Creative Belief

Whether it’s the roar of engines or the quiet click of a shutter, Barry Cantrell knows how to capture a story in motion.

In this episode, we sit down with Barry—photographer, designer, and part of the creative force behind Stillhouse—to explore what it takes to capture the heart-pounding world of motorsports.

From growing up on a farm in Tennessee to shooting some of the most iconic races in America, Barry shares his unlikely journey into photography, how a borrowed press pass turned into a career, and why em...

What does it look like to build a creative studio in the world of motorsports—and have fun doing it?

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Simpson, founder of Stillhouse and longtime creative leader in the INDYCAR paddock. Brian shares his winding journey from restaurant kitchens to running new media at INDYCAR, launching viral projects like Bus Bros, and eventually leading a creative team that’s redefining how motorsport brands connect with fans.

We explore the power of taking risks, the importance of measuring your creativity, and why...

What happens when you combine a passion for people, a deep love of storytelling, and one of the most iconic venues in motorsports history? You get the creative journey of Michael Kaltenmark.

In this episode of Creative Belief, we sit down with Michael—Senior Director of Marketing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and former “Dog Guy” at Butler University—for a masterclass in creative leadership, brand building, and the power of trusting your gut. From raising his hand to run a live mascot program, to reimagining the fan experience at the Indy 500, Michael shares how great...

What happens when a fine artist becomes the creative force behind one of the most iconic racetracks in the world? In this episode of Creative Belief, we sit down with Grace Keller, Senior Graphic Designer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar Racing Series.

Grace shares how her DIY upbringing and love for portraiture evolved into a career shaping the visual identity of an entire sport. From creating fan-favorite race posters to navigating the pressures of legacy and innovation, Grace unpacks what it means to design for both lifelong fans and a new generation o...

What happens when you mix raw creativity, relentless hustle, and a love for going fast? You get Chase Holden.

In this episode, we sit down with the Co-Host of the Speed Street Podcast With Conor Daly and host of the RACEBETS Podcast Presented By GridRival to talk about his wild journey—from selling insurance and sleeping in his car at races to building one of the most unique voices in motorsports content. Chase shares how growing up with limited resources shaped his scrappy creative spirit, why trusting your intuition matters, and how content creation is...

The world of motorsports is fueled by speed, precision, and relentless creativity. In this episode of Creative Belief, we kick off our special motorsports series with Harris Lue, designer, illustrator, and co-owner of Lue Creative—a studio shaping the visual identity of some of the biggest names in racing.

Harris shares his journey from sketching race cars in class to designing for NASCAR, Stewart-Haas Racing, and now leading his own creative agency. We dive into the high-stakes world of motorsports branding, the art of balancing sponsor demands with artistic vision, and how his passion for r...

Live production is more than just lights and visuals—it’s about crafting experiences that leave a lasting impact. In this episode of Creative Belief, we sit down with Michael Chamot, Live Events & Rental Manager at Kramer Productions and freelance lighting designer, to talk about the art of designing immersive environments and the creative process behind live events.

Michael shares his journey from growing up around production to leading large-scale designs for concerts, churches, and events. We explore the tension between artistic vision and client collaboration, the importance of trust in creative partnerships, and how to...

Creativity isn’t just about making things—it’s about solving problems. In this episode of Creative Belief, we sit down with Josh Gaal, agency producer at Young & Laramore, to talk about the power of asking better questions, building trust in the creative process, and why everything is made up.

Josh shares how growing up immersed in skateboarding, music, and design shaped his creative perspective, the importance of collaboration in today’s creative landscape, and why creatives should embrace transdisciplinary thinking. We also dive into why knowing what something isn’t is just as important as kn...

Creativity isn’t just for the studio—it’s in our homes, our daily routines, and even our parenting. In this episode of Creative Belief, we sit down with Breana Elliott, founder of Elliott Design Co., an interior design firm that helps homeowners blend beauty with function.

Breana shares her journey from photography and marketing to launching her own business, the lessons she’s learned about creativity along the way, and the importance of designing intentional spaces that reflect who we are. We also talk about the role of creativity in everyday life—whether it’s through...

What does it take to bring creativity to life inside one of the most innovative companies in the world? In this episode of Creative Belief, we sit down with Ethan Karr, a senior specialist in employee communications and engagement at The Walt Disney Company, to explore the intersection of creativity, storytelling, and culture-building within a global brand.

Ethan shares his journey from small-town Illinois to Disney, the power of writing as a personal creative outlet, and why slowing down is the secret to doing great creative work. We also dive into the evolving landscape of...

Creativity isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about solving real problems, thinking strategically, and building brands that stand the test of time. In this episode, we sit down with Gabe Lindman, founder of Illume, a strategic branding consultancy helping startups and growth-stage companies craft compelling narratives and carve out their space in the market.

Gabe shares his journey from business school to brand strategy, the intersection of creativity and structure, and why the best creative work happens within boundaries. We also dive into the power of slow productivity, why true differ...

Creativity is more than just an art form—it’s a way of building meaningful connections and lasting impact. In this episode, Raegan Waite, owner, founder and lead photographer of Clay House Photography, shares her journey from high school yearbook photographer to running a thriving wedding photography business. We dive into the challenges of turning creativity into a career, the power of personal storytelling in photography, and the importance of building a business that prioritizes connection over trends. Raegan also opens up about the role of community, creative growth, and resisting the pressure to monetize every passion.

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In a world full of noise, how do brands truly stand out? Zach Witzig, enterprise account manager at GR0 and a passionate marketer, joins us to talk about the power of authentic storytelling, the future of AI in marketing, and how brands can create real connections with their audiences.Zach shares his journey from growing up in China to working with brands across multiple industries, helping them craft messaging that resonates. He dives into his creative process, the importance of personalization in marketing, and why stealing from the best can actually fuel better creativity.Plus, we talk about the...

What happens when you let go of the rules and push creativity beyond its limits? That’s exactly what Ross Schafer has done with the Pacers Victory Jersey Project, where he designs a brand-new Pacers jersey after every win. But this project is just one part of his creative journey.

In this episode of Creative Belief, Ross—an art director, illustrator, and type designer—talks with us about breaking brand rules, trusting the creative process, and how design can thrive when it’s given room to evolve. We also dive into the impact of AI on cr...

What does it mean to create with authenticity? For cinematographer and event space co-owner Christian Barreno, it’s about more than just making something that looks good—it’s about building trust, telling real stories, and staying true to the work that moves you.

In this episode of Creative Belief, Christian shares his journey from growing up in a house filled with music to navigating the world of film and production. We dive into the tension between commercial projects and personal passion, the role of AI and technology in creativity, and why authenticity will always...

We believe we were made to create.

Welcome to Creative Belief, a new podcast from CRTR Studio where we share a curated collection of conversations with creatives who believe creativity can change the world.

Each week, Alex Holt, creative director and co-founder of CRTR Studio, and Josh Day, our senior brand designer, sit down with creatives from all kinds of backgrounds to talk about their stories, their creative processes, and where they see creativity heading in the next few years.

The goal? To expand w...