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The CMD-Z Show

Matt Vojacek & Shelby Hagerdon

Ever wish life had an undo button?

The CMD-Z Show, hosted by Matt Vojacek and Shelby Hagerdon, seeks to provide answers to the big questions that hound creative minds at night. With a new guest each week, hear unique perspectives from creatives on running a business, maintaining your mental health, finding your voice, and more. Presented by Made By Things — this is the CMD-Z Show.

Have a question you want us to discuss? Send us a message at question@cmdz.show

Learn more about Matt and Shelby at madebythings.com

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  • 22 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 59 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • S6 · E7
    Monday · 51 min

    107 - Faith and Creativity (w/ Beth Stafford)

    In this episode, Beth Stafford shares her journey from childhood creativity to becoming a children's book author and creative entrepreneur. She discusses how faith, family, and creativity intertwine in her work, and offers insights on balancing motherhood, business, and personal growth.

  • S6 · E6
    August 31 · 1 hr 7 min

    106 - From Freelancer to Studio Owner (w/ Audrey Havey)

    In this episode, Audrey Havey shares her journey from freelancing to co-owning a creative studio with her husband, Justin. They discuss the challenges and strategies of running a small studio, balancing multiple roles, and navigating the evolving creative industry.

  • S6 · E5
    July 20 · 1 hr 16 min

    105 - Losing Our Center (w/ Ryan Summers)

    Ryan Summers (Sarofsky) joins us to discuss how the center of the motion design community was lost and thoughtfully responds to the debate on creativity vs AI based on his personal experience.

  • S6 · E3
    June 15 · 1 hr 10 min

    103 - The Value of Exploration (w/ Elyse Kelly)

    Elyse Kelly joins the show to discuss her meandering journey from childhood Disney fascination to her impactful work in animation and documentary storytelling. She discusses the importance of curiosity, storytelling, balancing passion with practicality, and her thoughts on the future of creative careers amidst technological change.

  • S6 · E2
    June 1 · 1 hr 19 min

    102 - Facing Change and Redefining Your Life (w/ David Lebensfeld)

    Matt and Shelby are joined by David Lebensfeld (founder, Ingenuity Studios) as they discuss facing major changes, professionally and personally. We cover everything from founding Ingenuity Studios to its eventual sale, his approach to navigating industry challenges, and how he views his next chapter. The conversation offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, industry shifts, and personal growth.

  • S6 · E1
    May 25 · 1 hr 4 min

    101 - We're Back! Industry Updates and More!

    Matt and Shelby are BACK with a new season of The CMD-Z Show! In this episode, they give an update on what they've been up to as well as an update on the motion design industry. It's been 565 days since their last episode and A LOT has changed!

  • S5 · E12
    Oct 21, 2024 · 31 min

    099 - Content Alchemy - Our New Show!

    Every era comes to an end, and we are nearing the final episode of The CMD-Z Show. But we're not going anywhere. We're just moving to a new show! Welcome, Content Alchemy, a show all about the ingredients that can make your content marketing a little more magical. Content Alchemy is available everywhere now and we will be posting new episodes every Monday.

  • S5 · E11
    Oct 14, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min

    098 - Can The Motion Industry Go Back to the Glory Days of 2021 - 2022? (w/ Hayley Akins)

    In this conversation, Matt Vojacek and Shelby Hagerdon discuss the current state of the motion design industry with guest Hayley Akins from Motion Hatch. They explore the challenges faced by freelancers and studios in a competitive market, the impact of economic fluctuations, and the importance of self-reflection and niche marketing. Hayley shares insights on building a business in difficult times, the role of social media, and overcoming fears associated with putting oneself out there.

  • S5 · E10
    Oct 7, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min

    097 - How Has Your Third Year of Freelancing Been? (w/ Audrey Havey)

    Matt and Shelby are joined by Audrey Havey to discuss the journey of freelancing and her experiences and insights gained during her first three years. Audrey shares her growth in confidence and understanding of the freelance landscape, while Matt reflects on the challenges and adaptations required in the freelance world. They explore the importance of momentum, financial planning, skill development, and marketing oneself effectively.

