Advertise on podcast: Object Subject Form

“My music is my freedom. It’s my currency. It’s who I am.” — Violetta Zironi   In the streaming era, the economics of music can feel impossible to reconcile with the dream artists are sold.  Early success can open doors, but it can also subtly close off parts of you. In 2013, singer-songwriter Violetta Zironi reached the final of X Factor Italy and stepped into the traditional music machine: visibility, expectations, and the pressure to become a version of yourself that is forced to perform inside someone else’s system. In this episode of Object Subject Form, singer-songwriter Violetta Zironi joins Simon Clowes to openly discuss the hidden cost of early “success” in the traditional music industry, and what it took to rebuild a sustainable career outside of the gatekeeper model. The conversation covers the economics of streaming, the emotional toll of chasing visibility, and the mindset shift that led her to explore music ownership on the blockchain.  They discuss what “community as infrastructure” looks like in practice, why ownership changes the emotional contract between artist and audience, and how blockchain technology can support a more direct, human model for music. For any creative navigating platforms, pressure, and the feeling that “success” is starting to misalign you, this conversation is a reminder: the goal is not to grow at any cost. It’s to build something you can grow without losing yourself. – Connect with Violetta on X:  https://x.com/violettazironi – Violetta’s Website:  https://www.violettazironi.com/ – Connect with Simon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonclowes/ – Object Subject Form on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/objectsubjectform

How do we ensure AI enhances creativity rather than diminishes it? Can designers integrate AI into their workflows without losing the essence of human-driven craft? As AI continues to reshape creative industries, designers face a critical choice—resist, or adapt and find a way to collaborate. This episode of Object Subject Form explores the evolving relationship between human creativity and machine intelligence, highlighting the role of hybrid workflows in shaping the future of design. Simon Dixon, co-founder of DixonBaxi, has spent over two decades at the intersection of creativity, design, and technology. His studio is known for its bold philosophy—“Be Brave”—a mindset that extends to adapting to emerging technologies.  Driven by the enduring power of creativity, DixonBaxi collaborates with some of the world’s most iconic brands across sports, entertainment, media, the new economy, and technology to design a better future. Their clients—Netflix, Google, Samsung, Warner Bros Discovery, AC Milan, Hulu, and more—trust them to help prepare for what’s next. In this conversation, Simon explores the Human–AI Creative Partnership—how AI can be a tool for expansion rather than replacement, the challenges of maintaining originality in an era of automation, and why adaptability is the most important skill for designers today. This episode sets the tone for Object Subject Form's second season, focusing on the technologies and ideas that will shape creative practice over the next 5 to 10 years. — Connect with Simon on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonsdixon/ — DixonBaxi Website: https://www.dixonbaxi.com/ — Connect with me: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

How can digital art cement its place in contemporary culture? Can NFTs and blockchain technology continue to bridge the gap between artists and major institutions? As dialogue around digital art continues to evolve, questions of legitimacy, value, and long-term impact remain central to the conversation. In this episode of Object Subject Form, we examine how digital art is gaining recognition in major institutions and how emerging technologies are reshaping the art world. Currently the GM of CryptoPunks, Natalie Stone leads the iconic collection that ignited a contemporary digital art movement, with pieces in the permanent collections of institutions such as the Centre Pompidou, LACMA, and ICA Miami. She played a key role in CryptoPunks: Free to Claim, a Phaidon-published project with Zak Group that chronicles the rise of CryptoPunks and their cultural significance. Formerly at Google, she led Google I/O, crafted VR/AR experiences with artists like Childish Gambino and LCD Soundsystem, and developed an experimental new media program for artists working in AI.   With a deep understanding of both traditional and digital art ecosystems, Natalie offers a unique perspective on the evolving dynamics of curation, collection, and creative innovation. In this conversation, we discuss the challenges and opportunities facing digital artists today, the role of traditional art institutions in Web3, and how blockchain technology is redefining provenance, ownership, and artistic value. Launched by Larva Labs in 2017, CryptoPunks consists of 10,000 unique pixel-art characters that became a symbol of digital ownership and the CryptoArt movement. Stored on the Ethereum blockchain, CryptoPunks are more than just collectibles—they’ve played a pivotal role in shaping conversations around provenance, value, and the integration of blockchain technology in the art world. — Connect with Natalie on X: https://x.com/naughtaliestone — Natalie’s website: https://nataliestone.co/ — Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stonenatalie/ — CryptoPunks: https://cryptopunks.app/ — Learn more about CryptoPunks on the Brand Hub: https://hub.cryptopunks.app/ — Follow CryptoPunks on X: https://x.com/cryptopunksnfts — CryptoPunks Book @ Phaidon: https://www.phaidon.com/store/fashion-and-pop-culture/cryptopunks-free-to-claim-9781838669300/ — Connect with simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes  

