In a prior episode, designer and illustrator Matt Stevens talked about why 2022's The Batman is such a great movie and how it has some elements from David Fincher's Se7en plus inspirations from various Batman sources, creating a unique vision. Matt does something similar in his own work. His latest project, Good Movies as Old Books from Chronicle Books reimagines films as vintage book covers. In that prior episode, Matt also talked about taking risks, going out on his own, leaving the agency world behind, and various side projects. Here, Matt discusses how maybe, sometimes a side project that looks and feels fun may not be a success but the momentum and direction it gives you could still have value. He also shares his opinions about two summer movies, Superman and The Fantastic Four.

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Matt Stevens found himself frustrated with his current job as creative director at a brand agency, so he (literally) went back to the drawing board with an illustration project that turned out to be the perfect fit, designing a Nike Air Max shoe every day. After doing 50 drawings, he had initially chosen to end the project, but aimed for 100 AirMax1-a-day drawings that he'd showcase in an art book, accompanying website, and exhibition, also proved rewarding. To date, he's created multiple, self-initiated projects, including the Good Movies as Old Books project, now a book and postcard set available from Chronicle.

https://www.goodmoviesasoldbooks.com/

https://www.hellomattstevens.com/

https://www.hellomattstevens.com/book-covers-various

https://www.hellomattstevens.com/store/batman-xwms5

https://www.hellomattstevens.com/store/batman-xwms5-gnyze

https://www.hellomattstevens.com/new-project-2

https://www.hellomattstevens.com/blog/process-the-rookie-handbook

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Taking Side Projects to the Next Level, HOW magazine

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tXNGjxQv4jwbf77DJOffXpENtbJwcPPH/view?usp=sharing

Matt Stevens on The Great Discontent

https://thegreatdiscontent.com/interview/matt-stevens/

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Other movies and shows discussed, alphabetical list

The Batman (2022)

Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)

Se7en (1995)

Superman (2025)