The Collab Collection

We now have transcripts for all of The Collab Collection episodes. Those can be found at thecollabcollection.libsyn.com/blog Season 2 is going to focus on various aspects of product design. People working together to make the stuff we use.  If you know someone who works in product design who you think we should feature, or if YOU are that person, reach out at thecollabcollection@sanctus.audio . I'...

The Collab Collection is still on a break after season 1 but we wanted to share a bonus episode. This is a conversation host Wesley Slover had on the podcast The Freelance Monocle. The Freelance Monocle is available wherever you get podcasts. thefreelancemonocle.libsyn.com

This is the last episode of Season 1. We're going to take a break but we'll back after collecting some more collaboration stories and insights! In this episode of 'The Collab Collection we hear from Josh Carro, the in-house composer at Gearbox Entertainment. Known for his work composing music for the videogames "Tiny Tina's Wonderlands" and "Borderlands 4", Josh shares insights on how his early fa...

In this episode, we hear from Mikee Steinberg and Andrew Hoag, the founders of XR Motion, a meetup for digital artists in Brooklyn.  They share how XR Motion started with just a few people and has grown over five years into a thriving community. They also give some practical tips for anyone looking to start their own meetup group. -- XR Motion: www.xrmotion.com Connect with us!  thecollabcollectio...

This episode features Leigh Williamson, an art director, animator, and illustrator, who shares his profound encounter with burnout after a challenging project for a company presentation. Leigh's story highlights the emotional struggles faced by creatives whose identities are intertwined with their work. After experiencing severe burnout and depression, Leigh embarked on a journey of self-discovery...

In this episode, we hear from Yuhei Ogawa, film trailer editor and host of the podcast Creative Kind. Yuhei discusses the cutthroat nature of the trailer editing industry and his journey from working on reality TV to editing film trailers at Trailer Park, one of the major trailer agencies. The conversation delves into Yuhei's challenges, the competitive work environment, and the importance of auto...

In this episode, we hear from Brandon Parvini, a design and technical director about his experience in the music industry.  Brandon recounts his early career, co-founding a design company named Ghost Town amid shrinking music video budgets in the early 2000s. He shares insights from working with major music acts, including a challenging project for the band Alkaline Trio and the collaborative expe...

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of effective communication with graphic designer Audrey Havey. Audrey shares insights from her freelance career, working with brands like Adobe, the Phoenix Suns, and Riot Games. She emphasizes the importance of 'over-communicating' to ensure clarity and alignment, discussing strategies like reiterating project goals and breaking down information using h...

In this episode we explore the intricacies of jazz improvisation and collaboration with guitarist Gregg Belisle-Chi.  Gregg speaks to the unique appeal of live jazz, the challenges and rewards of playing unpredictable music, and the importance of trust, listening, and leadership in a band. -- Follow Gregg online at: instagram.com/greggbc/ Explore Gregg's Patreon where he shares lessons in guitar,...

In this episode of 'The Collab Collection' we speakwith Rebecca Olson and Dr. Kacey Warren who teach post producing through their company Deducers. We explore and learn from the way producers are like guides to the post production and motion graphics process. The conversation highlights how they guide projects by being empathetic, building understanding, and fostering cooperation, all while managi...

  In this episode, we explore the journey behind the creation of the 'Pleasant Peninsula' mural in Grand Rapids.   Artist Eddie Chaffer, who uses the alias Son Visual, shares the challenges and triumphs of bringing this nature-inspired artwork to life.   Initially faced with opposition from new condo owners and practical obstacles, Eddie enlisted the support of local environmental organizations an...

In this episode we speak with Jeffery Lawson, an Army veteran and art director. Jeffery shares his journey from military life to a career in art, highlighting the valuable leadership and mentorship lessons he learned during his service. These lessons, such as putting others first, effective communication, and fostering independence, have been pivotal in his role as an art director. Jeffery emphasi...

