Pixel Retentive Podcast

Epic Made
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Semimonthly

This is Pixel Retentive podcast, where Colorful Carl, an Artist and a Business Owner, discusses the art of business and the business of art. Here, we explore the intersection of creativity, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship with some of the leading minds in the space.

  1. 2d ago

    Why the Future of Games Is Short, Social, and Spectacular | Pete Vigeant of Lil Snack

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Pete Vigeant, Director of Game Design at Lil Snack and a 20-year veteran experience designer, to explore why the future of games may be shorter, more social, and more spectacular. Pete has spent his career designing experiences that bring people together, from daily games and micro games to 100,000-player live events, immersive installations, and virtual concerts. Together they unpack what actually makes something a "game," why game mechanics can move between board games, video games, sports, and physical experiences, and how designers can create moments of delight that fit naturally into people's lives. Pete also explains why the best games create positive social interaction, how location-based entertainment can pull people away from their screens, and why unforgettable experiences often matter long after the game itself is over. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: Why Pete believes the future of games is short, social, and spectacular Why great game mechanics transcend video games, board games, sports, and physical experiences How daily games like Wordle changed the way people think about play Why shorter games fit better into modern life How games can become healthy daily rituals and moments of mental reset Why designers should meet audiences where they already are The importance of designing around the player's real-world context How small, niche games can create deeply engaged communities Why sharing scores and experiences can turn solo games into social experiences How games can create positive interactions between people with different backgrounds and beliefs What sports fandom can teach game designers about participation and community Why location-based entertainment is becoming increasingly important How escape rooms, immersive exhibitions, and interactive installations create memorable experiences Lessons from designing experiences for crowds of up to 100,000 people Why spectacle becomes even more powerful when paired with meaningful game mechanics How empathy helps designers create better games and experiences Why experimentation and modifying rules are essential parts of great game design Guest Links 🎮 Lil Snack https://lilsnack.co 💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/petev/ Special Thanks A huge thank you to Pete Vigeant for sharing two decades of lessons about game design, experiential entertainment, social interaction, and creating memorable moments for players. His perspective is a powerful reminder that games do not have to be massive or complicated to matter. Sometimes the best game is simply the one that fits into your life, gives you a moment of delight, and gives you something worth sharing with someone else. Pete also gives a special shoutout to Karl Rohnke, whose work in experiential education, physical games, and group play helped shape Pete's own approach to designing experiences with empathy and experimentation. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, animation, game development, experiential design, branding, entrepreneurship, marketing, and the business behind great creative work, visit: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game designer, developer, experiential designer, creative director, board gamer, educator, producer, or anyone interested in the future of interactive entertainment. Until next time, ✌️ Carl #GameDesign #LilSnack #SocialGames #DailyGames #GameDevelopment #ExperientialDesign #ImmersiveExperiences #InteractiveEntertainment #MicroGames #LocationBasedEntertainment #CreativeLeadership #GamingIndustry #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

  2. 4d ago

    From Games to Pro Wrestling: Project Management, Partnerships, and Live Storytelling | Max Zaleski

