All Episodes
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 in total
Content Alchemy - Our New Show!
Every era comes to an end, and we are nearing the final episode of The CMD-Z Show. But we're not going anywhere. We're just moving to a new show! Welcome, Content Alch...
Can The Motion Industry Go Back to the Glory Days of 2021 - 2022? (w/ Hayley Akins)
In this conversation, Matt Vojacek and Shelby Hagerdon discuss the current state of the motion design industry with guest Hayley Akins from Motion Hatch. They explore ...
How Has Your Third Year of Freelancing Been? (w/ Audrey Havey)
Matt and Shelby are joined by Audrey Havey to discuss the journey of freelancing and her experiences and insights gained during her first three years. Audrey shares he...
When Will the Drought End for the Creative Industry? (w/ Kevin Rapp)
Matt and Shelby have Kevin Rapp back on the show to explore the current state of the creative industry and the challenges it faces. The main themes include the impact ...
Rapid Fire Questions!
This episode covers various topics related to the creative industry, including landing dream projects, growing client relationships, discovering creative missions, det...
Rapid Fire Questions! (w/ Saulo Nate)
Matt, Shelby, and Saulo Nate discuss various topics related to starting and growing a creative business. They touch on the importance of authenticity, understanding yo...
How Do You Start When You're Not Good Enough? (w/ Jesse Gentry)
Matt and Shelby invited Jesse Gentry to the show to explore the theme of starting something new when you feel like you're not good enough. It touches on the importance...
What Does the Current State of the Creative Industry Look Like for Recent Graduates? (w/ Gail Albright)
In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss their experiences after school and the challenges they faced in finding jobs in their respective fields. They share their pers...
What are the Most Important Things You've Learned on Your Journey? (w/ Christopher Adornato)
In this episode, Matt and Shelby interview Christopher Adornato, one of the owners of Solari Creative. Chris shares his journey of starting as a 3D artist and working ...
How Do You Fall Back in Love with Your Portfolio?
In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss the topic of falling back in love with your portfolio. They share their personal experiences and insights on how to creat...
How Do You Build a Content Plan? (w/ Drysen Carsten)
In this conversation, Matt, Shelby, and Drysen Carsten discuss the importance of building a content plan that aligns with a brand's goals and target audience. They emp...
How Do You Build a Creative Environment People Actually Want to Work In?
In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss how to build a creative environment that people actually want to work in. They touch on topics such as employee benefits,...
What is the Future of the Motion Design Industry? (w/ EJ Hassenfratz)
Matt and Shelby sat down with EJ Hassenfratz wo chat about the future of the motion design industry and the impact of AI. The guests discuss the potential of AI in mot...
Can You Make $200k a Year as a Freelancer? (w/ Austin Saylor)
Matt and Shelby had Austin Saylor on the show to discuss how he was able to make $200k in a year as a freelancer. What were his steps and what made him successful? How...
What Holds Small Studios Back From Reaching Their Full Potential? (w/ Joel Pilger)
In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss the challenges that small studios face in reaching their full potential and are joined by Joel Pilger, a creative consultant. ...
What Should You Be Focusing On In Your Creative Career?
In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss the challenges of staying focused as a creative and knowing what ideas to pursue. They explore the concept of being easily dis...
What Should You Do When You're Feeling Creatively Stagnant?
In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss what to do when feeling creatively stagnant. They explore the importance of taking breaks, both relaxing and adventurous,...
If You Had One Shot... Would You Capture It or Just Let It Slip?
In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss the concept of seizing opportunities and taking risks. They reflect on their own experiences and how they have created op...
What Are the Big Challenges Affecting Studios Right Now? (w/ Amanda Russell)
The main theme of the conversation is the challenges affecting studios, particularly in relation to AI and the economy. Amanda highlights the lack of control over budg...
How Do You Position Your Brand to Find Your Niche Audience? (w/ Shawna Poliziani)
In this episode, Matt, Shelby, and guest Shawna Poliziani discuss the importance of finding your niche audience and positioning your brand. They explore the role of em...
What is the Best Business Model for Creatives?
In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss the best business model for creatives. They explore different models such as standard employment, freelance, and the agency mo...
How Do You Build a Successful Marketing Strategy for Brands? (w/ Jess Fogal)
In this episode, the Matt and Shelby discuss building a successful marketing strategy and the importance of storytelling and empathy with their guest, Jess Fogal. Jess...
What Should be the Roles and Tasks of a Creative Producer? (w/ Katie Weger)
"What do producers even do?" Well, in addition to having Shelby (co-host and producer) on the show, we also brought on Kate Weger, our other producer at Made By Things...
How Do You Run a Profitable Creative Business and Still Have Fun?
"You ever just feel lost?" That was the how a question from one of our listeners started. And with a question so big and so relatable to so many creatives, you know we...
How Can Artists Avoid Being Exploited? (w/ Kevin Rapp)
"You should be grateful that you get to do what you love everyday." "It's not about the money." Sure, as creatives, we are grateful and we probably didn't get into thi...
Where Do You See The Creative Industry in 5-10 Years? (w/ Mack Garrison)
By this point, I'm sure we've all seen the latest updates to AI and the realistic video it can produce. So what does that mean for the creative industry? What will it ...
Why is Running a Creative Business So Damn Hard?
Why is running a creative business to damn hard? The creative industry is constantly evolving and it can be challenging to know when your business should evolve with i...
How Do You Know When It's Time to Innovate Within Your Creative Business?
How do you know when it's time to switch things up in a creative business? The industry is ever-changing and we are all currently in a period of transition. So what do...
How Do You Create a Stand-Out Portfolio?
How do you create a stand out portfolio? Is there one trick that will make you rise above the other applicants? How do you make sure you're the one called back for an ...
What Level of Communication Should You Expect from Freelancers? (w/ Jeremy Thibodeau)
When it comes to working with freelancers, it can be tough to clearly define how quickly they should respond and how often they should send updates. Is an appropriate ...
