Creative Belief
Creative Belief
CRTR Studio
We were made to create. All of us. Whether you'd call yourself a "creative" or not, we believe that creative lives somewhere inside of all of us. Creative Belief is curated collection of conversations with creatives who believe creativity can change the world. Each episode we'll talk to a new creative and get to there their origin story, learn about their creative process, and dream with them about where they see the world of creativity going. The goal? Inspire all of us to start, restart or keep creating beautiful things that make the world a better place.
Episode 007 | Creating Creative Surprise and Delight | Breana Elliott
Creativity isn’t just for the studio—it’s in our homes, our daily routines, and even our parenting. In this episode of Creative Belief, we sit down with Breana Elliott, founder of Elliott Design Co., an interior design firm that helps homeowners blend beauty with function.Breana shares her journey from photography and marketing to launching her own business, the lessons she’s learned about creativity along the way, and the importance of designing intentional spaces that reflect who we are. We also talk about the role of creativity in everyday life—whether it’s through cooking, parenting, or finding small ways to create moments of inspiration.If you’ve ever felt stuck in the mundane or wondered how to infuse more creativity into your world, this conversation is for you. Tune in and be inspired to see creativity in new ways.Connect With BreanaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/belliottxo/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanaelliott/Connect With Elliott Design Co. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliottdesign_co/...🎧 Subscribe to Creative Belief on Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3DgSHAN🎧 Subscribe to Creative Belief on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4h9LeRP📹 Watch Creative Belief on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4it8TO2
Mar 31, 2025
40 min
Episode 006 | Slowing Down, Believing In Yourself, and the Value of a Creative Culture at The Walt Disney Company | Ethan Karr
What does it take to bring creativity to life inside one of the most innovative companies in the world? In this episode of Creative Belief, we sit down with Ethan Karr, a senior specialist in employee communications and engagement at The Walt Disney Company, to explore the intersection of creativity, storytelling, and culture-building within a global brand.Ethan shares his journey from small-town Illinois to Disney, the power of writing as a personal creative outlet, and why slowing down is the secret to doing great creative work. We also dive into the evolving landscape of creativity—from immersive experiences to the role of AI—and the importance of unlocking creative potential in every industry.If you’ve ever doubted your creative ability or wondered how to blend passion with profession, this episode is for you. Tune in and be inspired to rethink what creativity looks like in your own life.Connect With EthanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethancarkarr/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethankarr/...🎧 Subscribe to Creative Belief on Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3DgSHAN🎧 Subscribe to Creative Belief on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4h9LeRP📹 Watch Creative Belief on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4it8TO2
Mar 24, 2025
39 min
Episode 005 | Redefining The Creative Mandate | Gabe Lindman
Creativity isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about solving real problems, thinking strategically, and building brands that stand the test of time. In this episode, we sit down with Gabe Lindman, founder of Illume, a strategic branding consultancy helping startups and growth-stage companies craft compelling narratives and carve out their space in the market.Gabe shares his journey from business school to brand strategy, the intersection of creativity and structure, and why the best creative work happens within boundaries. We also dive into the power of slow productivity, why true differentiation is more than just visuals, and how founders can reframe their brand stories to connect on a deeper level.If you’re a creative, an entrepreneur, or someone shaping the future of a brand, this episode is for you.Connect With GabeGabe's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellindman/Illume LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/illumedesignco/posts/?feedView=allWebsite: https://www.illumedesign.co...🎧 Subscribe to Creative Belief on Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3DgSHAN🎧 Subscribe to Creative Belief on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4h9LeRP📹 Watch Creative Belief on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4it8TO2
Mar 17, 2025
34 min
Episode 004 | Photography, Entrepreneurship, and the Power of Community | Raegan Waite
