Pixel Retentive Podcast

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Chris Do, founder and CEO of The Futur, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing creative professionals: how to confidently sell your work based on value instead of hours. Drawing from decades of experience building creative businesses, educating millions of designers, and transforming how agencies think about pricing, Chris shares the mindset shifts that help creatives stop competing on cost and start commanding premium fees.

Together they dive into value based pricing, the psychology behind great sales conversations, why most creatives struggle to communicate their worth, and how to use Chris's famous Baseline → Benchmark → Closing framework to quantify creative value. They also tackle the future of AI in creative work, why human craftsmanship is becoming even more valuable, how to adapt instead of fear technological change, and what it really takes to build a sustainable creative business in today's rapidly evolving economy.

• Why creatives consistently undervalue their work
• The biggest mindset shift behind value based pricing
• Why clients buy outcomes, not hours
• How reducing risk creates more value than producing deliverables
• Chris Do's Baseline → Benchmark → Closing pricing framework
• How to calculate the real business value of creative work
• The power of asking better questions during sales conversations
• Why diagnosing business problems beats pitching services
• Building confidence in pricing without feeling pushy
• How scarcity, confidence, and positioning affect sales
• Why premium clients aren't buying your time
• How AI is changing creative work (and why Chris isn't worried)
• Why handcrafted work is becoming the new luxury
• How creatives should embrace AI instead of fearing it
• The importance of staying adaptable as technology evolves
• Mentorship, business education, and building a long term creative career

🌐 The Futur

📸 Instagram

💼 LinkedIn

A huge thank you to Chris Do for sharing decades of experience helping creative professionals build more valuable businesses. From pricing psychology and sales conversations to AI, creativity, and entrepreneurship, this conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to grow a creative career without compromising their craft.

For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, branding, animation, game development, entrepreneurship, AI, marketing, and the business behind creative work, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a designer, creative director, freelancer, agency owner, marketer, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to build a stronger creative business.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#ChrisDo #TheFutur #CreativeBusiness #ValueBasedPricing #Freelancing #CreativeEntrepreneur #AgencyLife #BrandStrategy #Sales #AI #DesignBusiness #CreativeLeadership #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Jay Prochaska, veteran game artist and art director with nearly 29 years of experience creating games across AAA studios, startups, and everything in between. From traditional hand-drawn animation to leading art teams on franchises like Halo, Counter-Strike, Team Fortress 2, and Shrapnel, Jay shares the lessons he's learned about creativity, leadership, and building visual worlds players never forget.

Together they explore what separates great game art from great game design, why startups often produce the industry's boldest ideas, how art directors establish a game's visual identity, and why understanding player experience matters more than creating beautiful assets. They also dive into Don Bluth's lasting influence on games, the future of Unreal Engine, the opportunities and risks of AI, and what aspiring artists need to thrive in today's rapidly changing industry.

• How Jay went from traditional animation to becoming an AAA game art director
• Behind-the-scenes stories from working on Halo, Counter-Strike, Team Fortress 2, and Left 4 Dead
• The biggest differences between AAA studios and scrappy indie startups
• What separates art that looks beautiful from art that creates better gameplay
• How art directors establish the visual heartbeat of an entire game
• Why brainstorming and visual worldbuilding are the most exciting stages of development
• Lessons modern game developers can learn from Don Bluth and classic Disney animation
• How Unreal Engine has changed independent game development
• Why small teams often innovate faster than large studios
• The opportunities and challenges AI brings to artists and game developers
• How AI should assist creativity instead of replacing it
• Advice for aspiring game artists, art directors, and creative leaders

🌐 Day One Creative Designs

💼 Connect with Jay Prochaska on LinkedIn

A huge thank you to Jay Prochaska for sharing nearly three decades of experience creating games, leading art teams, and helping shape some of the industry's most recognizable franchises. His insights into leadership, creativity, collaboration, and the future of game development offer valuable lessons for artists, developers, designers, and anyone building creative products.

