Today I'm speaking with Tyler Williams, the founder of Frame Rate, a new creator-first video platform built for motion designers, filmmakers, animators, and editors.

Tyler previously co-founded Motion Array, the template and asset library that grew into a huge part of the creator ecosystem and was later acquired by Artlist.

In this conversation, we talk about why Frame Rate exists in the first place, what Tyler thinks broke in the video hosting world as Vimeo shifted away from the community that built it, and what it means to design a platform that puts the work first.

We also get into the early decisions behind the product, curation versus algorithms, creator trust in the AI era, and where Tyler hopes Frame Rate can go over the next few years.

Topics Discussed

• The Vimeo shift and why it felt cultural, not just product-level.
• Motion Array, the exit, identity loss, and why other projects did not stick.
• Building FrameRate from scratch and what "creator-first" really means in practice.
• Curation versus algorithms, and resisting distraction mechanics.
• The two-sided ambition: helping artists get hired, not just host work.
• AI anxiety, protection limits, and the reality of robots.txt.
• Early traction: first 1,000 users, Discord loop, embeds, and product iteration.
• Lessons from Motion Array scaling, and what he wants to do differently this time.

Today I'm speaking with Ben Fryc, a 3D artist, motion designer, and creative who's worked with Google, Figma, Loom, Wealthsimple, and now, for the last year, at Framer.I've followed Ben's work for years and really admired it. It's been exciting to watch his 3D and motion craft bring even more polish and energy to Framer's already stellar brand over the past year.In our conversation, we dove into his first year at Framer, the tight-knit marketing/video team, how he collaborates with folks like Andy Orsow, and the creative process behind their in-house work. We also covered his tool stack (Cinema 4D, Redshift, After Effects, Plasticity, and where each shines), the shift from freelance to full-time, his fantastical Knob series (and the role of Joseph Sims' sound design in elevating it), the wild journey turning those renders into real hardware with Work Louder, and where AI fits (mostly conceptual, not production).We also spoke about his personal work building the Knob keyboard, from "how hard could it be?" to shipping Batch 1: the compromises, community momentum, and what he'd tackle next with limitless resources (like a dream mouse or desk takeover). I really enjoyed this interview. Ben's a great guy. So I hope you do too.

--

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ben Fryc and His Work

01:43 Joining Framer: A Year in Review

04:24 The Creative Team at Framer

07:31 The Role of 3D in Framer's Brand

10:30 Creative Process and Collaboration at Framer

13:32 Experimentation and Learning in Design

16:24 Tools of the Trade: 3D Design Software

19:13 Challenges in 3D Design and Production

22:16 The Intersection of Speed and Craft in Design

30:12 Navigating Project Timelines and Client Work

31:13 The Challenges of Scoping Projects

32:31 Pre-Production: Aligning Teams and Feedback

33:46 Rendering Techniques and Tools

34:11 Exploring Plasticity and the Knob Series

35:29 The Role of Sound Design in Visual Projects

38:16 From Concept to Creation: Designing a Keyboard

43:09 The Power of Willing Ideas into Existence

49:11 AI's Role in Motion Design and 3D Work

54:58 Looking Ahead: Future Projects at Framer

Today I'm speaking with Justin Taylor, editor, motion designer, and founder of [Hyper Brew](https://hyperbrew.co), a company that builds plugins and automation tools for creative teams.

If you listened to my conversation with Adam Plouff, you'll know that Adam builds many of his tools on top of something Justin created called the [Bolt frameworks](https://github.com/hyperbrew). Adam makes the tools. Justin makes the tools the tool makers use.

This episode goes deeper into the development side than most. We talk about what "pipeline" actually means at studios like Buck, how the Adobe plugin landscape evolved from expressions to CEP to UXP, and how Justin turned open source into a business model. If that's not your world, the conversation opens with his journey from churning out product videos to automating the boring parts, and closes with where video tooling is headed (AI, Figma acquiring Weavy, and whether we'll all be writing our own tools soon).

