Object Subject Form

Simon Clowes
  • 5.0 (26)
  • DESIGN
  • SERIES

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

See All

  1. EPISODE 1

    Hybrid Workflows: The Human–AI Creative Partnership

    How do we ensure AI enhances creativity rather than diminishes it? Can designers integrate AI into their workflows without losing the essence of human-driven craft? As AI continues to reshape creative industries, designers face a critical choice—resist, or adapt and find a way to collaborate. This episode of Object Subject Form explores the evolving relationship between human creativity and machine intelligence, highlighting the role of hybrid workflows in shaping the future of design. Simon Dixon, co-founder of DixonBaxi, has spent over two decades at the intersection of creativity, design, and technology. His studio is known for its bold philosophy—“Be Brave”—a mindset that extends to adapting to emerging technologies.  Driven by the enduring power of creativity, DixonBaxi collaborates with some of the world’s most iconic brands across sports, entertainment, media, the new economy, and technology to design a better future. Their clients—Netflix, Google, Samsung, Warner Bros Discovery, AC Milan, Hulu, and more—trust them to help prepare for what’s next. In this conversation, Simon explores the Human–AI Creative Partnership—how AI can be a tool for expansion rather than replacement, the challenges of maintaining originality in an era of automation, and why adaptability is the most important skill for designers today. This episode sets the tone for Object Subject Form's second season, focusing on the technologies and ideas that will shape creative practice over the next 5 to 10 years. — Connect with Simon on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonsdixon/ — DixonBaxi Website: https://www.dixonbaxi.com/ — Connect with me: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

    1h 12m

  2. EPISODE 2

    Bridging the Gap: CryptoPunks & the Convergence of Digital & Traditional Art

    How can digital art cement its place in contemporary culture? Can NFTs and blockchain technology continue to bridge the gap between artists and major institutions? As dialogue around digital art continues to evolve, questions of legitimacy, value, and long-term impact remain central to the conversation. In this episode of Object Subject Form, we examine how digital art is gaining recognition in major institutions and how emerging technologies are reshaping the art world. Currently the GM of CryptoPunks, Natalie Stone leads the iconic collection that ignited a contemporary digital art movement, with pieces in the permanent collections of institutions such as the Centre Pompidou, LACMA, and ICA Miami. She played a key role in CryptoPunks: Free to Claim, a Phaidon-published project with Zak Group that chronicles the rise of CryptoPunks and their cultural significance. Formerly at Google, she led Google I/O, crafted VR/AR experiences with artists like Childish Gambino and LCD Soundsystem, and developed an experimental new media program for artists working in AI.   With a deep understanding of both traditional and digital art ecosystems, Natalie offers a unique perspective on the evolving dynamics of curation, collection, and creative innovation. In this conversation, we discuss the challenges and opportunities facing digital artists today, the role of traditional art institutions in Web3, and how blockchain technology is redefining provenance, ownership, and artistic value. Launched by Larva Labs in 2017, CryptoPunks consists of 10,000 unique pixel-art characters that became a symbol of digital ownership and the CryptoArt movement. Stored on the Ethereum blockchain, CryptoPunks are more than just collectibles—they’ve played a pivotal role in shaping conversations around provenance, value, and the integration of blockchain technology in the art world. — Connect with Natalie on X: https://x.com/naughtaliestone — Natalie’s website: https://nataliestone.co/ — Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stonenatalie/ — CryptoPunks: https://cryptopunks.app/ — Learn more about CryptoPunks on the Brand Hub: https://hub.cryptopunks.app/ — Follow CryptoPunks on X: https://x.com/cryptopunksnfts — CryptoPunks Book @ Phaidon: https://www.phaidon.com/store/fashion-and-pop-culture/cryptopunks-free-to-claim-9781838669300/ — Connect with simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