What if the most meaningful creative work begins not with what we make, but with how we connect? In this episode of Object Subject Form, recorded live in Mérida, Yucatán, Simon sits down with Héctor Ayuso — founder of OFFF and Paradiso — to explore the deeper layers of what it means to gather with intention, and be fully immersed in creative expression. Héctor reflects on his journey from growing a globally recognized festival (OFFF) to creating Paradiso, a five-day immersive retreat rooted in joy, presence, and meaningful connection. He opens up about his childhood, how therapy reshaped his life and why being uncomfortable is necessary for growth.  This is a conversation about realigning with purpose. The importance of building spaces that invite vulnerability and how real-life gatherings are becoming more vital in an increasingly digital world. It’s about staying true to what matters, even through discomfort. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your work or uncertain about your path, this conversation is a reminder that creativity isn’t just about what we make — it’s about how we live, who we connect with, and the courage it takes to stay true to what matters. — Connect with Héctor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-ayuso/ — Connect with Héctor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hectorayuso/ — Learn about Paradiso: https://home.paradisofest.com/ — Follow Paradiso: https://www.instagram.com/paradisofest_/ — Learn about OFFF: https://www.offf.barcelona/ — Connect with Simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

As creative industries continue to evolve, the ways we approach leadership, identity, mentorship, and growth are being reexamined and reimagined. How do creative leaders adapt to an increasingly complex world? What does it mean to nurture human-centered creativity while navigating rapid technological change? In this special episode of Object Subject Form, host Simon Clowes steps into the guest seat for a live dialogue hosted by Swim Creative. He joins Maria Barbirotto and Stephanie Dunaiski to explore how creative leadership is shifting, the importance of mentorship in building resilient teams, and how identity shapes creative expression in times of uncertainty. Drawing from his personal journey across design, film, and technology, Simon shares insights on leading with empathy, promoting human-centered creative processes, and navigating change without losing sight of purpose. This conversation is a reflection on the ever changing creative landscape—and how staying rooted in empathy, adaptability, and human connection is essential for supporting meaningful work. — Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariabarbirotto/ — Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-dunaiski-ab28a486/ — Swim Creative: https://swimcreative.com/ — Connect with simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

