Dear Art Producer

Alicia Potter is founder and creative director of Faven Creative and is based in Boulder, CO. Her company’s name is a blend of “Favorite” and “Haven” because it combines her two passions of Food and Design. Heather and Alicia talk about finding creative inspiration that isn’t tied to your computer, how the e-commerce shift has influenced branding strategies, and how a brand can resonate and connect with consumers.  In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Alicia Potter on LinkedIn here.   Mentions:  Faven Creative More about your host: Heather Elder’s Bio Heather Elder’s Blog Heather Elder on Instagram Heather Elder on Twitter Heather Elder on LinkedIn Heather Elder on Facebook

Mattison Becker is an integrated content producer with Digitas Health and is based in Philadelphia.  Heather and Mattison talk about the transformation of art buyers to art producers to integrated content producers, remote production during COVID-19, communications best practices and remote streaming solutions. They also discuss creating meaningful content within the current protocols, estimating, treatments, producer recommendations and marketing.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Mattison Becker on LinkedIn here.   Mentions:  Zoom Discord  Join Me More about your host: Heather Elder’s Bio Heather Elder’s Blog Heather Elder on Instagram Heather Elder on Twitter Heather Elder on LinkedIn Heather Elder on Facebook

Will Chau is the Director of Creative and Branding at Whole Foods Market, where he oversees all aspects of marketing communications and design. Previously, he was a Creative Director at GSD&M, and he has created award-winning work for clients such as BMW, Southwest Airlines, Kia Motors and Kohler. His work has been featured in Cannes, One Show, CA Advertising, Graphis, and The London International Automotive Awards. Heather and Will talk about the excitement that can come from The Great Pause happening now, breaking the portfolio mold, building an in-house creative team and how in-house agencies use outside agencies. They also discuss the in-house agency structure and model, the Whole Foods working culture, evaluating creative partners, live-streaming and remote shooting, the types of marketing that creatives are sending and the importance of mentoring.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromA

Heather Black is a Senior Integrated Freelance Producer based in NYC. She currently freelances at 21 Grams with previous experience at such creative agencies as 72andSunny, Droga 5, Deutsch and Preacher on accounts such as Adidas, Coca-Cola, Facebook, Google, Harley Davidson and Under Armour. The Heathers talk about production for advertising, the importance of mentors, the state of the industry, especially for freelance producers and integrated productions across broadcast and print. They also discuss creating project estimates and marketing during Covid as well as Heather B’s process for selecting potential creatives for a project.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Heather Black’s portfolio here https://www.heatherblackproducer.com/, on I

Jason Lindsey is a Photographer and Director on the Heather Elder Represents roster. Jason was a creative director in a previous life, and he shares how those skills help him navigate our new normal. Heather and Jason talk about creating meaningful content under Covid restrictions, researching safety protocols, streaming technologies for on-set and on-location (cellular internet, wireless hotspots, multiple carriers, etc.) and pre-production. They also discuss Covid protocols, managing streaming calls and communications for clients, what agencies and clients can do now to prepare for the content they want in the future and using Covid as a creative inspiration versus a restriction.  In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Jason Lindsey’s portfolio

Mark Seliger is a New York-based photographer and director who created iconic images for Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. He has famously photographed A-list actors, musicians and politicians. Heather and Mark talk about how he began his career, falling in love with photography through its process, creating images through ideas and concepts, the role of access in photography success, tapping into the creative potential of a project, finding the ultimate empowerment of an artist, becoming your own brand and how clients are looking for creative partners differently than before. They also discuss self-assignments, the purpose of one’s art and how to be reflective about one’s art, where the industry is going and the value of printed photography.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the

Steve Ross is Head of Production at Allstate in Chicago. He worked with McGarryBowen for years but recognized that the industry was changing and moved to Allstate where he’s helping to set up their in-house agency.  Heather and Steve talk about the perspective of being on the agency side and the brand side, setting up new internal processes and structures in the time of Covid-19 and the limitations of shooting remotely vs. on-set. They also discuss padding pre-production and post-production time, more efficient communications processes and how artists are staying in touch.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Allstate’s Head of Production Steve Ross on LinkedIn.  More about your host: Heather Elder’s Bio Heather Elder’s Blog Heather Elder on

