Summary

In this episode of the e-commerce content creation podcast, Daniel discusses the importance of studio audits and the physical layout of studios in enhancing workflow efficiency. He introduces the concept of workshops aimed at improving digital workflows and emphasizes the need for identifying quick wins within studio processes. The conversation highlights the interdependence of studio workflows, the challenges of managing exceptions in production, and the critical role of documentation and last but not least, the importance of celebrating team wins and continuous improvement in studio operations.

Key Takeaways

• The studio audit focuses on both physical layout and workflow.
• Internal tools can sometimes outperform external solutions.
• Physical space impacts digital workflow significantly.
• Workshops can help identify and improve digital processes.
• Quick wins are essential for team morale and efficiency.
• Studio workflows are highly interdependent and complex.
• Managing exceptions is crucial in production processes.
• Documentation is often lacking and relies on tribal knowledge.
• Celebrating wins boosts team motivation and recognition.
• Continuous improvement is key to operational success.

Credits
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Summary

In this episode of The E-commerce Content Creation Podcast, Daniel Jester and creative director/photo manager turned creative ops consultant Kelly Garthwait dive into a candid, exploratory conversation about authenticity in visual storytelling and the tensions introduced by AI and automation in creative roles. Their dialogue weaves through the influence of social media on brand identity, the importance of consistency in e-commerce visuals, the enduring value of printed photography, and how storytelling creates meaningful connections between brands and audiences.

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity is more than aesthetics – it's about coherence, trust, and meaningful storytelling.
• Consumers can feel when something is off, even if they can't articulate it.
• A brand’s inconsistent tone across platforms (e.g., social media vs. streaming ads) can erode trust and feel “two-timing.”
• Consistent product photography builds customer trust and reduces friction in the shopping experience.
• Even subtle mismatches in lighting, angles, or image quality can raise subconscious red flags.
• Daniel shared HauteLook’s strategy of using coordinated color themes to maintain daily visual cohesion.
• AI can accelerate execution but cannot replace taste or vision.
• The most successful creative applications of AI come from teams who understand what good looks like and guide the tools accordingly.
• There’s value in observing trends before overcommitting to tools with fleeting hype cycles.
• Storytelling provides the essential context that transforms content into connection.
• Visual narratives, recurring motifs, and Easter eggs (like Daniel’s Signs of the Zodiac series) offer richer engagement.
• In-person experiences with printed photography or museum exhibits deepen emotional resonance far beyond screen-based consumption.
• There’s a growing need to reinvest in creative direction as a function that ensures cohesion, especially in content-heavy environments.
• Creative leadership helps bridge the gap between fast execution (often with AI) and meaningful brand expression.Physical prints offer an emotional and sensory connection that screens can’t replicate.
• Both Kelly and Daniel emphasized the power of printed art to evoke memory, emotion, and a sense of home.
• Tools like Zapier and automated workflows can relieve friction in production processes.
• The goal is not to remove creative roles, but to enable them by reducing logistical bottlenecks (like asset review and approvals).

Credits
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Summary

In this episode of the E-commerce Content Creation Podcast, host Daniel Jester discusses treating in-house studios as media companies. He emphasizes the need for organizational respect, investment in creative teams, and the complexity of media production processes. Daniel shares insights from recent workshops and highlights the challenges faced by studio teams, including ad hoc requests and sample management issues. He advocates for a shift in mindset towards recognizing the strategic value of creative teams in e-commerce operations.

Key Takeaways

• Every company with an in-house studio operates as a media company.
• In-house studios need robust support and workflows.
• Creative teams are essential for e-commerce success.
• Organizational respect is crucial for studio efficiency.
• Ad hoc requests can disrupt production processes.
• Sample management is vital for studio operations.
• Investment in creative teams leads to better outcomes.
• Understanding the complexity of media production is key.
• Protecting production time enhances efficiency.
• Shifting mindsets towards in-house studios is necessary.

Credits
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Summary

In this episode, Daniel Jester is joined by studio operations and photography manager Brent Maynard, who shares stories and insights from his unique experience managing photo studios for a major pet brand. Brent dives into the complexities of working with animal talent, from cats and dogs to guinea pigs, birds, and even cockroaches, and explains the specialized studio workflows required to keep animals, handlers, and crew safe and productive. He and Daniel talk about their shared love of optimizing studio layouts, reflect on the importance of removing obstacles for creative teams, and explore how the presence of animal talent transforms everything from set design to crew behavior. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of operational excellence and animal chaos, with a few screaming guinea pigs along the way.