This is the final episode in our four part series of longerform episodes. There were some stories we wanted to tell that didn't fit neatly into our usual format so we decided to bring them to you as a miniseries over the next few weeks. This week hear from UX designer Jonathan Ota and Sound Designer Mike Forst about how their team approached designing Amazon's first home robot, Astro. --- Get in t...

This is the third in a four part series of longerform episodes. There were some stories we wanted to tell that didn't fit neatly into our usual format so we decided to bring them to you as a miniseries over the next few weeks. This week Wesley reports back from Camp Mograph, a summer camp for motion designers to explore the collaborative role of community in creativity. --- Tickets for Camp Mograp...

This is the second in a four part series of longerform episodes. There were some stories we wanted to tell that didn't fit neatly into our usual format so we decided to bring them to you as a miniseries over the next few weeks. In this episode we explore noise pollution in airports. Often a great amount of attention is given to how a place looks but not how it sounds. This week we hear from Christ...

This is the first in a four part series of longerform episodes. There were some stories we wanted to tell that didn't fit neatly into our usual format so we decided to bring them to you as a miniseries over the next few weeks. In this episode we speak with the team behind the indie game "Tunic". Developer Andrew Shouldice, musicians Terrence Lee and Janice Kwan, and Kevin Regamy reveal how their c...

In this episode we speak with improv instructor Josh Heller. A systems engineer by day and improv performer by night, Josh explains how improv comedy teaches valuable collaborative skills that extend far beyond the stage. He shares insights on improv's core principles like "Yes, And," making your partner look good, and bringing "a brick, not a cathedral" to allow space for true collaboration. His...

In this episode we hear from Lindsey Laseter, co-founder of design studio Lasso. Lindsey shares how she and her husband Allen transformed their individual freelance practices into a successful creative partnership. She discusses the importance of self-reflection in creative work, navigating the delicate balance of being business partners and spouses, and developing the confidence to have difficult...

In this episode we hear from Trevor Richardson about his work mastering music recordings.  Trevor pulls back the curtain on the often mysterious final stage of music production, sharing how he builds trust with artists before putting the finishing touches on their songs. He discusses his approach to translating technical processes into meaningful conversations with musicians, and explains why clea...

In this episode we speak with Hannah Wilder, a games writer working in interactive fiction. Through her experience writing a choose-your-own-adventure style video game, Hannah shares insights into the delicate balance between creative vision and collaborative feedback. She discusses how mutual respect and trust with her producer enabled her to both defend and refine her ideas, while revealing the...

In this episode we speak with Kayla Edwards about her work as a producer at the On Being Project. Starting as a production assistant and rising to producer, Kayla shares her journey of growth through collaborative learning at the On Being Project. She discusses how mentorship and a supportive team environment enabled her development from administrative tasks to creative audio production, while off...

In this episode we speak with Gautam Srikishan, producer, engineer, and composer at the On Being Project. As a key member of the Poetry Unbound podcast team, Gautam reveals their unique collaborative editing process, where 6-7 editors collectively review and refine each episode. He discusses how the team balances diverse perspectives, navigates creative disagreements, and maintains a culture of re...

In this episode we speak with Jorge Canedo, creative director and founder of animation studio Ordinary Folk. From their formation in 2019, Ordinary Folk has stood out for their seamless integration of visuals and sound in their work. Jorge reveals their collaborative process with composers, sharing how early musical involvement and careful planning leads to stronger creative outcomes. He discusses...

In this episode we speak with investigative reporter and podcast producer Jenn Amell. As producer of the true crime podcast Dark Valley, Jenn shares her approach to interviewing subjects about deeply traumatic experiences. She discusses the delicate balance between journalistic integrity and human connection, offering insights into building trust, practicing radical transparency, and the power of...

In this episode we speak with speculative fiction author and editor Rebecca E Treasure. As both a published author and managing editor at Apex Magazine, Rebecca offers a unique perspective on the delicate balance between maintaining artistic vision and incorporating outside feedback. She shares insights on the different approaches to editing, from working with individual authors to curating conten...