On this episode of the Social Studies Show! Today, we’re thrilled to introduce David Mesfin - a visionary Creative Director at Innocean, specializing in automotive campaigns for Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia. 

With over 15 years of expertise, he has orchestrated award-winning campaigns for major events like the Super Bowl, FIFA, and the NFL, launched global brands, and directed the acclaimed documentary Wade in the Water, a powerful exploration of Black surf culture that has earned worldwide recognition and distribution deals with Amazon, PBS and Comcast generating 163 million media impressions.

From leading dynamic teams to collaborating with C-suite executives, David’s career exemplifies innovation across digital, social, and experiential platforms."

The episode covers key aspects like pre-production, where careful preparation and balancing brand guidelines with creativity are essential. It explores the sacrifices often required to meet tight deadlines, along with the importance of time management to efficiently collaborate with clients and bring their vision—and products—to life. Viewers also gain insights into building a capable crew, a crucial element in executing complex shoots, and learn about the post-production process that adds the final polish to the campaign. Ideal for both aspiring and established creatives. Keeping it real and relatable, the show provides valuable lessons on producing impactful visuals while navigating the challenges of a fast-paced and competitive industry.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Social Studies show! Today, we are thrilled to introduce our special guest, Fred Sands IV, an exceptionally talented Art Director and Graphic Designer hailing from the vibrant city of New York. Fred Sands, IV has an impressive background, having served as the Design & Production Coordinator at PAPER Magazine, where he honed his creative skills to perfection. But Fred's creative journey doesn't stop there. His personal work is deeply rooted in nostalgia and culture, and his primary objective is to craft designs that seamlessly blend innovation with a sense of familiarity. With a remarkable decade of experience in the fields of freelance artistry and graphic design within the production and media industry, Fred boasts an impressive clientele that includes big names like Netflix, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Allyson Felix, MTV, Issa Rae Productions, SKYY® Vodka, and many more. His work isn't just about aesthetics; it's about pushing boundaries, revolutionizing digital storytelling, and forging partnerships with brands that aim to establish a groundbreaking voice through design. Fred Sands, IV's creative prowess has not gone unnoticed. He's a recipient of the Muse Creative Awards in 2021, winning the prestigious Best Magazine Cover Series in Advertising for his outstanding work. Additionally, he clinched the Platinum Winner title for his exceptional art direction and design in PAPER's Black History Month Covers, featuring prominent figures like Lena Waithe and the casts of Boomerang and Twenties on BET. So, get ready to dive deep into the world of art, design, and creativity as we explore the innovative and inspiring journey of Fred Sands, IV, on today's episode of the Social Studies show. WWW.SOCIALSTUDIESSHOW.COM SEE FRED'S WORK AT - http://ivourth.com/home

In this episode, we're thrilled to introduce you to Reggie Casagrande, an integrated marketing powerhouse whose expertise in brand development, strategy, and digital communications is nothing short of awe-inspiring. With over a decade of experience under her belt, Reggie has carved a unique path in the industry, leaving an indelible mark on culture, entertainment, and sports marketing.

What sets Reggie apart is her incredible ability to breathe life into brands, effortlessly connecting them to the very essence of society. Her journey was sparked by a peripatetic childhood, growing up as a third culture kid in different corners of the world. This upbringing ignited her passion for cultural marketing, and she's been on a relentless mission ever since.

Step into the early 2000s streets of NYC, where Reggie's professional odyssey began as a streetwear photographer and art director. Her lens captured the pulse of youth culture, and her collaborations with athletes and hip-hop artists laid the foundation for her exceptional journey. This pivotal experience nurtured her affinity for blending the dynamic worlds of youth culture, sports, and street style, creating a harmonious symphony that resonates with millions.

But that's not all – Reggie's trailblazing efforts extend beyond the realm of imagination. She's been the driving force behind groundbreaking marketing programs, activating athletes and perfecting the digital activation model. Her portfolio boasts an impressive roster of industry giants, including Oakley, Nike, Adidas, Converse, Pepsi, McDonald's, Reebok, Blue Bottle, Electronic Arts, and Maserati.