Key Takeaways

1. Animal talent adds layers of complexity to studio operations, requiring specialized workflows to ensure safety and smooth production.
2. Studio layout changes can significantly improve efficiency, even without new investments. Small shifts in shelving and table placement led to measurable productivity gains in Brent’s previous roles.
3. Brent’s approach emphasizes reducing physical strain and mental load on creative teams, which often results in better output and less burnout.
4. Studios working with animals must prioritize safety above all else, including airlock-style door systems, species separation, and cautious scheduling.
5. Pet behavior affects production. Even subtle stress signals can compromise a shoot, which is why the pet team plays a critical role in monitoring and interpreting animal body language.
6. Noise and tension on set can disrupt animal performances, so maintaining a calm and low-stress environment is essential for success.
7. The pet team serves as both handler and advocate, ensuring that animals are safe, comfortable, and not being pushed beyond their limits.
8. Animals with professional experience are more predictable, but many shoots also involve non-working pets, which require more patience and flexibility.
9. Unusual animal talent like birds, guinea pigs, and even cockroaches come with highly specific needs. Guinea pigs may scream, birds may curse, and fish are generally not worth the risk due to their fragility.
10. Brent is passionate about studio operations and finding thoughtful, efficient solutions. His experience with complex sets and talent makes him a valuable resource for any production team.

Credits
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Summary

In this episode of the E-commerce Content Creation Podcast, Daniel dives deep into the topic of Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems, exploring their importance yet lack of widespread adoption in the E-commerce space. He discusses the differences between cloud storage solutions and DAM systems, emphasizing the need for metadata, version control, and user permissions. Daniel also highlights the challenges of managing assets at scale and the necessity of having a structured workflow. He concludes by encouraging listeners to evaluate their current asset management practices and consider the benefits of implementing a DAM system.

Key Takeaways

• DAM adoption is still relatively low in eCommerce.
• Cloud storage tools can become chaotic as assets scale.
• Metadata is crucial for effective asset management.
• Version control helps track asset iterations and approvals.
• User roles in DAM systems provide granular access control.
• Integration with other systems enhances DAM functionality.
• Scalability is a key factor in choosing a DAM system.
• Evaluate your team's ability to find assets efficiently.
• Consider the governance of your digital assets.
• Stockpress offers a user-friendly DAM solution.

Credits
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Summary

In this episode of the Ecommerce Content Creation Podcast, host Daniel Jester discusses the evolving landscape of e-commerce content creation, focusing on the integration of 3D modeling and AI technologies. He explores how these advancements can transform content production, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to sustainability efforts. Daniel emphasizes the importance of understanding customer trust and strategic considerations when adopting 3D technologies, ultimately advocating for a shift towards digital twins and innovative content strategies.

Key Takeaways

• 3D modeling is becoming increasingly relevant in e-commerce.
• AI tools can significantly reduce the cost and time of creating 3D models.
• Digital twins of products can streamline content production processes.
• Sustainability is a key benefit of adopting 3D technologies.
• Customer trust plays a crucial role in the success of new content experiences.
• The transition to 3D can be gradual, allowing for testing and adaptation.
• Strategic planning is essential for successful 3D adoption.
• 3D models can enhance marketing efforts through personalized content.
• The technology for 3D modeling is now scalable and accessible.

Credits
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Summary

In this episode of the eCommerce Content Creation Podcast, Daniel reflects on his personal and professional challenges over the past year, including feelings of burnout and uncertainty in the creative industry. He discusses the impact of these experiences on his work and the podcast, expressing gratitude for the support he has received from friends and colleagues. The episode also covers recent industry news, including Creative Force's acquisition of SpinMe and H&M's new AI initiatives. In this conversation, Daniel explores the potential of 3D product rendering as a transformative tool in product imaging. Daniel also shares his personal job search journey and career aspirations, emphasizing the importance of community and support during transitions.

