Art School Graduate Podcast

New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications: 📌 @artschoolgradpodcast Tré Seals is a multi-disciplinary designer, typographer, and the founder of Vocal Type—a mission-driven type foundry dedicated to diversifying design by telling untold stories through letterforms. In this inspiring episode, Tré walks us through how surviving two childhood brain tumors shaped his identity, how a singl...

New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications: 🔔 @artschoolgradpodcast Hunter Saxony III is a San Francisco-based calligrapher, installation artist, and conceptual storyteller known for fusing historic letterforms with themes of identity, loss, and Black legacy. In this thought-provoking conversation, Hunter opens up about his journey from Rhode Island’s underground hardcore scene to be...

🎧 New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications: / @artschoolgradpodcast Ashley Fletcher is a Washington D.C.–based graphic designer, illustrator, and founder of Digitrillnana —a culture-forward art shop celebrating Black joy through prints, cards, and storytelling. In this empowering episode, Ashley opens up about her journey from yearbook spreads to launching her own brand and working...

New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications: @artschoolgradpodcast Terrence Moline is a culture builder, strategist, and founder of AAGD—a national community for African American graphic designers. Based in Austin by way of New Orleans, Terrence leads a design agency rooted in social justice, working with clients like Princeton, the NAACP, and local businesses alike. In this dynamic co...

New !! Subscribe and turn on notifications: @artschoolgradpodcast Audrey Pray Jr. is a multidisciplinary designer, creative strategist, and the founder of A2 Collective—a studio and support network that uplifts social movements and creative freelancers. From Nickelodeon intern to global freelancer living between Lima and Maryland, Audrey shares her journey of faith, flexibility, and designing life...

🔥 Watch this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast featuring Rich Tu – artist, designer, creative director, and host of First Generation Burden. Want to build a creative career rooted in identity, culture, and purpose? This episode is for you. 🎧 Rich Tu shares how he went from comic book–obsessed kid to leading design at MTV, Nike, and now Sunday Afternoon. He gets real about being a first-...

🎨 Want to Break into Entertainment Design? Unlock the creative blueprint behind iconic movie posters, legendary album covers, and the power of authenticity in visual storytelling. In this powerful episode, Kenny Gravillis—founder of Gravillis Inc.—takes us behind the curtain of his award-winning work for BlackKklansman, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Roots, Star Wars, and more. From Def Jam to Netflix, K...

🎨 In this episode, lettering artist Alanna Flowers shares how she left her 9-to-5 to build AGF Design Studio—working with clients like Adobe, launching passive income through art licensing, and growing her creative voice online. We dive into her journey from receptionist to full-time freelancer, her approach to diversity in design, and the power of sharing your process on social media. Whether yo...

🎨 Jeremy Biggers is a painter, muralist, filmmaker, and one of Dallas’ most respected multi-hyphenate creatives. In this episode, we dive into his journey from sketching comics in kindergarten to collaborating with major brands like Nike, Meta, and the Dallas Cowboys. We talk about the power of taking up space as a Black artist, the meaning behind his signature "hyper-red," and why defi...

Mike Nicholls—creative director, visual artist, and founder of Umber —joins us to talk about using design as a tool for discovery, identity, and positive inspiration. With over 20 years in the game, Mike shares how he built Umber into a globally recognized platform amplifying Black and Brown voices through print, digital content, and cultural storytelling. We dive into the mindset shifts that shap...

James Barnard, a UK-born logo designer turned content powerhouse, joins us to share how he built a six-figure design business by niching down, leveraging SEO, and going viral on TikTok. From leaving agency life to landing Adobe partnerships, James breaks down how content, clarity, and confidence can transform your creative career. We also dive into his client process, pricing tips, and the role of...

In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast , we sit down with Adolphus Washington, also known as Negrophonics —a multidisciplinary artist, historian, and sound storyteller. Born in New York and based in London, Adolphus uses collage, sound, and rhythm to explore the depth of the Black American experience , drawing from over 400 years of history, culture, and resistance. We dive into his cr...