For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, animation, game development, leadership, entrepreneurship, branding, AI, and the business of creative work, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, artist, animator, creative director, indie developer, studio leader, or anyone passionate about building incredible games.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#GameDevelopment #GameArt #ArtDirection #Halo #CounterStrike #Valve #UnrealEngine #AIArt #GameDesign #Animation #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Krystal Rose, Marketing and Partnership Leader at Asmodee and Office Dog Games, to explore what makes partnerships in the tabletop industry truly successful. With more than a decade of experience spanning marketing, events, strategic communications, and gaming, Krystal shares how authentic relationships, community building, and a passion for play are transforming the way games are marketed today.

Together they discuss the resurgence of board games, the differences between lifestyle games and standalone tabletop titles, why partnerships matter more than advertising, and how game companies can build communities that last. They also dive into Gen Con, the evolution of game marketing, mentorship, the importance of play in modern life, and why the future of tabletop gaming is brighter than ever.

00:00 Introduction

11:45 Meet Krystal Rose

12:45 What Makes Great Partnerships?

16:20 Why Play Matters

21:30 How Board Game Marketing Has Changed

23:00 Board Games vs Trading Card Games

27:30 Marketing Different Types of Games

31:30 Building Long-Term Creative Partnerships

36:30 Gen Con & Live Event Marketing

42:00 Everyone Is a Gamer

44:00 Mentorship in the Gaming Industry

50:15 The Future of Asmodee & Office Dog Games

53:30 Leadership Lessons & Career Advice

55:45 Where to Follow Krystal

🌐 Asmodee: https://www.asmodee.com

🎲 Office Dog Games: https://www.officedoggames.com

💼 Connect with Krystal Rose on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moxkrystal/

A huge thank you to Krystal Rose for sharing her perspective on partnerships, marketing, leadership, and the power of play. Her thoughtful approach to building authentic relationships reminds us that the best marketing starts with genuine human connection and a passion for creating memorable experiences.

For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, animation, entrepreneurship, branding, game development, marketing, leadership, and the business of creative work, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, board game designer, tabletop creator, marketer, publisher, creative leader, or anyone passionate about building communities through games.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#BoardGames #TabletopGames #GameMarketing #Asmodee #OfficeDogGames #GenCon #MagicTheGathering #GamingIndustry #CreatorEconomy #CommunityBuilding #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Phil O'Connor, veteran game designer, co-founder of Big Dumb Games, and designer behind titles including Far Cry 3, Rainbow Six Siege, and Dying Light. After nearly three decades in AAA game development, Phil shares why he's betting on indie development, what today's gaming industry gets wrong, and why creativity, authenticity, and smaller teams may shape the future of games.

Together they explore the collapse of traditional AAA development models, why independent studios are thriving, how creativity and business intersect in modern game development, and what it really takes to launch a successful game today. They also discuss AI in creative industries, the realities of game funding, building communities before products, and why passion remains the most valuable asset any creator can have.

• Why Phil left AAA development to co-found Big Dumb Games
• The biggest differences between AAA and indie game development
• Why so many veteran developers are starting independent studios
• The hidden realities behind massive AAA budgets
• What today's game publishers misunderstand about creative risk
• Why authenticity matters more than ever in game design
• Building Starship Bloopers from concept to prototype
• The importance of community building before launching a game
• The future of Steam, indie publishing, and game discovery
• The opportunities and challenges facing modern game developers
• Phil's perspective on AI, creativity, and the future of interactive entertainment
• Advice for aspiring game designers entering today's industry

🌐 Big Dumb Games: https://bigdumbgames.com

The Craft and Science of Game Design: A Video Game Designer's Manual https://www.routledge.com/The-Craft-and-Science-of-Game-Design-A-Video-Game-Designers-Manual/OConnor/p/book/9780367556532

A huge thank you to Phil O'Connor for sharing nearly three decades of lessons from the front lines of game development. His perspective on creativity, authenticity, independent studios, and the future of interactive entertainment offers valuable insights for developers, entrepreneurs, artists, and anyone building something meaningful.

