In this episode of Monday Meeting, host EJ Brieva welcomes everyone back from summer break to kick off Season 10 with an open discussion, allowing the community to reconnect and share updates from their time away. This episode includes: Entrepreneurial journeys : Community members sharing experiences building social media presence and creative businesses, with insights into beating algorithms, sustainable content creation, and planning for streaming-based community building Professional rebrandi...
Jul 16, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 10Ep. 1
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Kendall Hotchkiss speaks with Kaho Yoshida, an award-winning director and animator with a special passion for stop motion and mixed media animation, based in Vancouver and represented by Jelly. This episode includes: * Kaho's experience working with representation through Jelly, including how the relationship formed and the benefits of having agency support as a woman of color in the industry * The creation of her acclaimed personal short film "Tongue," in...
May 28, 2025•46 min•Season 9Ep. 20
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Kendall Hotchkiss chats with Danni Fisher-Shin, an art director, animator, and illustrator who recently joined Apple after years of freelancing and studio work in Los Angeles. This episode includes: * Danni's career journey from studying fashion design to discovering animation and motion graphics at Otis College * How Danni became known as "the Procreate girl" through her work with the digital art app, creating animations and teaching on Skillshare * The e...
May 20, 2025•54 min•Season 9Ep. 19
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Kendall Hotchkiss continues our discussion about identity in the context of branding and motion design for multiple niches. This episode includes: * Whether to niche down or stay general in your creative business * Personal branding strategies for motion designers * How to communicate your value to clients unfamiliar with motion design * Building community over simply growing a following * Staying updated with industry changes without chasing every trend *...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 9Ep. 18
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Kendall Hotchkiss leads an open discussion exploring the nuances of identity and branding in motion design. This episode includes: Insights on when to refresh your brand identity, explaining that small tweaks like copywriting adjustments or logo refreshes can be made without a complete rebrand when targeting a new audience The importance of aligning your brand with your core values and using experimentation to find what works for your audience Discussion a...
May 07, 2025•1 hr•Season 9Ep. 17
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Lee Smalt welcomes creative director Jason Jacobson to discuss the art of pitching unconventional ideas and finding the courage to present concepts that push boundaries. This episode includes: Jason's 20-year journey from copywriter to creative director, and how his experience with improv comedy has shaped his approach to pitching creative concepts The value of the "chicken wing construct" - presenting ideas in escalating levels of boldness to gradually bu...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr•Season 9Ep. 16
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Lee Smalt leads an open discussion about pitching creative ideas, with valuable insights on pricing strategies and client relationships that help motion designers win projects. This episode includes: Practical strategies for setting price ranges rather than fixed rates, and how to effectively anchor pricing to shape client expectations The psychology of tiered pricing options and why clients typically gravitate toward middle packages Creative approaches to...
Apr 22, 2025•51 min•Season 9Ep. 15
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Lee Smalt talks with Juan Behrens, an Amsterdam-based creative director with 20 years of experience in the motion design industry, about the art of pitching creative ideas effectively. This episode includes: Juan shares insights from his time at MediaMonks and BUCK, reflecting on what he learned about pitching from his hands-on experience in the pitch team at Monks, to observing how different studios cast creatives and directors strategically, much like ch...
Apr 15, 2025•56 min•Season 9Ep. 14
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Lee Smalt talks with Christine Sheller, Senior Vice President of UX Research and Design at O3 World, about the art of pitching creative ideas effectively. This episode includes: Christine's journey from traditional graphic design to UX leadership, building brands, products, and teams throughout her career, particularly in the fintech industry Insights on what separates successful pitches from forgettable ones: connecting to business goals, understanding cl...
Apr 08, 2025•52 min•Season 9Ep. 13
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Jen Van Horn leads an open discussion with motion designers exploring creative burnout remedies, networking strategies, and animated film criticism. This episode includes: Community members sharing personal wins Creative burnout remedies, with suggestions for prioritizing self-care and reducing perfectionist pressures Finding joy in non-motion design side projects that can unexpectedly connect with creative work Critical analysis of animation industry tren...
