Today I'm speaking with Chase Goulet, a product designer and former professional Minecraft builder.

Find out more about Chase → ⁠https://chasegoulet.com/⁠
Find out more about the podcast here → ⁠https://jackvaughan.com⁠

We talked about:

Summary & Chapters (AI-Generated)

In this conversation, Jack Vaughan speaks with Chase Goulet, a product designer and former professional Minecraft builder. They explore Chase's journey from his early creative experiences with Minecraft to his transition into product design. The discussion covers themes of creativity, the impact of AI on design, the importance of self-education, and the role of mentorship in career development.

Chase shares insights on the learning process, emphasizing the balance between theory and practice, and reflects on how gaming has influenced his approach to design. Jack and Chase explore the themes of learning through failure, the significance of college experiences, the evolving role of designers in the age of AI, and the future of design.

They discuss the importance of iteration in learning, the impact of college on personal and professional growth, and the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the design field. The conversation emphasizes the need for creativity, abstract reasoning, and the human touch in design, even as technology advances.

00:00 Chase's Journey into Minecraft Building

03:42 Working with BlockWorks and Educational Projects

06:46 The Process of Translating Real-World Architecture into Minecraft

09:54 AI and Technology in Minecraft Building

12:27 The Role of Creativity in Game Design

15:28 Personal Projects and Passion for Building

18:36 The Impact of Minecraft on Understanding Architecture

21:27 Transitioning from Architecture to Product Design

24:44 The Transition from Engineering to Design

29:21 Learning Through Experience and Mentorship

33:59 The Art of Self-Education

38:26 Embracing Failure and Self-Criticism

40:15 College Experiences and Startup Ventures

47:00 The Role of Design in Building Trust

51:56 Building Trust Through Professional Branding

55:02 The Balance of Design and Trust

57:59 Navigating Career Growth and Skill Development

57:59 The Role of AI in Design and Creativity

01:08:41 The Future of Design in an AI-Driven World

Find out more about Greg → https://www.jdgstewart.co/⁠

Find out more about the podcast here → ⁠https://jackvaughan.com⁠

Today, I’m speaking with Greg Stewart—one of the founding members of Ordinary Folk and now Lead Animator at the Bible Project.

I’ve known about Greg for a long time, as Ordinary Folk are without doubt my favourite motion design studio. I remember first watching Greg from a Holdframe workshop and have since really connected with his way of thinking.

We spoke about

• His early career and fast liftoff
• History and origin story of OF
• His time there, working with Jorge and his eventual move away
• A lot of detail on workflows, process, and working with teams
• Levels of detail in motion - ways of seeing
• Technical side of motion, rigging, systems
• But also the balance and integration of that with art direction, creative direction
• And, towards the end, a deep dive into how he’s using Cavalry

As always, if you appreciate the show, share it or leave a rating wherever you're listening. And I hope you enjoy this interview with Greg Stewart.

Summary & Chapters (AI Generated)

In this conversation, Greg Stewart, lead animator at The Bible Project, shares his journey from studying theology to becoming a prominent figure in motion design. He discusses his experiences at Ordinary Folk, the importance of collaboration, and the balance between technical skills and creative direction. Greg reflects on the significance of storytelling in animation and how his personal goals have evolved over time, emphasizing the value of faith and artistry in his work. In this conversation, Greg shares his journey in animation and collaboration, detailing his experiences working with a creative team and the growth he experienced through collaboration. He discusses the importance of art direction, team dynamics, and the processes that contribute to successful projects. Greg also explores the integration of new tools like Cavalry into his workflow, emphasizing the benefits of dynamic rendering and Google Sheets for efficient project management. He concludes with reflections on the future of motion design tools and the joy of problem-solving in the creative process.

00:00 Journey to The Bible Project

04:24 The Transition from Ordinary Folk to The Bible Project0

7:28 The Excitement of Working on Bible Project

10:13 Balancing Art and Technical Skills

13:36 The Importance of Conceptual Thinking in Motion Design

16:20 Navigating Complexity and Simplicity in Motion Design

38:01 Building a World Through Animation

41:17 The Importance of Pre-Visualization

44:13 Navigating Early Career Decisions

47:59 The Freelance Journey Begins

52:45 Shifting Goals and Personal Growth

57:53 The Dynamics of Teamwork at Ordinary Folk

01:10:32 Exploring Animation Techniques and Intentions

01:13:24 Balancing Creative Integrity and Technical Execution

01:16:09 The Dynamics of Team Collaboration in Animation

01:17:07 Establishing Effective Processes in Animation Projects

01:20:18 Incorporating Freelancers and Diverse Styles

01:23:05 The Importance of Pacing and Quality in Animation

01:25:50 Transitioning to New Tools: Cavalry in Animation

01:33:13 Integrating Cavalry into Workflows

01:44:47 Dynamic Rendering and Google Sheets Integration

01:58:29 The Joy of Problem Solving in Motion Design

Find out more about Abdoulaye → https://barrymotion.com/work

Find out more about the podcast here → https://jackvaughan.com

Today, I’m speaking with Abdoulaye Barry, a Motion Designer and Teacher. I've been aware of Abdoulaye’s work for a little while now and wanted to get him on to catch up about his work, his approach to marketing in the motion world, his recent move to Dubai, and his future vision for his work there.

