The Busy Creator Podcast With Prescott Perez-fox - Conversations On Creative Culture, Workflow & Productivity

Lindsay Katt (@LindsayKatt) is a multi-faceted artist & musician based in New York. Her musical work spans several genres across the pop & rock sectors, in addition to work for television and film. Our discussion meanders a bit on the nature of art, cycles and seasons of creative work, the songwriting process — if there is one — and how creative pros can possibly keep up with today’s wacky world of social media. Keep up with Lindsay via her many social media outlets, or on her website, Lindsay Katt Music   Show Notes & Links Lindsay Katt’s website describes her as an Artist, Musician, Painter, Thinker, Tinkerer, Hugger, Dreamer, Lover, Maker … Still Deciding, and Ever Changing. Lindsay wants to “do all the things” She’s also a producer, director, merry-maker “Really well-done DIY is learning how to hire people more talented than you” ← Click to Tweet Art-shame culture; thinking “art isn’t a real job” Lindsay worked three different day-jobs to pay her way through school (studying psychology &

Frank Truglio (@IamPeritus) is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of a new website, Peritus.nyc, which connects creative pros to companies and agencies seeking talent. Peritus is unique in their use of technology, creating a detailed information profile for candidates in their database, and indexing creatives based on their characteristics and experiences. In this conversation, Frank discusses the founding of Peritus, how his team used off-the-shelf software to quickly build their first version, and how he keeps thing organized while developing in sprints and working double shifts.  Listen Now         00:00   00:00       Show Notes & Links Peritus.nyc Peritus means “Skilled” in Latin Peritus is an “invite-only platform” Frank has spent the last few years working in ski & snowboarding retail Peritus was created to solve the problem with seasonal and on-demand recruitment “Partner with us when all your other options fail.” ← Click to Tweet Most recruitment websites are “repackaged job boards”

Taylor Mathis (@taylor_mathis) is a food photographer turned entrepreneur based in Charlotte, NC. Taylor has built an online following in the food photography industry, and authored several books. Lately, he’s turned to online entrepreneurship and helping fellow photographers earn steady income through his new venture and podcast of the same name, Business of Creatives. This conversation covers his origins in photography, the challenges of shooting food, and how he transitioned into different business areas as a creative pro. Check out Taylor on his sites, Photographing Food , Taylor Takes a Taste, and Business of Creatives, as well as his book, The Southern Tailgating Cookbook. Show Notes & Links Taylor describes himself as a “content creator” Comes from a family of entrepreneurs  His food photography is run through his blog Taylor Takes a Taste Does some commissioned work through his blog producing recipes and photos Tabasco Fresh Express Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board Taylor graduated in 2008 with a

Bob Calvano (@bobcalvano) runs the digital media & design studio for A+E Networks, and oversees the development of mobile apps, websites, interfaces, and a variety of other design elements for A+E’s brands. This conversation discusses his origins in digital and traditional design work, how he manages a diverse team of designers and programmers, and the challenges of working in the always-changing business of television and entertainment. Show Notes & Links TV is the first screen; computers are the second screen; mobile is the third screen Bob describes himself thoroughly as a husband, father, son, brother, drummer, speaker, friend, designer … at different times “Proudly hyphenated” A+E, Lifetime, History, FYI — television networks under the A+E umbrella Basement storage racks Bob started as a fine artist & illustrator, later worked as an in-house designer for Panasonic An early business found Bob and his partner painting & airbrushing motorcycles, boats, etc. Oxygen Network R/GA, digital age

Laurie Rosenwald (@RosenWorld) is an artist, designer, illustrator, writer, and all-around creative spirit. Throughout her careers, she’s managed to fly under the radar of New York’s design and publishing industries and still be recognised for her distinct style and wit. Our conversation focuses on her origins in the creative fields, her working style, and her new workshops. See some of Laurie’s work on her studio page, Rosenworld.com.   Show Notes & Links Amazon refers to Laurie as a “professional nonconformist”  Intergalactic Arms Dealer, Bill Doran, previous guest on The Busy Creator Podcast Rosenworld, Laurie’s studio, which governs animation, design, illustration, and anything else “So I Fired The Shrink”, animation by Rosenworld Shouts and Murmurs, in The New Yorker Laurie splits her time with 20% dedicated to each painting, writing, illustration, design, & animation “The portfolio generation” The New York Times, The New Yorker, New York Magazine Laurie did the Target billboards in Times Squ

