Boris FX's Flow State - Stories from the Creative Process with Nick Harauz

Send us a textSummaryIn this conversation, Nick and Eran discuss the changes in the education industry and the challenges of creating tutorials in a rapidly evolving software landscape. They explore the shift towards shorter content and the impact of platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Eran shares his creative inspiration and how he stays niche in his tutorials. He discusses how he finds inspiration for new ideas and the importance of actively listening to music. Eran shares his love for vinyl records and the therapeutic experience of playing them. In the rapid-fire question segment, Eran talks about his dream sabbatical destination, interesting YouTube comments he's received, his guilty pleasure, and three songs currently on his playlist. He then reflects on his career journey, starting as a graphic designer and transitioning to video editing and motion graphics. TakeawaysThe education industry has changed significantly, with a shift towards remote learning and the availability of free online resources.Creating evergreen content that remains relevant over time is challenging in a rapidly evolving software landscape.Shorter content is becoming more popular, but there is still a need for in-depth tutorials and educational resources.Finding creative inspiration can come from exploring other people's work, studying statistics, and engaging in activities outside of work.Staying niche and focusing on a specific subject can help differentiate tutorials and provide unique value to viewers. Finding inspiration for new ideas can come from various sources, such as art, visual effects, and other people's work.Actively listening to music and immersing oneself in the experience can be a source of inspiration and creativity.Vinyl records offer a unique and therapeutic listening experience that allows for focused and active engagement with the music.Working within limitations can often lead to the most creative solutions and ideas.

Send us a textIn this conversation, John LePore discusses his experience in the post-production industry, particularly in motion design and creating fictional user interfaces (FUI) for films. He shares insights on the importance of designing fictional technologies that enhance world-building and storytelling, while also being clear and concise for the audience. John also talks about his approach to collaborating with clients, understanding their needs, and guiding them through the creative process. He emphasizes the balance between creativity and practicality, and the importance of considering the end user's experience. The conversation also touches on the impact of automation and AI in the post-production industry. The conversation concludes with a look at what the future has in store for John and Blackbox InfiniteTakeawaysDesigning fictional technologies in films enhances world-building and storytelling.Balancing creativity and practicality is crucial in creating effective user interfaces.Understanding and guiding clients through the creative process is essential for successful collaborations.Considering the end user's experience and needs is key in designing digital products.Automation and AI have the potential to streamline production processes and create personalized content. AI can be used as a tool by creatives to tailor and train models to generate content that aligns with their goals.Creatives have the opportunity to shape the future of AI and use it to create new and unexpected experiences.The creative landscape is evolving, and there is a need for creative services that truly understand and empathize with clients' needs.

Send us a textIn this conversation, Nick and Willonius Hatcher (AKA: King Willonius) discuss the use of AI tools in content creation, specifically in music and comedy. King Willonius shares his experience creating the viral song 'BBL Drizzy' using AI-generated music and artwork. They also discuss the benefits and limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT and Mid-Journey in the creative process. Willonius emphasizes the importance of experimentation, consistency, and having the right mindset when using AI tools. He discusses the importance of consistency and hard work in the creative process. He emphasizes the need to enjoy what you create and be consistent in putting out content. He also talks about the potential impact of going viral and the shift in perspective that comes with a larger audience. When it comes to AI in the creative process,  Willonius acknowledges concerns about being replaced by AI but sees it as a tool that can enhance creativity. He believes in the importance of content making people feel something. He also discusses the importance of studying the craft and learning from the greats, while also trusting your intuition and being purposeful in your work.TakeawaysAI tools like ChatGPT and Mid-Journey have revolutionized content creation in music and comedy.Experimentation and having the right mindset are crucial when using AI tools.Consistency and continuous improvement are key to success in content creation.King Willonius has experienced viral success by combining his expertise in comedy and music with AI tools.Consistency and hard work are key in the creative process.Enjoying what you create and being consistent are more important than focusing on views.Going viral can shift the way you create and bring new opportunities.AI can be a powerful tool in the creative process, but concerns about being replaced by AI exist.AI-generated content can still evoke emotions and make people feel something.Studying the craft and learning from the greats is important, but also trust your intuition and be purposeful in your work.

