Business
‘Or Die Trying’ Webseries Empowering Millennials
Inspiring millennials across the nation, Or Die Trying is sharing a story about four women living in Hollywood pursuing their dreams in the entertainment industry. In this exclusive interview, they reveal the truth about LA, crowdfunding, and feminism. The passion behind the webseries stem from the lives of the creator Myah Hollis and producer Sarah Hawkins. They are the masterminds behind Or Die Trying, and this is how they’re doing it.
What is Or Die Trying about?
MH: Or Die Trying is about four millennial women living and working in Hollywood. When it comes to their careers in the entertainment industry, they know what they want and they have an idea of what it will take to get there, but they struggle with making all of the pieces of their lives mesh seamlessly. While they’re strong in one area, they’re lacking in another. It’s a story about their journeys as they develop as women and try to come to some type of equilibrium, while not compromising who they are in the process.
Tell me about the characters.
MH: Amelia Tinsley is a journalist, struggling with her identity and her sense of purpose, and trying to get herself back on track. Bailey Rosenberg is a comedian who is totally in tune with who she is and what she wants, but is having opposing expectations forced on her by her mother who wants her to live more traditionally. Ellie Hansen is an indie actress who is disinterested in the idea of fame at the expense of art, even though she’s constantly being pressured to “sell out.” Raegan Thomas is the creator and co-showrunner of a TV show who, although she’s doing very well professionally, is dealing with things in her personal life, and she doesn’t really have the ability to compartmentalize the two. Each character is trying to achieve a sense of balance between two dueling aspects of their lives.
How did you ladies meet?
SH: Myah and I met a few years ago in Philly where we both lived and worked. We both made the leap to LA within months of each other in 2013, Myah moving here for writing, and I sought to pursue acting. Being friends and fellow film industry ladies, we wanted to create something together that we could call our own, as if you wait for the perfect role or opportunity to come to you, you’re never going to find it. We’ve been work wives ever since!
Why LA?
SH: Los Angeles is like Mecca for artists and those striving to put one’s dreams into fruition. Most everyone is here with purpose, and that alone can be incredibly infectious. Who wouldn’t want to feed off that type of energy every day?
MH: If you’re seriously pursuing a career in TV or film, this is the heart of the industry. It’s where you need to be. It also helps that it’s sunny all year and there’s a ton of sushi.
What is your day to day like?
MH: Every day is hectic in its own way, but not extremely exciting to be honest. It’s just a marathon of checking things off of checklists, chugging gallons of caffeine and trying not to sink into the warm comfort of an unproductive Netflix binge.
SH: I’m not sure I can really echo Myah’s sentiments enough on the coffee bit. Coffee in an IV and an obscene mountain of emails.
What inspires you?
SH: My fellow women in film. I feel like there is such community within our little network that is just pure of heart and down to earth, so much that at times it can kick your own ego-butt every now and then. This industry can be just absolutely brutal, but when I see like-minded, passionate, badass women who just want to help level each other up, I get incredibly motivated to do the same and progress the conversation further.
MH: I think I’m most inspired by the statistical improbability that I should be successful as a writer in this industry. When I first decided that I would pursue this instead of going down one of the many roads that would lead me to a stable job, I was very aware of the fact this is something that I should fail at. More people fail than succeed, that’s just a fact. You know this going in but you do it anyway. The idea of being successful despite those odds is what drives me.
Why a story about women?
MH: There aren’t enough stories about women told by women. There’s a unique perspective that’s missing in Hollywood because women are not telling our own stories, therefore the stories that are being told are not representing us properly. It’s a systemic problem that will only change if we make it our responsibility to create more complex, realistic female characters.
Who are some of your role models? Why?
MH: Shonda Rhimes is my main professional role model, for reasons that feel really obvious to me but I’ll just go ahead and lay them out. She has knocked down so many barriers and has become the epitome of a woman building her own empire and playing by her own rules. She has beat the odds in every way, and that’s really inspiring. My role models in my personal life are my parents and my family and close friends. I’m just surrounded by so many strong, resilient and talented people, it’s insane.
SH: Amy Sherman-Palladino for the creation of Gilmore Girls, which is probably some of the best feminist writing on TV and on a personal level, my dad. He has been a huge influence on my career as an actor and as a producer, and is a constant source of inspiration.
What advice can you give to people chasing their dreams in LA?
SH: Find your “person(s)”. LA can be extremely lonely and competitive if you let it. Surround yourself with people who push you to be better, to think outside of yourself, to keep the end goals in perspective when the day-to-day gets muddled and messy. That’s what I love most about Myah’s & I’s relationship. She keeps me in check and we push on together.
MH: Don’t listen to people, listen to your instincts. Listen to your gut. Succeeding in this city takes stamina. Only you know when you’ve had enough. Don’t stop going after what you want until you’re sure you don’t want it anymore.
