Episodes

  • In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder is joined by Melissa Le Nicol, a freelance senior art producer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Melissa shares her journey from working at renowned agencies such as Leo Burnett and Ogilvy to her passion for discovering top photographers and production solutions. They discuss the evolving role of an art producer, the importance of treatments, budget transparency, and the dynamics of creative calls. Additionally, Melissa reveals her fascinating background as an acupuncturist and forensic genealogist, highlighting the diverse interests and skills she has developed alongside her illustrious career in art production.



    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:

    Connect with Melissa Le Nicol on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissalenicol/

    Melissa’s website: https://melissalenicol.com/

    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

  • In this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather Elder interviews freelance executive producer Lisa Lee. Lisa's extensive career spans content creation for major brands, a pivotal role at TBWA/Chiat/Day, and over 15 years at CP&B. The discussion delves into Lisa's journey, the evolution of her role, and the intricacies of art production. Lisa shares insights on maintaining calm and patience in high-pressure environments, the importance of clear communication, and the challenges of modern production timelines. The conversation also touches on future industry trends, including the impact of AI, and personal anecdotes about navigating the creative 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:

    Connect with Lisa Lee on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lee-63b7204/

    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





  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • In this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather Elder welcomes Vice President and Executive Producer, Mindy Miller, for a deep dive into various aspects of the creative industry and a discussion that explores topics such as collaboration, empathy, and the need for fair practices to foster a thriving creative ecosystem. Heather interviews Mindy on her unique career journey from fitness training to a leadership role in art production, emphasizing the necessity of creative problem-solving and better communication between agency staff and artists. The conversation expands to the complexities of agency operations, the inefficiencies of the triple bidding process, and the benefits of firm bids. They also explore talent management, the influence of social media in discovering talent, and emerging trends in authentic photography. Additionally, there is a critical examination of industry treatment practices and the potential roles of AI and standardization.



    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:

    Connect with Mindy Miller on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindymillerberg/

    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

  • In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder interviews George Qatsha, a seasoned executive producer with extensive experience in marketing, entertainment, and brand-focused companies. They discuss George's background in photography and his journey into production, highlighting his expertise in visual storytelling and team coordination for major brands like Apple, Nike, and Google. The conversation delves into the importance of integrating creative visions with business needs, transparency in the production process, and the evolving landscape of AI in creative industries. They also touch on trends such as the need for motion in artistic reels, the role of websites, and the potential use of AI as a tool rather than a replacement in production 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:

    Connect with George Qatsha on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-qatsha-10122a12/

    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

  • In this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather Elder welcomes Elisa Morse, founder and executive producer of the commercial production company, Piece Mill. Elisa shares her journey from aspiring copywriter and theater major to becoming an on-staff producer at Snapchat and eventually founding her own forward-thinking production company in 2018. They discuss the impact of social media on commercial production, the evolution of industry standards, the importance of authenticity and collaboration, and the challenges and opportunities that come with flexibility in modern production. Elisa also shares insights about maintaining meaningful relationships, promoting a positive and inclusive company culture, and the significance of female leadership.





    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:

    Connect with Elisa and Piece Mill https://piecemill.co/

    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



  • In this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather Elder welcomes Mary Ann Guglietta, VP Executive Producer at IPG Health. Mary Ann shares insights from her unique career journey, starting from behind the camera to a thriving career in art buying and production, specializing in still art forms such as photography, illustration, and CGI. Throughout the conversation, Mary Ann discusses the nuances of managing creative projects, the importance of effective communication and relationships, and the current trends in art production, including the impact of AI and the integration of CGI and photography. Heather and Mary Ann also dive into the process of bidding and awarding projects, emphasizing the significance of creative treatments, and offer advice to young artists navigating this field.




