In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Fabian Oberhammer — a self-taught 3D artist, Instagram creator with over 180K followers, and the mind behind over 3,000 consecutive daily renders. Fabian opens up about the turning point in 2022 when his viral car render project catapulted him into the digital spotlight. He talks about his journey through creative burnout, how working in a traditional studio drained his passion for 3D, and why taking over his family’s boutique hotel in Northern Italy was a move that saved both his mental and artistic well-being. From rendering hypercars for West Coast Customs to using AI tools like Magnific to elevate his work, Fabian shares how he’s navigating the future of CGI with authenticity and heart.

More than just a conversation about software and scenes, this episode dives deep into the balance between art and life. Fabian discusses how having a stable, real-world job gives him the freedom to say no to uninspiring clients and protect the love he has for digital art. We also explore his vision of transforming his hotel into an artist residency, his thoughts on AI-generated art, and the difference between going viral for attention versus building lasting creative value. Whether you're a 3D artist, entrepreneur, or someone looking to rekindle your passion, Fabian's story is a powerful blueprint for building a career on your own terms.

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https://www.instagram.com/thedizzyviper/

In this podcast episode of Mountain Collective, Funs Jacobs, a creative mind, shares his journey and insights on storytelling, design, and creative success:

1. Agency
2. Willfulness
3. Determination
4. Resilience
5. Adaptability
6. Curiosity
7. Humbleness
8. Emotional Intelligence
9. Communication

With a rich background in visual storytelling, Funs delves into how his experiences have shaped his career and offers actionable advice for aspiring creatives. This episode is packed with stories, insights, and laughs, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the creative industry.

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https://www.funsjacobs.com/

In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, host Mourad Bahrouch sits down with renowned photographer Sasha Elage to discuss the power of staying true to oneself in a world overwhelmed by social media trends.

Sasha shares his journey from struggling with stolen art to launching a successful print store and preparing for a groundbreaking documentary in Iceland. He emphasizes the value of authenticity, urging creatives to focus on their passions instead of chasing fleeting trends.

His insights into the dangers of social media, the importance of creative integrity, and the true meaning of success make this episode a must-listen for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs.

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https://www.instagram.com/sashaelage/

In this episode, host and returning guest Mathijs Luijten dive into a vulnerable and insightful conversation about creativity, career growth, and life beyond burnout. With two years since their last podcast, Mathijs reflects on his transformative journey—living between Spain, Morocco, and Ibiza—while crafting animation projects for high-profile clients like Google. He discusses the struggle of compiling a six-year showreel, the love-hate relationship with personal projects, and why music always comes first in his animation process. This episode sheds light on the spiritual dimension of design, and how nature, movement, and minimalism influence creative longevity.

The conversation touches on powerful themes like timeless design, digital vs. physical experiences, and mental health. Mathijs opens up about his desire to start a family, his MS diagnosis, and how limitations have brought clarity to his priorities. With anecdotes about candlelit Moroccan nights, hilarious hiking stories, and gym goals, the episode captures a unique blend of deep wisdom, humor, and raw honesty. Whether you're a creative professional, freelancer, or art lover, this episode offers timeless insights into how to stay grounded while chasing big dreams.

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https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJDf6CaSMqS/

In this captivating episode, internationally recognized photographer Sasha Elage shares his powerful journey from a childhood fascination with light to becoming a globally celebrated visual artist. Sasha dives deep into the philosophy behind his work, his disdain for Photoshop, and his commitment to capturing raw reality using just a simple camera. He discusses how art, nature, and perseverance helped him build a life of freedom and creativity, emphasizing the importance of momentum, self-expression, and seeing magic in everyday moments.

Listeners will be inspired by Sasha's unique perspective on success, self-discipline, and embracing the unpredictable beauty of life. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a creative professional seeking motivation, this podcast offers actionable advice on maintaining authenticity, building a career around your passion without compromise, and continuously evolving as an artist and human being.

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https://www.instagram.com/sashaelage/

In this enlightening episode, Andy Hopkins, Executive Producer at Future Deluxe, shares his fascinating journey from ad-loving student to industry-leading creative producer. With experience at studios like MediaMonks and Nexus Studios, Andy reflects on how a love for strategy and storytelling evolved into a full-blown career in immersive and experimental design. He walks us through the early days of his inspiration, his time at Mercedes-Benz, and why he ultimately pivoted toward creative agency life.

