Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kyle Asperger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Kyle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

As the creative director, my job is to make sound creative decisions on behalf of our clients. Decisions that will inevitably push them toward their established goals.

The hard part is seeing when creative decisions need to be made internally for my company, Studio 301. Risk vs. reward. Will the reward outweigh the inherent risks of the proposed shift?

As of now, I don’t have an answer. All I have is steadfast conviction that will push our team to the finish line. The answer will present itself in time once we cross that line.

Up until a few months ago, I could say that we’ve never produced an animated short film before.

We’re producing an animated short film as we speak. It’s f*cking rad. But it’s also expensive for a small production house (risk).

It has given me an opportunity to grow as a creative director and a leader. I’ve learned an immense amount about the process that goes into producing something of this caliber as well as the corresponding fundraising process. I’ve met some extraordinary folks along the way, a number of them have had a hand in producing the film. And, when everything is said and done, it will level us up, giving us an ability to serve others in a new, more engaging way. Through artful storytelling (reward).

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Studio 301 is deeply rooted in my story. I was adopted into his childhood home, 301 S Waiola.

Birthed out of rebellion and a need for change, Studio 301 opened its metaphorical doors in 2018. Since then, Studio 301 has grown into its shoes, as they say.

The mentors I’ve met through the years have been a driving agent of change for us. Selflessly, they imparted their knowledge upon me and shifted my way of seeing things. To say the least, change needed to happen. Those conversations informed the pillars of our beliefs.

Studio 301 Values:

– Those who share a growth mindset.
– Teams that wish to leave the world in a better way than when they found it.
– Folks who love taking risks.
– Individuals who are fiercely honest.
– Brands that know they’re ready to feature a new level of discomfort.
– Principals. Boundaries. Values.

Without these extraordinary folks spurring change from within, 301 would be a stagnant vessel on calm waters. Thus, we’d be unable to aid in anyone else’s safe voyage across their own (un)charted waters.

Intentionality is crucial as we build out new partnerships and clients alike. 301 seeks to do more good in the world. Principals guide us. And we are on the hunt for teams and brands who share those guiding visions.

We are Agents of Change, at the service of those ready to embrace our helping hand.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Word of mouth.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Trusting only myself. Uh, dummy, trust others and you and the business can grow exponentially.

As the sole maker for a number of years, I had troubles outsourcing to other creative minds.

Inevitably the work load reached a point where others had to be brought in to alleviate some of the work stress.

From that moment on, I saw the significance of contracting out.

Now, Studio 301 is a virtual agency (geographically ambiguous) that leans heavily on its network of learned contractors.

Contact Info:

• Website: studio301.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio_301_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio301agency/?viewAsMember=true

Image Credits
Illustrations by: Quinn Gaughan (Animation Team Lead) Zach Campbell (Animator) Eros Meyers (Animator) On behalf of Studio 301’s animated short film, “The Note”.