How You Create

In this episode of "How You Create," I'm joined by Niko Kampouris, a creative with experience in social media, community management, and content. In addition to all the skills that come along with this experience, Niko is my resident web 3 and NFT geek. In this convo we talked about the rise, the fall, the stagnation, and the next chapter for NFTs.

In this episode of "How You Create," I am joined by documentary photographer Wesaam Al-Badry, 2023 Google Pixel & Aperture Creator Labs Photo Fund grant recipient. Wesaam, born in Nasiriyah, Iraq, fled to Saudi Arabia and lived in refugee camps for 4 and half years at the outset of what became known as the Gulf War. In late 1994, Wesaam and his family were relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska. Both his time in refugee camps, his working class upbringing in Nebraska, and late his attainment of master's in New Media journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, and his BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute culminate in his work which depicts honest moments of the lives of those often absent from art institutes, and a deep belief in the integrity and responsibility of his work. Wesaam urges any listeners who have questions or needs advice about work and grants to reach out to him directly at wesaamalbadry@gmail.com. We talked deeply about the responsibility photographers has to the people in the communities photographers use in their art, why more more negatives makes more sense to him than more posting on Instagram, and how relationship and community is the most essential skill for photographers Wesaam has worked for global media outlets, including CNN and Al-Jazeera America. His photographs have been featured in the New York Times, Rolling Stone Magazine, The Atlantic, NPR, Fortune, The Nation, and Mother Jones. Al-Badry has received The John Collier Jr. Award for Still Photography, Dorothea Lange Fellowship, the Jim Marshall Fellowship for Photography, The National Geographic Society fellowship, Magnum Foundation, and The Emerson Collective, and is currently a fellow at The Center for Visual Documentation.

In this episode of "How You Create," I am joined by Ramie Ahmed, Photographer and Google Pixel & Aperture 2023 Creator Labs Photo Fund grant recipient. Ramie, now working out of New York, describes himself as a documentary photographer focussing on marginalized communities, specifically the LGBTQ, Queer, and Trans spaces. In this episode, Ramie discusses growing up in New Jersey, his responsibility in capturing communities without telling stories for others, while putting out meaningful work. Primarily a film photographer, we discuss the permanence of film versus digital, and the power of storytelling the medium offers.

Welcome to another episode of "How You Create" this time we're joined by friend of the pod and fellow creative, photographer, and Director of New Business at Bullhorn Creative Tim Harris! Today we discuss the future of every creative's frenemy Adobe, Tim's disappointment with Netflix, and the How You Create live event. Don't miss out on all the banter, hot takes, and endless discussion on the future viability of Threads.

On this episode of "How You Create," Host Ben Terry is joined by photographer and longtime friend, David Kasnic. After moving from his home in a small town in the Pacific Northwest to study at Western Kentucky University, Dave finished his formal photography education with a MFA at Columbia College Chicago in Photography. Additionally, Dave has worked with national and internationally recognized brands such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Barron's. On this in depth episode, Dave discusses as an artist, what we can learn by revisiting home, the pros and cons of a MFA program, and the endless perils of playing “the game” when it comes to making money from creative work, while maintaining artistic integrity.

On this episode of How You Create your favorite group of creatives is back! I'm joined today by Tim Harris, Josiah Bice, and Andrew Granstaff. Andrew and Josiah are both photographers as well as the Operational Specialist and Production Manager at State Film Lab in Louisville. Tim Harris is a photographer, and Director of New Business at Bullhorn. In this episode, we talk the true definition of “artistic integrity”, how to know when the time is right to charge your audience, and what concerns and advantages working creatives see in emerging AI technology. We also discuss the hot topic of Taylor Swift at the Kansas City Chiefs game.

On this episode of How You Create, Tyler Deeb is back as a guest, Tyler is the owner, designer, and CEO of Misc. goods. Tyler is a seasoned leader, strategist, and designer with over two decades of experience. His collaborative approach involves working closely with partners to assess their challenges, craft compelling brand identities, and set a clear roadmap for success. Whether the project is in its infancy or a well-established endeavor, Tyler's mantra remains constant: "be smart, be nimble, and be creative." His passion for every project mirrors the excitement he had when he embarked on this journey two decades ago, infused with the wisdom of today.In this episode, Tyler shares wisdom gained through his years of experience. He advises young professionals to harness their curiosity and dedicate their time to learning how to capitalize on those skills as they gain more experience. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of achieving a healthier work-life balance.Tyler also delves into the intriguing topic of valuing your services as you age, shedding light on the evolving nature of expertise and the changing dynamics of pricing your skills over time. Additionally, he imparts essential insights on protecting your designs and assets, a critical consideration for any creative professional. Join us for an enlightening conversation that spans a lifetime of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with Tyler as our guide.