Joaquin Cotler (@ShinyIslands) is a musician based in Brooklyn, NY. In the ten years since finished his degree in music, he’s discovered the many strange sides of being a working musician, from recording and gigging with bands, to writing and performing solo, to teaching and conducting workshops. This conversation covers the music industry, the struggle of working musicians, how YouTube is changing the game, and how musicians across the spectrum learn, perform, and produce music. Catch up with Joaquin via his website, JoaquinCotler.com Check out our episode below, as well as some of his tracks embedded after the jump.   Show Notes & Links The Busy Creator is recorded at a standing desk BBC Radio mounts their microphones in the ceiling BBC Radio 1 Shure SM7B mic Blake Stratton, [now retired] singer-songwriter, appeared previously on The Busy Creator Podcast “Musician” is an all-encompassing trade, according to Joaquin Joaquin and The Hot Knives on Facebook “Creative-class Hustler” who is part of “T

Jay Seldin (@phototraveler8) is a fine art photographer, photo travel entrepreneur, and instructor. Jay has spent the bulk of his career as a teacher, whether teaching graphic design and photography at the high school level, or more recently conducting workshops and photo tours all over the world. This conversation tracks Jay’s early career and how he got into teaching, his accidental discovery of the Macintosh, how he transitioned into leading workshops and tours, and how Prescott learned the graphic design trade in 1998–99 as a high school senior. Environmental Portraits in Cuba, by Jay Seldin Show Notes & Links Jay defines himself as a teacher, a photographer, and world traveler. He is a curious person and a teller of tales. His style can be defined as an “environmental portrait photographer” Jay Seldin on YouTube Jay’s photo career began when he was required to take a humanities class in college. That class was an introduction to Black and White Photography. Developing a print in a darkroom was

Steve Dotto (@DottoTech) publishes a variety of videos on YouTube, mainly on the subject of personal productivity and software. Following a career in traditional broadcasting, he’s strategically moved into self-publishing and has since built a business with video, coaching, & speaking under his brand DottoTech. In this conversation, Steve shares his strategies for online community-building, his preferred sites and software, and his personal productivity habits. Below are some examples of videos that Steve produces: Show Notes & Links Steve calls himself a YouTube Content Creator. His channel is DottoTech “YouTube is not a broadcast network, it’s a social network.” ← Click to Tweet Steve had the business acumen to create a profitable show from his time in television  Personal Branding, by whatever name, has to do with authenticity The MasterCaster, part of Steve’s business that focuses on content creation for video & podcasts “It’s not a broadcast; it’s a conversation” ← Click to Tweet TV/Radio

Show Notes & Links David Blatner Anne-Marie Concepción Previous 3-Way Episodes on The Busy Creator Podcast #4 and #11 Three-way Calling InDesign Magazine Anne-Marie had aspirations to become a teacher … until she met Mac LaserWriter Font/DA Mover ClarisWorks “As a teacher of software to adults, you could charge whatever you wanted.” ← Click to Tweet Design Geek, an early newsletter-turned-blog from Anne-Marie David is an author, but NOT a novelist QuarkXPress, powerhouse page layout software in the 90s  Aldus PageMaker, predecessor to InDesign Armin Vit’s episode of The Busy Creator Podcast Remote Keyless Entry on your car S-Shaped Curve aka Sigmoid Function, for learning “The hardest part is not learning the feature, it’s remembering to use the feature.” ← Click to Tweet The Paint Format tool in MS Word Pet Peeve: Using Character Styles where a better tool is more appropriate Paragraph Styles panel should be called “Text Styles”  Unsharp Masking or Appearance Panel — wishlist features for InDesign Sm

Felix Sockwell is an illustrator and graphic designer based in New Jersey. Following a storied early career in some of New York’s top agencies, Felix changed direction to pursue his solo practice as an illustrator. For him, setting up outside the City didn’t mean obscurity; instead, he’s developed a unique signature style and works with a varied of high-profile clients like Facebook and The New York Times. See more of his work on his website, FelixSockwell.com Audio Player       00:00 Use Left/Right Arrow keys to advance one second, Up/Down arrows to advance ten seconds. 00:00   Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.       Felix Sockwell for WQXR, his signature continuous-line illustration style, click to enlarge Show Notes & Links Felix describes himself as both a designer and illustrator, from a family background in design, illustration, and advertising “Illustrative Designer” Von Glitschka East Texas State University, Felix’s almost mater DDB Needham/Tracey-Locke, ad agency i

