Creating The Perfect Experience
by Mark Testa
Get ready for an immersive experience where creativity knows no bounds. Welcome to the world of CREATING THE PERFECT EXPERIENCE podcast. Immerse yourself in riveting conversations with masterminds behind unforgettable moments, as they take you on a journey through an ever-evolving, dynamic landscape of live experiences.
We unravel the secrets of success, share pearls of wisdom, and unveil groundbreaking concepts. Your host for this adventure is Mark Testa. As the Founder and Creative Director of Mark Stephen Experiential Agency, Mark has over two decades of design and production expertise. Tune in and discover the magic behind crafting extraordinary experiences that leave an impressionable mark in the hearts and minds of all who encounter them. This is CREATING THE PERFECT EXPERIENCE – where passion meets inspiration.
Copyright: © 2024 Creating The Perfect Experience
Episodes
How to Craft A Bespoke Fashion Brand with Gigi Burris Millinery
27m · PublishedIn this episode, Mark speaks with Gigi Burris. Gigi is one of fashion's top American hat designers. Gigi is a CFDA member and was named Forbes 30 under 30. Her designs have been featured in all the major publications from Vogue to Wall Street Journal. Gigi hats are worn by British royalty to celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Zoe Kravitz, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Bella Hadid, and Madonna.
In this episode we discuss:
- Gigi shares her background and how she got started with Millinery
- Discuss creating your own Bespoke fashion brand
- Closely Crafted event on May 14th
- Gigi shares valuable tips/advice on how to get into Millinery
Gigi Burris :
https://www.closelycrafted.org/move-the-needle-2024
https://www.instagram.com/gigiburris/
https://gigiburris.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=subscriber
Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
Collecting Art in the Age of Social Media with Chris Quidley
35m · PublishedIn this episode, Mark speaks with Chris Quidley. Chris is the director and co-founder of Quidley and Company Galleries in Florida and Nantucket. Chris works with corporate and private clients to acquire fine art and builds collections of distinction. Chris has been representing fine art for over 30 years. With a top contemporary painter as his father, and framer mother, Chris literally grew up in the art business. Chris previously worked for Christie's in London, managed several galleries on the East coast, and supports many corporate and private clients who rely on his expertise when acquiring fine art.
In this episode we discuss:
· Chris’s background, growing up in the art business.
· How he got started as a consultant and gallerist and so much more
· Chris shares valuable advice about building a collection. Check out Chris’s website and social media, links are in show notes below.
Chris Quidley :
https://www.instagram.com/quidley_and_co/
https://www.quidleyandco.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=subscriber
Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
Leaning Into Your Strengths & Creating Your Niche with DJ Ria (Maria Clifton)
36m · PublishedIn 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=subscriber
Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
Pushing the Boundaries of Design with Franc Fernandez
34m · PublishedIn 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 Director
- Concept of Lady Gaga’s Meat Dress
- Designing your own Career Growth
Franc 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=subscriber
Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
How to Develop Your Craft and Create Opportunities with Guy Torry
37m · PublishedIn 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=subscriber
Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
2024 Preview with Mark Testa
14m · PublishedIn 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/
How Storytelling Shapes Experiences with Ashaunna Ayars
25m · PublishedIn 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=subscriber
Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
How To Craft A Creative Career with Bonnie Smith
38m · PublishedIn 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 Morton
- Boutique Firms vs. Global Design Agencies: Understanding the Distinctions
- Career Growth Essentials: Tools and Strategies for Success
Bonnie 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=subscriber
Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
How Diverse Experiences Create Success with Christine McBride
34m · PublishedIn 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=subscriber
Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
How to Harness the Power of AI to Elevate Your Creativity
23m · PublishedIn 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=subscriber
Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
Creating The Perfect Experience has 38 episodes in total of non- explicit content. Total playtime is 20:57:04. The language of the podcast is English. This podcast has been added on August 26th 2022. It might contain more episodes than the ones shown here. It was last updated on May 21st, 2024 02:47.