## Topics Discussed

- From shooting product videos to automating the edits in Premiere Pro

- Working at Verasity CoLab and sharing tools with a mid-size video team

- Getting ProIO on aescripts and meeting Lloyd Alvarez

- Meeting Zack Lovatt at SIGGRAPH and the Adobe dev community

- Working at Buck as a creative technologist on pipeline development

- What "pipeline" actually means at studios like Buck

- Building tools for Cinema 4D, Figma, Nuke, Maya, and Houdini

- The early days of Adobe plugin development before proper documentation existed

- Going full-time with Hyper Brew

- The tagline evolution from "software solutions for video" to "we automate the boring"

- Working with Eric Moore from Brand Autopsy on messaging

- Adobe Video Partner Program and testing beta builds

- The Adobe plugin landscape: expressions, ExtendScript, CEP, and UXP

- Why Adobe moved from CEP to UXP

- How Bolt CEP became Bolt UXP, Bolt Figma, and Bolt Express

- Getting funding from aescripts, Figma's Creators Fund, and Adobe

- Custom tools for clients: image recognition, OCR, custom captions for a sports league

- Languages used: JavaScript, C++, Rust, Python, Lua

- Why extensible tools (Premiere, After Effects, Figma) win over closed ones like Affinity

- Klutz GPT and why Hyper Brew doesn't use AI for client code

- Custom vs off-the-shelf tools: 50% vs 100%

- Remotion and agents for video

- Figma acquiring Weavy

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Justin Taylor and Hyperbrew

01:44 The Journey to Tool Development

06:42 The Evolution of ProIO and Its Impact

12:26 Building a Community and Networking

15:15 Understanding Pipeline Management in Large Agencies

23:37 The Role of Technical Directors

24:54 Transitioning to Full-Time with Hyperbrew

26:49 The Evolution of Business Taglines

29:27 Understanding Adobe Partnerships

33:03 Custom Tool Projects and Automation

37:18 Navigating API Limitations in Video Tools

41:28 The Importance of Extensibility in Software

43:54 The Adobe Plugin Landscape Explained

48:59 The Development of Bolt and Open Source Contributions

55:35 The Evolution of Open Source Projects

58:51 The Benefits of Open Source Development

01:01:12 Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Tools

01:01:13 AI in Custom Tool Development

01:04:32 The Future of Video Tools and AI

01:15:37 HyperBrew's Vision and Future Projects

Learn more about Danny at https://www.dannyperry.me 

Learn more about the podcast at ⁠https://jackvaughan.com

Today I’m speaking with Danny Perry — Founder of Plugin Play — historically a plugin development company and just recently expanding to be a new marketplace for motion and video pros.

We spoke about

- How AI development has evolved in his organization — particularly agentic-accelerating dev and org speed.

- Comparing dev & motion - and the need for similar support/agentic power

- What it would take to get motion to this point-agentic editing & motion

- AI in products

- Future of Plugin Play and bringing a new marketplace of tools to the community

By the time this podcast goes out, Danny will have launched the new chapter for Plugin Play, and I'm really excited to see where it leads.

Summary (AI generated)

In this conversation, Jack Vaughan speaks with Danny Perry, founder of Plugin Play, about the evolution of the company and its integration of AI in motion design and development. They discuss the impact of AI on productivity, the importance of customer feedback in feature development, and the future of motion design tools. Danny emphasizes the need for project files in generative AI and the challenges posed by the lack of training data. They also explore the development landscape for motion graphics and the significance of UI design in creating effective tools. In this conversation, Jack Vaughan and Danny discuss the intricacies of building web tools, particularly in the context of motion graphics and UI design. They explore the challenges of creating user-friendly interfaces, the interdisciplinary nature of motion and code, and the future of software development with AI integration. Danny shares insights on the upcoming projects for Plugin Play, emphasizing the need for a cohesive platform for motion tools and the importance of user feedback in shaping their offerings. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of software development and the role of AI in enhancing creative workflows.

