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What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Matthew Encinas - Creative director, educator, and the creative force behind content that actually drives connection (not just clicks).
In this episode, Matthew breaks down why most creatives are about to get replaced by AI - and what you can actually do to stay ahead. We dive into how to build a personal brand that can’t be automated, the storytelling tactics that cut through the noise, and the underrated power of creative substance in a world obsessed with speed.
He also shares why he left The Futur to launch his own studio, the mindset shift that helped him evolve past burnout, and the real reason most creators are stuck spinning their wheels.
If you’re ready to evolve as a creator, build a brand with purpose, and stay relevant in the AI era, this episode is for you.
Check out Matthew here:
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https://www.youtube.com/ @MatthewEncina
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:12 - Matthew’s take on A.I. content
3:11 - Having a bias against A.I.
4:37 - You can’t automate substance
7:10 - What the next 6-12 months look like
9:00 - Consuming vs. Creating
10:37 - Seeking out Inspo
12:25 - The two tiers of inspo
13:58 - Where substance comes from
16:42 - What A.I. can never replace
17:42 - The importance of doing hard things
19:36 - How to stand out on social media
20:47 - How to train your brain to do hard things
22:54 - Matthew loves to break dance
25:28 - Taking inspiration from break dancing into design
26:50 - The importance of experiencing real life
28:43 - Design vs. Video process
31:16 - Woodworking
35:03 - The art of being curious
36:36 - How to build confidence as a creative
41:50 - When opportunities stop presenting themselves
45:15 - The process of getting better
47:17 - Ending his first creative business
55:09 - Matthew’s entire creative process
1:01:38 - Biggest takeaways from Chris Do
1:04:22 - The beauty of teaching creativity
1:06:11 - A masterclass in design
1:08:58 - Become a great leader
1:11:58 - What goes into making a keyboard
1:16:34 - Partnering with Grovemade
1:17:42 - How to find the whitespace as a brand
1:22:47 - Why risk a rebrand?
1:25:18 - The Double Diamond Framework
1:28:20 - Developing thick skin as a designer
1:32:15 - Constructive Criticism
1:35:35 - Most people are kind
1:36:39 - Step ya bread up
1:38:48 - The business behind physical products
1:40:13 - Testing prototypes
1:42:37 - How to reverse engineer your ideal customer
1:45:00 - Creating for yourself
1:50:11 - Matthew’s favorite physical products to create
1:59:10 - A job you don’t have to retire from
2:00:47 - Advice to your 18 year old self
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