{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Creavo Cast","home_page_url":"https://www.creavocast.com","feed_url":"https://www.creavocast.com/json","description":"Creative Conversations to Foster Collaboration","_fireside":{"subtitle":"Creative Conversations to Foster Collaboration","pubdate":"2026-06-03T11:15:00.000-04:00","explicit":false,"copyright":"2026 by Creavo Cast, Hosts Jake Van Ness \u0026 Carl Grivakis","owner":"Jake Van Ness \u0026 Carl Grivakis","image":"https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/b/bf917a2d-b6ee-48cf-85fd-b0fa37c0bbc5/cover.jpg?v=2"},"items":[{"id":"df7a1eed-8632-4f1d-a5af-0f7ce0c2c745","title":"Episode 9: AI Rescue Is Now a Real Design Service","url":"https://www.creavocast.com/episode-9-ai-rescue-is-now-a-real-design-service","content_text":"AI tools promised to make design easier, but for a lot of businesses they've created a new problem: designs that look generic, miss the mark, and sometimes even violate copyright. Carl has started calling the work that follows \"AI rescue,\" and it's quickly becoming a real part of his business.\nIn this episode, Jake and Carl break down why AI-generated logos, brochures, and marketing materials are falling short in the real world. From healthcare brochures that aren't accessible to older audiences, to logos that consumers immediately recognize as AI-generated and reject, the gap between what AI produces and what clients actually need is wide open for skilled designers.\n\nThe conversation also covers what it's like to take on an intern for the first time as a solopreneur, the difference between teaching and coaching, and why mentoring the next generation of designers matters more than ever in an AI-saturated industry.\n\nPlus, Jake and Carl talk honestly about their own use of AI tools, the real cost of replacing human workers with AI, how Google's shift to AI-first search is changing visibility for small businesses, and why sticking your head in the sand and refusing to engage with AI at all isn't the answer either.\n\nA practical, honest conversation for designers, marketers, and small business owners trying to figure out where AI fits and where it falls flat.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAI tools promised to make design easier, but for a lot of businesses they've created a new problem: designs that look generic, miss the mark, and sometimes even violate copyright. Carl has started calling the work that follows \"AI rescue,\" and it's quickly becoming a real part of his business.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn this episode, Jake and Carl break down why AI-generated logos, brochures, and marketing materials are falling short in the real world. From healthcare brochures that aren't accessible to older audiences, to logos that consumers immediately recognize as AI-generated and reject, the gap between what AI produces and what clients actually need is wide open for skilled designers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe conversation also covers what it's like to take on an intern for the first time as a solopreneur, the difference between teaching and coaching, and why mentoring the next generation of designers matters more than ever in an AI-saturated industry.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlus, Jake and Carl talk honestly about their own use of AI tools, the real cost of replacing human workers with AI, how Google's shift to AI-first search is changing visibility for small businesses, and why sticking your head in the sand and refusing to engage with AI at all isn't the answer either.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA practical, honest conversation for designers, marketers, and small business owners trying to figure out where AI fits and where it falls flat.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"AI-generated designs are flooding the market and clients are already regretting them. Carl shares how he's built a growing niche fixing AI design disasters, and why human creativity still has the upper hand.","date_published":"2026-06-03T11:15:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/bf917a2d-b6ee-48cf-85fd-b0fa37c0bbc5/df7a1eed-8632-4f1d-a5af-0f7ce0c2c745.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":48031749,"duration_in_seconds":1984}]},{"id":"8c9df515-d618-42b8-a3a2-37f64c1f8298","title":"Episode 8: The Google Business Profile Fixes Most Small Businesses Ignore","url":"https://www.creavocast.com/eps8-the-google-business-profile-fixes-most-small-businesses-ignore","content_text":"Want more local clients from Google? In this episode of Creavo Cast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis talk about how small businesses, service businesses, trades, contractors, landscapers, designers and local professionals can use their Google Business Profile to rank higher in local search, show up in the Google Map Pack and generate more phone calls.\n\nCarl shares what he recently taught during a local business networking presentation, including practical Google Business Profile strategies like getting more Google reviews, adding fresh photos, posting regular updates, optimizing categories and services, responding to reviews, using keywords naturally and keeping your profile active.\n\nWe also talk about why your Google Business Profile should work alongside your website, SEO, print marketing, direct mail and referral strategy. For local businesses, especially home service businesses, your Google Business Profile can be one of the most important tools for helping customers find you when they search for services near them.