  Kelley Keller (@KelleyKeller) is an Intellectual Property Attorney & Education, and founder of The Keller Law Firm. She’s also the creator of Innovation to Profits, an online educational resource for anyone with creative, valuable ideas. This legal-focused conversation discusses the types of IP, how portfolios must be handled, competition in the age of the Internet, Fair Use, and other legal matters important for creative pros in business.   Show Notes & Links F.U.D. Intellectual Property, a definition IP is “controlling the movement of knowledge throughout the marketplace” ← Click to Tweet Types of IP: Brand Names/Trademarks, Copyrights, Patents, Trade Secrets The Coca-Cola formula, the world’s most famous Trade Secret The Portfolio, a body of work for a creative pro Work-for-hire relationship (common for employees) Employer owns the work, employees need permission Non-compete and non-solicitation agreements are governed by Employment Law, at the State level “An ounce of prevention is worth a pou

Betsy Helmuth (@BetsyHelmuth) is an interior designer & decorator in New York City. Her company, Affordable Interior Design, offers exactly what is says on the tin. Over the years, she’s designed rooms in over 1,000 apartments, allowing her to create a systematic approach to working with busy clients. Betsy’s latest book, Big Design, Small Budget, is available Dec. 11, 2014. Pre-order a copy and give it this holiday season to the interior design geek in your life. Big Design, Small Budget by Betsy Helmuth Our conversation centers on the eccentricities of New York City apartments — and apartment-dwellers — as well as the systems Betsy has used to build a thriving business.   Show Notes & Links Betsy is the first Busy Creator representative for the Interior Design industry. People who shop at Ikea and Target are Betsy’s key customers New Yorkers feel a lot of anxiety about their space, and their storage (or lack thereof) New York City apartments can be “insultingly small” “Small is a relative term.”

Scott Colby (@ScottColby) is fitness & nutrition expert and coach based in Colorado. In recent years he’s moved from being a traditional personal trainer to being an online entrepreneur, creating the Fit For Photos workout and nutrition course. This conversation focuses on issues relating to health and wellness specifically aimed at creative professionals. We discuss the effects of deadlines, studio culture, and stress on creativity and energy. Scott shares some tips for dieting and how to structure a morning routine that aide productivity, energy, and ideas. Read more about Scott on his website, ScottColby.com or his podcast, The Power to Change   Show Notes & Links Scott created the Fit For Photos coaching program, and also runs fitness adventure holidays His earlier niche was “abs”, where he was blogging as “The Abs Expert” Typical ailments that affect office workers: extended sitting, stress, late eating, greasy/convenience food, lack of sunlight, obsession “Your health has to come first before

Lisa Cummings (@LisaCummings) is a corporate consultant and trainer, and host of the Careers Q&A Podcast on PinchYourselfCareers.com. She offers insight and advice to job seekers and people at all stages of their careers, answering questions about office culture, hiring, money, and other career-related topics. Today’s conversation borrows the format of her show, answering user-submitted questions specific to the create professions.   Show Notes & Links On quantifying your work: put it in their perspective, be able to communicate your successes, make it all about the company. Also, get those figures wherever possible. Present a business case rather than ask for stuff On “creative” resumes: The content has to be solid, they don’t have to be infographics per se, inject your brand and personal style, show precision and attention to detail “Your resume is the first piece in your portfolio” ← Click to Tweet A resume is for 3–5 seconds. A hiring manager may only see your resume 30 seconds before they meet

Vijay Mathews (@vijaymathews) is a co-founder of W&Co., an interactive design & development agency based in New York. In the last few years, he’s built mobile apps and websites for a variety of clients, focusing on the education, non-profit, retail, and government sectors. This conversation discusses running a multidisciplinary firm, the workflow and roles at W&Co., and the trouble with de facto standards in the design biz.   Show Notes & Links W&Co. does Design AND Development, and has since the beginning Chris Auyeung, Vijay’s co-founder at W&Co. Josh Miles discussed the growth of his firm on a previous podcast episode They now “do the kind of work they want to do” They’ve stayed nimble so they can “keep the overhead low but still provide the quality of work they wanted to provide.” “We didn’t have the mindset to say no to work; we were just getting started.” Designers should “know and understand the capabilities and limitations” of software and devices Zeitgeist, En Vogue … can y