We talked about LinkedIn, the UAE, motion tools, marketing and outreach as a freelancer, and much more. Thanks to those of you who sent in questions, particularly Abdoulaye’s friend, Pol O’Callaghan. As always, if you appreciate the show, share it or rate it wherever you're listening.

Summary & Chapters (AI Generated)

In this conversation, Jack Vaughan speaks with Abdoulaye Barry, a motion designer who recently moved to Dubai. They discuss Abdoulaye's journey, the creative landscape in Dubai, and the cultural references that influence design in the region. Abdoulaye shares his experiences transitioning from freelance work to a full-time position, the expectations within the motion design industry, and the importance of educating clients about the process. They also compare opportunities in France and Dubai, explore strategies for client outreach, and delve into Abdoulaye's exploration of 3D tools and techniques. Finally, they discuss Abdoulaye's future aspirations, including the potential to create a studio with his wife.

00:00 Abdoulaye's Journey to Dubai

02:50 The Creative Landscape in Dubai

06:25 Cultural Shifts and Design Evolution

11:20 Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

13:54 Expectations in the Motion Design Industry

16:36 Educating Clients on Motion Design

19:15 Comparing Opportunities: France vs Dubai

22:45 Building Connections and Client Relationships

28:10 The Journey of Learning and Teaching Motion Design

31:17 Building a Presence on LinkedIn

33:01 Creating Opportunities in Motion Design

36:07 Engaging Clients with Visuals

38:58 Targeting the Right Audience

41:12 Branding Yourself in Motion Design

41:43 Transitioning to 3D and New Technologies

47:02 Future Aspirations and Collaborations

Today I’m speaking with Coralie Delpha — a lead technical architect at Shopify.

Coralie is a lovely, calm and curious individual. And very well regarded in her community — i’ve known her for a while and was really interested to catch up and dive deeper into her work, the Shopify ecosystem and more.

We spoke about her journey in law, business school, learning to code, building community & connection, her team, mentors, cursor, AI, writing, advice for younger developers and much more.

Coralie is very well rounded — and very aligned and passionate about her work. If you’re interested in diving into what she does more after the podcast — you can check out her newsletter.

Summary & Chapters (AI Generated)

In this conversation, Coralie Delpha, a lead technical architect at Shopify, shares her unique journey from studying law to becoming a prominent figure in the tech community. She discusses the importance of building connections, the role of communication in her career, and how her background in law influences her work in technology. Coralie emphasizes the significance of community support within the Shopify ecosystem and the evolution of the platform over the years. She also highlights the resources available for app developers and the positive culture at Shopify that fosters collaboration and innovation. In this conversation, Coralie discusses the various aspects of Shopify, including its payment solutions, automation tools, and no-code capabilities. She highlights the platform's ability to support e-commerce expansion and comprehensive business management. Coralie also shares insights into her role as a technical architect, the importance of team dynamics, and the challenges of migrating from Salesforce to Shopify. The discussion touches on the company's culture, the integration of AI in development, and personal growth through mentorship and daily routines.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Early Journey

02:38 The Intersection of Law and Business

05:31 Discovering Tech Through Blogging

08:33 Transitioning to Freelancing and Shopify

11:28 Learning to Code and the Bootcamp Experience

14:45 First Freelance Projects and Building Confidence

23:28 The Evolution of Shopify: From Small Merchants to Big Brands

28:12 Diving into the Technical Side of Shopify

33:27 The Expanding Ecosystem: Themes, Apps, and Agencies

38:06 Building a Supportive Community Around Shopify

41:33 Empowering Entrepreneurs: Shopify's Mission Against Giants

45:02 Shopify's Marketplace and Payment Solutions

49:14 Shopify's Versatility: Beyond E-commerce

53:15 The Role of a Technical Architect at Shopify

53:44 Understanding Growth Services at Shopify

56:08 The Role of Consulting and Development

59:03 Navigating Merchant Migration from Salesforce to Shopify

01:02:31 Interdepartmental Collaboration at Shopify

01:06:40 Company Culture and Transparency at Shopify

01:11:03 Exploring the Technical Stack and AI Integration

01:15:21 Building Apps and Learning Experiences

01:22:30 The Impact of Technology on Daily Life

01:23:50 Exploring Cursor: A New Development Tool

01:25:52 Mentorship and Learning from Experience

01:29:37 Understanding Client Needs and Problem Solving

01:32:03 The Role of Instinct in Software Development

01:35:26 Navigating Burnout and Freelancing Challenges

01:38:59 Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

01:40:10 Daily Routines and Productivity Strategies

01:42:44 Navigating the Shopify Landscape

01:47:34 The Power of Communication and Networking

01:53:56 Embracing Entrepreneurship and Future Aspirations

Today I'm speaking with Maria Cruz, an artist, animator & motion designer.