Send us a textJoseph Stephen, an entrepreneur with a background in video production and content creation, discusses his experiences and lessons learned in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of keeping the client's goals and messaging in mind when creating content. Joseph also runs a photo booth and video/photo experiential activations company. He shares his favorite parts of the production process, including pre-production brainstorming, the excitement of being on set, and the ease of post-production when the plan is well-executed. Joseph highlights the significance of problem-solving skills in production and the need for creativity and flexibility when things don't go according to plan. He also reveals that he gets his best ideas when he allows his mind to wander, often in a hot tub or during walks in nature. Joseph discusses his creative hobbies outside of technology, such as building and carpentry. He emphasizes the importance of continually learning and making connections between different fields. Joseph also shares his experience using AI tools in his creative process, including chat GPT for scriptwriting and Simon Says for transcription. He believes that AI can be a valuable assistant in the creative industry if used responsibly. Joseph offers advice to his younger self about avoiding overextended credit and making the most of time. He shares his future plans of exploring augmented reality in facilities management.TakeawaysIt's extremely important to keep the client's goals and messaging in mind when creating contentPre-production is crucial for a smooth production and post-production processProblem-solving skills are essential in the production industryAllowing your mind to wander can lead to creative breakthroughsFinding moments of solitude and relaxation, like in a hot tub, can spark creativity Creativity can be expressed through hobbies outside of technology, such as building and carpentry.Continual learning and making connections between different fields can strengthen creativity and knowledge.AI tools, when used responsibly, can assist in the creative process and optimize workflows.Avoid overextended credit and make the most of time, as time moves faster as we get older.

Send us a textSummaryIn this episode, Nick sits down with astronaut, filmmaker and consultant Terry Virts.  Terry spent over seven months in space during his two spaceflights, piloting the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-130 in 2010 and commanding the International Space Station during Expedition 42/43 in 2014/2015.He served in the US Air Force as a fighter pilot, test pilot, NASA astronaut, and is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy. He has directed several films, including One More Orbit (2019) and The Night After (2023), and is a guest lecturer at the USC School of Cinematic Arts where he teaches about his IMAX movie A Beautiful Planet.Terry and Nick discuss creativity and problem-solving in filmmaking. Terry shares his experiences with capturing footage in space and the challenges of creating beautiful shots in zero gravity. They also touch on the importance of collaboration and the evolving nature of the film industry. Terry talks about his current projects and the reality of getting them off the ground. The conversation explores the democratization of content creation through platforms like YouTube and self-publishing. It also delves into the process of prioritizing projects and balancing passion with financial stability. TakeawaysCreativity and problem-solving are essential in filmmaking, especially when capturing footage in space.The film industry is constantly evolving, and it can be difficult to have a stable career. However, the passion for filmmaking drives many to pursue their projects despite the challenges.The process of getting projects off the ground in Hollywood can be slow and requires patience and perseverance. Self-publishing has become a popular alternative to traditional publishing, giving authors more control over their work.Prioritizing projects requires a balance between passion and financial stability.

Send us a textDebra Khoo, a solo VFX artist and founder of Massive FX, shares her experience in the post-production industry and the transition to running her own company after working at HBO for many years. She discusses the different roles she plays in motion graphics and VFX, the tools she uses, and the importance of continuous learning. Debra also talks about the impact of AI on the industry and offers advice to newcomers.  She also talks about her creative process, the use of reference materials, and how she's a big fan of getting up early. TakeawaysRunning your own company provides flexibility and control over your time.Hybrid skills are essential in the VFX and motion graphics industry to adapt to changing technology.AI can automate certain tasks but cannot replace the creativity and expertise of artists.Continuous learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends are crucial for success.Maintaining a blissful and inspiring environment helps recharge creative energy.Effective problem solving requires quick thinking, resourcefulness, and collaboration with teammates.Time management is crucial in the creative industry, as clients expect timely delivery of high-quality work.Creativity involves the ability to create something unique and different from others.Having a collection of reference materials and resources can enhance the creative process and save time.Waking up early and having a morning routine can increase productivity and efficiency.

