Art School Graduate Podcast

Art School Graduate Podcast
  • 5.0 (10)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

🎙️ Welcome to The Art School Graduate Podcast — your go-to art podcast for creative minds. I'm Justin, a proud Black art school grad exploring the world of visual art, street art, graphic design, and creative careers. Each week, I sit down with artists, illustrators, and designers to talk about their journey, creative process, and real-world advice. Whether you're into typography, freelance design, or just looking for creative inspiration, this is your space. 🎨 Subscribe for weekly artist interviews, design tips, and creative podcast content that fuels your passion.

  1. 10/26/2025

    Foossa’s Lee‑Sean Huang & David Colby Reed: Design for Participation, Story & Systems

    🎧 New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications:👉 @artschoolgraduate_podcast 🎙️ What happens when storytelling meets systems thinking, and design is centered around participation, not just aesthetics? In this episode, we sit down with Lee-Sean Huang and David Colby Reed, co-founders of the strategy and design consultancy Foossa, to unpack how design can truly shape communities, spark dialogue, and drive social change. We explore their creative origin story, their guiding philosophy of “Design for Participation,” and how they use narrative strategy, co-design, and service design to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. From working with foundations and governments to building equity-centered workshops, Foossa’s approach is both visionary and grounded in the everyday power of collaboration. 💡 Whether you’re a designer, strategist, educator, or just a curious creative trying to figure out how to make a meaningful impact, this conversation will leave you inspired, empowered, and thinking bigger about your own practice. 🎯 This episode is for you if: You’re curious about using design for civic good, not just commercial gain You want to blend storytelling with systems thinking You’re navigating how to co-create with communities You care about equity, facilitation, and creative empowerment You’re tired of the “networking” game and want to build your own scene 🎁 Plus: A quickfire round with fun questions on playlists, design tools, and underrated thinkers Their biggest advice for emerging creatives The one project they’d co-design with no limits — 🌐 Connect with Foossa:Website: https://foossa.comInstagram: @foossa 🎨 More Episodes + Resources:https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast — #Foossa #DesignForParticipation #LeeSeanHuang #DavidColbyReed #StorytellingInDesign #SocialImpactDesign #SystemsThinking #NarrativeStrategy #EquityByDesign #CreativeLeadership #ArtSchoolGradPodcast

    1h 31m

  2. 10/19/2025

    From Homeless to Creative Powerhouse: Xavier Ruffin on Design, Resilience & Building His Own Lane

    🔥 New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications:👉 /@artschoolgraduate_podcast Xavier Ruffin is a Milwaukee, raised creative powerhouse—filmmaker, designer, and co-founder of Cynosure Creative Agency. From experiencing homelessness in his youth to building a bold, culture-forward agency working with brands like Netflix and Amazon Prime, Xavier’s story is one of resilience, vision, and voice. In this raw and insightful conversation, Xavier opens up about: Discovering creativity as survival and identity Gaining early access to art school at 13 Balancing corporate design work at Kohl’s with passion projects Creating Mad Black Men as a response to erasure in design history Co-founding Cynosure CA and working with Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It Building authentic visual storytelling for global brands Navigating client feedback, protecting creative integrity, and leading with empathy Whether you’re a young creative trying to find your lane, a designer wanting to make a cultural impact, or a founder seeking to tell more meaningful stories—this episode will fire you up. 🎯 This episode is for you if: You want to build a creative career with intention and integrity You’re navigating representation and identity in the design world You’ve ever been told “you don’t belong” and need a reminder that you do You’re curious about transitioning from freelance to full agency ownership You want to know how to keep your art authentic in commercial work 📌 Resources Mentioned– Cynosure Creative Agency: https://cynosureca.com– Mad Black Men web series– Clio Awards– MIAD (Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design)– Amazon Prime’s THEM– Adobe Creative Suite, Blender 🎧 More Podcast Episodeshttps://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast 📲 Connect with Xavier RuffinInstagram: @xavierruffinWebsite: https://cynosureca.com

    1h 12m

  3. 10/12/2025

    From Fan Art to Published Illustrator: DeAndra Hodge on Storytelling, Style & Standing Out in KidLit

    🎨 New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications:👉 /@artschoolgraduate_podcast DeAndra Hodge is an illustrator, graphic designer, educator, and soon-to-be author based in Washington, D.C., best known for her vibrant children’s book illustrations, cultural storytelling, and joyful, people-centered art. She’s illustrated over ten books, including the acclaimed Beyond the Game series and Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark, with clients ranging from Nickelodeon and Café Bustelo to Puzzles of Color. In this inspiring and heartwarming episode, DeAndra shares her journey from studying fine art to becoming a published illustrator, why Procreate is her creative soulmate, and how she blends design thinking into her illustration process. We also talk about drawing influence from West African and Greco-Roman art, using Tumblr-era fandoms for inspiration, and why knowing who you are makes all the difference in the publishing world. Whether you’re a student, a creative entrepreneur, or a fellow children’s book illustrator, this episode will fill you with creative fuel and a deeper appreciation for the intersection of art, culture, and joy. ✨ This episode is for you if:🔗 Connect with DeAndra Hodge:🛠️ Tools & Topics Mentioned: You want to break into children’s illustration or graphic novels You’re navigating the freelance world with creativity and purpose You’re curious about blending design and illustration in your workflow You want to use storytelling to make your art more impactful You’re inspired by joyful, culturally rooted visuals 🌐 Website: https://www.deandrahodge.com📸 Instagram: @deandrahodge_ 🎧 More Podcast Episodes:https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast Procreate vs. Adobe Fresco Cultural and historical influences (West African, Art Deco, Bauhaus) Working with art directors and optimizing for print Building confidence through personal storytelling Transitioning from design student to professional illustrator #DeAndraHodge #ChildrenBookIllustrator #ProcreateArtist #DesignThinking #BlackIllustrators #CreativeJourney #WomenInPublishing #FreelanceLife #IllustrationPodcast #ArtSchoolGradPodcast