Maria’s worked with big companies like Google, Netflix, Apple, Sony… as well as top studios like Hornet, Odd Fellows, Buck, and now Hook.

We spoke about many things:

• Early creativity and childhood ways of seeing
• Art direction, connection, inspiration, curiosity, and breaking out of the mold
• The art and role of a motion designer to read, subvert, and invent between the frames
• Her style, references, music & motion, her early work in Cavalry, experiments, tools, flow, and much more.

Maria is just deeply creative. And I love having conversations like this one — where you really get a sense of where that creativity comes from, and how they think about it.

As always if you want to support the show, share it with a friend or leave a rating wherever you're listening.

Summary & Chapters (AI Generated)

In this conversation, Maria Cruz shares her journey as a motion designer, reflecting on her childhood imagination and creativity, the challenges of balancing artistic expression with commercial demands, and the importance of experimentation in her work. She discusses her artistic evolution, the role of collaboration in creative projects, and how she finds inspiration in everyday life. Maria emphasizes the significance of embracing happy accidents and procedural creativity, highlighting her experiences with tools like Cavalry to enhance her artistic process. In this conversation, Maria Cruz shares her insights on motion design, focusing on her experiences with Cavalry, the evolution of design tools, and the importance of curiosity in creativity. She discusses the shift towards Figma in UI design, the role of AI as a creative collaborator, and the interplay between music and animation. Maria emphasizes the significance of seizing opportunities in her creative journey and reflects on her experiences working in different studio environments.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Creativity

04:46 Childhood Imagination and Early Inspirations

10:49 The Intersection of Language and Art

16:42 Navigating the World of Animation

22:38 Client Collaboration and Creative Freedom

28:42 Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life

36:37 The Influence of David Bowie on Artistic Expression

42:26 Navigating the Transition from Style Frames to Motion

43:34 The Subjectivity of Animation and Personal Style

45:39 Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Creative Blocks

47:12 The Role of References in Shaping Style

49:56 The Evolution of Personal Style in Motion Design

53:09 Distillation: Reducing Complexity in Design

54:52 Embracing Happy Accidents in Creative Processes

58:13 The Importance of Curiosity in Learning New Tools

01:01:50 Exploring Cavalry: A New Approach to Motion Design

01:05:48 The Shift from Obligation to Curiosity in Creativity

01:09:22 The Future of Motion Design and Tool Evolution

01:17:03 The Balance of Plugins and Native Tools in Motion Design

01:18:06 Essential Tools for Motion Design

01:20:49 The Shift to Figma in UI Design

01:24:10 Exploring Rive and JSON in Animation

01:27:07 The Future of Motion Design and Interactivity

01:30:27 AI as a Creative Collaborator

01:33:54 The Dynamics of Working in Different Studio Sizes

01:37:59 Dream Projects and Creative Aspirations

01:40:20 The Interplay of Music and Motion Design

01:49:09 Navigating Opportunities in a Creative Career

01:54:46 New Chapter

Find out more about Adam‘s work at https://battleaxe.co/

Today, I’m speaking with Arie Stavchansky, CEO and Founder of Dataclay.

Dataclay is a company that develops software for motion designers and video professionals focused on data-driven video.

Although this concept has existed for a while, it's not that widely known, but understanding data driven video and it’s interaction with AI is going to become more and more important over the next few years.

The discussion covered various topics, including the importance of data-driven video, the resilience of After Effects, AI-generated content, media credibility, Slack bots and the future of Dataclay’s platform.

Today I'm speaking with Matt Perry, creator of some of the most used web motion libraries in the world. His work has transformed how developers bring interactivity and smooth animations to the web. For the last 6 years he’s been at Framer, building Framer Motion — and he’s just taken that independent as a new project — Motion.

I've been wanting to have this conversation for a long time, and now that Matt’s launch we could finally make it happen. If you’ve listened before, you know my passions are software, design and motion. And if there was ever a guest that encapsulated all three of these — it’s Matt.

Hayley Akins is the founder of Motion Hatch, a school that helps motion designers and creatives grow their business.

Hayley is one of the originals in this space. She's been active since 2017 and has helped many people in the industry. I wanted to bring her on to discuss marketing, how it's evolving for creatives, and how to effectively connect with prospects online and on social media. We also talked about how her business has grown, the journey of motion designers, and the importance of alignment and authenticity online, among other topics.

As always, if you want to support the show, you can leave a rating on Spotify or wherever you listen, or share it with a friend.

Imsety Taylor is a creator, motion designer, and founder of Set Angle — a web and motion agency. He’s worked with brands like Ford and Keller Williams and collaborated with studios like Ravie.

I identify a lot with Imsety — although I'm probably not as talented. He’s got a deep love of being creative in four mediums that we share: animation, technology, design, and sound.

We talked about his skill set and running a multidisciplinary agency, the journey from creative child to professional adult, real-time and technical live installation projects, how he runs his team, inner game, and much more.

As always, if you appreciate this episode and want to support the show, I'd love you to leave a rating or review on Spotify or iTunes.