Object Subject Form

Simon Clowes
Object Subject Form

A series of conversations exploring the human side of creativity at the evolving intersection of art, technology and finance. As exponential technologies continue to impact how we create, share, and interact, host Simon Clowes discusses with his guests what it takes to consistently perform, grow and adapt amidst the challenges and intricacies of living and operating as a creative. — Simon is a creative director with over two decades of experience in film, animation, and visual effects. He is currently serving as Managing Creative Director at Apple. — Connect with Simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

  1. EPISODE 3

    Empowering Black Creatives Through Access, Education, and Inclusion

    "One of the most challenging things we deal with is the feeling that it doesn't actually matter how good the work is. As a minority, this is the most defeated we feel. I'm sure our competitors have felt similar feelings as creative professionals, but when you are a minority, it hits differently, and I think it's important to try to understand those differences." — Kenny Gravillis. Kenny Gravillis is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Gravillis Inc., a Black-owned LA-based design company known for creating iconic movie posters such as Spike Lee’s "Blackkklansman," "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Logan," and the original "Avatar." His career began with a transition from London to New York, where he found his creative passion in the art department at Def Jam Records. In this episode, Kenny and Simon discuss entrepreneurship while navigating diversity and inclusion within the Key Art Theatrical space. The conversation delves into the experiences of being a Black creative and co-founder of a minority-owned business, and how Kenny’s company, Gravillis Inc., is focusing on education to provide more access to the industry for underserved communities. — Connect with Kenny:   LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-gravillis-96349a15/ — Learn about Gravillis: Gravillis Website – https://www.gravillisinc.com/ Gravillis Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/gravillisinc/ Gravillis LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravillis-inc- — Learn more about Access: A Netflix x Otis Entertainment Certificate Program – https://www.otis.edu/netflix-entertainment-certificate-program — Connect with me: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

    1h 7m
  2. EPISODE 4

    Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Your True Self

    “One of the hardest things about being a creative is you have to do so much work, with the idea that no one will care.” — Jeffrey Paradise. Jeffrey Paradise is a producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from the band Poolside. From a humble beginning in a Los Angeles pool house, Jeffrey's musical journey led to the creation of Poolside’s signature "Daytime Disco" sound. With its relaxed, breezy melodies and smooth electronic textures, Poolside has become synonymous with the perfect summer soundtrack.  The band's unique style and infectious rhythms have graced the stages of Coachella, Primavera Sound, and Lollapalooza, to name a few. In this episode, Jeffrey and Simon explore the theme of imposter syndrome, shedding light on the effects of self-doubt on an artist's journey. They discuss how imposter syndrome affects both creatives and non-creatives alike and delve into the often undiscussed psychological aspects of this phenomenon, comparing strategies for navigating self-doubt and cultivating self-belief. Jeffrey shares insights on the direct impact of imposter syndrome on his career, the moments of introspection that led to his self-discovery, and the resilience required to embrace authenticity in the music industry. — Follow Poolside:  Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/poolside/ Website – https://www.poolsidemusic.com/ — Listen to Blame It All On Love: https://poolside.lnk.to/biaolAI Poolside Tour Dates: https://www.poolsidemusic.com/tour — Connect with me: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

    1h 30m
  3. EPISODE 5

    Beyond GenAI Hype: Disability and Neurodivergence Inclusion for Livable, Hopeful Futures

