『Pixel Retentive Podcast』のカバーアート

Pixel Retentive Podcast

Pixel Retentive Podcast

著者： Epic Made
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概要

 This is Pixel Retentive podcast where we, an Artist and a Business Owner, discuss the art of business and the business of art.Pixel Retentive (c) 2023 マネジメント・リーダーシップ マーケティング マーケティング・セールス リーダーシップ 経済学
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  • From Sketch to Shelf: The Collision of Industrial Design, Marketing, and Manufacturing with Michael Prince

    From Sketch to Shelf: The Collision of Industrial Design, Marketing, and Manufacturing with Michael Prince
    2026/02/10

    Introduction

    This week on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I connected with Michael Prince, founder of Beyond Design and a veteran industrial designer with more than four decades of experience bringing ideas from sketch to shelf. Michael's career spans iconic brands like IBM, Sony, and Thomson Consumer Electronics, and over the last 32 years, he's built Beyond Design into a trusted partner for inventors, startups, and companies navigating the realities of manufacturing.

    Our conversation lives at the collision point of industrial design, marketing, manufacturing, and emerging technology. From rapid prototyping and 3D printing to crowdfunding and AI-assisted ideation, Michael shares what it really takes to turn an idea into a viable product—and why understanding the entire ecosystem matters more than ever.

    A major thread of the episode centers on Card Mill, a Magic: The Gathering card sorting machine that raised over $2.3 million on Kickstarter in just hours. Using this project as a case study, Michael breaks down the leap from working prototype to manufacturable product, the risks hidden behind successful crowdfunding campaigns, and the trust required between designers, engineers, and inventors.

    What You'll Learn

    • What industrial design actually looks like from concept to manufacturing

    • How 3D printing transformed rapid iteration and product development

    • Why crowdfunding has unlocked a new generation of independent inventors

    • The real story behind the Card Mill Kickstarter success

    • The difference between a prototype that works and a product that can scale

    • How designers collaborate with electronics, engineering, and manufacturing partners

    • The tradeoffs between U.S. manufacturing and overseas production

    • How AI is disrupting design careers—and where it genuinely adds value

    • Why AI works best as a tool for ideation, communication, and exploration

    • The long-term importance of staying adaptable as technology evolves



    Quote of the Week

    "If you stop keeping up with the technology, it doesn't wait for you. It just moves on." – Michael Prince.

    Michael's perspective comes from decades of watching entire industries shift from manual drafting and typesetting to CAD, 3D printing, and now AI. His point isn't fear-based; it's pragmatic. Tools will change, roles will evolve, and some jobs will disappear. The designers who endure aren't the ones clinging to the past—they're the ones who learn, adapt, and integrate new tools without losing judgment, craft, or intent.

    Overview

    Talking with Michael felt like a behind-the-scenes look at how ideas actually become products in the real world. We explored the realities of manufacturing, the risks hidden behind viral Kickstarter campaigns, and how trust and collaboration shape successful outcomes. What stood out most was Michael's grounded optimism—his belief that while AI and automation are disruptive, they also open doors for smaller teams, independent inventors, and specialists to collaborate in powerful new ways.

    Whether you're a designer, engineer, founder, or creative thinker with a product idea in the back of your mind, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to move from inspiration to execution—without shortcuts, hype, or illusions.

    Shout-Out to Card Mill, A Magic: The Gathering card sorting machine created by independent inventor Jonathan, and a standout example of what's possible when great ideas meet the right design and engineering partners.

    Resources & Mentions

    Beyond Design (Michael Prince's Studio): startbeyond.com

    Card Mill (Magic: The Gathering Card Sorting Machine): cardmill.com
    Kickstarter (search "Card Mill")

    MHub Chicago (Innovation & Maker Space): mhubchicago.com

    3D Printing Tools

    • Ultimaker Cura (Slicing Software)

    • Ender 3 V2 (3D Printer)

    AI & Creative Tools

    • ChatGPT

    • Midjourney

    Community & Platforms

    • Kickstarter

    • Discord

    Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at epicmade.net. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it.

    Until next time, ✌️ -Carl
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    42 分
  • What 23 Years in Motion Design Teaches You About Creativity and Change with Kalika Sharma

