This week on Pixel Retentive, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Robin Sloane (formerly Seibert). She is a creative force behind some of the most iconic moments in modern music. With a career spanning over 20 years, Robin began her journey at Philo and Epic Records and eventually became VP of Music Video at Elektra. She later led the creative imaging departments at Geffen, DGC, and DreamWorks Records. Robin helped shape the visual identities of legendary artists like Nirvana, Counting Crows, and Weezer. Today, she is an accomplished classical pianist and is working on a memoir titled From Motley Crue to Mozart.

• How Robin helped create Nirvana's iconic "Nevermind" album cover and the video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

• The process behind artist imaging and creative direction before the concept of branding became mainstream

• What it was like navigating a male-dominated music industry in the 1980s and 1990s

• The rise of MTV and its influence on record sales and artist visibility

• Behind-the-scenes insights into working with Tracy Chapman, Counting Crows, and Weezer

• How Spike Jonze got his big break and what made his work on early music videos stand out

• The importance of creative instinct and trusting your gut

• Thoughts on the evolution of music formats, from vinyl to streaming

"For me, the biggest indicator is that that thing comes from inside you and not from here... This is the enemy of making things: your brain." — Robin Sloane

Robin's words are a powerful reminder that true creativity originates from within. She encourages us to stop letting our rational minds get in the way of creative exploration. Overthinking can sabotage inspiration before it ever gets a chance to grow. Her advice to follow what stirs your soul, no matter how small or odd it seems, is the kind of wisdom that only comes from living it. Whether it's painting a room, making a video, or picking up a new instrument at 45, the key is to just start.

This episode was a ride through music history told from the perspective of someone who helped shape it. Robin shared vivid stories from her time working with Nirvana, including how a simple idea from Kurt Cobain became one of the most recognizable album covers ever made. We talked about the evolution of artist branding, the cultural shift created by MTV, and what it took to push creative boundaries in a corporate structure. Robin's journey shows how trusting your instincts and refusing to be boxed in can lead to truly legendary work. Her story is as much about rebellion as it is about creativity, and I am incredibly grateful she shared it with us.

Zoe Hawkins, Director of Content Marketing and Thought Leadership at Sumo Logic, is what I like to call the Queen of Content, and for good reason. With over a decade of experience that spans gaming journalism, B2B tech marketing, and a deep love for sci-fi and video games, Zoe brings a refreshingly creative perspective to everything she touches. She's lived on three continents, lifts heavy things for fun, and still finds time to be a gamer mom and a content powerhouse. Our conversation explored creativity, burnout, AI, and what it really takes to keep content future-focused without losing its soul.

• Why content optimization means more than updating for SEO, and how voice, tone, and human relevance matter just as much

• How to breathe new life into old blogs and avoid letting valuable content decay on your site

• What creative resilience really looks like in fast-paced marketing environments

• Why making space for quiet moments can supercharge your creativity

• How Zoe's background in gaming and journalism helps her translate complex technical topics into accessible content

• The difference between content that's actually useful versus content that's just trying to ride the AI wave

• Practical ways to nurture your creative health on a daily basis

• Why journaling, long walks, and good pens might be your best productivity hacks

"Sometimes it's not about the output, it's just the act of doing it that releases whatever that creative health output might be."
— Zoe Hawkins

This quote really hit home. So many of us spend our days chasing outcomes, deliverables, or numbers, forgetting that the creative process itself is where the real magic often happens. Zoe reminded me that writing something just because it feels good or walking in the woods just because it clears your head can be the spark that brings your best ideas to life. If we treat creativity like a resource, then investing time into it should be non-negotiable.

This episode with Zoe Hawkins was one of those conversations that made me feel like I could talk for three more hours without missing a beat. We explored what content looks like today, what makes it meaningful, and how to maintain your creative edge when the grind of work threatens to dull it. From optimizing legacy content to maintaining joy in what you create, Zoe brought a mix of strategy and soul that really resonated. If you care about content, creativity, or just not burning out in your work, this one is for you.