Adina Hilton is a Producer at Dagger in Atlanta. Dagger is an independent agency that recently won Silver in AdAge’s Southeast Small Agency of the Year. And despite the pandemic, it is still growing. Adina produces all of the video and photo shoots at the agency, and her busiest account is the social work they do for Aflac.    Heather and Adina talk about the important role of mentors, taking your mental and physical health seriously in your work life, directing talent remotely, developing Covid production guidelines, organizing multiple backup plans and production “bubbles.” They also discuss marketing to producers and agencies with solution-oriented messaging, supporting local businesses and multitasking successfully.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about ou

Jonathan Hanusa is a Producer at Bader Rutter in Milwaukee. He’s been working as a producer, director and musician for over 10 years. His background includes broadcast commercials, web videos, podcasts, indie films and music videos. Currently, he’s in a hybrid role as a traditional agency producer and lead producer for Bader Rutter’s in-house production resource.  Heather and Jonathan talk about how to communicate your capabilities to agencies, clients and brands, techniques for collaboration, expectations around still and motion shoots, establishing the value of productions. They also discuss how video work shifted to podcasting during the pandemic, sharing information during this time and having back-up plans for talent and locations, pre-production and set choreography and marketing.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning p

Ally Godfrey is a Senior Producer at Mary Kay and is based in Dallas, Texas. She’s on the global design team of global brand strategy and design, and she coordinates all still and video content for all Mary Kay global countries. Ally was formerly at The Marketing Arm and was also a rep.  Heather and Ally talk about understanding the post-production process with motion projects, set efficiency, broadcast producers learning more about still photography, pivoting productions in the time of Covid. They also discuss making as many creative decisions as possible in the pre-production process, virtual art direction and insights around how creatives are marketing themselves--especially speaking to how they’re shooting with safety protocols.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

Brenda Whaley is an Executive Producer based in Chicago who has been producing for 15+ years. Heather and Brenda talk about the path to being an executive producer, the art of delegating and hiring go-to staff as well as what they’re learning while shooting in the time of Covid-19. They also discuss educating clients on new production protocols, how to control viewing shoots remotely, social distancing, location shoots versus studio shoots, managing catering, added time and budget for pre-production and how to maintain professional boundaries.  In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guests: Find Executive Producer Brenda Whaley on LinkedIn and Instagram.  Mentions:  Create in Place Directory - Produce still and motion content now with photographers and direct

Doug Menuez is a professional photographer based in New York, and Lynda Goldstein is a freelance producer with Pix Producers. They collaborated on a project called “Sheltering” following strict Covid-19 CDC guidelines with PPE and social distancing. Heather talks with them about pre-production best practices, production safety support, choreography on set, compliance personnel, finding talent during the pandemic and how to best work when clients aren’t present.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guests: Find photographer Doug Menuez on Instagram. Find Lynda Goldstein on Instagram.  Mentions:  “Sheltering”  More about your host: Heather Elder’s Bio Heather Elder’s Blog Heather Elder on Instagram Heather Elder on Twitter Heather Elder on LinkedIn He

Tim Tadder is a professional photographer based near San Diego, and Dahlia Weidmann is Tim’s executive producer. Heather talks with them about estimating jobs and creating content within the Covid-19 protocols as well as sourcing shoot protocol information (CDC, APA, OSHA, etc.). They also discuss how Tim rediscovered his pure creative style when shoot sizes were minimized, creative collaborations by working remotely, the roles and responsibilities of safety officers on set, taping off department sections with colored tape that coordinates with arm bands (and other coronavirus safety protocols), streaming communication channels on set and what agencies and clients can do now to prepare what productions will be like in the future.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit her HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

Alicia Hansen is a professional photographer and Founder of NYC SALT, a non-profit organization which creates opportunities in visual arts and pathways to college for underserved New York City youth, by engaging them in a rigorous blend of professional photography instruction, one-on-one mentoring, college-preparatory workshops, and career exposure. Heather and Alicia discuss how the SALT youth development program works, positive anecdotes and success stories, approaches to online portfolio reviews and the Prints by Salt Print Sale.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Alicia Hansen, Founder & CEO of NYC SALT on LinkedIn.  Mentions:  NYC SALT - https://www.nycsalt.org/ SALT Print Sale - https://printsbysalt.com/  More about your host: Hea