On this episode I am joined by a panel featuring Joshua Jean-Marie, Tim Harris, and Andrew Granstaff. Together, we go on a deep dive into the dynamic realms of freelance work versus agency engagements. With a wealth of collective experience, we attempt to shed light on the intricacies of pricing services according to one's seniority in the field, a topic that often bewilders many aspiring professionals. We dissect the nuances of leveraging LinkedIn for career growth and networking, then shift the spotlight to an innovative budgeting tool, the Copilot app, and delve into its multifaceted benefits for both financial planning and personal growth. As the episode unfolds, we explore the ever-evolving landscape of photography trends. From the resurgence of point-and-shoot cameras to the nostalgic revival of film photography, we dissect the driving forces behind these shifts and what they signify for the creative community. Join us for a riveting discussion that traverses the worlds of freelancing, finance, and visual artistry, all in the company of seasoned experts sharing their invaluable insights.

I'm thrilled to be joined by Todd Balsley, the visionary behind Clever Supply, your go-to retail destination for camera-related accessories. They've garnered a distinct reputation for their meticulously crafted leather camera straps. Notably, Todd brings to the table a rich background in photography, coupled with an understanding of marketing dynamics. What's more, he has a tenure of almost 6 years at Buffer, a beloved name in the realm of social media management. In this episode, Todd and I embark on an exploration of his intertwined journey through the realms of photography and marketing. We uncover the genesis story of Clever Supply, tracing its evolution from a concept to a thriving reality. We delve into Todd's growth as a leader and the foundational company values that have become the cornerstones of Clever Supply's identity. Tune in and gain invaluable insights from a true industry expert and my friend, Todd Balsley. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

On this episode of How You Create I am joined by a few friends from the creative community, Tim Harris, Josiah Bice, and Andrew Granstaff. Andrew and Josiah are both photographers as well as the Operational Specialist and Production Manager at State Film Lab. Tim is a photographer as well and the Director of New Business at Bullhorn. In this installment, we dive deep into the dynamic world of social media and its influence on creative exposure. We peruse through the evolution of social platforms, exploring the best mediums to harness in today's digital age. Will Threads surpass Twitter, or ‘X'?  The four of us have an animated exchange of opinions as we discuss the impact of the record breaking duo-releases Barbie and Oppenheimer, or “Barbenheimer”, as they call it. Furthermore, we address intriguing questions, such as the Gen Z fashion trends that are currently taking the world by storm and a lighthearted comparison of social media platforms as if they were sports. Don't miss out on all of our banter, on How You Create.

On this episode of How You Create, I dive into the journey of Josh Ong, an influential figure in the digital space. With his extensive background in journalism, communications, and marketing, Josh brings a unique perspective to the table. As a co-founder of Bored Room Ventures and Chief Strategy Officer of Kreatorhood, he has been at the forefront of advising brands, startups, and creatives on navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape, particularly the decentralized internet known as web3. Josh's expertise lies in his deep understanding of both brand dynamics and the power of language. He shares his insights on how brands operate in the digital realm and the nuances of effective communication in this new era. Listeners will learn about his transition from journalism to the world of communications and marketing, discovering the reasons behind this pivotal shift and how it has shaped his approach to helping others thrive in the digital space. Join us as we explore the intersection of technology, storytelling, and branding with Josh Ong on this thought-provoking episode.

In this episode, I sit down with a dear friend of mine, Britt Bass Turner, an Atlanta native and abstract artist known for her vibrant and playful paintings. Britt's love for color and design blossomed at a young age, influenced by her interior designer mother and her exploration of fabric samples and color swatches. With her refined eye for aesthetics and design, Britt brings a sense of curiosity and exploration to her captivating work. Britt shares her experiences of balancing her artistic pursuits with being a dedicated mother to three children. Discover how she embraces her art as a liberating space where she can break free from the confines of structure and expectations, allowing her creativity to flow freely. We delve into Britt's journey of restructuring and reimagining her artistic practice. She opens up about taking time off to be a full-time mom and her decision to step away from social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore how she rebrands herself and redefines her artistic identity after her well-deserved break, as well as some exciting ideas coming into fruition in the future.

