Shows
Pixel Retentive PodcastDo It All Expectations with Meryn HayesMeryn Hayes is the Executive Producer at Dash, where she oversees client relations, project management, and event production. With a career spanning advertising, animation, and creative leadership, she has played a key role in shaping Dash's workflow, culture, and community-driven initiatives. Meryn is also the organizer of Dash Bash, a motion design industry event that fosters networking, education, and collaboration. Beyond her career, she is a dedicated working mother and is currently pursuing a 200-hour yoga teacher training, reflecting her commitment to balance and lifelong learning. What You'll Learn: The Reality of "Doing It A...
2025-02-1046 min
Pixel Retentive PodcastPassion Projects with Ivan KanderIvan Kander is a versatile creative force based in Washington, D.C., with over a decade of experience in filmmaking, motion design, and video production. Since 2007, Ivan has crafted beautiful moving images—both live-action and animated—infused with skill and heart. His work spans projects with notable organizations like the Smithsonian, where he recently collaborated on a retrospective narrated by LL Cool J. Ivan's passion for storytelling and commitment to creating meaningful art make him a standout in the creative industry. What You'll Learn The importance of passion projects in fueling creativity and career growt...
2024-12-1750 min
Pixel Retentive PodcastThe Future of Motion Design with Mack GarrisonMack 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 te...
2024-11-1154 min
Pixel Retentive PodcastThe Creative Process with Matt VojacekMatt Vojacek is the Founder and Creative Director of Made by Things, where he merges his passion for creativity with his roles as an entrepreneur, husband, and father. He prides himself on being a creative thinker and continuously strives to live up to the aspirations of his 12-year-old self. Every day, Matt is dedicated to shaping a world that his younger self would be proud to see, driving innovation and leadership in the creative industry. What You'll Learn: Different approaches to managing creative teams and processes. How personal experiences shape professional growth and creative o...
2024-08-2858 min
Pixel Retentive PodcastSports Storytelling with Greg WalterGreg Walter, the owner and creative director of 2Tall Animation, brings excitement and community spirit to sports and lifestyle brands through dynamic animation. His studio not only serves major clients like Puma, FOX Sports, NFL, and ESPN but also creates captivating original content, such as the NBA "Playoffs KNOCKOUT" series, which has amassed over 200 million views. Before venturing into sports animation, Greg crafted original educational and scripted children's shows, achieving international recognition and widespread viewership. What You'll Learn: Transitioning into Sports Animation Navigating Business Dynamics Creative Challenges in Sports Storytelling Personal I...
2024-08-0545 min
Pixel Retentive PodcastArt of Intentional Business with Mark JamnikMark Jamnik offers a unique and interactive approach to abstract art through his innovative Subliminal Story Art, which connects below the threshold of consciousness, drawing inspiration from everyday life. With a mission to make art more approachable and meaningful, he engages corporate teams and entrepreneurs by embedding their contributions and values into custom artworks. A seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background, Mark has also coached over 400 CEOs and sales professionals globally, honing his strategies and fueling his creativity through various passions, including skiing and meditation. What You'll Learn: The distinction between selling and genuine connection...
2024-06-2444 min
Pixel Retentive PodcastCreative Relationships with Stephen de ZordoSteven de Zordo is a visionary leader whose passion for innovation and creativity knows no bounds. As the Founder and Executive Creative Director of Deckhand, he has spearheaded the company's success with his dynamic leadership style and unwavering dedication. With a proven track record as an accomplished toy inventor and entrepreneur, Steven inspires those around him to reach new heights of excellence. What You'll Learn: Overcommunicating expectations to foster creativity in external design teams Managing project scoping challenges arising from client communication gaps Ensuring design quality across various environments and devices Building and nurturing l...
2024-04-0857 min
Pixel Retentive PodcastThe Future of Web 3 Entertainment: Unraveling the Hype with Myles BlasonatoIn this captivating episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, hosts Carl Cleanthes and Ross Ciuppa engage with Myles Blasonato, a seasoned game designer with over 15 years of experience spanning mobile, casino, indie, and now web 3 gaming. Myles, currently leading the game design at Blowfish Studios, brings his expertise to discuss the transformative potential and challenges of web 3 entertainment. Tune in to demystify web 3 and discover how it's reshaping the entertainment industry through community engagement and innovative uses of NFTs. What You'll Learn: The Critical Role of Community Rewards Beyond Investment The Real Utility of N...