Bitcoin has dominated headlines, sparked political debates, and divided opinions. Through all the noise, one fact remains: it’s been one of the best-performing asset classes of the past decade—but for many, the real significance of this technology is still just starting to sink in. In this episode of Object Subject Form, Simon sits down with Valko, friend, fellow CryptoPunk, and newly appointed Chief of Staff at World Liberty Financial—a decentralized finance platform launched in 2024 to simplify access to digital assets and crypto-backed financial tools. Known for his unwavering conviction in blockchain technology, Valko has gone all in on crypto—an investment stance most financial advisors would call extreme. But what drives this level of conviction? And what lessons can be drawn from it as Bitcoin continues to outperform nearly every traditional asset class over the past decade? Together, they break down the fundamental reasons why Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies matter, why these technologies remain central to conversations about financial sovereignty and technological evolution, and how they may play a pivotal role in shaping the next decade of global economics. Whether listeners are crypto-curious or already deep in the space, this conversation offers perspective on why it’s no longer a question if they should pay attention. Disclaimer: This episode was recorded prior to Valko’s current role. The views expressed are his own and do not represent the views of his employer. Topics discussed are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making investment decisions. — Chapters 00:00 Bitcoin as the New Reserve Asset   01:10 Introduction 02:19 Why Bitcoin and Crypto Matter Now   04:19 Valko’s All In Crypto Philosophy   06:10 Bitcoin as the Future of Digital Ownership   09:24 Ethereum, NFTs, and Programmable Money   13:14 Transparency, Trustlessness, and Privacy in Crypto   16:16 Should You Stay Anonymous in the Space?   19:22 Reputation: Online vs. Real Life   22:13 Valko’s First Crypto Transactions and Early Days   25:34 CryptoPunks and the Birth of Digital Identity   31:15 Staying Informed in a Fast-Moving Space   34:36 The Political Landscape of Crypto   41:19 Is It Too Late to Get In? Advice for Newcomers   45:50 Risk Management and Building Wealth   50:10 The Rise of Meme Coins and Internet Culture   54:34 Imagining a Future of Widespread Crypto Adoption   58:30 The Impact of Crypto on Traditional Finance   1:03:10 Bitcoin, AI, and Exponential Technologies   1:05:40 CryptoPunks: Identity, Art, and Community   1:12:13 What It Means to be a voice of leadership in Crypto   1:18:01 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Valko     — Connect with Valko on X: https://x.com/valko — Specs News (On pause due to Valko’s new position at World Liberty Financial): https://www.specs.news/ — World Liberty Financial: https://www.worldlibertyfinancial.com/ — @Punk6529 TAP Thread https://x.com/punk6529/status/1701623475725533524?s=46 — CryptoPunks: https://cryptopunks.app/ — Learn more about CryptoPunks on the Brand Hub: https://hub.cryptopunks.app/ — Follow CryptoPunks on X: https://x.com/cryptopunksnfts — Connect with simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

“There was no perfect moment to be ready. I just had to try things and figure out who I was through doing.” — Gryun Kim What does it really take to build a creative voice when tools can imitate style at the push of a button? As AI-powered software is changing how we think about the creative process, many artists are facing a new kind of identity crisis. In this episode of Object Subject Form, we explore how originality, process, and innovation remain critical in defining who we are creatively. Gryun Kim is an Emmy-winning motion designer and art director known for his main title work on The Last of Us and His Dark Materials. From Elastic to Giantstep, his career has been defined not just by aesthetics, but by how he challenges trends, resists shortcuts, and leans into the hard work of building something unique. We talk about how AI is influencing the creative process, the dangers of design sameness, and how Gryun uses process and constraint as tools of constant innovation. For anyone feeling lost in the noise of technological trends, this is a grounding conversation about choosing craft over convenience, and defining identity through the work itself. – Gryun’s YouTube Channel: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kimgryun – Gryun’s website: https://g-ryun.com/ – Connect with Gryun on Instagram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimgryun/?hl=en – Connect with Simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes – Object Subject Form on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ObjectSubjectForm – Object Subject Form on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/objectsubjectform