Send us a textIn this conversation, Nick talks with Amanda Russell, co-founder and creative director of Cream Studio a motion design and animation studio. Amanda talks about her journey as an entrepreneur and the key lessons she has learned in the industry. Amanda shares insights into working on short-form projects and the challenges of telling a story in a condensed amount of time. They also explore the impact of shrinking budgets on creative work and the need to adapt and find innovative solutions. Amanda discusses her experiences with public speaking and overcoming anxiety. She shares tips for building confidence and managing nerves when presenting. They also talk about the impact of travel on creativity and the future of motion graphics in relation to emerging technologies. Amanda emphasizes the importance of authenticity, confidence, and providing value to others. TakeawaysBe agile and stay up to date with new software changes and trends in motion graphics to stay relevant and marketable.For short-form projects  it's important to create eye-catching visuals in a condensed amount of time.Shrinking budgets require creative solutions and the ability to adapt to new ways of working.Overcoming anxiety and improving presentation skills can open up new opportunities and help in career growth. Building confidence in public speaking takes time and practiceTravel can provide a break from daily routines and inspire new ideasAuthenticity and confidence are key to success in any fieldThe motion graphics industry is evolving with emerging technologiesProviding value to others is essential for personal and professional growth

Send us a textJuliana Broste,  a Travel Filmmaker discusses her process of creating short-form travel videos and the challenges of being an entrepreneur in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of staying flexible and diversifying clients in order to succeed. Juliana also shares her approach to packing and staying organized while traveling, including using packing cubes and compression bags. .Juliana, shares her insights on organizing and editing travel footage. She emphasizes the importance of having a plan and framework for creating content, such as knowing the format and length of the final product. Juliana also discusses her process of duplicating footage, organizing it by day and camera, and downloading it daily to stay organized. She highlights the significance of grouping footage by storyline and prioritizing which storylines to focus on first.  She concludes by discussing her favorite parts of the creative process, including being in the field and having creative control in the editing room.TakeawaysBeing an entrepreneur in the travel video industry requires flexibility and diversifying clients.Packing tips for travel including using packing cubes and compression bags.Staying organized with footage and files is crucial for efficient post-production.Utilizing templates and sound effects can streamline the editing process.Researching destinations is important, but leaving room for exploration and discovery can lead to unique storytelling. Having a plan and framework for creating content is essential, such as knowing the format and length of the final product.Duplicating footage and organizing it by day and camera helps to stay organized and prevent the loss of irreplaceable moments.Filming oneself while on press trips can be challenging, but problem-solving and creative thinking can lead to unique and successful results.The creative process involves both being in the field and having creative control in the editing room, each with its own unique joys and challenges.

Send us a textIn this conversation, Nick sits down with Matt Barretto; a freelance Motion Graphics Animator and Motion Director with a generalist, style-agnostic skill-set and thirteen years of experience working in: broadcast and entertainment advertising, digital advertising and marketing, live events, in-stadium motion graphics, branding, title sequences, and experiential video. .They discuss Matt's process, problem-solving techniques, collaboration in remote work, the impact of AI on workflow, and advice for young creatives. Matt shares his favorite projects and talks about continuous learning and improvement in the industry.TakeawaysProblem-solving is a key aspect of Matt's process, and he values thinking outside the box.The industry has seen a shift in workflow processes, budgets, and time constraints, affecting the creative process.The work from home movement ldt to a blurring of lines towards when work started and ended.Continuous learning and improvement are important for staying relevant in the industry.AI can be a helpful tool for helping speed up the design process. Each project needs to be measured to see if AI will benefit the intended output. You can find out more about Matt and his work by heading to https://mattbarretto.com

