The Hidden Benefits of Daily Challenges | Oct 6, 2025
In this open discussion episode, host Kendall Hotchkiss leads a conversation about participating in and organizing art and design challenges, from daily prompts like Peachtober and Inktober to collaborative projects and personal growth experiments.This episode covers:Managing time constraints in daily challenges: Set 15-minute time limits, work in grayscale only, and batch multiple prompts on weekends to maintain consistency without burning outDesign Before Motion and Food in Motion: Both Mark Lawrence and Jen Van Horn run collaborative challenges that pair animators with sound designers to create short animations from vintage imageryThe reality of organizing challenges: Running a challenge requires managing participants and creating templates, which often means stepping back from creating your own workConstraints spark creativity: Limiting yourself to specific tools, color palettes, or techniques forces problem-solving and can help you rediscover joy in your creative workPlayground Files as exploration time: Spend an hour just clicking buttons and testing unused plugins in your software without trying to create anything finishedChallenges build portfolio work: Approach prompts like client briefs by documenting your process and creating professional presentations that showcase skills to potential clientsEmbrace imperfection publicly: Announcing a challenge on day one gives you permission to post imperfect work, and some days producing "duds" is simply part of the growth processUpcoming Events:Game Night: Wednesday, October 22nd at 6:30pm Pacific - Gartic Phone returns! Meet us on our Discord!Help Wanted:Monday Meeting is looking for volunteer hosts for upcoming episodes, as well as volunteers to join the team with editing, social media, and other tasks. The team is also planning to create a comprehensive 2025 challenge calendar and welcomes suggestions.Visit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other conversations from the motion design community!SHOW NOTES:Monday Meeting PatreonMonday Meeting DiscordMondayMeeting LinkedInMondayMeeting InstagramMondayMeeting BlueskyMondayMeeting NewsletterPeachtoberInktoberMarch of RobotsMerMayRando RenderKendall's CollabsJen's CollabsGood Brief GeneratorJen's After Effects Plugin TrackerKit Kat KanvasNine Squares
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The One Habit that changed Austin Saylor's Community | Sept 29, 2025
In this open discussion episode, host Lee Smalt and guest Austin Saylor (freelance motion designer and creator of Project 200K) explore practical strategies for networking, building community, and connecting authentically in the motion design industry.This episode covers:"Never not networking" philosophy: How networking becomes natural rather than forced when you view every interaction as an opportunity to genuinely connect, treating it like keeping your eyes open for people rather than completing a checklistGetting comfortable with discomfort: Why pushing through the uncomfortable feeling of reaching out, attending events, or putting yourself out there is essential for growth—and how that discomfort lessens with practiceRelationships first, opportunities second: Understanding the difference between outreach (seeking opportunities) and networking (building relationships that may lead to opportunities), with emphasis on authentic connection over transactional exchangesPractical networking tactics for introverts: Using the 10-minute rule at events (stay 10 more minutes before leaving), creating challenges or excuses to connect (like asking for quotes or taking selfies), and being honest about nervousnessClient Relationship Managers (CRMs) for freelancers: How tools like Notion can help track client interactions, project history, and schedule regular check-ins to maintain relationships without letting connections fadeBuilding your peer network matters: Why connecting with people at your experience level is just as valuable as connecting with established professionals, since you're all growing together and will refer each other for yearsHelp Wanted:Monday Meeting is looking for volunteer hosts for November and December episodes, as well as volunteers to join the team to help with editing, social media, and other tasks!Visit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other conversations from the motion design community!SHOW NOTES:Monday Meeting PatreonMonday Meeting DiscordMondayMeeting LinkedInMondayMeeting InstagramMondayMeeting BlueskyMondayMeeting NewsletterFull HarborAustin SaylorMotion Design Discord and Slack groupsThe Way of Integrity bookDigital Body Language bookTiny Experiments bookBasic CRM setup in ExcelThe $1.80 Insta Strategy
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Anchor Points of Belonging with Amy Sundin Unger | Sept 22, 2025
