The Fabulist™

In this thought-provoking episode of the Fabulist Podcast, host Joel Pilger brings together a panel of creative industry leaders—Simon Dixon of DixonBaxi, Mitch Monson of Sibling Rivalry, and Carson Hood of BGSTR—for an authentic and inspiring conversation on the evolving role of personal and professional reputation in the creative world.

The discussion explores:

• ​The transition from competition to collaboration and the democratization of the creative industry.
• ​The importance of fostering trust and authenticity in relationships with clients, collaborators, and teams.
• ​How personal values and actions can positively impact company culture, reputation, and success.
• ​Practical advice for creatives on how to show up authentically, add value, and find their unique lane in the industry.

Join Joel and his guests as they candidly share their journeys, insights, and aspirations for the future of creativity. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring leader, this episode offers a fresh perspective on thriving in the creative industry.

Listen now. Be inspired. Let’s redefine leadership as simply being valuable.

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Nash to unpack the complexities of running a creative studio in today's ever-evolving market.

• We dive into: Why authenticity and truly caring about your clients’ challenges are the ultimate game-changers.
• The shift from traditional agency models to in-house teams—and what that means for studios.
• The power of curiosity in navigating change and finding new opportunities, from motion systems to experiential design.
• How to define success on your own terms—whether it’s scaling big or staying small and impactful.

Joe shares wisdom from his time working with studios of all sizes and insights from building Brand Tracker, a tool connecting incredible creative work to the people who need it most. If you’ve ever felt the push and pull of staying relevant in a fast-changing industry, this conversation is for you.

Listen now to explore what it takes to innovate, adapt, and thrive in the creative world!

In this episode of The Fabulist, I – your host Joel Pilger – am joined by industry veteran Justin Cone at BUCK to tackle some of the biggest shifts currently shaping the motion design world.

We dive into the rise of in-housing, as brands increasingly bring creative work in-house. This trend, while challenging for studios reliant on agency work, is creating fresh opportunities for those ready to build direct, meaningful relationships with brands.

We also get into the role of AI in creative workflows. Justin and I discuss how AI can open up creative possibilities, but only when it’s used to enhance—not replace—human insight and craft. Justin shares his thoughts on where AI adds value and where studios should draw the line to ensure their work remains both high-quality and human-centered.

Lastly, we explore the idea of “ephemeralization” — doing more with less—and how staying curious, adaptable, and plugged into the industry can help studios navigate these ongoing shifts. This is a must-listen for anyone in the creative industry looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.

In this episode of The Fabulist, Joel Pilger talks with artist and entrepreneur Dominic DiMaria, co-founder of Das Audie. Together, they explore the art of “positioning” — how creatives can stand out by embracing a unique perspective and refusing to compromise on originality.

Dominic shares his Magnetic framework, a process that helps creatives communicate their authentic voice, transforming how they approach clients and projects.

Tune in for practical insights on breaking through the noise, building a memorable brand, and why “the only ‘next’ that matters is the next first.”