How to Design Your Own Success (with Matthew Encina) - 080
Jun 20, 2024
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Matthew Encina, a creative powerhouse known for his work at The Futur and his design studio Mod Musings, dives into the world of mentorship and productivity. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and context for creative growth. From mastering creative pitches to navigating mental health in the spotlight of social media, Matthew offers invaluable insights. He also shares his journey from graphic design to launching innovative products, like the Encore keyboard, blending creativity with business savvy.
Matthew Encina emphasizes the significance of curiosity in fostering innovation and growth within the creative process and community.
He highlights the essential role of mentorship, proposing a diverse approach through the 'plus, minus, equal' framework for guidance.
Matthew discusses the challenges of maintaining mental health as a content creator, advocating for alignment with personal values over trends.
The podcast showcases the satisfaction in designing custom mechanical keyboards, illustrating the blend of functionality and personal expression in creativity.
Deep dives
Introduction to Matthew Encina's Diverse Background
Matthew Encina is introduced as a multifaceted creative professional with extensive experience in content creation, product design, and education. Starting out as a graphic designer, he later transitioned into motion design, where he honed his skills while working with major brands like Microsoft and PlayStation. His journey reflects a blend of practical skills nurtured through years of work in the advertising sector, coupled with a passion for creative storytelling. This diverse background has shaped him into a knowledgeable and inspiring figure in the creative community.
The Rise of Mechanical Keyboards
The podcast delves into the trend of mechanical keyboards, highlighting their growing popularity among tech enthusiasts and creatives alike. Matthew reveals his personal interest in mechanical keyboards, emphasizing the satisfaction and creativity involved in building custom setups. He introduces the concept of designing his own mechanical keyboard, sharing insights into the complexities and variety that exist in the keyboard community, including unique parts referred to as 'bougie' or high-end components. This discussion opens a window into a niche world that blends functionality with a deep appreciation for design.
The Importance of Curiosity and Community in Creativity
Matthew emphasizes the role of curiosity as a driving force in his career and creative decisions. He advocates for reaching into new territories of knowledge and actively seeking out information from peers and mentors, which enhances the learning process. Building a supportive community is identified as crucial, as it allows for meaningful exchanges that foster growth and development. He reflects on how learning from others’ expertise has propelled his own creative journey while creating a sense of belonging within the creative field.
Navigating Career Transitions
Throughout his career, Matthew has experienced multiple transitions, each shaped by his instincts and curiosity rather than a rigid five-year plan. He shares valuable insights about embracing change and exploring new interests, reflecting on how a flexible approach leads to growth and exploration in the creative industry. The conversation highlights the importance of being adaptable and having the willingness to pivot towards areas of interest, whether through experimentation in design or branching out into new forms of media. These transitions are positioned as essential elements of a meaningful and satisfying creative career.
Lessons in Mentorship and Personal Growth
Matthew discusses the significance of mentorship, sharing how relationships can yield invaluable lessons in a creative career. He offers practical advice for finding mentors naturally in your environment and actively seeking connections with peers and seniors in your field. The concept of ‘’plus, minus, equal’’ is presented, suggesting the importance of having a mix of mentors at different stages of their careers. This layered approach to mentorship supports not only personal growth but also fosters a mindset geared towards continuous learning and sharing.
The Balance of Creativity and Health
The podcast addresses the importance of maintaining mental health amidst the pressures of being a content creator. Matthew reflects on the challenges posed by social media, stressing the need to remain grounded and focused on personal passions rather than getting lost in the pursuit of trends or virality. He advocates for a balanced approach to creativity, ensuring that one’s work remains fulfilling and aligns with personal values. Writing and reflecting on positive experiences become essential tools for him in navigating the emotional aspects of creativity.
Building and Launching a Custom Mechanical Keyboard
The episode culminates with a hands-on experience as Matthew guides the host through building a custom mechanical keyboard. He explains the components involved and the intricacies of the build process, highlighting the satisfaction that comes with creating a personalized product. The transition from assembly to the final product exemplifies the blend of function and design, showcasing the care and precision that goes into the creation of quality mechanical keyboards. This not only emphasizes the journey of maker culture but also serves as a framework for expressing one's personal style and preference through technology.
Matthew Encina is a content creator, product designer, educator and creative director. In this episode, Matthew shares his expert advice on mentorship, productivity, and brand pitching. We dive deep into the topic of curiosity and why context is so important when it comes to growing as a creative. He previously worked with his mentor Chris Do at The Futur, an educational community for designers and creatives. After leaving Futur, Matthew has been building his own design studio (Mod Musings) and sharing his creative process online.
