Origins: A Creative Journey

EP 31 - How to make a movie with Courtney Daniels Feb 07, 2025

Ever wonder what it takes to make a feature film? What about three of them, with a shoestring budget? Courtney Daniels, not only knows how but wrote a book on it titled Yes You Can - How to Make a Movie for Almost No Money.

The writer and director of What Other Couples Do, Bedroom Story, and It’s Not You, It’s LA (formerly titled This F%*king Town), Courtney is an independent filmmaker living in Los Angeles. She makes character-driven movies that can be found on streaming platforms such as Amazon and Tubi.

In this masterclass on independent filmmaking, Courtney shares her journey from writing spec scripts as a receptionist to abandoning the Hollywood machine to make her own films. She shares insights into not only the structural parts of filmmaking and screenwriting, but also things like finding talented actors, building a solid reputation, and how to make films people want to watch.

Courtney’s Links

Website: courtneydanielsfilms.com

Her book: Yes You Can - How to Make a Movie For Almost No Money

Instagram: @courtneydanielstoyou

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram: @originsacreativejourney

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 30 - Building a toy company with Trent Slingshot of Hip Hop Toyz Jan 24, 2025

Famous musicians can seem out of reach, but after years of promoting and managing artists in Australia, Trent Slingshot of Hip Hop Toyz has built relationships with legends like KRS-One and Wu-Tang.

Trent is a bona fide hustler in all the good ways, and he breaks down his knack for knocking on doors and establishing himself as the go-to-guy when hip hop acts want to visit Australia. While still promoting and managing artists, Trent has also built Hip Hop Toyz, and has gone from making bootleg figures to officially licensed collaborations.

In this conversation, Trent shares his many career pivots, some life lessons, and what it means to turn hip hop artists into super heroes.

Trent’s Links:

Shop: hiphoptoyz.com

Instagram: @hiphoptoyz

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram: @originsacreativejourney

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠thekitchenrecordingstudio.com

EP 29 - Building a designer toy brand with Connor McConnell of Abominable Toys Dec 13, 2024

For many artists, having an immediate sell-out of a product would be amazing. It would be even more amazing to do it in high school. Connor McConnell of Abominable Toys has done just that.

Connor is the co-creator of the yeti characters Chomp and Chomper and the owner of Abominable Toys, which he runs full-time. With licensed collaborations with Bob Ross and Godzilla, toys in Hot Topic, Abominable Toys is slowly taking over the world.

In this conversation, Connor shares how he got started building a toy empire while in high school, how he found a factory to make his figures, how he networks as an introvert, and his advice for those looking to get into the toy scene even if they don’t have an art degree.

Connor’s Links:

Website: abominabletoys.com

Instagram: @abominabletoys

TikTok: @abominabletoys

X: @abominabletoys

Facebook: @abominabletoys

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram: @originsacreativejourney

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 28 - Understanding trends and building a business with Brianna of Onicakes Nov 29, 2024

Many folks want to run their art business full-time, but have you run the numbers? In this interview with Brianna, the artist behind Onicake, she does a deep dive into the business side of running a kawaii art business and shares how she got started.

A full-time artist selling enamel pins, ita-bags, plush, and other accessories, Brianna runs Onicake from her home base in Dallas, Texas. You can find her and her adorable creations at conventions throughout the United States and in her online store.

In this conversation, Brianna shares her early entrepreneurial stories and the rise from her first time tabling at a convention without a tablecloth to her first manufactured product to building Onicakes into a thriving accessories business.

With marketing tips, a whole piece on thinking about trends, this interview has a ton of actionable advice and inspiration to get started, even in the midst of the rise of AI.

Brianna’s links:

Instagram: @onicakeco

Twitter: @onicakeco

Bluesky: @onicakeco.bsky.social

Tiktok: @onicakeco

Webstore: Onicake.com

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram: @originsacreativejourney

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

BONUS EPISODE 2 - DCON 2024 with MONDO's Hector Arce and Peter Santa-Maria Nov 14, 2024

Are you in love with Mondo’s toy releases as much as we are? Come check out what Mondo will be bringing to DesignerCon 2024 from the men who make it all happen, Hector Arce and Peter Santa-Maria aka ATTACKPETER.