The episode dives deep into the evolving relationship between creativity and AI. Andy makes a compelling case for why artists should embrace AI as a tool that removes creative barriers rather than fear it as a threat. He touches on the parallels with photography’s early skepticism, explains how tools like Sora and Midjourney are transforming workflows, and shares an inspiring story about a Future Deluxe team member who used AI to design a real silver ring. This episode is a must-listen for creatives navigating the rapid changes in tech and artistry.

In the podcast interview with Simon Dixon, co-founder of DixonBaxi, the conversation delved into the rapidly evolving world of branding in 2023. Dixon shed light on how technology, social media, and globalization have reshaped the landscape, making it easier for brands to connect with larger audiences. However, he emphasized that with this increased accessibility, the challenge lies in maintaining authenticity and distinctiveness in branding. Dixon outlined the essence of branding as the creation of a meaningful and authentic relationship between a brand and its audience. This involves establishing a brand's unique perspective, understanding its value to people, and effectively delivering that value through various channels, from voice to comprehensive design systems. The interview also provided insights into DixonBaxi's comprehensive creative process, spanning multiple stages in their projects, where in-depth audience research plays a pivotal role in crafting strategies that truly resonate with people. The discussion further explored the impact of technology, such as AI and VR, in the branding realm. Dixon emphasized that technology should serve as a tool to enhance the creative process rather than replace it entirely. While it can expedite certain tasks, human creativity and ideation remain irreplaceable. Additionally, the interview touched on Dixon's personal drive to continue pushing creative boundaries, highlighting the limitless nature of creativity, irrespective of age. Dixon's perspective reinforced the idea that creativity thrives as long as one remains open to learning, collaboration, and adaptation. Overall, the interview provided valuable insights into the dynamic and ever-evolving world of branding, emphasizing the enduring importance of authenticity, thorough audience research, and the unwavering role of creativity in brand development.

In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, host Mourad Bahrouch sits down with Rafael Costa (Ragaco), a Senior Creative Art Director and AI Creative Ambassador at Monks, to explore the intersection of AI, creativity, and business. Ragaco shares his journey into AI, how he uses it to enhance creative storytelling, and how brands can leverage AI to create engaging content while maintaining authenticity. He provides actionable insights on how to pitch AI-driven projects to clients, navigate legal concerns, and use AI as a tool to enhance—not replace—human creativity.

They also dive into the power of storytelling in an AI-driven world, breaking down the importance of emotional connection in branding. Ragaco shares real-world examples, including his recent work on a Puma AI-powered campaign, and how businesses can use AI without alienating their audience. If you’re a creative, founder, or freelancerlooking to understand AI’s impact on the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

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https://www.instagram.com/ragaco30/

In this insightful, Mourad Bahrouch sits down with Jona Bronkhorst to explore the intersection of art, technology, and human intuition. Jona shares his journey from traditional design education at Rietveld Academy to embracing AI as a creative tool. They discuss how AI mirrors human dreams, the dangers of over-reliance on algorithms, and the evolution of B2B marketing strategies with AI.

From the rise of AI-generated content to the future of personalized media, this episode unpacks the philosophy, ethics, and practical applications of AI in creative industries. Mourad and Jona debate whether AI can truly be creative, how brands and agencies are integrating AI, and why staying human-centered is key to success. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or AI enthusiast, this conversation will leave you with game-changing insights on the future of work and creativity.

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https://propello.nl/

https://www.jonacreative.work/

https://www.instagram.com/jona.bronkhorst/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonabronkhorst/

Jenny Simmons, a former Nike brand strategist and professional footballer, joins the podcast to share her journey from playing at an elite level to launching MANON, a mindset coaching consultancy for Black and Brown women in football. With a background in business and sport management, she discusses the challenges women of color face in the football industry, the importance of mental resilience, and how proactive mindset coaching can create opportunities for success. Jenny also highlights the struggles of being a minority in the sport and how her experiences have shaped her mission to support underrepresented talent.

In this insightful conversation, we explore the parallels between personal and professional growth, the power of self-belief, and how investing in mental well-being can be a game-changer. Jenny reflects on her time at Nike, the lessons she learned from elite athletes like LeBron James, and why fostering inclusivity in football is more important than ever. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or industry professional, this episode will inspire you to take control of your journey and embrace the power of mindset.

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https://www.man-on.co