Send us a textIn this week's episode Nick is joined by professional photographer and educator Vanessa Joy. Vanessa discusses the dynamic changes in the photography industry, particularly in post-production editing capabilities with the accessibility of AI tools. She highlights the speed and efficiency that AI brings to the editing process, allowing photographers to deliver photos to clients more quickly. Vanessa also emphasizes the importance of working for someone else to gain experience and mentorship. She shares her favorite part of the photography process, the challenges of planning shoots, and her evolving perspective on creativity. TakeawaysThe photography industry has undergone dynamic changes with the accessibility of AI tools and advancements in post-production editing capabilities.AI has significantly improved the speed and efficiency of the editing process, allowing photographers to deliver photos to clients more quickly.Being able to explain photography concepts in layman's terms is crucial for effective teaching and communication.Working for someone else and gaining mentorship is valuable for learning and growth in the photography industry.Planning shoots can be a challenging aspect of photography, requiring coordination with various individuals and elements.Having a safety net of pre-planned content allows for consistent output and flexibility in sharing fresh, relevant material. YouTube has remained consistent compared to other social media platforms, making it a reliable platform for content creators.Relating shorts to long-form videos on YouTube can benefit both types of content and drive traffic between them.Balancing work and personal life requires constant monitoring and adjustment.

Send us a textIn this week's episode Nick sits down with Ash Thorp, the founder of Alt Creative a company that offers illustration, design, VFX, animation, and directorial service. Ash  discusses his creative process, the challenges he faced, and the importance of continuous learning. He emphasizes the need for trust and open communication with clients and the importance of giving oneself time and space for ideation. Ash also talks about the changing landscape of the industry, including the impact of AI and the need for artists to adapt and stay curious.   He expresses concerns about the cognitive and cultural implications of relying too heavily on AI in the creative industry. Ash also shares his sources of inspiration and the importance of being present in the creative process. TakeawaysTrust and open communication are crucial in working with clientsGiving oneself time and space for ideation is important for the creative processContinuous learning and staying curious are essential for growth as an artistSetting boundaries and choosing where to spend energy can lead to better final products AI can be a useful tool for mundane tasks in the creative process, but it cannot replace the journey of exploration and creativity that comes with human artistry.Relying too heavily on AI in the creative industry can have cognitive and cultural implications.Being present in the creative process and allowing ideas to come from moments of inspiration, such as in nature or through conversations, is important.

Send us a textIn this episode of Flow State, Nick sits down with Evan Abrams, a renowned motion designer and educator. Evan shares insights from his journey in motion design, discussing his client work and live streaming experiences. He opens up about the creative process, emphasizing the importance of planning, improvisation, and audience engagement in live content. Evan also delves into his unique approach to tackling creative challenges, balancing perfectionism with spontaneity, and the role of feedback and collaboration. Key Takeaways:The shift from pre-recorded to live content brings a different kind of creative freedom and audience interaction.Live streams foster a participatory experience, making the audience co-creators of the content.Effective creative processes involve thorough planning, iterative refinement, and the willingness to discard ineffective ideas.Balancing structured workflows with the flexibility to adapt and improvise can lead to more authentic and engaging content.Creative growth comes from continuous learning, self-reflection, and adapting to new challenges.The need for time management in creative work: Evan discusses the need for creative professionals to evaluate and reflect on their workflows continuously.

Send us a textIn this conversation, Premiere Gal (Kelsey Brannan) and Nick discuss the importance of consistency in YouTube content creation and how to avoid creative burnout. Kelsey shares her strategies for maintaining a consistent release schedule and staying motivated. They also touch on the challenges creators face in staying relevant and the fear of being replaced by AI. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of feedback and the importance of staying true to your own style and niche.Kelsey has been running her YouTube channel for eight years, focusing on time saving and creative post-production techniques while building a community around it. At 500,000+  subscribers she plans her content a month in advance and works with a team of editors to bring her ideas to life.TakeawaysPlan content in advance to stay organized and ensure timely deliveryFind a balance between overwhelming yourself with ideas and setting boundariesUse feedback to shape your content and improveCreate visually appealing and intriguing thumbnails to attract viewersConsistency is key in YouTube content creation to maintain an engaged audience.To avoid creative burnout, it's important to schedule breaks and prioritize self-care.Creators often face the challenge of staying relevant and fear being replaced by AI, but it's important to remember the value of unique ideas and storytelling.Feedback should be taken with a grain of salt and not define one's worth as a creator.Staying true to your own style and niche is more important than trying to appeal to a broad audience.