Prepare to be inspired as Reggie Casagrande takes us on a journey through her exceptional career, unveiling the secrets behind her unparalleled success in bridging brands and culture. From her roots as a streetwear maven to her current role as a cultural marketing luminary, Reggie's story is one of relentless determination, innovation, and a deep-rooted connection to the heartbeat of society.

Stay tuned for an episode filled with insights, anecdotes, and a masterclass in integrated marketing wizardry. Join us on The Social Studies Show as we celebrate Reggie Casagrande's extraordinary contributions and delve into the dynamic world of cult

ure, strategy, and brand brilliance.

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On this episode of the Social Studies Show we have AMY V. Cooper. Amy is a photography consultant, creative business mentor, marketing strategist, thought partner, and mindset coach with over 25 years of experience in the photography industry. She has worked as a photographer agent, advertising agency art buyer, and entertainment & magazine photo editor. Amy has hired photographers to shoot campaigns for companies like UPS, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola. She’s represented and created winning bids for artists with brands like Mary Kay, Netflix and Disney. She specializes in supporting artists to develop portfolios, branding, client lists, marketing and mindset strategies that honor their authentic creative journey. Amy is also certified in hypnosis and EFT tapping. She is a top rated teacher on Udemy and the InsightTimer app, and a contributor to the A Photo Editor blog and Ask Stern Rep.

On this episode of the Social Studies Show we have Samira Jackson - Account Executive at Art Machine in Hollywood, - Samira has made her way through the ranks working on award winning campaigns Like BlackKKKLansman with Gravillis and taking insights from Spike Lee. 

On her rise in the entertainment industry she navigated the career path at Leroy and Rose, Cold Open and Ignition. Positivity and culture are prominent themes of her personality whether she is traveling abroad or mentoring the next generation. 

Samira’s episode is a deep dive of her navigation of the entertainment industry as a successful Black woman.  She moves with intent to create dynamic work, fostering meaningful relationships while constantly examining her non linear path to career growth in hopes of making the journey easier for those who follow in her footsteps. 

On this episode of the Social Studies Show we have Toby Kaufmann - The Creative Director of the Facebook App. She is also the Creative Director of Pur·suit, a digital archive and deck of playing cards re-imagining Catherine Opie’s seminal work from the 90’s, in collaboration with artist Naima Green. In 2020, she curated a show of Naima’s work at Fotografiska in NYC. Before she moved west for Facebook, Toby was the Executive Director of Photography for Refinery29 where she led the brand's photographic vision and expanded video storytelling. She also served as Vice President of The Society of Publication Designers, and co-chaired SPD Gala 53. She consults for Parsons The New School for Design and her work has been recognized by The Webby Awards, American Photography, Photo District News, American Society of Magazine Editors, and SPD. Toby has a BFA in Photography from Parsons.   http://www.tobykaufmann.com/

SANJA KOMLJENOVIC Founder & CEO of ONA CREATIVE began her career in digital marketing with the Los Angeles Clippers and was recruited by Nike.The day after leaving Nike, they hired her as a contractor. This “accidentally” led to more collaborative work and the launch of her creative agency, ONA, developed with a focus on initiatives that move the world forward in women’s rights, sports, culture, and social good. Fast forward 7 years, and ONA has worked on purpose-driven campaigns with household names like NIKE, NWSL, Olympics, Clif Bar, Foot Locker, Nordstrom, Facebook/Meta, and the New York Marathon – as well as women-driven startups including Willow, Bev, Lettuce Grow, Black Girl Ventures and Milk Stork. 

As an Bosnian immigrant that embraced all things in American culture, she provides a unique and nuanced perspective on global advertising and marketing. She now drives trends with thoughtfulness, empathy and a healthy dose of flair so hearing her insights on this episode of the Social Studies Show is must.