In this inspiring episode of the TCAS Podcast, host Jason Rigby sits down with Troy Plota to explore his incredible journey—from being kicked out of his home at 17 to building a multi-million-dollar digital empire. Troy shares pivotal moments in his career, his transition from traditional photography to AI-driven innovation, and how a negative experience with Apple fueled the creation of Plotaverse. The conversation dives deep into the role of AI in art, its risks and opportunities, and how Plotaverse is revolutionizing the creative landscape by putting artists first. Key Moments & Topics Troy’s Origin Story (00:01 - 03:24) Troy reflects on his early life as a “surf rat” in Florida, where his passion for photography began despite his father’s skepticism about it as a career. At 17, he left home with just a camera, kickstarting a lifelong journey as a fashion, advertising, and celebrity photographer. A pivotal move to Miami and later Atlanta set the stage for his big break in the industry. Key Quote: “I just picked up my camera and I’ve never had another job ever since.” Breaking into the Big Leagues (01:22 - 03:24) Troy recounts how he landed his first major opportunity by organizing portfolios for a modeling agency in Atlanta, leading to paid shoots and exposure to high-profile clients. His work gained traction, eventually landing him features in GQ and a groundbreaking digital billboard in Times Square—the first shot with a digital camera. Jason’s Insight: “You came in and started serving right off the bat… creating a ton of value.” AI and the Future of Creativity (04:12 - 06:02) Troy embraces AI as a “miracle” for creators, drawing parallels to the shift from film to digital photography. He argues that AI enhances rather than diminishes human creativity, offering tools to bring stills to life and create films that were once impossible. Currently collaborating with Ellen von Unwerth, Troy sees AI as a way to stay ahead of the curve. Key Quote: “If you don’t embrace this, you’re going to be left behind.” The Apple Betrayal and Plotaverse’s Birth (06:55 - 09:42) Troy shares a challenging moment when Apple promoted his Plotograph app for the iPhone X launch, only to lowball him with an offer and fail to deliver promised exposure after a $6 million giveaway. A competitor replicated his app, raking in hundreds of millions, but Troy turned the setback into motivation, building Plotaverse—a social platform for artists. Positive Outcome: Plotaverse became the world’s first all-AI social platform, fueled by Troy’s resilience and vision. Jason’s Take: “This is age-old—making a profit off an artist… there’s always this boogeyman behind them.” Plotaverse: Empowering Artists (10:16 - 15:18) Troy introduces Plotaverse as a customizable, artist-first platform where creators control their portfolios without algorithmic interference. Features include pixel-shifting patents to authenticate work, multiple collections for diverse styles, and upcoming monetization tools. Unlike Instagram’s 7.5% creator payout, Plotaverse reinvests a significant portion of ad revenue back into artists. Key Quote: “I’ve designed the profile pages to be like your website… you dictate what goes first.” Unexpected Uses of Plotaverse (12:14 - 13:34) Troy shares surprising stories of Plotaverse’s impact, from helping people in hospitals combat depression to powering visuals at electronic music shows. Highlight: “People would say, ‘I was in bed for months and literally addicted to your app… it saved my life.’” Debunking AI Misconceptions (15:39 - 18:34) Addressing fears that AI makes art “too easy,” Troy emphasizes the skill of prompting and the collaborative nature of AI creation. He’s working to make AI tools more affordable and accessible, including open-source models. Jason’s Insight: “Even the prompt… that should be monetized.” The Next Decade of Art (20:11 - 23:19) Troy predicts that AI will democratize filmmaking, enabling creators to produce feature films from their ideas without Hollywood budgets. Dynamic digital displays will transform static art into moving, mood-setting pieces for homes and galleries. Vision: “Things don’t have to be stationary anymore… it’s a combination of augmented reality and screens.” Data Visualization and Beyond (23:19 - 25:51) Jason highlights innovative uses of digital art, like oceanographic data visualizations, and Troy agrees that Plotaverse can amplify such work. The platform supports photographers, videographers, and data artists alike, fostering a global, organic creative community. Troy’s Take: “Art has always been about what it makes you feel… now it can move.” Getting Started with Plotaverse (26:25 - 29:26) Troy encourages new users to download the app, explore crisp, uncompressed imagery, and follow inspiring artists. Pro features unlock after 50 posts or comments, making tools accessible globally. A desktop version is in development, integrating top AI tools like Runway, Pika, and Stable Diffusion, with an Nvidia partnership for offline models. Call to Action: “Go on, find some artists you love, and get inspired.” How to Connect Download Plotaverse: Available on iOS and Android Follow Troy: @troyplota on X, @Troyplota on Plotaverse Learn More: plotaverse.com, troyplota.com Plotagraph Pro: plotagraphpro.com