Key Takeaways

Daniel opens up about severe burnout in 2024, especially in the latter half of the year. He describes it not just as being tired of work, but a profound experience of anxiety that affected his ability to do even basic tasks—like scheduling podcast guests. His honesty about this period is a core theme of the episode.

After leaving Creative Force, Daniel attempted to build a freelance consulting and photography business, but struggled with the business side—timing, invoicing, lead generation, and sustainability. Despite having meaningful projects, the inconsistency of work and cash flow took a toll, both mentally and financially.

He reflects on how creative production has changed post-COVID, with traditional seasonal patterns and reliable busy periods now disrupted. Studios no longer have predictable workflows or planning cadences, making it harder for professionals to know when to expect work—or prepare for downturns.

Daniel expresses deep appreciation for the friends, colleagues, and partners who supported him during this difficult time. He calls out people like Kowser Ahmed (The KOW Company), Ian Parkes (Stockpress), Bimi Ibok, and others who provided not only work opportunities but emotional support and career advice.

He discusses Creative Force's acquisition of SpinMe after the latter entered administration. He speculates on what that might mean for SpinMe customers and offers his own services to help studios navigate that transition.

Daniel unpacks his reactions to the rise of AI in eCommerce photography—specifically the use of digital twins of real models (e.g., H&M's recent announcement). While he sees the potential value, he also voices concern about job loss for stylists, models, and creative professionals, and urges the industry to approach these changes thoughtfully.

Despite his challenges, Daniel remains excited about 3D product rendering. He sees it as a promising tool for sustainable, scalable eCommerce content creation—particularly because it allows studios to generate high-quality assets from existing imagery without physical reshoots or shipping products across the globe.

Credits
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Summary

Mark Stocker is Senior Creative Manager for The Very Group, a collection of high volume retail brands based in Liverpool England. Mark was a speaker at the Henry Stewart Photo Studios Ops Forum back in October of 2021 and we invited him on this episode to discuss how the proverbial pendulum needs to (and is!) swing away from the lowest cost per shot possible, to a true strategic consideration capable of driving revenue in a more direct way. After all, it is the creative teams and the solutions they develop that will change the way we buy and sell digitally. 

Key Takeaways

• If there were a pendulum, with one side being "Profit Center" and the other side was "Cost Center" for Creative Production at any brand or retailer, the pendulum is probably headed to profit center. That means more investment in creative teams  and creative strategy, and moving away from the pursuit of lowest cost per shot.
• The time is now to focus on investing quality of creative.  The pandemic has forced to embrace EXTREME change in our processes and goals. We can save money now with our eyes closed.
• The power of the creative mind doesn't need to actually click the button to create. It will be todays photographers and stylists that will enable the next revolution of media and e-commerce creative.
• Investing in spaces is important to investing increasing quality.

Links & Resources

Mark on LinkedIn

The Very Group on LinkedIn

Credits
Produced by: Creative Force - creativeforce.io
Edited by: Calvin Lanz Sound - clsound.net
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Summary

This is episode 64 of the e-commerce content creation podcast and Daniel is unpacking his terrible fear of changing technology with Conrad Sanderson. If there’s anyone who understands the relationship between change and fear, it’s probably Conrad, while he’s not a licensed therapist or anything, his career has spanned many changes in the technology that drives our industry and his job has taken him halfway around the world, moving back and forth across the US, and now across the Atlantic to Germany. We unpack the fears that creep up when we start to talk about what the future holds for creative production teams, and how we can meet them rationally, and see them for what they are, an opportunity.

The instagram account Daniel reference's in the episode belongs to Peter Tarka, @petertarka

Credits
Produced by: Creative Force - creativeforce.io
Edited by: Calvin Lanz Sound - clsound.net
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Summary

Matthew Schulert was lead photographer and one of the earliest studio team members at HauteLook, a flash sale site that Nordstrom bought in 2011. Matthew and Daniel talk about the the history of that studio as it grew from just 3 sets, to over 10 times that size across many iterations of studios throughout Southern California. Why is this episode called building the plane in the air? No one really knew exactly how to build a high volume e-comm studio to support a flash sale site back then, so everyone had to figure out as they went, and as we mention during the episode: At that time, no one was talking to each other. 

Credits
Produced by: Creative Force - creativeforce.io
Edited by: Calvin Lanz Sound - clsound.net
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com