Apr 01, 2025•53 min•Season 9Ep. 12
In this episode, host EJ Brieva and guests discuss effective networking strategies in the motion design world. This episode includes: Kons sharing insights from Barton Damer's ABC studio anniversary event featuring influential industry figures Community members celebrating personal wins, from getting paid after an agency shutdown to taking needed breaks Different approaches to industry events—whether to focus on business connections or authentic relationships Benefits of networking outside motio...
Mar 25, 2025•52 min•Season 9Ep. 11
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Jen Van Horn sits down with motion designer EJ Hassenfratz to explore his journey from digital artist to creator of physical plushies and vinyl toys. This episode includes: EJ's evolution from broadcast graphics to motion design and 3D artistry, discovering Cinema 4D when it was first gaining popularity How making tutorials became an unexpected career path after preparing for a presentation at NAB The emotional journey of creating his first plushie based o...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 9Ep. 10
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Jen Van Horn leads a community "Show and Tell" where motion designers share their off-screen creative pursuits and how these analog activities complement their digital careers. Check out our Show & Tell Showcase Page to see some of the photos from each presenter, and join our Discord to see the rest that were posted! This episode includes: Matthew Hinman's journey into woodworking, from custom noodle boards to laser-etched gifts Agustin Eguia's explora...
Mar 13, 2025•54 min•Season 9Ep. 9
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Jen Van Horn sits down with motion designer Luis Miranda to explore his journey into handcrafted satchels and embroidered patches, and how physical creative pursuits complement a digital career. This episode includes: Luis's evolution from sports animation and TV production to freelance motion design The iterative process of learning to sew and create custom accessories and clothing How digital design skills transfer to physical crafting challenges Finding...
Mar 04, 2025•49 min•Season 9Ep. 8
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host EJ Brieva welcomes Dr. Kacey Warren, who shares valuable insights on learning strategies, information retention, and cognitive processing in the motion design industry. This episode includes: Understanding "far transfer" - applying knowledge across different contexts Why adults often struggle to retain information from tutorials Strategies for effective note-taking and active listening The limitations of multitasking and how it impacts creative work Breaki...
Feb 26, 2025•50 min•Season 9Ep. 7
In this episode of Monday Meeting, host EJ Brieva sits down with award-winning animator Donavon Brutus to explore creative identity, personal growth, and navigating imposter syndrome in the motion design industry. This episode includes: Reflections on what drives artists to create, even in isolation The importance of identifying and challenging creative limiting beliefs How personal experiences like language barriers and bullying shape artistic perspective Finding balance between client work and...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 9Ep. 6
As clients choose efficiency over creativity, how can motion designers protect their craft? In this February 10, 2025 episode of Monday Meeting, host EJ Brieva leads an open discussion about the growing challenge of creative commoditization. This episode includes: Insights on how Super Bowl commercials reflect broader industry changes Understanding the shift from technical execution to strategic partnerships Practical approaches for pricing and positioning creative services Navigating the balanc...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr•Season 9Ep. 5
How can the motion design community support each member's growth? In this February 3rd episode of Monday Meeting, hosts Kendall Hotchkiss and EJ Brieva lead an engaging open discussion exploring professional development, and creative identity in the motion design industry. This episode includes: Tips for finding the right balance between freelance and studio work The importance of clear branding and website presentation Best practices for collaborating with other artists on larger projects Pract...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 9Ep. 4
How do you keep learning and growing creatively while maintaining work-life balance? In this January 27th episode of Monday Meeting, host Kendall Hotchkiss sits down with Kyle Hamrick and Evan Abrams of Motion Design Hotline to discuss creativity, teaching, and building community in the motion design world. This episode includes: The evolution of Motion Design Hotline through 100+ episodes and their approach to answering community questions How improv training can improve creative confidence and...