Hector Arce is the Senior Creative Director of Collectibles and Design at Mondo who basically makes all the toys come to reality. Often taking part in the design, sculpting, and painting of the collectables himself, Hector brings his years of industry experience (like at Legendary Pictures and Gentle Giant, LTD) and his deep passion for the craft into every release.

Peter Santa-Maria is an artist and Senior Creative Director at Mondo. Known for his block prints, Peter features not only pop culture icons but brings his own original IP of kaiju-sized monsters to life both in print and in collectable form. He not only oversees the Art Department at Mondo, but he also co-hosts Mondo’s Toy Talk and has gained a dedicated fan following through his unique designs and work with brands across games, comics, and more.

In this special episode, Hector and Peter not only share their origin stories and the ups and downs of their careers, but also give advice to anyone looking to collaborate with the brand and offers up a look into what they’re bringing to DCON this year.

PS - They’re also sponsoring the mixer event on Thursday, November 14 from 6:30-9:30pm at Flanker LV at Mandalay Bay. You won’t want to miss out - no RSVP necessary and there will be a super rare..oh wait, you need to listen to the episode to find out what they’re bringing to the mixer. See you there! Hector and Peter's Links:

Hector's Instagram: @harcesculpture

Peter's Instagram: @attackpeter

Mondo's shop: mondoshop.com

Mondo's blog: https://mondoshop.com/blogs/news

EP 27 - The argument for day jobs and creating from your soul with Sean Keeton Nov 06, 2024

The goal for many fine artists is to do it full time, but what might be the argument for having a day job as well? Fine artist, video game art director, and animator, Sean Keeton explores the benefits of keeping the day job while making incredibly personal work.

A Los-Angeles based gallery artist at night and a video game art director and animator during the day, Sean Keeton regularly displays his paintings in galleries across LA and has been featured on multiple iconic billboards in Times Square.

In this conversation, Sean shares his seemingly meteoric rise from art school, the powers of introversion, and the way having a day job allows him more creative freedom in his personal work. He shares his thoughts on balancing between the two roles, finding the joy in corporate work, and the importance of being emotionally truthful in one’s work.

Sean’s links:

Website: seankeeton.com

Instagram: @seankeetonart

Facebook: @seankeetonart

Twitter/X: @seankeetonart

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram: @originsacreativejourney

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 26 - Balancing vulnerability, social media, art, and capitalism with Skinner Nov 01, 2024

With the sea of social media hype, the pressures of capitalism, and unprocessed trauma, it’s difficult to not only find your authentic voice, but also make a living doing so. Skinner is a visual artist, writer, filmmaker, installation and muralist, and all-around super monster artist.

With work featured on Adult Swim, murals and paintings in galleries across the world, and music videos for bands like Mastodon and High on Fire, Skinner is a full-time creative force of mayhem and madness - and is also a wildly funny, vulnerable, and thoughtful artist.

In this conversation, get a deep dive into Skinner’s creative origin from drawing as a child in an OB-GYN office to features in Juxtapoz magazine to pitching HBO animated shows to building board games. Not only does Skinner share his rollercoaster trajectory of a career, but also talks about the need for mental health support, the power of human connection, and what it means to be yourself.

Skinner’s Links:

Instagram: @theartofskinner

YouTube: @theartofskinner

Realm Runners on BackerKit

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram: @originsacreativejourney

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 25 - Focus and iterative growth with Elliot Garnett Oct 25, 2024

Ever thought about starting your own creative business? Ever consider the ups and down and personal discipline needed? Elliot Garnett is the mastermind behind Centerpoint Studios, a full-time custom miniature and diorama studio.

Always a showstopper at various conventions around the country with large-scale, table-sized dioramas like Dex’s Diner, Elliot and Centerpoint is known for recreating your favorite sets and characters from a galaxy far, far away.