Clara Shuku Mokri, a Los Angeles-based visual storyteller, is on the podcast this week to talk about life as a photographer and videographer. Growing up in a family of surfers along the beautiful shores of Malibu and Topanga Beach, Clara's early connection with nature and adventure shaped her artistic sensibilities. She discovered her true calling and decided to delve deeper into the world of photography throughout her studies at Yale University, where she played basketball and studied political science. Receiving her Masters in Documentary Filmmaking at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, where she coined herself a photojournalist, Clara's journey allowed her to explore her own memories and document them for generations to come. Clara talks about the inspiration behind her hyperfixation on capturing life's fleeting moments. The experience of witnessing her beloved grandfather battle Alzheimer's disease ignited a profound desire to preserve memories and cherish the precious moments that make up our lives. Clara's artistic approach is truly remarkable, with her diverse portfolio from sports photography to portraits. Clara nestles herself excellently in the niche of emphasizing the power of stillness and the emotions evoked by frozen moments.  Visit Clara's website at claramokriphotography.com to explore her stunning portfolio and witness the extraordinary way she captures life's fleeting moments. Don't miss our inspiring conversation with Clara Shuku Mokri, where we delve into artistry, personal growth, and the power of visual storytelling.

We are joined by Andy Miller AKA Andy J Pizza. Andy is a storyteller, illustrator, podcaster, and public speaker. He's worked with clients like Nickelodeon, Warby Parker, Google, and The New York Times. Andy is also creator and host of Creative Pep Talk, a podcast for creatives that was early to the podcast scene. Ben and Andy discuss Andy's upbringing and how that influences him, neurodiversity, self-reflection and how that relates to self-expression, how to balance compromise and creative liberty, the role of confidence in a creative career, Andy's new book, Invisible Things, and so much more. Tune into this episode of How You Create, Interpreting Day Dreams With Andy J Pizza.

On this episode of How You Create, Ash Adams joins Ben and Joshua. Ash is a photojournalist and photo editor. She started photography as a teenager, studied photojournalism at Ohio University, and moved to Alaska to pursue photojournalism. They discuss the process Ash has when shooting a photojournalism story, what draws her to photography, her relationship with Alaska, and so much more. Sometimes photojournalism means sleeping on the floor, going awhile with food, long sleepless days, or exposing yourself to uncontrollable situations. Ash talks about what it means to surrender to those elements and how the passion of storytelling motivates her to continue on the grind and hustle of a career in photojournalism. Learn more on this episode of How You Create, Photojournalism: A Story of Beauty and Sacrifice with Ash Adams

We are joined by Devin Allen on this episode of How You Create. Devin is a photojournalist and activist from Baltimore, Maryland. Photography and activism go hand in hand for him. Devin is a self taught photographer who shot photographs from the Freddie Gray and George Floyd protests that were both published as covers for Time Magazine. He shares about his catapult into his photography career as an amateur, navigating the industry, and how to always keep your values at the forefront. Hear more about Devin Allen's journey on this episode of How You Create, Art and Activism with Devin Allen.

On this episode of How You Create, we're talking about NFTs. Ben is joined by Jalil Wahdatehagh, creator of Scapes and developer of Checks. Stepping in for Joshua this episode, is friend of the pod, Niko Kampouris, who is involved in NFT projects like Bushidos. The three discuss the ins and outs of the NFT communities, how Jalil got involved in the web3 world, and thoughts on the future of NFTs. Learn all about it on this episode of How You Create, Proof of Work with Jalil Wahdatehagh.