    1h 12m

  3. EPISODE 3

    URL to IRL: The Art of Creative Connection

    What if the most meaningful creative work begins not with what we make, but with how we connect? In this episode of Object Subject Form, recorded live in Mérida, Yucatán, Simon sits down with Héctor Ayuso — founder of OFFF and Paradiso — to explore the deeper layers of what it means to gather with intention, and be fully immersed in creative expression. Héctor reflects on his journey from growing a globally recognized festival (OFFF) to creating Paradiso, a five-day immersive retreat rooted in joy, presence, and meaningful connection. He opens up about his childhood, how therapy reshaped his life and why being uncomfortable is necessary for growth.  This is a conversation about realigning with purpose. The importance of building spaces that invite vulnerability and how real-life gatherings are becoming more vital in an increasingly digital world. It’s about staying true to what matters, even through discomfort. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your work or uncertain about your path, this conversation is a reminder that creativity isn’t just about what we make — it’s about how we live, who we connect with, and the courage it takes to stay true to what matters. — Connect with Héctor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-ayuso/ — Connect with Héctor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hectorayuso/ — Learn about Paradiso: https://home.paradisofest.com/ — Follow Paradiso: https://www.instagram.com/paradisofest_/ — Learn about OFFF: https://www.offf.barcelona/ — Connect with Simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

    1h 8m

  4. EPISODE 4

    Special Episode: Creative Leadership in a Changing World

    As creative industries continue to evolve, the ways we approach leadership, identity, mentorship, and growth are being reexamined and reimagined. How do creative leaders adapt to an increasingly complex world? What does it mean to nurture human-centered creativity while navigating rapid technological change? In this special episode of Object Subject Form, host Simon Clowes steps into the guest seat for a live dialogue hosted by Swim Creative. He joins Maria Barbirotto and Stephanie Dunaiski to explore how creative leadership is shifting, the importance of mentorship in building resilient teams, and how identity shapes creative expression in times of uncertainty. Drawing from his personal journey across design, film, and technology, Simon shares insights on leading with empathy, promoting human-centered creative processes, and navigating change without losing sight of purpose. This conversation is a reflection on the ever changing creative landscape—and how staying rooted in empathy, adaptability, and human connection is essential for supporting meaningful work. — Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariabarbirotto/ — Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-dunaiski-ab28a486/ — Swim Creative: https://swimcreative.com/ — Connect with simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

    1h 26m

  5. EPISODE 5

    All In: Betting Everything on Bitcoin’s Future

    Bitcoin has dominated headlines, sparked political debates, and divided opinions. Through all the noise, one fact remains: it’s been one of the best-performing asset classes of the past decade—but for many, the real significance of this technology is still just starting to sink in. In this episode of Object Subject Form, Simon sits down with Valko, friend, fellow CryptoPunk, and newly appointed Chief of Staff at World Liberty Financial—a decentralized finance platform launched in 2024 to simplify access to digital assets and crypto-backed financial tools. Known for his unwavering conviction in blockchain technology, Valko has gone all in on crypto—an investment stance most financial advisors would call extreme. But what drives this level of conviction? And what lessons can be drawn from it as Bitcoin continues to outperform nearly every traditional asset class over the past decade? Together, they break down the fundamental reasons why Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies matter, why these technologies remain central to conversations about financial sovereignty and technological evolution, and how they may play a pivotal role in shaping the next decade of global economics. Whether listeners are crypto-curious or already deep in the space, this conversation offers perspective on why it’s no longer a question if they should pay attention. Disclaimer: This episode was recorded prior to Valko’s current role. The views expressed are his own and do not represent the views of his employer. Topics discussed are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making investment decisions. — Chapters 00:00 Bitcoin as the New Reserve Asset   01:10 Introduction 02:19 Why Bitcoin and Crypto Matter Now   04:19 Valko’s All In Crypto Philosophy   06:10 Bitcoin as the Future of Digital Ownership   09:24 Ethereum, NFTs, and Programmable Money   13:14 Transparency, Trustlessness, and Privacy in Crypto   16:16 Should You Stay Anonymous in the Space?   19:22 Reputation: Online vs. Real Life   22:13 Valko’s First Crypto Transactions and Early Days   25:34 CryptoPunks and the Birth of Digital Identity   31:15 Staying Informed in a Fast-Moving Space   34:36 The Political Landscape of Crypto   41:19 Is It Too Late to Get In? Advice for Newcomers   45:50 Risk Management and Building Wealth   50:10 The Rise of Meme Coins and Internet Culture   54:34 Imagining a Future of Widespread Crypto Adoption   58:30 The Impact of Crypto on Traditional Finance   1:03:10 Bitcoin, AI, and Exponential Technologies   1:05:40 CryptoPunks: Identity, Art, and Community   1:12:13 What It Means to be a voice of leadership in Crypto   1:18:01 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Valko     — Connect with Valko on X: https://x.com/valko — Specs News (On pause due to Valko’s new position at World Liberty Financial): https://www.specs.news/ — World Liberty Financial: https://www.worldlibertyfinancial.com/ — @Punk6529 TAP Thread https://x.com/punk6529/status/1701623475725533524?s=46 — CryptoPunks: https://cryptopunks.app/ — Learn more about CryptoPunks on the Brand Hub: https://hub.cryptopunks.app/ — Follow CryptoPunks on X: https://x.com/cryptopunksnfts — Connect with simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

