Monday Meeting

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 cu...

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 effe...

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 li...

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 p...

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 brand...

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 th...

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 i...

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...

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 launch...

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 disp...

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 com...

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 thoug...

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 overwhe...

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 manag...

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...

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 h...

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...

In this October 14th episode of Monday Meeting, host EJ Brieva sits down with Ricardo Roberts, Executive Producer and Co-founder of BIEN studio. As BIEN celebrates its 7th anniversary, Ricardo shares insights on building a motion design company founded on principles of inclusivity and how it's shaping the industry landscape. This episode includes: BIEN's journey from inception to becoming a leader...

Ever felt caught between two cultures? In this October 7th episode of Monday Meeting, host EJ Brieva kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month by exploring the complex identity of Latino motion designers in a global industry.  This episode includes: Discussions on the nuances of Latino identity in the motion design industry Insights into the challenges of pricing and valuing work in a global mark...

From a hike in the Laurentians of Quebec to launching their own animation studio, Ali Kellner and Noam Sussman's journey is as colorful as their creative work. In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Elyse Filigheri explores how this creative couple balances their personal relationship with their professional partnership. This episode includes: The story behind Homework Studio's inception...

Ever wondered how your communication style impacts your work in the creative field? In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Elyse Filigheri leads a discussion on how understanding and adapting our communication methods can enhance our professional relationships and project outcomes.   If you'd like to take the personality and communication style tests mentioned in the episode,  you can find th...

Feeling stuck in your creative career or unsure how to expand your professional network? In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Elyse Filigheri leads an open discussion where members share invaluable insights on conquering self-doubt, exploring new industries, and forging meaningful connections in the ever-evolving world of motion design. This episode includes: Strategies for networking at confer...

Ever wondered what it's like to run a business with your significant other? Host Elyse Filigheri explores this intriguing question with three couples who are partners in both life and business. Join Shawna Schultz & Matt Schultz of Mass FX Media, Vassi Slavova & Erik Holman of Blackbox Visual, and Will Colón & Kathryn Taccone of Open Pixel Studios, as they reveal the highs, lows, a...

In this episode, host EJ Brieva and the Monday Meeting Team (Jen, Elyse, and Kendall) share and discuss readings of crazy client stories, submitted anonymously by our listeners. This fun-filled episode is packed with great advice and red flags to watch out for in the motion design industry. This episode includes: Hilarious and shocking client stories that highlight the importance of setting bounda...

In the July 22nd episode of Monday Meeting, host EJ Brieva is joined by Mark Cernosia, who recaps Camp Mograph Australia, 2024! This episode highlights the value of community and the inspiring stories from the recent camp. This episode includes: Exciting updates and announcements including the upcoming Camp Mograph Chicago in September, Siggraph in Denver, and AE Scripts' summer sale. Celebrat...