For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, entrepreneurship, design, game development, animation, leadership, and the intersection of business and art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, indie creator, designer, programmer, entrepreneur, studio founder, or anyone passionate about building great games.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#GameDevelopment #IndieGames #GameDesign #PhilOConnor #BigDumbGames #StarshipBloopers #FarCry3 #RainbowSixSiege #DyingLight #GameIndustry #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Delegate Jackie Hope Glass, Navy veteran, audio producer, community storyteller, and Virginia's 93rd District Delegate, to explore how creativity, storytelling, and authentic leadership can strengthen communities and reshape public service. From championing the creative economy to challenging outdated expectations of what leadership looks like, Jackie shares how showing up as your authentic self can inspire meaningful change.

Together they discuss the economic power of creativity, why storytelling is one of the most important tools in policymaking, building stronger communities through authentic leadership, and how artists, entrepreneurs, and creators play an essential role in shaping culture. Whether you're a creative professional, entrepreneur, civic leader, or simply someone who believes in building better communities, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration.

• Why authenticity is one of the greatest leadership strengths
• How creativity drives economic growth and community development
• The importance of recognizing the creative economy as real infrastructure
• What "Village Is a Verb" means for leadership and civic engagement
• Why storytelling often changes minds more effectively than statistics alone
• The role of artists and creators in shaping culture
• How Delegate Glass is advocating for Virginia's creative economy
• Why representation matters in public office
• Building stronger communities through education, advocacy, celebration, and legislation
• How creative entrepreneurship benefits local economies
• Why vulnerability and personal stories create better public policy
• Lessons from public service, military leadership, and community organizing

🌐 Official Website: linktr.ee/jackie4norfolk

📱 Socials: Delegate Jackie Hope Glass Instagram Delegate Jackie Hope Glass YouTube

A special thank you to Delegate Jackie Hope Glass for sharing her vision of leadership rooted in authenticity, creativity, and community. Her passion for empowering artists, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens reminds us that storytelling isn't just about communication—it's about creating meaningful change.

For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, entrepreneurship, design, leadership, game development, and the intersection of business and art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a creative entrepreneur, public servant, community leader, artist, educator, policymaker, or anyone passionate about building stronger communities through creativity.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#JackieGlass #CreativeEconomy #Storytelling #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #PublicService #Virginia #Advocacy #CreativeLeadership #Entrepreneurship #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Carolin Vedder, multisensory designer, futures thinker, and motion designer, to explore why designing only for the eyes is no longer enough. Carolin explains how brands, museums, hospitality, retail, and cultural institutions can create unforgettable experiences by intentionally designing for sight, sound, scent, touch, texture, temperature, and even memory.

Together they discuss the science behind human perception, how multisensory experiences influence trust, emotion, and recall, and why tomorrow's designers must think beyond logos and visual identity. From MTV motion graphics to museum exhibitions and future-focused brand strategy, this conversation offers a fascinating look at where design is heading next.

• What multisensory design really is—and why it matters
• How motion design led Carolin into sensory experience design
• Why sight alone doesn't create memorable experiences
• The surprising relationship between scent, color, sound, and memory
• How restaurants, museums, retail, and hospitality already use multisensory design
• Why perception shapes brand value more than aesthetics alone
• The concept of a "sensory signature" for brands
• How museums can create deeper emotional connections through sensory storytelling
• Why future-focused design requires foresight, not just creativity
• How brands can intentionally design memorable customer experiences
• The role neuroscience plays in design decisions
• Why "Form Follows Foresight" may become the next evolution of design thinking

🌐 Multisensory Design: https://multisensory-design.com

🌐 Design in Motion: https://design-in-motion.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolin-vedder/

Special thanks to Carolin Vedder for sharing her groundbreaking perspective on multisensory design, perception science, and the future of brand experiences. This conversation offers a completely new lens through which designers, marketers, creatives, and business leaders can think about creating deeper emotional connections with the people they serve.