\n\nIn this episode, we cover:\n\nHow to optimize your Google Business Profile\nWhy Google reviews matter for local SEO\nHow many reviews and photos can help strengthen your profile\nWhy before-and-after photos work well for contractors and service businesses\nHow to use Google Business Profile posts and updates\nWhy seasonal businesses should update their profile regularly\nHow categories and services help Google understand your business\nWhy your website and Google Business Profile should work together\nHow local businesses can track where leads come from\nWhy YouTube, Shorts and AI search may matter more moving forward\n\nIf you run a small business, service business, contracting business, landscaping company, design business or local professional service, this episode will help you understand how to make your Google Business Profile work harder for you.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWant more local clients from Google? In this episode of Creavo Cast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis talk about how small businesses, service businesses, trades, contractors, landscapers, designers and local professionals can use their Google Business Profile to rank higher in local search, show up in the Google Map Pack and generate more phone calls.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCarl shares what he recently taught during a local business networking presentation, including practical Google Business Profile strategies like getting more Google reviews, adding fresh photos, posting regular updates, optimizing categories and services, responding to reviews, using keywords naturally and keeping your profile active.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe also talk about why your Google Business Profile should work alongside your website, SEO, print marketing, direct mail and referral strategy. For local businesses, especially home service businesses, your Google Business Profile can be one of the most important tools for helping customers find you when they search for services near them.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this episode, we cover:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow to optimize your Google Business Profile\u003cbr\u003e\nWhy Google reviews matter for local SEO\u003cbr\u003e\nHow many reviews and photos can help strengthen your profile\u003cbr\u003e\nWhy before-and-after photos work well for contractors and service businesses\u003cbr\u003e\nHow to use Google Business Profile posts and updates\u003cbr\u003e\nWhy seasonal businesses should update their profile regularly\u003cbr\u003e\nHow categories and services help Google understand your business\u003cbr\u003e\nWhy your website and Google Business Profile should work together\u003cbr\u003e\nHow local businesses can track where leads come from\u003cbr\u003e\nWhy YouTube, Shorts and AI search may matter more moving forward\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you run a small business, service business, contracting business, landscaping company, design business or local professional service, this episode will help you understand how to make your Google Business Profile work harder for you.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":" summary\r\n\r\nIn this episode, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis discuss the importance of optimizing Google Business Pages for local SEO, especially for service-based and seasonal businesses. They share practical strategies for managing reviews, images, categories, and content updates to boost local visibility and attract more inquiries.","date_published":"2026-05-02T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/bf917a2d-b6ee-48cf-85fd-b0fa37c0bbc5/8c9df515-d618-42b8-a3a2-37f64c1f8298.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":26607595,"duration_in_seconds":2217}]},{"id":"047d215f-f7d0-4e3f-bea2-39d49990f623","title":"Episode 7: Stop Bleeding Money - How Creative Business Owners Should Audit Subscriptions + Expenses","url":"https://www.creavocast.com/eps7-stop-bleeding-money-how-creative-business-owners-should-audit-subscriptions-and-expenses","content_text":"In this episode of CreavoCast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis dig into a topic every solopreneur and creative small business owner needs to pay attention to: auditing your business expenses.\n\nFrom software subscriptions and email accounts to Zoom licenses, domain names, phone plans, storage platforms, bookkeeping, and debt, they unpack how easy it is for costs to quietly pile up when you are busy running a business. They also talk about why reviewing expenses should not be a once-a-year task, but an ongoing habit that helps protect profitability and keep your business running lean.\n\nJake and Carl also explore the bigger picture behind cost cutting. They discuss when it makes sense to save money, when it makes sense to keep paying for tools that truly deliver value, and when hiring help or bringing in contractors may actually be the smarter move. Along the way, they touch on pricing creative work, the difference between being seen as a vendor versus a consultant, and why staying visible with clients can help keep you from becoming an easy budget cut.\n\nIf you are a solopreneur trying to make better financial decisions, cut unnecessary business expenses, and build a more intentional business, this episode will give you plenty to think about.