In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder welcomes John Ancona, a Senior Producer at PXP Studios, who shares his decade-long journey in creative and agency operations, experience with healthcare accounts, and insights into producing groundbreaking motion media campaigns. John emphasizes the importance of communication, the evolving role of AI in creative processes, and how to effectively connect with artists and clients. He also discusses the significance of detailed treatments, budget transparency, and offers advice on landing jobs in the creative field. 

In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

More about our guest:

• Connect with John Ancona: 

More about your host:

Heather Elder’s Bio

Heather Elder’s Blog

Heather Elder on Instagram

Heather Elder on Twitter

Heather Elder on LinkedIn

Heather Elder on Facebook

In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder is joined by freelance senior producer Jessica Mirolla. The conversation covers Jessica's extensive experience in production, her passion for art, and her insights on the ever-evolving nature of the industry. They discuss the importance of being multifaceted in today's market, the impact of AI and CGI in creative roles, and the value of treatments and creative calls in the bidding process. Jessica shares her thoughts on current trends, especially in automotive photography, and stresses the need for artists to stay culturally relevant and inspired. The episode concludes with personal reflections and aspirations in the realm of production, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in art production and the dynamic changes within the industry.

In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

More about our guest:

• Connect with Jessica Mirolla: [email protected] 

More about your host:

Heather Elder’s Bio

Heather Elder’s Blog

Heather Elder on Instagram

Heather Elder on Twitter

Heather Elder on LinkedIn

Heather Elder on Facebook

In this episode of Dear Art Producer, hosted by Heather Elder, freelance art producer Sari Rowe and Julie Maxham, senior art producer at IPG Health, share their extensive experiences and unique perspectives on the ever-evolving art production industry. With backgrounds in multimedia, print, motion, CGI, experiential, and illustration, both Sari and Julie discuss their career journeys, the importance of relationships and networking in their roles, the impact of AI and CGI in modern productions, and how they adapt to industry trends. They also explore the nuances of producing treatments, staying connected with the creative community, and their predictions for the future of art production in 2025.

In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

More about our guests:

• Connect with Sari Rowe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sari-rowe-06617313/ 

• Connect with Julie Maxham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-maxham-36ba842/ 

More about your host:

Heather Elder’s Bio

Heather Elder’s Blog

Heather Elder on Instagram

Heather Elder on Twitter

Heather Elder on LinkedIn

Heather Elder on Facebook

In this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather Elder sits down with Mary Olson, the Studio Director at Calcium + Company, to explore her multifaceted career and passion for problem-solving in the arts. Mary speaks about her journey from fine art photography to engineering cutting-edge production designs for high-profile clients like Ferrari, Sony, and Boston University. The two discuss the evolving challenges in the creative industry, the role of AI, the importance of sketch-based collaboration, and the unpredictable nature of art production. Mary also shares valuable tips for artists striving to land projects and the significance of maintaining a diverse and adaptive skill set.

In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

More about our guest:

• Connect with Mary Olson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-profile/ 

More about your host:

Heather Elder’s Bio

Heather Elder’s Blog

Heather Elder on Instagram

Heather Elder on Twitter

Heather Elder on LinkedIn

Heather Elder on Facebook

In this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather Elder speaks with Cleo Montagnana, Associate Art Producer at BBDO New York. Cleo shares her journey from film production student to art producer, recounting her experiences working with major clients and her start in a small production company. They discuss the evolving industry, the significance of mentorship, the role of AI in production, and current trends in creativity and client demands. Cleo also touches on the challenges and benefits of treatments, the impact of agency mergers, and her aspirations for more hands-on set experience. The episode is rich with insights into the dynamic world of art production, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.

In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

More about our guest:

• Connect with Cleo Montagnana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleo-montagnana-003357171/ 

• Cleo’s website: https://www.cleo-montagnana-portfolio.com/ 

More about your host:

Heather Elder’s Bio

Heather Elder’s Blog

Heather Elder on Instagram

Heather Elder on Twitter

Heather Elder on LinkedIn

Heather Elder on Facebook

In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder is joined by Melissa Le Nicol, a freelance senior art producer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Melissa shares her journey from working at renowned agencies such as Leo Burnett and Ogilvy to her passion for discovering top photographers and production solutions. They discuss the evolving role of an art producer, the importance of treatments, budget transparency, and the dynamics of creative calls. Additionally, Melissa reveals her fascinating background as an acupuncturist and forensic genealogist, highlighting the diverse interests and skills she has developed alongside her illustrious career in art production.

