We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sherman Wellons a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sherman, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with something countless entrepreneurs have had to figure out on the fly – how have you dealt with the rise of remote work?

At the core: Trust. Time. Logic.

Remote work has been successful for our company because we value autonomy and hire experienced professionals who don’t require micromanagement. If the majority of your work is done on a computer—as it is for most creative, advertising, and marketing roles—there’s no practical reason to commute to an office every day. The COVID-19 pandemic proved that productivity doesn’t depend on physical presence; it depends on communication, accountability, and access to the right tools.

That said, there are exceptions—such as on-location video shoots or physical production work that require a crew. However, even these areas are evolving. With the rise of real-time 3D technology, virtual production, and powerful desktop computers, high-quality video content can now be created entirely in digital environments. We’ve embraced this shift. Much of our commercial and branded content is developed using 3D pipelines and virtual sets, often indistinguishable from live-action by the average viewer.

Remote work also contributes to sustainability—a value we prioritize. Fewer cars on the road means reduced emissions and less smog, which benefits both the environment and public health. It’s a tangible way for companies to lower their carbon footprint, yet many still underestimate the impact.

Finally, remote work saves our team time and money. Less time stuck in traffic means more time spent on ideation, collaboration, and execution. It reduces gas and transportation costs, improves work-life balance, and ultimately makes us more productive. Time isn’t perishable, but once it’s gone, you can’t get it back—so we’ve structured our workflows to respect and maximize it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m the founder and creative force behind Inertiart Studios (IA), a digital media production company based in Atlanta. My journey began with comic books—vivid panels shared with my father that unknowingly introduced me to the power of visual storytelling. That early fascination led to a scholarship at Carnegie Mellon, a graphic design degree from the University of Georgia, and eventually a career that bridges creativity and technology. Since 2003, IA has specialized in developing display and interactive content for desktop, mobile, tablet, and digital signage platforms. We offer services ranging from video production and post-production to 3D animation, visual effects, web development, and brand integration. What sets us apart is our ability to collaborate deeply with clients, bringing both technical precision and artistic vision to solve complex communication challenges. Whether partnering with major brands like Toyota, Coca-Cola, and Verizon or supporting nonprofits and educators, we remain grounded in thoughtful design, smart execution, and delivering work that is on time, on budget, and emotionally resonant. I’m most proud of building a studio that stays curious, agile, and committed to creating meaningful media experiences across platforms.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Growing up in a poor, violent, and drug-infested neighborhood, I was constantly surrounded by negative influences. As a kid, I often felt embarrassed when I was sent to the store with food stamps—provided by my father—to buy milk or small groceries. At the time, I didn’t understand that being a welfare recipient wasn’t something to be ashamed of, and that it didn’t define who I was.

Unlike many kids in my neighborhood, I had a father who was present during my early years (my mother was not involved in my childhood). He instilled in me basic survival skills for living in the “hood” and taught me how education could be a powerful tool for transformation. From a young age, he emphasized the importance of discipline in studying and getting good grades. He taught me that knowledge is a weapon—far more powerful than a gun. This was a concept many of my peers never had the chance to learn, as their fathers were either incarcerated, deceased, or absent.

I held on to that fundamental lesson: knowledge could be my path out. It was the key to avoiding the fate of becoming just another statistic—something too often the result of systemic racism embedded in American culture.

Even though my father himself became a statistic—arrested for drug trafficking when I was 16—I held tight to the lessons he taught me. I put myself through college and pursued a degree in Graphic Design. I survived. I made it out of the neighborhood through education. I refused to become a statistic, unlike so many of my peers.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Creation is better than destruction. For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to use visual communication to connect with people on a deeply emotional level. Most artists who are true to their craft strive to create work that resonates—not just visually, but emotionally. There’s something profoundly fulfilling about watching someone smile, reflect, or feel inspired because of something you made. Whether it’s a motion graphic, a digital interface, or a piece of branded content, the goal is the same: to spark emotion, provoke thought, and create impact.

Visual language transcends barriers. It has the power to communicate ideas faster than words, to stir empathy, to challenge perspectives, and to tell stories that stick with people long after they’ve looked away. Color, composition, motion, texture—all of these are tools we use to shape experience and guide emotional response. As a creative, I see design as more than aesthetics; it’s a way to shift moods, prompt action, or even heal. That ability to influence how someone feels or sees the world, even for a moment, is what keeps me inspired. It’s a silent dialogue between creator and viewer—and when it lands just right, it’s magic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://inertiart.com
• Instagram: @inertiart_studio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherman-wellons-40291a4/
• Youtube: @shermanwellons

Image Credits

This is all of my work.