“You have the first right to be wrong.” — Chris Do As CEO and Executive Creative Director of Blind, Chris has contributed to the motion design industry through decades of award-winning inspiring work. He is the founder of The Futur, an education platform helping millions of creative professionals learn the business skills they were never taught in school. Chris has spoken at global conferences and built a wide-reaching community through courses, mentorship, and content. His mission is clear: to teach one billion people how to make a living doing what they love.  Nearly a decade ago, Chris and I had a conversation that inspired and influenced the way I think about work. At the time, I was at a crossroads in my own creative journey and Chris was starting to explore a different path beyond client‑service. The seeds of The Futur were being planted. In this episode of Object Subject Form, I invited Chris on for a reflective and forward‑looking chat with the full weight and perspective of the past 10 years.  We talk about burnout, ambition, and why the idea of work-life integration feels more relevant than the myth of “balance” in creative careers. We also discuss how AI is changing the nature of creative direction, and why staying curious and open-minded is more important than ever. In our industry, especially in motion design, exhaustion is often the cost of doing great work. We’re trained to think that sleepless nights and nonstop output are the price of entry. But what happens when your work begins to consume the life it was meant to support? Chris offers a different perspective. A concept not a centered around a perfect balance, but a designed system. A creative life that supports longevity, not just output, and a way forward that honors our creativity without burning us out. If you’ve ever asked: “Is the grind worth it?” “How do I keep going without losing myself?” “What’s next, personally or professionally?” This one is for you. – Connect with Chris on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ – Connect with Chris on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ – The Futur on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheFuturishere – The Futur Website: https://www.thefutur.com/ – The Futur on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/ – Connect with Simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes – Object Subject Form on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ObjectSubjectForm – Object Subject Form on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/objectsubjectform

“Privacy is sovereignty. It’s about choosing what’s mine to share.” — Digitalgal In a hyper-public internet, visibility has become currency. We’re taught that more platforms, more posts, and more personal detail equate to more opportunity. “Building in public” became the expectation and mantra for creators and founders, particularly in Web3. Visibility was everything. Share more, show more, and success would follow. But what happens when the persona you project starts costing you your privacy, your safety, your quality of output, and your time? In this episode of Object Subject Form, Simon sits down with Digitalgal (@dgtlgal), co-founder of Inner Core Ventures, a Puerto Rico–based venture studio building acquisition-ready digital startups. Digitalgal is an entrepreneur who retired at 31 and chose freedom as her design constraint. An early Web3 adopter since 2016, she has built companies, incubated products, championed remote-first teams, and eventually chose pseudonymity as a way to align her work with her values of privacy and sovereignty.  She has been committed throughout her career to maximizing the productive potential of remote working, global teams, and freedom-based digital business models. Together, they talk about early retirement as positive liberty, why “chasing fear” can restore purpose, and how mindset—not mechanics—creates lasting results. They also explore Web3: self-custody, DAOs, token-gated communities, and why strategic anonymity is as much a creative tool as it is a shield. If you’ve ever asked yourself: “What would I do if I could reclaim my time?” “How do I build a career without giving everything away?” “Can privacy and freedom coexist with ambition?” This one is for you. –  Connect with Digitalgal on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgweb3/ – Connect with Digitalgal on X:  https://x.com/dgtlgal – Connect with Simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes – Object Subject Form on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/objectsubjectform    

“There’s a difference between being humble and minimizing yourself.” — Mahaneela A fulfilling career is built from who you are, not just what you make. In this episode of Object Subject Form, filmmaker, artist, and creative director Mahaneela joins Simon for a conversation about architecting your own career, bridging identity and community, and learning to separate who you are from what you make. Over the past decade, Mahaneela has built a practice that blends cultural depth with commercial impact, collaborating with global icons like Beyoncé, Nike, and FKA twigs.  Recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30, she is known for crafting authentic stories that live at the intersection of music, art, and commerce. Now represented as a director by Partizan and Red Eye, she continues to push boundaries in film, photography, and brand storytelling. Together, Simon and Mahaneela discuss why titles can limit progress, how to use a “creative spirit” compass—Curiosity, Joy, Community—to choose the right projects, and the subtle difference between humility and minimizing yourself. Mahaneela shares advice on securing repeat work with agencies, reading the room on calls, and why presentation, delegation, and people skills matter as much as taste. The episode also explores how community acts as a creative lifeline, how healthy competition can elevate peers, and why building your own ecosystem is essential. They debate Web3 and AI as emerging tools for connection and creative ownership, while emphasizing that identity and lived experience must remain at the core of every artist’s process. Whether you’re building a portfolio, pitching in bigger rooms, or trying to stay aligned with your purpose, this conversation offers a blueprint for architecting a career that serves your life, not the other way around. – Connect with Mahaneela on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mahaneela.jpg/ – Mahaneela’s Website: https://www.mahaneela.com/ – Connect with Mahaneela on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahaneela-choudhury-reid-485631385/ – Connect with Simon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonclowes/ – Object Subject Form on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/objectsubjectform