Creativity is more than just an art form—it’s a way of building meaningful connections and lasting impact. In this episode, Raegan Waite, owner, founder and lead photographer of Clay House Photography, shares her journey from high school yearbook photographer to running a thriving wedding photography business. We dive into the challenges of turning creativity into a career, the power of personal storytelling in photography, and the importance of building a business that prioritizes connection over trends. Raegan also opens up about the role of community, creative growth, and resisting the pressure to monetize every passion.If you’re a creative entrepreneur—or dreaming of turning your passion into a business—this episode is packed with insights on navigating creativity, business growth, and staying inspired along the way.Connect With Clay House Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clayhousephoto/Website: https://clayhousephoto.comConnect with Raegan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raeganwaite/...🎧 Subscribe to Creative Belief on Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3DgSHAN🎧 Subscribe to Creative Belief on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4h9LeRP📹 Watch Creative Belief on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4it8TO2
Mar 10, 2025
40 min
Episode 003 | Winning By Stealing Like An Artist In A Crowded Market | Zach Witzig
In a world full of noise, how do brands truly stand out? Zach Witzig, enterprise account manager at GR0 and a passionate marketer, joins us to talk about the power of authentic storytelling, the future of AI in marketing, and how brands can create real connections with their audiences.Zach shares his journey from growing up in China to working with brands across multiple industries, helping them craft messaging that resonates. He dives into his creative process, the importance of personalization in marketing, and why stealing from the best can actually fuel better creativity.Plus, we talk about the role of silence and solitude in the creative process, why great ideas often come when you least expect them, and—of course—his love for pickleball.Tune in for a conversation full of insights, humor, and practical advice for anyone looking to sharpen their creative edge.🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-belief/id1794780254🎧 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IYF4T3iURMmZUtNzILg7l?si=7801c94462e54d17📹 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CRTRStudio
Mar 3, 2025
43 min
Episode 002 | Breaking The Rules to Make Brands Better | Ross Shafer
What happens when you let go of the rules and push creativity beyond its limits? That’s exactly what Ross Schafer has done with the Pacers Victory Jersey Project, where he designs a brand-new Pacers jersey after every win. But this project is just one part of his creative journey.In this episode of Creative Belief, Ross—an art director, illustrator, and type designer—talks with us about breaking brand rules, trusting the creative process, and how design can thrive when it’s given room to evolve. We also dive into the impact of AI on creativity, the balance between structure and experimentation, and why he believes the best brands are the ones that aren’t afraid to grow and change.If you’ve ever felt boxed in by creative constraints, this episode is for you.Connect With Ross:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wechoose.themoon/X - https://x.com/hot_jupiterrRoss' Work - https://dribbble.com/wechoose-themoon
Feb 24, 2025
41 min
Episode 001 | Creating Authentic Art that Endures | Christian Barreno
What does it mean to create with authenticity? For cinematographer and event space co-owner Christian Barreno, it’s about more than just making something that looks good—it’s about building trust, telling real stories, and staying true to the work that moves you.In this episode of Creative Belief, Christian shares his journey from growing up in a house filled with music to navigating the world of film and production. We dive into the tension between commercial projects and personal passion, the role of AI and technology in creativity, and why authenticity will always be the thing that lasts.If you’ve ever wrestled with the balance between making a living and making meaningful work, this one’s for you.Connect with ChristianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian_barreno/Website: https://christianbarreno.com
Feb 19, 2025
43 min
Episode 000 | Welcome To Creative Belief
We believe we were made to create.Welcome to Creative Belief, a new podcast from CRTR Studio where we share a curated collection of conversations with creatives who believe creativity can change the world.Each week, Alex Holt, creative director and co-founder of CRTR Studio, and Josh Day, our senior brand designer, sit down with creatives from all kinds of backgrounds to talk about their stories, their creative processes, and where they see creativity heading in the next few years.The goal? To expand what it means to be a creative, because we believe creativity lives in all of us—not just the “creatives.” Whether you’re sketching out ideas, leading a team, or building something from the ground up, you were made to create incredible things that make the world better.In this week's episode, Alex and Josh introduce the show, share their personal creative journeys and tease some of the guests who will be on Season 01. Welcome to Creative Belief.
Feb 6, 2025
30 min