EPISODE 7
Where Practice Meets Practicality
Recorded live at the Ann Arbor District Library!
Featuring Donald Harrison and Hien Lam.
In this live recording, Yen and Hafsah are joined by CadencePod alums Donald Harrison, filmmaker and owner of 7 Cylinders Studio, and Hien Lam, co-owner and designer at Huck Finch, to explore how creative practice can be effectively integrated into real-world applications and careers.
“At the end of the day, there’s always a formula for success. The trick is injecting your own secret sauce into it.”
-Hien
Key takeaways from this episode
The creative path can be practical. Hein and Donald share real-world insights on how they built sustainable, profitable creative businesses—from agency design to indie film production.
Success doesn’t come from talent alone. Client experience, soft skills, and consistent follow-through often matter more than raw technical skill.
You can’t outsource your reputation. Returning clients, strong referrals, and visible self-promotion (even when it’s uncomfortable!) are how you stay in business.
Charge for your worth—then earn it. Hein breaks down a clear strategy for pricing, handling scope creep, and knowing when to walk away.
Michigan is the third coast. Both guests talked about their decision to build creative careers in the Midwest—and why they’d choose it again.
Show Notes & Resources
Seven Cylinder Studio – Donald Harrison’s production studio based in Ypsilanti, MI
Huck Finch – Hein’s branding/web studio for growth-stage tech
Grab Bag – Hein’s second studio, supporting early-stage startups
Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti (IFFY) – Donald and Hafsah’s community-rooted film fest, now in its sixth season
ZingTrain / Zingerman’s Business Philosophy – The “100/100” idea for client relationships that Hein references
“Earn or learn” – Donald and Hein share this mantra as a career compass for creatives
Donald’s client storytelling: Schultz Outfitters x Huron River Watershed Council