“Worldbuilding is how humans make sense of the world. It’s how we learn to play.” — Chris Eyerman Worldbuilding is how imagination permeates and becomes culture. It’s the practice of creating meaning people can experience and belong to. In this episode of Object Subject Form, Simon speaks with Chris Eyerman, creative director, worldbuilder, and business architect shaping the future of storytelling through sport, media, and technology. As the founder of TRBLMKR Sports and creative lead for Luka Dončić’s brand 77X, Chris is redefining what it means to build worlds around athletes, bridging creativity, commerce, and community. Before founding TRBLMKR, Chris helped pioneer transmedia storytelling alongside Ridley Scott at 3AM, turning films like Prometheus and Alien: Covenant into immersive digital experiences. He later led TikTok’s Creative Lab, guiding the platform’s creative direction during its rise to a billion users and changing how culture spreads online. Together, Simon and Chris explore how worldbuilding extends beyond film and gaming into fandom, brand ecosystems, and personal identity. They discuss the tension between creativity and business, the power of empathy in leadership, and why understanding both emotion and structure is essential to meaningful storytelling. The episode centers around the athlete-creator economy, the psychology of building trust and lore around people, and how new technologies, from AI to social platforms, are expanding the relationship between creators, culture, and ownership. This conversation is about designing culture, and how the worlds we build shape what people believe in, belong to, and build next. – Chris’ Website: https://chriseyerman.com/ – Connect with Chris on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriseyerman/ – Lore Drops Substack: https://loredrops.substack.com/ – TRBLMKR Sports: https://www.trblmkr.co/ – Connect with Simon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonclowes/ – Object Subject Form on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/objectsubjectform

“Stepping out of your old identity will feel scary. But choosing who you want to be is the bravest risk you can take.” — Marko Pfann  Playing it safe can feel logical in an unpredictable market, but in this current creative landscape, safe work is quietly making creatives replaceable. It keeps your work familiar, your opportunities limited, and your identity tied to who you were instead of who you have the potential to become. In this episode of Object Subject Form, creative coach and Paradiso co-founder Marko Pfann joins Simon for a conversation about risk, identity, and the real work behind being seen as an artist. They explore why creatives fall into the safety trap, how imitation dilutes your voice, and why standing out now requires choosing who you want to be long before the world validates you. Marko has spent years helping creatives and studios break out of the patterns that keep them stuck. He once had everything creatives are told to want: seven-figure revenue, huge teams, worldwide branding work, and a stack of awards. On paper he had “made it,” but inside, he felt empty. So he sold his studio and walked away from the safety everyone else expected him to hold onto. Together with Héctor Ayuso, Marko co-founded Paradiso, a creative retreat and community where he helps creatives reconnect to the part we lose under pressure: identity. His work blends psychology, language, and creative strategy to help people reconnect to their inner compass. To the emotional core that gets buried under deadlines, comparison, and fear. Together, Marko and Simon discuss how the industry is shifting. Output is becoming more efficient while trends are collapsing faster. In a world like this, your value comes from what only you can bring: your taste, your language, your lived experience, and the identity you’re willing to stand behind. The conversation traces everything from creative bravery to reputation, from personality-led positioning to the mindset shift required to stay relevant. They explore why the biggest studios invest in R&D, why long-form expression builds trust, and why your “voice” is now as important as your portfolio. Whether you’re independent, running a studio, or rethinking your next step, this episode offers a grounded path forward. A reminder that creativity is about choosing who you want to be, and having the courage to act on it. – Connect with Marko on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/markopfann/    Discover Paradiso:  https://paradisofest.com/ – Connect with Simon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonclowes/ – Object Subject Form on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/objectsubjectform

