discuss how to handle bad days (or seasons) as a creative leader with Jeromy Laux from Laux Creative!2022-08-011h 10
The CMD-Z ShowWhat is the link between mental health and creativity and what is the balance? (w/ Andrew Embury)Matt and Shelby discuss how to balance mental health and one's creativity with Andrew Embury from Yellow Lab.2022-07-251h 02The CMD-Z ShowHow Do You Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance? (w/ Jeremy Slagle)Matt and Shelby are joined by Jeremy Slagle from Slagle Design to discuss how one can maintain a healthy work-life balance while in the creative business. 2022-07-181h 14The CMD-Z ShowHow can you retain your voice in the business of creativity?Matt and Shelby discuss how to stay true to yourself while working in the business of creativity. CMD+Z is presented by Made By Things. You can learn more about Made By Things at madebythings.com.2022-07-1156 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow do you maintain your mental health? (w/ Taylor Cashdan)Matt asks Taylor about how we can maintain our mental health.You can learn more about Taylor at https://taylorcashdan.comCMD+Z is presented by Made By Things and Menges Design. You can learn more about Made By Things and Matt Vojacek at madebythings.com. You can learn more about Dylan Menges at menges.design2022-05-021h 26The CMD-Z ShowHow do you know when it's time to make a big change?In this episode, Matt asks Dylan how you know when it's time to make a big change?CMD+Z is presented by Made By Things and Menges Design. You can learn more about Made By Things and Matt Vojacek at madebythings.com. You can learn more about Dylan Menges at menges.design2022-04-1151 minThe CMD-Z ShowWhat tools do you use to make work easier?In this episode, Dylan asks Matt about some of the tools, software, and subscriptions he uses for his business.More info on Kat at http://www.katharringtonvoice.com/More info on notion at https://www.notion.so/More into on Quickbooks at https://quickbooks.intuit.com/More info on Craft at https://craft.io/More info on Everhour at https://everhour.com/CMD+Z is presented by Made By Things and Menges Design. You can learn more about Made By Things and Matt Vojacek at madebythings.com. You can learn more...2022-04-0455 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow does background influence creativity? (w/ Charles Hairston)In this episode, Matt and Dylan ask Charles Hairston how background affects creativity.You can learn more about Charles and his work at http://faseis.comYou can learn more about Amina Robinson at https://www.columbusmuseum.org/aminah-robinson-legacy-projectYou can learn more about Making Midwest at https://www.makingmidwest.comCMD+Z is presented by Made By Things and Menges Design. You can learn more about Made By Things and Matt Vojacek at madebythings.com. You can learn more about Dylan Menges at menges.design2022-03-2848 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow do you price creative projects?In this episode, Matt asks Dylan how he prices his creative projects.More info on David C. Baker and Blair Enns at https://2bobs.comMore info on Chris Do at https://thefutur.comMore info on Matt's Content Marketing Skillshare course at https://skl.sh/3k4MHy0CMD+Z is presented by Made By Things and Menges Design. You can learn more about Made By Things and Matt Vojacek at madebythings.com. You can learn more about Dylan Menges at menges.design2022-03-2156 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow do you do contracts?Deborah Rycus asks Matt and Dylan a series of questions about the nitty-gritty of creative business ownership, starting with... How do you do contracts?You can learn more about Deb at www.spiralboundcreative.comCMD+Z is presented by Made By Things and Menges Design. You can learn more about Made By Things and Matt Vojacek at madebythings.com. You can learn more about Dylan Menges at menges.design2022-03-1455 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow was your first year of freelance? (w/ Audrey Stemen)Matt and Dylan ask Audrey about wrapping up her first year of freelance.You can learn more about Audrey at https://www.audreystemen.com/CMD+Z is presented by Made By Things and Menges Design. You can learn more about Made By Things and Matt Vojacek at madebythings.com. You can learn more about Dylan Menges at menges.design2022-03-0754 minThe CMD-Z ShowDoes emotion matter in creative work?Dylan asks Matt if feelings matter in creative work.CMD+Z is presented by Made By Things and Menges Design. You can learn more about Made By Things and Matt Vojacek at madebythings.com. You can learn more about Dylan Menges at menges.design2022-02-2855 minThe CMD-Z ShowWhere do good ideas come from?Matt asks Dylan about where good ideas come from and how to determine if it IS good.CMD+Z is presented by Made By Things and Menges Design. You can learn more about Made By Things and Matt Vojacek at madebythings.com. You can learn more about Dylan Menges at menges.design2022-02-2143 minThe CMD-Z ShowWhat's the best little win as a creative business owner?Audrey asks Matt asks Dylan about little victories that are the best as a creative business owner.You can learn more about Audrey at https://www.audreystemen.com/CMD+Z is presented by Made By Things and Menges Design. You can learn more about Made By Things and Matt Vojacek at madebythings.com. You can learn more about Dylan Menges at menges.design2022-02-1442 min
The CMD-Z ShowHow did you take the leap into starting a business?Matt asks Dylan about leaving the full-time world to pursue running a business.CMD+Z is presented by Made By Things and Menges Design. You can learn more about Made By Things and Matt Vojacek at madebythings.com. You can learn more about Dylan Menges at menges.design2022-02-0748 min