Could Be Pretty Cool

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Aug 2025

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Could Be Pretty Cool News is your go-to podcast for the latest scoop on the indie art and creative entrepreneurship scene. Each episode blends insights from the trailblazers who study and build the creative economy with intimate conversations with up-and-coming artists and entrepreneurs. Tune in for insightful discussions, artist spotlights, and a deep dive into the mechanics of running an independent creative business. In each episode, we embark on an intellectual exploration where research meets creativity and data intersects with entrepreneurship. The show is hosted by Spotify Sound Up Alum and "You Heard Me Write" host Kacie Willis. couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.com

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42 recent

August 28, 20251 hr 12 min

Metrics & Mingling 2025 Live Panel

Episode DescriptionJoin us for a special live recording from Metrics & Mingling 2025, where audience participation drove the conversation about AI's role in creative entrepreneurship. Through interactive polling, attendees guided discussions about administrative efficiency, creative process boundaries, and maintaining human value in an AI-driven marketplace. This dynamic panel explores how creative professionals are navigating the integration of artificial intelligence while preserving the authenticity and struggle that makes their work meaningful.Administrative tasks worth delegating to AI vs. keeping human-centeredThe role of struggle and context in authentic creative workBalancing efficiency gains with creative fulfillmentFinding your unique voice and story as a creative professionalThe democratization of creative tools and its impact on professional artistsCharging appropriately for human-crafted work in an AI-accessible worldBuilding sustainable creative careers through intentional tool useThe importance of play and experimentation in maintaining creative edgeThe Guests Dr. Anuli Akanegbu - Cultural anthropologist and labor, race, and technology researcher at Data and Society; Host of "Black in Real Life" podcastEmmoLei Sankofa - Film and TV composer with work featured on Hulu, Disney Plus, and Amazon PrimeAlejo Porras - Visual note-taking artist and illustrator; Upcoming host of "Fresh Ideas" podcastOn Administrative Efficiency: "What are we saving that time to do? Like, what is the purpose of cutting all these corners and trying to be super fast with things?" - Dr. Anuli AkanegbuOn Creative Process: "When we delegate our thinking and creativity to AI, those are the things that intrinsically makes you, you... The struggle is what makes it better." - Alejo PorrasOn Industry Evolution: "Don't say that you draw, like that's not your differentiator. A lot of people can draw, AI can draw now... We need to know the human behind it." - Alejo PorrasOn Value Creation: "Sometimes people care more about the story behind the object than the object itself. So if you manage to tell your story, that would be so much more valuable." - Alejo PorrasDr. Anuli Akanegbu: anuliwashere.com | @anuliwashere | Data and Society researchEmmoLei Sankofa: e-sankofa.com | @emmolei on InstagramAlejo Porras: Alejo Porras Art on Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn | Fresh Ideas newsletter on SubstackCould Be Pretty Cool is an audio-first think tank for creative industries, using conversations with artists, designers, and innovators as qualitative research about the creative economy. The show captures real-time insights from people living and working in rapidly evolving creative fields.Follow Could Be Pretty Cool: @couldbeprettycool | couldbeprettycool.com | couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.comAI in creative industries, creative entrepreneurship, administrative automation, human creativity value, artistic authenticity, creative process, double consciousness, cultural anthropology, film composition, visual note-taking, creative community, industry evolution, Atlanta creative scene

July 17, 2025Episode 1235 min

Can Arts Funding Survive Without Government Support?

Description: Explore the unprecedented shifts in US arts funding and what they mean for creative communities nationwide. Featuring John Carnwath from WolfBrown research and consulting firm on navigating federal cuts, building sustainable funding models, and reimagining how creative ecosystems can thrive through decentralized support systems and community-centered approaches.Key Topics:Federal cuts to NEA, NEH, and IMLS and their ripple effects on state agenciesThe reality of arts funding concentration and inequalityAlternative funding models from micro-grants to market-based sustainabilityLessons from international arts funding approachesMoving from top-down grant selection to ecosystem-wide supportLocal decision-making and community-responsive fundingThe role of private foundations and individual donors in filling gapsBuilding equity in arts funding distributionFeatured Guest:John Carnwath - Principal at WolfBrown research and consulting firm; Specialist in creative ecosystems, arts funding, cultural policy, and impact evaluationNotable Quotes:"It has to be local based... there's something to be said for the kind of more local, more immediately connected funding feedback loops." - John Carnwath"You reduce inequality by taking away the money from the people who already have it, 'cause that's gonna be easier than getting more money for the people who don't have resources." - John Carnwath"Supporting lots of little things... making it really easy to get funding to do something that's not bureaucratic, that you can quickly turn around." - John CarnwathConnect with our guest:John Carnwath: LinkedIn and wolfbrown.comSpecial Announcement:Could Be Pretty Cool News is now a certified B Corporation! Learn more about our mission-driven approach and upcoming creative research initiatives.Follow Could Be Pretty Cool News:@couldbeprettycool | couldbeprettycool.com | couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.comKeywords: arts funding, NEA cuts, creative ecosystems, sustainable funding models, arts policy, cultural funding, creative entrepreneurship, foundation grants, community arts support, arts funding equity