Chapters (AI generated)

00:00 The Evolution of AI in Development

07:29 Transforming Daily Operations with AI

13:24 Agentic Editing and the Need for Project Files

19:17 Integrating AI with Editing Software

25:24 The Journey of a Motion Graphics Entrepreneur

38:49 Building Proprietary Platforms and Tools

43:57 Transforming Long-Form Content into Short-Form

49:10 Transitioning to UXP: A New Development Framework

55:56 UI Design and User Experience in Motion Graphics

01:09:46 The Power of Real-Time Feedback in Motion Design

01:16:06 AI and Automation in Video Editing

01:23:39 The Role of Plugin Play in a Crowded Market

01:29:23 The Evolution of Software Development and Human Oversight

Learn more about Antonino at https://antoninoiacona.it

Learn more about the podcast at ⁠https://jackvaughan.com

Today I’m speaking with Antonino Iacona — motion designer & director. Antonino has worked at Apple, Google Creative Lab and is now running Studio Santo.

We spoke about:

• How Apple shaped his craft through slow, iterative, detail-obsessed design.
• The experimental mindset he developed at Google Creative Lab — and why ideas, not tools, come first.
• What it means to design "motion with intent", and why expressive and functional motion must work in tandem.
• The way he and his co-founder Ben work — blending motion and design from the start.
• And a discussion around the value or product that Studio Santo actually delivers to its clients. Not finished mp4s — but more like motion systems & identities — flexible, collaborative toolkits.

Summary (AI generated)

In this conversation, Antonino Iacona, a motion designer and co-founder of Studio Santo, shares insights from his experiences at Apple and Google Creative Lab. He discusses the importance of crafting motion design with intent, the collaborative design process at Studio Santo, and the balance between expressive and functional motion. Antonino also reflects on the evolving role of AI in design and the future direction of his studio.

Chapters (AI generated)

00:00 Introduction and Title Clarification

04:58 Key Projects at Apple

14:53 Collaboration and Client Engagement

17:36 Expressive vs Functional Motion

21:12 Navigating Language and Comfort in Communication

23:44 Transitioning to Google Creative Lab

26:08 The Role of Prototyping in Innovation

26:32 Defining a Motion Designer's Role

30:08 Tools and Techniques in Motion Design

31:47 The Role of AI in Design

34:24 Future Directions for Studio Santo

Learn more about Justin at https://www.youtube.com/@CleoAbram

Learn more about the podcast at ⁠https://jackvaughan.com

Today I’m speaking with Justin Poore — an animator and the producer of Huge if True — a show by Cleo Abram that’s had a ton of attention and engagement over the last few years, recently reaching 6 million subscribers on YouTube.

Cleo is one of the fastest growing YouTube channels about tech and science, and Justin’s work plays a huge part in it.

We spoke about:

- The origins of Justin and Cleo’s collaboration

- The team they have

- Their processes for pitching, script writing, on-set production, and more

- What they’ve learned about engagement on social media — and they really know!

- Their strategy around shorts and repurposing content

- And of course, a deep dive into Justin’s skillset as an animator and producer

Summary (AI generated)

In this conversation, Justin Poore, animator and producer of the YouTube show Huge If True, discusses the rapid growth of the channel, the creative processes behind their engaging content, and the importance of audience connection. He shares insights into their collaborative work, the evolution of their team, and the strategies that have contributed to their success. Justin also delves into the technical aspects of animation, the impact of short-form content, and the exciting experiences from field shoots. Looking ahead, he expresses enthusiasm for the future of Huge If True and the potential for further growth.

