We Should Be Working

Zach and Jeff share what they're working on and reflect on the beginnings of their creative career. They explore what inspired them as kids to pursue a career in the arts and what it was like going to art/film school.

They discuss their creative projects, including music composition and Zach coaching his kids' hockey teams. They explore the importance of mentorship in the arts and share their experiences with art teachers and mentors. They also reminisce about their early experiments with video and animation, which sparked their interest in film school. The conversation explores the early influences and introduction to film, the shift in interests during college, the challenges and realities of the industry. In this conversation, Zach and Jeff discuss the challenges of the creative arts industry, and the importance of finding inspiration and authenticity in their work. They also deconstruct spirituality and religion, and share their favorite TV shows and movies for inspiration. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the pride and pressure of hard work and the importance of tailoring the experience to know your audience.  Thrash on!

Takeaways

• Perfectionism can hinder progress and lead to self-criticism. Embracing imperfections and learning from mistakes is essential for growth.
• Coaching and mentoring can be fulfilling and provide opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Art teachers and mentors play a crucial role in nurturing artistic talent and providing guidance in the creative process, Or do they?
• The traditional film education system may not always provide the necessary guidance and support.
• The industry can be competitive and job prospects may not align with initial expectations.
• Different 3D animation programs can be subject to elitism and attitudes. Choosing the right film school is important, but financial mismanagement can lead to the downfall of even reputable institutions.
• The creative arts industry can be challenging, with a lack of support and a resistance to change.
• Finding inspiration and motivation can be difficult, especially when faced with financial pressures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reflection on Podcasting

02:30 Working on Music

05:21 The Fascination with Creative Processes

06:21 Leaving a Job and Figuring Out Next Steps

09:41 The Dichotomy of Passion and Income

13:52 The Importance of Mentorship

19:01 The Impact of Art Teachers

20:56 Art Education and Projects

22:21 Recognition and Awards for Artwork

23:46 Artistic Reputation and Social Dynamics

25:12 Commissioned Artwork and Collaborations

26:10 Early Experiments with Video and Animation

27:36 Transition to Film School

32:24 College and Shifting Interests

34:20 Losing Passion for Traditional Film Education

38:08 Realities of the Industry and Job Prospects

40:29 Early Experiences with 3D Animation

44:43 Elitism and Attitudes Towards Different 3D Programs

56:17 Lack of Mentors in College

01:00:53 Choosing a Film School

01:03:17 Lack of Support for Filmmakers

01:04:10 The Business Model of a 3D Studio

01:06:01 The Changing Landscape of the Creative Arts

01:07:53 Resistance to Change in the Industry

01:09:19 This Weeks Inspiration

01:15:29 The Pressure to Find Inspiration and Make Money

01:20:04 The Interview Experience at Go Media

01:25:42 Tailoring the Experience to Know Your Audience

01:29:00 The Punk Rock Vibe of Go Media

🎙️ Podcast Website: https://we-should-be-working.simplecast.com
🖥️ Jeff’s Website: https://jefffinley.org
📺 Jeff’s YouTube: https://youtube.com/jeff_finley
🐠 Zach’s Website: https://fightingfish.studio

In this episode, Zach and Jeff discuss their backgrounds and how they came up with the name 'We Should Be Working' for the podcast. They explore the pressures and uncertainties they face in their careers and the struggle to find their true paths. They delve into the grind and burnout of creative work, the soul-sucking nature of resumes, and the transition from punk rock to corporate culture. 

They also discuss the complex relationship with money and the importance of people in work. Overall, the podcast aims to challenge conventional notions of work and explore alternative paths to fulfillment. The conversation explores themes of growing up in poverty, the pursuit of the American Dream, the burden of responsibility, the grind of work, imposter syndrome and self-doubt, the dedication and sacrifices of successful individuals, questioning the traditional path, critiquing marketing and promotion in the online business world, struggling with self-promotion and undervaluing oneself, and future plans for the podcast. Thrash On!

Takeaways

• The pressure to make money and find a 'real job' can lead to uncertainty and fear in career transitions.
• Creative work can be fulfilling but also exhausting, leading to burnout and mental health challenges.
• The traditional job application process can feel soul-sucking and dehumanizing, reducing individuals to products in the marketplace.
• The transition from a punk rock, DIY mindset to corporate culture can be disheartening and lead to a loss of passion and purpose.
• The relationship with money is complex, and finding a balance between financial stability and personal fulfillment can be challenging.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:26 The Name 'We Should Be Working'

06:33 The Pressure to Make Money

09:21 Rejecting the Conventional Path

10:15 The Grind and Burnout of Creative Work

13:41 The Soul-Sucking Nature of Resumes

21:41 The Search for Fulfillment in Work

23:35 The Complex Relationship with Money

26:00 The Importance of People in Work

29:22 The Stress and Responsibility of Work

30:50 The Influence of Work Ethic

31:20 Growing up in poverty

34:09 The American Dream and high achievement

38:45 The burden of responsibility

39:43 The grind of work

43:07 Imposter syndrome and self-doubt

46:59 The dedication and sacrifices of successful individuals

50:54 Questioning the traditional path

53:13 Critiquing marketing and promotion in the online business world

55:00 Struggling with self-promotion and undervaluing oneself

58:16 Future plans for the podcast

🎙️ Podcast Website: https://we-should-be-working.simplecast.com
🖥️ Jeff’s Website: https://jefffinley.org
📺 Jeff’s YouTube: https://youtube.com/jeff_finley
🐠 Zach’s Website: https://fightingfish.studio