Eric Montanez : In Conversation

In this conversation, Eric Montanez discusses his creative journey and the shifts in his approach and priorities. He reflects on the Chicago creative landscape and the impact it had on his inspiration and motivation. Eric also shares his thoughts on navigating the evolving digital landscape and finding balance in the overwhelming amount of content available. He emphasizes the importance of branding and communication in his work and the value of curating and supporting artists. Eric concludes by discussing the projects he chooses to invest his time and energy in, focusing on alignment and adding value. In this conversation, Eric Montanez discusses his shifting priorities and responsibilities in his career. He talks about the importance of personal projects and incubation, as well as the role of design in music. Eric also shares his thoughts on celebrating endings and the impact of his project These Days. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of working in Chicago and Los Angeles, and emphasizes the importance of finding value and adding value in creative projects. Finally, he discusses the need for artists to find internal validation and the importance of shifting mental cycles.

TimeStamps:

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

01:52 Shift in Approach and Reflection

05:11 Chicago Creative Landscape

09:07 Shifting Perspectives and Balancing Priorities

12:56 Navigating the Evolving Digital Landscape

19:25 Finding Balance and Intentionality

21:27 Capturing Time and Reflecting on the Past

25:11 Exploring Branding and Communication

29:08 Curating and Supporting Artists

32:37 Filling the Void with These Days Mag

37:31 Adding Value and Aligning with Projects

38:20 Shifting Priorities and Responsibilities

39:00 Personal Projects and Incubation

39:52 The Role of Design in Music

41:40 The Importance of Celebrating Endings

42:26 The Impact of These Days

43:40 The Challenges and Rewards of Working in Chicago

46:02 The Shift in Focus in Los Angeles

53:24 Finding Value and Adding Value

56:18 The Fluidity of Roles in Creative Projects

59:15 The Importance of Internal Validation

01:08:49 Shifting the Mental Cycles of Artists