In this conversation, Elliot shares his journey from drawing on toys with Sharpie to the highly-detailed, intricate figures he sells full-time. Elliot shares a lot of the entrepreneurial journey and the power of a dedicated fan base, and the difference between working in your own shop versus a studio.

Elliot’s Links

Instagram: @centerpointstudios

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram: @originsacreativejourney

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

DCON's official Discord server

BONUS EPISODE - DCON 2024 with Kevin Cao Oct 18, 2024

Ever wonder how DesignerCon grew into what it is today? Come meet Kevin Cao, the co-founder of DesignerCon and collector extraordinaire.

In this special episode, Kevin shares his origin story as a collector and entrepreneur, as well as the lowdown on what to expect for this year's DesignerCon for it's first year in Vegas.

From vendors to look out for, the Be@rbrick artist 5-pack making a return, as well as all the good stuff attendees should be aware of in terms of DCON's partnerships with EQL, Trampt, and eVend. Oh yeah, and if you want to know what 100% you'll be getting with your VIP pass, make sure you listen to the end.

Kevin's & DCON's links:

Tickets to DesignerCon

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram: @originsacreativejourney

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 24 - Embracing your uniqueness and finding your voice with Kria Lindquist Oct 11, 2024

Have you ever thought what it would be like to make art of all your worst moments and hidden traumas? Kria Lindquist got started making art as a means to exorcize her demons, and eventually led her to the path of being a full-time fine artist.

As a visual artist who is a staple at dark art markets across the United States, Kria specializes in dark surrealist figurative illustrations and paintings. Their work is an exploration of the human condition, drawing inspiration from dreams, liminal spaces, gender identity and sexuality, esotericism, and various elements from their own self-cultivated lexicon.

In this fascinating conversation, Kria takes us on their journey from using art to process trauma to selling in goth clubs to embracing her identity as an artist.

We also asked Kria about their inspirations, and they wanted us to share this list with all of you:

• Suehiro Maruo

• Takato Yamamoto

• Zdzisław Beksiński

• Akiya Kageichi

• Yoshitaka Amano

• Bernini

• Caravaggio

• H.R. Giger

Kria’s links

Website: krialindquist.net

Instagram: kria_lindquist

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram: @originsacreativejourney

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 23 - Career success vs creative freedom with Critical Buildz / Asako Sauz and Paul Evangelista Sep 27, 2024

Do you dream of having millions of people wear something you designed? Or working on some of the top anime of all time? What if it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be? The dynamic duo of Asako Sauz and Paul Evangelista have huge credits to their name, but are also setting out on their own to carve their own creative mark on the world.

From designing Xbox controllers to designing footwear for Target, there’s a very likely chance you have seen or own something Asako has helped design. From One Piece to Naruto to Bleach, Paul has worked on some of the largest anime franchises and also proudly has worked on the worst CG film of all time.

In our first two-person interview, Asako and Paul share their journey and experience of working as a corporate creative as well as how they navigate working as creative collaborators.

Asako and Paul’s Links

Website: CriticalBuildz.com

Instagram: @criticalbuilz

Asako’s IG: @asauzart

Paul’s IG: @pixelpusherpaul

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram: @originsacreativejourney

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 22 - The evolution of an fine art career with Mark Dean Veca Sep 13, 2024

What does it mean to build a sustainable fine art career? Mark Dean Veca has done just that over the past few decades, working with brands like Nike and The Hundreds as well as legendary rock bands like Pearl Jam, Primus, and Ween.

With a career spanning back to the 90’s, Mark’s recognizable style and killer brush work has been exhibited world-wide. From public art to illustration to fine art, Mark’s origin story is full of evolutionary leaps.

In this conversation, Mark walks us through his career from art school to public art to candle making to furniture to rock posters, and all the evolutions of his style and steps and turns along the way.

Mark’s Links

Website: markdeanveca.com

Instagram: @markdeanveca

Facebook: markdeanveca

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram: @originsacreativejourney

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

DesignerCon tickets are now on sale!

EP 21 - Learning how to choose yourself with Michael Lewarne of unmeasured Aug 30, 2024

Do you have what it takes to leave your job or change professions? Michael Lewarne is an architect, coach, and installation artist who understands fear, decision making, and how to choose himself.