    “Instead of judging others, what if we actually get curious about them? Specifically with neurodivergence, embracing who we truly are can help us feel well within our minds and bodies. We can learn so much about different ways of being and what it takes to think beyond just our own way of seeing, hearing, feeling, and touching.” — Monika Bielskyte In this episode, Monika Bielskyte shares her unique perspectives on designing for a more livable future and the importance of disability and neurodivergence inclusion within innovation processes. Looking beyond GenAI, Monika and Simon discuss the transformative power of creativity, empathy, and immersive technologies in shaping our future, along with the feedback loop between human values and the tech we design. Monika is a visionary futurist, speculative designer, founder of @protopiafutures, and partner at @africanlifecentricdesign. Through Protopia Futures Framework, Monika emphasizes the importance of the leadership of the most impacted in all innovation processes, with major focus on disability and neurodivergence inclusion. She is recognized for her innovative approach to shaping inclusive, culturally, socially and geopolitically informed future visions that challenge the determinism and escapism of both dystopian and utopian narratives.  Her work explores the the SciFi impact on the very real future-making and the feedback loop between human values & the tech we design—offering profound insights into how we can craft pathways towards equitable and inspiring futures, based on the principles of life-centric design.  Monika has been at the forefront of spatial computing & immersive media technology for over a decade, while consistently advocating for empathetic and socially responsible design.  Her consulting clients include BBC, DreamWorks, Google, Nike, Meta, Microsoft, Huawei, Mckinsey, WEF, and her work in Hollywood includes futurist consultancy for Disney / Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.  She has lectured in the Royal College of Arts, CERN, Royal Society, Indian Institute Of Technology and the California College Of Arts, to name but a few.  — Follow Monika: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/monikabielskyte/ X – https://x.com/monikabielskyte LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/monikabielskyte/ — Follow Protopia Futures: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/protopiafutures/ X – https://x.com/protopiafutures/ — Read more about the Protopia Futures Framework: https://medium.com/protopia-futures/protopia-futures-framework-f3c2a5d09a1e — Connect with me: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

    1h 59m
  4. EPISODE 7

    The Web3 Creator Economy

    “For me, ownership is not being canceled because of my subject material. It’s about me owning the interaction with those who have chosen to consume that content. We’ve made a conscious decision to do that together, and typically that happens through blockchain.” — Benjamin White In a digital landscape where creators are constantly competing for attention, how can Web3 technology truly democratize content creation, elevate independent voices above established media giants, and redefine digital ownership? Benjamin White is the VP of Creator Strategy at Rug Radio, the first decentralized media ecosystem serving as an incubator, accelerator, and brand builder for independent creators. He is an e-commerce entrepreneur, foodie, writer, podcaster, and self-proclaimed frustrated artist with a passion for brand strategy, content creation, and social media, helping brands and businesses leverage the power of Web3 technologies and platforms. In this episode of Object Subject Form, Ben and Simon discuss how Web3 is reshaping the evolving creator economy, digital art and media—enabling creatives and brands to form deeper, more authentic connections with their audiences while maintaining control and ownership of their content. — Follow Ben: X – https://x.com/hellobenwhite?s=21&t=bOw5KJsHMJwyb18XsKTw4w — Follow Rug Radio: X – https://x.com/rugradio?s=21&t=bOw5KJsHMJwyb18XsKTw4w Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rugradioofficial?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== — Connect with me: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

    1h 30m
  5. EPISODE 8

    User-Generated Content and the Future of Gaming

    “Learn how to create a revenue avenue for yourself through solo entrepreneurship, using the tools and platforms that are around you that allow you to do things on your own without relying on an employer. There are going to be some major changes in the next few years; the earlier you learn how to create ways to survive, the better.” — Margot Rodde User-generated content (UGC) is redefining the gaming industry, but how can independent creators leverage UGC to build sustainable careers and innovate within immersive gaming experiences? Margot Rodde is the CEO of Creators Corp., an award-winning Fortnite Creative studio exploring new possibilities in the creator economy and the metaverse. By partnering with IP holders across sports and entertainment, the studio creates unique, original games that entertain, inspire, and engage fans around the world. With nearly two decades of innovation in video games, digital media, and virtual worlds, Margot has held strategic roles at agencies like Momentum Worldwide and Amplify, working on projects for clients such as Microsoft, Xbox, and PlayStation. In 2013, she launched WePlay, an experiential agency whose clients included EA, Riot Games, Nexon, Epic Games, IGN, and more. In Episode 8 of Object Subject Form, Margot and Simon talk about the impact of user-generated content on the future of gaming and discuss how independent creators are growing communities and building sustainable careers by developing immersive gaming experiences. — Follow Margot: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-margot-rodde/ — Creators Corp website: https://www.creatorscorp.gg/ — Connect with me: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

