AS WE CREATE

Christa Yung was born in Los Angeles where her father worked as a production artist in Hollywood. She loved many of the films her father worked on though her fascination with magazines took more of her attention. Her parents noticed this and steered her towards graphic design. Christa shares about her time at University of Hartford where her love of magazines continued as well as some roles she held after graduation. We also talk about the state of the editorial market and her current role at UConn Magazine.

Despite being from a musical family, Greg Miller found a passion for photography and headed to New York City to attend the School of Visual Arts. While Greg was at SVA, he began shooting assignments for 7 Days Magazine, which was the foundation for his editorial career where he shot for publications such as Time, Life, Rolling Stone, Esquire, and many more. We also talk about his love of large format cameras as well as two personal projects , Unto Dust and Morning Bus.

Angela Chen-Wolf grew up in her families business and it helped shape her work ethic and understanding of commitment. We talk about her creative path through RIT, working at large agencies versus small studios, and how a personal health scare makes you question your priorities. Angela also talks about her role as Design Director at the Yale School of the Environment and the value of organization and efficiency to a creative team.

The world of commercial video production is ever changing and Mike Curry shares the experiences that helped him decide on the kind of work he wanted to produce and where he feels his value lies. We also talk about why Connecticut is a unique market for production and how vital your crew is in the success of the work.

Bob Handelman started on the account side of things at DDB Needem in Chicago before finding his way back east to pursue commercial photography. Bob's early work focused on marketing and communications for colleges and universities and he shares how that work took him around the world. We also talk about the current state of the photography industry as well as his newest venture Americana: Know Thy Neighbor, which will have Bob traveling once again.

Growing up outside of Philadelphia presented many challenges for Kimberly Lewis and she had no choice but to grow up fast. She always found comfort in drawing and shares how she began to understand graphic design and the potential for a career path. Kimberly shares some experiences and lessons she learned after graduation and what lead her to UX design and her current role at NBC Sports.

Pursuing a creative career was not a popular option in Melanie Uribe's home country of Venezuela, though having family in Florida, she was able to attend college in the States and pursue her ambitions of becoming a graphic designer. We discuss her early roles working in editorial and how her love of package design took shape over the years. Melanie also talks about her position at Southern Connecticut State University and the current state of design education.

Matthew Cherry came from a strong musical family and spent his early years playing different instruments before settling on the bass. After finishing his music education and working as a freelance musician, Matthew was diagnosed with a medical condition which forced him to limit his live performing. Still needing to make a living, he had the opportunity to help score a short film and we talk about how that experience began his path into photography. We also talk about how digital affected the imaging world and the current state of Ai and CGI in the creative industry.

Nancy Ruzow grew up being surrounded by the arts and fashion through her parents and eventually developed a fascination for advertising. Nancy shares how she got started working for publishing companies creating ads and when she decided to go off on her own. We talk about the the mindset of running your own studio and how she is currently embracing the tools of Ai. Nancy also talks about Creatives Roundtable, a community effort she has been leading for many years.

Growing up in rural Maine was a great experience for Brian Pike though when it came time to research advertising schools, he took the opportunity to head to the West Coast. Brian shares how he began his career as a copywriter as well as knowing when to push an idea beyond a clients comfort level. We also talk about the current state of advertising as well his role at Mintz & Hoke.