With a 30-year career in architecture, Michael has pivoted from designing buildings to helping other architects be better leaders through his company, unmeasured. He’s also supported leaders and creatives of all stripes through his coaching at the altMBA.

In this conversation, Michael shares the ups and the downs and pivots of his lengthy career, what it means to take calculated risks, and of course, what choosing yourself looks like and how you can do it better. Listen now!

Michael’s Links:

Website: https://unmeasu.red

LinkedIn: Michael Lewarne

Michael also wanted to share the original blog post by Tim Ferriss on Fear Setting

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram: @originsacreativejourney

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠thekitchenrecordingstudio.com

EP 20 - Building an apparel brand with Alex Louie of Story Spark Aug 16, 2024

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it takes to start your own apparel / t-shirt company, this is the episode to listen to. In this episode, we talk with Alex Louie of Story Spark, a graphic designer who built a career as a web designer and since pivoted to co-founding Story Spark.

Alex has a storied background in chemistry, graphic design, and enterprise web design, and has taken bits of all of that to create designs that celebrate the connection between technology and humans.

In this conversation, Alex shares how he got Story Spark off the ground, how he’s been able to produce work that resonates with his audience, and how he deals with all the uncertainty of creative entrepreneurship. Listen now!

Alex’s Links:

Website: storyspark.com

Instagram: @storyspark

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on Instagram: @originsacreativejourney

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 19 - Creativity as problem solving with Andrew Davis of Dodecadonuts Aug 02, 2024

Andrew Davis is a creative director, marketer, woodworker, and Dungeons & Dragons GM that has rolled (pun intended) all his interests into one Dodecadonuts - where he sells handcrafted donut dice containers.

With over two decades of experience in advertising and design, Andrew shares his journey through the ups and downs of his industry, his pivot towards product design, and how tabletop role-playing games can be amazing labs for personal creative journeys.

In this fun, insightful conversation, Andrew not only shares his love of role-playing games, but also drops tons of great advice on getting through the hard part of creating, how crucial experimentation is, and the importance of just trying new things.

Andrew’s links:

Website: Dodecadonuts.com

Instagram:@dodecadonuts

Threads:@dodecadonuts

TikTok: @dodecadonuts

The Dadvantage Podcast

Ollie Davis’ Instagram: @Polliewogg

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 18 - Authenticity, creativity, and the merging of art and science with Emma Bolz Jul 19, 2024

If you’ve ever struggled with the tension between a job you struggle with and what pulls you with every fiber of your being, you’ll gain a lot from this conversation with Emma Bolz.

Emma is a young designer who brings an incredible amount of thoughtfulness, maturity, and intellectual rigor to the start of her creative journey. She is a fierce advocate for herself and has already honed her intuition around what it means to be authentic and to focus on impactful design solutions to wicked problems.

In this conversation Emma shares about finding her authentic voice, the benefits of starting over when something is wrong, and reflects upon what it’s like starting out fresh in a creative journey. We also dive into the future of art and creativity in the age of generative AI and how human creativity is still necessary.

Emma’s Links:

LinkedIn: Emma Bolz

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 17 - The power of brand and discipline with Chris Maze Jul 03, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a successful career in branding, design, AND illustration, you definitely need to listen to this masterclass with Chris Maze.

Chris masterfully juggles two jobs - his day job as a Creative Director specializing in brand development who works with clients with Levi’s and ASICS, and his night job at an illustrator creating original and pop culture artwork that he brings to conventions and local events.

In this conversation, Chris drops tons of advice for creatives of all points in their career - whether you’re looking to break into branding or graphic design or if you’re a seasoned veteran struggling with impostor syndrome, this is for you.

