Episodes

Send us a text Summary In this conversation, Nick and Eran discuss the changes in the education industry and the challenges of creating tutorials in a rapidly evolving software landscape. They explore the shift towards shorter content and the impact of platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Eran shares his creative inspiration and how he stays niche in his tutorials. He discusses how he finds inspiration for new ideas and the importance of actively listening to music. Eran shares his love for viny...

Send us a text In this conversation, John LePore discusses his experience in the post-production industry, particularly in motion design and creating fictional user interfaces (FUI) for films. He shares insights on the importance of designing fictional technologies that enhance world-building and storytelling, while also being clear and concise for the audience. John also talks about his approach to collaborating with clients, understanding their needs, and guiding them through the creative proc...

Send us a Text Message. In this conversation, Nick and Willonius Hatcher (AKA: King Willonius) discuss the use of AI tools in content creation, specifically in music and comedy. King Willonius shares his experience creating the viral song 'BBL Drizzy' using AI-generated music and artwork. They also discuss the benefits and limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT and Mid-Journey in the creative process. Willonius emphasizes the importance of experimentation, consistency, and having the right mindset...

Send us a Text Message. Joseph Stephen, an entrepreneur with a background in video production and content creation, discusses his experiences and lessons learned in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of keeping the client's goals and messaging in mind when creating content. Joseph also runs a photo booth and video/photo experiential activations company. He shares his favorite parts of the production process, including pre-production brainstorming, the excitement of being on set, and the ...

Send us a Text Message. Summary In this episode, Nick sits down with astronaut, filmmaker and consultant Terry Virts. Terry spent over seven months in space during his two spaceflights, piloting the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-130 in 2010 and commanding the International Space Station during Expedition 42/43 in 2014/2015. He served in the US Air Force as a fighter pilot, test pilot, NASA astronaut, and is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy. He has directed several films, including One Mo...

Send us a Text Message. Debra Khoo, a solo VFX artist and founder of Massive FX, shares her experience in the post-production industry and the transition to running her own company after working at HBO for many years. She discusses the different roles she plays in motion graphics and VFX, the tools she uses, and the importance of continuous learning. Debra also talks about the impact of AI on the industry and offers advice to newcomers. She also talks about her creative process, the use of refe...

Send us a Text Message. In this conversation, Nick talks with Amanda Russell, co-founder and creative director of Cream Studio a motion design and animation studio. Amanda talks about her journey as an entrepreneur and the key lessons she has learned in the industry. Amanda shares insights into working on short-form projects and the challenges of telling a story in a condensed amount of time. They also explore the impact of shrinking budgets on creative work and the need to adapt and find innova...

Send us a Text Message. Juliana Broste, a Travel Filmmaker discusses her process of creating short-form travel videos and the challenges of being an entrepreneur in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of staying flexible and diversifying clients in order to succeed. Juliana also shares her approach to packing and staying organized while traveling, including using packing cubes and compression bags. .Juliana, shares her insights on organizing and editing travel footage. She emphasizes th...

Send us a Text Message. In this conversation, Nick sits down with Matt Barretto ; a freelance Motion Graphics Animator and Motion Director with a generalist, style-agnostic skill-set and thirteen years of experience working in: broadcast and entertainment advertising, digital advertising and marketing, live events, in-stadium motion graphics, branding, title sequences, and experiential video. . They discuss Matt's process, problem-solving techniques, collaboration in remote work, the impact of A...

Send us a Text Message. In this week's episode Nick is joined by professional photographer and educator Vanessa Joy. Vanessa discusses the dynamic changes in the photography industry, particularly in post-production editing capabilities with the accessibility of AI tools. She highlights the speed and efficiency that AI brings to the editing process, allowing photographers to deliver photos to clients more quickly. Vanessa also emphasizes the importance of working for someone else to gain experie...

Send us a Text Message. In this week's episode Nick sits down with Ash Thorp, the founder of Alt Creative a company that offers illustration, design, VFX, animation, and directorial service. Ash discusses his creative process, the challenges he faced, and the importance of continuous learning. He emphasizes the need for trust and open communication with clients and the importance of giving oneself time and space for ideation. Ash also talks about the changing landscape of the industry, includin...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Flow State, Nick sits down with Evan Abrams, a renowned motion designer and educator. Evan shares insights from his journey in motion design, discussing his client work and live streaming experiences. He opens up about the creative process, emphasizing the importance of planning, improvisation, and audience engagement in live content. Evan also delves into his unique approach to tackling creative challenges, balancing perfectionism with spontaneity, and...

