Dan Westgarth’s Post

I’ve been asked the question “are you still doing video stuff” more than a few times recently, so I figure I’m due for a quick career update. The short answer is yes, I’m still doing video stuff. I don’t hold the camera as often as I used to, but my team and I produce all kinds of video content for lots of different brands and clients. It is still a deep rooted passion for me. But that is not all we do. In fact, it is only one detail in the bigger picture we’re painting at Doxey Street. For the past two years we have been quietly developing a company that invests in creativity, uncovers strategic solutions and produces meaningful work for ambitious clients. My title is creative director. Yes, I do video stuff. I also design. And write. And lead a small team. But creative thinking is at the center of it all. It is my press pass, my PIN number, my money line. My team is elite. Humble brag. Max Trevino and Harley Knudson are true partners in (legal, above the line) crime, and together we create a formidable core. The hard work we’ve all put in to build Doxey Street has intentionally been a quiet endeavor. That is about to change this summer as we launch our new website, grow our team and begin sharing our own stories. I’ve spent a lot of days in pursuit of one creative endeavor after another. At least that is what I thought, that they were separate endeavors. In truth, they’re all connected and have culminated into what is now Doxey Street. The mission is far from over. In a way… we really haven’t even started. But our DNA is printed, and we know who we are. So, to sum it up: yeah still video stuff, kinda... But the more accurate question is “are you still doing that creative stuff?” To which I say: Hell yes I am. We all are, over on Doxey Street

Take a Seat and Start a Revolution! Maybe it's the fact that we're here in France with Placemaking Europe, or perhaps it's because our Initiator, Ryan Smolar, finally saw Hamilton the Musical on Broadway. And it's definitely because our team was with Social Life Project founders Fred Kent and Kathy Madden conspiring to "start a revolution" by placing a "bench on every corner." PlacemakingUS has decided to revolt against the status quo, and we need your help to place a bench on every corner to start a revolution! To start, we created a musical number and video to further the cause of "Liberté, égalité, fraternité ...et convivialité." Here's the words so you can sing along as you plant the seeds of revolution on your corner: Walking down the avenue, Faces pass but no one's knew. Concrete jungles, empty streets. Where did we lose our heartbeat? Imagine if we took a stand? Turned the corner from vacant land? A simple change, a wooden frame, Spark a fire, stake a claim. A bench on every corner... Let's start a revolution! Turn spaces into places, We're the change, the solution! Sit down for a moment! Let's have a conversation! A bench on every corner, Could heal our lonely nation! Both young and old, From far and near. We'll find our home, We'll make it here. It's not just wood, it's not just steel, It's how we connect, it's how we feel. From city lights to small-town squares: We'll find our heart, we'll find them there. A bench on every corner... Let's start a revolution! Turn spaces into places, We're the change, the solution! Sit down and taste some ice cream! Let's make a scene and live the dream! A bench on every corner, Could heal our lonely nation! Let's build it now, let's make a start Turn the corner into a work of art! Empty spaces find new life... Eyes on the street will end the strife. Weaving stories old and new, Bench on the corner? Dreams come true... #placemaking #seatober

Starting my own small studio during the current state of the industry (and the world in general) has been an ambitious thing to do, maybe even a little delusional... but it's super exciting, too. We're currently right in the middle of two major documentary series that we're really proud of, we're building a better website, and we have a team working on a full branding / strategy effort to help position us for growth. Everything will be coming into focus a lot more in about 2 months for our small studio, and I can't wait to start sharing tangible things. Right now, there's about 3-4 of us at the ground level, but we've been rotating another 4-6 people in and out as much as we can for varying levels of work, and it looks like it's going to be ramping up a lot more soon. I've learned a lot so far about who we are and the trajectory of the business, here are a few quick talking points: 1 - We always try to communicate as transparently and honestly as we can. 2 - We want our artists and clients to feel appreciated for the people they are, for their talent, and for their trust. It's all massively important that we approach this from a very human-level. 3 - We pay every Friday morning (As long as you invoice by Tuesday). 4 - We love being involved in projects that allow a tactile approach, are inherently to the human element, and feel authentic. 5 - We aren't just trying to 'be cool', 'be the best', or 'chase clout', we just want to be intentional about our work and take stories from great to iconic with our creative approach. 6 - We aren't afraid to confront industry wide problems and discuss change publicly. We want to be the best we can be, but we also hope others will watch and listen so they can also be better and help push the industry forward in a good way. 7 - We will always put your name in the credits even if you only did one graphic for a project. You do the work, you get the credit. All that being said — I'm curious. What do you think makes a studio special and desirable to work at, or with? What can we do that would make you feel genuinely excited to work with us as an artist or client?