Chris Maze’s links:

Linktr.ee:Chrismaze

Instagram: @chrismaze

Threads: @chrismaze

Twitter: @mazehimself

Shop: shopchrismaze.square.site

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 16 - Being steady and putting in the work with kaNO Jun 24, 2024

Have you wondered what it takes to hang in multiple industries ranging from graffiti to animation to toy design to streetwear? kaNO’s done it, and that’s who we’re talking to this week!

kaNO is an art hustler extraordinaire, whose multidisciplinary roles and iconic style takes him around the world with clients ranging from Medicom, Universal, Jordan, DC, Marvel, G-Shock, and the NBA, just to name a few. Raised in NYC and now working in Burbank, kaNO seamlessly weaves back and forth between the world of towering murals, toy design, character design, and streetwear.

In this conversation, kaNO shares his journey from the High School of Art & Design to being asked to work with top brands in multiple industries, and drops tons of knowledge for artists of all ages to learn from. Listen now!

PS - Listen to the end for some bonus content..and keep in mind kaNO and Jerome and friends :P

kaNO’s Links:

Webstore: https://www.kanokid.com/shop

Instagram: @kanoKid

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 15 - Building new worlds with Fixed Temple Toys Jun 06, 2024

If you’ve ever looked at a project’s deep world building and wondered what inspired it, check out this conversation with Colton Houser of Fixed Temple Toys.

Colton is the mastermind behind the Glorbles, ectoplasmic shape shifting entities bent on taking over the world, and the AOA, the last bastion of human defense against these ectoplasmic, shapeshifting entities that have taken the art toy scene by storm.

In this inspiring conversation, Colton shares the origins of Glorbles, the power of support networks, and the fundamental need for artists to just “send it.”

Fixed Temple Toy links:

Instagram: @fixedtempletoys

PS - Find Fixed Temple Toys at Five Points Fest in New York on June 8-9, 2024!

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 14 - Building a Creative Community and Career with Ari Bean Things May 24, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered how to get started streaming your art and building a community, come listen to the blueprint that Ari Bean Things shares in this fun and lively conversation.

Ari is a multidisciplinary artist who makes her living crafting, illustrating, and streaming her process on Twitch. In this conversation, Ari shares her journey through engineering, music, and visual art, and how the pandemic was a huge shift that ended up totally reimagining her career path.

In this conversation, Ari shares how she’s been able to grow a steady audience and offers tons of great advice for creatives in a digital age, even if you’re not planning on growing your streaming fan base.

Ari’s links:

Instagram: @ari.bean.things

Twitch: Aribeanthings

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 13- The Power of Community and Optimism with Hyperactive Monkey’s Jerome Lu May 10, 2024

If you’ve ever thought about making your own toy, or trying to break into the toy industry, you’ve got to listen to this conversation with the creator of Hyperactive Monkey, Jerome Lu.

Jerome works by day for clients like Hasbro, Super7, Nice Kicks, and Spin Master, and builds the world of Hyperactive Monkey at night. He shares his origin story: from being rejected from animation programs to getting into toy design to working on the Star Wars franchise to how his journey is like the Fast and the Furious films.

In this conversation Jerome shares tons of great advice for aspiring creatives of all disciplines, especially those seeking to collaborate and get their foot in the door.

Jerome’s Links:

Website: Hyperactivemonkey.com

Instagram: @jromonkey

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP12 - Writing Legendary Characters with Tom DeFalco Apr 26, 2024

If you’ve read any Marvel comics in the 90’s, there is a strong likelihood that you’re familiar with Tom DeFalco, one of Marvel’s longest running editors-in-chief. Besides helping Hasbro launch the GI Joe mythos of the 80’s, he’s also written stories for Spider-Man, Archie, the Fantastic Four, Wolverine, Thor..and the list goes on and on and on.

Every writer (and creative) needs to listen to this conversation with Tom as shares with us how he broke in (and how to do so now), how to write great characters, and what it means to be a professional writer.

Tom’s links:

Tom on LinkedIn

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠thekitchenrecordingstudio.com⁠

EP 11 - Choosing Your Environment with Susel Aleman Apr 12, 2024

Ever feel like someplace else might suit you better? What does it take to move countries twice before finding the place that feels right for you? Find out in this conversation with industrial designer and visual development artist Susel Aleman.

