Ep. 19 - Aaron Beck

Aaron Beck is a native of Wellington, New Zealand, where he is a senior conceptual artist in the workshop division of the world-acclaimed Weta. He has worked on several big screen projects for Weta, including Avatar, District 9, and the recently released film of Elysium. Aaron truly enjoys his craft and being able to create manifestations of robotic life forms and military weaponry. By capitalizing on his inquisitive perception of the world and our existence, Aaron channels those unique viewpoints into his work and produces such incredibly powerful and mindblowing concepts.

Aaron and I had a truly great chat about the things we love in this life, which are highly fueled by science, cars, and films. I want to personally thank Aaron Beck for coming on and sharing his journey with us. Massive congratulations to all his career success and looking forward to the many great things still to come from this talented soul.

Concept ArtistThe Collective PodcastSeptember 30, 2013Concept art, ElysiumComment

Ep. 18 - Kevin Tong

Kevin Tong is an ambitious freelance illustrator who I've had the pleasure to know for quite some time. In the early stages of his career, he began working on packaging and art direction for toy companies, and now works on his own commission projects. Kevin also creates spectacular limited prints for high profile films, which have been distributed through Mondo.

In this episode, Kevin & I have an open chat about how to keep the things you love in life balanced, how to establish yourself as an artist, and how to keep your creative flow ongoing.

IllustratorThe Collective PodcastSeptember 23, 2013art, Creative processComment

Ep. 17 - Mike Yakovlev

In previous podcasts, I have had the opportunity to speak with industry professionals about their career journey, experiences and struggles, and how they were able to achieve their current position in life.

However, about a month ago, Mike Yakovlev, an avid listener and student from the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, reached out to me and enthusiastically proposed something a bit different. He asked if I could focus my next conversation around the curious mind of an art student and possibly offer guidance on how to navigate through our industry from a student's perspective. So that's exactly what I did!

In this exclusive one-time breakout episode, we exchange common ideas and issues with personal development, reaching goals, and how to find your creative purpose.

ArtistThe Collective PodcastSeptember 16, 2013student, artComment

Ep. 16 - Jayse Hansen

During his childhood, Jayse Hansen became a super fanatic for Sci-Fi and cartoons, and this insatiable curiosity forged a path that naturally led him to the world of art and design. Jayse now manages to work from his home office in Las Vegas, and has a powerful portfolio of work from some of the top blockbuster films, like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Ender's Game, The Avengers, and Iron Man.

Jayse's ability to stay focused and create amazing visuals in our somewhat chaotic workdays of multiple deadlines & projects, and all while building and maintaining positive long-lasting networks, is truly commendable.

DesignerThe Collective PodcastSeptember 9, 2013art, design, UIComment

Ep. 15 - Justin Ishmael

Justin Ishmael has experienced many different artistic paths throughout his life, and his most recent journey led him to the current role of creative director for Mondo, a family company of Alamo Drafthouse. Justin's passion and desire to connect the fine art world with film franchises has helped catapult Mondo to become a leading company for high-level, collectible art.

Among one of an array of fascinating topics, Justin and I chat a bit about Mondo's massive transformation from small beginnings and its significant impact on collectors, artists, collaborators, and the film culture overall.

Creative DirectorThe Collective PodcastAugust 26, 2013collectible art, MondoComment

Ep. 14 - Scott Robertson

Scott Robertson has an amazing amount of career experience that spans more than two decades. He has taught at the prestigious Art Center for many years with a customized curriculum designed around his own creations and creative path. Scott also owns and manages Design Studio Press, which distributes a multitude of great books featuring the works and creative journey of talented artists. He thrives on trying new things and pushing his abilities to maximum levels, but regardless of how busy he gets, Scott still dedicates time to help his students and friends.

Scott Robertson is a prime example of how to successfully keep your life filled with passion and challenges. It's a great honor to have him on this podcast, and I extend a massive amount of gratitude to Scott for taking time to have this chat.

DesignerThe Collective PodcastAugust 19, 2013Design, EducatorComment

Ep. 13 - Allan McKay

Allan McKay originated from Australia and is a phenomenal talent with over 18 years of experience in the VFX industry. He brings a great level of understanding on how to maintain a flow of creativity and productivity. Allan elaborates on his particular path, and how he deals with the madness of balancing life, health, and work. He mentions his experience on films, such as Looper, Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon, Flight, and 2012.

Allan is a prime example of how important it is to be dynamic and positive within this industry. At the end of the day, it's who you are as a person and the convictions that you hold, which can make or break you and your career.