How did crowdfunding through Seed & Spark help you?
SH: Seed&Spark was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences. Crowdfunding is never easy, but the folks at Seed&Spark vet you and prepare you on a level that is incredibly empowering. Really cool filmmakers came out of the woodwork to support us, not only financially but with loans of goods, services, promotions, etc. Our project became a community through Seed&Spark, and we’re excited to continue to build that village through production this October.
How are you trying to make your audience feel?
MH: I don’t ever want to tell people what they should feel. I’m kind of a psych nerd, so I can get a little hippie-dippie at times, but I really think that everyone is at a different point in their lives and different things resonate with you depending on what you’re experiencing at the time. I just want people to be able to empathize on some level, but whatever feelings our show ignites is fine with me as long as they’re engaged.
What is your message to your audience?
MH: You have to trust your instincts, regardless of the backlash that may cause. You also have to be willing to put in the work to become whoever it is you want to be, both professionally and personally. Those are the main things that I want people to walk away with. Other than that, I just hope people take what they need from it and that they’re both inspired and entertained.
What sort of person is going to love the show?
SH: We sought to really hone in on our fellow millennial women in film, because they are our community, our niche; the ambitious, driven women who know what they want and are actively doing everything they can to make it happen. I know ODT echoes universal truths far beyond that demographic, that dreams are worth fighting for, and given by the reaction to our trailer, our Seed&Spark Campaign, and other press, I can’t wait to see who latches on to it, as both men and women alike have been extremely anxious and excited for us to get it out there.
What was the happiest moment?
MH: Finishing the scripts was a huge relief. I tend to pick at them compulsively until they’re exactly the way I see it in my head, so when they were officially locked in and ready to go I felt like I could finally breathe.
SH: For me, it’s the seeing the community we are beginning to build with Or Die Trying. A distinct moment was at our ODT Networking Party, and looking out into the crowd to see all the amazing people who not only came out to support our series, but came out to connect with fellow filmmakers and level each other up by networking with one another. It was so cool to witness!
How has pursuing Or Die Trying affected your lives?
MH: It’s completely dominated the past year and a half of my life. Everything has revolved around this project for so long, that I don’t really remember what I was doing with my days before. It’s also made me really confident in my abilities as a writer and producer, and very thankful to be surrounded by such talented and creative people every day.
SH: Same! ODT on the brain 24/7.
What struggles are women facing today?
SH: I’m going to chunk this down to women in film because there are some pretty wild problems outside of this industry women have been and are currently fighting against. To put it plainly, there is unequal opportunity for women behind and infront of the camera, unequal pay above and below the line, and very little movement to illuminate the female perspective onscreen.
Would you consider yourselves feminists?
SH: Yes. Men and women are equals, it’s time our society reflects it. Feminism shouldn’t be a dirty word.
MH: I honestly don’t understand how you can not be a feminist. There are negative implications about what feminism is, but it’s very simply the belief that women are equal to men in every capacity. I can’t believe that’s something that we’re still debating as a society.
How do you feel about the film industry today?
SH: I think we are in a unique time where collaboration and creation is becoming increasingly more welcome than competition. So much of this industry is cut-throat, but when it comes down to actually bringing a project into fruition on the indie level, I believe most people are in it for the right reasons. Maybe that’s naive of me to say, but at the very least, that’s been our experience with ODT. Everyone just wants to be apart of something bigger than themselves, and I believe our series speaks to that.
What obstacles have you faced?
SH: The proverbial “no,” and learning that it has no real merit on you or what you’re capable of achieving.
MH: The great thing about building your own projects and creating your own opportunities is that you don’t face many obstacles that you can’t overcome. There are always logistics that need to be figured out, but the fact that you’re not waiting for someone to tell you what you can or can’t do eliminates a lot of that hesitation and stress that can hinder you in this industry.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
MH: Shonda.
SH: Jill Soloway.
Is there anything you want to highlight?
SH: We’re headed into production of Or Die Trying this October, but you can stay tuned on our progress at odtseries.com and on social media @ODT_series and at #odtseries
TLDR: For scalable, high-volume, high-quality design without hiring hassles, Penji is your best bet. For deeply strategic, narrative branding work, go traditional with Contrast & Co, BB Agency, or ProDesigns.
Did you know design is responsible for 94% of first impressions? That means your design is the welcome mat for your soon-to-be customers.
Are you a startup or agency based in Space City looking to launch your design into the stratosphere? You need a design partner who can match your pace.
1. Penji
Welcome to the future of design. Penji combines the top 2% of design talent and AI tools for on-demand, monthly subscription, unlimited graphic design, illustration, and UI/UX work.