2024-03-2549 min
Pixel Retentive PodcastThe Art of Social Media with Duncan AlneyDuncan Alney is a passionate social media strategist and the founder of Firebelly Marketing, a company at the forefront of social media marketing. His work emphasizes the importance of being real and authentic in digital spaces, encouraging brands to experiment and iterate to find their unique voice. Dive into the essence of social media creativity on the Pixel Retentive Podcast with hosts Carl Cleanthes and Ross Ciuppa, featuring the insightful Duncan Alney. This episode unpacks the secrets behind generating meaningful social media content that resonates. What You'll Learn: Authenticity vs. Polish Agile Content Creation Knowing Your...
2024-03-1837 min
Pixel Retentive PodcastWorking Remote with Josh HillIn this engaging episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, hosts Carl Cleanthes and Ross Ciuppa explore the diverse landscape of the creative industry with guest Josh Hill. Listen as Josh shares his unexpected journey from athlete to creative generalist, offering a unique perspective on embracing versatility in a specialized world. This conversation sheds light on the challenges and opportunities presented by remote work, the importance of adaptability, and strategies for productivity and self-management. What You'll Learn: Creative Generalists vs. Specialists Remote Work Challenges Productivity and Self-Management The Role of Grit and Hustle Hiring for R...
2024-03-1148 min
Pixel Retentive PodcastNavigating Creativity and AI | Insights from Terrence Moline and Dave McClintonIn this compelling episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, hosts Carl Cleanthes and Ross Ciuppa engage with guests Terrence and Dave, exploring the intersections of artificial intelligence and creativity. From the innovative use of AI tools like DALL-E and ChatGPT to the ethical considerations of AI in art, this discussion sheds light on the evolving landscape of creative careers. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: • Innovative AI Tools: Discover how Terrence and Dave leverage AI for generating ideas and tackling complex projects. • Ethical Art Creation: Insights into using AI responsibly for sensit...
2024-03-0454 min
Pixel Retentive PodcastPaths for Creatives | Maurice CherryMaurice Cherry is a skilled creative professional with over 20 years of experience across tech, design, media, publishing, and entrepreneurship. He is the Founder and Creative Director of Lunch, a multidisciplinary creative studio in Atlanta, GA. As an active podcaster since 2005, he has hosted several podcasts and works as a creative strategist and development editor. In this episode… Creatives are known for their passion and dedication to their craft. However, anyone in the industry knows how difficult it is to make your passion into a career. The marketplace is highly competitive, offering few opportunities. So, how ca...
2024-02-2151 minPixel Retentive PodcastMarketing People Love | Jacques SpitzerJacques Spitzer is the CEO of Raindrop, a creative agency combining the best elements of brand building and performance marketing. He is a 4x Emmy winner for Marketing People Love and has helped produce more than $1 billion in sales across his career. He is also a prolific investor and is a Partner at Mari + Gold. In this episode… The average consumer has grown far more aware of marketing in recent years. Older techniques aren't as effective as they once were. Forming a connection with your audience and displaying authenticity is a potent strategy for long-term su...
2024-02-1440 minPixel Retentive PodcastRunning a Creative Studio | Ben MoffatBenjamin (Ben) Moffat is a Partner and CEO at Gantry, a Salt Lake City agency filled with talented designers, directors, animators, and producers. His expertise spans media production, finance, and business development. Previously, he served as the Director of Business Development at Vérité and as a Finance Broker at Citywide. In this episode… Running an agency is a dream for many creative professionals. If done correctly, you can guide a team to craft incredible projects that would be impossible to achieve otherwise. The reality is challenging, with many obstacles to overcome before creating a mast...
2024-02-071h 01Pixel Retentive PodcastThe Language of Creatives | Amanda RussellAmanda Russell is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Animation at Cream Studio, a boutique studio specializing in quality video for clients. She has extensive experience in advertising and marketing, including time working for television, social media, and branded content. In addition, she serves as a speaker and is an expert in motion design. In this episode… Every specialized field has its own terminology and jargon. This can become second nature to those in the know, leaving a gap between the average client and the experts. Since clear communication is critical in business, we must ex...
