Experience by Design welcomes Mack Garrison to the studios to talk about the motivation behind Dash Studio, an animation studio that is powered by community. We talk about the moment that he knew he needed to design a better place to work, design an environment where creatives could be energized and not burned out, design with community partners to tell their stories, and design content that creates change. We also explore the main lessons that he learned from this journey, and how others can benefit from the power of community.
Being creative ain’t easy. There is something about putting yourself into your work that can be hugely rewarding, but also massively exhausting. Doing something without putting your heart and soul into it can come with its own drawbacks, but at the end of the day the results of your work are not tied directly into how you see yourself.
For people who consider themselves to be creative and work in creative roles, the sense of burnout can be real.
At the same time, creative work can be invigorating and rewarding in the right context, giving the right leadership, and working for the right clients.
This is what Mack Garrison was trying to create when he founded Dash Studio, where they make videos that matter. Dash is a ‘high-end animation and motion design studio that believes in the power of creativity and community.’ This is one of the lessons that he learned in the 9 plus years that Dash has been doing business. A big part of their success comes from community: communities of creatives, communities of partners, communities of supporters, and frankly communities of communities.
In fact, you could say that creativity either comes from, or at least is enhanced, by community.
As part of their effort to create community, they have their annual Dash Bash event, June 11-13, 2025.
If you are interested in motion design, or just interested in meeting some great people in Raleigh, NC, check it out. Great speakers, workshops, and social events.
Dash Studio - https://www.dashstudio.net/
Dash Bash - https://www.dashbash.net/
Mack Garrison LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackgarrison/