Building a Creative Career with Mark Cernosia

Pixel Retentive Podcast

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Cernosia, a powerhouse in the world of 3D animation and the founder of Profanity Creative, a studio built around storytelling for the outdoor and lifestyle industries. Mark’s career is as grounded as it is inspiring. Born and raised in Vermont, he carved out a niche doing exactly what he loved, far away from the bright lights of big cities. From leading animation efforts at Burton Snowboards to working with international clients from his home state, Mark is living proof that you can build a thriving creative studio without ever moving to LA or New York. His story is filled with grit, creative reinvention, and the kind of clarity that only comes from stepping away from the noise.

What You’ll Learn

• Why niching into what you love creates trust and authenticity with clients

• The power of remote work and how globalization has reshaped creative studios

• How macroeconomic shifts, like tariffs, can impact even the most niche creative industries

• The importance of transparent, packaged pricing in a commoditized design economy

• Why stepping away from screens to reconnect with analog creativity is trending among digital artists

• How artists can navigate the evolving landscape of AI and maintain ownership and authenticity

• The rise of “disconnection to reconnect” events like Camp MoGraph

• How to de-risk projects for clients with low-commitment foot-in-the-door offers

“If everyone's an expert, then who's learning? Tell me your failures, I'm more interested in that.” – Mark Cernosia

There’s a refreshing honesty in this quote that stuck with me. We’re in an age where every scroll brings another “10x growth” post from someone with a $19 course. Mark reminds us that real value often comes from vulnerability. Sharing where things didn’t work, where we struggled, and where we questioned ourselves. Especially now, when the creative industry is being bombarded with AI solutions and economic uncertainty, it’s those raw, real stories that help us feel seen and help us grow.

Overview

This conversation with Mark was one of those deep dives that just flew by. We riffed on everything from how he used 3D to launch top-secret products for Burton, to how globalization and tariffs are shaking up marketing pipelines. We talked about the future of creative services, whether it’s fighting back against AI commoditization with clear pricing models or how analog experiences are becoming a new form of artistic rebellion. Mark’s approach is centered around authenticity, trust, and a love for nature-fueled clarity. If you’re trying to build something that matters from outside the traditional hubs, this episode is a must-listen.

Stay weird. Stay creative. Carl