Nerdpreneur

Professor Epic Productions
Nerdpreneur

Fun conversations with nerds making money with their nerdy passion. We find the strategies and tactics that work but also keep it real real nerdy

  1. Nerdy Oil Painter Jenny Johnson Art - Interview 30

    12/16/2024

    Nerdy Oil Painter Jenny Johnson Art - Interview 30

    In this episode of Nerdpreneur, host Chris Saunders and co-host Frank welcome artist Jenny Johnson (@jennyjohnsonart), who shares her journey from food service to becoming a full-time artist with a passion for Star Trek. Jenny discusses the impact of conventions on her art business, the challenges of pricing and marketing her work, and the importance of community engagement. She also delves into the nuances of navigating IP issues in fan art, the significance of diversifying revenue streams, and her experiences with social media virality. Throughout the conversation, Jenny emphasizes the importance of taking action to overcome creative paralysis and shares her insights on balancing the artistic and entrepreneurial aspects of her career. In this engaging conversation, Jenny discusses her journey as an artist, the challenges of color printing, and the importance of quality control in her work. She shares insights on delegation, the balance between personal touch and efficiency, and the legalities of selling art at conventions. The discussion also touches on networking opportunities, the impact of AI on the art world, and the joys of pursuing one's passion as a nerdpreneur. Jenny emphasizes the significance of building connections and the fulfillment that comes from creating art that resonates with her audience.   To get the extended interview with Jenny, along with loads of uncut episodes, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income. Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…    Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!  Episode updates (including upcoming guests) Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects  Nothing that sucks!  Become a FREE Board Member HERE Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur  To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

    1h 9m
  2. The Business of Scientific Art with Sienna Art Studios - Interview 29

    11/19/2024

    The Business of Scientific Art with Sienna Art Studios - Interview 29

    In this episode, we speak with Sienna, a scientific artist, who shares her unique art form called numberism, where she uses data and equations to create intricate, meaningful pieces She discusses how her journey through challenges in math and science, combined with her love for learning, shaped her artistic approach. Sienna opens up about blending art and science, her creative process, and the importance of self-care for artists. The episode is a deep dive into her insights on navigating the art world, building a supportive team, and fostering community, making this a fascinating listen for anyone interested in the intersection of art, science, and personal growth. If you aspire to be a professional artist or are interested in her process you'll find this interview fascinating. Check out Sienna's Art and her Prints on her website https://siennaartstudios.com/  Join her Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/Numberism/  To get the extended interview with Sienna and WATCH the interview, along with loads of bonus Talking Nerdy Episodes sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income. Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…    Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!  Episode updates (including upcoming guests) Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects  Nothing that sucks!  Become a FREE Board Member HERE Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur  To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

    1h 21m
  3. How Three Friends Created Pocket Bard, a Game Changing RPG Audio App - Interview 28

    09/17/2024

    How Three Friends Created Pocket Bard, a Game Changing RPG Audio App - Interview 28