June 25, 2025Episode 1143 min

Can Sustainable Creativity Create Circular Systems?

Explore how creative entrepreneurs are building sustainable futures through circular systems that honor both ancestral wisdom and innovative solutions. Featuring Tamara Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail on bridging Lakota values with renewable energy technology, and Jonelle Dawkins on creating financial independence through creative reuse.Traditional ecological knowledge meeting modern sustainability solutionsCreative reuse as economic empowerment for artistsBuilding circular economies that serve communitiesIndigenous entrepreneurship and cultural preservationRemoving barriers to creative independenceSustainability as environmental, social, and financial interconnectednessCommunity-driven renewable energy projectsCreative problem-solving for systemic challengesCultural authenticity and certification processesMulti-disciplinary creative entrepreneurshipTamara Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail - Founder of Lakota Women Business (LLC) and Lakota Women Initiative (nonprofit); Member of the Sicangu Lakota tribe; Renewable energy advocate and Indigenous women's empowerment leaderJonelle Dawkins - Executive Director at Scraplanta; Multi-disciplinary creative entrepreneur; Creative reuse movement leader"As Lakota people, we utilize the buffalo for our robes, for our tepees. So a tepee is our home and reaching out to the earth to build a sustainable home is where we're at in the future, especially as climate changes and the earth changes and how do we meet that change as it's coming into the future." - Tamara Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail"At Scrap Atlanta, we are taking art supplies from people who no longer need it... instead of us putting it to the landfill and it no longer having a useful life, they can bring it to a creative for reuse center and somebody else who maybe they want to get started in sewing... can use that they make that piece that helps them get that job that helps them build independence." - Jonelle DawkinsTamara: https://www.lakotawomenbusinessllc.com/ and Lakota Women InitiativeJonelle: @scrapATL on Instagram, @scrapatlanta on Facebook, and @scrapatl on TikTokTucker Creative Reuse CenterAdair Park Creative Reuse CenterDuluth popup location@couldbeprettycool | couldbeprettycool.com | couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.comSustainable creativity, circular economy, Indigenous entrepreneurship, creative reuse, renewable energy, Lakota culture, community empowerment, creative independence, traditional ecological knowledge, upcycling, social sustainability, financial sustainability, cultural preservation, creative problem-solving

June 5, 202529 min

Can AI and Human Artistry Coexist?

In this inaugural episode of The Young Creator Electorate, host Sabbath Canady explores one of the most pressing questions facing young creators today: what does the rise of artificial intelligence mean for the future of human creativity?Theatre artist and recent college graduate Nicholas Gilomen takes center stage with a powerful monologue that captures the complex relationship between AI technology and working artists. Speaking directly to an AI voice, Nicholas wrestles with questions that keep many creators up at night: Will AI replace human performers? How do we protect artistic authenticity in an age of deepfakes? And what happens when corporations prioritize cost-cutting over the humanity behind the art?Through his personal lens as an aspiring voice actor navigating ongoing industry strikes, Nicholas examines how AI impacts everything from background performers to major productions, and why the loss of entry-level opportunities could reshape entire creative industries. The conversation that follows digs deeper into issues of digital privacy, stolen likenesses, and the urgent need for regulation in our rapidly evolving technological landscape.This episode doesn't offer easy answers, but it amplifies the thoughtful, nuanced perspectives of Gen Z creators who refuse to be passive observers in conversations that will shape their artistic futures. From the ethics of AI training data to the importance of maintaining human connection in art, these young voices are asking the hard questions that matter most.Featuring: Nicholas Gilomen (Theatre Artist) and Sabbath Canady (Host, Spelman College)Produced by: Could Be Pretty Cool News in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting Student Voices Collective