    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 Mary Ann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-guglietta-621b40b8

    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

  • In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder converses with Cassie Bull, a VP Executive Freelance Producer, exploring her impressive journey within the production industry. They delve into Bull's beginnings in PR, her transition to an ad agency, and her evolution into a respected producer known for her creative and adaptable approach across photography, animation, original music, sound, and broadcast video production. The conversation illuminates the importance of adaptability, the art of maintaining work-life balance amidst busy schedules, and the nuances of the creative process in freelancing. Also discussed is client relationships, the critical role of treatments in pitching, and trends in pharma advertising.



    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 Cassie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-bull-b0658a33/

    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

  • In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder sits down with Alexis Coulter, the dynamic Head of Production at adam&eveDDB West. Alexis shares her fascinating journey from a self-proclaimed 'theater kid' passionate about storytelling, through her early career beginnings in TV and PBS, to her eventual emergence as a leading figure in advertising, where she honed her skills across several renowned agencies before making impactful contributions at sweetgreen. The conversation also explores the challenges and triumphs of the advertising world, the nuances of creative collaboration, the importance of establishing authentic connections on creative calls, and the perpetual quest for talent.




    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 Alexis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisstembercoulter

    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

  • In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder speaks with Ilana Galang, a Senior Integrated Art Producer at Dentsu Creative, about her extensive career in advertising, transcending from account management to becoming a full-time integrated producer. Ilana shares her diverse experience working with a range of clients and projects and they delve into the dynamics of creative calls and bidding processes, the vital role of positive mindset in production, and how marketing to art producers has evolved. Both Heather and Ilana discuss the effects of societal trends on advertising, speculating on the future of the industry amidst technological advancements. Filled with practical insights and personal experiences, this episode is a comprehensive look into the challenges and successes encountered in the world of art production.





    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 Ilana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagfried/

    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

  • In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder warmly welcomes Madi Nauta, an Art Producer at Anomaly in Los Angeles. The conversation kicks off with Madi sharing her journey from being an advertising major at Oregon to an established art producer, detailing her experiences at Media Arts Lab and her recent move to Anomaly. The two explore the nuances of art production, discussing the unpredictable yet rewarding path, Madi’s transition to Anomaly, and the intricacies of working on stills versus motion projects. They also touch upon the importance of communication with photographers, reps, and how digital platforms affect their professional interactions. Insights into the selection process for photographers, the role of treatments in the industry, and the personal aspects of making critical professional decisions are also thoughtfully explored. It's an enlightening conversation that offers a glimpse into the world of art production, underscored by a shared passion for creativity, collaboration, and the ever-evolving landscape of advertising and photography.




    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 Madi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madi-nauta-999b61119/

    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

  • In this enlightening conversation, Executive Producer Chris Wurst shares his insightful journey from working on movies, reality shows, and music videos to becoming an integral part of the advertising industry at Leo Burnett. Chris talks about his initial interest in production, exposure to reality TV, transition into the music video world, and finally his role as executive producer at Leo Burnett. Chris also emphasizes the value of collaboration, authenticity, personality, and respecting time and effort in the ever-evolving creative 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 Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherwurst/

    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

  • In this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather Elder, is joined by Robyn Swierk, the Senior Creative Program Manager, and Pete Anderson, the Global Video Lead, both from FreshWorks During the discussion, Robyn and Pete share their roles at FreshWorks, their workflow, how they engage with artists for projects, as well as tips for how artists can effectively pitch their work. They also reveal their predictions for the remainder of 2023 and share their dream jobs. Listen in for valuable insights into the creative process at FreshWorks. Stay tuned for more episodes of Dear Art Producer, bringing you the inside scoop on the enthralling world of creative production.





    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 Robyn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynswierk/

    Find Pete on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-anderson-a689106/

    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

  • The 100th episode of the "Dear Art Producer," Heather Elder welcomes Sandra Gomez, Senior VP and Group Director in Creative Production at FCB Health. In their conversation they delve into Sandra’s illustrious career and contributions to the industry. Her journey from a production assistant to her current leadership role at FCB Health exemplifies the transformative power of passion and purpose in the creative field. Listen in as they discuss the importance of fostering a supportive work environment, utilizing efficient systems like for streamlining production, and the critical role of scoping and spec sheets in successful project execution. Also discussed is Sandra’s criteria for evaluating artists and the value of emotionally connecting with their work, and the significance of inclusivity in artist selections.