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Max Zaleski, games industry professional at Crystal Dynamics and founder of Unconfirmed Flight Offerings (UFO), to explore how storytelling connects careers in video games, professional wrestling, tabletop RPGs, stand-up comedy, and live events. Max shares his unconventional path into the games industry, lessons learned producing more than 150 professional wrestling events, the importance of building creative communities, and why project management is really about relationships—not spreadsheets. They also dive into accessibility, advocacy, audience engagement, and how creating memorable experiences always starts with telling a story people care about. Whether you're a game developer, producer, creative leader, marketer, or storyteller, this conversation is packed with practical insights on leadership, collaboration, and building communities that last. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: How Max transitioned into the games industry at Crystal Dynamics Why storytelling connects games, wrestling, comedy, and tabletop RPGs Building a career through project management and partnerships What producing more than 150 live wrestling shows taught him about leadership Why community is often more valuable than competition The importance of relationship management in creative projects A simple project management strategy that saves nearly every production Why adding schedule buffers can dramatically improve creative work Lessons learned from successful—and unsuccessful—live event storytelling How emotional investment drives audience engagement What wrestling can teach marketers and creative directors about branding Advocating for accessibility and helping bring subtitles to WWE content Why inclusive design creates better experiences for everyone Building creative communities through tabletop RPGs and local game stores How stand-up comedy has strengthened Max's storytelling skills Mentorship, collaboration, and continuing to grow throughout your career Guest Links LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxazaleski/ 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maxinthepnw Special Thanks A huge thank you to Max Zaleski for sharing his experiences across games, live entertainment, community building, accessibility, and creative leadership. His passion for storytelling, mentorship, and creating spaces where everyone belongs is a reminder that great creative work is ultimately about bringing people together. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, animation, game development, branding, marketing, entrepreneurship, design, AI, and the business behind great creative work, visit: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, producer, project manager, creative director, marketer, wrestling fan, tabletop gamer, or anyone passionate about where business and art collide. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #GameDevelopment #CrystalDynamics #ProjectManagement #Storytelling #CreativeLeadership #GameIndustry #TabletopRPG #ProfessionalWrestling #CommunityBuilding #Accessibility #GameProduction #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

  3. Sep 22

    What It Takes to Build a Sustainable 3D Animation Career | Carol Madrigal

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Carol Madrigal, veteran 3D animator, motion capture specialist, Unreal Engine generalist, and freelance creative whose career spans more than two decades working on some of the biggest productions in entertainment. From Avatar, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame to The Polar Express, Carol shares what it really takes to build a long-lasting career in animation while adapting to constant technological change, navigating immigration, balancing motherhood, and embracing lifelong learning. Together they explore the evolution of animation technology, how AI and Unreal Engine are reshaping creative workflows, why curiosity is the most valuable skill an artist can develop, and how creative professionals can stay relevant in one of the fastest-changing industries. Whether you're an aspiring animator, game developer, filmmaker, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with practical career advice and honest insights from someone who's helped bring some of Hollywood's biggest stories to life. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: Carol's journey from SCAD to working on Hollywood's biggest films Landing her first industry job on The Polar Express Behind-the-scenes stories from Avatar, Avengers: Infinity War, and Endgame The evolution of motion capture and performance animation Why adaptability is an artist's greatest competitive advantage How Unreal Engine is transforming animation production What Carol learned at Unreal Fest about AI-powered animation tools The future of AI in animation and creative production Why artists should embrace AI as an assistant—not a replacement The importance of lifelong learning in the entertainment industry How online schools like Animation Mentor help professionals stay competitive Balancing a demanding animation career with motherhood The challenges of building a career as an immigrant artist Why happiness matters more than constantly chasing promotions Teaching traditional drawing in the age of AI Why storytelling will always matter more than technology Career advice for aspiring animators and digital artists How staying curious can future-proof your creative career Guest Links 🌐 Website https://carolmadrigal.com 💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-madrigal Special Thanks A huge thank you to Carol Madrigal for sharing her incredible journey through the animation industry and offering such honest advice about resilience, lifelong learning, technology, and balancing creativity with family. Her perspective reminds us that while tools continue to evolve, curiosity, adaptability, and great storytelling remain the foundations of a meaningful creative career. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, animation, game development, filmmaking, AI, design, branding, marketing, entrepreneurship, and the business behind great creative work, visit: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with an animator, filmmaker, game developer, creative director, Unreal Engine artist, motion designer, or anyone building a career in the creative industries. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #Animation #3DAnimation #UnrealEngine #Avatar #MotionCapture #AI #GameDevelopment #VisualEffects #CreativeCareers #DigitalArtists #AnimationMentor #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade #CreativeTechnology #Storytelling