May 21, 2025Episode 1042 min

Navigating Change: From Fractional Production to Georgia's Arts Divide

DescriptionExplore how creative entrepreneurs are navigating industry transitions and building sustainable futures through two distinct perspectives. Featuring Dani Dufresne on reshaping creative production with a fractional model beyond traditional agency structures, followed by Kacie Luaders' thoughtful examination of Georgia's creative ecosystem highlighting the stark contrast between struggling nonprofit arts organizations and expanding commercial entertainment ventures in Atlanta.Key TopicsEvolving from traditional agency models to flexible, fractional productionBuilding sustainable creative businesses during industry shiftsNavigating business formation and contracts as creative entrepreneursCreating supportive networks for creative professionalsBalancing creative work with personal responsibilitiesThe divide between nonprofit and for-profit creative sectors in GeorgiaGeorgia's ranking in state arts funding and its impact on cultural organizationsThe expansion of commercial entertainment ventures in AtlantaCreating symbiotic relationships between different parts of the creative economyFeatured SegmentsInterview: Dani Dufresne - CEO and Executive Producer of The Auxiliary Co. ; Pioneer of the "fractional executive producer" model in creative productionCommentary: "Atlanta Arts: A Tale of Two Sectors" - Kacie Luaders explores the contrasting realities of Georgia's nonprofit arts organizations facing funding cuts while commercial entertainment ventures in Atlanta expand with substantial backingNotable Quotes"I don't ever wanna get in the way of making my agency feeling uncomfortable because like we're putting our work out as ours. So then we actually crafted that as our new, like p or really as our biggest communication. This is not our work. So that opens up our reel and you see all the different kinds of things that we've done, but it's not. We do your work, we get your vision made." - Dani Dufresne"No one will give a shit about your business as much as you do. No employee you ever hire will care as much as you do." - Dani Dufresne"If it feels too produced, people are gonna know... they're gonna see it." - Dani Dufresne"Georgia ranks 50th in the nation for state arts funding, investing only 14 cents per capita on the arts. That puts us at the very bottom nationwide when it comes to public support for arts and culture, highlighting a systemic underinvestment in the nonprofit creative sector." - Kacie Luaders"The question isn't just 'How can nonprofits become more sustainable?' but rather 'How can we create a cultural landscape where both commercial and mission-driven arts thrive together?' This requires seeing beyond the false dichotomy of business versus art and recognizing the inherent interdependence of Atlanta's creative sectors." - Kacie LuadersConnect with our guestThe Auxiliary CoLinkedIn: Dani DufresneRecent News MentionedNational Endowment for the Arts grant withdrawals affecting Georgia arts organizations (over $500,000 in funding)Live Nation's new 5,300-capacity music venue at Centennial Yards ($5 billion downtown development)Follow Could Be Pretty Cool News@couldbeprettycoolcouldbeprettycool.comKeywordsCreative entrepreneurship, fractional production model, advertising production, creative agency adaptation, industry transitions, sustainable creative careers, Georgia nonprofit arts funding, Atlanta commercial entertainment ventures, arts advocacy, cultural ecosystem, Atlanta arts landscape, creative business models

May 7, 2025Episode 934 min

How Can We Reimagine Creative Education?

Description:Explore how passionate educators are building innovative frameworks for creative education across the Southeast through two unique perspectives. Featuring Derek "Prez" Jackson on establishing a collegiate model for music entrepreneurship that treats creative development with the same seriousness as athletics, and Montgomery Davis on creating more inclusive, consent-driven spaces in performing arts training. Together, they demonstrate how lived experience can transform into sustainable systems that serve communities historically excluded from artistic career pathways.Creating equitable pathways to music industry careers through educational systemsBuilding entrepreneurial frameworks for creative talent developmentEstablishing consent-driven practices in performance educationMaking creative training accessible for diverse communities and abilitiesDeveloping student-led creative communities on college campusesTransforming personal tragedy into purpose-driven educational modelsCreating supportive networks for underrepresented creative voicesNavigating industry transitions through community-centered approachesAdapting teaching methods for differently-abled performersBalancing creative development with business acumenDerek "Preez Jackson" - Founder and Executive Director of National Collegiate Entertainers Group (NSEC); Atlanta-born entrepreneur; Leader of NSEC Southern Convention initiativeMontgomery Davis - Fight and intimacy choreographer; Teaching artist and educator; Motion capture performer; Advocate for accessible performing arts training"We are creating essentially the NCAA of the music industry." - Derek "Prez" Jackson"This industry is entrepreneurship. None of nobody told us that when we were falling in love with music, they just said, 'Hey, make the music, get signed.' ... And once you expose the students to the fact that this is entrepreneurship and what that means... then everything else just kind of starts to click." - Derek "Prez" Jackson"If you are given a container by an actor based off of their abilities or their cultural identity, and you don't know how to then create choreography for them, then you're not doing your job... My job is to take the box and the container that I'm given and create the story that we're trying to tell." - Montgomery DavisDerek: National Collegiate Entertainers Group (nationalceg.org or nsec.org)Montgomery: themontgomerydavis.com@couldbeprettycool | couldbeprettycool.com | couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.comKeywords: Music entrepreneurship, creative education, fight choreography, intimacy direction, collegiate arts, creative entrepreneurship, consent-driven practices, accessible arts training, student organizations, industry transitions, inclusive arts education, sustainable creative careers

