What Gets You Hired (and Remembered): A Creative Director’s Take on Building the Portfolio, Presence, and Energy That Stands Out - 038
Many creatives dream of working with iconic brands — but few understand what it actually takes to get there. As a creative director with decades of experience at companies like Roxy, DC Shoes, Hollister, and Eddie Bauer, Chris Vestal shares what makes a portfolio stand out, how to navigate the politics of big-budget shoots, and why the energy you bring to set matters just as much as the work you create.Alongside host Marshal Chupa, Chris breaks down the unspoken tiers of creative talent, the importance of self-awareness in your growth journey, and the practical ways to get noticed by decision-makers in the industry.Key Topics DiscussedThe power of proximity — how Chris went from pinning surf mag pages on his wall to becoming creative director for the very brands that inspired him.Climbing the creative ladder — how scrappy, self-driven experience led to high-budget global campaigns.Creative outreach that lands — what it actually takes to get the attention of high-level creative directors (hint: it's not a mass email blast).Building trust as a leader — how Chris creates unforgettable shoot energy by curating people, not just portfolios.If you're a filmmaker or photographer navigating the industry, this episode is full of real talk, career strategy, and powerful reminders about staying aligned with your creative vision.Episode Highlights00:06 From Superfan to Creative Director How childhood inspiration and personal passion shaped a career in global brand leadership00:09 Lessons from Working with Iconic BrandsWhat Chris learned while designing for Roxy, DC Shoes, Eddie Bauer, and more00:11 Big Budgets, Bigger PoliticsThe creative tradeoffs and team dynamics behind multi-million-dollar productions00:29 What Gets You Noticed as a CreativeInside a creative director’s inbox — and how to actually stand out00:30 Authentic Outreach vs. Template PitchesWhy a thoughtful DM or email matters more than a slick portfolio00:37 Building Set Energy & Why It MattersThe hidden value of vibe, chemistry, and energy when curating a crew00:52 Creating “White Space” to Make Great WorkHow adding just one extra day can unlock breakthrough creative01:00 Shooting Beyond the Brief: Portfolio GoldHow personal ideas on set can lead to standout, career-making images01:04 Manifestation & Career AlignmentThe mindset shift that helped Chris land his dream job at Aspen One01:15 Leading Through Systems, Vision & VibeWhy good leadership means making space for your team to thrive creatively🔗 CONNECT WITH CHRIS VESTAL 📸 Instagram | @_vestal🖥️ Website | www.vestalindustries.com💼 LinkedIn | Chris Vestal on LinkedIn🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL📸 Instagram | @marshalchupa💻 Website | www.marshalchupa.com 🔗 LinkedIn | Marshal Chupa on LinkedIn📄 SHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPTVisit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation www.shotlistpodcast.com🎙 ABOUT THE PODCASTThis podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of making a life and a living behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of.🎧 LISTEN🟢| Spotify🟣| Apple Podcast👊 SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEWPlease help me bring you more future episode by subscribing and leaving a review📱GET IN TOUCHYou can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email
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