On this episode of How You Create, Ben and Joshua are joined by Brian McDonald and Jesse Bryan. In the words of Jesse, Brian is the best storyteller alive today. Aside from being Brian's biggest hype man, Jesse is Founder and CEO of Belief Agency. Brian and Jesse work together at Belief Agency, which is a full-service creative agency and story consultancy that believes the truth is enough. Things don't always have to be so arduous, and oftentimes people use big words and over-complicate things to come off as experts. These two live by Einstein's “If you can't explain it to a six-year-old, then you don't understand it yourself.” And with their deep understanding of storytelling, it all just makes sense. The four discuss armature, a concept that Brian learned from his time working alongside sculptors. They would start with a wire skeleton to support the weight of the clay. It holds everything together, everything is built upon it, and it's one of the most important elements of the sculpture, but it's not what people see or pay attention to. The four discuss how that concept applies to almost everything, including storytelling. They also get into what it means to survive - culturally, spiritually, emotionally, communally and more. This is not an episode you want to miss. Learn more by listening to this episode of How You Create, You Are a Storyteller with Brian McDonald and Jesse Bryan.

On the pod this week, Ben and Joshua talk about a multitude of topics from kickstarter projects, to Joshua's new personal newsletter and thoughts on the e-commerce world, what Ben's been focusing on with his two big projects, Hidden Ventures and Mosaic, and quite a bit more. Keep on the lookout for an upcoming event in Louisville and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all the things.

Alex Matisse is here with Ben and Joshua this week on the podcast. From potter to Founder and CEO, Alex has been shaping East Fork Pottery both literally and figuratively for the past ten years. He shares about the values he holds and how he brings that to the business at East Fork; he's passionate about his local community, about bringing a human-centeredness to both his craft and the environment he creates for the employees of East Fork, and about not just defaulting to the most traditional approach to something, but doing things differently

After a long hiatus, How You Create is back and hopefully better than ever. In this episode, Joshua and Ben walk through the most recent Link Up post from the newsletter. Which - spoiler alert, Joshua hadn't read before the episode, so if you haven't either, that's okay. The guys discuss and try to break down things like OpenAI's chatgpt, the future of NFTs, Airbnb and fees, the state of the market, the hype of brand collaborations, wedding photography, and a whole lot more.

From Michigan to Hollywood, Maegan Houang talks with Joshua and Ben to share her creative journey and pull back the curtain on what it's like to work in Hollywood, build a career in film, and share how much money you need to live as a writer and director. Maegan Houang is a writer/director interested in exploring the crushing absurdity of the human condition. She recently released two new music videos for Mitski. She is a story editor on Shōgun (FX) and previously served as a staff writer on Season Two of Counterpart (Starz/MRC). She also co-wrote the feature film Jamojaya directed by Justin Chon (Blue Bayou, Gook) starring Indonesian rapper Rich Brian. In 2018, she received a VSCO Voices Creator Grant from Access Ventures to direct a short film she wrote In Full Bloom starring Kieu Chinh (The Joy Luck Club). The film premiered online on Short of the Week and played at numerous film festivals including Fantastic Fest, Atlanta Film Festival, Oak Cliff, Hollyshorts, New Orleans, LAAPFF and Sidewalk Film Festival. She is currently in post on a new short film Astonishing Little Feet. Maegan has also directed music videos for artists such as Mitski, Vagabon, Charly Bliss, Hana Vu, Chastity Belt and Skylar Spence. Her videos have been recognized by SXSW, Noisey, Fact Magazine, UKMVAs, Stereogum, Pitchfork, Raindance Film Festival, Vimeo Staff Picks and Videostatic. Her work primarily focuses on the complexity of the Asian-American experience, intergenerational trauma and her own experience living as a mixed-race American. Watch some of Maegan's work here: https://maeganhouang.com/

This ain't no hobby. Amber Vittoria joins Ben and Joshua on the podcast this week to pull back the curtain on how she has thrived as a working artist. Most recently, Amber has embraced the digital art world and has minted numerous NFTs and has received attention and buyers like Reese Witherspoon and L'Oreal to support her work. Amber Vittoria is an artist and poet working in New York City. Taking advantage of the fluidity of her ink, color pencil and acrylic paints, Amber creates aqueous rainbow gradients that dominate her compositions. Punctuated by simple graphite line drawings and impactful words, her work draws on her relationship to femininity, emotion and societal expectations. Amber has three sold-out NFT collections, is a Forbes 30 Under 30 Recipient, One Club Young Gun, Society of Illustrators Gold Medalist, American Illustration Chosen Winner, AOI World Illustration Overall Winner, and ADC Annual Award Winner. Her work has been recognized by Print Magazine, It's Nice That, Computer Arts, HuffPost, and Teen Vogue. Some of her clients include Facebook, Warby Parker, Apple, The New York Times, NBC, Google, Gucci, Condé Nast, Adidas, and Snapchat. Follow her: @Amber_Vittoria