Chapters (AI generated)

00:00 Introduction to Justin Poore and Huge If True

00:51 Scripting and Storytelling Techniques

11:25 Story Selection and Idea Generation

13:53 Team Structure and Roles

17:00 Engagement Strategies and Early Success

19:59 Shorts and Content Repurposing

22:25 Field Shoots and On-Site Experiences

25:06 Approaching Big Organizations for Collaborations

27:31 Design and Animation Style

35:27 The Animation Process: From Sketch to Screen

38:24 Design Principles in Animation

39:33 Exploring 3D Animation Techniques

41:15 Rendering Challenges and Solutions

43:46 The Production Workflow: Animation and Review

45:04 Utilizing Assets: Stock vs. Custom Models

46:55 The Art of 3D Modeling and Rigging

48:05 Tools of the Trade: Software and Techniques

52:06 Engagement Strategies for Content Creation

56:22 Looking Ahead: The Future of Huge of True

Today I’m speaking with Grant Shaddick, CEO of Tella. Tella is a recording and editing tool that is totally cloud-based. It’s like Loom but more HQ, and it handles a lot of the post-production for you.

I’ve used Tella for a couple of years now and have been using it more recently as I’ve moved to more off-the-cuff production. It’s been a really delightful experience.

Grant and the team think a lot about the user experience and tow a good balance between enabling high-quality video production and keeping the tool simple. Something we spoke a lot about.

We also touched on

• The deeper capabilities that LLMs are giving them — including their upcoming editing agent.
• His thoughts on competitors and related tools like Descript & Underlord, Loom, Riverside and more
• The platform itself and what it takes to record, edit, and share all in the cloud
• The future of the platform as it relates to automation & generative AI
• And the future place of video in the workplace.

Chapters (AI Generated)

00:00 The Evolution of Teller: Vision and Goals

04:59 Harnessing AI for Enhanced Video Production

08:08 The Future of Editing: Auto Layout and Beyond

11:14 Navigating Terminology: AI, Agents, and Collective Intelligence

14:05 The Role of Design in User Experience

16:54 Understanding Customer Needs and Constraints

20:06 The Importance of Focused Use Cases

23:16 Comparing with Competitors: Descript and Others

26:08 Creating a Seamless Recording Experience

29:07 The Design Process: From Chaos to Structure

32:12 Balancing Features and Simplicity in Editing

41:34 Streamlining Video Creation Processes

44:22 Enhancing User Experience in Video Recording

47:54 The Future of Video Editing with AI

50:57 Building Trust in Video Creation

54:00 The Impact of Video Tools on Knowledge Sharing

56:55 The Role of AI in Video Planning

58:49 Navigating the Ethics of AI in Content Creation

01:02:42 Ensuring Authenticity in Video Content

01:04:01 Balancing Complexity and Usability in Design

01:12:52 Optimizing Video Recording and Uploading

01:15:55 Understanding Video Storage and Upload Challenges

01:18:34 The Infrastructure Behind Video Storage

01:21:45 Enhancing Video Editing Features

01:25:42 Streamlining Video Sharing and Publishing

01:32:41 The Future of Video Automation and AI Integration

Summary (AI Generated)

In this conversation, Grant Shadick, CEO of Tella, discusses the innovative approach of Tella in simplifying high-quality video production through user-friendly design and the integration of AI. The discussion covers the importance of user experience, the role of AI in automating editing processes, and the future of video creation. Grant emphasizes the need to empower users to communicate effectively through video while maintaining a balance between simplicity and functionality in design. In this conversation, Grant and Jack explore the evolving landscape of AI in video production, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges of integrating advanced technology into user-friendly design. They discuss Tella's backend mechanics, the complexities of video editing, and the future of publishing and sharing content. The conversation also touches on the potential of automation in video communication and how AI can enhance the creative process.

Learn more about Audrey at https://www.audreyhavey.com

Learn more about the podcast at https://jackvaughan.com

Today I’m speaking with Audrey Havey - a freelance designer, illustrator, and motion designer.

I know Audrey through her YouTube channel where she teaches and vlogs on a wide variety of topics. And as I discovered her work i really wanted to have a chat with her here.