  4. Sep 17

    How to Build a Stable Game Studio in a Chaotic Industry | Dru Erridge of Gamebreaking Studios

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Dru Erridge, Founder of Gamebreaking Studios and former Tech Lead at Riot Games, to explore what it really takes to build a sustainable game studio in one of the most volatile industries in entertainment. After helping redesign League of Legends' Honor System at Riot, Dru left one of the industry's most stable companies to bootstrap Gamebreaking Studios into a thriving remote development studio serving some of the biggest names in gaming. Together they discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, why studio culture matters more than ever, how to survive the unpredictable economics of game development, and why balancing creativity with business discipline is essential for long-term success. From building healthy teams and avoiding founder burnout to launching games, pitching clients, and creating sustainable growth, this conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone building a creative business. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: How Dru helped redesign League of Legends' Honor System at Riot Games Why perception matters as much as reality in player experience The decision to leave Riot Games and start Gamebreaking Studios Building a game studio without outside funding The importance of networking and business development for founders Lessons learned bootstrapping a remote game development studio Why studio culture is a competitive advantage Creating stability in an industry known for layoffs and uncertainty Balancing work-for-hire services with original game development Why burnout destroys more studios than bad ideas How founders can delegate without losing control The importance of communicating vision repeatedly to your team Why great games require both creative passion and business discipline The financial realities behind making modern video games How to validate game ideas before investing millions Why player feedback should shape development from the earliest stages Building a company designed to last decades instead of chasing short-term wins Advice for entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable creative businesses Guest Links 🌐 Website https://gamebreaking.com 💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/druerridge Special Thanks A huge thank you to Dru Erridge for sharing an honest look at entrepreneurship, leadership, game development, and building a company that can weather one of the most unpredictable industries in the world. Whether you're an indie developer, studio founder, creative entrepreneur, or someone interested in the business behind great games, this episode offers valuable insights into building something designed to last. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, game development, animation, branding, marketing, entrepreneurship, AI, and the business behind great creative work, visit: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, studio founder, creative director, entrepreneur, producer, or anyone passionate about building sustainable creative businesses. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #GameDevelopment #IndieGames #GameStudio #RiotGames #LeagueOfLegends #GameDesign #Entrepreneurship #StudioLeadership #CreativeBusiness #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade #GamebreakingStudios #Leadership #CreativeStrategy #GamingIndustry

  5. Sep 15

    Cultivating a Positive Mindset in a World That Challenges Artists | Jonathan Nee

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Jonathan "Jags" Nee, a self-taught 3D generalist, cinematic trailer creator, and founder of Jags Studio, to explore one of the biggest challenges every creative faces: staying positive while pursuing mastery in an industry full of uncertainty. From losing over 100 pounds and transforming his health to building a successful freelance career creating cinematic trailers for board games and entertainment brands, Jags shares the mindset shifts that helped him overcome self-doubt, embrace discomfort, and continue growing as both an artist and entrepreneur. Together they discuss why negativity is often our default setting, how artists can avoid burnout, why embracing discomfort is essential for creative growth, and how taking calculated risks can dramatically accelerate a career. They also dive into commercial art versus personal creativity, building a portfolio that attracts dream clients, investing in mentors, developing resilience, and why learning never stops for successful creatives. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: Why artists naturally struggle with negative thinking How Jonathan transformed his health and mindset after major weight loss Why discomfort is required for creative growth The connection between fitness, discipline, and artistic success How to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome Why embracing "the suck" leads to mastery Building confidence through repetition instead of talent Commercial art vs. personal creative fulfillment Why every artist needs creative play outside of client work Building a portfolio that attracts your ideal clients The importance of passion projects and spec work Safe ways to take career-changing creative risks Investing in mentorship, courses, and continuous learning Why calculated risks outperform comfortable decisions How successful creatives balance business systems with artistic freedom Financial habits every freelance artist should develop Books that helped reshape Jonathan's creative mindset Practical advice for staying motivated throughout a long creative career Guest Links 🌐 Website 💼 LinkedIn ▶️ YouTube Special Thanks A huge thank you to Jonathan "Jags" Nee for sharing such an honest conversation about mindset, resilience, creativity, and the realities of building a career in commercial art. Whether you're a designer, illustrator, animator, game developer, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical advice for navigating creative work with greater confidence and purpose. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, animation, game development, branding, entrepreneurship, AI, marketing, and the business behind great creative work, visit: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with an artist, designer, animator, creative director, game developer, freelancer, or anyone building a creative career. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #JonathanNee #JagsStudio #CreativeMindset #ArtistLife #CreativeBusiness #MotionDesign #3DArtist #Freelancing #GameArt #CreativeEntrepreneur #PersonalGrowth #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

