Adam Darling, otherwise known as GECO, is a videographer and artist whose creative journey began long before the rise of AI, starting with a cracked version of Photoshop on a school Chromebook at the age of thirteen. Over the years, he has cultivated a distinct brand identity rooted in his high school graffiti days, evolving into the acronym “Greatness Everybody Can Obtain.” Today, he balances the tactile satisfaction of putting pen to paper with a mobile-driven digital workflow, using his vibrant, youthful aesthetic to uplift others and chase ambitious creative goals.

In the realm of art and digital mediums, Adam views the transition from traditional to digital as a seamless evolution that offers immense creative freedom. While he acknowledges that digital tools allow for techniques impossible in traditional styles, he maintains a deep respect for the authenticity of manual work, often feeling the need to defend digital art from the assumption of being prompt-generated. His workflow is heavily centered on Procreate for its portability, alongside Photoshop, allowing him to create loud, colorful illustrations and odd characters that define the GECO brand. This identity is a direct nod to his love for graffiti a style he champions for its energy despite public misconceptions and serves as a constant reminder of the greatness he believes everyone can achieve.

When stepping behind the lens for videography and photography, Adam finds the sweet spot between raw, candid moments and intentional staging. He believes that over-calculating a shot can lead to a robotic and forced result, so he prioritizes a natural environment where subjects can be comfortable. Technical elements like color grading and lighting are vital to his process, acting as the emotional backbone of a project, shifting from cold and moody for somber pieces to bright and uplifting for celebrations. His adaptability is best evidenced by a recent music video project where he pivoted from an over-complicated plan to a simplified edit, proving that sometimes the best results come from letting the footage breathe.

Music serves as the primary engine for Adam’s visual work, though he prefers to stay behind the scenes rather than on the stage. Having grown up on the raw authenticity of artists like NWA and 50 Cent, he is driven to create the visual world that encapsulates a listener’s experience. He focuses on the visual side of the industry, such as music videos and cover art, rather than audio production, seeing it as his unique way to contribute to his generation's era of artists. If given the chance to be a creative director for his favorite artist, Travis Scott, he would aim to blend spacey, euphoric vibes with gritty textures to fully immerse the audience in the sound.

Ultimately, Adam’s work is a testament to the power of staying true to one's roots while embracing modern tools. Whether he is designing a new GECO illustration or color grading a music video, his goal remains the same: to create an authentic experience that stands out in a crowded social media landscape. By prioritizing connection and atmosphere over rigid perfection, he continues to build a body of work that is as meaningful as it is visually striking.

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Today at the University of Alberta I asked students how they navigate life socially. Lately there has been a rise on social anxiety. I am asking people about their experience and how to deal with it.

I hope this adds value to your life.

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Ryan MacDougall is the co-founder of Spare Bedroom Studios and the versatile on-camera host behind The Conversationalist and Solo Spotlight. Whether he is moderating high-energy roundtable debates on culture and sports or conducting intimate one-on-one interviews centered on life’s major turning points, Ryan brings a unique perspective shaped by his full-time work in Alberta’s law enforcement sector and his ongoing studies in psychology. His "no-BS" yet deeply human approach is dedicated to providing a platform for creators, entrepreneurs, and first responders alike, ensuring that stories which often go unheard.

In the realm of podcasting, Ryan navigates the delicate balance between maintaining credibility and staying authentic by focusing on the specific intention of every session. He views preparation as the essential foundation that allows him to determine when to lead a conversation and when to "throw layups" to his guests, giving them the space to own their narrative. This adaptability is fueled by his background in law enforcement, which allows him to feel comfortable with strangers and create a "safe space" where guests feel secure enough to open up. Ultimately, he gauges his success by knowing exactly where he is needed in a dialogue to provide maximum value for both the viewers and the guests.

The study of psychology serves as a powerful toolkit for Ryan, particularly through the application of active listening and the reading of non-verbal cues. By monitoring body language, eye contact, and physical positioning, he can gauge a guest’s comfort level and adjust the pace of the interview accordingly to build genuine rapport. This academic pursuit has fostered a deeper sense of empathy within him, especially when discussing mental health narratives with athletes and first responders. He intentionally uses verbal affirmations, nodding, and paraphrasing to ensure that even the most difficult stories are met with the validation they require to be told fully.

At the heart of every project is the art of telling stories, a process Ryan refines through meticulous research and pre-interview briefings to ensure he and his guests are on the same page regarding their core "turning points." He balances his direct, "no-BS" style with an ethical commitment to vulnerability by mirroring the guest's pace and allowing for "golden moments" of silence after major life revelations. While he values grounding conversations in factual reality and personal experience, he isn't afraid to explore abstract ideas to deepen the opening into a guest’s thought process, provided the conversation remains anchored in the human experience.

Through his work at Spare Bedroom Studios, Ryan MacDougall demonstrates that the most compelling conversations happen at the intersection of rigorous preparation and raw human connection. By blending the observational skills of a law enforcement professional with the empathetic insights of a psychology student, he has mastered the ability to guide guests through their most sensitive turning points with both grace and honesty. His journey reflects a commitment to elevating the voices of his community, proving that when you provide the right platform and the right questions, every story has the potential to leave a lasting impact.

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