    1h 20m

  6. EPISODE 6

    Creative Identity is a Process, Not a Prompt

    “There was no perfect moment to be ready. I just had to try things and figure out who I was through doing.” — Gryun Kim What does it really take to build a creative voice when tools can imitate style at the push of a button? As AI-powered software is changing how we think about the creative process, many artists are facing a new kind of identity crisis. In this episode of Object Subject Form, we explore how originality, process, and innovation remain critical in defining who we are creatively. Gryun Kim is an Emmy-winning motion designer and art director known for his main title work on The Last of Us and His Dark Materials. From Elastic to Giantstep, his career has been defined not just by aesthetics, but by how he challenges trends, resists shortcuts, and leans into the hard work of building something unique. We talk about how AI is influencing the creative process, the dangers of design sameness, and how Gryun uses process and constraint as tools of constant innovation. For anyone feeling lost in the noise of technological trends, this is a grounding conversation about choosing craft over convenience, and defining identity through the work itself. – Gryun’s YouTube Channel: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kimgryun – Gryun’s website: https://g-ryun.com/ – Connect with Gryun on Instagram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimgryun/?hl=en – Connect with Simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes – Object Subject Form on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ObjectSubjectForm – Object Subject Form on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/objectsubjectform

    1h 12m

  7. EPISODE 7

    Burnout & The Myth of Work-Life Balance

    “You have the first right to be wrong.” — Chris Do As CEO and Executive Creative Director of Blind, Chris has contributed to the motion design industry through decades of award-winning inspiring work. He is the founder of The Futur, an education platform helping millions of creative professionals learn the business skills they were never taught in school. Chris has spoken at global conferences and built a wide-reaching community through courses, mentorship, and content. His mission is clear: to teach one billion people how to make a living doing what they love.  Nearly a decade ago, Chris and I had a conversation that inspired and influenced the way I think about work. At the time, I was at a crossroads in my own creative journey and Chris was starting to explore a different path beyond client‑service. The seeds of The Futur were being planted. In this episode of Object Subject Form, I invited Chris on for a reflective and forward‑looking chat with the full weight and perspective of the past 10 years.  We talk about burnout, ambition, and why the idea of work-life integration feels more relevant than the myth of “balance” in creative careers. We also discuss how AI is changing the nature of creative direction, and why staying curious and open-minded is more important than ever. In our industry, especially in motion design, exhaustion is often the cost of doing great work. We’re trained to think that sleepless nights and nonstop output are the price of entry. But what happens when your work begins to consume the life it was meant to support? Chris offers a different perspective. A concept not a centered around a perfect balance, but a designed system. A creative life that supports longevity, not just output, and a way forward that honors our creativity without burning us out. If you’ve ever asked: “Is the grind worth it?” “How do I keep going without losing myself?” “What’s next, personally or professionally?” This one is for you. – Connect with Chris on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ – Connect with Chris on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ – The Futur on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheFuturishere – The Futur Website: https://www.thefutur.com/ – The Futur on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/ – Connect with Simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes – Object Subject Form on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ObjectSubjectForm – Object Subject Form on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/objectsubjectform

