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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20 episodes
Updated July 20

Episodes20

Newest first

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.
June 29 · 48 min
104 - The Art of Suffering Well (w/ Jeffery Lawson)
Jeffery Lawson discusses his creative journey, from grieving the life you thought you would have to falling into comparison traps.
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.
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.
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!
Oct 31, 2024 · 51 min
100 - The Final Episode - What Do You Wish You Could Do All Day?
Episode 100. On the final episode of The CMD-Z Show, Matt and Shelby explore the very first question ever asked on the show over two years ago. "What do you wish you could do all day?"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Sep 2, 2024 · 1 hr 6 min
092 - What Does the Current State of the Creative Industry Look Like for Recent Graduates? (w/ Gail Albright)
In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss their experiences after school and the challenges they faced in finding jobs in their respective fields. They share their personal journeys and the lessons they learned along the way as well as discuss the challenges and uncertainties of finding a job in the animation industry.
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.
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.
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
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.
May 28, 2024 · 1 hr 7 min
087 - What is the Future of the Motion Design Industry? (w/ EJ Hassenfratz)
Matt and Shelby sat down with EJ Hassenfratz wo chat about the future of the motion design industry and the impact of AI. The guests discuss the potential of AI in motion design, the ethical implications, and the importance of maintaining artistic authenticity. They also touch on the role of clients and the need for artists to find personal outlets for creativity. The future of the industry is seen as more interactive and focused on storytelling, with a divide between clients who value authentic, story-driven work and those who prioritize cost and efficiency.
May 20, 2024 · 58 min
086 - Can You Make $200k a Year as a Freelancer? (w/ Austin Saylor)
Matt and Shelby had Austin Saylor on the show to discuss how he was able to make $200k in a year as a freelancer. What were his steps and what made him successful? How can other freelancers find this kind of success as well? Hear all about it on this episode of The CMD-Z Show!

The CMD-Z Show

105 - Losing Our Center (w/ Ryan Summers)

104 - The Art of Suffering Well (w/ Jeffery Lawson)

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

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

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

100 - The Final Episode - What Do You Wish You Could Do All Day?

099 - Content Alchemy - Our New Show!

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

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

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

095 - Rapid Fire Questions!

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

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

092 - What Does the Current State of the Creative Industry Look Like for Recent Graduates? (w/ Gail Albright)

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

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

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

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

087 - What is the Future of the Motion Design Industry? (w/ EJ Hassenfratz)

086 - Can You Make $200k a Year as a Freelancer? (w/ Austin Saylor)