VFXThe Collective PodcastAugust 12, 2013VFX, film industryComment

Ep. 12 - Maciej Kuciara

Maciej Kuciara is one of the leading talents in the field of concept design. He has worked on various feature film projects, including Jupiter Ascending and Seventh Son, as well as numerous major games projects, such as The Last of Us, Crysis, and Crysis 2. Coming from humble beginnings in Poland, Maciej has developed an incredible work ethic and dedication to his craft. He shines on everything he sets his mind to and is an unstoppable force in our industry. Maciej and I have a great chat about his journey, his thoughts on today's film and concept process, and how he manages to keep himself motivated and inspired.

Concept ArtistThe Collective PodcastAugust 4, 2013Concept art, Design, FilmsComment

Ep. 11 - Tim Tadder

Seasoned photographer Tim Tadder joins us to discuss his creative journey of how he found himself capturing photos of the world around him. He has built an impressive career working with a multitude of high-profile clients, while also managing to devote quality time to family and personal time to keep his creative soul happy.

Tim shares his thoughts on keeping that work/life balance, being able to maintain a creative flow, and how to avoid getting caught in a destructive downward spiral.

Tim Tadder proudly leads by example, and welcomes the challenge of altering perceptions in our industry.

PhotographerThe Collective PodcastJuly 29, 2013Photography, Design, AdvertismentComment

Ep. 10 - James Clements

James Clements joins us to discuss the world of atmospheric electronic music and the stigma behind such music in the world of film. He also discusses some of his beginnings and the creative process.

Ep. 9 - Jake Sargeant

This week, we have the kind and multi-talented Jake Sargeant. He shares his career path experiences thus far and working on powerhouse projects like Terminator Salvation, Tron Legacy, and Nike commercials.

We also discuss the infinite complexities of the freelance lifestyle, balancing work and personal life, and lessons learned along our creative journey.

DirectorThe Collective PodcastJuly 15, 2013Design, Commercials, Work life balanceComment

Ep. 8 - Vitaly Bulgarov

Introducing the mighty Vitaly Bulgarov, who at the young age of 27, is already a true force in the concept and creative industry. His accredited experience includes many powerful years working on best-selling games with the powerhouse studio Blizzard.

Currently, Vitaly resides in San Francisco, where he works with ILM as a concept artist for feature films. In this conversation with Vitaly, we discuss the value of sabbaticals, owning and respecting your time, manifesting your goals, and finding that balance between insanity and professional excellence.

Ep. 7 - George Hull

This week we have the amazing George Hull on board to talk with us about his various stages in his creative career and how he has come to be the creative force he is today. We discuss his early student life, to ILM, to meeting and working with the Wachowskis on their film franchise The Matrix. We also dive into concepts of being the under dog and achieving the goals you set out for yourself and finding the true "core" within us all.

DesignerThe Collective PodcastJuly 1, 2013Concept art, ILMComment

Ep. 6 - Neil Huxley

This week we have the driven Neil Huxley, born and raised in the UK, sharpened his skills in Australia, and rose to a level in the US where he helped James Cameron with the visuals of Avatar. Neil talks to us about his youth and education, his laws in the business, John Carpenter, and the love for our background music.

Filmmaker, VFXThe Collective PodcastJune 24, 2013Avatar, VFX, MusicComment

Ep. 5 - Ben Hibon

This week we have the mighty Ben Hibon on board to discuss his career path and his creative journey to get there. We touch on topics of creativity, taste, talent, business, strategy, work life balance and achieving childhood dreams and goals.

FilmmakerThe Collective PodcastJune 18, 2013Animation, film, work life balanceComment

Ep. 4 - Dan LuVisi

This week we have the amazing Dan LuVisi - another self taught artist whose passion for drawing since 4 years old has brought him to where he is today, nevermind the adversity and the tough battles life threw his way, he came out clean on the other side. The outcome? The publishing of his first book "LMS" and a deal with Paramount for a feature film. Hear what he has to say about his childhood, learning the craft, and drive to succeed.

Ep. 3 - Danny Yount

A seasoned veteran in the title design world, Danny Yount, who is mostly self taught, and learned his craft under the tutelage of other mentors - joins us to discuss his life, early beginnings, ego, depression, and offers some advice to up and coming designers.

Ep. 2 - GMUNK

Designer GMUNK joins us to discuss his early beginnings, commitment to art and design, psychedelics, inspiration, Chris Cunningham, Tron/Oblivion and "flavor".

DesignerThe Collective PodcastMay 15, 2013design, art, psychedelics Comment

Ep. 1 - Anthony Scott Burns

FilmmakerThe Collective PodcastApril 22, 2013filmmaker, director, vfx, music Comments

Gear Up.