#59 How to Bend But Not Break - Use Creativity to Solve Any Problem with Paul Pape

Paul Pape is a designer and fabricator of custom collectibles who can make things that no one can find. He has a background in theater design and has worked in various mediums such as sculpture, woodworking, leatherworking, 3D design, fabrication, jewelry, and metal craft. Paul's journey started in theater, where he learned to do a lot of different things. He then transitioned into creating custom collectibles and has worked with well-known clients such as Disney, Universal, and The Tonight Show. Paul's approach is to solve creative problems and navigate through challenges, and he values relationships and the ability to make memories tangible. In this conversation, Paul Pape discusses the importance of letting go of ego, working with others, and staying positive. He emphasizes the value of consistency and the fact that people are always watching, even if they don't actively engage. Paul also talks about the balance between knowledge and imagination, encouraging creativity, and the need for a creative outlet. He shares his future goals of continuing his consultancy work and speaking engagements. Paul advises business owners to focus on helping others and making a positive impact.

A few key topics we covered 

- Paul's journey from scenic design in theater to custom collectible design

- Lessons learned from working with clients like Disney and Nickelodeon

- The importance of imagination and creativity in problem-solving

- Balancing artistry and business in a freelance career

- The realities of working with big brands and managing relationships

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Unpacking this episode min by min: 

05:00 From Theater Design to Custom Collectibles

13:17 Solving Creative Problems and Making Memories Tangible

23:11 Working with Well-Known Clients

30:51 Navigating Relationships and Checking Ego

33:45 Letting Go of Ego and Staying Positive

42:15 The Balance Between Knowledge and Imagination

44:08 The Value of Consistency and Working with Others

56:26 Helping Others and Making a Positive Impact

Vivian Kvam:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviankvam/
• Email Vivian - [e-mail] 

Paul Pape:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/paulpapedesigns/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpape
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/paulpapedesigns/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/paulpapedesigns
• X - https://twitter.com/paulpapedesigns

Tandem Works Team:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TandemWorksTeam
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetandemworks/
• Email the team: [e-mail] 

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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam

A podcast from Tandem Works

Email the team: [e-mail]