Get a whole team at your fingertips. Get drafts in 24-48 hours without having to hire a team or deal with inconsistent freelance pricing. From a quick social media graphic to a full web mockup, Penji keeps your project on track at all times.
Pros:
- Unlimited Requests: Submit as many projects as you want.
- Fast Turnaround: Drafts in 24-48 hours.
- Cost-Effective: Flat monthly fee, no hidden charges.
- Expert Designers: Access to top global talent.
Cons:
- Not Strategy-Focused: Best for execution, not long-term brand strategy.
2. Contrast & Co
If you’re looking for the traditional agency model with a little storytelling flair, Contrast & Co is the way to go. Although they’re based in Annapolis, they are experienced with many Houston clients and are known for building brands based on “radical differentiation.” They don’t just design; they tell stories.
Pros:
- Strategic Depth: Excellent for complex rebranding and brand positioning.
- High-End creative: Known for award-winning, narrative-driven visuals.
Cons:
- Cost: Their premium strategic approach often comes with a higher price tag ($10,000+ minimums).
- Timeline: Traditional agency models typically have longer turnaround times than on-demand services.
3. BB Agency
BB Agency works with SaaS and tech companies. They build businesses through thorough B2B branding and digital product design. If you are in the B2B tech space, their portfolio speaks for itself—clean, modern work which places UX at its core.
Pros:
- Tech Focus: Deep expertise in SaaS and B2B sectors.
- Holistic Approach: They handle everything from branding to development.
Cons:
- Niche: Their specific focus on tech might not be the right fit for consumer lifestyle brands.
- Budget: Project costs often range between $50,000 and $200,000.
4. ProDesigns
For businesses needing specific, project-based graphic design services, ProDesigns offers a solid middle ground. They focus heavily on logos, corporate design, and packaging. So if you need something created without a subscription or heavy retainer price, they’re great for local one-off projects.
Pros:
- Project-Based: Good for one-off needs like a logo or brochure.
- Affordable: generally more accessible pricing for small businesses compared to large agencies.
Cons:
- Limited Scalability: Managing high-volume, ongoing design needs can become costly on a per-project basis.
- Slower Feedback Loops: Revisions may take longer compared to a subscription model.
FAQs
How much does a graphic design agency cost in Houston?
Agencies in Houston typically charge $100–$175 per hour. Project costs range from $1,000 for small tasks to over $50,000 for full branding. Services like Penji offer a flat monthly rate, often much lower than a single agency project.
What is “design as a service”?
Design as a service offers a subscription model with a flat monthly fee for as much design work as you need for that monthly fee. Instead of paying per hour or project as normal with an agency, this is a way to ensure predictable budgeting and consistency with your design team.
Credit for cover image: Photo by Mikael Blomkvist on pexels
In today’s world, digital advertising is the most effective and efficient way to reach potential customers. Facebook advertising, in particular, has become a crucial tool for marketers to promote their brands, engage with their target audience, and generate a high return on investment (ROI). To stand out from the crowd, it’s crucial to implement the most effective actions. For this year, here are our recommendations for the top 10 Facebook ads strategy ideas you need to try:
1. Create Relevant Content
Topping our list is creating relevant content as one of the most effective Facebook ads and marketing strategy. Content tailored to your audience’s interests and needs increases engagement and builds brand awareness. This approach has been effective for years and will continue because it focuses on building a relationship between you and your audience.
Moreover, with the rise of ad-blocking software and decreasing attention spans, creating relevant content is more critical than ever. Creating informative, engaging, and valuable content for the audience ensures businesses that their ads are seen and welcomed by the audience.
2. Create Short-Form Video Ads (Reels & Stories)
Over the past few years, we’ve seen the shift to vertical, sound-on, mobile-first consumption across Facebook and Instagram. That said, it’s best to adapt your Facebook ads to align with this shift, using Reels ads, Stories ads, and vertical in-feed videos.
To make a high-performing short video ad, include a hook in the first three seconds and use captions for sound-off viewers. It’s also a good idea to create native-looking content and have a clear CTA.
3. Personalize Your Facebook Ads
Creating personalized ads on Facebook is an effective strategy because they’re more targeted and relevant to your audience. Businesses can use data from user behavior and interests to provide content that resonates with their audience, leading to higher engagement and conversions.
Plus, personalized ads can help you build trust and brand loyalty by showing you understand and care about your audience’s needs and preferences. This approach helps establish a stronger connection with the audience, leading to increased advocacy and customer loyalty.
You can also explore Advantage+ automated creative, which now personalizes ads using AI.
4. Use Facebook Custom Audiences
Facebook Custom Audiences are essential in a effective Facebook ads strategy in 2026. However, there have been changes in the way they’re used and optimized. Today, Meta’s AI now does much of the heavy lifting.