  • S5 · E9
    Sep 30, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min

    096 - When Will the Drought End for the Creative Industry? (w/ Kevin Rapp)

    Matt and Shelby have Kevin Rapp back on the show to explore the current state of the creative industry and the challenges it faces. The main themes include the impact of budget constraints on content creation, the rise of AI technology, the need for experimentation, and the potential risks for freelancers and midsize companies. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of strategy and the value of handcrafted creative in delivering results for businesses. They also explore the importance of strategy and relationships in the creative industry, especially in the face of AI advancements. They emphasize the need for creatives to adapt, communicate their value, and focus on delivering tangible business results.

  • S5 · E8
    Sep 23, 2024 · 1 hr 5 min

    095 - Rapid Fire Questions!

    This episode covers various topics related to the creative industry, including landing dream projects, growing client relationships, discovering creative missions, determining if the creative industry is the right fit, overcoming imposter syndrome, and knowing when to change paths or take a break. In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss the importance of taking breaks and scheduling time for rest and reflection. They emphasize the need for creatives to step away from their work and engage in activities that inspire them. They also explore the balance between consuming and creating, highlighting the value of both. Matt shares his favorite books for starting a creative business, and they discuss the challenges and joys of being a creative parent. Books recommended by Matt: https://amzn.to/3XsksfB https://amzn.to/4e8VhpM https://amzn.to/47CaL2X https://amzn.to/4e49PHb https://amzn.to/3XwC75Q https://amzn.to/47x6OfN https://amzn.to/4eoqDIy https://amzn.to/3BjgY7G

  • S5 · E7
    Sep 16, 2024 · 1 hr 16 min

    094 - Rapid Fire Questions! (w/ Saulo Nate)

    Matt, Shelby, and Saulo Nate discuss various topics related to starting and growing a creative business. They touch on the importance of authenticity, understanding your target audience, and creating brand awareness. They also discuss the challenges of marketing and finding the most effective content strategy. Links to books mentioned by Matt: https://amzn.to/3XsksfB https://amzn.to/4e8VhpM https://amzn.to/47CaL2X https://amzn.to/4e49PHb https://amzn.to/3XwC75Q https://amzn.to/47x6OfN https://amzn.to/4eoqDIy https://amzn.to/3BjgY7G

  • S5 · E6
    Sep 9, 2024 · 57 min

    093 - How Do You Start When You're Not Good Enough? (w/ Jesse Gentry)

    Matt and Shelby invited Jesse Gentry to the show to explore the theme of starting something new when you feel like you're not good enough. It touches on the importance of having a support system, confronting fears, and staying humble. The discussion also highlights the role of education and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.

  • S5 · E4
    Aug 26, 2024 · 53 min

    091 - What are the Most Important Things You've Learned on Your Journey? (w/ Christopher Adornato)

    In this episode, Matt and Shelby interview Christopher Adornato, one of the owners of Solari Creative. Chris shares his journey of starting as a 3D artist and working his way up to becoming an equity partner in the company. He emphasizes the importance of staying at one place and climbing the ladder, even in a field known for burnout. Chris also discusses the challenges of dealing with clients and learning not to take feedback personally.

  • S5 · E3
    Aug 19, 2024 · 46 min

    090 - How Do You Fall Back in Love with Your Portfolio?

    In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss the topic of falling back in love with your portfolio. They share their personal experiences and insights on how to create work that you're proud of and passionate about. They emphasize the importance of periodically reassessing and updating your portfolio to reflect your current interests and goals. They also discuss the value of personal projects and the freedom to start over at any point in your career.

  • S5 · E2
    Aug 12, 2024 · 31 min

    089 - How Do You Build a Content Plan? (w/ Drysen Carsten)

    In this conversation, Matt, Shelby, and Drysen Carsten discuss the importance of building a content plan that aligns with a brand's goals and target audience. They emphasize the need for a discovery process to understand the brand, its values, and its target market. By diagnosing the brand's needs and weaknesses, they can develop a customized content plan that addresses specific problems and provides targeted solutions

  • S5 · E1
    Aug 5, 2024 · 44 min

    088 - How Do You Build a Creative Environment People Actually Want to Work In?

    In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss how to build a creative environment that people actually want to work in. They touch on topics such as employee benefits, flexible working hours, recognition and growth opportunities, and the importance of a comfortable and stable work environment. Matt shares his insights and experiences as a small business owner and emphasizes the value of creating a workplace where employees feel valued and invested.

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes