Dear Art Producer

Welcome to an all new season of Dear Art Producer! On this episode, host Heather Elder sits down with Karen Blatchford, Senior Producer at VMLY&R in Chicago. Karen is, an experienced and multi-talented producer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Listen in as Karen talks about her background in photography, her experience as a cost consultant, and her passion for print productions. She also provides valuable insight on how to get a producer’s attention, the challenges of integrating broadcast and print productions, and the impact of budget constraints on photography projects.    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 Karen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-blatchford-baa2642/    More about your host: Heather Elder’s Bio: https://www.heatherelder.com/CONNECT-&-RESOURCES/thumbs   Heather Elder’s Blog: https://notesfromarepsjournal.com/   Heather Elder on Instagram:  @heatherelderrepresents  https://www.instagram.com/heatherelderrepresents/?hl=en  Heather Elder on Twitter: @heathereldersf https://mobile.twitter.com/heathereldersf Heather Elder on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/heather-elder-represents  Heather Elder on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HeatherElderRepresents   

On this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather sits down with Nicole Schiavo, Associate Integrated Producer at DDB Chicago.    Nicole has been in her role for six months now. Her team at DDB speaks very highly of her and, as you will see, her enthusiasm for our industry is infectious and very much appreciated. In her free time, Nicole is an avid foodie and enjoys cooking and baking new recipes.     In their conversation Heather and Nicole discuss the role of Associate Producer and what it means to establish yourself in the industry.    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 Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoledschiavo/    Resources Mentioned: Artist Management Association Usage Glossary https://artistmanagementassociation.org/glossaries-and-definitions    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

We are excited to be hosting a special episode with one of our photographers, Andy Anderson. Andy is known for his unyielding curiosity and soulful imagery. After representing him for over 20 years, we have followed his journey from Argentina to Alaska and from Iceland to Cuba and everywhere in between. His portfolio contains vast landscapes and intimate portraits, always dedicated to documenting the world as he sees it.    Most recently, this took him to Nepal to photograph and interview the often overlooked Sherpa. Listen as Andy tells us about his time in Nepal and about the Sherpa and their vital role in mountaineering.  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: Learn more about Andy Anderson and see some of his work here:  https://heatherelder.com/talent/andy-anderson-portfolios    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  

Integrated Art Producer, Jamie Zimmermann returns to the show to talk about what she is doing these days, how her job and life has changed over the course of a pandemic, and her approach as an Integrated Producer having been a photographer and rep as well.    Since the last time Jamie was on the podcast,  She's now living in San Francisco and is an Integrated Producer at Venables Bell & Partners and has expanded the types of projects she works on beyond art producing. This includes broadcast, digital content, and experiential. Her main clients are a Reebok and Cardi B collaboration and 3M.   In their conversation, Heather and Jamie discuss Jamie’s love for puzzle-like projects, her biggest challenges, working with cost consultants, and doing tarot card readings for her 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 NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.   More about our guest: Find Jamie Zimmermann on LinkedIn here.    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

On this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather sits down with Dan Southwick, Senior Integrated Producer at LinkedIn Creative Studio. Originally from Chicago, Dan relocated to California to escape the cold. With bass in hand as a touring musician, and an education in photography under his belt, he stumbled quite naturally into the field of advertising in San Francisco. For the bulk of his career to date, he has led production efforts at creative agencies and internal creative departments at many well known tech companies such as Meta, Airbnb, Apple, Eleven Inc., and Goodby Silverstein & Partners.    In their conversation, Heather and Dan discuss what it is like being a musician turned art producer, working as part of an internal agency, and how constant reinventing and evolving is part of the industry.  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 Dan Southwick on LinkedIn here.    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

On this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather is joined by Deb Grisham, Director of Photography Production at Creative Drive. Deb’s start in advertising began in London as a photo assistant and her love of production and troubleshooting provided her with the opportunity to learn a variety of roles from talent agent, to studio manager, to producer, to art buyer. She has worked with a range of clients from luxury goods, to fashion, to cars and her round table experience enables her to better understand what the photographer agency and client’s needs are in order to obtain a successful end result.    Listen as Heather and Deb discuss changes in the industry in the time they have known each other, what makes meaningful relationships, how to facilitate connection whether working in person or remote and the pros and cons of each.  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 Deb Grisham on LinkedIn here.    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

Freelance Producer, Tanya Hotton’s versatility allows her to integrate print, broadcast, and online projects seamlessly. Over the years, she has shot for consumer advertisers worldwide that range in costs from thousands to millions of dollars. She is an expert at stretching a budget and getting the most out of a tight deadline. Ultimately, it is her thoughtful and professional approach that allows her to create successful collaborative relationships with creatives, clients, noted photographers and talent around the world.   In this dynamic conversation, host Heather Elder and Tanya Hotton talk about what her role as a freelance art producer looks like these days, what it was like for her during COVID when work stopped coming in, and how she finds her artists.     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 Tanya Hotton on LinkedIn here.    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

On this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather is joined by Integrated Producer, Taylor Kigar. Taylor has tackled still, broadcast, illustration and cinema 4d productions, most recently at Deutsche New York. She's a literature lover, a baking enthusiast and queen of the perfectly crafted email.    In their conversation, Heather and Taylor discuss the role of an Integrated Producer, the challenges she faces in today’s world, what she looks for in photographers, and why it is always worth it to work with new people.  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 Taylor Kigar on LinkedIn here.    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

Raquel Duarte first conquered the publishing industry with an internship at Glamour Magazine while also working as a studio manager and on-set assistant for fashion photographer Jon Ragel. She then shifted gears to representing and producing for a roster of renowned photographers, as an artist’s agent at AFG Management and later Marge Casey.    Today, she applies her experience and expertise as a freelancer by producing for advertising agencies, such as Arnold, Lloyd&Co, Directv, Translation, Pereira O’Dell, Interesting Development, YardNYC, AirParisNY, amongst others. Raquel has been honored to guide the creation of campaigns for global brands, such as Timberland, AT&T, Remy, Martin, Crate & Barrel, and Alaska Airlines to name a few. Raquel applies her working motto of making “content that we are proud” of to every aspect of her 20 plus year career and has always embraced the challenge of an ever evolving advertising industry.   In their conversation, Heather and Raquel dive deep into the challenges of being a freelance producer, remote work, the evolution of the producer’s role in such a dynamic industry, as well as insight into Raquel’s personal working style and processes.  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 Raquel Duarte on LinkedIn here   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

Arpi Agdere is currently the Art Producer at Wieden + Kennedy. Originally from Istanbul Turkey, Arpi worked for 7 years as an in-house art producer at Vans in Los Angeles and has experience working on both sides of the camera as well as within production companies and creative studios. She has a BFA from Art Center College of Design and is deeply rooted in fine art. She also loves giving back to the art community by doing portfolio reviews and providing mentorships for creatives at every age.   In their conversation, Heather and Arpi explore the joys and the challenges of being an Art Producer in this day and age and how COVID protocols are simply part of production now.    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 Arpi Agdere on LinkedIn here.   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

Anya Mills has been producing for over 30 years and is currently the Content and Art Services Director at The Martin Agency. After starting her career in Tokyo as a creative, she quickly realized helping ideas come to life was her true calling.   Moving from New York city to Richmond, Virginia in 2001, she spent 10 or so years at the Martin Agency and then took a leap to the client side where she produced a proprietary typeface and started their production and photo department. She recently returned happily to Martin diving back into the role of art buying and art production.   In their conversation, Heather and Anya explore the importance of relationships, challenges faced during the pandemic, and how Heather brings her experience as a creative to the role of producer.    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 Anya Mills on LinkedIn here.    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

Nelson Luesse is a Senior Integrated Print Producer at Argonaut. He is a native New Yorker who, after a stint in the Navy, settled in the San Francisco area. His first job in advertising was at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners where he worked on Alaska Airlines, Starbucks, and Nike. Now with Argonaut he works on Cricket Wireless, NerdWallet, and the Zebra and enjoys developing his talents in all forms of production, not just print.    In their conversation, Heather and Nelson explore the role of the producer and how some things have changed during the pandemic.    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 Nelson Luesse on LinkedIn here.  Mentions:  Le Book 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

Karen Lipker is Director of Creative Services at Davis Elen Advertising. She spent almost 10 years working in Photography and then branched out into creative services and production. Karen currently works on McDonald’s, Toyota, Smart and Final and the Purity Coffee accounts.  Heather and Karen talk about the role of director of creative services, hybrid creative solutions using remote and in-person work, flexibility and the art of pivoting and what clients are asking for now. They also discuss how supply chain problems might affect brands’ product advertising for 2022, CGI as backup planning to lifestyle shoots, crew and studio space shortages and advice on bidding when they don’t know the budget.   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 Karen Lipker on LinkedIn here.  Mentions:  LA Photo Works Le Book 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