With Advantage+ targeting, users can start with broad audience signals and allow Meta’s system to automatically expand reach based on real-time performance data.
5. Join the Facebook Video Ad Bandwagon
According to statistics, Facebook videos have 8 billion daily views. This is an excellent Facebook ads strategy idea as they are more engaging than static ads, capturing the audience’s attention and creating an emotional connection. Facebook’s autoplay feature ensures that the video will be seen, making it an effective way to increase brand awareness and drive sales.
Facebook recommends keeping video ads short and adding captions, as these ads increase view time by an average of 12%, making it a more effective strategy.
6. Consider Creating Facebook Custom Landing Pages
Another highly recommended Facebook ads strategy idea is to create a custom landing page. This means having a specific page for people to visit when they click on your ad instead of just using your website. Using a custom landing page makes it easier for people to take the action you want, like signing up for your email list.
It also ensures they don’t get confused or distracted by other information on your website. So, if you want more people to take action on your ad, a custom landing page is the way to go!
7. Always Think High-Quality
Having a broad reach of audiences, Facebook is also rife with advertisers, making differentiation a challenge. To work around this, you must always strive to create high-quality ads. Invest in producing the finest Facebook ads you can, as these will make your business look more professional and trustworthy. This, in turn, can increase engagement and conversions.
They also make your brand look better overall, leading to better brand recognition and customer loyalty. Ultimately, investing in high-quality ads can pay off with better results and a higher return on investment (ROI) for your Facebook advertising efforts.
8. Familiarize Yourself with Lookalike Audiences
Knowing about Facebook Lookalike Audiences is essential for creating effective Facebook ad strategies because it allows you to reach a larger yet similar audience to your existing customers. With Lookalike Audiences, Facebook will use its data to find people similar to your current customers based on their interests, behavior, and demographics.
This allows you to create more targeted and relevant ads for a group of people who are more likely to be interested in your products or services, leading to higher conversion rates and better return on ad spend.
9. Be a Facebook Remarketing Expert
Learning about the ins and outs of Facebook remarketing is crucial because it allows you to target people who have already shown an interest in your brand, reminding them of your business and increase conversions.
With Facebook’s remarketing tools, you can track potential customers’ behavior and customize your ad strategy accordingly, reaching those most likely to convert. By mastering Facebook remarketing, you can boost your advertising efforts and maximize your return on investment.
10. Hold Contests and Giveaways
Contests and giveaways on Facebook have always been a great way to increase brand awareness, engagement, and lead generation. It encourages people to interact with your brand and share your content. They can also create a sense of urgency and excitement, driving more conversions and sales while providing valuable customer data and insights.
Holding contests and giveaways can help your business achieve short-term and long-term marketing goals. You can also explore shoppable events, live commerce promotions, and lead ad optimizations to enrich your campaigns.
Final Thoughts
To maximize your ROI in 2026, try implementing the top 10 Facebook ad strategies outlined in this guide. Standing out from the competition, engaging your target audience, and continuously improving your results, Facebook advertising can be a powerful tool for growing your business. It’s also a great idea to exp[lore Meta’s AI, which now helps automate creative, targeting, and placements.
Famous for its vibrant food scene, booming tech hub, and live music, Austin, Texas, also holds some of the best design agencies in the nation. For the coming year, you might want to work with the following agencies to boost your business:
Penji
Known for its unlimited graphic design services, Penji tops this list of the best agencies in Austin. Its key services include branding visuals, infographics, social media graphics, custom illustrations, UI and UX design, and more. You can send requests for more than 120 design categories, all for a flat monthly rate. And the best part is its unlimited revisions feature, allowing you to get the exact designs you need without paying extra.
Pushstart Creative
A multidisciplinary design agency, Pushstart Creative specializes in product and industrial design, user experience, research, and strategy. It has worked across various industries, most notably consumer and commercial IoT, consumer electronics, sports, and health and fitness.
Frank & Victor
Reflecting Austin’s creative spirit, Frank & Victor helps businesses resonate more deeply with their audiences. It promises to create branding and identity systems, strategic logo designs, UI/UX designs, and more, with premium quality designs and attention to detail.
Big Gorilla
With a focus on branding and identity design, web design and development, and marketing strategy, Big Gorilla is a highly recommended creative design agency for businesses in Austin. It also offers photography, video, art direction, packaging design, and a wide range of marketing and communications services.
Fahrenheit Marketing
Founded in 2008, Fahrenheit Marketing is a full-service agency that offers both creative design and marketing strategy. Proudly based in Austin, Texas, it offers web development, UX/UI design, SEO, PPC, and ecommerce services. In addition to these, they sell products from Offline Order Importer, HubSpot, Klaviyo, SharpSpring, and many others.
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