\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\nShow Links:\nShamayne Brown LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shamaynebrown_i-thought-i-knew-where-my-dollars-were-going-activity-7439720966542299136-qQoX?utm_source=share\u0026amp;utm_medium=member_desktop\u0026amp;rcm=ACoAAADAOKQBkMfoXw1lxrTaLVHRlPxJ1h9x9GI\nWaveApps: https://www.waveapps.com\nAlignable: https://www.alignable.com/\nAffinity by Serif: https://affinity.serif.com\nUpwork: https://www.upwork.com/\nMarcus Brownlee Interview: https://youtu.be/Df10asLzwlY?si=LZdjIGTDfgkIIOe\nBeing Gordan Ramsey (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/search?q=Being%20Gordan%20Ramsey\u0026amp;jbv=81901623\nPoddecks: https://app.poddecks.com\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\n\n\n\n_","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of CreavoCast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis dig into a topic every solopreneur and creative small business owner needs to pay attention to: auditing your business expenses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom software subscriptions and email accounts to Zoom licenses, domain names, phone plans, storage platforms, bookkeeping, and debt, they unpack how easy it is for costs to quietly pile up when you are busy running a business. They also talk about why reviewing expenses should not be a once-a-year task, but an ongoing habit that helps protect profitability and keep your business running lean.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJake and Carl also explore the bigger picture behind cost cutting. They discuss when it makes sense to save money, when it makes sense to keep paying for tools that truly deliver value, and when hiring help or bringing in contractors may actually be the smarter move. Along the way, they touch on pricing creative work, the difference between being seen as a vendor versus a consultant, and why staying visible with clients can help keep you from becoming an easy budget cut.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are a solopreneur trying to make better financial decisions, cut unnecessary business expenses, and build a more intentional business, this episode will give you plenty to think about.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShow Links:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nShamayne Brown LinkedIn Post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shamaynebrown_i-thought-i-knew-where-my-dollars-were-going-activity-7439720966542299136-qQoX?utm_source=share\u0026amp;utm_medium=member_desktop\u0026amp;rcm=ACoAAADAOKQBkMfoXw1lxrTaLVHRlPxJ1h9x9GI\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/shamaynebrown_i-thought-i-knew-where-my-dollars-were-going-activity-7439720966542299136-qQoX?utm_source=share\u0026amp;utm_medium=member_desktop\u0026amp;rcm=ACoAAADAOKQBkMfoXw1lxrTaLVHRlPxJ1h9x9GI\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWaveApps: \u003ca href=\"https://www.waveapps.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.waveapps.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAlignable: \u003ca href=\"https://www.alignable.com/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.alignable.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAffinity by Serif: \u003ca href=\"https://affinity.serif.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://affinity.serif.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nUpwork: \u003ca href=\"https://www.upwork.com/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.upwork.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMarcus Brownlee Interview: \u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/Df10asLzwlY?si=LZdjIGTDfgkIIOe\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://youtu.be/Df10asLzwlY?si=LZdjIGTDfgkIIOe\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBeing Gordan Ramsey (Netflix): \u003ca href=\"https://www.netflix.com/search?q=Being%20Gordan%20Ramsey\u0026amp;jbv=81901623\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.netflix.com/search?q=Being%20Gordan%20Ramsey\u0026amp;jbv=81901623\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPoddecks: \u003ca href=\"https://app.poddecks.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://app.poddecks.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/H_CdHFBcarA?si=CnGNiwaZrUL6Bwya\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e_\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis talk about why solopreneurs need to regularly audit expenses, review subscriptions, and make smarter decisions about software, tools, and support so their business stays lean, profitable, and intentional.","date_published":"2026-03-30T08:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/bf917a2d-b6ee-48cf-85fd-b0fa37c0bbc5/047d215f-f7d0-4e3f-bea2-39d49990f623.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":37921017,"duration_in_seconds":1580}]},{"id":"eca73ef1-9bcd-4a62-a2ce-45f9073699c8","title":"Episode 6: AI Can’t Replace Creatives | AI, Creativity, and the Human Edge","url":"https://www.creavocast.com/ep6-ai-cant-replace-creatives-ai-creativity-and-the-human-edge","content_text":"In this episode of CreavoCast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis dig into the growing role of AI in creative work, business, and everyday life.\n\nThey start with the recent court decision that leaves AI-generated art without copyright protection under U.S. law, then unpack what that means for designers, branding, and the future of creative ownership. Carl shares a real-world story from a branding project where AI-generated ideas kept missing the mark, while human design instincts, strategy, and real-world application won out.