2024-01-2437 minPixel Retentive PodcastVisual Brand Stories | Tyler MoseTyler Mose is the CEO and Co-founder of MatchPoint Studio, a video production and video content marketing agency. He is a marketing and video expert with skills in HR consultancy and a surprising proficiency in mixology. He scaled his previous video agency to a multi-million dollar business and replicated that success at MatchPoint. In this episode… Brands are always searching for new ways to represent themselves in the marketplace. With the internet as the primary sales driver, the visual component is more crucial than ever. Video is still instrumental in the process, wielding the power to...
2024-01-1739 minPixel Retentive PodcastThe Story of Fred SeibertFred Seibert is a renowned television and technology entrepreneur. He founded FredFilms and Frederator Studios, executive producing shows like Adventure Time, The Fairly OddParents, and Castlevania. In popular media, he was not only the initial investor and board member at Tumblr but also the Co-founder and original Creative Director of MTV. In this episode… Few entrepreneurs or creatives have the legacy of Fred Seibert. His time across television, technology, and social media has influenced multiple generations and given him a vibrant career. This wealth of experience offers valuable advice to aspiring young entrepreneurs seeking a si...
2024-01-0346 minPixel Retentive PodcastThe World of Royalties | Andrew BateyAndrew Batey is an entertainment entrepreneur and the CEO of Beatdapp, an audit and fraud detection software for music labels and streaming services. For over 15 years, he raised $150 million for his startups and filed over 40 technology patents. Early in his career, he helped launch multiple top 10 artists and released his song that peaked at #4 on the US Country Music Singles chart. In this episode… Money is an ever-burning topic in the creative space. Modern music presents a challenging income landscape, making royalties an essential source of revenue. However, only a small portion of that revenue fi...
2023-12-2741 minPixel Retentive PodcastThe Customer Story | Ian GarlicIan Garlic is the Founder of STORYCREWS.COM and Video Case Story, both of which harness the power of video storytelling. He built his career in video marketing and consults service-based clients on how to use SEO and storytelling for customer engagement. Ian also hosts the Garlic Marketing Show podcast, blogs, and speaks at events to share his expertise. In this episode… Storytelling is the beating heart of marketing and sales. Since all products involve people, tapping into humanity is always a safe bet. More specifically, it can be the missing catalyst to strengthen the co...
2023-12-2042 minPixel Retentive PodcastFinding a Niche | Jason SwenkJason Swenk is a digital agency coach, mentor, advisor, and marketing expert. He built and sold an eight-figure agency and now helps others scale efficiently. To complement this, he hosts The Smart Agency Podcast and shares his advice through speaking engagements. In this episode… The first instinct of most agencies is to appeal to the largest audience possible. However, success more often arises when agencies cater to a specific niche. These loyal customers and clients are worth the search, offering long-term stability and consistent revenue. So, how do you discover your place in the market?...
2023-12-1339 minPixel Retentive PodcasteCommerce Best Practices | Raphael Paulin-DaigleRaphael Paulin-Daigle is the CEO of SplitBase, a business helping fashion and lifestyle e-commerce companies sell more through its Testing Trifecta optimization program. They have worked with clients including L'Oréal, Kiehl's, BestSelf, Frank + Oak, and more. He has previously served as a digital marketing consultant and has founded several companies throughout his fruitful career. In this episode… Every online store or vendor wants to convert all their visitors, but the reality is often far from this. Getting the attention of a potential customer is only the first step. The tricky part is getting the fol...
2023-12-0639 minPixel Retentive PodcastBuilding a Social Media Channel | Duke DavisDuke Davis is a content creator and social media presence known for his One Shot Questers YouTube channel. The show focuses on Dungeons & Dragons, specializing in short campaigns and one-shot sessions. The show extends to TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch. In this episode… In the present time, it's challenging to make yourself noticed on social media platforms like TikTok, Youtube, Instagram, or Twitch because there's a lot of competition, and the platforms' algorithms keep changing. In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl Cleanthes and Ross Ciuppa talk with Duke Davis of On...