In this episode, host Lee Smalt interviews Amy Sundin Unger, Executive Director of Gunner School, about building accessible motion design education and fostering community connections, with Camp MoGraph recaps from Jen, EJ, Kons, and Moe.This episode covers:Camp MoGraph highlights: Creative community activities including yearbook creation, projection mapping experiences, scavenger hunts, and the return of authentic networking magic at Silver Beach YMCAAccessible education model: Gunner School's 12-week choose-your-own-adventure curriculum combining in-studio and online learning, focusing on soft skills alongside technical developmentCommunity-first learning philosophy: How removing barriers like cost and location while emphasizing peer connections creates stronger educational outcomes than traditional programsStudio partnership expansion: Current model with Box Fort Detroit and Lunar North, seeking 5 additional partner studios across the USMentorship network building: Practical advice for emerging artists to build peer networks and overcome anxiety about reaching out to industry professionalsFlexible curriculum design: Why rapid adaptation to industry changes and feedback loops are essential for modern creative education programsUpcoming Events:Next Monday: Open discussion on community building with Austin Saylor Game night planning for October (Gartic Phone returns)Gunner School seeking mentor volunteers and studio partnerships nationwideVisit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other conversations from the motion design community!SHOW NOTES:Monday Meeting PatreonMonday Meeting DiscordMondayMeeting LinkedInMondayMeeting InstagramMondayMeeting BlueskyMondayMeeting NewsletterGunner SchoolAmy’s LinkedInSync Sketch
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BTS of Building a Community with Alicia Allen | Sept 08, 2025
In this episode, host Lee Smalt interviews Alicia Allen (formerly Alicia Reece), co-founder of Nice Moves Minnesota and head of operations at Modular, for an in-depth look at building and sustaining creative communities.This episode covers:Nice Moves origins: Casual conversations between Mike Nelson, Mike Zugshwort, and Alicia at bars and barbecues converged into an official organization, launching in 2016 with just a logo and Facebook pageInfrastructure development: Transition from informal friend groups to structured nonprofits, including fiscal sponsorship with Minneapolis Television Network and establishing boards with term limits to handle member transitionsPandemic growth: 2020 forced rapid formalization and the move to Discord, expanding reach beyond Minneapolis Leadership transitions: The challenges of stepping away as founders while ensuring continuity, emphasizing early documentation and accepting that organizations evolve beyond original visionMentorship scaling: Ongoing challenge of mentor demand outpacing availability, with new Tally-Notion integration helping match participants based on specific skills and career goalsCommunity impact: Salary surveys that forced local studios to raise compensation levels, and recognition from MCAD professors as a legitimate professional development organizationTechnical skills gained: Documentation, systems thinking, change management, and strategic planning as transferable skills from community work to professional operationsUpcoming Schedule:No meeting Monday, September 15th (Camp MoGraph attendance)Regular programming resumes September 22ndVisit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other conversations from the motion design community!SHOW NOTES:Monday Meeting PatreonMonday Meeting DiscordMondayMeeting LinkedInMondayMeeting InstagramMondayMeeting BlueskyMondayMeeting NewsletterNice Moves webpage: https://nicemoves.org/NM Discord: https://discord.gg/X2TRASPkv8Modular webpage: https://www.modularstudio.tv/Foreign Fauna webpage: https://foreignfauna.com/Tally: https://tally.so/Zapier: https://zapier.com/Make: https://www.make.com/
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Render Unto Community | Sept 01, 2025
In this open discussion episode, host Lee Smalt leads conversations about community building, professional boundaries, and the role of AI in creative work, with contributions from EJ Brieva, Kendall Hotchkiss, Moose, and Sam J.This episode covers:Authentic community building: How Camp MoGraph creates genuine connections by focusing on shared activities rather than networking transactionsProfessional boundaries: Why doing free work when clients request it devalues your services, and the importance of 50-25-25 payment structures and contracts for all projectsIndustry collaboration culture: Why motion designers share processes and files more openly than graphic designers, attributed to specialized skills and less market saturationAI limitations and reality: Understanding AI as a reference tool rather than creative collaboratorStrategic thinking in motion design: The importance of asking "why" and understanding client goals beyond just technical execution, especially for designers without advertising backgroundsSocial media community building: Treating online relationships like real-life interactions with authenticity and boundaries, rather than chasing viral content or shortcutsUpcoming Events:No meeting Monday, September 15th (Camp MoGraph conflicts)Next week's guest: Alicia Allen, Co-founder of Nice Moves Minnesota - discussing Discord community building and the Minneapolis motion design sceneVisit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other conversations from the motion design community!SHOW NOTES:Monday Meeting PatreonMonday Meeting DiscordMondayMeeting LinkedInMondayMeeting InstagramMondayMeeting BlueskyMondayMeeting NewsletterSimon Sinek’s Start with WhyGive First
Monday Meeting is a weekly virtual gathering where motion designers, animators, and visual effects artists come together to discuss industry trends, share their experiences, and learn from one another.
This creative community provides a platform for networking, collaboration, and skill development. By participating in Monday Meeting, motion design professionals can stay up-to-date on the latest techniques, tools, and software while also expanding their professional networks and growing their careers in this exciting and dynamic field.
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