Hey friends, Carl here. This week on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Danielle LeCourt. She's the founder of De LeCourt, a voice-first content studio that helps experts turn conversations into strategy. Danielle's journey started as a professional volleyball player, then shifted to writing and ultimately found its home in audio. She's worked with institutions like Harvard, NASA, and Roche, all through the lens of voice as an art form. If you've ever felt that great conversations can shape the world, this one's for you.

• How Danielle transitioned from professional athlete to voice-first strategist

• Why conversations, not content, are at the heart of powerful storytelling

• The importance of staying open and curious during interviews

• How "attention as art" can change the way you approach your craft and life

• Why audio reaches people when and where other mediums can't

• Danielle's unique take on voice as a medium for human connection

• The value of following creativity through uncertainty

• The difference between structuring a conversation and letting one unfold

• How archiving voices and stories creates a deeper legacy

This quote stuck with me. Danielle's perspective shifts the way we think about presence. Rather than treating interactions as checklists or transactions, she invites us to slow down and actually see and hear what's right in front of us. That kind of openness is where the real magic lives, not just in creativity but in how we relate to people, solve problems, and build trust. It's a mindset shift that creatives especially can appreciate, because we know inspiration doesn't follow a script.

This episode was a reminder of why I started the podcast in the first place. Danielle's story is a mix of creative pivots, personal passion, and a deep respect for the human voice. We explored what it means to hold space for others, to show up with curiosity instead of assumptions, and to let conversations shape themselves instead of trying to force a narrative. I also got to share a bit about my own creative journey, including the legacy of my dad and how art helped me process grief. Danielle and I connected on a deep level around creativity, healing, and embracing the unknown. I think you'll walk away from this one feeling inspired to listen a little differently.

Until next time,

Carl Cleanthes

This week on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Crystalee Beck, the powerhouse founder of Comma Copywriters and mother of four. She's someone who has built a thriving content agency from the ground up while intentionally designing her business to fit her family life. That alone is impressive, but pair it with the fact that she traveled to all 50 states and a dozen countries by the age of 25, and you start to understand the drive behind her success. Crystalee brings empathy, listening, and service into the sales process. This episode felt less like a sales tutorial and more like a masterclass in authentic connection. She is the kind of leader you want in your creative circle.

• Why removing sales pressure can lead to better client relationships

• How to approach discovery calls with service-first thinking

• Simple and human ways to follow up without sounding pushy

• How Crystalee uses "pilots" to secure long-term clients and build trust

• The value of strong contracts, kill fees, and setting clear expectations

• Knowing when a client is the wrong fit and having the confidence to walk away

• Lessons about pricing, cash flow, and why having margin matters

• Insights for mom entrepreneurs and the story behind Crystalee's High Five Grant

This quote hit me hard. It probably will for many of you, too. We, as creatives, are the people behind the stories that turn brands into status symbols, help billion-dollar campaigns succeed, and shape the very culture we live in. Yet when it comes to recognizing and articulating our own value, we often fall short. Kevin puts a spotlight on that contradiction and challenges us to take that same brand-building power and apply it inward. Not just for our own good, but for the health of the entire creative industry.

This quote struck a chord with me. Crystalee reminds us that business is ultimately about human connection. If you show up with sincerity and leave someone better than you found them, you build something more valuable than a one-time sale. You build trust. That kind of approach leads to referrals, long-term clients, and a reputation that speaks for itself. It's a powerful reminder that generosity and authenticity are business strategies too.

Until next time,

Carl Cleanthes

This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Kevin Rapp, the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Ultra Friends. His agency is known for turning bold ideas into scalable content systems for tech-forward brands. With nearly 20 years in the creative trenches, Kevin has worked his way up from small studios to tech startups, eventually creating a space where creative value and business impact truly meet. One of his standout projects was the socially charged "Progress Owed, No Apology" campaign with NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace. That work earned national attention and multiple Cleo awards. It proved how storytelling led by heart can still move both people and metrics.