2023-11-2946 minPixel Retentive PodcastAI Dystopia or Utopia | Lisa Larson-KelleyLisa Larson-Kelley is the Founder and CEO of Quantious, a NY-based marketing agency that works with leading brands in the tech industry. With an impressive portfolio that includes collaborations with tech giants like Meta, Google, Adobe, and Microsoft, as well as nurturing startups with a video-centric focus, Lisa and her agency are at the forefront of exploring the latest trends in AI, VR, AR, and the ethical applications of technology. Lisa has been a trailblazer for women in the industry for almost two decades. Her career has spanned everything from art director to management to tech consultant...
2023-11-1547 minPixel Retentive PodcastThe Value of Lifelong Learning | Jim FieldingJim Fielding is a Partner and President of the Co-Lab Group at Archer Gray, a modern media company creating quality content, building businesses, and reimagining brands. He has had a long and distinguished career in retail, product design, global supply chain, team development, and content creation. From top global retailers to senior leadership positions at esteemed organizations like Disney, DreamWorks, 20th Century Fox, Claire's, and the Gap, his journey is a testament to dedication and achievement. Jim recently wrote his first book, All Pride, No Ego, based on his experiences as a queer executive and his insights on leadership.
2023-11-0844 minPixel Retentive PodcastThe Paragon NFT Project | Tim HarrisTim Harris is the CEO of Paragon, an NFT experience platform and discovery engine working across a variety of digital media. He is also the Owner of AlleyCat Comics in Chicago, where they experiment with the retail comics space. As a pivotal member of the launch team for the iconic Pokemon Red and Blue, his influence on the gaming world is palpable. Beyond this, Tim serves as an expert and advisor for multiple companies, specializing in video games, marketing, and storytelling. In this episode… NFTs and Web3 continue to be a point of interest and my...
2023-11-0146 minPixel Retentive PodcastThe Impact of Creativity | Justin AhrensJustin Ahrens is the Co-founder, Partner, and Chief Brand Officer of Rule29 and the Marrow companies, a firm that works with clients ranging from nonprofits to Fortune 50 companies. The agency is also a Certified B Corporation and has helped over 20,000 people access water through the Wheels4Water project. Justin is an international public speaker at prominent events such as the AIGA Design Conference, Creative Mornings, Design Thinkers, Adobe Max, and HOW Live. Additionally, he has authored various LinkedIn learning courses and is an adjunct design instructor at Notre Dame and Kent State University. In this...
2023-10-1849 minPixel Retentive PodcastThe Power of Storytelling in Media | Adam MartinAdam Martin is a digital media, film, and TV producer with 20 years of experience. He is the Founder of Macroverse, an avant-garde web3 studio that has recently unveiled its comic reader app, a testament to Adam's forward-looking approach to shaping the future of storytelling. Adam has worked on countless media projects, writing, directing, and producing them. Before his current venture, he contributed his expertise to The Ascension Series, a captivating narrative featured on the Yarn app—a text-based storytelling platform. In this episode… Storytelling is such a broad and elusive concept that it can...
2023-10-0452 minPixel Retentive PodcastThe Art of Leadership | Gage MitchellGage Mitchell is the Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of Modern Species, a strategic branding and design agency that works with sustainable product companies. He is also the Founder & Host of Evolve CPG, an online community and podcast for purpose-driven leaders. Gage's expertise extends beyond the realms of design and community building. He is a co-author of "Path to Impact," a groundbreaking impact design methodology by AIGA that shapes how design drives lasting change. Across multiple projects and companies, he focuses on amplifying sustainable brands, better products, and passionate leaders. In this episode… Ha...
2023-09-2049 minPixel Retentive PodcastHow To Position Your Idea To Investors With Joe WeaverJoe Weaver is an entrepreneur and the Founder of Oceanty LLC, a mobile gaming studio that makes games for all ages. He created and sold his spatial communication platform (Ario) in 2022 and secured $1M from Verizon to build the platform for 5G. He is a Unity-certified developer and even worked as a spatial computing specialist. Before these ventures, Joe worked as a software developer for Huntington Ingalls Industries and Newport News Shipbuilding. Passionate about mobile gaming, Joe's development of Tough Turtles, a physics-based puzzle game for all ages, promises to captivate audiences worldwide. In this...
