38. What Gets You Hired (and Remembered): A Creative Director’s Take on Building the Portfolio, Presence, and Energy That Stands Out
Many creatives dream of working with iconic brands — but few understand what it actually takes to get there. As a creative director with decades of experience at companies like Roxy, DC Shoes, Hollister, and Eddie Bauer, Chris Vestal shares what makes a portfolio stand out, how to navigate the politics of big-budget shoots, and why the energy you bring to set matters just as much as the work you create.
Alongside host Marshal Chupa, Chris breaks down the unspoken tiers of creative talent, the importance of self-awareness in your growth journey, and the practical ways to get noticed by decision-makers in the industry.
Key Topics Discussed
The power of proximity — how Chris went from pinning surf mag pages on his wall to becoming creative director for the very brands that inspired him.
Climbing the creative ladder — how scrappy, self-driven experience led to high-budget global campaigns.
Creative outreach that lands — what it actually takes to get the attention of high-level creative directors (hint: it's not a mass email blast).
Building trust as a leader — how Chris creates unforgettable shoot energy by curating people, not just portfolios.
If you're a filmmaker or photographer navigating the industry, this episode is full of real talk, career strategy, and powerful reminders about staying aligned with your creative vision.
Episode Highlights
00:06 From Superfan to Creative Director
How childhood inspiration and personal passion shaped a career in global brand leadership
00:09 Lessons from Working with Iconic Brands
What Chris learned while designing for Roxy, DC Shoes, Eddie Bauer, and more
00:11 Big Budgets, Bigger Politics
The creative tradeoffs and team dynamics behind multi-million-dollar productions
00:29 What Gets You Noticed as a Creative
Inside a creative director’s inbox — and how to actually stand out
00:30 Authentic Outreach vs. Template Pitches
Why a thoughtful DM or email matters more than a slick portfolio
00:37 Building Set Energy & Why It Matters
The hidden value of vibe, chemistry, and energy when curating a crew
00:52 Creating “White Space” to Make Great Work
How adding just one extra day can unlock breakthrough creative
01:00 Shooting Beyond the Brief: Portfolio Gold
How personal ideas on set can lead to standout, career-making images
01:04 Manifestation & Career Alignment
The mindset shift that helped Chris land his dream job at Aspen One
01:15 Leading Through Systems, Vision & Vibe
Why good leadership means making space for your team to thrive creatively
🔗 CONNECT WITH Chris Vestal
📸 Instagram | @_vestal
🖥️ Website | www.vestalindustries.com
💼 LinkedIn |Chris Vestal on LinkedIn
🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL
📸 Instagram | www.instagram.com/marshalchupa
💻 Website | www.marshalchupa.com
👥 Linkedin | www.linkedin.com/in/marshal-chupa-99a7921a8
📄 SHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - www.shotlistpodcast.com
🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST
This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of making a life and a living behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of.
🎧 LISTEN FOR FREE Apple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/shotlist/id1645435800 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3m5203Y5yQ7wNXQhZBOmNV?si=f46bc0e937bf40c1 RSS | https://anchor.fm/s/5cb2e948/podcast/rss
🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW
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📱 GET IN TOUCH
You can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email marshal@marshalchupa.com
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[00:02] Starting the Conversation
Marshal Chupa: Chris, thanks so much for coming on the show. Excited to have you here.
Chris Vestal: Likewise. I was stoked to connect with you last week and get this thing set up.
[00:03] Early Career & Manifestation
Chris Vestal: I started in graphic design but was always drawn to iconic brands. My first real moment came working with Aqualung. Later in life, I ended up working alongside surf photographer Aaron Chang—someone I idolized as a teenager. That experience made me realize the power of staying aligned with what excites you and manifesting your path through intention and action.
[06:00] Climbing the Brand Ladder
Chris Vestal: From Roxy to DC Shoes to Eddie Bauer, each brand I worked for had a personal meaning to me. I wasn’t chasing titles—I was chasing alignment. That thread of culture, creativity, and storytelling is what propelled my career.
[09:15] Big Budgets vs. Creative Freedom
Chris Vestal: Small budgets = more freedom, more invention. Big budgets = more stakeholders, more politics. Some of the most creative solutions came when we had to make something from nothing. In contrast, high-budget shoots required navigating internal expectations, merchandising input, and multiple creative agendas.
[14:00] Getting Hired: The Reality
Chris Vestal: You get hired because you’ve already proven you can do the work. That means your portfolio has to reflect the brand’s vision. I don’t respond to generic pitch blasts—but if someone sends a personal note that shows they get what we’re doing and have taken the time, I always respond. Show hunger. Show self-awareness.
[21:00] Tiers of Creative Talent
Chris Vestal: Brands work in tiers. Your A-tier gets the hero campaign. B-tier might shoot the B-roll or digital lookbook. Then there’s social-first talent—great for experimentation. Know which tier you’re in, and pitch yourself accordingly. Don’t overreach. Grow into it.
[34:00] Creating a Vibe on Set
Chris Vestal: People mirror energy. That’s why crew curation is everything. I’ve had talent tell me a shoot was the best day of their life. That doesn’t happen by accident. You need creative alignment, human connection, and genuine stoke across the board.
[42:00] Leadership and Vision
Chris Vestal: My graphic design roots helped me become a better leader. Briefs are visual roadmaps. If you’re leading a 60+ person shoot, you need to clearly communicate the vision—across styling, post-production, usage, and final delivery. Every shot should be tied to where it’s going to live.
[52:00] White Space and Creative Freedom
Chris Vestal: On a Hawaii shoot for Eddie Bauer, I structured the schedule to carve out an extra day to shoot my own brief. I used that day to push the brand creatively. It scared the clients—but it planted seeds. Some of that work is still in my portfolio. And some of it even ran in the final campaign.
[1:03:00] Manifestation and the Long Game
Chris Vestal: I’m not a woo-woo guy. But I’ve seen it firsthand: when you say something out loud with conviction—and take steps toward it—it happens. Every role I’ve landed started with a clear intention: I want to work here, do this kind of work, and lead in this way. That clarity pulls people and opportunities toward you.
[1:15:00] What’s Next for Chris
Chris Vestal: I’m now VP of Creative at Aspen One. My job is to create white space for my team—build systems, remove friction, and let them thrive. I’ve moved from creator to mentor. I want my designers to have the freedom I once craved. That’s my next chapter.
[1:19:00] Where to Find Chris
Chris Vestal: You can find me on LinkedIn or Instagram at @_vestal. I try to respond to every genuine message. If you’ve got heart, hustle, and vision—I’m always happy to connect.