    In this episode of Nerdpreneur. We sit down with the co-founders of Pocket Bard, an innovative app that's transforming the way tabletop RPG players experience music and sound during their sessions. We chat with Alex Berner, Chase Harris, and Jason Kowalski as they take us through their journey from being college roommates with a passion for video game audio to building a cutting-edge tool that enhances immersive storytelling. They open up about the philosophy behind creating interactive audio, their experiences in the gaming and audio industries, and the challenges of launching a startup aimed at the nerd community. Whether you're a DM looking to bring your sessions to life or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights, business lessons, and a behind-the-scenes look at creating an app for tabletop enthusiasts. Download the Pocket Bard App: https://www.pocketbard.app/  The Pocket Bard app currently has a 4.45 rating based on 1,623 reviews on the Google Play Store​ and on the Apple App Store, it boasts an even higher rating of 4.8 from 40 reviews​! Key Discussion Points: Pocket Bard's Origins: How Alex, Chase, and Jason transitioned from video game audio to developing interactive audio for tabletop RPGs. The App Explained: What makes Pocket Bard unique, including its adaptive music system, easy-to-use interface, and streamlined design for Dungeon Masters (DMs). The User Experience: The team shares their process for designing an intuitive app that enhances the storytelling experience without breaking immersion. Business Insights: The challenges of bootstrapping a tech startup, managing dynamic equity, and their decision to adopt a freemium model with a subscription service. Lessons Learned: Balancing creative roles with business responsibilities, the importance of limiting work in progress, and the value of a strong team dynamic. Future Plans: Teasers for upcoming features and content packs, including a new Tavern music pack and upgrades to the free fantasy essentials content. Quotable Moments: "We wanted to create an experience where Dungeon Masters could focus on their story, not the music. One button-click, and you're back in the game." — Chase Harris "It's all about saving time and attention for the DM so they can deliver the best experience to their players." — Alex Berner "When you download our app, you get a full experience for free, and we're committed to making it the best it can be without any sneaky paywalls." — Jason Kowalski Connect with Pocket Bard: Website: PocketBard.com Instagram: @PocketBardApp Twitter: @PocketBardApp To get the extended interview with Pocket Bard and bonus Talking Nerdy Episodes sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income. Next Episode Preview: Don't miss next episode where Chris and Frank will talk to Sienna Art Studios a Scientific artist based out of Portland. Hit follow so you don't miss it!  Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…    Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!  Episode updates (including upcoming guests) Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects  Nothing that sucks!  Become a FREE Board Member HERE Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur  To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

    1h 36m
  4. Comic Con & Enterprising Nerdy Street Wear: Tony from Hero Within Clothing - Interview 27

    07/25/2024

    Comic Con & Enterprising Nerdy Street Wear: Tony from Hero Within Clothing - Interview 27

    Tony landed a 6 figure deal before walking off the stage at Comic Con. And he hadn't even made one piece of clothing yet. In this episode of Nerdpreneur, Chris and Frank sit down with Tony B. Kim, the founder of Hero Within, a company that designs and sells sophisticated nerd wear. From his deep love of Star Trek and Marvel to the journey of launching Hero Within, Tony shares his inspirational story of turning his nerdy passions into a successful business. Order Clothes from Tony at https://herowithinstore.com/ Instagram: Hero Within Quotes: “Let's make sure that history never forgets the name Enterprise.”  “A hesitant trapeze artist is a dead trapeze artist.” - Tony B. Kim quoting Seth Godin Connect with Nerdpreneur: Website Twitter Instagram To get the extended interview with Tony  and bonus Talking Nerdy Episodes sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income. Next Episode Preview: Don't miss next episode where Chris and Frank will talk to Pocket Bard! They are a start-up that's revolutionizing the world of Music for your D&D game. Hit follow so you don't miss it!  Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…    Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!  Episode updates (including upcoming guests) Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects  Nothing that sucks!  Become a FREE Board Member HERE Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur  Follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