  6. Sep 10

    Creativity Meets Commerce: How to Sell Value (Not Services) | Chris Do

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Chris Do, founder and CEO of The Futur, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing creative professionals: how to confidently sell your work based on value instead of hours. Drawing from decades of experience building creative businesses, educating millions of designers, and transforming how agencies think about pricing, Chris shares the mindset shifts that help creatives stop competing on cost and start commanding premium fees. Together they dive into value based pricing, the psychology behind great sales conversations, why most creatives struggle to communicate their worth, and how to use Chris's famous Baseline → Benchmark → Closing framework to quantify creative value. They also tackle the future of AI in creative work, why human craftsmanship is becoming even more valuable, how to adapt instead of fear technological change, and what it really takes to build a sustainable creative business in today's rapidly evolving economy. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: Why creatives consistently undervalue their work The biggest mindset shift behind value based pricing Why clients buy outcomes, not hours How reducing risk creates more value than producing deliverables Chris Do's Baseline → Benchmark → Closing pricing framework How to calculate the real business value of creative work The power of asking better questions during sales conversations Why diagnosing business problems beats pitching services Building confidence in pricing without feeling pushy How scarcity, confidence, and positioning affect sales Why premium clients aren't buying your time How AI is changing creative work (and why Chris isn't worried) Why handcrafted work is becoming the new luxury How creatives should embrace AI instead of fearing it The importance of staying adaptable as technology evolves Mentorship, business education, and building a long term creative career Guest Links 🌐 The Futur 📸 Instagram 💼 LinkedIn Special Thanks A huge thank you to Chris Do for sharing decades of experience helping creative professionals build more valuable businesses. From pricing psychology and sales conversations to AI, creativity, and entrepreneurship, this conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to grow a creative career without compromising their craft. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, branding, animation, game development, entrepreneurship, AI, marketing, and the business behind creative work, visit: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a designer, creative director, freelancer, agency owner, marketer, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to build a stronger creative business. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #ChrisDo #TheFutur #CreativeBusiness #ValueBasedPricing #Freelancing #CreativeEntrepreneur #AgencyLife #BrandStrategy #Sales #AI #DesignBusiness #CreativeLeadership #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

  7. Sep 8

    The Art of Building Great Games: Halo, Counter-Strike & AAA Development | Jay Prochaska

