AS WE CREATE

Bob Handelman started on the account side of things at DDB Needem in Chicago before finding his way back east to pursue commercial photography. Bob's early work focused on marketing and communications for colleges and universities and he shares how that work took him around the world. We also talk about the current state of the photography industry as well as his newest venture Americana: Know Thy Neighbor, which will have Bob traveling once again.

Growing up outside of Philadelphia presented many challenges for Kimberly Lewis and she had no choice but to grow up fast. She always found comfort in drawing and shares how she began to understand graphic design and the potential for a career path. Kimberly shares some experiences and lessons she learned after graduation and what lead her to UX design and her current role at NBC Sports.

Pursuing a creative career was not a popular option in Melanie Uribe's home country of Venezuela, though having family in Florida, she was able to attend college in the States and pursue her ambitions of becoming a graphic designer. We discuss her early roles working in editorial and how her love of package design took shape over the years. Melanie also talks about her position at Southern Connecticut State University and the current state of design education.

Matthew Cherry came from a strong musical family and spent his early years playing different instruments before settling on the bass. After finishing his music education and working as a freelance musician, Matthew was diagnosed with a medical condition which forced him to limit his live performing. Still needing to make a living, he had the opportunity to help score a short film and we talk about how that experience began his path into photography. We also talk about how digital affected the imaging world and the current state of Ai and CGI in the creative industry.

Nancy Ruzow grew up being surrounded by the arts and fashion through her parents and eventually developed a fascination for advertising. Nancy shares how she got started working for publishing companies creating ads and when she decided to go off on her own. We talk about the the mindset of running your own studio and how she is currently embracing the tools of Ai. Nancy also talks about Creatives Roundtable, a community effort she has been leading for many years.