\n\nFrom there, the conversation shifts to the practical side of AI. Jake and Carl talk about how they’re actually using these tools in their own work, from research, proposals, and press release processing to podcast clips, transcripts, accessibility checks, and writing support. Rather than replacing creatives, they make the case that AI works best as a tool that speeds up workflow and supports better output when guided by experience.\n\nThey also touch on privacy concerns, government use of AI, and why it’s worth paying attention to the technology without living in fear of it.\n\nThis is a thoughtful, honest conversation for creatives, solopreneurs, and business owners trying to figure out where AI fits and where the human element still matters most.\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\nShow Links:\nUS Supreme Court - https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-supreme-court-declines-hear-dispute-over-copyrights-ai-generated-material-2026-03-02/\nJake's Substack - https://solopreneurfieldnotes.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips\nCarl's New Website - https://holycarpdesign.com\nJake's Website - https://graphicprecision.com\nPodDecks - https://app.poddecks.com\nUnconference - https://www.theunconference.live/2026\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\n\n","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of CreavoCast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis dig into the growing role of AI in creative work, business, and everyday life.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey start with the recent court decision that leaves AI-generated art without copyright protection under U.S. law, then unpack what that means for designers, branding, and the future of creative ownership. Carl shares a real-world story from a branding project where AI-generated ideas kept missing the mark, while human design instincts, strategy, and real-world application won out.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom there, the conversation shifts to the practical side of AI. Jake and Carl talk about how they’re actually using these tools in their own work, from research, proposals, and press release processing to podcast clips, transcripts, accessibility checks, and writing support. Rather than replacing creatives, they make the case that AI works best as a tool that speeds up workflow and supports better output when guided by experience.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey also touch on privacy concerns, government use of AI, and why it’s worth paying attention to the technology without living in fear of it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a thoughtful, honest conversation for creatives, solopreneurs, and business owners trying to figure out where AI fits and where the human element still matters most.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShow Links:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nUS Supreme Court - \u003ca href=\"https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-supreme-court-declines-hear-dispute-over-copyrights-ai-generated-material-2026-03-02/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-supreme-court-declines-hear-dispute-over-copyrights-ai-generated-material-2026-03-02/\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nJake's Substack - \u003ca href=\"https://solopreneurfieldnotes.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://solopreneurfieldnotes.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCarl's New Website - \u003ca href=\"https://holycarpdesign.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://holycarpdesign.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nJake's Website - \u003ca href=\"https://graphicprecision.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://graphicprecision.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPodDecks - \u003ca href=\"https://app.poddecks.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://app.poddecks.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nUnconference - \u003ca href=\"https://www.theunconference.live/2026\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.theunconference.live/2026\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/dYiHZHhY6tM?si=yi3B-GfehBIurWtX\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e","summary":"In this episode of CreavoCast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis explore how AI is changing creative work, from design and branding to writing, podcasting, and business workflows. They discuss the recent copyright decision around AI-generated art, share a real-world branding story where human design beat AI concepts, and talk through practical ways they use AI as a tool without losing the human element. It’s an honest conversation about creativity, efficiency, ethics, and where AI fits in the real world.","date_published":"2026-03-16T10:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/bf917a2d-b6ee-48cf-85fd-b0fa37c0bbc5/eca73ef1-9bcd-4a62-a2ce-45f9073699c8.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":51773003,"duration_in_seconds":2156}]},{"id":"eda69c4d-a343-4f27-ae4c-d772613cd253","title":"Episode 5: Accessibility in Design - Make It Work for Everyone","url":"https://www.creavocast.com/ep5-accessibility-in-design-make-it-work-for-everyonee","content_text":"In this episode of Crevo Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the importance of accessibility in graphic design and communication. They explore how accessibility extends beyond just visual elements to include understanding and inclusivity for all audiences. The conversation also delves into client relationships, the significance of transparency, and best practices for virtual events. