We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cole Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cole below.
Cole, appreciate you joining us today. Quality control is a challenge almost every entrepreneur has had to focus on when growing – any advice, stories or insight around how to best ensure quality is maintained as your business scales?
As Motion House Studio has grown over the years, maintaining quality has always been a top priority for us. Despite our small team of three—consisting of the Head of Operations, Head of Experience, and myself as the Head of Creative—we’ve been intentional about ensuring that the quality of our work remains consistently high.
One of the key strategies we’ve employed is a meticulous selection process when bringing in external talent to collaborate on projects. We’ve cultivated a network of local creators who align with our vision and values. This approach allows us to assemble a customized team for each project, drawing on specific expertise to meet the unique demands of the client or the creative vision we’re pursuing.
In terms of quality controls, clear communication and detailed project briefs have played a crucial role. We believe that a shared understanding of the project goals, expectations, and standards is fundamental. This ensures that everyone involved, both internally and externally, is on the same page.
For those concerned about quality control as they grow, my advice is to prioritize communication and build a network of trusted collaborators. Having a flexible team that can adapt to different project requirements has been instrumental for us. Additionally, staying true to our core values and being selective in our growth has allowed us to expand strategically without sacrificing the quality that defines Motion House Studio.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve been immersed in the world of photo and video content creation for over a decade. My journey began as a freelance videographer, capturing the energy of concerts and crafting compelling music videos. The turning point came in 2016 when I secured a full-time position at the renowned record label, Strange Music, located in Kansas City, Missouri. During my time there, I discovered my passion for directing and cinematography, collaborating with high-profile recording artists and honing my skills behind the camera.
In 2019, I took a leap of faith, leaving my position at Strange Music to re-enter the freelance arena. Around the same time, my partner Kaylie Trusler, equipped with her business expertise, joined forces with me to co-found Motion House Studio in January of 2020. Our studio is a full-service visual media powerhouse, specializing in the creation and delivery of high-quality motion, video, and still content that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impression.
Fast forward three years into our journey, and Motion House Studio has evolved into a dynamic team of three, including the recent addition of Shawn Ortega as our Head of Experience. Our focus has always been on forming strong networks and collaborating with trusted contractors to bring our creative visions to life. From conception to full-scale execution, we handle every aspect of visual media production, ensuring that our clients’ visions are not only met but exceeded.
What sets us apart at Motion House Studio is our unique style. We take pride in the fact that viewers can recognize our work before even knowing it’s ours. Beyond the visuals, we’re known for fostering great energy on set. Our belief is that a positive and collaborative atmosphere translates into exceptional final products, and our clients keep coming back for more. Building mutually beneficial relationships is at the core of what we do, and we genuinely believe that we can tackle any project thrown our way.
We’re most proud of the relationships we’ve cultivated, the distinctive style we’ve developed, and the reputation for delivering exceptional product. At Motion House Studio, we’re not just creating visual content; we’re crafting experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Motion House Studio isn’t just about crafting visuals; it’s a journey guided by a singular mission — we’re storytellers at heart. Our creative compass is set to navigate the intricate landscapes of human experiences. I started this journey not expecting to make money off it initially. I began because I genuinely enjoyed the creative process. Even as we grow, the intention has always been the same — a passionate pursuit of visual storytelling.
We believe in the power of visual media to evoke emotions, connect people, and convey narratives that linger in the minds of our audience. Our goal is to break free from the conventional norms and redefine storytelling through the lens. We want to seamlessly blend the artistry of visuals with the depth of narrative, creating an immersive experience that goes beyond the surface.
In essence, our creative journey is a pursuit of storytelling excellence, a commitment to crafting visuals that not only captivate the eye but also resonate with the soul. Even as we grow, our foundation remains rooted in the joy of creative expression, reflecting the initial passion that sparked this endeavor.
Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?
As creators in the visual media industry, we recognize the importance of supplementary revenue streams in maintaining a sustainable business. The nature of our field often involves lengthy decision-making processes and sizable budgets, sometimes taking months to close a job. It’s a delicate balance because, while we never want to rush clients into decisions, this extended timeline can pose challenges for our cash flow.
To navigate these challenges and ensure a steady foundation, we’ve proactively diversified our revenue streams as Motion House Studio matures. We’ve found that actions such as renting out our gear and studio space, creating specific offers, and streamlining our processes have been instrumental during times when jobs take longer to land. These strategic measures not only provide additional income but also contribute to a more stable and resilient business model.
There have been instances where waiting for a job to materialize meant facing difficulties, including the ability to pay rent. Through our experiences, we’ve learned that diversifying revenue streams is a key aspect of financial resilience. It not only alleviates the pressure during lulls in client work but also enhances our peace of mind. This approach enables us to focus on creating the best possible creative work without compromising the integrity of our vision.
In essence, the supplementary revenue streams we’ve implemented serve as a safety net, allowing us to weather uncertainties and maintain a sustainable, thriving creative environment. As Motion House Studio continues to evolve, our commitment to diversification remains central to our strategy, providing the flexibility needed to navigate the dynamic landscape of our industry and ensuring the longevity of our creative endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.motionhousestudio.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/seemlessvisuals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motionhousestudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/motion-house-studio/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@motionhousestudio
Image Credits
Shawn Ortega & Jacob Schermerhorn