2023-09-0653 minPixel Retentive PodcastDesigning a Process With Carl Cleanthes and Ross CiuppaCarl Cleanthes is a lifelong artist and an entrepreneur, founding his creative studio, Epic Made, in 2006. With over 15 years of experience in animation, illustration, and design, the studio has worked with beloved brands such as SYFY, Nickelodeon, USA Network, WWE, TNT, and many more. In addition to his work with Epic Made, he volunteers for the Hampton Roads Chapter of AIGA and is the current sitting President. Ross Ciuppa is a digital painter, 3D animator, and modeler. As the Creative Director at Epic Made, he is responsible for leading the studio's creative vision and ensuring the quality...
2023-08-1630 minPixel Retentive PodcastAI and Copyright With Rebecca BlakeRebecca Blake is a professional graphic designer with more than 30 years of experience. As the Design Director at Optimum Design & Consulting, she leads the creation of original graphic design, including logos, website interfaces, brochures, publications, mail, and advertising. Beyond her professional endeavors, Rebecca has dedicated herself to championing the rights and concerns of visual artists. Since September 2016, she has served as Advocacy Liaison for the Graphic Artists Guild, where she monitors upcoming legislation on copyrights and writes articles on design for the Guild's news blog. In this episode… The elephant in the room fo...
2023-08-0256 minPixel Retentive PodcastWhat Makes a Meaningful Story With Carl Cleanthes and Ross CiuppaCarl Cleanthes is a lifelong artist and an entrepreneur, founding his creative studio, Epic Made, in 2006. With over 15 years of experience in animation, illustration, and design, the studio has worked with beloved brands such as SYFY, Nickelodeon, USA Network, WWE, TNT, and many more. In addition to his work with Epic Made, he volunteers for the Hampton Roads Chapter of AIGA and is the current sitting President. Ross Ciuppa is a digital painter, 3D animator, and modeler. As the Creative Director at Epic Made, he is responsible for leading the studio's creative vision and ensuring the quality...
2023-07-1930 minPixel Retentive Podcast[Thought Leadership] Epic Made's Breakout Moment With Carl Cleanthes and Ross CiuppaCarl Cleanthes is a lifelong artist and an entrepreneur, founding his creative studio, Epic Made, in 2006. With over 15 years of experience in animation, illustration, and design, the studio has worked with beloved brands such as SYFY, Nickelodeon, USA Network, WWE, TNT, and many more. In addition to his work with Epic Made, he volunteers for the Hampton Roads Chapter of AIGA and is the current sitting President. Ross Ciuppa is a digital painter, 3D animator, and modeler. As the Creative Director at Epic Made, he is responsible for leading the studio's creative vision and ensuring the quality...
2023-07-0530 minPixel Retentive PodcastDo's and Don'ts for Demo Reels | Marci SelsbergFor the last 25 years, Marci Selsberg has specialized in representing animation, VFX, and motion design studios. She has spent most of her career as a Partner and Agent for BlahUSA, a brand that represents a variety of animation and visual FX studios. Her first positions were with an ad agency and as a live-action director before moving to animation. Marci has worked hands-on with studios and creatives worldwide in commercial, broadcasting, and digital spaces. In this episode… For professional artists and creatives, a demo reel is one of the most valuable tools you can hone. Wh...
2023-06-2140 minPixel Retentive Podcast[Thought Leadership] Epic Journey of Carl Cleanthes and Ross CiuppaCarl Cleanthes is a lifelong artist and an entrepreneur, founding his creative studio, Epic Made, in 2006. With over 15 years of experience in animation, illustration, and design, the studio has worked with beloved brands such as SYFY, Nickelodeon, USA Network, WWE, TNT, and many more. In addition to his work with Epic Made, he volunteers for the Hampton Roads Chapter of AIGA and is the current sitting President. Ross Ciuppa is a digital painter, 3D animator, and modeler. As the Creative Director at Epic Made, he is responsible for leading the studio's creative vision and ensuring the quality...
2023-06-0524 min