• Why creatives are chronically undervalued in business and what we can do to start changing that

• The fine line between exposure opportunities and outright exploitation

• How to build leverage in your creative career and when to stop working for free

• The ongoing disconnect between creative ambition and business outcomes

• Why value-based pricing is not only ethical but necessary

• How the "good-fast-cheap" triangle fails both creatives and clients

• The generational cycle of creative gatekeeping and how we can break it

• How to educate clients to value effectiveness instead of just visuals

• The difference between needing art and actually valuing art in business

• Why the creative world needs more unions, guilds, and collaborative pricing ecosystems

"Despite the fact that we are the arbiters of telling Porsche, Gucci, Vuitton why they have this conceptual value... we're terrible at doing it for ourselves."
— Kevin Rapp

This quote hit me hard. It probably will for many of you, too. We, as creatives, are the people behind the stories that turn brands into status symbols, help billion-dollar campaigns succeed, and shape the very culture we live in. Yet when it comes to recognizing and articulating our own value, we often fall short. Kevin puts a spotlight on that contradiction and challenges us to take that same brand-building power and apply it inward. Not just for our own good, but for the health of the entire creative industry.

Talking with Kevin Rapp was one of the most honest and enlightening deep dives we've had on the show. It is rare to find someone who speaks fluently in both creative and business languages, and Kevin brings both insight and empathy to the table. We unpacked the pain points around pricing, advocacy, client relationships, and the systems that undervalue creative labor. We even managed to cover all that without diving into AI (a first). Honestly, this felt like the kind of conversation that reminds you why we do what we do and why it is worth fighting for fair value in our field. If you're a creative trying to make a living doing what you love, this episode is for you.

If you'd like a visual quote card or audiogram from this episode, let me know. We have a ton of great material to work with.

— Carl Cleanthes, Founder of Epic Made and Co-Host of Pixel Retentive

For our 100th episode, we welcomed Sherene Strausberg, an Emmy-nominated creative and the founder of 87th Street Creative. Sherene leads a woman-owned animation studio focused on storytelling for healthcare and nonprofits. Her career path is one of the most inspiring I have heard. She combines film composition, sound engineering, graphic design and motion design into a powerhouse studio that makes a real impact. What began as a solo journey while raising young kids has grown into a B Corp certified business that is doing meaningful work in women's health and beyond. Sherene does not just talk about purpose in her work; she lives it.

• How Sherene transitioned from music composition and sound design into animation and storytelling

• Why animation is such a powerful tool for healthcare, tech and nonprofit clients

• The reason good design is more foundational than animation techniques

• What sound design adds to an animated piece, and why it is more than just icing on the cake

• How Sherene balances entrepreneurship with parenting using what she calls "smart mom multitasking"

• The story behind her studio's rebranding to focus more intentionally on women's healthcare

• The importance of mentorship, and why she continues to give and receive guidance

• Tips for running a value-driven creative business with flexibility and focus

"I was so enthralled by explaining how cancer grows in breast tissue… I realized I wanted to reposition my company to focus on women's healthcare. It speaks to me personally and professionally." – Sherene Strausberg

This quote really struck a chord with me. Sherene did not pivot her business because of a trend or a marketing opportunity. She made the change because it aligned with her values and her lived experience. That kind of clarity gives purpose to everything you create. When your mission lines up with the work, everything becomes more focused and more powerful. Sherene's decision to lean into women's healthcare was not just smart; it was personal. That authenticity shows up in every project she takes on.

This episode flew by. Sherene and I talked about everything from launching a creative studio with a baby in one arm to finding the sweet spot where purpose meets storytelling. We dove into the challenges of pivoting careers, rebranding with intention and what it means to run a creative business that actually fits your life. Sherene opened up about what it is like to be a woman building a company in the animation industry, and she shared how she finds balance through flexibility rather than rigid structure. I especially loved hearing how she weaves her sound design roots into her studio's work. Her story is a reminder that when you bring your whole self to your business, the work gets better and the journey becomes more rewarding.

