RAISE A GLASS FOR YOUR COMMUNITY!

In this episode, host Yuhei Ogawa explores the often overlooked power of community in the creative industry.

In an industry defined by volatility, rejection, and relentless reinvention, it's the people around us who provide support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging when the work gets hard. Whether it's finding your tribe, learning from rivals, or building spaces for voices that haven't been heard, community is what transforms isolated creators into a collective force—one that weathers industry shifts, celebrates each other's wins, and reminds us why we fell in love with this work in the first place.

[Intro] Justin Cone (Head of Communication, BUCK) shares the backstory of his emotional social media post. Simon Clowes (Managing Creative Director, Apple) unpacks his sense of belonging with his digital tribe. (11min)

[Chapter 1 - "My People"] Where do creatives find their community? Conversations with Brent Rockswold (Creative Director/Trailer Editor), Amanda Russell & Ruth Newberry (Creative Directors/Founders, CREAM), and filmmaker Haneol Lee. (7min)

[Chapter 2 - "Nerd In Me"] Christian Capello-Colon (Creative Director/Editor) on what skateboarding and trailer editing have in common. Hommy Diaz (Product Line Manager, DARC SPORT) on what it takes to be a footwear designer. Flame Artist Andy Milkis (Founder, Logik.tv) on what makes Flame community unique. (11min)

[Chapter 3 - "Frenemies"] Voice artist Brent Allen Hagel on keeping the voice art form alive by investing in the community, including his rival artists. Broadway performer Phillip Attmore on the unbreakable bond he's build with his fellow competitors. (11 3/4min)

[Chapter 4 - "Builders"] A.J. Mayers (Co-Founder/Co-President, VIBRANT) on identifying the void and building a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in entertainment marketing from ground-up. Ricardo Roberts (Creative Director/Co-Founder, BIEN) on the savvy mentorship program his studio has invented to train & uplift the under-represented communities. Dancer/Choreographer Ian McKenzie on bridging the gap that was created in the dance community during COVID lockdown. (18 1/2min)

[Outro] Erica Kung (Head of Production & Creative Operations, Squarespace) walks down the memory lane of how she was welcomed into the creative industry. Creative director Ryan Summers on why Motion Design community is a special space for him. Closing thought from creative director Ruth Newberry (Co-Founder, CREAM). (8min)

Main Theme by: Mateo Messina (https://www.mateomessina.com)
Additional Music: Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)

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What matters more for creative professionals—artistic integrity or commercial success? In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, host Yuhei Ogawa embarks on a spiritual quest to explore this timeless tension, inviting listeners into a rich conversation with creatives from diverse backgrounds who've wrestled with this very question.

Through intimate interviews and candid reflections, discover how artists, filmmakers, performers, and industry professionals navigate the delicate dance between passion and profit. From Hollywood's unspoken truths to the touring life of mega-star backup dancers, this episode reveals the real stories behind creative careers.

[Intro] Creative Directors Amanda Russell (Co-founder, CREAM Studio) & Kara Barnett (Senior Creative, Apple), plus VFX Artist Andy Milkis (Founder, Logik.tv), share their hard-won wisdom on balancing artistic vision with business realities. (5 min)

[Chapter 1 - "Artistry & Industry"] Theatrical Performer Phillip Attmore explores the artist's role in the business world, while Filmmaker Haneol Lee highlights what Hollywood fails to discuss. (7 1/2 min)

[Chapter 2 - "3 out of 10"] A raw journey through the film marketing trenches with industry veterans Benedict Coulter (Founder, REB3L), Christian Capello-Colon (Creative Director, Requiem), and Michael Blackburn, revealing why this field isn't for everyone. (11 1/2 min)

[Chapter 3 - "Dream & Reality"] Touring professional dancer Ian Mckenzie shares the surreal life of performing for the mega-star, and Producer Erica Kung (Head of Production & Creative Operations, Squarespace) discusses the crucial art of setting boundaries between passion and profession. (8 min)

[Chapter 4 - "Spiritual Growth"] Creative Director Simon Clowes (Managing Creative Director, Apple) reveals why he views the creative process as a spiritual practice. (6 3/4 min)

[Outro] Director Adam Reid on the ultimate creative challenge—becoming the hero of your own story. (3 1/2 min)

Perfect for creative professionals, aspiring artists, and anyone seeking to understand the complex relationship between art and commerce in today's world. Prepare for honest conversations that will challenge your assumptions and inspire new perspectives on what it means to create for a living.

Main Theme by: Mateo Messina (https://www.mateomessina.com)
Additional Music: Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)

Follow us on Instagram at @creativekindpod

In Part 2 of our deep dive on TRUST, host Yuhei Ogawa peels back the layers of creative partnership—where ego, empathy, and imagination collide. From client tensions to agency alliances and the elusive bond with an audience, how do we build bridges instead of boundaries? Featuring honest, surprising stories from leaders across the creative spectrum, this episode asks: Can trust be designed into the process itself? A must-listen for anyone who’s ever tried to make something—together.

[Intro]
Conversation with Andy Milkis (Founder, Logik.tv) (4 min)

[Chapter 1 "The Business of Service"]
Trailer Editor Benedict Coulter, Creative Director Amanda Russell (Co-founder, CREAM Studio), & Creative Director Christian Capello-Colon on what it means to be in service of the creative process. Andy Milkis (Founder, Logik.tv) on how to forge creative allyship (7 min)

[Chapter 2 "The Art of Listening"]
Sneaker Designer Hommy Diaz on plugging into the street culture. Conversation with Kara Barnett (Senior Creative, Apple) on the importance of understanding the assignment. Creative Director Michael Blackburn on why kindness is the key in bridging perspectives (7 min)

[Chapter 3 "In Their Shoes"]
Conversation with Erica Kung (Head of Production & Creative Operations, Squarespace) on the reality of varying visibility into the creative process. Ruth Newberry (Co-founder, CREAM Studio) opens up about the vulnerability of being a working artist. A.J. Mayers (Senior A/V Producer, Amazon MGM Studios) offers his perspective on the partnership with creative agencies. Director Macaela Vandermost (Owner, Newfangled Studios) on kindness in offering a guiding hand to the clients on values-driven work (9 min)

[Outro]
A.J. Mayers (Senior A/V Producer, Amazon MGM Studios) on challenges of modern digital networking. Trailer Editor/Creative Director Brent Rockswold on creative partnership rooted in authenticity. Creative Director Erin Sarofsky (Founder, Sarofsky) on the importance of nurturing professional relationships (6 1/2 min)

Main Theme by: Mateo Messina (https://www.mateomessina.com)
Additional Music: Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)

Follow us on Instagram at @creativekindpod