Conversations with Robbie Conaway

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robbie Conaway.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up loving comic books and desperately wanted to be a comic book artist when I was young. I did manage to get a series published back in the 90s called “Dung Boys”, but ultimately my next love was music and I ended up in a rock band called “Ghettobillies” for most of my young adult life.

During that time I took over all the marketing aspects of our music group and learned a lot about graphic design, photography, videography, and marketing in general. When the band split it was a natural progression for me to move into media production. My previous comic book artist skills also fed into my storyboarding, animation, and general visual storytelling.

After many years as a freelancer working in Chicago, one of my best clients offered me a job as the Creative Director of their company. I spent the next 6 years there dreaming up and creating media of all sorts with a small team and loved every minute of it. My wife and I moved to Denver and now here I am building up a company of my own called “Popart Films”. We specialize in commercial ads for social media, corporate B2B videos, and documentary filmmaking.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth or rocky road along my path to where I am now, but it sure has been a long one. It’s taken me over 20 years to acquire all the skills I use today. Namely, Illustration, Storyboarding, Cinematography, Editing, Visual Effects, and finally Marketing in general, owning and running a business and the psychology of how people think and why they buy.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think one of the things that sets me apart from other Creative Agencies is my sensibilities when it comes to striking visuals and humor. If the client and I can dream it up; I can make it for them. I also do a tremendous amount of strategizing and planning before we even decide on what exactly we are going to make.

The media that is conjured up has to be more than just a series of cool shots. It has to tell a story that will ultimately speak to the client’s target audience. Our slogan at Popart Films is “Our Videos Make You Money” and I stand behind that. Too many companies are making ads that people will do anything to avoid. We don’t make those kinds of ads or media. We make content that people WANT to watch.

What does success mean to you?
I suppose success for me is defined by setting goals (whatever they may be) and seeing them through to completion. The struggle is an integral part of success. There needs to be moments of real struggle, otherwise, what are you celebrating as a success? Some people define success as strictly money, but I don’t think that way.

Money is important to be able to continue doing what you love, but you can’t take money with you when you die. We have a very tiny window of existence and I think it’s crucial that we explore and do as much stuff that we love as we can before we are snuffed out. Kind of dark, but then again it makes you realize how amazing it is to be alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.popartfilms.tv
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popartfilms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/popartfilms.tv
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbieconaway/
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@popartfilms