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Pixel Retentive Podcast

Pixel Retentive Podcast

De : Epic Made
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This is Pixel Retentive podcast where we, an Artist and a Business Owner, discuss the art of business and the business of art.Pixel Retentive (c) 2023 Direction Economie Management et direction Marketing et ventes
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    Épisodes
    • What 23 Years in Motion Design Teaches You About Creativity and Change with Kalika Sharma
      Feb 3 2026
      Introduction This week I had the incredible honor of talking with Kalika Sharma, a creative director, NYU professor, and founder of AntidoteFX, now in its 23rd year. Kalika's journey through the creative industry is nothing short of epic, spanning from hand-drawn animations on a 16mm Oxbury camera stand to leading high-end global campaigns for brands like Marriott Bonvoy and Brooks Brothers. Her ability to combine artistry with strategy has positioned her at the top of her field — all while mentoring others and staying on the edge of new technology. Oh, and did I mention she produced the iHeartRadio Music Festival while five months pregnant with twins? Absolute legend. What You'll Learn What it was like to animate frame-by-frame using a chalkboard and filmHow Kalika landed her first gig at Nickelodeon through relentless portfolio iterationWhy working on "Little Bill" revealed her love for variety and led to a pivot into commercialsThe scale and creative challenge of producing 30 bespoke videos in 15 languages for Marriott BonvoyHow to keep your artistic spark alive while pivoting alongside evolving tech like AIThe ethical implications and copyright challenges creatives face in the AI eraBalancing the use of AI tools while preserving originality and storytelling craftThe importance of mentorship and creative community for career longevity Quote of the Week "Bad art is its own form of tragedy." – Kalika Sharma Kalika hits a nerve with this one. In a world flooded with fast content and AI-generated shortcuts, we sometimes forget the slow burn of mastering a craft. This quote is a reminder that art — real, intentional art — requires patience, fundamentals, and humanity. When we lose that, the result might look good on the surface, but it often lacks the soul that connects with people. And that disconnect? That's the tragedy she's talking about. Overview Talking with Kalika felt like stepping into a masterclass on adaptability, creativity, and grounded leadership. We explored her roots in traditional animation, her evolution into commercial work, and how she's facing the challenges of AI with both skepticism and curiosity. What stood out most was her unwavering commitment to creative integrity — even in a time when shortcuts are celebrated. Whether you're a student, seasoned artist, or someone trying to find your footing amid rapid tech changes, Kalika's story is a testament to the power of showing up, pivoting with purpose, and always keeping your craft sharp. Huge thanks to Shereen Strasberg (87th Street Creative) for connecting us with Kalika and making this episode possible. Resources & Mentions AntidoteFX (Kalika's Studio): https://antidotefx.comMarriott Bonvoy Campaign: Marriott BonvoyBrooks Brothers: https://www.brooksbrothers.comiHeartRadio Music Festival: https://www.iheart.com/music-festivalGraphic Artists Guild: https://graphicartistsguild.orgPricing & Ethical Guidelines Book (17th Edition): Order here https://graphicartistsguild.org/the-graphic-artists-guild-handbook-pricing-ethical-guidelines/Zack Arnold's Optimizer Academy: https://optimizeyourself.meAustin Saylor – Project 200K: https://www.austinsaylor.comJake Bartlett (Jake in Motion): https://www.youtube.com/@jakeinmotion87th Street Creative (Shereen Strasberg): https://www.87thstreetcreative.com Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at getepicmade.com. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl
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      47 min
    • Why Most Brands Are Marketing to the Wrong Audience (And How to Fix It) with Seth Waite
      Jan 26 2026
      Introduction On this week's episode of Pixel Retentive, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Seth Waite—a powerhouse in consumer psychology and strategic brand growth. With nearly two decades of experience working with both global CPG giants and bold early-stage founders, Seth has developed a unique framework for uncovering why people actually buy. This guy doesn't just talk theory—he's helped brands scale by 8x just by identifying their true customer. Whether you're in retail, branding, or just trying to understand your audience better, Seth's insights cut through the noise. What You'll Learn Why most brands are optimizing funnels filled with the wrong peopleHow a $300 meat brand 8x'd their revenue by finding their real buyerThe importance of customer motivation over demographicsA breakdown of the "Why People Buy" pyramid (think Maslow's hierarchy meets marketing)The overlooked emotional layers that drive consumer decision-makingHow challenger brands like Fishwife and Liquid Death build cultural resonanceWhy focusing on values first makes your brand more powerful and targetedWhen and how to use demographic data (hint: it's not at the start)Lessons in brand longevity from Coca-Cola, Red Bull, and othersThe dangers of building personas on assumptions rather than behavior Quote of the Week "Most marketing and brand teams get caught up optimizing a funnel full of the wrong people." — Seth Waite Let that sink in. We often obsess over tweaking headlines, polishing conversion paths, and running endless A/B tests—without realizing we're speaking to the wrong audience entirely. Seth's point here reminds us that real marketing power lies in alignment. Are you talking to the people who actually want what you're selling? If not, all the optimization in the world won't help. Start with who you are, then figure out who that resonates with—not the other way around. Overview Hey friends, Carl here. This conversation with Seth was one of those deep dives that left me buzzing with new ideas. We jammed on everything from meat marketing to tinned fish to Lord of the Rings fandoms (yes, really). Seth broke down exactly why brands win when they focus on motivations over demographics, and how understanding human behavior at a deeper level leads to explosive growth. Whether you're building a brand from scratch or recalibrating your message, this episode is packed with clarity and real-world strategy. Honestly, this one's required listening for anyone in creative, branding, or product development. Big love to Crystal Lee Beck for connecting us! Resources & Mentions Seth Waite's Website: schaefer.coConnect with Seth on LinkedIn: Seth WaiteFishwife Tinned Seafood: fishwifeseafood.comLiquid Death (Water): liquiddeath.comOlipop Soda Alternative: drinkolipop.comPoppy Prebiotic Soda (by Coca-Cola): drinkpoppi.comSimon Sinek's Start With Why: startwithwhy.comCrystal Lee Beck (Comma Copywriters): commacopywriters.comLord of the Rings (because yes): lotr.fandom.com Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at getepicmade.com. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl
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      48 min
    • Crafting Nirvana: The Art and Impact of Music Imagery with Robin Sloane Seibert
      Dec 4 2025
      Introduction