For more conversations about creativity, branding, storytelling, game development, design, animation, innovation, and the intersection of business and art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a designer, marketer, museum curator, creative director, brand strategist, architect, or anyone passionate about creating unforgettable experiences.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#CarolinVedder #MultisensoryDesign #BrandExperience #ExperienceDesign #SensoryBranding #CreativeStrategy #DesignThinking #MotionDesign #MuseumDesign #Neuroscience #BrandStrategy #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Melinda Powelson, Founder and CEO of MatchEngine.com, to explore how AI, search engines, and customer behavior are reshaping modern marketing. With more than three decades of experience navigating digital transformation, Melinda shares practical insights on adapting to Google's evolving algorithms, leveraging AI without losing the human touch, and why understanding customer data is the key to long-term business success.

The conversation dives into AI-powered demand generation, SEO strategy, customer language analysis, remote work, entrepreneurship, leadership, and how small businesses can survive—and thrive—through constant technological disruption. Whether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, agency owner, or business leader, this episode is packed with actionable ideas for navigating the future of business.

• Why Google's constant evolution continues to reshape digital marketing
• How AI search is changing SEO and customer discovery
• The importance of understanding customer language—not just keywords
• How Match Engine analyzes over 2,000 customer calls every day using AI
• Using AI to improve sales teams instead of replacing them
• Why good data still requires human interpretation
• How COVID permanently changed demand generation and customer behavior
• Why businesses must continually adapt or risk becoming obsolete
• The relationship between creativity, strategy, and data
• Building stronger company culture in hybrid and remote workplaces
• Why human connection remains a competitive advantage in the age of AI
• Leadership lessons from decades of navigating disruptive technology

🌐 Match Engine: https://www.matchengine.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melpowelson/

A huge thank you to Melinda Powelson for sharing decades of experience in digital marketing, AI, demand generation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Her perspective on balancing technology with human expertise offers valuable lessons for businesses navigating today's rapidly changing landscape.

For more conversations about creativity, entrepreneurship, marketing, game development, storytelling, design, AI, and the business behind great ideas, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with an entrepreneur, marketer, agency owner, business leader, founder, or anyone interested in the future of AI and marketing.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#MelindaPowelson #MatchEngine #ArtificialIntelligence #AIMarketing #SEO #DemandGeneration #DigitalMarketing #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SmallBusiness #MarketingStrategy #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Trammell Isaac, veteran game developer, art director, and the creator of the iconic Vault Boy from the Fallout franchise. With more than 30 years in the games industry, Trammell shares the untold story behind one of gaming's most recognizable mascots, how Fallout evolved from a cult classic into a global phenomenon, and what it takes to build art that lasts for generations.

The conversation explores the creative process behind designing Vault Boy, the misconceptions surrounding the famous thumbs-up pose, leadership in game development, the impact of AI on creative work, building sustainable studios, and why investing in people matters more than ever. Trammell also shares his latest venture, BEEKDiPP, and explains how advanced photogrammetry is helping shape the future of games, film, and digital production.

• The true origin story behind Fallout's iconic Vault Boy
• Why the famous thumbs-up has been widely misunderstood
• How Fallout grew from a cult classic into one of gaming's biggest franchises
• The creative philosophy behind designing memorable game icons
• What makes great creative leaders different from great artists
• Why leadership—not artistic talent—is often the hardest skill to develop
• How AI is transforming game development and content creation
• The future of smaller, faster, more efficient game studios
• Building BEEKDiPP and bringing photogrammetry to modern game production
• Why mentoring others creates opportunities you never expect

🌐 BEEKDiPP: https://beekdipp.com

🔗 LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tramell-isaac-bba5517/

Special thanks to Trammell Isaac for sharing the real story behind Vault Boy, decades of game development wisdom, and invaluable lessons on creativity, leadership, entrepreneurship, and building teams that last.

