From Athlete to Creative Professional: Katie Quinlan's Journey

From Athlete to Creative Professional: Katie Quinlan's Journey

Breaking into the creative side of sports isn’t easy—but Katie Quinlan made it possible. Katie, a graphic designer for the Detroit Lions and former student-athlete at Michigan State University, joins me to talk about her journey from college athletics to professional sports design. She shares what it’s really like to navigate mentorship, networking, and creativity in the fast-paced world of the NFL, and the unique challenges and opportunities for women in sports. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * How her athletic background shaped her approach to design * The role mentorship and networking play in building a career * Staying creative and inspired outside of work * Building genuine relationships and pitching ideas that matter Katie’s story is full of insight, honesty, and encouragement—and I can’t wait for you to hear it. Find more content on: * The Creative Friends Podcast Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thecreativefriendspod/] * Your creative friend Cass’ LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidy-stelling/]

Navigating Creative Careers and Personal Growth with Ashton Masek

Pursuing a creative career often means stepping into the unknown—but with curiosity, community, and courage, the journey becomes something special. In today’s episode, Cass sits down with Ashton Masek, an experiential designer and former muralist, to dive into how creative paths evolve and what it really takes to grow through the process. From navigating social media perceptions to finding purpose through community, Ashton and Cass open up about the lessons they’ve learned along the way—both in art and in life. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How staying curious and open to new experiences leads to growth. * Why community and relationships are key to sustaining creativity. * How social media’s curated nature can shape (and sometimes distort) creative identity. * The resilience and adaptability needed to pursue a creative career. * How personal growth often comes through discomfort and challenge. * The importance of authenticity and balance in creative work. * Practical ways to approach creative problem-solving. * How passion can fuel both your personal and professional success. Cass and Ashton get real about creative pivots, identity shifts, and the process of learning to embrace change. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or simply someone navigating a creative calling, this episode is full of honest reflections and encouragement to keep growing—no matter where you are on the journey. Find more content on: * The Creative Friends Podcast Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thecreativefriendspod/] * Your creative friend Cass’ LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidy-stelling/]

Passion, Pressure & Perspective: What It’s Really Like to Shoot in the NFL with Chris Kim

From working in stadium operations in college to becoming an NFL photographer for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chris Kim shares how he turned his passion for sports photography into a full-time career. In today’s episode, Cass sits down with Chris to unpack his journey from sports management major to capturing some of the NFL’s most exciting moments. From training camp chaos to draft day excitement, Chris shares the behind-the-scenes reality of sports photography that goes far beyond the games. In this episode, you’ll learn * How Chris turned internships and early experiences at the University of Florida into a career with the Jaguars. * Why community engagement, corporate partnerships, and day-to-day management are a huge part of sports photography. * Practical strategies for building a strong, versatile portfolio that showcases creativity and adaptability. * How to balance team expectations, work-life demands, and personal hobbies for long-term sustainability. * The realities of game day—quick editing, tagging, and sharing content for social media. * Insights on passion, adaptability, and the importance of remembering “every photo you take is important.” Chris also gets real about the misconceptions of sports photography, the lessons learned from unexpected moments on draft day, and why finding hobbies outside of work is crucial for maintaining perspective.  Whether you’re pursuing sports photography, creative media, or just looking for insights into building a meaningful career, this conversation is full of encouragement, actionable advice, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss. Find more content on: * The Creative Friends Podcast Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thecreativefriendspod/] * Your creative friend Cass’ LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidy-stelling/]

From the Big Leagues to Entrepreneurship: Finding Creative Freedom with Lexi Ross

Balancing a career in sports media while running your own business is no small task—but Lexi Ross is building a life that integrates both with purpose and creativity. In this episode, Cass sits down with Lexi Ross, owner of Spooky’s Studio. After working across the MLB, NBA, and NFL, Lexi now runs her own business while freelancing for the NBA, covering the Cleveland Cavaliers and blending her passions for sports and creativity. She opens up about creative burnout, the importance of finding balance, and how creative freedom has redefined her success. Lexi also shares how networking, portfolio-building, and taking initiative helped her land opportunities in sports—and how those same lessons fuel her entrepreneurial journey today. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How Lexi transitioned from full-time sports media to entrepreneurship while continuing to freelance for the NBA. * Why creative freedom and peace of mind matter more than job titles. * How to build a strong portfolio that opens doors in competitive industries. * The importance of community, collaboration, and supporting local businesses. * Strategies for balancing multiple roles without burning out. * How personal branding and storytelling shape business growth. * Why slowing down and embracing every season of growth leads to better creative work. Lexi’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to choose one path—you can build your own. Whether you’re navigating the sports industry, starting a creative business, or seeking more balance in your career, this conversation offers real insight, encouragement, and inspiration to keep going. Find more content on: * The Creative Friends Podcast Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thecreativefriendspod/] * Your creative friend Cass’ LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidy-stelling/]

You Are Not What You Do: Mike Hopkins Jr. on Freelancing & Faith

Breaking into sports media as a freelancer comes with challenges, but also unexpected opportunities—and Mike Hopkins Jr. shares it all. In today’s episode, Cass sits down with Mike, a sports video freelancer, to unpack his journey from internships and cold outreach to producing work for the Cleveland Browns and a documentary in Jamaica. In this episode, you’ll learn * How freelancing can be rewarding when approached with intention. * The power of kindness and relationships in building a career. * Why social media is a crucial tool for showcasing your work. * How to embrace mistakes and grow from them without being defined by your job title. * Practical strategies for finding focus, managing workload, and creating the work you actually want to get paid for. * Insights on faith, collaboration, and taking opportunities that challenge you. * The realities of sports media—the emotional storytelling, the grind, and why quality work matters regardless of environment. Mike also gets real about setbacks, injuries, and learning to balance professionalism with authenticity—and why focusing on the small, important details can make all the difference. He shares how to make the most of available resources and reminds listeners that “you are not what you do.” Whether you’re pursuing sports media, video production, or any creative path, this conversation is full of encouragement, insights, and actionable takeaways. Find more content on: * The Creative Friends Podcast Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thecreativefriendspod/] * Your creative friend Cass’ LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidy-stelling/]