Future Forward

every single guest from actor Shavonga Borg, to photographer Kate Dockere, to director Alia Anderson, said some version of the same thing. And that is, that being creative isn't about arriving somewhere. It's about staying curious and true to who you are on your personal journey. Welcome to Ask Gen Z, the podcast where we bridge the gap between today's youth and tomorrow's marketing strategies. I'm Serenity, and each week I dive into the minds of the next generation through spicy focus groups with youth on a variety of hot topics. From pop culture to social media habits, we'll explore what's shaped in the attitudes and behaviors of Gen Z, providing you, the savvy marketer, with insider insights straight from the source. Join us as we uncover the latest trends, decode youth lingo, and share actionable takeaways that can elevate your marketing game. Whether you're looking to refine your strategy or simply stay ahead of the curve, Ask Gen Z has got you covered. So grab your notepad and get ready to unlock the secrets of youth culture. Let's get started. Hello, hello everybody. Welcome back to Ask Gen Z, the show where we unpack the trends, ideas and cultural shifts, shaping how young creatives live and create. I'm your host Serenity, and this is our season finale. Over the past few episodes, we talked about everything from career paths and creative portfolios to viral trends and internet culture, but today, I wanna zoom out and really ask the big question, what's next? What does Gen Z want? The future of creativity, marketing, and storytelling to even look like? Let's pause. Because there are no guests today. It's just me. It's just me and you and the collective brain of Gen Z, of course. So let's start with what's already changing. Gen Z has flipped the creative industry upside down and we're not waiting for permission to make things anymore. We're literally launching brands from our bedroom. We're producing short films on iPhones. We're designing visuals with AI and we're building communities out of memes. And it's deeper than just tools. It's a whole mindset that Gen Z has collectively adopted. I mean, we don't want polished. We already know that. We don't want polished, we want purpose. We don't chase likes, we chase connection. And I wouldn't even say that we chase connection, honestly. We're attracting connection. I know Gen Z is so into the whole, we don't chase, we attract. We are attracting connection. And naturally, we're attracting the things that make us feel comfortable and repulsed by those that dull. And the thing that's most attracted to Gen Z right now is honestly something that's super raw and real, is super raw realness. And the creators who are able to make those connections are the ones that are shaping culture as we know it. Like Blake Albano told us in episode two, if content feels like something that fits me, I'll take it on and leave whatever else feels like a waste and isn't relevant. And here in those conversations, made me realize we're entering a creative era where storytelling is more about perspective than it is perfection, right? So what does Gen Z create a future look like? That is the question. And I think we're headed towards three big shifts right now. Number one is authenticity over aesthetic, which duh, right? We're seeing that already. Brands and creators who are raw, honest and real are the ones winning hearts. There, that messy middle is the new highlight real. Like yes, please talk about the person in the Mercedes C300 taking up two spots at Trader Joe's. So now you have the parkway in the back and it's raining, mooses and gooses outside. But luckily for you, you have your new poncho X5000. We appreciate that. We appreciate the thought that went into you trying to sell us that poncho, right? That's authentic. That's something we can relate to. So number two, the second shift is gonna be community overcloud. The best marketing in the next decade won't be too Gen Z. It'll be with us. Collaboration is currency in 2025 and moving forward. So I'm coming for the sale, but I'm staying for the vibes. You know what I mean? And number three, we're taking meaning over metrics. We care less about going viral and more about creating impact and art that makes someone feel something. And I think a tip from Claire Jansen would definitely be to remove the pressure to create viral videos from your creative briefs entirely, right? That's her creative ik for sure. And I think that that's what excites me the most, really. That Gen Z's version of success is emotional. It's not just numerical. Like when Molly Smith told us in episode five that there are multiple ways to be paid. You can definitely benefit from monetary compensation. Definitely, right? We need a check. We do like coin, but sometimes you're looking for something that's intangible that gives you a feeling of fulfillment that money simply cannot buy. And with that said, I like to reflect on this season as a whole because there were definitely some gems dropped throughout this entire season in every single episode. And this season I talked with creators, photographers, storytellers, really all of them completely on different paths, but with the same heartbeat. They're doing work that means something. And if you've been listening since episode one, first of all, I love you for that. Second, I hope you've noticed a pattern. Every single guest from actor, Shavon Gabor, to photographer Kate Dockere, to director, Alia Anderson, said some version of the same thing. And that is that being creative isn't about arriving somewhere. And that is so Gen Z. I just want to say, but whether you're building your first portfolio or you're going viral for a meme or you're just figuring out your path, it's all part of a bigger picture. So with that said, I want to move right into rapid fire. This would not be as Gen Z if I didn't do rapid fire. And I know it's just me, so we'll do rapid fire solo edition. And since this is solo, I won't be as harsh with the questions that I usually am. Oh my gosh, you guys are going to not love me for that one, but it is what it is. If I could give one message to every young creative listening, it would definitely be to stop waiting to feel ready. Start now, even if it's especially if it's messy. Start now, there's never going to be a right time. The time is now. And that's just something that I've learned as a community manager, working with so many creators in and out on so many different levels. I mean, whether they were, starting, just starting, they don't have a camera, all they have is their iPhone and a dream to our creators who are working with major networks who are shooting for Getty at the Met Galilectelia Anderson. The thing to say has always been to just do it, even if it's messy, it's never going to be a right time. So that is what I would say to any creator, but especially those who are up and coming and on the rise. So that's pretty much it. That's our third season of Ask Gen Z from portfolios to pop culture, from creative confidence to cultural chaos. This has been such a wild and inspiring ride. And if there's one thing I'm taking with me, it's that the future of creativity isn't about following the rules. It's about rewriting them, especially as a Gen Z. Like I keep going back to the fact that it's 2025 and things that we didn't believe were possible, are definitely possible and we're rewriting those rules. Who said that you can't shoot on iPhone and go viral since that's main focus nowadays? And who said that you can't collaborate with your dream brand by simply joining an app like our Adolescent App, not trying to promo, but who said those things? We are rewriting what it means to be successful and what it means to be a creator. And what it means to be accepted and what it means to be powerful. And I'm loving that for us. So thank you guys for listening and sharing and being part of this community of thinkers and dreamers and digital storytellers. The future is literally ours to design. And I can't wait to see what we make next. I'm Serenity and this has been Ask Gen Z. I will see you all next season. Bye. (upbeat music)