Reputation is like a nickname. You can’t give yourself a nickname. It is something that is bestowed upon you because of what others see and recognize in you. — riCardo Crespo. Given the critical role of reputation in both personal and professional success, why do we often neglect its importance in our quest for achievement? riCardo Crespo, a brand design executive with decades of executive leadership experience within Fortune 50 companies, has mastered the art of leveraging and exploiting the intersection of branding, marketing, and design. His expertise enables his clients to unlock meaningful connections with their partners and brands. He currently serves as a branding and marketing strategy advisor to C-suite executives across globally iconic brands such as Nike, Apple, and Beats by Dre. Additionally, he is engaged as a specialist executive creative advisor to the US Soccer Federation. In this episode, riCardo and Simon discuss the significance of not only building and sustaining reputation equity but also navigating one's ego to continually add value to those around you. — Chapters: 00:00 The Power of Reputation Equity 01:00 Episode Introduction 02:45 What Inspires Ricardo Today 04:15 Defining Reputation Equity 07:35 A Hard Lesson in Ego and Reputation 12:00 From Selling Work to Telling Stories 17:00 Influencing Reputation Through Emotional Intelligence 23:30 The Importance of Portability in Reputation 26:45 The Art of Staying Under the Radar 30:30 Three Keys to Building Reputation Equity 37:00 Redefining What It Means to Be ‘Smarter’ 43:00 Creativity at the Crossroads of Technology 49:00 What It Really Means to Be a Professional Creative 51:00 Final Thoughts — Connect with simon: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

"[On digital asset ownership,] even if all this does for the next two or three years is make us question what it means to own our assets, I’m fine with it." — Michaela "Mika" Lallouz. Exponential technologies are connecting us in new, unprecedented ways, reshaping how we create, share, and interact with each other. Michaela "Mika" Lallouz is a creator with a humanitarian spirit whose mission is to help eliminate loneliness on the planet. Her nomadic journey has taken her out of her comfort zone and across the world to meet some of the most influential people in leadership and technology.  In this episode, Michaela and Simon explore how technology amplifies the transformative power of art and self-expression, the crucial role of online communities in addressing feelings of loneliness and isolation, and how digital ownership has profoundly impacted creatives — a journey so powerful, it saved her life. — Connect with Mika: https://linktr.ee/michaelalallouz    Mika's Market Update: https://t.me/mikasmarketupdate — Connect with me: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes

"One of the most challenging things we deal with is the feeling that it doesn't actually matter how good the work is. As a minority, this is the most defeated we feel. I'm sure our competitors have felt similar feelings as creative professionals, but when you are a minority, it hits differently, and I think it's important to try to understand those differences." — Kenny Gravillis. Kenny Gravillis is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Gravillis Inc., a Black-owned LA-based design company known for creating iconic movie posters such as Spike Lee’s "Blackkklansman," "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Logan," and the original "Avatar." His career began with a transition from London to New York, where he found his creative passion in the art department at Def Jam Records. In this episode, Kenny and Simon discuss entrepreneurship while navigating diversity and inclusion within the Key Art Theatrical space. The conversation delves into the experiences of being a Black creative and co-founder of a minority-owned business, and how Kenny’s company, Gravillis Inc., is focusing on education to provide more access to the industry for underserved communities. — Connect with Kenny:   LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-gravillis-96349a15/ — Learn about Gravillis: Gravillis Website – https://www.gravillisinc.com/ Gravillis Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/gravillisinc/ Gravillis LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravillis-inc- — Learn more about Access: A Netflix x Otis Entertainment Certificate Program – https://www.otis.edu/netflix-entertainment-certificate-program — Connect with me: https://zaap.bio/simonclowes