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on navigating client expectations and the importance of collaboration in achieving successful outcomes. The episode concludes with a light-hearted 'Would You Rather' segment.\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\nShow Links:\nPresentation Accessibility: It’s Nothing New, Just Smart Design: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/presentation-accessibility-its-nothing-new-just-smart-carl-grivakis-orzle\nInternational Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP): https://www.accessibilityassociation.org\nSee No Evil, Hear No Evil with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzzvoOfXG9Etele\nSend Jake a message to receive the Icebreakers PDF: https://elevatedvirtual.com/contact/\nPod Decks App: https://app.poddecks.com\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\n\n","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of Crevo Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the importance of accessibility in graphic design and communication. They explore how accessibility extends beyond just visual elements to include understanding and inclusivity for all audiences. The conversation also delves into client relationships, the significance of transparency, and best practices for virtual events. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on navigating client expectations and the importance of collaboration in achieving successful outcomes. The episode concludes with a light-hearted 'Would You Rather' segment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShow Links:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPresentation Accessibility: It’s Nothing New, Just Smart Design: \u003ca href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/presentation-accessibility-its-nothing-new-just-smart-carl-grivakis-orzle\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/presentation-accessibility-its-nothing-new-just-smart-carl-grivakis-orzle\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nInternational Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP): \u003ca href=\"https://www.accessibilityassociation.org\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.accessibilityassociation.org\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSee No Evil, Hear No Evil with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder: \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzzvoOfXG9Etele\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzzvoOfXG9Etele\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSend Jake a message to receive the Icebreakers PDF: \u003ca href=\"https://elevatedvirtual.com/contact/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://elevatedvirtual.com/contact/\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPod Decks App: \u003ca href=\"https://app.poddecks.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://app.poddecks.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/bwCNDPyMf7A?si=fh-qCHVMBEXe8kWu\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e","summary":"In this episode of CrevoCast, Jake and Carl discuss the importance of accessibility in graphic design and communication. ","date_published":"2025-04-23T12:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/bf917a2d-b6ee-48cf-85fd-b0fa37c0bbc5/eda69c4d-a343-4f27-ae4c-d772613cd253.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":37605040,"duration_in_seconds":1566}]},{"id":"e50533e3-5324-4c91-999c-ff8ea9e6d825","title":"Episode 4: Confronting Mindset Challenges","url":"https://www.creavocast.com/ep4-confronting-mindset-challenges","content_text":"In this episode of Creavo Cast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis discuss the importance of using a CRM for managing client relationships, the challenges of mindset and imposter syndrome in the design industry, and the significance of finding one's purpose in business. They share personal experiences and insights on overcoming self-doubt, the value of collaboration, and the necessity of mentorship in navigating the creative landscape.\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\nShow Links:\nLess Annoying CRM Referral Link: https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/invite/C586E (affiliate)\nPod Decks App: https://app.poddecks.com\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\n\n","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of Creavo Cast, Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis discuss the importance of using a CRM for managing client relationships, the challenges of mindset and imposter syndrome in the design industry, and the significance of finding one's purpose in business. They share personal experiences and insights on overcoming self-doubt, the value of collaboration, and the necessity of mentorship in navigating the creative landscape.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShow Links:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nLess Annoying CRM Referral Link: \u003ca href=\"https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/invite/C586E\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/invite/C586E\u003c/a\u003e \u003cem\u003e(affiliate)\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPod Decks App: \u003ca href=\"https://app.poddecks.