      This week on Pixel Retentive, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Robin Seibert (formerly Sloane). She is a creative force behind some of the most iconic moments in modern music. With a career spanning over 20 years, Robin began her journey at Philo and Epic Records and eventually became VP of Music Video at Elektra. She later led the creative imaging departments at Geffen, DGC, and DreamWorks Records. Robin helped shape the visual identities of legendary artists like Nirvana, Counting Crows, and Weezer. Today, she is an accomplished classical pianist and is working on a memoir titled From Motley Crue to Mozart.

      What You'll Learn
      • How Robin helped create Nirvana's iconic "Nevermind" album cover and the video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

      • The process behind artist imaging and creative direction before the concept of branding became mainstream

      • What it was like navigating a male-dominated music industry in the 1980s and 1990s

      • The rise of MTV and its influence on record sales and artist visibility

      • Behind-the-scenes insights into working with Tracy Chapman, Counting Crows, and Weezer

      • How Spike Jonze got his big break and what made his work on early music videos stand out

      • The importance of creative instinct and trusting your gut

      • Thoughts on the evolution of music formats, from vinyl to streaming

      Quote

      "For me, the biggest indicator is that that thing comes from inside you and not from here... This is the enemy of making things: your brain." — Robin Sloane

      Robin's words are a powerful reminder that true creativity originates from within. She encourages us to stop letting our rational minds get in the way of creative exploration. Overthinking can sabotage inspiration before it ever gets a chance to grow. Her advice to follow what stirs your soul, no matter how small or odd it seems, is the kind of wisdom that only comes from living it. Whether it's painting a room, making a video, or picking up a new instrument at 45, the key is to just start.

      Overview

      This episode was a ride through music history told from the perspective of someone who helped shape it. Robin shared vivid stories from her time working with Nirvana, including how a simple idea from Kurt Cobain became one of the most recognizable album covers ever made. We talked about the evolution of artist branding, the cultural shift created by MTV, and what it took to push creative boundaries in a corporate structure. Robin's journey shows how trusting your instincts and refusing to be boxed in can lead to truly legendary work. Her story is as much about rebellion as it is about creativity, and I am incredibly grateful she shared it with us.

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      54 min
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