Jan 28, 2025•58 min•Season 11Ep. 3
Can changing careers make you a stronger creative? In this January 13th episode of Monday Meeting, Kendall Hotchkiss hosts an inspiring conversation featuring Kyle Krueger, Executive Producer at Yond Studio. This episode includes: How a 15-year sales career shaped Kyle's unique approach to creative leadership Finding strength in vulnerability: Kyle's journey through sobriety and personal growth in the motion design industry How embracing community support and personal growth led to co-founding Y...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 9Ep. 2
How can live streaming help build community in motion design? In this January 6th episode of Monday Meeting, focused on "New Year New Me," host Kendall Hotchkiss welcomed Ryan Selvy, freelance motion artist and live streamer, to explore how streaming platforms can foster genuine connections in our industry. This episode includes: Ryan's journey from agency life to becoming an Adobe Live contractor and independent streamer Practical tips for getting started with streaming tools like OBS and Strea...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 9Ep. 1
How did motion designers evolve and grow in 2024? In this December 16th episode of Monday Meeting, hosts EJ, Jen, and Kons wrapped up Season 8 strongly with an open discussion about the year's journey - wins to celebrate, successful strategies to try, and a call to action to show more of our humanity in the year ahead! This episode includes: Celebrating personal and professional wins - from launching companies to earning industry recognition How leveraging "soft skills" in video strategy transfo...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 8Ep. 20
What drives innovation and opportunity in motion design for live sports and events? In this December 9th episode of Monday Meeting, hosts EJ and Kons talk with Thomas Collier and Connor Henkle about bringing animation to life in stadiums, managing massive technical delivery demands, and finding creative growth through complex projects. This episode includes: How technology and high-resolution displays are reshaping what's possible for stadium graphics Building efficient workflows and templates t...
Dec 10, 2024•56 min•Season 8Ep. 19
How can motion designers transform physical spaces through projection and light? In this December 2nd episode of Monday Meeting, hosts EJ and Kons talk with Laura Oxendine and Brian Campbell about projection mapping, balancing creative passions with client work, and finding ways to push artistic boundaries in physical spaces. This episode includes: How experimental art projects can evolve into commercial opportunities Ways to blend technical knowledge with creative storytelling The value of main...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 8Ep. 18
What role does mindfulness play in creative growth? In this November 25th episode of Monday Meeting, host Jen Van Horn talks with Austin Saylor about reframing creative struggles, building intentional habits, and finding joy in the artistic process. This episode includes: How intentional consumption of art and media can spark creative renewal Strategies for recognizing and breaking negative thought patterns The importance of community support in overcoming creative blocks Finding balance between...
Nov 26, 2024•56 min•Season 8Ep. 17
How do motion designers navigate fear, anxiety, and decision paralysis? In this November 18th episode of Monday Meeting, host Jen Van Horn leads an open discussion exploring how the community manages mental health challenges while building sustainable creative careers. This episode includes: How to reframe fear as a positive indicator of growth and opportunity Strategies for breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps The importance of building community support systems for emerging a...
Nov 19, 2024•47 min•Season 8Ep. 16
How do creatives maintain balance between work and self-care? In this November 11th episode of Monday Meeting, host Jen Van Horn speaks with Amanda Russell and Ruth Newberry from Cream Studio about creative burnout, finding your authentic self, and establishing healthy routines. This episode includes: The importance of separating work identity from personal identity Practical strategies for managing ADHD and creative overwhelm How to establish meaningful morning routines and work-from-home bound...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr•Season 8Ep. 15
How do external "shoulds" affect our mental health and goal-setting in the motion design industry? In this November 4th episode of Monday Meeting, host Jen Van Horn talks with executive coach Dave O'Connor about reframing our relationship with expectations and exploring how they influence our creative journey. From industry pressures to learn every new tool to the push toward hustle culture, Dave offers insights on distinguishing between authentic goals and external pressures. This episode inclu...
Nov 05, 2024•48 min•Season 8Ep. 14
What role does value play in client relationships beyond rates and reels? In this October 28th episode of Monday Meeting, host Jen Van Horn leads an open discussion exploring how freelancers can shift from being seen as a commodity to being valued as creative partners. This episode includes: Strategies for communicating value beyond hourly rates and demo reels The importance of testimonials that highlight soft skills and communication How to handle project file deliverables and pricing for diffe...
Oct 29, 2024•55 min•Season 8Ep. 13
How has the VFX industry evolved from Silicon Graphics to real-time rendering? In this October 21st episode of Monday Meeting, host EJ Brieva talks with Jeff Lopez, co-head of CG and VFX Supervisor at The Mill, about his 27-year journey in the industry. From his early days at SVA to leading innovation at The Mill, Jeff shares insights on adapting to technological changes while maintaining creative passion. This episode includes: The importance of personality over technical skills in on-set super...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 8Ep. 12