Send us a textJacob Zirkle, a VFX compositor and YouTuber, shares his journey in the film and advertising industry. He discusses how he started his YouTube channel to share his knowledge and tutorials on Blender and other programs. Jacob emphasizes the importance of being open to learning new programs and not limiting oneself to a single software. He also talks about the balance between client work and creating YouTube tutorials, as well as the role of creativity in the visual effects industry. Jacob shares insights into his creative process, from ideation to delivering the final piece, and highlights the importance of meeting deadlines and effective time management.TakeawaysBeing open to learning new programs and tools is crucial for growth and success in the visual effects industry.Creativity plays a significant role in visual effects, allowing artists to express their unique voice and create visually stunning shots.Balancing client work and personal projects, such as YouTube tutorials, requires effective time management and understanding the needs of different audiences.Meeting deadlines and managing time effectively are essential skills for visual effects artists, and it's important to communicate with clients about project timelines and potential challenges. ..Motivation and confidence play a crucial role in the creative processHe advises his younger self to focus on quantity over quality when starting out, and to start sharing his work online earlier.Jacob challenges himself creatively by focusing on improving his 3D skills and working on personal projects.He emphasizes the importance of building a demo reel and personal brand, and encourages artists to make each new shot better than the last.

Send us a textIn this conversation, John Dickinson shares his background in motion graphics and his transition from working at Foxtel to joining Boris FX.  He emphasizes the importance of creativity and experimentation in his work, and how he finds inspiration away from the computer. John also talks about the process of teaching and presenting, and the role of intuition and fine-tuning in motion graphics.  In the end, he reflects on the journey of a designer and the importance of continuous learning.TakeawaysOvercoming  self-doubt is a common challenge in the creative industry.Experimentation and creativity are essential for growth and finding new ideas.Finding inspiration often happens away from the computer, through activities like exercise or engaging in unrelated tasks.Effective teaching and presenting require clear communication, simplifying complex concepts, and conveying passion for the subject.

Send us a textIn this episode, Nick interviews motion graphics designer and art director Jessica Libby. They discuss the differences between freelance and full-time work, the essence of the creative process, and the challenges of client feedback and collaboration. Jess shares what attracted her to motion design and her favorite and least favorite parts of the creative process. They also touch on problem-solving and ideation techniques. The conversation continues with topics including the impact of AI on video editing , the future of AI in motion graphics, and advice for Jess's younger self. Jess emphasizes the importance of enjoying the creative journey and integrating all aspects of life. JTakeawaysThe transition from freelance to full-time work requires adjusting to a different level of collaboration and understanding the company culture.The creative process involves problem-solving, communication, and finding connections between different ideas and disciplines.Client feedback and collaboration can be challenging, but clear communication, understanding the client's needs, and post-project discussions can help improve the process.Motion design allows for the combination of graphic design, music, and storytelling to create emotional and impactful visuals. AI has impacted the video editing and motion graphics industry, with tools like automatic transcription and depth maps The future of AI in motion graphics is uncertain, with potential for automation of mundane tasks There is a need for human creativity and storytelling.Listeners can follow Jess on Instagram (@jesseylibby) or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Send us a textIn this week’s episode, Nick sits down with storyteller and flame artist Andy Milkis. Andy shares insights into his creative process and the changes he has witnessed in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of foundational skills and understanding the technical aspects of the work. Andy also discusses the challenges of balancing client communication and the need for efficient problem-solving on the job. He shares his perspective on creativity and the importance of getting into the flow state. Additionally, Andy highlights the benefits of in-person collaboration and the impact remote work has had on his career. He concludes by discussing the plethora of tools available in the industry and the guidance he provides to young artists. TakeawaysFoundational skills and technical understanding are crucial for success in the creative industry.Balancing client communication and efficient problem-solving is essential for meeting client expectations.Creativity is a pure expression that requires getting into the flow state.In-person collaboration fosters creativity and a sense of camaraderie.The remote work environment has both benefits and challenges.The industry offers a plethora of tools, and it is important to focus on story and content rather than getting overwhelmed by the options. Focus on learning and mastering one tool before moving on to others Knowing a tool means being able to troubleshoot and solve problems when things don't work as expected.AI in VFX is still evolving and has limitations, but has many use cases in ideation and the generation of background platesContinuous learning and creative growth are essential for staying relevant and pushing creative boundaries in the industry.

