Casually Creative

NEW EPISODE ALERT:

Keisha Whaley got tired of waiting. A veritable wunderkind in the marketing and advertising world, Keisha looked around the room at pitch meeting after pitch meeting and knew something wasn't right. Sitting in chairs ringing the room were bright, young, eager, and talented creative professionals...who were doing nothing but taking up space. As a young and successful creative executive, she realized that her path was an uncommon one...but it didn't have to be. Understanding the inherent value in investing time, resources, and yes dollars in an "unskilled" workforce of interns, Keisha tried to get the agencies where she was working to create opportunities for interns differently- but no one would bite. So, she set out and decided to do it on her own.

Brass Tacks Collective is a mission-driven creative agency that's focused on being the "embodiment of a future where diversity and inclusion are no longer boxes to be checked, but catalysts for beautifully and strategically-crafted brands." This multi-faceted agency boasts a client list that spans commerce, nonprofit, and some of the most iconic brands in recent history. What sets them apart, however, isn't just the quality of their work, but also the team they employ to make that work possible. As part of the BT Foundry, burgeoning creative professionals are given more than just platitudes and an opportunity to make agencies seem larger than they are. Interns are trained, given new skills, and (gasp) paid for their time and their work, all while being able to substantively contribute to programs and campaigns that have an actual impact in the world. Keisha's drive to create equitable spaces everywhere started as a baby (no, really- ask her about it some time) and has continued through her work with brands and individuals to shape conversations that have substantive results.

Fun fact: this episode was recorded right before Winter Storm Uri hit, and if you listen closely, you can hear the tinkling sound and hopeful naivete of three people who have no idea they're all about to lose power.

And you thought the gift-giving season was over...well, feast your ears on this brand new episode with Dr Gorilla where we're talking creativity (duh) and collaboration as an art form.

About a month ago, Damany came to David Rodriguez (AKA Dr. Gorilla) with an idea- to create a pop-up, drive-through, holiday arts experience that married massive murals, technology, large scale sculptural installations, and live entertainment and presented it in a massively public, but completely safe and "Pandemic Friendly" way. What was born out of that was "tinsel Dallas," a brand new immersive arts experience that highlighted and celebrated the unique culture and inherent dopeness of West Dallas, and brought it to life through the eyes of some of Dallas' most respected artists. With David at the helm as the co-producer, this brand new experience shattered expectations during its two evening run, welcoming almost 1,500 people in just 8 hours. A multi-medium artist, David prides himself on not only his ability to create, but also his ability to facilitate creation and to provide platforms for other artists to walk more fully in their passions. In tinsel, David's expertise in this shone bright.

We talk comics as a language, graffiti as an art form, and tattoos of Byron's face- all in just over an hour. It's the lunch break you always wanted but never knew to ask for.

http://casuallycreative.co or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Casually Creative

Amanda Austin's story is proof that class clowns do get ahead (yes, you can tell your mom you told her so). As a child, Amanda had the unique combination of both natural born entrepreneur and innate entertainer- starting her first business by the age of 11. Over the years, her love of connecting with people and a study of comedy led her to found the Dallas Comedy House, an iconic improv and comedy club and one of the first in the DFW Metroplex. Over the course of 12 years, DCH would become a haven to burgeoning comedians, kids trying improv for the first time, and corporate executives working on better stage presence. For many, DCH was home.
After successfully expanding both the size and scope of what DCH offered, Amanda was confronted with a stark reality as COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the country, ultimately canceling her annual comedy festival and decimating her business...just weeks after moving into her brand new facility. Amanda's story is one of continued resilience- amidst trying landlords, public support, and private growth, Amanda has stayed dedicated to making connections count with those she works alongside and serves each day. Our time with Amanda was hilarious (obvi), encouraging, and a reminder that setbacks from big dreams will happen, what you do with the time after is what makes the greatest impact for your (and others') future.