April 23, 2025Episode 840 min

Can Creative Communities Transform Independent Artists' Careers?

Description: Explore how creative community building and strategic marketing are reshaping Georgia's independent creator landscape. Featuring Bill Worley and Mike Brown discussing the transformative power of The Artist's Way groups, and Jazz Jackson sharing insights on navigating industry shifts through innovative marketing approaches.Key Topics:Building supportive communities through The Artist's Way facilitationTransforming careers through creative accountabilityNavigating social media as a discovery tool for independent creatorsBalancing AI integration with authentic creativityEmail/SMS marketing as owned alternatives to "rented" social platformsGuerrilla marketing tactics for community-building beyond digital spacesCreating one-to-one connections in an algorithm-driven worldBuilding sustainable creative businesses during industry shiftsFeatured Guests:Bill Worley - Co-founder of Cool Cool Productions; Artist's Way facilitator; filmmaker and comedy creator for brands including Adult Swim and United WayMike Brown - Host of The Art of Letting Go podcast; musician; workshop facilitatorJazz Jackson - Founder and CEO of Unearthly Studios Creative Agency; marketing strategist with 12+ years experience; artist manager and A&RNotable Quotes: "The Artist's Way is honestly the reason that I am doing that today." - Bill Worley"Go into the space open and allow your life to be that canvas... living a creative life in the sense of how you cook, how you make love, how you dress." - Mike Brown"Social media today is the number one tool for artist discovery." - Jazz Jackson"Your email list is marketing gold... social media is rented real estate." - Jazz JacksonConnect with our guests:Bill: Cool Cool Productions (coolcoolcoolpro.com) | @worleybirdpictures on InstagramMike: The Art of Letting Go podcast.com | @theartofettingogopodcast on social mediaJazz: Unearthly Studios (unearthlystudios.com) | @allthatjazzxx on InstagramKeywords: Georgia creative entrepreneurs, The Artist's Way, creative community building, digital marketing, AI in creativity, email marketing, SMS marketing, guerrilla marketing, artist development, creative process, indie creators, community support, creative transformationFollow Could Be Pretty Cool News: @couldbeprettycool | couldbeprettycool.com | couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.com

April 9, 2025Episode 736 min

How Are Artists and Governments Reimagining Creative Support?

Description: Explore how Tennessee's creative entrepreneurs are navigating industry transitions and building sustainable futures through two unique perspectives. Featuring DeMarcus Akeem Suggs on reimagining Memphis's creative economy through innovative government support, and Nashville indie folk-rock artist Purser on forging an independent path while developing collaborative relationships in a changing music landscape.Key Topics:Building new government structures to support local artistsCreating artist-centered policies like the Artist Bill of RightsBalancing economic impact with community developmentNavigating creative careers during and after pandemic disruptionsBuilding sustainable artistic practices alongside day jobsDeveloping collaborative relationships that fuel creativityEstablishing authentic connection with audiences and communityInvesting in local residents rather than focusing solely on tourismFeatured Guests:DeMarcus Akeem Suggs - Director of Creative and Cultural Economy for the city of Memphis; Dance artist; Arts administrator; EducatorPurser - Independent folk-rock musician from Nashville; Digital marketer for other musicians; Recently released EP "Three Times"Notable Quotes: "One thing I'm also looking at in addition to the economy is how are we a hospitable city for artists and cultural workers to be, to also just be and to live." - DeMarcus Akeem Suggs"As long as you are still making sacrifices, no matter how big or how small, whether that's sacrificing your time, sacrificing some energy, sacrificing some income, as long as you are prioritizing art in at least one sphere of your life, then you're still an artist." - PurserConnect with our guests:DeMarcus: Follow City of Memphis on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)Purser: pursermusic.com and @pursermusic on social platformsMusic 365 Initiative: Look for Memphis's upcoming program to have live music every day of the week.Purser's EP Release Show: April 12th in Nashville for "Three Times" EPFollow Could Be Pretty Cool News: @couldbeprettycool | couldbeprettycool.com | couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.comKeywords: Tennessee arts, creative economy, Memphis arts office, government arts support, indie musicians, Nashville music scene, artist sustainability, creative careers, pandemic adaptation, cultural policy, artist validation, arts collaboration