For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, design, creativity, and the business of art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, concept artist, art director, creative leader, Fallout fan, or anyone passionate about building unforgettable worlds.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#Fallout #VaultBoy #TrammellIsaac #GameDevelopment #GameArt #ArtDirection #GameDesign #BEEKDiPP #Photogrammetry #Leadership #CreativeLeadership #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Larry Kuperman, longtime games industry executive, founding member of Nightdive Studios, and one of the industry's strongest advocates for game preservation. After more than 25 years helping publishers, developers, and studios bring both new and classic games to audiences around the world, Larry shares the lessons, stories, and philosophy that shaped an extraordinary career.

Together they explore why preserving games matters just as much as preserving books and films, the business realities behind game development, what today's developers should be doing to protect gaming history, and how storytelling, personal branding, and community can shape a lasting career. Larry also shares behind-the-scenes stories from Nightdive Studios, Atari, Stardock, and the restoration of legendary classics, along with practical advice for anyone hoping to build a future in the games industry.

• Larry's journey from healthcare to a 25+ year career in gaming
• How Nightdive Studios became the leader in game preservation
• Why preserving classic games is more important than ever
• The surprising legal challenges behind remastering old games
• The history of Atari, Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, and early PC gaming
• What today's developers should archive for future generations
• Why storytelling is one of the most valuable skills in game development
• Building your personal brand as a developer or creative
• Advice for indie developers pitching publishers and investors
• The future of game preservation and why it affects everyone who loves games

🔗 LinkedIn

🔗 Nightdive Studios

🔗 International Game Developers Association (IGDA): https://igda.org/

Special thanks to Larry Kuperman for sharing decades of industry knowledge, championing the preservation of gaming history, and reminding us that preserving games also means preserving the stories and people who created them.

For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, design, creativity, and the business of art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, retro gaming fan, game designer, historian, producer, or anyone passionate about the future of interactive entertainment.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#NightdiveStudios #GamePreservation #LarryKuperman #GameDevelopment #RetroGaming #Atari #Doom #Wolfenstein #IndieGames #Storytelling #GameHistory #IGDA #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with James L. Sanders III, veteran AAA VFX artist, whose career spans more than two decades creating unforgettable visuals for franchises like Borderlands, Days Gone, Ashes of Creation, and many more. Together they explore how iconic games are built, why great visual effects are about gameplay—not spectacle—and what it really takes to thrive in the modern games industry.

James shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from working through studio closures, mentoring artists, finding the "fun" in game development, and balancing creativity with technical performance. The conversation also explores AI in game development, leadership, mentorship, and why the best studios are built around passionate people—not just great technology.

• James' journey from QA tester to AAA VFX Director
• How visual effects influence gameplay and player experience
• Why finding the "fun" is the hardest part of game development
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Gearbox, Midway, and Sony Bend
• The role of mentorship in building a successful career
• AI's place in the future of game art and development
• Why soft skills often matter more than technical ability
• Advice for aspiring artists and game developers
• Building games that players remember for decades

Website: https://www.mobygames.com/person/138636/james-sanders/

❤️ Support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Special thanks to James L. Sanders III for sharing decades of hard-earned experience, incredible stories from the making of Borderlands, and thoughtful advice on creativity, leadership, mentorship, and the future of game development.

For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, design, creativity, and the business of art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, artist, VFX professional, technical artist, or anyone passionate about creating unforgettable interactive experiences.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

#Borderlands #LarianStudios #GameDevelopment #GameArt #VFX #VisualEffects #GameDesign #AAA #UnrealEngine #AshesOfCreation #CreativeLeadership #GameDev #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade