Flash Back: Swinging the Pendulum of Cost and Quality with Mark Stocker of The Very Group

Flash Back: Swinging the Pendulum of Cost and Quality with Mark Stocker of The Very Group

Author: Daniel Jester January 8, 2025 Duration: 33:10

Summary

Mark Stocker is Senior Creative Manager for The Very Group, a collection of high volume retail brands based in Liverpool England. Mark was a speaker at the Henry Stewart Photo Studios Ops Forum back in October of 2021 and we invited him on this episode to discuss how the proverbial pendulum needs to (and is!) swing away from the lowest cost per shot possible, to a true strategic consideration capable of driving revenue in a more direct way. After all, it is the creative teams and the solutions they develop that will change the way we buy and sell digitally. 

Key Takeaways

  • If there were a pendulum, with one side being "Profit Center" and the other side was "Cost Center" for Creative Production at any brand or retailer, the pendulum is probably headed to profit center. That means more investment in creative teams  and creative strategy, and moving away from the pursuit of lowest cost per shot.
  • The time is now to focus on investing quality of creative.  The pandemic has forced to embrace EXTREME change in our processes and goals. We can save money now with our eyes closed.
  • The power of the creative mind doesn't need to actually click the button to create. It will be todays photographers and stylists that will enable the next revolution of media and e-commerce creative.
  • Investing in spaces is important to investing increasing quality.

Links & Resources

Mark on LinkedIn

The Very Group on LinkedIn

Credits
Produced by: Creative Force - creativeforce.io
Edited by: Calvin Lanz Sound - clsound.net
Hosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com


Hosted by Daniel Jester, The E-commerce Content Creation Podcast goes beyond the surface to explore the intricate world of visual storytelling behind online retail. This isn't just about taking pretty pictures; it's a deep dive into the entire creative engine that powers modern brands. Each conversation examines how photographers, videographers, stylists, and art directors actually work with marketing, merchandising, and tech teams to turn creative vision into tangible business results. You'll hear practical discussions about workflow, technology, and management that sit at the intersection of art and commerce. Covering a landscape that includes beauty, fashion, and countless other sectors, the podcast reveals how strategic content creation directly influences customer experience and organizational goals. For anyone involved in bringing a product to life online, these episodes offer a rare look at the collaborative challenges and solutions that define success in a crowded digital marketplace. Tune in for honest talk about the craft, business, and evolving technology of e-commerce visuals.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 183

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