Ivan Kander is a versatile creative force based in Washington, D.C., with over a decade of experience in filmmaking, motion design, and video production. Since 2007, Ivan has crafted beautiful moving images—both live-action and animated—infused with skill and heart. His work spans projects with notable organizations like the Smithsonian, where he recently collaborated on a retrospective narrated by LL Cool J. Ivan’s passion for storytelling and commitment to creating meaningful art make him a standout in the creative industry.

What You’ll Learn

• The importance of passion projects in fueling creativity and career growth.
• Why artists need to create work for themselves to showcase their abilities and attract the right clients.
• Balancing creative fulfillment with financial realities in a freelance career.
• How passion projects can lead to unexpected opportunities and ROI in client work.
• The value of enduring the “suck stage” to grow as an artist and creator.
• Insights into the dangers of skipping foundational learning through tools like AI.
• The role of relationships, community, and creative perseverance in building a sustainable career.

Overview
In this engaging episode of Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl Cleanthes and Ross Ciuppa dive into a thoughtful discussion with Ivan Kander about the importance of passion projects. Ivan shares his journey as a filmmaker and motion designer, recounting his recent short film—a family drama—and how personal creative endeavors have shaped his career. The conversation highlights the need for artists to invest in their work, especially when no one else will, to showcase their capabilities and attract like-minded collaborators.

Episode Description:

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl Cleanthes sits down with Laura Nespoli, Group Strategy Director at Article Group and founder of Meshin Movement. With nearly 20 years of experience, Laura blends brand strategy, storytelling, and purpose-driven marketing to create impactful narratives for global brands and nonprofits. She shares insights from her work, including a transformative regional rebrand project in Rochester, New York, and her passion for using storytelling to foster personal growth and social change.

What You'll Learn:

• The transformative power of storytelling in driving cultural and social change.
• How to develop a core narrative as a strategic asset for brands and organizations.
• The importance of authenticity in marketing and creative work.
• Insights into creating purpose-driven initiatives that align with personal and professional goals.
• How personal development and introspection can lead to professional breakthroughs.

Episode Overview:

Laura shares her journey from crafting marketing strategies for global technology companies to founding Meshin Movement, where she explores storytelling's role in creating meaningful connections. She dives into her approach to core narratives, a structured storytelling framework used to unify brand messaging across teams and projects. Laura recounts her work on Rochester's regional rebrand, highlighting her belief in empowering communities through shared purpose. The conversation also explores her personal evolution, including confronting childhood traumas and finding resilience through storytelling. Carl and Laura connect on the challenges and rewards of balancing creative passion with professional success, offering listeners a wealth of inspiration and actionable insights.

Episode Description:

Sam Simmons is the CEO and co-founder of MintPass, a Web3 travel platform that rewards users for sharing travel recommendations. With a track record of building innovative businesses, including his role as president of PokerGo, Sam is passionate about leveraging technology to connect communities and create equitable value systems.

What You'll Learn:

• How Web3 technologies are redefining loyalty programs and customer engagement.
• The challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into creative and business workflows.
• Why equitable value distribution is the future of business models.
• The unique potential of NFTs as tools for preserving memories and driving community connections.
• Insights into crafting meaningful user experiences in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl Cleanthes dives deep into a riveting conversation with Sam Simmons, CEO and co-founder of MintPass—a Web3 platform transforming the travel industry through digital souvenirs and reward systems. With a background as president of PokerGo, where he won multiple awards for innovative content, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge about leveraging technology to create meaningful, community-driven business models. Together, Carl and Sam explore the intersection of Web3, AI, and how these technologies are shaping the future of business and culture.