Podcast Summary: The Futur with Chris Do – Episode 332: Discovering Creative Freedom with Matthew Encina
Introduction
In Episode 332 of The Futur Podcast, host Chris Do engages in an in-depth conversation with Matthew Encina, a seasoned creative professional and former Creative Director at Blind. The episode delves into Matthew's journey from working within a structured creative environment to embracing entrepreneurial freedom, exploring content creation, and venturing into industrial product design. This summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key insights, experiences, and lessons learned.
Background and Relationship with The Futur
Matthew Encina, a native of Los Angeles, boasts over two decades of experience in the creative industry. His professional relationship with Chris Do began in 2006 at the Art Center, where Chris was his instructor in graphic design. This mentorship evolved as Matthew interned and eventually freelanced for Chris, culminating in a decade-long tenure as Creative Director at Blind. Together, they collaborated on high-profile projects for brands like Xbox and artists such as Coldplay.
Notable Quote:
"Chris was my teacher back in 2006 at Art Center, where I studied graphic design. And then I went to go intern for him. I went to go freelance for him. And eventually he locked me down as a creative director at Blind…" [01:22]
Transition to Independence
After contributing significantly to Blind and later The Futur, Matthew felt the urge to explore his creative potential independently. In 2016, he joined The Futur, where he honed his skills in content creation and teaching. Three years ago, Matthew decided to set sail on his own, driven by curiosity and a desire to share his unique insights without compromise.
Notable Quote:
"I've kind of set my sail. I left the future. Just let the winds of curiosity kind of guide me to where I am now." [02:49]
Chris Do reflects on their long-standing relationship, expressing support and appreciation for Matthew's decision, emphasizing the mutual growth they've experienced over two decades.
YouTube Success: Strategy and Insights
In early 2019, Matthew launched his YouTube channel, initially as a hobby to document his home office remodel. Contrary to his low expectations, his first video garnered over 100,000 views within a week, eventually reaching a million views in three months. This unexpected success prompted Matthew to produce more content, each achieving several million views. He attributes this to his authentic voice and meticulous approach to content creation.
Notable Quote:
"I started my YouTube channel in early 2019… my first video hit a million views, and I was so surprised." [06:28]
Chris highlights the deliberate planning behind Matthew's content, likening each video launch to a significant product release. This strategic approach contrasts with The Futur's volume-driven content model, underscoring Matthew's commitment to quality and intentionality.
Notable Quote:
"Each video I treat like a launch. So with working in the commercial advertising space, we spent many months working on the launch…" [42:09]
Venture into Product Design: Mechanical Keyboards
Building on his YouTube success, Matthew ventured into industrial product design, focusing on mechanical keyboards. Collaborating with brands like Grovemade, he co-developed products such as the Note Taking Kit. Despite lacking prior experience in product design, Matthew embraced the learning curve, acquiring skills in CAD modeling and prototyping.
Notable Quote:
"I got introduced to keyboards about three years ago… mechanical keyboards give me the parts, I'll kind of figure this out." [32:09]
Matthew describes the intricate process of designing and manufacturing keyboards, emphasizing the tactile and addictive nature of these products. His collaboration with experts and the adoption of third-party logistics (3PL) solutions aim to maintain his lifestyle while scaling his product endeavors.
Notable Quote:
"If someone else can do it, so can you. That was the biggest lesson that I felt like I had learned and what gave me full confidence to leave the future." [47:20]
Business Structure and Monetization
Matthew's business model involves partnering with established brands, where he typically receives royalty percentages as the product designer. This arrangement allows him to earn passive income from multiple product runs without solely bearing the production risks. As he gains confidence, Matthew contemplates managing more aspects of the production process independently, exploring options to maintain his creative freedom while scaling his business.
Notable Quote:
"So usually what happens is I enter in as a designer… I usually get a royalty percentage as the designer of the product." [34:57]
Lessons Learned and Advice
Reflecting on his journey, Matthew shares three pivotal lessons:
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Lean into Your Curiosity: Delving deep into interests can unveil novel perspectives and opportunities.
"If you lean into your curiosity, you'll be finding treasure all day." [45:25]
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Everything Adds Up: Persistent effort across diverse projects builds a foundation where seemingly unrelated experiences converge.
"Everything adds up. So don't stress out too much about what's going to happen in the future." [47:18]
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If Someone Else Can Do It, So Can You: Observing peers' successes can bolster self-confidence and inspire similar achievements.
"Seeing people like you and others mature and develop gave me a lot of possibilities in my mind. If they can do it, why not me?" [47:20]
Personal Interests and Life Balance
Beyond his professional pursuits, Matthew remains passionate about dancing, a lifelong practice that has contributed to his confidence and creative expression. Balancing creative endeavors with physical fitness, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind.
Notable Quote:
"It's important to me to, I think, be healthy because if my body is healthy and my mind is healthy, then everything just works together." [52:18]
Conclusion
Episode 332 of The Futur Podcast offers a comprehensive look into Matthew Encina's transition from a corporate creative director to an independent content creator and product designer. His story underscores the value of curiosity, the cumulative power of diverse experiences, and the belief in one's capabilities. Matthew's journey serves as an inspiration for creatives aspiring to explore their potential beyond traditional boundaries.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Curiosity: Deep exploration leads to innovative ideas and opportunities.
- Persistence Pays Off: Consistent effort across various projects builds a robust foundation for future success.
- Believe in Yourself: Confidence, inspired by observing peers, can drive significant personal and professional growth.
- Balance is Essential: Maintaining physical and mental health is crucial for sustained creativity and productivity.
Connect with Matthew Encina:
- Website: Matthew and Cena
- Design Studio: Mod Musings
- Instagram: @modmusings
For more insightful discussions, subscribe to The Futur Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform and stay updated with new episodes each week.