    1h 15m
  5. From Film to VR Games: JJ from Mythical City Games - Interview 26

    06/12/2024

    From Film to VR Games: JJ from Mythical City Games - Interview 26

    In this episode of Nerdpreneur, hosts Chris Saunders and Frank sit down with JJ, the founder and CEO of Mythical City Games, an indie video game studio that's made half a dozen VR games. JJ shares his journey from working in the film industry to founding a video game development studio in Vancouver, Canada. The conversation dives into the intricacies of game development, particularly in the realm of virtual reality (VR), and explores the challenges and rewards of turning a nerdy passion into a successful business. Episode Links: Mythical City Games Follow JJ on Twitter Key Takeaways: Transitioning Careers: JJ transitioned from film production to game development due to a lack of creative fulfillment in his film career. The skills and processes from film production, such as pre-production, production, and post-production, translated well into game development. Starting Mythical City Games: JJ founded Mythical City Games in Vancouver after moving from the United States. The studio focuses on VR games, but also develops PC and mobile games. VR Game Development: VR offers a unique, immersive experience where players use their bodies as controllers. JJ highlighted the accessibility of VR, making it easier for non-gamers to engage with games. The Importance of Feedback: Getting early feedback from testers is crucial, even if the game is not yet polished. Understanding and parsing feedback helps improve the game and cater to the target audience. Funding and Industry Insights: Various funding options include publishers, investors, grants, and crowdfunding. The VR industry is stable but needs more big AAA titles to drive headset sales and user engagement. Innovations and Challenges in VR: Form factor and motion sickness remain significant challenges in VR. JJ emphasized the importance of VR experiences and the potential for business applications. Connect with Nerdpreneur: Website Twitter Instagram To get the extended interview with JJ and bonus Talking Nerdy Episodes sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income. Next Episode Preview: Don't miss next episode where Chris and Frank will talk to Pocket Bard! They are a start up that's revolutionizing the world of Music for your D&D game. Hit follow so you don't miss it!  Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…    Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!  Episode updates (including upcoming guests) Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects  Nothing that sucks!  Become a FREE Board Member HERE Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur  Follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

    1h 30m
  6. Monetize like Critical Role: the Beacon TV strategy - Talking Nerdy 32

    05/16/2024

    Monetize like Critical Role: the Beacon TV strategy - Talking Nerdy 32

    Episode Summary: In this Nerdpreneur episode, hosts Frank and Chris talk nerdy about the latest news from Critical Role, deconstructing their new membership service, Beacon TV. We break down the offer strategy behind Critical Role's announcement and how other Nerdpreneurs could do it for their own business. This episode is packed with lessons that aspiring Nerdpreneurs can take away from Critical Role's approach to monetizing their audience while providing amazing value!  To watch the full Critical Role offer that Chris and Frank are deconstructing go HERE Key Topics: Frank doesn’t like Critical Role but neither does Chris Who is Critical Role? Their story from playing Dungeons & Dragons to #1 Twitch stream, to creating their own game system, Daggerheart. Their growth into a full production company and acquisition of other shows. The strategic positioning of Critical Role as a community-centric brand. Critical Role’s Beacon TV Offer and Monetization Strategy We breakdown of the Beacon offer and how they follow the structure of a great offer while remaining authentic to their voice and their audience expectations  The importance of providing value and creating a direct line of support from fans to creators. Discussion on the psychology behind membership pricing and value stacking. Positioning and Community in the Offer We analyze of Critical Role’s marketing and positioning in the market The use of empathy and community-focused messaging in offers The importance of understanding and catering to your audience’s needs and desires Lessons for Nerdpreneurs Building a dedicated community by providing continuous value. Creating offers that resonate with your audience. The benefits of starting a side hustle and gradually building it into a full-time business.   Great Quotes: Chris: "When you make an offer to your audience, you are asking them to take action, to do something differently in their life. And often, especially for people who are very comfortable and like things the way they are, people don't want to change." Frank: "Having a side hustle is an important contingency plan because right now we're in an employee market where if you're unhappy, you don't have to say anything. You can just quit and you'll get a new job. But I would expect that we're probably going to hit a depression like a great depression level in the next five to seven years." Chris: "You don't have to be the Devin who goes to venture partner investors and gets hundreds of thousands of dollars to start playing games. You just have to start doing it."   To get the extended interviews and BONUS Talking Nerdy Episodes sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income. Next Episode Preview: Don't miss next episode where Chris and Frank talk with Pocket Bard founders team on how they created the #1 D&D Music app in the world! Hit follow so you don't miss it!  Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…    Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool!  Episode updates (including upcoming guests) Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects  Nothing that sucks!  Become a FREE Board Member HERE Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur  Follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

    1h 3m
3.3
out of 5
21 Ratings

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Fun conversations with nerds making money with their nerdy passion. We find the strategies and tactics that work but also keep it real real nerdy

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