This week on Pixel Retentive, I had the honor of sitting down with the unstoppable force that is Lo Harris, illustrator, strategist, speaker, and all-around creative powerhouse. With roots in journalism at the New York Times and NBC News, Lo has built a vibrant visual language that not only empowers but drives social impact. Her collaborations span from Meta and Google to the United Nations, and she's now a creative leader at the Innocence Project and co-director at the CanCan Diversity Collective. Through every move she makes, Lo carries a deep commitment to using creativity to connect, uplift, and transform.

• How Lo's journalism background shaped her visual storytelling approach

• Why she left a 9-to-5 to prioritize mental and physical well-being

• The value of mutual aid and creative bartering in building sustainable community

• How design intersects with activism, diversity, and local business advocacy

• A behind-the-scenes look at the CanCan Diversity Collective at the Cannes Lions Festival

• Strategies to future-proof your creative career in the face of AI

• The power of collaboration between visionaries and implementers

• How personal projects can have just as much value as high-profile client work

"Our gifts are meant to be shared. You can't hide your gifts or wait for somebody to reward you. Everything doesn't have to be so transactional." — Lo Harris

Lo reminds us that creativity isn't just a commodity—it's a contribution. In a world obsessed with monetization and metrics, her words are a powerful invitation to embrace generosity in our creative lives. Sometimes the work that fills your cup, nourishes your community, or lights up a kid's prom poster is more impactful than a six-figure brand deal. And when we lead with intention rather than ego, doors open in ways we couldn't imagine.

You all know I'm passionate about creative advocacy and building real communities, and this conversation with Lo felt like a soul-level jam session on both. From her storytelling roots to her leadership in diversity initiatives, Lo offers a masterclass in living your values through your work. We dug deep into how creatives can reclaim their worth, create ecosystems outside of corporate structures, and reframe "career success" to include balance, impact, and humanity. This episode hit me hard—in the best way—and I hope it does the same for you. This is what creative leadership in the 2020s should look like.

Until next time, stay creative and keep showing up for your community.
— Carl ✌️

Violaine Briat, affectionately known as V, is a French storyboard artist, comic creator, and creative thought leader whose career spans over a decade in both European and American animation. A graduate of the prestigious Gobelins animation school in Paris, V has worked on celebrated titles like The Loud House, Craig of the Creek, Spider-Verse 2, and Captain Fall. In a time when projects rise and fall with alarming speed, V has not only weathered the volatility of the industry—but found purpose and personal expression through their own webcomic, Rodney R. With their hands in professional animation by day and self-published storytelling by night, V is redefining what sustainability in art looks like.

• How canceled animation projects shaped V's shift toward independent storytelling

• Why personal projects like webcomics can create industry opportunities (hint: Spider-Verse 2)

• V's candid insights into the pitfalls of chasing perfection in serialized art

• Why consistent daily posting and character-focused content drive audience growth

• Lessons from Homestuck and how non-linear storytelling unlocks creative freedom

• How to strategically embed "audience hooks" into content without relying on rage bait

• The emerging importance of social followings in hiring decisions within animation

• Building community through creative authenticity—even with anti-fans

"Companies can take my work and throw it away, but my webcomic will exist forever." — Violaine Briat

This quote encapsulates the emotional core of V's creative journey. In an industry that's become unpredictable—where even the most beautifully crafted animations can be axed for tax write-offs—V finds solace and empowerment in the permanence of personal work. It's a powerful reminder to creators: even when commercial projects disappear, your voice and vision don't have to. Owning your narrative is not only healing—it's legacy-building.

Hey friends, Carl here! This was one of those rare episodes that really stirred something in me as both a creator and a business owner. Talking with V felt like a masterclass in creative independence and resilience. We dove deep into what it means to stay motivated through canceled projects, how to thrive on platforms like Webtoon and Instagram, and the art of growing an authentic audience without losing yourself in the algorithm. V's perspective on character-first storytelling, nonlinear structure, and daily posting completely shifted how I think about content strategy—not just for our clients, but for Epic Made's own storytelling projects. Seriously, if you're a creative professional or even just starting out, this episode is gold.

Thanks again to V for sharing your story, and a special shoutout to Alex Krokus for connecting us. If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing or dropping us a line. And hey—don't be afraid to make something just because you want to.

Until next time,
— Carl ✌️