She’s a true multidisciplinary artist and a great communicator — both things I’m trying to be — so I wanted to pick her brains and learn from her. We spoke about:

• Personal projects & experimentation.
• Her advertising degree.
• The important of strong conceptual ideas.
• We covered a lot on designing for esports & her work at Riot games.
• We talked about Art direction, branding, and networking.
• The logistical nature of designing in large organizations.
• and much more…

Summary (AI generated)

In this conversation, Audrey Havey, a multidisciplinary artist, shares her journey from childhood creativity to her current role as a freelance designer and motion artist. She discusses the importance of personal projects, the impact of her education, and the transition to freelancing. Audrey also highlights the role of YouTube in expanding her network and the evolution of her artistic style. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of communication skills and the value of experimentation in the creative process. In this conversation, Jack Vaughan and Audrey Havey explore the creative journey of Audrey, touching on her notable projects, her experience at Riot Games, and her passion for gaming and design. They discuss the importance of communication in large teams, the influence of music in design, and the evolution of her career from freelancing to a full-time role at Riot. Audrey shares insights into her passion project, Vandal, and reflects on her aspirations for the future, including the impact of her upcoming child on her creative endeavors.

Chapters (AI generated)

00:00 The Journey of Creativity

05:03 Childhood Inspirations and Early Experiences

12:37 Education and the Advertising Degree

24:07 Skills Acquired and Professional Development

26:46 The Importance of Personality in Creative Work

29:01 Navigating Early Career Experiences

31:50 The Impact of Freelancing on Personal Growth

35:18 Finding Fulfillment in Creative Roles

38:21 Leveraging YouTube for Networking and Growth

44:08 The Evolution of Communication Skills

45:59 Understanding Style and Personal Identity in Art

54:00 Navigating Creative Pivots

54:31 Exploring Notable Projects

01:02:29 The Journey to Riot Games

01:06:28 The Love for Gaming and Art

01:17:16 Vandal: A COVID Passion Project

01:18:25 The Genesis of a Creative Organization

01:22:32 Building a Team in Esports

01:22:56 Understanding Riot Games and Team Fight Tactics

01:29:10 The Art of Marketing in Gaming

01:36:06 The Art of Marketing in Gaming

01:37:45 Navigating Large Organizations and Communication

01:39:38 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

Today I’m speaking with Meng-Hsueh Lin, an animator and motion designer. He’s worked with studios like

Ordinary Folk, Coat of Arms, Awesome Inc

as well as clients like Disney, Airbnb, and Volkswagen.

We spoke about:

• ​His CS degree
• ​His passion for anime
• ​His experience with School of Motion
• ​Freelancing and collaborating with studios like OF
• ​Rigging and character animation
• ​Teaching and instructional design
• ​Some reflections on where Meng is now, a fork in the road where he’s thinking about what’s next... and much more

Summary (AI Generated)

In this conversation, Meng, an animator and motion designer, shares his journey from studying computer science to discovering his passion for animation. He discusses his experiences with various studios, the challenges of freelancing, and the importance of collaboration in the animation industry. Meng also reflects on his learning experiences, including design bootcamp and character animation, while expressing his ongoing quest to find his true passion in the field.

Chapters:

00:00 Journey from Computer Science to Motion Design

04:05 Discovering Passion for Animation

07:00 Transitioning to Professional Motion Design

10:06 Freelancing Challenges and Networking

13:07 Collaborations and Studio Experiences

16:19 Working with Ordinary Folk

19:11 Design Bootcamp Experience

21:58 Technical Problem Solving in Animation

25:13 2D and 3D Workflow Integration

26:39 Character Animation Insights

29:19 Tools of the Trade

30:58 Navigating Challenges in Animation

34:41 Sound Design in Motion

36:32 Teaching and Learning in Animation

38:41 Finding Passion and Direction

46:48 Reflections on Career Path and Future Goals

50:51 New Chapter

Learn more about Twisha at https://www.twishapatni.com

Learn more about the podcast at https://jackvaughan.com

Today, I’m speaking with Twisha Patni, an Art Director & Graphic Designer.

She’s worked with brands such as Apple, Spotify, Netflix, NYTimes, The Economist, and is now at Buck.

We spoke about

— Being multidisciplinary

— How she’s developed over time

— Her work at Buck

— Illustration systems for Gemini

— Internships

— Style, dabbling

— Personal fulfillment & burnout

— How to root visual design in concept & strategy

— and much, much more.

As always, if you appreciate the show, leave a rating wherever you’re listening, or share it somewhere.

And now I hope you enjoy this interview with Twisha Patni.

Summary (AI generated)

In this conversation, Twisha Patni, an accomplished art director and graphic designer, shares her journey through the design world, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, multidisciplinary skills, and the evolution of design roles. She discusses her experiences at Buck, her transition to art director, and the significance of mentorship in her career. Twisha also delves into the balance between play and work, her sources of inspiration, and the creative strategies behind successful projects, including her work with Google on the Gemini platform. As she reflects on her future aspirations, she expresses a desire to explore entrepreneurial ventures while maintaining a passion for her craft.

Chapters (AI generated)

00:00 The Evolution of Design Roles

03:31 Curiosity and the Journey of Learning

06:25 The Balance of Yes and No

09:20 Identity and the Illustrator’s Journey

12:25 The Art of Storytelling in Design

14:46 Play and Experimentation in Craft

18:02 Finding Inspiration Beyond the Canvas

20:43 Mentorship and Growth in Design

23:51 Transitioning to Art Direction

27:03 Navigating Styles and Techniques

30:05 Creative Strategy and Conceptual Depth

31:21 Dreams of Podcasting

31:49 Creative Direction in Big Projects

35:34 Collaboration with Microsoft

37:25 Understanding Client Briefs

40:18 The Balance of Resources

41:07 Career Journey and Internships

44:01 Branding and Design Execution

44:51 Creative Strategy vs. Art Direction

47:11 Surprise and Delight in Design

48:42 Teaching Creative Thinking

55:00 Working on Gemini Project

01:01:15 Future Aspirations

Learn more about Tom at https://www.tparkes.com

Learn more about the podcast at https://jackvaughan.com

Today I’m speaking with Tom Parkes - a Web+Brand designer.

Tom’s worked at both agencies such as Instrument, Justified Studio, MetaLab, and freelanced for companies such as Airbnb, Microsoft and he’s now at Glide - where I work - leading web & brand.

We talked about many things like:

• The activity and craft of design
• Sensitivity and receptivity to design and art.
• Design in agencies versus in-house.
• The difference between art and design
• how design is merging with motion
• And of course, much, much more.

Summary (AI Generated)

In this conversation, Jack Vaughan speaks with Tom Parkes, a web and brand designer, about his journey in design, the evolution from graphic design to visual communication, and the importance of sensitivity and emotional connection in the design process. They discuss the role of typography, the impact of university experiences, and the balance between trends and timelessness in design. Tom shares insights on the significance of communication in design and how it shapes the designer’s approach to their work. In this conversation, Tom discusses the intricacies of branding and design, emphasizing the importance of presentation, critique, and the separation of personal identity from work. He introduces his ‘Holy Trinity’ of design process, which includes context, empathy, and execution. The dialogue explores the balance between art and design, the evolution of digital design, and the significance of brand strategy. Tom reflects on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in design, advocating for a thoughtful approach to integrating new technologies while maintaining the essence of creativity.

Chapters (AI Generated)

00:00 The Evolution of Design Terminology

05:44 Navigating Design Education and Personal Growth

13:45 The Emotional Connection to Design

19:42 Sensitivity and Vulnerability in Creativity

29:38 Staying Relevant in Design Trends

37:12 The Essence of Timeless Design

39:49 The Evolution of Branding

43:26 The Art of Communication in Design

54:23 Tom’s Holy Trinity of Design Process

58:02 The Intersection of Art and Design

01:06:38 Navigating the Balance of Web and Brand Design

01:07:13 The Evolution of Brand Strategy in Design

01:11:59 The Intersection of Design and Development

01:16:24 Reflections on Product Design vs. Brand Design

01:19:13 Creating Synchronicity Between Brand and Product

01:22:10 Systems Thinking in Design

01:25:59 The Importance of Brand Strategy in Design

01:30:44 The Future of Design in the Age of AI

01:39:13 New Chapter