In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Jen Van Horn sits down with motion designer EJ Hassenfratz to explore his journey from digital artist to creator of physical plushies and vinyl toys. 

This episode includes:

• EJ's evolution from broadcast graphics to motion design and 3D artistry, discovering Cinema 4D when it was first gaining popularity
• How making tutorials became an unexpected career path after preparing for a presentation at NAB
• The emotional journey of creating his first plushie based on his beloved dog Gus, and how it became a cathartic experience when his actual dog passed away
• Behind-the-scenes insights into toy production, from finding a reputable manufacturer to designing custom packaging
• The unexpected challenges of transitioning from digital to physical products, including order fulfillment, shipping logistics, and overcoming imposter syndrome
• How EJ's exploration of Japanese kawaii mascot culture influenced his character designs
• The importance of pushing through creative fears and taking action rather than waiting for perfection

Throughout the conversation, EJ emphasizes the value of community support and how the motion design industry has evolved to become more open and collaborative. He shares honest reflections about the mental barriers that delayed his physical product launch despite having completed the toy design and manufacturing a year prior.

Next week features an open discussion where listeners can bring questions or topics to the group.

Please subscribe to The Monday Meeting newsletter on Substack and/or via email -open call opportunities for listener spotlights, feature requests, and community participation!

Visit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other insightful conversations from our motion design community!

SHOW NOTES:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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• EJ's Portfolio
• EJ's Instagram
• Gus the Pug
• Make Ship
• Shippo
• thebeastisback

In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Jen Van Horn leads a community "Show and Tell" where motion designers share their off-screen creative pursuits and how these analog activities complement their digital careers. Check out our Show & Tell Showcase Page to see some of the photos from each presenter, and join our Discord to see the rest that were posted!

This episode includes:

• Matthew Hinman's journey into woodworking, from custom noodle boards to laser-etched gifts
• Agustin Eguia's exploration of Japanese woodworking techniques without screws or hardware
• Mollie Davis's seasonal creative outlets including block printing, polymer clay jewelry, and knitting
• Kons's creative integration of technology and craftsmanship in custom computer builds and festival lighting
• Vishal Varghese's rediscovery of analog film photography with vintage rangefinder cameras
• Sam J's improvisational origami techniques and 3D printing projects honoring his father's artistic legacy
• Discussions on how these tactile crafts provide meditation, focus, and creative rejuvenation

Next week features EJ Hassenfratz who will discuss his journey creating plushies and vinyl toys as we continue exploring tactile art as an escape from screen fatigue.

Be sure to sign up for the new Monday Meeting newsletter to stay updated on community events and member spotlights. Visit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other insightful conversations from our motion design community!

SHOW NOTES:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Instagram⁠⁠
• Monday Meeting Bluesky
• Show & Tell Showcase

In this episode of Monday Meeting, host Jen Van Horn sits down with motion designer Luis Miranda to explore his journey into handcrafted satchels and embroidered patches, and how physical creative pursuits complement a digital career.

This episode includes:

• Luis's evolution from sports animation and TV production to freelance motion design
• The iterative process of learning to sew and create custom accessories and clothing
• How digital design skills transfer to physical crafting challenges
• Finding inspiration through tactile experimentation and geometric problem-solving
• The unique branding opportunities of custom-made accessories
• Balancing creative hobbies with professional motion design work

Next week features a special "Show and Tell" episode where listeners can showcase their off-screen creative hobbies and side businesses as we continue exploring tactile art as an escape from screen fatigue. Later this month, EJ Hassenfratz. will join to discuss his journey creating plushies and vinyl toys.

Be sure to sign up for the new Monday Meeting newsletter to stay updated on community events and member spotlights. Visit ⁠MondayMeeting.org⁠ for this episode and other insightful conversations from our motion design community!

SHOW NOTES:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Instagram⁠⁠
• Luis Miranda Website
• Luis Miranda Instagram
• Maxon Red Giant Webinar

In this episode of Monday Meeting, host EJ Brieva welcomes Dr. Kacey Warren, who shares valuable insights on learning strategies, information retention, and cognitive processing in the motion design industry.

This episode includes:

• Understanding "far transfer" - applying knowledge across different contexts
• Why adults often struggle to retain information from tutorials
• Strategies for effective note-taking and active listening
• The limitations of multitasking and how it impacts creative work
• Breaking down complex information for better client understanding
• Structuring learning with the "What-Why-How" framework
• The importance of repetition and practice for skill development
• Building smart learning objectives to measure understanding

Next month's theme will be celebrating the off-screen artistic endeavors of our motion design community. Host Jen Van Horn will be talking with Luis Miranda next week about his journey creating hip bags and embroidered patches, branding, and when/if a creative hobby should become a side business.