    What 23 Years in Motion Design Teaches You About Creativity and Change with Kalika Sharma
    2026/02/03
    Introduction This week I had the incredible honor of talking with Kalika Sharma, a creative director, NYU professor, and founder of AntidoteFX, now in its 23rd year. Kalika's journey through the creative industry is nothing short of epic, spanning from hand-drawn animations on a 16mm Oxbury camera stand to leading high-end global campaigns for brands like Marriott Bonvoy and Brooks Brothers. Her ability to combine artistry with strategy has positioned her at the top of her field — all while mentoring others and staying on the edge of new technology. Oh, and did I mention she produced the iHeartRadio Music Festival while five months pregnant with twins? Absolute legend. What You'll Learn What it was like to animate frame-by-frame using a chalkboard and filmHow Kalika landed her first gig at Nickelodeon through relentless portfolio iterationWhy working on "Little Bill" revealed her love for variety and led to a pivot into commercialsThe scale and creative challenge of producing 30 bespoke videos in 15 languages for Marriott BonvoyHow to keep your artistic spark alive while pivoting alongside evolving tech like AIThe ethical implications and copyright challenges creatives face in the AI eraBalancing the use of AI tools while preserving originality and storytelling craftThe importance of mentorship and creative community for career longevity Quote of the Week "Bad art is its own form of tragedy." – Kalika Sharma Kalika hits a nerve with this one. In a world flooded with fast content and AI-generated shortcuts, we sometimes forget the slow burn of mastering a craft. This quote is a reminder that art — real, intentional art — requires patience, fundamentals, and humanity. When we lose that, the result might look good on the surface, but it often lacks the soul that connects with people. And that disconnect? That's the tragedy she's talking about. Overview Talking with Kalika felt like stepping into a masterclass on adaptability, creativity, and grounded leadership. We explored her roots in traditional animation, her evolution into commercial work, and how she's facing the challenges of AI with both skepticism and curiosity. What stood out most was her unwavering commitment to creative integrity — even in a time when shortcuts are celebrated. Whether you're a student, seasoned artist, or someone trying to find your footing amid rapid tech changes, Kalika's story is a testament to the power of showing up, pivoting with purpose, and always keeping your craft sharp. Huge thanks to Shereen Strasberg (87th Street Creative) for connecting us with Kalika and making this episode possible. Resources & Mentions AntidoteFX (Kalika's Studio): https://antidotefx.comMarriott Bonvoy Campaign: Marriott BonvoyBrooks Brothers: https://www.brooksbrothers.comiHeartRadio Music Festival: https://www.iheart.com/music-festivalGraphic Artists Guild: https://graphicartistsguild.orgPricing & Ethical Guidelines Book (17th Edition): Order here https://graphicartistsguild.org/the-graphic-artists-guild-handbook-pricing-ethical-guidelines/Zack Arnold's Optimizer Academy: https://optimizeyourself.meAustin Saylor – Project 200K: https://www.austinsaylor.comJake Bartlett (Jake in Motion): https://www.youtube.com/@jakeinmotion87th Street Creative (Shereen Strasberg): https://www.87thstreetcreative.com Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at getepicmade.com. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl
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    47 分
  • Why Most Brands Are Marketing to the Wrong Audience (And How to Fix It) with Seth Waite

    Why Most Brands Are Marketing to the Wrong Audience (And How to Fix It) with Seth Waite
    2026/01/26
    Introduction On this week's episode of Pixel Retentive, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Seth Waite—a powerhouse in consumer psychology and strategic brand growth. With nearly two decades of experience working with both global CPG giants and bold early-stage founders, Seth has developed a unique framework for uncovering why people actually buy. This guy doesn't just talk theory—he's helped brands scale by 8x just by identifying their true customer. Whether you're in retail, branding, or just trying to understand your audience better, Seth's insights cut through the noise. What You'll Learn Why most brands are optimizing funnels filled with the wrong peopleHow a $300 meat brand 8x'd their revenue by finding their real buyerThe importance of customer motivation over demographicsA breakdown of the "Why People Buy" pyramid (think Maslow's hierarchy meets marketing)The overlooked emotional layers that drive consumer decision-makingHow challenger brands like Fishwife and Liquid Death build cultural resonanceWhy focusing on values first makes your brand more powerful and targetedWhen and how to use demographic data (hint: it's not at the start)Lessons in brand longevity from Coca-Cola, Red Bull, and othersThe dangers of building personas on assumptions rather than behavior Quote of the Week "Most marketing and brand teams get caught up optimizing a funnel full of the wrong people." — Seth Waite Let that sink in. We often obsess over tweaking headlines, polishing conversion paths, and running endless A/B tests—without realizing we're speaking to the wrong audience entirely. Seth's point here reminds us that real marketing power lies in alignment. Are you talking to the people who actually want what you're selling? If not, all the optimization in the world won't help. Start with who you are, then figure out who that resonates with—not the other way around. Overview Hey friends, Carl here. This conversation with Seth was one of those deep dives that left me buzzing with new ideas. We jammed on everything from meat marketing to tinned fish to Lord of the Rings fandoms (yes, really). Seth broke down exactly why brands win when they focus on motivations over demographics, and how understanding human behavior at a deeper level leads to explosive growth. Whether you're building a brand from scratch or recalibrating your message, this episode is packed with clarity and real-world strategy. Honestly, this one's required listening for anyone in creative, branding, or product development. Big love to Crystal Lee Beck for connecting us! Resources & Mentions Seth Waite's Website: schaefer.coConnect with Seth on LinkedIn: Seth WaiteFishwife Tinned Seafood: fishwifeseafood.comLiquid Death (Water): liquiddeath.comOlipop Soda Alternative: drinkolipop.comPoppy Prebiotic Soda (by Coca-Cola): drinkpoppi.comSimon Sinek's Start With Why: startwithwhy.comCrystal Lee Beck (Comma Copywriters): commacopywriters.comLord of the Rings (because yes): lotr.fandom.com Want to work with Epic Made on your next creative project? Hit us up at getepicmade.com. We'll help your brand resonate with the right people and look badass while doing it. Until next time, ✌️ – Carl
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    48 分
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