Dancing Stickman

The year is 2175. Despite the wars, trials, and upheavals of the early 21st century, humanity has managed to not only survive, but thrive. This unlikely outcome is largely attributed to a dedicated group of dreamers who chose to think in future tense. Rather than succumbing to the despair and hopelessness of their circumstances, they coalesced around sharing their visions of a better world for their descendants. This act of collective imagining created a destination, paved the path, and illuminated the way. However you create, whatever your practice, share the future that you want to build with us at https://www.dancingstickman.com/next150.

How do I actually bridge the gap between "starving artist" and "sustainable creator"? In this update episode of Worldsbuilder, I’m pulling back the curtain on the business of creativity to share the core philosophies driving my production company. For the first time, I’m defining my "artist-first" approach to creative execution. I discuss how collaborative art and audience participation are the foundation for what comes next in the ever-shifting media landscape. In this episode, we cover: The Dancing Stickman Business Philosophy: Why I believe an "artists-first" mindset is the key to growing the company. Production Company Status: A transparent look at where Dancing Stickman stands today, the wins, and the hurdles of being an individual contributor in a crowded market. The "Monetization" Strategy: Why I’m officially transitioning to a new monthly publishing cadence and how this strategic shift is designed to optimize audience growth, workflow, and revenue. The Road Ahead: What you can expect from this new schedule and how it serves the long-term goal of making a living through art. Whatever kind of artist you are, this episode offers a raw look at the infrastructure required to turn a passion project into a professional studio. About Worldsbuilder: Worldsbuilder explores the intersection of art and business, interviewing creatives across media about building sustainable creative lives and livelihoods.

How do we move beyond the canon of traditional gaming to create spaces where every player feels empowered to participate and create? Prolific game designer Quinn Murphy of Thoughtcrime Games, shares his philosophy, "Imagination is for Everyone," exploring how tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) are the ultimate form of entertainment by turning consumers into active collaborators. In this episode, we discuss: The Business of Imagination: How Quinn approaches indie RPG design and publishing on platforms like Itch.io. TTRPGs as the Best Medium: Why the interactive, communal nature of roleplaying offers a depth of engagement that other media can’t match. Democratizing Creativity: Breaking down the barriers that prevent people from feeling creative enough to play or design. Sustainable Creativity: Insights into Quinn’s process and his blog, where he deconstructs the mechanics of play and storytelling. Whether you are a game designer, a professional creator, or a fan of the tabletop hobby, this conversation offers a masterclass in how to build worlds that belong to everyone. Resources Mentioned: Thoughtcrime Games on Itch.io: thoughtcrimegames.itch.io Imagination Is For Everyone blog: thoughtcrimegames.beehiiv.com The Wildfire Trilogy actual play by the One Shot Podcast About Worldsbuilder: Worldsbuilder explores the intersection of art and business, interviewing creatives across media about building sustainable creative lives and livelihoods.  

I talk with Sam Bempong - multi-hyphenate film producer, creative entrepreneur, and community organizer - about what it takes to build the infrastructure for narrative film in your city. As a co-founder of #MakeItBay, she's been at the forefront of strengthening the narrative film industry in Oakland, Berkeley, and across the East Bay. Topics include: Topics include: independent film production, creative entrepreneurship, film financing, local film economies, narrative storytelling, Bay Area filmmaking, arts organizing, and building a career in the business of art.

This episode is a reflection on the way art is used to manipulate reality, for good or ill. Trigger warning that this episode discusses the Epstein files, and the revelations the recent release have unveiled about celebrity culture, patriarchy, and social conditioning. The discussion moves from the societal to the personal, tracking the way that larger forces create conditions that permeate both our external and internal circumstances.