By: Alex Truex
Max Mitchell is always down to try something new. Whether he’s leading outdoor pursuit trips, whitewater rafting, hiking the Appalachian Trail, making stained glass windows, or creating narrative horror films, he is always willing to push himself outside of his comfort zone.
Arrowhead: How long have you been a digital media productions major at FSU?
Max Mitchell: I’ve been part of the digital media productions major for three years now. I applied during my freshman year and was officially accepted my sophomore year. I had to submit a portfolio, essay, and various examples of my work for the application.
A: Do you have a favorite project that you created through the digital media productions major?
MM: One of my favorite projects was creating a horror narrative film. We were paired with a group, wrote a script, and cast the film ourselves. We shot it at FSU Lakefront Park & Retreat Center and I got to film actors in canoes on the water — it was a blast! It was also fun putting out a casting call and watching everyone’s auditions. We really got into the creative process.
A: What has been the best experience you’ve had as a DMP major?
MM: I love the people in the program. Everyone is so creative and passionate about media. We work for weeks on these projects with groups of students, constantly solving creative problems on the fly. It’s an incredible environment for collaboration and learning. Whether you’re working on narrative films, news features, or editing, you cover a lot of ground as a DMP major.
A: What made you want to join Arrowhead Advertising?
MM: I saw Arrowhead on Instagram and what caught my eye was the video team. I thought it was a great opportunity and a new space to learn more about video production. I like being involved, so I figured, why not? Funny enough, even though I was on the team last year, I didn’t film much video. I was curious about other processes and worked on the media and secondary research team instead. It’s been an eye-opening experience because the whole environment is so collaborative and creative — I felt like I have learned a lot.
A: What has your experience been like as the Arrowhead team co-captain?
MM: It’s been very rewarding but also a learning experience. A lot of the position has been about stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying things I’ve never done before. There were definitely growing pains, like figuring out how Kassidy and I would work together and how to lead a team. It’s nerve-wracking at times, but I’m becoming more comfortable in a leadership position. Everyone on the team is friendly and enthusiastic, which makes it easier to be honest and say “I’m learning too!”
A: Tell us about your role on Arrowhead last year.
MM: I was on the secondary research team during the fall and the media team in the spring semester. In the spring, we compiled data from different databases, which was new and challenging for me since I didn’t have much experience in that area. But we had a great group and got to work with amazing mentors, including associate professor Rachel Bailey, who helped us understand tools such as MRI Simmons.
A: What advice do you have for someone considering joining Arrowhead?
MM: I would say to leave your comfort zone and just do it. A lot of people talk themselves out of trying things because they think they’re too busy or it’s not the right fit, but you never know until you try.
A: What was the most valuable aspect of your Ansys or ATI Materials internship?
MM: For the past two summers, I had corporate communications internships, one in the tech field and one in the industrial field. These were new experiences for me because I’m not from a tech or industrial background, but I learned a lot about translating technical concepts into engaging content. It was interesting to see the overlap between corporate communications and the work we do in Arrowhead, especially with social media strategy and public relations. Those internships gave me my first real taste of social media strategy, and I’ve been able to apply that knowledge in various ways.
A: What are your interests and hobbies outside of school?
MM: My main interests are photography and videography, but I also love the outdoors. I’m a trip leader for Outdoor Pursuits, and we go on all sorts of adventures—whitewater rafting, hiking the Appalachian Trail, kayaking, and swimming; you name it, Outdoor Pursuits has it. Being an outdoor pursuits leader has helped with leading the Arrowhead team because both require adaptability and thinking on your feet in unpredictable situations. I also enjoy doing artistic things like rug tufting workshops. I love being creative and using my hands and eyes.
A: What’s the next big thing for Max Mitchell?
MM: Graduation is coming up so I’m on the job hunt for a full-time position. I’m excited about finishing my last year at FSU and taking on new projects. I haven’t thought too far ahead because I love what I’m doing right now, but I’d love to get into video production for an outdoor or fashion brand, and maybe move to a place I’ve never been before.
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Alex Truex, event coordinator for FSU’s Ad Club and a junior in FSU’s advertising program, wrote this article for the team’s blog; edited by Carly Nelson, Arrowhead external communications manager.