In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

More about our guest:

• Connect with Melissa Le Nicol on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissalenicol/ 

• Melissa’s website: https://melissalenicol.com/

More about your host:

Heather Elder’s Bio

Heather Elder’s Blog

Heather Elder on Instagram

Heather Elder on Twitter

Heather Elder on LinkedIn

Heather Elder on Facebook

In this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather Elder interviews freelance executive producer Lisa Lee. Lisa's extensive career spans content creation for major brands, a pivotal role at TBWA/Chiat/Day, and over 15 years at CP&B. The discussion delves into Lisa's journey, the evolution of her role, and the intricacies of art production. Lisa shares insights on maintaining calm and patience in high-pressure environments, the importance of clear communication, and the challenges of modern production timelines. The conversation also touches on future industry trends, including the impact of AI, and personal anecdotes about navigating the creative industry.

In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

More about our guest:

Connect with Lisa Lee on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lee-63b7204/ 

More about your host:

Heather Elder’s Bio

Heather Elder’s Blog

Heather Elder on Instagram

Heather Elder on Twitter

Heather Elder on LinkedIn

Heather Elder on Facebook

In this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather Elder welcomes Vice President and Executive Producer, Mindy Miller, for a deep dive into various aspects of the creative industry and a discussion that explores topics such as collaboration, empathy, and the need for fair practices to foster a thriving creative ecosystem. Heather interviews Mindy on her unique career journey from fitness training to a leadership role in art production, emphasizing the necessity of creative problem-solving and better communication between agency staff and artists. The conversation expands to the complexities of agency operations, the inefficiencies of the triple bidding process, and the benefits of firm bids. They also explore talent management, the influence of social media in discovering talent, and emerging trends in authentic photography. Additionally, there is a critical examination of industry treatment practices and the potential roles of AI and standardization. 

In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

More about our guest:

Connect with Mindy Miller on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindymillerberg/ 

More about your host:

Heather Elder’s Bio

Heather Elder’s Blog

Heather Elder on Instagram

Heather Elder on Twitter

Heather Elder on LinkedIn

Heather Elder on Facebook

In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder interviews George Qatsha, a seasoned executive producer with extensive experience in marketing, entertainment, and brand-focused companies. They discuss George's background in photography and his journey into production, highlighting his expertise in visual storytelling and team coordination for major brands like Apple, Nike, and Google. The conversation delves into the importance of integrating creative visions with business needs, transparency in the production process, and the evolving landscape of AI in creative industries. They also touch on trends such as the need for motion in artistic reels, the role of websites, and the potential use of AI as a tool rather than a replacement in production work. 

In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

More about our guest:

Connect with George Qatsha on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-qatsha-10122a12/ 

More about your host:

Heather Elder’s Bio

Heather Elder’s Blog

Heather Elder on Instagram

Heather Elder on Twitter

Heather Elder on LinkedIn

Heather Elder on Facebook

In this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather Elder welcomes Elisa Morse, founder and executive producer of the commercial production company, Piece Mill. Elisa shares her journey from aspiring copywriter and theater major to becoming an on-staff producer at Snapchat and eventually founding her own forward-thinking production company in 2018. They discuss the impact of social media on commercial production, the evolution of industry standards, the importance of authenticity and collaboration, and the challenges and opportunities that come with flexibility in modern production. Elisa also shares insights about maintaining meaningful relationships, promoting a positive and inclusive company culture, and the significance of female leadership.

In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

More about our guest:

Connect with Elisa and Piece Mill https://piecemill.co/ 

More about your host:

Heather Elder’s Bio

Heather Elder’s Blog

Heather Elder on Instagram

Heather Elder on Twitter

Heather Elder on LinkedIn

Heather Elder on Facebook