Joshua and Ben take a look back at the past year and discuss the highs and lows of episodes on the podcast, creative trends, creative tools, NFTs, and anything else we could remember. We also talk about what we expect to see happen in 2022. We'll be honest, I think we're conditioned from experiencing 2020/2021 to expect the worse so that we can be pleasantly surprised if the year goes well :)

Jeremy Booth is a creative illustrator whose work focuses on commercial, editorial, and mural illustrations. His philosophy is to create bold illustrations that communicate well and are hard to forget. He has worked with brands such as Amazon, Slack, Warby Parker, Orange, ADP, Charles Schwab, CNES, Invision, and many more. And now he works full-time as a product illustrator for Coinbase.Most recently, Jeremy has been designing a new generative NFT art project called Bushidos. It is an 8,888 NFT samurai that defends the Ethereum blockchain from centralization and FUD. Jeremy and his team have been an active community and shares his learning from building his own collection and NFT community. The NFTs will be minted in October of 2021. Join their discord community for more information on how to participate –– https://www.bushidos.io

Brett Arndt joins Joshua Jean-Marie and Ben Terry to discuss what it means to be a director of photography and the art of cinematography. Brett is a rising cinematographer who has worked with artists like Post Malone, Lil Dirk, Cole Bennett of Lyrical Lemonade, and more.This week's episode is sponsored by Clever Supply Co. Buy one of their handmade, leather camera straps and accessories using our promo code HYC15 for 15% off your purchase.

Max Moore is an American music video and commercial director.  Some of his most noted music videos span from work with Travis Barker, JXDN, Code Orange, All Time Low, New Found Glory, Converge, Knocked Loose, and dozens of others artists across multiple genres, collectively totaling over 100 million views online. Aside from music videos, Moore's narrative short films have also been selected for Academy Qualifying and International Film Festivals throughout the US and Europe.  Max completed his degree in Film Studies at Western Kentucky University.This week's episode is sponsored by Clever Supply Co. Buy one of their handmade, leather camera straps and accessories using our promo code HYC15 for 15% off your purchase.

Daniella Zalcman is a Vietnamese-American documentary photographer based between New Orleans and New York. She is a multiple grantee of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, a fellow with the International Women's Media Foundation, a National Geographic Society grantee, and the founder of Women Photograph, a non-profit working to elevate the voices of women and nonbinary visual journalists. She is currently a 2021 Catchlight Fellow.Her work tends to focus on the legacies of western colonization, from the rise of homophobia in East Africa to the forced assimilation education of Indigenous children in North America. Her ongoing project, Signs of Your Identity, is the recipient of the Arnold Newman Prize, a Robert F Kennedy Journalism Award, the FotoEvidence Book Award, the Magnum Foundation's Inge Morath Award, and part of Open Society Foundation's Moving Walls 24.Daniella regularly lectures at high schools and universities, and is available for assignments and speaking engagements internationally. She is a member of the board of trustees of the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund and the board of directors of the ACOS Alliance. She graduated from Columbia University with a degree in architecture in 2009.This week's episode is sponsored by Clever Supply Co. Buy one of their handmade, leather camera straps and accessories using our promo code HYC15 for 15% off your purchase.

Mark Sabb, aka Mark Digital, is an internet artist, digital curator, founder of FELT Zine, and the Director of Marketing at the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco. Recently, Mark was just hired as the Creative Director, Head of Content and Digital Strategy at YBCA in SF. Mark’s work focuses on themes related to contemporary culture, global politics, and technology; earning him features in Paper Magazine, Hypebeast, Vice's The Creator's Project, Nylon Magazine, and more. Experimental digital art and interactive conceptualization act as launching pads for projects created by Mark's art collective, FELT Zine, which he founded in 2011. Through FELT Mark has been able to collaborate with companies such as Vice, Epic Records, and more via a unique visual aesthetic. FELT's creative output includes: content curation, merchandising, interactive promotional art, creative and art direction for fashion campaigns, music visual direction, feature writing, and more.As a department director at the Museum of the African Diaspora Mark approaches every collaboration, client, and project on an individual basis with excitement to tackle unanswered questions, and a thirst to lead the future through creative technology. By staying on top of the newest developments in visual arts technology Mark is able to find solutions to complex problems by utilizing a variety of mediums ranging from but not limited to: 3d rendering and modeling, front-end development, graphic design, video production, virtual and augmented reality, creative writing, and more.Felt Zine

