Akili Greer | On Mars Pod EP 3 | Theatre with Jordin Sparks & Running a Design Agency

Today On Mars, we explore the mind of Akili Greer, Founder and Designer of XXIST Design Co. We talk about growing up in South Phoenix, being in Valley Youth Theatre with Jordin Sparks in the 2000s, Artistic influences, starting and running a one man design agency and more. Listen to On Mars Pod online: Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Google Podcasts Follow Akili & XXIST Design Co online: https://instagram.com/akiligreer https://instagram.com/xxistco https://xxist.co Follow On Mars Pod online: http://onmarspod.com @onmarspod on Instagram Become a Martian: http://onmarspod.com/patreon SUBSCRIBE for updates on future episodes! http://onmarspod.com/subscribe Moments On Mars 00:00 Intro 02:28 Early Influences 04:11 Valley Youth Theatre 05:49 “The Wiz” Play with Jordin Sparks 07:41 Realizing True Passions 09:25 Doubling Down on Everything 13:09 Making Art for the Love 17:43 Balance of Work & Freelance 20:46 Career Paths 23:53 Getting Into The Design Industry 28:27 Covid Changed the Direction 34:37 New Design Agency Model 39:04 Scaling A One Man Design Agency 43:03 Love of Playing Pool 48:49 Other Passions 49:48 Barriers to Entry 53:44 Outro