March 26, 2025Episode 642 min

What's Your Brand Story?: The Could Be Pretty Cool 5-Year Anniversary Special

Description: Join us for a special anniversary episode as we explore the art and science of brand storytelling through our own rebrand journey. Featuring the talented team from Brandsavor Media and Marketing who helped articulate our mission as an audio-first think tank, and web designer Sasha Revolus who translated our vision into a compelling digital presence. Discover how effective branding can authentically communicate your purpose and set the foundation for sustainable growth.Key Topics:· Developing clarity, authenticity, and scalability in brand messaging· The evolution from podcast production to audio-first think tank· Creating brand narratives that capture mission and impact· The importance of personal connection in web design and brand development· Building a framework that supports business expansion and growth· The challenges of telling your own company story· Finding balance between entrepreneurship and personal fulfillment· Community-building approaches for creative entrepreneursFeatured Guests:· Nikkia Adolphe - Co-founder and Head of Strategy, Brandsavor Media and Marketing· Ekaette Kern - Co-founder and CEO, Brandsavor Media and Marketing· Sasha Revolus - Creative Director, Web Designer, and EntrepreneurNotable Quotes: "Brand storytelling really comes down to more than just words... it's really about capturing the hearts and minds of your mission." - Nikkia Adolphe"If you tap into really trying to hone in on your superpowers, you can really tell an authentic story that people really want to understand, hear, and share." - Ekaette Kern"I think that for most business owners, the reason why people buy into anything is because of you." - Sasha RevolusConnect with our guests:· Brandsavor: www.brandsavor.co | LinkedIn: Brand Savior· Sasha Revolus: iamsashar.com | This Is How I Sunday: thisishowisunday.comFollow Could Be Pretty Cool News: @couldbeprettycool | couldbeprettycool.com | couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.comKeywords: brand storytelling, rebrand, creative entrepreneurship, business evolution, brand messaging, web design, brand identity, small business branding, audio-first, think tank, creative economy, authenticity in business

March 13, 2025Episode 538 min

Can Local Voices Reshape Creative Industries?

Description: Explore how Georgia's creative entrepreneurs are navigating industry transitions and building sustainable futures through two unique perspectives. Featuring Darius Evans on reshaping Georgia's film landscape beyond the "Hollywood of the South" narrative, and muralist Elaine Stephenson on forging an independent artistic path while creating community support systems.Key Topics:· Evolving from service industry to authentic local production· Building sustainable creative businesses during industry shifts· Government support for independent creators and local voices· Navigating business formation and contracts as creative entrepreneurs· Creating supportive networks for underrepresented creative voices· Balancing creative work with personal responsibilities· Developing community-centered creative ecosystems· Advocating for local creative industries· Prioritizing authentic expression over external validationFeatured Guests:· Darius Evans - Co-president of Georgia Production Partnership; Independent film and TV producer; Leader of Georgia Film Week initiative· Elaine Stephenson - Independent muralist, designer and artist; Founder of ATL Art Gals; Public art specialistNotable Quotes: "It has to be local based. It has to be independent based... Everything that we built to service Hollywood now has to be used to service independent producers." - Darius Evans"It's just really important to me to help support other female creatives and women-owned businesses... We need to support each other and really emphasize community over competition." - Elaine StephensonConnect with our guests:· Darius: Georgia Production Partnership (georgiaproduction.org)· Elaine: ArtsyElaine.com and ATL Art GalsGeorgia Film Week: March 17-21, 2025. Visit georgiaproduction.org for details and registration.Follow Could Be Pretty Cool News: @couldbeprettycool | couldbeprettycool.com | couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.comKeywords: Georgia film industry, creative entrepreneurship, public art, murals, independent film, creative advocacy, women in arts, creative community building, industry transitions, local production, sustainable creative careers