New WEBSITE, new name, new work! Lots of newness ; ) Excited to share with y'all. Take a glance at the new website here, and drop me a line to let me know what you think! More exciting stuff in the pipeline to come... [ www.ianalexander.work ]

FEATURED NEIGHBORHOOD LISTING: ARLINGTON 🏡 Discover the Charms of Arlington: Where Living Feels Like Thriving! Welcome to Arlington, where the heart of Texas beats with vibrant energy and a tapestry of possibilities unfolds! 🤠 City of Entertainment: Arlington is more than a city; it's a playground of entertainment. From cheering at major league games to exploring world-class theme parks, every day is an adventure! Cultural Mosaic: Immerse yourself in a cultural tapestry with museums, theaters, and art festivals that celebrate the rich diversity of Arlington's community. Parks and Recreation: Nature beckons at every turn. Arlington boasts picturesque parks and trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a breath of fresh air and scenic landscapes. Dynamic Community: Arlington is not just a place; it's a community. Engage in local events, meet friendly neighbors, and create memories in a city that feels like home. Why It's Home: Living in Arlington isn't just about having a home; it's about embracing a lifestyle where every day is an opportunity to thrive, explore, and celebrate the richness of life. Ready to call Arlington home? Let the journey to vibrant living begin! https://lnkd.in/djK2uBBk #TrinityGroupRealty #ArlingtonTX #CommunityCharm #LakeLiving #HomeSweetHome

Are you ready to do better? Whilst I'm looking for work, I'm not rushing into things and will be working freelance until the right job comes along. I thought it would be a good time to make my place-based consultancy known so that I can keep my tours (Skyliner) distinct from my placemaking. The focus of Rocking Chair Riot is on the ethics and equity of places, including place branding and naming, but seeks to prevent (or fix) poor public art, and educate local governments and developers on ethical place management practices. There isn't always city-wide joined up thinking in developments, much less region-wide, and the aim it to advise venues, developers, local government on local distinctiveness, placemaking trends, indie anchors, artwashing, greenwashing, displacement, mini empires and monopolisation, trickle down economics, and provide an exhaustive, meaningful report to accompany positive action. For example, at the moment, I've got worked lined up to replace a very prominent local mural that I noticed had been painted by an artist with a background of domestic violence, advising on changes that can be made on another mural which I noticed has some problematic oppressive symbolism, and work coming up on place brands, renaming spaces and places, and in providing ethical and contextual research to developers to ensure that we aren't 'making' places that already exist, but nurturing what's already there. The focus here, as with everything I do, is empathic research into urban spaces. Culture and art are a huge focus for me, but so is public realm, retail and leisure, and community. (A bit of background: I chose the name because of the New York protests in Central Park over seating being monopolised by private businesses - it felt totally aligned with what's important to me to protect, provide, and improve. The branding of my site was done by the dreamy Marc Spicer, after I sent him some of my collection of ceramic tiles by artist, barrow boy, and flamenco dancer Ron Hitchens, who covered his Hackney house with tiles throughout his life - a nod to my love of post-war ceramic and sculpture but also of vernacular or homemade arts and easy access to them). https://lnkd.in/eAPF5T9a Get in touch if you're ready to do better! hello@rockingchair-riot.com #placemaking #urbanist #placebranding #placemarketing #cities #ethics #urbanart #publicart #publicrealm

We had a wonderful time getting to know Bill & Maggie Lynch of Wrightwood. They are the epitome of what makes Studio City so great. Issues should have arrived last week. hope you enjoy as much as we did! #sponsorshipmarketing #brandingstrategy #communityengagement #communitybuilding #bestversionmedia #digitalbranding #printbranding #webbranding

Check out my latest post!

If I gave you access to my new mini course on the basics of your home studio, would you want in? Type ME in the comments...and I'll get you the access! #realestateagents #smallbusinessowners