By way of Texas—Deun Ivory is an LA-based director, photographer and creative wellness designer who creates and curates visual experiences centered around storytelling, self-love, and the advancement of black women.As a multidisciplinary artist, she has photographed for Apple, Nike, Glossier, CRWN Mag’s cover of Issa Rae, and has worked as the art director for Black Girl in Om—Ivory has carved her own lane as a rare breed regarding her ability to effortlessly express her vision through various creative mediums.As the founder + creative director of "the body: a home for love", a 501 (c)3 non-profit shifting culture around how black women heal from sexual trauma—Deun has cemented her power and influence as a wellness visionary and visual storyteller—garnering press from VOGUE, essence magazine, glamour, refinery29 and more.Black Women are Worthy is a movement inspired by the stories of black women like Breonna Taylor, Serena Williams, Oluwatoyin Salau, and every other black woman who deserved and deserves to be loved, respected, and protected at all costs. Deun Ivory's short film is a catalyst for the body: a home for love’s goal of raising $2 million dollars to actualize our vision of serving and growing a community of over 10,000 black women and becoming the standard for trauma-informed care and creative wellness.

Good ideas don’t always sell, but sometimes they do. After all, it’s the people that determine the market, right? Lucky for Tyler, the people wanted custom-designed decks of playing cards, and they still do. In this week’s episode, we sit down with Louisville-based designer and Misc. Goods Co. founder, Tyler Deeb, to discuss the unexpected success of his early Kickstarter campaign, what tools he values most in his day to day, and how to balance the hustle of eCommerce with the intricacies of quality design. Tyler Deeb is a designer, creative director, entrepreneur, family man, and business owner. His company, Misc. Goods Co. first became known for its monstrously successful Kickstarter campaign for a deck of playing cards Deeb completely re-designed. Since then, Misc. Goods have created a whole collection of different products including ceramic flasks, leather wallets, and leather belts. Deeb has carved out a niche with his brand by focusing on everything good - from the usefulness of the products to customer service to remaining ethical in all manufacturing.

Calling Joonbug an artist almost feels like an undersell. He's a talented illustrator, graphic designer, fashion merchandiser, photographer, painter, and videographer. Maybe you know Joon from his Bugs87 work or coffee-infused clothing brand, Fresh Kaufee. And if you don’t, we’re thrilled to introduce you to this uber-talented Oakland-based Jamaican with a habit of being in the right place at the right time.Joonbug works full-time as a multidisciplinary artist in Oakland, California. His Jamaican roots largely influence the voice in his style, a mix of rhythm, soul, and character.Where you can follow Joonbug:instagram.com/shutterbugs87/instagram.com/thebugs87/instagram.com/freshkaufee/Make sure to subscribe and leave us a review on where you get your podcasts. Also, don't forget to join our community of creatives by subscribing to our newsletter.

Mason Nystrom is a Research Analyst at Messari where he covers Web3, NFTs, social tokens, and more. Previously he worked for ConsenSys as a marketer focused on marketing strategy for ConsenSys and its portfolio companies. Prior to joining ConsenSys, he worked as a Business Analyst at Gatecoin, the first cryptocurrency exchange to list ether, Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency.Here are a few recommended reading materials from Mason on NFTs, Web3, and Social tokensWeb3 ELI5Origins of Web3 and Why it MattersThe Classifications of Social TokensThe Evolution of Content PlatformsNFTs as an Investment CategoryNFTs and a Thousand True Fans by Chris DixonThe NFT Bible by OpenSeaFollow Mason for more insights and research at @masonnystrom

Joshua kicks off this week's episode with his new goal of reading more books this year and what he's currently reading, which moves the conversation towards us trying to make sense of how to survive and thrive in this creative world. Most importantly, we share our plans for what's to come on the podcast and how to get more connected by subscribing to How You Create's newsletter for more content – howyoucreate.co

