Mack Garrison, the co-founder and Director of Content at Dash Studio, brings over a decade of expertise in motion design and animation. Having worked with major brands such as JP Morgan, IBM, and Lenovo, Mack’s journey is a testament to creative excellence and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Mack enjoys exploring nature with his wife, Molly, and champions the importance of community and collaboration in the creative world.

What You'll Learn:

• Insights into the evolution of the motion design industry over the past decade.
• How AI and new technologies are reshaping creative workflows and the ethical implications involved.
• The rise of user-generated content (UGC) and its integration into professional animation and motion design.
• Why storytelling and problem-solving remain essential in future-proofing creative careers.
• The importance of authenticity, collaboration, and community in building successful creative businesses.
• Tips on effective client communication and maintaining professionalism.
• How referrals and genuine relationships drive long-term business success.
• Mack’s perspective on embracing imperfection and navigating ambiguity to foster creativity.

Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl Cleanthes and Ross Ciuppa dive into an engaging conversation with Mack Garrison about the future of motion design. Mack shares his journey from starting Dash Studio to becoming a trusted name in animation and content creation. The discussion highlights the industry’s evolution, the impact of AI, and the necessity of staying adaptable. They emphasize the value of authenticity, collaboration, and community in driving professional growth. With a mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice, this episode inspires creatives to embrace challenges, refine their craft, and build meaningful connections.

Mia Pokryfka & Elissa O'Dell are the founders of Huxley, a Shorty Award-winning creative tech studio specializing in innovative chatbots designed to build meaningful relationships in the DMs. Their all-female team has worked with a range of clients from best-selling authors to nonprofits like charity water, merging cutting-edge technology with a deeply human approach. They have a longstanding partnership since the viral Kony 2012 campaign, marking over a decade of pioneering digital communication and championing women in STEM.

What You'll Learn:

• Insights into the rise of AI chatbots in marketing and their impact on brand-consumer relationships.
• Strategies for using chatbots to engage consumers in one-on-one conversations that build trust and loyalty.
• The evolution of digital communication and the potential of AI to enhance rather than replace human interaction.

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Carl chats with Mia and Elissa about the transformative role of AI chatbots in marketing. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of using chatbots to forge genuine connections with audiences, emphasizing the need for chatbots to facilitate rather than automate conversations. The conversation delves into the technical and ethical aspects of AI, exploring how businesses can use these tools to enhance customer engagement without compromising on the human touch that consumers value. Highlights include Huxley's innovative approach to using chatbots for interactive online courses and their success in creating compelling digital narratives that resonate on a personal level.

Fadi Boulos is the founder of Supportful, a startup focused on reducing Lebanon's brain drain by linking global tech firms with top Lebanese engineering talent. With 16 years of international experience, Fadi effectively addresses both the needs of the tech industry and the economic challenges in Lebanon. Supportful offers a transparent, cost-effective staffing solution, rapidly connecting companies with pre-vetted engineers skilled in various tech disciplines. Outside the office, Fadi is an avid reader interested in history and politics, a football enthusiast, and a devoted father to four beautiful souls.

What You'll Learn:

• Adapting to Remote Work
• Cultural Enrichment
• The Evolution of Remote Work

Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Pixel Retentive they discussed shedding some light on the transformative power of remote work beyond its practical benefits. Through Fadi's experiences and vision, we gain a deeper understanding of how embracing remote work can enhance company culture, foster global connections, and drive significant societal change, particularly in regions facing economic challenges. Fadi’s perspective encourages business leaders and entrepreneurs to rethink how they can leverage the flexibility of remote work to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.