Susel Aleman didn’t start taking art seriously until she was in high school. After graduating college in Cuba, she moved to France to pursue her Masters, and she’s since moved to the United States where she is a practicing industrial designer building pedagogical toys, and moonlights as a visual development artist and illustrator. Susel shares some great wisdom around artist block, overcoming challenges, and embracing curiosity and experimentation.

Susel’s Links:

Instagram: @illustration_by_susy

Website: suselaleman.com

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 10 - Professional Artist Masterclass with Stephen Silver Mar 29, 2024

If you’ve ever wanted to draw faster or learn what it takes to make it in the animation industry, this conversation with character designer and academy founder Stephen Silver is a must-listen.

Stephen Silver has worked with some of the biggest animation studios in the world as a lead character designer developing the style for shows such as Scooby-Doo, Kim Possible, and Danny Phantom. He’s also the founder of the Silver Drawing Academy, where he teaches both aspiring professionals and hobbyists.

This is a masterclass on getting your foot in the door from someone who has worked as a Disney recruiter and has given thousands of portfolio reviews. He not only gives practical tips for those looking to break in, but also the need for preparation as well as surrender.

Stephen’s Links:

The Silver Drawing Academy: silverdrawingacademy.com

Instagram: @stephensilver7

Facebook: facebook.com/stephensilver

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephen-silver-1b1bb23/

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 09 - Chasing rejection to find success with The Obanoth / Hannah Webb Mar 15, 2024

If you've ever told yourself "You're not ready" for an opportunity, you've got to listen to this conversation with illustrator, muralist, and acrylic painter The Obanoth.

The Obanoth, aka Hannah Webb, is a full-time artist with a huge social media following and multiple brand sponsorships. Her instantly-recognizable work is a staple at DesignerCon, and in this interview she shares her scrappy mindset that leads her to "chase the No's" as a pass to getting to the "yes's."

Hannah breaks down some crucial nuance around considering opportunities, especially when you're getting started, as well as how authenticity can lead to finding connection with your audience.

Hannah’s Links:

Hannah’s website: The Obanoth.com

Instagram: @theobanoth

TikTok: @theobanoth

Email: theobanoth@gmail.com

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by:Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 08 - Charting Your Own Course - Margarita Monet of Edge of Paradise Mar 01, 2024

How do you weave together a background in theater, visual art, costume design, and music to chart your own course as a certified rockstar? Find out in this conversation with Margarita Monet, the singer/pianist behind the cinematic rock act Edge of Paradise.

Margarita Monet and Edge of Paradise have released three albums and toured over 25 countries, building a supportive fan base through killer riffs, cinematic stage shows, and lots and lots of hard work.

Margarita shares her take on getting through setbacks and mistakes, how to build self-trust in one's creative vision, and how she weaves multiple creative mediums into the art she creates.

PS - If you want to catch Margarita and Edge of Paradise live, they're embarking on a US/Canada tour in April.

Margarita's Links:

Edge of Paradise website: EdgeofParadiseband.com

Spotify: Edge of Paradise

YouTube: @EdgeofParadiseBand

Instagram: @edgeofparadise

Twitter: @edgeofparadise

Facebook: Edge of Paradise Band

Apple Music: Edge of Paradise

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by: Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio

EP 07 - Courage and Resilience as a Multi-hyphenate Creator with Ruby Roth Feb 16, 2024

What does it look like to shed an identity after building up a public persona for a decade and getting on CNN, Fox, and the Today show?

Ruby Roth won awards as a best-selling children's book author-illustrator, then made a major pivot into figurative art that alienated her past audience. Ruby's origin story is one of courage and resilience in the face of algorithmic fallout and angry parents.

She is also releasing Boss Inside: A Reclamation of the Feminine, an illustrator memoir that covers 2016-2020 as she reclaimed her life, creativity, art, sexuality, and relationship with men and masculinity.

Ruby's Links:

Website: RubyRoth.co

Instagram: @ruby_roth

Order Boss Inside

Get in touch with Rick or Chris at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dconpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more DesignerCon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠designercon.com⁠⁠⁠

Origins theme song: Noel Beltran

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mixed and Mastered by:Nathan Bankston

Milf’s Kitchen Recording Studio