Send us a Text Message. In this conversation, Premiere Gal (Kelsey Brannan) and Nick discuss the importance of consistency in YouTube content creation and how to avoid creative burnout. Kelsey shares her strategies for maintaining a consistent release schedule and staying motivated. They also touch on the challenges creators face in staying relevant and the fear of being replaced by AI. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of feedback and the importance of staying true to yo...

Send us a Text Message. Jacob Zirkle, a VFX compositor and YouTuber, shares his journey in the film and advertising industry. He discusses how he started his YouTube channel to share his knowledge and tutorials on Blender and other programs. Jacob emphasizes the importance of being open to learning new programs and not limiting oneself to a single software. He also talks about the balance between client work and creating YouTube tutorials, as well as the role of creativity in the visual effects ...

Send us a Text Message. In this conversation, John Dickinson shares his background in motion graphics and his transition from working at Foxtail Productions to joining Boris FX. He emphasizes the importance of creativity and experimentation in his work, and how he finds inspiration away from the computer. John also talks about the process of teaching and presenting, and the role of intuition and fine-tuning in motion graphics. In the end, he reflects on the journey of a designer and the import...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Nick interviews motion graphics designer and art director Jessica Libby. They discuss the differences between freelance and full-time work, the essence of the creative process, and the challenges of client feedback and collaboration. Jess shares what attracted her to motion design and her favorite and least favorite parts of the creative process. They also touch on problem-solving and ideation techniques. The conversation continues with topics including t...

Send us a Text Message. In this week’s episode, Nick sits down with storyteller and flame artist Andy Milkis. Andy shares insights into his creative process and the changes he has witnessed in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of foundational skills and understanding the technical aspects of the work. Andy also discusses the challenges of balancing client communication and the need for efficient problem-solving on the job. He shares his perspective on creativity and the importance of ge...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Mike and Isabela Russell discuss their extensive history in audio production including their work in radio and podcasting. We explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI voices and cloning. Izabela and Mike then begin to discuss the impact of AI tools on audio workflows and the importance of creativity as an expression of self. The conversation highlights the role of music and sound effects in creating immersive audio experiences and the impo...

Send us a Text Message. Brian Maffitt is an Award-winning designer and animator . He's created software that is used throughout the industry in commercials and film including some of your favorite filters in After Effects. Brian has personally presented, directed or produced more than 1000 hours of video training. In this episode, he discusses the role of creativity in his current work at CBS and the challenges he faced in building an animation studio. Brian also shares his perspective on the i...

Send us a Text Message. In this conversation, Nick sits down with Rosanne Tan , ACE , a film and television editor best known for her work on Homecoming , Mr. Robot , The Falcon and the Winter Soldier , Hawkeye , and Ahsoka . She shares insights into her editing workflow starting from production, including her favorite parts of the process. Rosanne also talks about staying objective in the edit room and finding inspiration from soundtracks and films. She mentions her go-to tools and the impac...

Send us a Text Message. Summary Dylan Bates, also known as the Final Cut Bro, shares insights into his creative process and content creation journey. He starts off discussing the importance of generating ideas consistently and the evolution of his creative process over time. Dylan also highlights the role of automation and workflow optimization in maximizing productivity with the help of analytics. He shares his thoughts on the impact of technology, including AI and VR, on content creation. Dyla...

Send us a Text Message. In this first episode of Flow State, Chris Do and Nick discuss the definition of creativity and its importance in problem-solving. They explore the connection between boredom and creativity, highlighting the role of the subconscious mind in making creative connections. Chris shares his insights on creating a conducive environment for creativity and the need for structure and organization. They also discuss the impact of AI on creative jobs and the opportunities it present...

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Ian Robinson, creative director and founder of Softbox Media. Ian has 15 years of experience creating package design animation for both short form marketing and long form broadcast television. We sit down and talk about what got him to this point in his career, what he's most passionate about, preparing for long form projects, and overcoming creative struggles.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Ian Robinson, creative director and founder of Softbox Media. Ian has 15 years of experience creating package design animation for both short form marketing and long form broadcast television. We sit down and talk about what got him to this point in his career, what he's most passionate about, preparing for long form projects, and overcoming creative struggles.