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://app.poddecks.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/QsgbuLNJRcc?si=mAijUI5sRhF4kcuQ\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e","summary":"Creavo Cast episode 4 hosts Jake and Carl discuss what they do to combat imposter syndrome and other mindset challenges. ","date_published":"2025-04-16T12:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/bf917a2d-b6ee-48cf-85fd-b0fa37c0bbc5/e50533e3-5324-4c91-999c-ff8ea9e6d825.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":39188061,"duration_in_seconds":1632}]},{"id":"7e9689e4-4906-4a8f-b9ee-303d26490196","title":"Episode 3: LACRM and Email Marketing for Business Success","url":"https://www.creavocast.com/ep3-lacrm-and-email-marketing-for-business-success","content_text":"In this episode of CREAVO Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the importance of choosing the right CRM for managing client relationships, the essentials of email marketing, and the significance of data ownership. They share insights on networking, setting business goals, and leveraging social media effectively. The conversation also touches on the use of AI in marketing and concludes with a fun segment on hypothetical scenarios.\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\nShow Links:\nLess Annoying CRM Referral Link: https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/invite/C586E (affiliate)\nMailchimp by Intuit Referral Link: http://eepurl.com/iKVBHc (affiliate)\nCarl's Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/holycarpdesign\nJake's Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/jakevanness\nPod Decks App: https://app.poddecks.com\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\nChapters\n\n00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap\n00:46 Simple CRM - Less Annoying CRM (LACRM)\n02:25 LACRM Features\n03:33 Does Carl use a CRM?\n04:58 Networking and Client Management Strategies\n07:15 LACRM Trial Extension with Our Link\n08:14 Diving into Email Marketing\n09:15 Jake uses Mailchimp\n10:21 Building an Email List Without Spamming\n11:37 Carl Has Email Marketing Questions\n14:20 The Importance of Email Ownership\n16:40 Email Open and Click Rates\n18:46 Carl's Challenge From Last Week\n20:17 Leveraging AI for Social Media Content\n25:20 Closing Thoughts and Fun Segment\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\n\n","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of CREAVO Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the importance of choosing the right CRM for managing client relationships, the essentials of email marketing, and the significance of data ownership. They share insights on networking, setting business goals, and leveraging social media effectively. The conversation also touches on the use of AI in marketing and concludes with a fun segment on hypothetical scenarios.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShow Links:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nLess Annoying CRM Referral Link: \u003ca href=\"https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/invite/C586E\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/invite/C586E\u003c/a\u003e \u003cem\u003e(affiliate)\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMailchimp by Intuit Referral Link: \u003ca href=\"http://eepurl.com/iKVBHc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttp://eepurl.com/iKVBHc\u003c/a\u003e \u003cem\u003e(affiliate)\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCarl's Instagram Account: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/holycarpdesign\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.instagram.com/holycarpdesign\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nJake's Instagram Account: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/jakevanness\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://www.instagram.com/jakevanness\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPod Decks App: \u003ca href=\"https://app.poddecks.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ehttps://app.poddecks.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nChapters\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap\u003cbr\u003e\n00:46 Simple CRM - Less Annoying CRM (LACRM)\u003cbr\u003e\n02:25 LACRM Features\u003cbr\u003e\n03:33 Does Carl use a CRM?\u003cbr\u003e\n04:58 Networking and Client Management Strategies\u003cbr\u003e\n07:15 LACRM Trial Extension with Our Link\u003cbr\u003e\n08:14 Diving into Email Marketing\u003cbr\u003e\n09:15 Jake uses Mailchimp\u003cbr\u003e\n10:21 Building an Email List Without Spamming\u003cbr\u003e\n11:37 Carl Has Email Marketing Questions\u003cbr\u003e\n14:20 The Importance of Email Ownership\u003cbr\u003e\n16:40 Email Open and Click Rates\u003cbr\u003e\n18:46 Carl's Challenge From Last Week\u003cbr\u003e\n20:17 Leveraging AI for Social Media Content\u003cbr\u003e\n25:20 Closing Thoughts and Fun Segment\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/RYxrIOOAezI?si=_v5viJUYGrh9kkOu\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e","summary":"CREAVO Cast episode 3 hosts Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis talk about Jake settling on a simple CRM and the power of email marketing as any size.","date_published":"2025-04-09T12:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/bf917a2d-b6ee-48cf-85fd-b0fa37c0bbc5/7e9689e4-4906-4a8f-b9ee-303d26490196.