Tess Rockers is a Producer at Evolution Bureau (EVB) and Jennifer Davick is a Food director, DP and still photographer on the Heather Elder Represents roster. They recently created four motion spots for a cookware client, and they talk about how they did the production under COVID-19 restrictions.  Heather, Tess and Jennifer discuss the Create in Place online directory of photographers and videographers that are able to create content from within their own studios or homes, the evolving protocols, solutions and equipment for remote shooting, production and live-streaming, the need for creative flexibility when there are smaller crews, setting realistic expectations for clients and teams, best practices for group discussions and one-on-one discussions during virtual meetings. They also cover topics such as how to select what team members should be part of the virtual decision-making, communications manager roles, the heightened importance of pre-production, doing trial runs of virtually communicating and produ

Karin Onsager Birch is Chief Creative Officer at FCB West in San Francisco. She is creatively responsible for the Levi’s and Clarks brands worldwide. Karin is also known for frequent wins at Cannes, the One Show, and YouTube Top 10. Before joining FCB West, she was in London at Blue Hive running Ford’s advertising across Europe, and before that at Goodby Silverstein & Partners.   Heather and Karin discuss the Create in Place online directory of photographers and videographers that are able to create content from within their own homes, the necessity of clear communication among everyone involved in productions, challenges of maintaining high levels of creativity while working from home and what clients are doing right now to adjust to this pandemic and repurpose campaigns (e.g. going back through historical work to find the most optimistic and uplifting work that reflects the common good). They also speak about working with clients to completely change campaigns that no longer work in this moment, talking

Emily Hoskins is Senior Producer at The Designory. She’s based in Long Beach, CA. She works with clients such as Subaru, Infiniti and Nissan.  She has spent time as an agent, an advocate for photographers and directors on the rep side of the business and currently applies that experience to her agency productions.   Heather and Emily discuss what post-pandemic insurance and cancellations (example: force majeure) might look like, how photographers should be protecting themselves regarding terms and conditions, the creative solutions that are safely being offered, such as shooting in home studios, tech-based solutions and access to their stock libraries. They also speak to what the next phase of production might look like, the way that brands will redefine their message and their stories, how photographers should communicate and market their capabilities and the unexpected partnerships and relationships that will emerge after the pandemic.  In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hea

Renee Jung is VP/Executive Art Producer at Area 23 in NYC. She is an award-winning art producer who began her career as a photographer but realized being behind the scenes was more of her calling. She spent many years as a photo agent and producer to then find that the ad agency life was where she wanted to be. Heather and Renee discuss the challenges with balancing the to-do list and taking care of oneself emotionally while WFH; photographers who are setting up shoots in their homes with their families; solutions for creating content using CGI, 2D illustrations and stock; marketing strategies; advice on housekeeping and reflecting on your work during this time; and the future of productions. In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARep’sJournal.com; visit her HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.   More about our guest Find Renee Jung

Ken comes on the show as the first repeat guest! This episode is filled with tips and advice as well as very thoughtful conversations about the current ways we work and how these can be improved to the benefit of all.   Key Takeaways [:30] Heather welcomes Ken and asks him to share his background from being a photographer to freelancing today. [3:15] Ken shares a little about what he does at AtEdge and he talks about current styles. [7:00] The state of the industry has drastically changed and is poised to keep doing so, Kenneth shares his take on it and the challenges he sees on the horizon, from the rise of social to the extensive range of media formats available today. [11:20] Ken and Heather discuss the importance for a photographer to be clear on their studio capabilities. [12:35] The all-important creative call! Ken shares advice for the softer spoken or timid people: practice, and ask questions. [15:54] Treatment or call first? Heather and Ken chat about the possibility of sandwiching the treatment betw

Jennifer Dee is VP/Director Integrated Creative Services at McCann Health in New Jersey. She’s been with the agency for 25 years, and she and Heather discuss some of the things McCann Health is doing to humanize this virtual working experience for its employees, pivoting in-the-moment on productions (from live action to CGI), how they’re attempting to execute even when the timelines haven’t shifted, telling great stories with limited storytelling tools, the value of a steady stream of stock from artists, how talent is the biggest pain point, setting new production precedents and expectations, marketing to agencies and the future of productions. In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front line. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARep’sJournal.com; visit her HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.   Mentioned in this episode House Party Face-to-Face App   More about our guest Find Jen