Send us a textIn this episode, Mike and Isabela Russell discuss their extensive history in audio production including their work in radio and podcasting. We explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI voices and cloning.Izabela and Mike then begin to discuss the impact of AI tools on audio workflows and the importance of creativity as an expression of self. The conversation highlights the role of music and sound effects in creating immersive audio experiences and the importance of attention to detail in audio production and sound design for film and video.  The guests emphasize the importance of high-quality audio in teaching audio production and the influence of YouTube on audio consumption. The conversation concludes with advice for those starting in the audio industry.TakeawaysRadio and podcasting are separate segments within the audio production industry, each with its own unique requirements and approaches.AI voices and cloning present both opportunities and challenges for the voiceover industry,AI tools have revolutionized audio workflows, allowing for the restoration and enhancement of audio recordings that were previously deemed unusable.Creativity is an expression of self that cannot always be described with words, and it can be manifested in various forms, such as music, writing, and visual arts.Attention to micro detail is crucial in audio production.Sound design plays a significant role in film and video.High-quality audio is essential for a great video experience.YouTube has a significant impact on audio consumption.AI tools are revolutionizing music and sound effects creation.Advice for those starting in the audio industry: niche down, collaborate, and be open to change.Contact Izabela and Mike Russell through their website www.musicradiocreative.com.

Send us a textBrian Maffitt is an Award-winning designer and animator. He's created software that is used throughout the industry in commercials and film including some of your favorite filters in After Effects.  Brian has personally presented, directed or produced more than 1000 hours of video training. In this episode, he discusses the role of creativity in his current work at CBS and the challenges he faced in building an animation studio. Brian also shares his perspective on the impact of AI in visual effects workflows. He provides insights into his creative process and offers advice to his younger self. In this conversation, Brian Maffitt and Nick discuss the importance of avoiding crunch and building good habits in creative work. They emphasize the need to pace oneself, take care of one's health, and avoid cramming everything in at the last minute. TakeawaysCreativity plays a crucial role in problem-solving and finding innovative solutions in the animation and visual effects industry.Building an animation studio requires collaboration, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the technical aspects of the workflow.AI tools can be useful in tasks such as upscaling footage and transcription, but they currently lack the granularity and repeatability required for professional production.Copying and emulating successful designs and techniques can be a valuable learning experience for artists.It is important to pace oneself and prioritize health when planning budgets and timeframes in the industry. Crunch can be detrimental to creativity and overall well-being, so it's important to avoid it.Building good habits, such as working consistently and pacing oneself, can lead to better outcomes.Giving oneself contingency time and doing small amounts of work consistently can help manage unexpected challenges and increase productivity.Consistently doing small amounts of work can lead to a significant increase in overall productivity.Taking care of oneself and adopting good work habits can result in improved quality of work.Expressing gratitude and reflecting on the conversation can foster a positive mindset and encourage further learning and growth.

Send us a textIn this conversation, Nick sits down with Rosanne Tan, ACE,  a film and television editor best known for her work on Homecoming, Mr. Robot, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Hawkeye, and Ahsoka.  She shares insights into her editing workflow starting  from production, including her favorite parts of the process. Rosanne also talks about staying objective in the edit room and finding inspiration from soundtracks and films. She mentions her go-to tools and the impact of the pandemic on her work. Roseanne discusses the biggest differences she's noticed when collaborating with people working virtually versus in person. She also shares her favorite moments and sequences in editing and the power of visual storytelling without dialogue.  Finally, she reflects on the meaning of creativity and offers tips for getting into the creative flow and meeting deadlines.TakeawaysEditing projects can vary in duration, ranging from months to years.Finding inspiration from soundtracks and films can help refresh creativity in the editing process.Hybrid work allows for the best of both worlds in creative collaborationUnderstanding personal creative rhythms and adapting schedules can enhance productivity and creativity.