Sari Rowe is Executive Content Producer at Snyder Studio and is based in Chicago. She’s got 20 years of integrated production experience and has worked at several different agencies across the U.S. like Ogilvy NY, TBWA\Chiat\Day, RPA. Sari ran the production department of VSA Chicago before transitioning to executive producer developing and running the animation arm of Snyder.  Heather and Sari talk about facilitating long-form animation with illustrators, problem-solving and value-engineered productions. They also discuss advice for producers looking to transition, the value of researching, finding new talent and the importance of personal work.   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 Sari Rowe on LinkedIn here.  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

Chrissy Borgatta Liuzzi is Sr. Art Producer at Innocean Worldwide. She’s responsible for print, digital and social media. She’s worked on staff at agencies as well as freelance, so she has a comprehensive knowledge of photography, illustration and multimedia trends and styles.  Heather and Chrissy talk about how some jobs can be as important as a college education, working on the very first iMac campaign, the experience gained from editorial work and how to be the hub of a team. They also discuss  fully integrated productions, working with cost control consultants and advice for making treatments.   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 Chrissy Borgatta Liuzzi on LinkedIn here.  Mentions:  Webinar: AMA Presents Working Successfully with Production Consultants 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

Aragorn Fenton is Head of Production at Motive in Denver. He works across a wide range of formats, including video, stills and animation. His career began in Australia and moved to the U.S. 7 years ago. His clients include Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Ruffles, Activa, Horizon, Burger King and Ram.  Heather and Aragorn talk about his initial interest in documentary production and film making, how he’s known to be a straight-shooter, what his role involves, producers that do more than just transfer information and remote shooting. They also discuss building and confirming crews, how to make production consultants your partners, paying for treatments and the selection process.   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 Aragorn Fenton on LinkedIn here.    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

Sabrina Oliva is an Exec. Art Producer at FCB Health and is based in NYC. Prior to that role, she freelanced for 15 years with numerous advertising agencies in the NY area, including Publicis, Grey and McCann. She worked on many major beauty and luxury brands such as Loreal, Cadillac and Lexus.   Heather and Sabrina talk about the new rules for attending in-person portfolio shows, her path to becoming an art producer, the producer’s role, the challenges of shorter timelines and a reduction in talent, the latest in Covid protocols and what clients are asking for right now. They also predict an increase in productions (especially Pharma) through the end of the year and discuss tips for working with production consultants, treatment fees, the review process and the importance of showing new work.   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 Sabrina Oliva on LinkedIn here.  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

Nikki O’Toole is a Sr. Art Producer based in Los Angeles. She has been working in the art and photography industries for nearly 20 years as a photo director, art director, photo producer, studio manager, agent and art producer.  Heather and Nikki talk about the paths people take to become art producers and what’s involved in that role and the rise in integrated (still and motion) projects. They also discuss what clients are asking for right now, aligning on budgets, working with production consultants, how much clients defer to their agency partners during the selection process, developing treatments and how photographers are marketing themselves.   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 Nikki O’Toole on LinkedIn here.  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

Kat Tushim is a Creative Director at the Chicago-based marketing agency Upshot as well as a board member for True Chicago, a non-profit organization focused on supporting equitable development of young creatives. At Upshot, she leads creative teams with a focus on design and brand building. She’s worked across various industries for clients such as Chamberlain Group, Starbucks, Bibigo, Corona and Subway.  Heather and Kat talk about the different career paths that lead to this industry, changes in marketing and advertising, skilled staff at agencies working across teams, the value of in-person collaboration and shoot culture. They also discuss equity in representation in imagery and storylines, content-building shoots, what is required on both the agency and client side to tell successful brand stories, being flexible on set to allow the creative process to take place and the value of treatments.   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 Kat Tushim on LinkedIn here.  Mentions:  True Chicago  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

Carrie Nygren is VP / Head of Production at Laughlin Constable and is based in Milwaukee. She has been there for 27 years with previous roles including Art Director, Creative Director and Producer. Heather and Carrie talk about the value of working in a variety of departments in any organization, thinking about what the camera does, needs and sees, the importance of being nimble right now and how clients are asking for content that lives across every platform. They also discuss experimenting with ways to record video and audio remotely, the value of creative treatments, understanding licensing, rights and usage and marketing to agencies.   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 Carrie Nygren on LinkedIn here. She also has a portfolio site featuring her artwork: http://www.cnygrenart.com/  and is on Instagram @cnygrenart.  Mentions:  Artist Management Association  Source 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