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":40984867,"duration_in_seconds":1707}]},{"id":"310a387a-e2d9-4a8d-903c-681f2546dd6c","title":"Episode 2: The Power of Accountability in Achieving Goals","url":"https://www.creavocast.com/ep2-the-power-of-accountability-in-achieving-goals","content_text":"In this episode of CREAVO Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the significance of goal setting in business and personal life, especially at the start of the year. They share their experiences with various goal-setting techniques, tools for planning, and the importance of accountability in achieving goals. The conversation also touches on the idea of gamifying tasks to make them more engaging and the necessity of breaking down goals into manageable steps. As they look ahead, they emphasize the need for specificity and measurability in goal setting, while also encouraging listeners to surround themselves with supportive individuals to help elevate their ambitions.\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\nShow Links:\nRob Shauger and Blueprint Leadership Development\nTrello: Manage Your Team's Projects From Anywhere \n24 x 36 Dry Erase Calendar (affiliate)\nHero's Journal  (affiliate)\nSide Quest Deck (affiliate)\nAre you interested in learning more about the TTT Planner? Message Jake at Graphic Precision\nEd Mylett's Podcast: Your Next Breakthrough Requires a New You\nWhatsApp\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\nChapters\n\n00:00 Setting the Stage: New Year, New Goals\n05:35 Tools for Success: Strategic Sprints\n06:21 Tools for Success: Planners, Calendars, Trello\n09:57 Gamifying Goals: The Hero's Journal and Creative Projects\n12:55 Tactical Thinking Time Planner\n16:36 The Importance of Specificity and Measurable Goals\n18:56 Accountability and a podcast from Ed Mylett\n20:31 Collaboration and Accountability: Building a Support System\n24:54 Creavo Collaboration\n28:17 Looking Ahead: Setting Goals for the Future\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\n\n","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of CREAVO Cast, Jake and Carl discuss the significance of goal setting in business and personal life, especially at the start of the year. They share their experiences with various goal-setting techniques, tools for planning, and the importance of accountability in achieving goals. The conversation also touches on the idea of gamifying tasks to make them more engaging and the necessity of breaking down goals into manageable steps. As they look ahead, they emphasize the need for specificity and measurability in goal setting, while also encouraging listeners to surround themselves with supportive individuals to help elevate their ambitions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShow Links:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.robshauger.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eRob Shauger\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https://sites.google.com/blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com/summits/home\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eBlueprint Leadership Development\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://trello.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eTrello: Manage Your Team's Projects From Anywhere\u003c/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://amzn.to/43nkaeS\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003e24 x 36 Dry Erase Calendar\u003c/a\u003e \u003cem\u003e(affiliate)\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://amzn.to/4kmRjNE\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eHero's Journal\u003c/a\u003e  \u003cem\u003e(affiliate)\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://amzn.to/3XtcXpz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eSide Quest Deck\u003c/a\u003e \u003cem\u003e(affiliate)\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAre you interested in learning more about the TTT Planner? Message Jake at \u003ca href=\"https://graphicprecision.com/contact/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eGraphic Precision\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nEd Mylett's Podcast: \u003ca href=\"https://www.edmylett.com/podcast/Your%20Next%20Breakthrough%20Requires%20a%20New%20You\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eYour Next Breakthrough Requires a New You\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.whatsapp.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWhatsApp\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nChapters\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e00:00 Setting the Stage: New Year, New Goals\u003cbr\u003e\n05:35 Tools for Success: Strategic Sprints\u003cbr\u003e\n06:21 Tools for Success: Planners, Calendars, Trello\u003cbr\u003e\n09:57 Gamifying Goals: The Hero's Journal and Creative Projects\u003cbr\u003e\n12:55 Tactical Thinking Time Planner\u003cbr\u003e\n16:36 The Importance of Specificity and Measurable Goals\u003cbr\u003e\n18:56 Accountability and a podcast from Ed Mylett\u003cbr\u003e\n20:31 Collaboration and Accountability: Building a Support System\u003cbr\u003e\n24:54 Creavo Collaboration\u003cbr\u003e\n28:17 Looking Ahead: Setting Goals for the Future\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/eTc-lRw4C6A?si=SZCdO2J5joO40chq\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e","summary":"CREAVO Cast episode 2 hosts Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis talk about the importance of goals and why accountability helps with those goals.","date_published":"2025-03-04T20:45:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/bf917a2d-b6ee-48cf-85fd-b0fa37c0bbc5/310a387a-e2d9-4a8d-903c-681f2546dd6c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":18581605,"duration_in_seconds":1856}]},{"id":"bdc64614-2c88-473e-ad58-52dcf6cc64bb","title":"Episode 1: We are Back! (with a new brand)","url":"https://www.creavocast.com/ep1-we-are-back","content_text":"In this inaugural episode of CREAVO Cast, hosts Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis reconnect after a six-year hiatus from their previous podcast, Rookie Designer. They discuss their personal and professional journeys during the pandemic, the evolution of their businesses, and the impact of COVID-19 on the creative industry. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration and creativity in their work, the rebranding to Creavo, and their vision for future episodes that will explore various aspects of creativity and collaboration across different industries.\n\nScroll down to view this episode on YouTube.\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\nCarl's Businesses\nHolyCarp Design - www.holycarpdesign.com\n321and We're Live - www.321andwere.live\n\nJake's Businesses\nGraphic Precision - www.graphicprecision.com\nElevated Virtual - www.elevatedvirtual.com\n\nRookie Design Podcast - www.rookiedesigner.com\nEpisodes are still available from Episode 1 all the way up to episode 183.\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\nChapters\n00:00 We are back!\n02:26 321 and We're Live - Virtual Production Company\n02:50 COVID effects Car's Businesses\n04:23 Jake adjusts to the COVID business world\n05:43 Jake makes a pivot into the virtual producer world\n08:14 Shifts in the Training Industry Post-COVID\n09:27 Carl's favorite parts of producing during COVID\n09:56 Jake's favorite parts of producing during COVID\n11:11 Fostering Collaboration Through Creativity\n14:56 The Birth of Creavo: A New Brand Identity\n18:12 Transitioning from Rookie Designer to Creavo\n22:11 Looking Ahead: Future Topics and Conversations\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\n\n","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this inaugural episode of CREAVO Cast, hosts Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis reconnect after a six-year hiatus from their previous podcast, Rookie Designer. They discuss their personal and professional journeys during the pandemic, the evolution of their businesses, and the impact of COVID-19 on the creative industry. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration and creativity in their work, the rebranding to Creavo, and their vision for future episodes that will explore various aspects of creativity and collaboration across different industries.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eScroll down to view this episode on YouTube.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCarl's Businesses\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nHolyCarp Design - \u003ca href=\"http://www.holycarpdesign.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ewww.holycarpdesign.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n321and We're Live - \u003ca href=\"http://www.321andwere.live\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ewww.321andwere.live\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJake's Businesses\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nGraphic Precision - \u003ca href=\"http://www.graphicprecision.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ewww.graphicprecision.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nElevated Virtual - \u003ca href=\"http://www.elevatedvirtual.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ewww.elevatedvirtual.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRookie Design Podcast - \u003ca href=\"http://www.rookiedesigner.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ewww.rookiedesigner.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nEpisodes are still available from Episode 1 all the way up to episode 183.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChapters\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n00:00 We are back!\u003cbr\u003e\n02:26 321 and We're Live - Virtual Production Company\u003cbr\u003e\n02:50 COVID effects Car's Businesses\u003cbr\u003e\n04:23 Jake adjusts to the COVID business world\u003cbr\u003e\n05:43 Jake makes a pivot into the virtual producer world\u003cbr\u003e\n08:14 Shifts in the Training Industry Post-COVID\u003cbr\u003e\n09:27 Carl's favorite parts of producing during COVID\u003cbr\u003e\n09:56 Jake's favorite parts of producing during COVID\u003cbr\u003e\n11:11 Fostering Collaboration Through Creativity\u003cbr\u003e\n14:56 The Birth of Creavo: A New Brand Identity\u003cbr\u003e\n18:12 Transitioning from Rookie Designer to Creavo\u003cbr\u003e\n22:11 Looking Ahead: Future Topics and Conversations\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/wSBFQSIMo8A?si=kS5MyN-ZqfQxkFWc\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e","summary":"CREAVO Cast is now available and  hosts Jake Van Ness and Carl Grivakis reconnect after a six-year hiatus from their previous podcast, Rookie Designer.","date_published":"2025-02-22T12:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/bf917a2d-b6ee-48cf-85fd-b0fa37c0bbc5/bdc64614-2c88-473e-ad58-52dcf6cc64bb.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":20509183,"duration_in_seconds":1680}]}]}