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Jay Prochaska, veteran game artist and art director with nearly 29 years of experience creating games across AAA studios, startups, and everything in between. From traditional hand-drawn animation to leading art teams on franchises like Halo, Counter-Strike, Team Fortress 2, and Shrapnel, Jay shares the lessons he's learned about creativity, leadership, and building visual worlds players never forget. Together they explore what separates great game art from great game design, why startups often produce the industry's boldest ideas, how art directors establish a game's visual identity, and why understanding player experience matters more than creating beautiful assets. They also dive into Don Bluth's lasting influence on games, the future of Unreal Engine, the opportunities and risks of AI, and what aspiring artists need to thrive in today's rapidly changing industry. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: How Jay went from traditional animation to becoming an AAA game art director Behind-the-scenes stories from working on Halo, Counter-Strike, Team Fortress 2, and Left 4 Dead The biggest differences between AAA studios and scrappy indie startups What separates art that looks beautiful from art that creates better gameplay How art directors establish the visual heartbeat of an entire game Why brainstorming and visual worldbuilding are the most exciting stages of development Lessons modern game developers can learn from Don Bluth and classic Disney animation How Unreal Engine has changed independent game development Why small teams often innovate faster than large studios The opportunities and challenges AI brings to artists and game developers How AI should assist creativity instead of replacing it Advice for aspiring game artists, art directors, and creative leaders Guest Links 🌐 Day One Creative Designs 💼 Connect with Jay Prochaska on LinkedIn Special Thanks A huge thank you to Jay Prochaska for sharing nearly three decades of experience creating games, leading art teams, and helping shape some of the industry's most recognizable franchises. His insights into leadership, creativity, collaboration, and the future of game development offer valuable lessons for artists, developers, designers, and anyone building creative products. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, animation, game development, leadership, entrepreneurship, branding, AI, and the business of creative work, visit: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, artist, animator, creative director, indie developer, studio leader, or anyone passionate about building incredible games. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #GameDevelopment #GameArt #ArtDirection #Halo #CounterStrike #Valve #UnrealEngine #AIArt #GameDesign #Animation #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

  8. Sep 3

    How Great Board Game Marketing Builds Lifelong Fans | Krystal Rose

    In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Krystal Rose, Marketing and Partnership Leader at Asmodee and Office Dog Games, to explore what makes partnerships in the tabletop industry truly successful. With more than a decade of experience spanning marketing, events, strategic communications, and gaming, Krystal shares how authentic relationships, community building, and a passion for play are transforming the way games are marketed today. Together they discuss the resurgence of board games, the differences between lifestyle games and standalone tabletop titles, why partnerships matter more than advertising, and how game companies can build communities that last. They also dive into Gen Con, the evolution of game marketing, mentorship, the importance of play in modern life, and why the future of tabletop gaming is brighter than ever. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 11:45 Meet Krystal Rose 12:45 What Makes Great Partnerships? 16:20 Why Play Matters 21:30 How Board Game Marketing Has Changed 23:00 Board Games vs Trading Card Games 27:30 Marketing Different Types of Games 31:30 Building Long-Term Creative Partnerships 36:30 Gen Con & Live Event Marketing 42:00 Everyone Is a Gamer 44:00 Mentorship in the Gaming Industry 50:15 The Future of Asmodee & Office Dog Games 53:30 Leadership Lessons & Career Advice 55:45 Where to Follow Krystal Guest Links 🌐 Asmodee: https://www.asmodee.com 🎲 Office Dog Games: https://www.officedoggames.com 💼 Connect with Krystal Rose on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moxkrystal/ Special Thanks A huge thank you to Krystal Rose for sharing her perspective on partnerships, marketing, leadership, and the power of play. Her thoughtful approach to building authentic relationships reminds us that the best marketing starts with genuine human connection and a passion for creating memorable experiences. Connect with Epic Made For more conversations about creativity, storytelling, animation, entrepreneurship, branding, game development, marketing, leadership, and the business of creative work, visit: 🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, board game designer, tabletop creator, marketer, publisher, creative leader, or anyone passionate about building communities through games. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl #BoardGames #TabletopGames #GameMarketing #Asmodee #OfficeDogGames #GenCon #MagicTheGathering #GamingIndustry #CreatorEconomy #CommunityBuilding #PixelRetentivePodcast #EpicMade

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This is Pixel Retentive podcast, where Colorful Carl, an Artist and a Business Owner, discusses the art of business and the business of art. Here, we explore the intersection of creativity, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship with some of the leading minds in the space.

Information

  • Creator
    Epic Made
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    150
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Pixel Retentive (c) 2026
  • Show Website
    Pixel Retentive Podcast