Visit ⁠MondayMeeting.org⁠ for this episode and other insightful conversations from our motion design community!

SHOW NOTES:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠

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• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Instagram⁠⁠
• The Deducers

In this episode of Monday Meeting, host EJ Brieva sits down with award-winning animator Donavon Brutus to explore creative identity, personal growth, and navigating imposter syndrome in the motion design industry.

This episode includes:

• Reflections on what drives artists to create, even in isolation
• The importance of identifying and challenging creative limiting beliefs
• How personal experiences like language barriers and bullying shape artistic perspective
• Finding balance between client work and personal artistic expression
• Strategies for making time for personal creative projects
• The value of disconnecting during mechanical tasks for mental restoration
• Building authentic connections in the creative community

Donovan's Creative Reflection Prompts:

1. If you were on a desert island, would you still make art? If so, what kind?
2. What specific part of your creative process brings you the most joy?
3. What are your limiting beliefs, and do you have examples of how they've been proven wrong?

Mark your calendars for an upcoming Maxon live “Falling in Love with Red Giant” webinar event on February 26th, featuring Jen Van Horn, Chad Perkins, and Michael Szalapski, exploring innovative 2D to 2.5 workflow techniques in After Effects, using Maxon Red Giant.

Join us next week as host EJ Brieva welcomes Dr. Kacey Warren for an in-depth discussion on learning strategies and creative skill development. Visit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other insightful conversations from our motion design community!

SHOW NOTES:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Patreon⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Instagram⁠⁠
• 
  
• Donavon Brutus Website
• Jen’s Maxon LIVE webinar event (Feb 26)
• The “Falling in Love With Red Giant” sitcom intro!

As clients choose efficiency over creativity, how can motion designers protect their craft? In this February 10, 2025 episode of Monday Meeting, host EJ Brieva leads an open discussion about the growing challenge of creative commoditization.

This episode includes:

• Insights on how Super Bowl commercials reflect broader industry changes
• Understanding the shift from technical execution to strategic partnerships
• Practical approaches for pricing and positioning creative services
• Navigating the balance between creative vision and client needs
• Tips for maintaining authenticity while adapting to industry changes

Join us next week for an interactive session with Donovan Brutus on finding your unique creative voice.

VisitMondayMeeting.org for this episode and other insightful conversations from our creative community!

SHOW NOTES:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Patreon⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Monday Meeting LinkedIn⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Instagram⁠⁠

• Super Bowl Ads
• The Tin Can Podcast
• Freelancers Union

How can the motion design community support each member's growth? In this February 3rd episode of Monday Meeting, hosts Kendall Hotchkiss and EJ Brieva lead an engaging open discussion exploring professional development, and creative identity in the motion design industry. 

This episode includes:

Visit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other insightful conversations from our creative community!

SHOW NOTES:

How do you keep learning and growing creatively while maintaining work-life balance? In this January 27th episode of Monday Meeting, host Kendall Hotchkiss sits down with Kyle Hamrick and Evan Abrams of Motion Design Hotline to discuss creativity, teaching, and building community in the motion design world. 

This episode includes:

We're excited to welcome two new team members: Lee Smalt as our new editor and Kons Eydelman as our new community director! 

Join us next week for an open discussion - bring your questions and be ready to engage with fellow motion designers. Visit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other insightful conversations from our motion design community!

SHOW NOTES:

Can changing careers make you a stronger creative? In this January 13th episode of Monday Meeting, Kendall Hotchkiss hosts an inspiring conversation featuring Kyle Krueger, Executive Producer at Yond Studio. 

This episode includes:

Visit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other insightful conversations from our motion design community!

Note: There will be no meeting on Monday, January 20th in observance of MLK Day. Join us on January 27th when host Kendall Hotchkiss welcomes,The Motion Design Hotline hosts, Kyle Hamrick & Evan Abrams!

SHOW NOTES:

How can live streaming help build community in motion design? In this January 6th episode of Monday Meeting, focused on "New Year New Me," host Kendall Hotchkiss welcomed Ryan Selvy, freelance motion artist and live streamer, to explore how streaming platforms can foster genuine connections in our industry.

This episode includes:

Visit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other insightful conversations from our motion design community!

Please join us next week Jan 13th where we'll be talking with Kyle Krueger from Yond Studio!

SHOW NOTES: