We recently connected with Andrew Olszewski and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Andrew, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
Good x Studios came about from pure exhaustion. I was trying for months to come up with a company and business name that could just become my brand. Failed attempt after failed attempt, I said “Man, I really just want something that makes people feel good”. And then it clicked, Good. With this name I can branch out to many other creative worlds. My main world is Good x Studios. But when I work on a Mini-Doc it is a Good x Doc, photography is Good x Photos, or for film, it will be a Good x Film. Also, for social media, the personal branding goodxandrew has is really great. Who knows where else I could go with it, but right now I want to strive for greatness in everything that I do, and continue making things that are Good.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Andrew Olszewski, and I am just a guy from Michigan that found his way to California. Filmmaking has always been my passion, I just never knew how to make it my career. Then one summer I had a video blow up on YouTube, made a little bit of money in a few months, and realized there is a way to make this happen. If I am creating something authentic to myself, there is a chance I can connect to other people as well. So then after a handful of life events I realized it was time to take a chance, and move out to California.
As to not go through my whole life story, I quickly realized that there are a lot of talented people in the world, and a lot of people trying to make it. If I wanted to create a life for me and my family, I was going to have to get serious about the business side of filmmaking, and not just the creative. I created the company Good x Studios to set the foundation for this idea. Good x Studios is a full service production company focusing on creating content that matters, and makes someone feel good. Good x Studios creates music videos, documentaries, commercial work, and everything in between.
My passion is telling the stories of creative people, though. Everyone is unique, and has a story to be told, and I love bringing that to life. Whether that be through a music video from an artist, or a mini doc about someones passion. Passion and Love is the foundation for anything good, and I try to bring that to life through my filmmaking.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding thing about being a creative, is the fact I get to bring ideas, stories, or just a sentence, to life visually. People have more power in their voice than they realize, and creating visual content to amplify someones message feels like a good thing to do. Whether that be through a documentary, photo, music video, etc. visual art can provoke physical reactions. Tears can fall, stomachs can hurt from laughing, one can go into an entire different world, because of something seen on a screen. It really is magical.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
A while back in college I read the book from Simon Sinek “Start with Why”. It’s a book many may have heard about, but not actually read. Probably fewer creatives have read it too. However, I think it is a must read for anyone that deals with people, has a business, or even just a freelance creative. Simon digs into what sells and why, and most of the time it’s not the the shiny new product selling simply because its shiny and new, but because the company behind the product has made it clear you don’t need the product because its shiny, you need the product for the “why” behind it being shiny.
This can easily be applied to a creative selling their art, or trying to land a client. The bells and whistles are nice, and money can come into play, but ultimately, the most powerful thing, is the “why”. Why do I create what I create? Why does a story need to be told. As a filmmaker, if I am clear as to why I want to work with you, and why I do what I do, I have a better chance at creating a meaningful relationship that results in a product (video) that is far beyond surface level.
That’s what I try doing with Good x Studios. Anyone can read off a script, use fancy gear, or say they create art because its fun. If I am telling your story, I am going to make sure we know why you think it’s fun. In doing so, I make sure you know why I promise to make something good for you when we create together, too.
Contact Info:
- Website: goodxstudios.com
- Instagram: @goodxandrew
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodxStudios