In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bryan Heemskerk, the incredibly talented Art Director at Massive Damage Games. With over a decade of experience in the gaming industry, Bryan has contributed to standout titles like Halcyon 6 and Star Renegades, where his unique visual direction and mastery of pixel art shine through. Known for his ability to balance technical precision with creative freedom, Bryan brings a deep understanding of how style, mood, and gameplay all intersect. From teaching art students to leading visual development on new titles, his approach is both thoughtful and grounded — a rare combination in a fast-evolving industry.

• How to approach art direction in video games from concept to execution

• The creative balance between modern tools like Unreal Engine and the limitations of stylized art

• Why understanding the rules of art is essential before trying to break them

• The emotional impact of game design decisions, including the subtle power of asymmetry and composition

• Bryan’s perspective on AI’s influence on the art industry — especially its psychological impact on young artists

• The hidden beauty of pixel art as a discipline and how it enhances fundamental skills

• How technical limitations can be a creative catalyst instead of a barrier

• Why meaningful critique from tough mentors is one of the most valuable resources for artistic growth

"You need to know the rules before you break them." – Bryan Heemskerk

This might sound like a tired phrase, but Bryan’s interpretation is deeply rooted in intention and maturity. He elaborates that when you’re starting out, your work can lack cohesion because the "rules" haven’t sunk in yet. But once you've internalized visual grammar — proportions, lighting, form, composition — you earn the right to break conventions strategically, not accidentally. That’s when art stops being mechanical and starts becoming authentically expressive. For any creative professional, this is the ultimate pivot point between craft and mastery.

This conversation was loaded with gems. Bryan didn’t just drop technical knowledge — he exposed the philosophical depth behind what makes game art truly compelling. Whether we were talking about how photogrammetry assets flood the Unreal ecosystem, or how he sees stylization as a counterculture to realism fatigue, it was all fascinating. I really resonated with his breakdown of pixel art as a constraint-based artform that forces clarity and sharpens fundamentals. We also dove into the evolving role of AI, and he offered one of the more empathetic and nuanced takes I’ve heard on its impact — not just practically, but emotionally for new artists. Honestly, this episode flew by. Bryan is as thoughtful as he is talented, and I’m excited to see where his career (and his evolving art style) heads next.

Here's to many more conversations where we geek out over art, storytelling, and what it means to be creative in a world that’s always shifting. Until next time, keep making cool stuff.

— Carl Cleanthes

Lennie Gray is a creative powerhouse whose career defies traditional boundaries. With over two decades of experience as a designer, Lennie has channeled her multidisciplinary talents into community-centered, environmentally sustainable design work that drives real-world impact. From early roots in arboriculture and urban farming to authoring AIGA’s Path to Impact toolkit, her practice blends strategy, storytelling, and social justice. Few creatives I know can pivot from branding theory to building food forests—and back again—with such heart and clarity. Lennie isn't just a designer—she's a designer of systems, outcomes, and better futures.

• Why “other people’s opinions of you are none of your business” can be a creative superpower.

• How shaving your head can change public perception—and how that shaped Lennie’s design approach.

• The intertwined nature of environmental sustainability and social justice.

• How Lennie created the first zero-waste Michelin event in history, amplifying immigrant chefs and sustainable practices.

• The importance of urban agriculture and food sovereignty in underserved communities.

• Why the creative community holds the power—and responsibility—to shape cultural and systemic change.

• How to stay adaptable and relevant in a design industry rapidly shifting due to AI and automation.

• The emotional reality of freelancing through economic instability and political upheaval.

“If you understand sustainability, you understand we’re actually living on a very abundant planet.”

This quote hit home for me. It’s not about scarcity—it’s about access. Lennie challenges us to look beyond broken systems and see the raw potential around us. The issue isn’t lack—it’s mismanagement, greed, and poor design. In those words, she reminds us that abundance is all around, waiting to be harnessed and shared. As designers, our work isn’t just to make things beautiful; it’s to make systems more just, efficient, and human. This mindset shift is a call to arms for every creative to build better.

What started as a riff on newsletters and internet trolls quickly evolved into a masterclass on design for social change. Lennie and I talked about everything from sustainability and food justice to the need for creative strategy in a rapidly shifting economy. Her journey—from working with AIGA to transforming neglected urban land into vibrant food hubs—is proof of the ripple effect design can have when it’s rooted in care and intention. Whether she’s fighting to elevate immigrant chefs or dismantle broken design norms, Lennie shows up with integrity and clarity. This episode is one part therapy, one part strategy session, and all parts inspiring. If you’re feeling creatively burnt out or unsure where your skills fit in today’s world, this one’s for you.

More episodes like this one are coming your way. If you know someone building something bold in the creative space then hit me up. Let’s keep connecting dots, flipping scripts, and making impact.

– Carl Cleanthes

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Cernosia, a powerhouse in the world of 3D animation and the founder of Profanity Creative, a studio built around storytelling for the outdoor and lifestyle industries. Mark’s career is as grounded as it is inspiring. Born and raised in Vermont, he carved out a niche doing exactly what he loved, far away from the bright lights of big cities. From leading animation efforts at Burton Snowboards to working with international clients from his home state, Mark is living proof that you can build a thriving creative studio without ever moving to LA or New York. His story is filled with grit, creative reinvention, and the kind of clarity that only comes from stepping away from the noise.

• Why niching into what you love creates trust and authenticity with clients

• The power of remote work and how globalization has reshaped creative studios

• How macroeconomic shifts, like tariffs, can impact even the most niche creative industries

• The importance of transparent, packaged pricing in a commoditized design economy

• Why stepping away from screens to reconnect with analog creativity is trending among digital artists

• How artists can navigate the evolving landscape of AI and maintain ownership and authenticity

• The rise of “disconnection to reconnect” events like Camp MoGraph

• How to de-risk projects for clients with low-commitment foot-in-the-door offers

“If everyone's an expert, then who's learning? Tell me your failures, I'm more interested in that.” – Mark Cernosia

There’s a refreshing honesty in this quote that stuck with me. We’re in an age where every scroll brings another “10x growth” post from someone with a $19 course. Mark reminds us that real value often comes from vulnerability. Sharing where things didn’t work, where we struggled, and where we questioned ourselves. Especially now, when the creative industry is being bombarded with AI solutions and economic uncertainty, it’s those raw, real stories that help us feel seen and help us grow.

This conversation with Mark was one of those deep dives that just flew by. We riffed on everything from how he used 3D to launch top-secret products for Burton, to how globalization and tariffs are shaking up marketing pipelines. We talked about the future of creative services, whether it’s fighting back against AI commoditization with clear pricing models or how analog experiences are becoming a new form of artistic rebellion. Mark’s approach is centered around authenticity, trust, and a love for nature-fueled clarity. If you’re trying to build something that matters from outside the traditional hubs, this episode is a must-listen.

Stay weird. Stay creative.
Carl