    1h 23m
  6. EPISODE 9

    The Cost of Opportunity: Balancing Ambition and Family

    "You have to have time for yourself—time for reflection, time for growth, both personally and spiritually…but for few years all of that went out the window; it was just work, building, career, and success.” — Paul Mitchell What happens when the pursuit of creative excellence starts to conflict with the responsibilities of family life? How do we measure the true cost of our ambitions when they extend beyond ourselves and touch the lives of those we love? Paul Mitchell is a designer, director, husband, and father. Currently represented as a director at Untold Studios in Los Angeles, he has made significant contributions to the film and television industry for over three decades. Before relocating to the U.S., Paul served as Design Director at the BBC in London. His journey in LA began as Creative Director at Prologue Films, before holding positions as an independent director at Elastic, Head of Design at The Mill Los Angeles, and was one of the lead directors for Mill+. A passionate storyteller with a cinematic eye, he seamlessly connects live-action with visual effects to craft compelling narratives across commercials, short films motion design. His work has been recognized by The Emmys®, BAFTA, D&AD, and AICP, to name a few.  In Episode 9 of Object Subject Form, Paul reflects on his career, offering an honest look at the sacrifices made, and striking the balance between professional success and family well-being. Despite the challenges, he also highlights the enriching experiences his family gained by moving to Los Angeles—opening a new chapter filled with a wealth of opportunities. — Paul @ Untold Studios: https://untoldstudios.tv/portfolio/paul-mitchell/  — Follow Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-mitchell-4266717/ — Paul’s website: https://www.paulmitchell-director.com/ — Connect with me: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

    1h 16m
  7. EPISODE 10

    Creative Partnerships: When Art, Love, and Business Collide

    In 2005, Kyle and Kimber Cooper invited me to relocate from London to Los Angeles for my dream job at their company, Prologue. At the time, Prologue was in its infancy—a small but exceptionally talented team landing opportunities alongside some of the most established companies in the industry. This marked the beginning of a journey that would shape the next decade of my life. My time there was nothing short of an intense apprenticeship, where I was encouraged to tirelessly fight for ideas, and never find myself idle. This final episode of Season 1 of Object Subject Form explores the magic that happens when art, love, and business collide.  Kimber Cooper is an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in design, film, and VFX, with recent ventures into e-commerce and XR. She has founded three companies: Prologue (where I spent the first decade of my design career), Prologue Immersive, and Spatialand (now called Insperience) acquired by Walmart in 2018 when she partnered with Marc Lore and Lori Flees to create the first retail virtual experience. Launching a business is daunting, but starting the journey with your life partner brings some unique challenges to the surface. It’s not just about navigating a business but also managing a marriage and family. Kim reflects on what it means to have a creative life partner and how to work closely with someone you love while navigating life’s inevitable challenges—balancing family, finances, employee retention, and maintaining a steady flow of work. This conversation celebrates the intersection of creativity, innovation, and partnership—offering insights for anyone navigating the balance of art, love, and business. If you’re considering starting a creative business with your significant other, this episode is for you. — Connect with Kim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimber-cooper-463a0b3a/ — Prologues' Website: https://prologue.com/ — Connect with me: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

    1h 16m
5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

A series of conversations exploring the human side of creativity at the evolving intersection of art, technology and finance. As exponential technologies continue to impact how we create, share, and interact, host Simon Clowes discusses with his guests what it takes to consistently perform, grow and adapt amidst the challenges and intricacies of living and operating as a creative. — Simon is a creative director with over two decades of experience in film, animation, and visual effects. He is currently serving as Managing Creative Director at Apple. — Connect with Simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

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