Bryan Orr (@BryanJOrr) is both a brick-and-mortal small business owner and software entrepreneur, based in Florida. In owning and operating a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) installation company, he has experimented with a great variety of project management tools and collaboration software. Following this, he ventured into the software game itself, commissioning his own system to help run the business. He also hosts the WOW Small Business Podcast and is a co-creator of MentionTribe, an online service aimed at helping local small businesses.   Show Notes & Links Bryan owns a HVAC installation business MentionTribe WOW Small Business Podcast Prescott had a past life as a Mechanical Engineering draftsman R-12 vs R-134a refridgerants Remember The Milk and TeuxDeux, examples of “laundry list” apps Basecamp, classic email replacement tool Gantt Charts Time-tracking and Invoicing Image previewing and collaborative reviewing “Tasking”, Bryan’s term for assigning items to different team member

The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 30 with Designer, Educator & Writer Michael Bierut Michael Bierut (@MichaelBierut) is one of today’s most renowned and respected graphic designers. Since 1990, he has been a Partner at Pentagram, where he works with clients like MIT Media Lab, The Yale School of Architecture, and the New York Jets. In addition to his work at Pentagram, he is a Senior Critic in Graphic Design at the Yale School of Art and co-founded the online publication Design Observer, where he writes about design and creative culture. Together we discuss Michael’s feelings in becoming a business owner, how he divides work duties with his team, the clunky process of learning business skills as a young designer, and the exhaustive routines which power his morning. We also learn the 19-syllable Starbucks order he buys each working day, and how long it takes him to run 3 miles. Read more about Michael via his lengthy biography on Pentagram’s website. Show Notes & Links Pentagram’s New York Office, a

The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 29 with Brand Strategy Consultant, Copywriter & Author Susan Gunelius Susan Gunelius (@susangunelius) is a 20-year marketing veteran who has worked in corporate environments for some of the largest companies in the world. Today, she’s on the agency side as President & CEO of Keysplash Creative, which offers brand strategy consulting along with writing and all marketing communication services. In addition, Susan has written 10 books not only on marketing, branding social media, and technology, but also on subjects like the marketing of Harry Potter. She now contributes her marketing expertise to sites like Forbes and is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women On Business, an award-winning blog. Our conversation moves from working with clients to managing an agency of one and the habits required to author a book.     Show Notes & Links Susan’s website describes her many offerings Susan focuses on Marketing Strategy and Marketing Communications, was a Marketing m

The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 28 with Writer, Professor, and Filmmaker Adam Harrison Levy The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 28 with Writer, Professor, and Filmmaker Adam Harrison Levy Adam Harrison Levy (@AdamHLevy) is a Professor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City as well as Wesleyan University in Connecticut. In addition, he writes for Design Observer and works as a freelance interviewer/filmmaker for the BBC. Our conversation meanders and gets slightly meta. We acknowledge the odd circumstances of a professional interviewer being interviewed by an amateur, and of two Americans discussing their love for the BBC. Read some of Mr. Levy’s articles and learn more about his film work via Adam’s profile on Design Observer. Show Notes & Links Video Filmmaking for the iPhone Co-teaching w/a NYT Culture Journalist on Research and Writing The MA in Design Criticism, aka “D-Crit”, is now more focused on research and writing South Sudan is developing a logo and flag Prescott did a Master’s in Gra

The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 27 with Online Video Producer Christopher Sharpe Christopher Sharpe (@csharpe)is a writer, director, designer, blogger, and builder of internet things. Following an early career in traditional filmmaking, he’s currently the producer of two popular online video shows, Yoga With Adriene and Hilah Cooking. Our conversation focuses on the nuts and bolts of producing video with a limited crew, as well as the inevitable drama that comes from working full-time in online video. Christopher’s work can be seen on his website, ChristopherSharpe.com, and you can see check out his book, YouTube Black Book. Listen to the episode below and click through for examples of Chris’s video series.         00:00   00:00         Hilah Cooking: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe Yoga with Adriene: 20 Minute Yoga Flow for Detox and Digestion Show Notes & Links Chris started with the traditional filmmaking route. Short films and commercials. Sex Machine, Chris’s first feature, on Netflix Sh