Creative Frenemy

In this episode of "How You Create," I’m joined by Niko Kampouris, a creative with experience in social media, community management, and content. In addition to all the skills that come along with this experience, Niko is my resident web 3 and NFT geek. In this convo we talked about the rise, the fall, the stagnation, and the next chapter for NFTs.

In this episode of "How You Create," I am joined by documentary photographer Wesaam Al-Badry, 2023 Google Pixel & Aperture Creator Labs Photo Fund grant recipient. Wesaam, born in Nasiriyah, Iraq, fled to Saudi Arabia and lived in refugee camps for 4 and half years at the outset of what became known as the Gulf War. In late 1994, Wesaam and his family were relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska. Both his time in refugee camps, his working class upbringing in Nebraska, and late his attainment of master’s in New Media journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, and his BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute culminate in his work which depicts honest moments of the lives of those often absent from art institutes, and a deep belief in the integrity and responsibility of his work. Wesaam urges any listeners who have questions or needs advice about work and grants to reach out to him directly at [email protected]. We talked deeply about the responsibility photographers has to the people in the communities photographers use in their art, why more more negatives makes more sense to him than more posting on Instagram, and how relationship and community is the most essential skill for photographers Wesaam has worked for global media outlets, including CNN and Al-Jazeera America. His photographs have been featured in the New York Times, Rolling Stone Magazine, The Atlantic, NPR, Fortune, The Nation, and Mother Jones. Al-Badry has received The John Collier Jr. Award for Still Photography, Dorothea Lange Fellowship, the Jim Marshall Fellowship for Photography, The National Geographic Society fellowship, Magnum Foundation, and The Emerson Collective, and is currently a fellow at The Center for Visual Documentation.

In this episode of "How You Create," I am joined by Ramie Ahmed, Photographer and Google Pixel & Aperture 2023 Creator Labs Photo Fund grant recipient. Ramie, now working out of New York, describes himself as a documentary photographer focussing on marginalized communities, specifically the LGBTQ, Queer, and Trans spaces. In this episode, Ramie discusses growing up in New Jersey, his responsibility in capturing communities without telling stories for others, while putting out meaningful work. Primarily a film photographer, we discuss the permanence of film versus digital, and the power of storytelling the medium offers.

Welcome to another episode of "How You Create" this time we’re joined by friend of the pod and fellow creative, photographer, and Director of New Business at Bullhorn Creative Tim Harris! Today we discuss the future of every creative’s frenemy Adobe, Tim’s disappointment with Netflix, and the How You Create live event. Don't miss out on all the banter, hot takes, and endless discussion on the future viability of Threads.

On this episode of "How You Create," Host Ben Terry is joined by photographer and longtime friend, David Kasnic. After moving from his home in a small town in the Pacific Northwest to study at Western Kentucky University, Dave finished his formal photography education with a MFA at Columbia College Chicago in Photography. Additionally, Dave has worked with national and internationally recognized brands such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Barron’s. On this in depth episode, Dave discusses as an artist, what we can learn by revisiting home, the pros and cons of a MFA program, and the endless perils of playing “the game” when it comes to making money from creative work, while maintaining artistic integrity.

On this episode of How You Create your favorite group of creatives is back! I’m joined today by Tim Harris, Josiah Bice, and Andrew Granstaff. Andrew and Josiah are both photographers as well as the Operational Specialist and Production Manager at State Film Lab in Louisville. Tim Harris is a photographer, and Director of New Business at Bullhorn. In this episode, we talk the true definition of “artistic integrity”, how to know when the time is right to charge your audience, and what concerns and advantages working creatives see in emerging AI technology. We also discuss the hot topic of Taylor Swift at the Kansas City Chiefs game.

On this episode of How You Create, Tyler Deeb is back as a guest, Tyler is the owner, designer, and CEO of Misc. goods. Tyler is a seasoned leader, strategist, and designer with over two decades of experience. His collaborative approach involves working closely with partners to assess their challenges, craft compelling brand identities, and set a clear roadmap for success. Whether the project is in its infancy or a well-established endeavor, Tyler's mantra remains constant: "be smart, be nimble, and be creative." His passion for every project mirrors the excitement he had when he embarked on this journey two decades ago, infused with the wisdom of today.In this episode, Tyler shares wisdom gained through his years of experience. He advises young professionals to harness their curiosity and dedicate their time to learning how to capitalize on those skills as they gain more experience. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of achieving a healthier work-life balance.Tyler also delves into the intriguing topic of valuing your services as you age, shedding light on the evolving nature of expertise and the changing dynamics of pricing your skills over time. Additionally, he imparts essential insights on protecting your designs and assets, a critical consideration for any creative professional. Join us for an enlightening conversation that spans a lifetime of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with Tyler as our guide.

On this episode I am joined by a panel featuring Joshua Jean-Marie, Tim Harris, and Andrew Granstaff. Together, we go on a deep dive into the dynamic realms of freelance work versus agency engagements. With a wealth of collective experience, we attempt to shed light on the intricacies of pricing services according to one's seniority in the field, a topic that often bewilders many aspiring professionals. We dissect the nuances of leveraging LinkedIn for career growth and networking, then shift the spotlight to an innovative budgeting tool, the Copilot app, and delve into its multifaceted benefits for both financial planning and personal growth. As the episode unfolds, we explore the ever-evolving landscape of photography trends. From the resurgence of point-and-shoot cameras to the nostalgic revival of film photography, we dissect the driving forces behind these shifts and what they signify for the creative community. Join us for a riveting discussion that traverses the worlds of freelancing, finance, and visual artistry, all in the company of seasoned experts sharing their invaluable insights.

I'm thrilled to be joined by Todd Balsley, the visionary behind Clever Supply, your go-to retail destination for camera-related accessories. They've garnered a distinct reputation for their meticulously crafted leather camera straps. Notably, Todd brings to the table a rich background in photography, coupled with an understanding of marketing dynamics. What's more, he has a tenure of almost 6 years at Buffer, a beloved name in the realm of social media management. In this episode, Todd and I embark on an exploration of his intertwined journey through the realms of photography and marketing. We uncover the genesis story of Clever Supply, tracing its evolution from a concept to a thriving reality. We delve into Todd's growth as a leader and the foundational company values that have become the cornerstones of Clever Supply's identity. Tune in and gain invaluable insights from a true industry expert and my friend, Todd Balsley. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

On this episode of How You Create I am joined by a few friends from the creative community, Tim Harris, Josiah Bice, and Andrew Granstaff. Andrew and Josiah are both photographers as well as the Operational Specialist and Production Manager at State Film Lab. Tim is a photographer as well and the Director of New Business at Bullhorn. In this installment, we dive deep into the dynamic world of social media and its influence on creative exposure. We peruse through the evolution of social platforms, exploring the best mediums to harness in today's digital age. Will Threads surpass Twitter, or ‘X’?  The four of us have an animated exchange of opinions as we discuss the impact of the record breaking duo-releases Barbie and Oppenheimer, or “Barbenheimer”, as they call it. Furthermore, we address intriguing questions, such as the Gen Z fashion trends that are currently taking the world by storm and a lighthearted comparison of social media platforms as if they were sports. Don't miss out on all of our banter, on How You Create.