    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 Sandra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-gomez-834b714/

    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

  • In this episode of Dear Art Producer, Heather Elder sits down with Christina Court, Executive Producer at JOAN Creative, for an insightful conversation about her journey in the world of art production and the ever-evolving landscape of the advertising industry. Listen in as Heather and Christina delve into various aspects of her career, her role as an executive producer, and her thoughts on the future generation of talent.





    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 Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-cort/

    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

  • In the latest episode of "Dear Art Producer," host Heather Elder engages in an insightful conversation with Aggie Ryan, Assistant Producer at Preacher, an advertising agency in Austin, Texas. Aggie shares her unique experiences in the world of advertising and filmmaking, highlighting projects like the Preacher confessional radio station at Willie Nelson's ranch and the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the industry. The episode delves into various aspects of the creative process, client interactions, and the evolving landscape of marketing, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the advertising and production world in 2023.




    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 Aggie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aggie-ryan-946a56159/

    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

  • In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder interviews Ali Berk, Director of Art and Print Production at 72andSunny in Los Angeles. Ali shares her fascinating career journey, starting as an intern in the fashion industry at Tommy Hilfiger at a young age, moving through high fashion brands and editorial magazines, and eventually transitioning to the advertising photography side. Listen in as she discusses her role at 72andSunny, where she oversees art production, photography, illustration, CGI, animation, and graphic design, the importance of creating meaningful partnerships between artists and brands, and the value of being deeply involved in the creative process. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the current production landscape, with a focus on providing value and creating work that is hard to ignore.

    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 Ali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-berk-9010636/

    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

  • In this episode, Liz Aviles shares insights from the annual trend report she develops as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Cultural Insights at Upshot, a marketing agency that identifies insights and crafts strategies at the intersection of culture and commerce. From mindful maximalism to chaotic cooking, Liz explores the trends inspiring creative business innovation across various categories. Heather and Liz also discuss the impact of disruptions on art, the rise of micro-cultures, and the rapid growth of AI, and offer their insights on how creatives and brands can stay ahead of the curve. If you're looking to expand your vision and tap into the energy and appetite for change in the culture, this podcast is a must-listen!



    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 Liz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizaviles/

    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

  • Join host Heather Elder on Dear Art Producer as she sits down with Erika Henke, the Photo Production Manager at Land's End. With over two decades of experience in fashion, commercial photography, and video production, Erika manages teams of creatives to produce stunning work across all forms of media. In this episode, Heather and Erika discuss the importance of building strong relationships in the industry, as well as the challenges faced by new entrants. They also delve into the importance of personal connections with artists, developing a budget to cover all aspects of a photo shoot, and the impact of AI in the advertising 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 Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikahenke/

    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

  • Welcome back to another episode of Dear Art Producer. This week host Heather Elder interviews Cliff Lewis, Director of Art Production at Droga5 in New York. Previously in his career, Cliff was the Director of Art Production at BBH in London and New York overseeing award-winning work for such brands as Levi Strauss, Audi,and more. Now at Droga5, Cliff manages a team of art producers who are part of an integrated system of production. Listen in as they take a deep dive into Cliff’s world and cover topics such as social media, finding your voice, and being ambitiously creative.



    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 Cliff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliffl/

    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

  • Welcome to Dear Art Producer. Listen in as host, Heather Elder interviews the talented Kim Stoerker, a freelance integrated art producer, on her inspiring journey from college student to one of the most sought after art producers in the industry. Kim shares valuable insights on the ever-evolving role of art producers, the importance of successful creative calls and treatments, and the challenges of bidding on projects. But that's not all - the duo talks about everything from the changing role of technology in art production to the increasing importance of providing feedback to underdog photographers.



    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 Kim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-stoerker-4621129/

    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