In this episode, designer and educator Russell Toynes, founder of Studio Dzo, shares how he built a values-driven design studio rooted in equity, leadership, and creative excellence. We explore his late start in design, the lessons he learned from corporate life at Dell, and how he now mentors the next generation through teaching and community work. Russell also breaks down the importance of charg...

In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast , I’m joined by the brilliant Katrina Lenzly — a multi-talented art director, speaker, and neo-soul hip-hop artist also known as King Cooley. From leading creative work for top brands like HBO, Coca-Cola, and the NBA to using her platform to champion Black identity and push for real change in design, Katrina breaks down what it really means to be...

In this episode, I sit down with Andre Elijah—award-winning immersive director, XR pioneer, and founder of Andre Elijah Immersive. Known for building cutting-edge VR and AR experiences for brands like Snap, Meta, Sony, Uber, and even Beyoncé, Andre shares his journey from post-production to shaping the future of immersive tech. We dive into the evolution of virtual reality, creative entrepreneursh...

What does it really mean to make an impact as a Black creative? Maurice Cherry, creator of Revision Path—the first podcast inducted into the Smithsonian—opens up about his career struggles, industry gatekeeping, and why accolades don’t always translate to opportunity. After 550+ episodes, he walked away from podcasting. Why? This conversation is a must-watch for artists, designers, and entrepreneu...

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast, I interview the legendary Dr. Cheryl D. Miller, a pioneering graphic designer, educator, and advocate for diversity in the industry. Dr. Miller shares her incredible journey in design, from navigating systemic barriers to documenting the untold history of Black designers. She discusses her latest book, Where The Black Des...

What does it take to go from London to Yale to Pentagram, one of the world’s most prestigious design firms? In this robust conversation, Pentagram partner Eddie Opara shares bold insights on design, activism, and the future of creativity. He doesn’t hold back in this deep dive into design, leadership, and the intersection of creativity and social change. If you're a designer, creative, or change-m...

In this episode of Art School Graduate, we sit down with the legendary Gail Anderson—a designer, educator, and typographic master whose work has shaped everything from Rolling Stone to Broadway and beyond. With over 40 years of experience, Anderson shares her journey through the evolving world of design, the power of typography, and how she’s shaping the next generation of creatives at the School...

In this episode, I sit down with Cey Adams, a legendary artist and designer who shaped the visual culture of hip-hop as the founding Creative Director of Def Jam Recordings. From designing album covers and logos for Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, and Notorious B.I.G. to creating the Chappelle’s Show logo, Cey’s work has left an undeniable mark on the culture.

In this episode, we sit down with Kenny Borg, a seasoned CEO, transformational coach, and co-founder of MerchCamp/TSL, to uncover the essence of impactful leadership. From scaling a dorm-room startup into a multi-million-dollar brand to mentoring leaders through adversity, Kenny shares his wealth of knowledge on navigating the complexities of leadership, culture development, and personal growth. E...

In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast , I sit down with the incredibly talented George Gabriel, also known as atribecalledhiphop. George has been at the forefront of hip-hop's visual and cultural storytelling, from photographing legends like Jay-Z and Nipsey Hussle to recording some of Power 106’s most iconic freestyles. We dive into the stories behind his unforgettable shots, the vib...

Ever wonder what it takes to bring voices to life? In this episode, we go behind the mic with Damon Webb, the voice actor who’s tackled everything from eerie tales in Camp Redrum to the high-energy spirit of Stephen Curry’s Sports Superheroes . Damon spills on his early inspirations, his ‘big break’ moment, and the creative challenges that keep him sharp. He takes us through his process of becomin...

In this episode, we explore the creative world of Dana Washington-Queen—a visual artist, filmmaker, and barber. Dana opens up about blending art and barbering to explore identity, spirituality, and community and how their work creates affirming spaces for Black and queer voices. We discuss their films, the cultural impact of barbershops, and the power of storytelling through multiple mediums. Tune...

Have you ever wondered what the world of music production is?? In this episode, with none other than Wassup Maine, who has worked for Cardi B, Young Miami, and 19keys. Mixed j Cole’s freestyle for the Power 106 La Leakers freestyle among other A-list artists. We explore his rise from Pomona to producing for top artists, his raw take on the music industry’s ups and downs, and why West Coast vibes s...