    1h 38m

  8. EPISODE 8

    Privacy, Pseudonymity, and a Freedom-Based Life

    “Privacy is sovereignty. It’s about choosing what’s mine to share.” — Digitalgal In a hyper-public internet, visibility has become currency. We’re taught that more platforms, more posts, and more personal detail equate to more opportunity. “Building in public” became the expectation and mantra for creators and founders, particularly in Web3. Visibility was everything. Share more, show more, and success would follow. But what happens when the persona you project starts costing you your privacy, your safety, your quality of output, and your time? In this episode of Object Subject Form, Simon sits down with Digitalgal (@dgtlgal), co-founder of Inner Core Ventures, a Puerto Rico–based venture studio building acquisition-ready digital startups. Digitalgal is an entrepreneur who retired at 31 and chose freedom as her design constraint. An early Web3 adopter since 2016, she has built companies, incubated products, championed remote-first teams, and eventually chose pseudonymity as a way to align her work with her values of privacy and sovereignty.  She has been committed throughout her career to maximizing the productive potential of remote working, global teams, and freedom-based digital business models. Together, they talk about early retirement as positive liberty, why “chasing fear” can restore purpose, and how mindset—not mechanics—creates lasting results. They also explore Web3: self-custody, DAOs, token-gated communities, and why strategic anonymity is as much a creative tool as it is a shield. If you’ve ever asked yourself: “What would I do if I could reclaim my time?” “How do I build a career without giving everything away?” “Can privacy and freedom coexist with ambition?” This one is for you. –  Connect with Digitalgal on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgweb3/ – Connect with Digitalgal on X:  https://x.com/dgtlgal – Connect with Simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes – Object Subject Form on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/objectsubjectform

    1h 59m

  9. EPISODE 9

    Your Creative Voice Is the Blueprint

    “There’s a difference between being humble and minimizing yourself.” — Mahaneela A fulfilling career is built from who you are, not just what you make. In this episode of Object Subject Form, filmmaker, artist, and creative director Mahaneela joins Simon for a conversation about architecting your own career, bridging identity and community, and learning to separate who you are from what you make. Over the past decade, Mahaneela has built a practice that blends cultural depth with commercial impact, collaborating with global icons like Beyoncé, Nike, and FKA twigs.  Recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30, she is known for crafting authentic stories that live at the intersection of music, art, and commerce. Now represented as a director by Partizan and Red Eye, she continues to push boundaries in film, photography, and brand storytelling. Together, Simon and Mahaneela discuss why titles can limit progress, how to use a “creative spirit” compass—Curiosity, Joy, Community—to choose the right projects, and the subtle difference between humility and minimizing yourself. Mahaneela shares advice on securing repeat work with agencies, reading the room on calls, and why presentation, delegation, and people skills matter as much as taste. The episode also explores how community acts as a creative lifeline, how healthy competition can elevate peers, and why building your own ecosystem is essential. They debate Web3 and AI as emerging tools for connection and creative ownership, while emphasizing that identity and lived experience must remain at the core of every artist’s process. Whether you’re building a portfolio, pitching in bigger rooms, or trying to stay aligned with your purpose, this conversation offers a blueprint for architecting a career that serves your life, not the other way around. – Connect with Mahaneela on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mahaneela.jpg/ – Mahaneela’s Website: https://www.mahaneela.com/ – Connect with Mahaneela on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahaneela-choudhury-reid-485631385/ – Connect with Simon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonclowes/ – Object Subject Form on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/objectsubjectform

    2h 11m
See All Season 2 (9)

Trailer

5
out of 5
26 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

Information

  • Creator
    Simon Clowes
  • Episodes
    20
  • Seasons
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2025 Object Subject Form™
  • Show Website
    Object Subject Form

You Might Also Like