In this episode, Mark speaks with Maria Clifton a.k.a DJ Ria. Maria is a successful well-known DJ for A list celebrity and events and major brands. Maria is an on-air personality for Sirius XM, Wilhelmina model, Actress, DJ, and in game host for the New York Islanders and New York Liberty. In this episode we discuss: DJ Ria background from Professional Basketball to Modeling/Acting to Hosting/DJing. How her personality and networking lead to her career journey and niche DJ Ria shares valuable advice for building on your own strengths to create your path.  DJ Ria, Maria Clifton :  https://www.instagram.com/riaria5/  https://djria.nyc/  Mark Testa https://www.markstephenagency.com [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/ https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriberThanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Franc Fernandez. Franc is an artist, designer, and creative director with Shaping Pop Culture. He creates complete visual tones from music videos to album covers to costumes for his high-profile clients including Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Katy Perry. He is best known for creating the meat dress for Lady Gaga at the 2010 MTV VMAs.  In this episode we discuss:  Franc’s Inspiring Career Journey: From Merchandising to Designer & Creative DirectorConcept of Lady Gaga’s Meat DressDesigning your own Career GrowthFranc Fernandez :  https://www.instagram.com/francfernandez/  Mark Testa https://www.markstephenagency.com [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/ https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriberThanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Guy Torry. Guy is a multi-talented actor, comedian, writer, and producer. Guy's credits range from acting in American History X and Pearl Harbor, to hosting Def Comedy Jam, to executive producing Fat Tuesdays, the era of hip hop comedy, named the best documentary by the New York Times in 2022. In this episode we discuss:•           Guy’s Inspiring Career Journey: From Marketing Assistant to Comedian to Producer•           Phat Tuesday & Def Comedy Jam •           Career Growth Essentials: Tools and Strategies for Success  Guy Torry : https://www.instagram.com/guytorry/  https://originalproductions.com/show/phat-tuesdays/ Mark Testa https://www.markstephenagency.com [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/ https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriberThanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this special episode, Mark shares a quick glance of what to expect in 2024. Topics we’ll cover and highlight as we evolve the focus of Creating the Perfect Experience Podcast. Some topics include:   Focus more on the Creative process and live experiences Individuals who follow their passion & create the best experiences Design, architecture, services Share tips and pitfalls of careers in Creative Space Ego & Collaboration Mentorship  Trends in 2024: 3D Video displays, influence of AI, DIY Techniques, punk revivals, all Immersive videos Sustainability Share secrets of success from top industry professionals  Mark Testa https://www.markstephenagency.com [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/ Instagram @markstephenea https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Ashaunna Ayars, A multifaceted, forward-thinking professional, her true passion lies in her natural ability to transform ideas into fruition. Ashaunna is the founder of the Ayars Agency, a strategic brand and entertainment marketing firm. Ashaunna is the branding mastermind behind campaigns for some of the top music stars and brands globally. Her mantra is “Move fast & create things”. In this episode we discuss: Ashaunna’s journey from the music industry to managing high-profile clients like Jay Z, Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, and Mary J. Blige– to founder of The Ayars Agency. Ashaunna's biggest inspirations and influences that fuel her motivation. How to effectively balance client needs with your own marketing expertise, brand collaborations, and understanding of consumer behavior. Ashuanna's advice to potential clients + so much more!Ashaunna Ayars [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/theayarsagency/  https://www.instagram.com/ashaunnakayars/ https://www.soawfestival.com/ Mark Testa https://www.markstephenagency.com [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/ https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriberThanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Bonnie Smith. Bonnie is the Senior Vice President and the Head of VIVI, the Culture Forward Division of Jack Morton Worldwide. Prior to her current position, she founded Studio B, a diversity driven creative agency with clients such as Showtime, NBC Sports, and CoverGirl. Bonnie has been featured in Adweek, Forbes, and Neyma Crane's Notable Entrepreneur.In this episode, we discuss:Bonnie's Inspiring Career Journey: From Production Coordinator to Senior Vice President at Jack MortonBoutique Firms vs. Global Design Agencies: Understanding the Distinctions Career Growth Essentials: Tools and Strategies for SuccessBonnie Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-ott-smith/ https://www.instagram.com/jackmorton  https://www.instagram.com/iambonniesmith/  Mark Testa https://www.markstephenagency.com [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/ https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriberThanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Christine McBride. Christine is the Senior Director of Logistics and Operations for the Essence Festival of Culture. Christine has 25 years of event production experience, producing hundreds of live large-scale events around the world. Christine even supported the United Nations Economic Development Fund in Rio.  Christine McBride https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-mcbride-7181186/   Mark Testa https://www.markstephenagency.com [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/ Instagram @markstephenea https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriberThanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Chaira Foma. Chaira is a designer on Mark’s team. Chaira enjoys and has experience experimenting and pushing Artificial Intelligence together on various AI projects. Mark and Chaira discuss how AI or generative artificial intelligence is affecting experiential design. 1:21         Apprehension about the potential of AI 2:22         Everyday Uses of AI 3:34         Chat GPT 5:42         Benefits of AI, Pushing Creativity, Productivity tool 8:39         Using AI is Not Cheating 9:50         Three Main Software’s for Experiential  11:23      Series of Steps to incorporate AI in designs 11:56      Using Mid-Journey with Photoshop 17:24      Key using AI 18:35      AI help with design process 21:30      Keep look out for what’s real Mark Testa https://www.markstephenagency.com [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/ Instagram @markstephenea https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriberThanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Maurice “Mo” Caicedo Owner of Hey Mister! Mo is an award-winning 3D animator, his company, Hey Mister, is a full-service visual effects animation interactive studio, which creates the virtual experience of the food network, Samsung, and the Van Gogh exhibit. 1:10  - Got started at a young age 2:22  - Traditional Art School – learned foundations of Art 7:08  - Blue Sky/Pixar 8:00  - Real-time game engine, Unreal Engine, Unity  12:10 - Creative Process: storyboarding, scripts, deck 15:20 - Artificial Intelligence 17:20 - Client Relations & Communicate. Scope Creek 21:20 - 3D scans, augmented reality experiences, projection mapping 22:29 - Van Gogh Experience - interactive 3D immersive project  24:44 - Meta Verse project: Young & Sick 27:02 - Web AR 30:19 - Ways to Connect with Mo Maurice (Mo) Caicedo https://www.instagram.com/heymisternyc/  https://www.heymister.tv/ Mark Testa https://www.markstephenagency.com [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/ Instagram @markstephenea https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriberThanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Elizabeth Anne Frank from Eye5. Elli is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eye5 a staffing agency for events and experiences for over 19 years. Eye 5 provides models and brand ambassadors for companies such as Maybelline, Samsung, and Target. 1:04           Got started with Experiential Marketing  4:16           Process of Staffing an Event 8:40           Necessary COVID Break turned into a Partnerships & business scaling   13:02        Memorable/ Nightmare Client 15:40        Dealing with Inappropriate/disrespectful clients 20:40        Conference and Trade Show Productions 25:00         Appreciative Clients & Staff  26:15         Best approach: Ask question and value the staff more 28:24         Non-Profit: Mr. Bones and Co. 31:32          Ways to Connect with Elli Elizabeth Anne Frank https://www.instagram.com/ellifranknyc/ https://eye-5.com/ https://mrbonesandco.org/  Mark Testa https://www.markstephenagency.com [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/ Instagram @markstephenea https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriberThanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/