Adrian Walker is a mixed-media artist based in Chicago by way of St. Louis. Adrian has worked for some of the biggest brands like Apple, Google, VSCO, Airbnb and more. His work is inspired by the black body, dynamics of the black family, and archival work related to the African American experience and the untold stories they share. Adrian works as a photographer in both film and digital-format photography. Adrian creates penetrating portraits influenced by his deep awareness of the nuances that pervade the human experience. His greatest creative milestone to date is being named one of the prize-winning artists in The Outwin 2019: American Portraiture Today Competition currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery Smithsonian in Washington, DC.From his photograph “Black Virgin Mary” being shown at the National Portrait Gallery, to documenting what was really going on during the Ferguson uprisings, to being a Lecturer at Stanford University’s d.School, where he’s designing space for Black and Brown genius through his course “Community College,” you’ll always feel his desire to uplift voices progressively.Here are some of Adrian's projects mentioned in this episode:We MatterMy Lens Our FergusonNotre x NikeFor more updates and resources subscribe to our newsletter.

Alex Medina is an art director, a designer, and a Grammy award-winning music producer. He’s currently working as a senior Principal Designer at Vox Media and also designs and produces for music artists such as Lecrae, Andy Mineo, and others.In this week's episode, we talk with Alex about his nontraditional approach to entering into the music and design industry, the dynamic between self-worth and making money, what tools he uses for both work and play, and of course, Kanye West.You can follow Alex on Twitter to stay updated on what he's working on!Make sure to subscribe and leave us a review on where you get your podcasts. Also, don't forget to join our community of creatives by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on Twitter and Instagram.

Bethany Mollenkof is a filmmaker and photographer based in Los Angeles. She creates both short documentary and still photography focused at the intersections of gender, identity, and culture. Through portraits and interviews, she finds meaning in telling stories that reframe familiar narratives. Bethany graduated from Western Kentucky University where she studied photojournalism and art history.​ She is also a member of Women Photograph, Diversify Photo and Authority Collective. Bethany was recently named a 2021 Nieman Visiting Fellow and will be documenting the toll of COVID-19 on Black life in the rural South. Make sure to follow Bethany on Instagram.Check out some of Bethany’s projects mentioned in this week's episode:The RemainderEverything BelongsGiving birth in a time of death Victims of the Tulsa Race MassacreMake sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can also subscribe and leave us a review on where you get your podcasts. Also, don't forget to join our community of creatives by subscribing to our newsletter – https://www.howyoucreate.co/welcome

Dana Tanamachi is a New York City-based artist and designer who enjoys living a quiet life and working with her hands. In 2009, an impromptu chalk installation for a Brooklyn housewarming party landed Dana her first commission for Google and set the popular chalk-lettering trend—and her career—in motion. After working under design icon Louise Fili, she opened Tanamachi Studio, a boutique design studio specializing in custom typography and illustration for editorial, lifestyle, food, and fashion brands. She has been commissioned globally by clients such as Target, Nike, USPS, Penguin Books, Ralph Lauren, Instagram, and West Elm. Named a Young Gun (YG9) by the Art Director’s Club in 2011 and a Young Creative to Watch by HOW Magazine, she has had the distinct honor of creating custom cover art for O, HOW, and TIME Magazines. Watch Dana's CreativeMornings talk – https://creativemornings.com/talks/dana-tanamachi/1Where you can follow Dana:tanamachistudio.com/instagram.com/dana_tanamachitwitter.com/dana_tanamachiMake sure to subscribe and leave us a review on where you get your podcasts. Also, don't forget to join our community of creatives by subscribing to our newsletter – https://www.howyoucreate.co/welcome

How You Create is a new podcast hosted by Ben Terry and Joshua Jean-Marie. On each episode, we will have candid conversations with creators, designers, photographers, storytellers, and more about what it takes to survive and thrive as a creative in this modern world. We will pull back the curtain and explore each guest’s creative journey and the practical lessons they have learned along the way. You will hear their personal stories of what it’s like to create some incredible work, how do you know when you’ve become successful, what’s it’s like to fail, and what motivates and inspires them to keep moving forward.Subscribe and join as we learn together how to navigate the future of creative work. Twitter – @howyoucreateInstagram – @howyoucreateNewsletter – https://www.howyoucreate.co/welcome