    1h 21m

  4. 10/05/2025

    Stephanie Brown on Identity, Colorism & Building a Sustainable Creative Career

    🔥 New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications:👉 / @artschoolgraduate_podcast 🎨 Stephanie Brown is an interdisciplinary artist and host of IN BTWN ARTIST, a podcast about sustainable creative careers. Rooted in her Jamaican and Black American heritage, Stephanie’s work spans photography, installation, and writing, interrogating identity, colorism, and the global impacts of systemic racism. With degrees from SCAD and the University of Michigan, she creates powerful work that educates, sparks empathy, and challenges us to think critically about who we are and who we choose to become. 💼 In this episode, Stephanie shares how her time on a cruise ship opened her eyes to global colorism, why she pursued an MFA, and how she built a career that bridges art, education, and entrepreneurship. We delve into what it means to be creative. Whether you’re exploring your identity, building a freelance career, or simply searching for belonging in your creative work, this conversation will move you. 🔗 Connect with Stephanie Brown:Website: https://www.stephaniebphotos.com/Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@stephaniesquared/videosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniesquared_/ 🎧 More Podcast Episodes:https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast 📚 Resources Mentioned:– IN BTWN ARTIST Podcast– Museum Studies + MFA experience– Interdisciplinary Art practices– Creative sustainability + financial stability– Tools: Photography, installation, creative writing 📌 This episode is for you if: You’re exploring identity as a Black or Brown creative You want to understand what “interdisciplinary artist” truly means You’re curious about sustainable creative careers You’ve faced colorism or systemic barriers in your journey You’re ready to build agency and critical thinking through your art #StephanieBrown #InBtwnArtist #BlackCreatives #CreativeEntrepreneur #ArtWithPurpose #InterdisciplinaryArtist #Colorism #ArtAsActivism #DesignPodcast #CreativeProcess #ArtSchoolGradPodcast #IdentityAndArt #BlackArtistsMatter

    1h 21m

  5. 09/28/2025

    Designing with Purpose: Bria Alexander on Inclusive Leadership, AI, and Thriving at Adobe

    🎙️ New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications: / @artschoolgraduate_podcast Bria Alexander is a powerhouse creative leader at Adobe serving as a Design Program Manager, inclusive design advocate, AI strategist, and public speaker. In this dynamic conversation, Bria takes us through her inspiring journey from sales enablement to the heart of design operations, proving that where you start isn’t where you’ll end up. We unpack how Bria navigates complex design systems, embraces inclusive language, leads with empathy, and uses AI tools like ChatGPT and Firefly to supercharge her work and personal life. We also dive into how she sets boundaries, builds community, and why she believes in opening doors for the next generation of creatives. Whether you're in tech, creative leadership, or transitioning into a new role, this episode is full of gems you don’t want to miss. 🎯 This episode is for you if... ✔️ You’re pivoting into tech or design from a non-traditional background ✔️ You want to use AI tools responsibly and creatively ✔️ You care about inclusive design and community building ✔️ You’re navigating burnout, boundaries, or balance ✔️ You lead or work on a multidisciplinary creative team 🔗 Connect with Bria Alexander LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/briaalexander Instagram: https://instagram.com/briaismyname TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@briaismyname Wine + Spirits Business: https://instagram.com/somali.aid Office Hours: Book via her LinkedIn! 🎧 More Podcast Episodes: https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast 📚 Resources Mentioned: – Rosenfeld Design Ops Summit – Book: Digital Feudalism – CAA Internship – The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – ChatGPT, Aura Ring, Apple Watch, and health tracking tools #BriaAlexander #DesignOps #InclusiveDesign #WomenInTech #CreativeLeadership #AdobeFirefly #BlackInTech #AIandDesign #CommunityOverCompetition #ArtSchoolGradPodcast #HowardUniversityAlumni #DesignProgramManager #CreativeCareerPath #LifeWillLifeYou

    54 min

  6. 09/21/2025

    Logo Lessons, Icon Design, and AI Hot Takes with Scott Fuller

    🎙️ New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications:/ @artschoolgrad_podcast Scott Fuller is the founder of The Studio Temporary, a branding and illustration studio known for its bold simplicity, blue-collar work ethic, and vintage-inspired soul. A longtime favorite at Creative South, Scott brings both humor and honesty to every conversation, unpacking 20+ years of lessons in logo design, identity systems, and creative resilience. In this episode, Scott shares how he transitioned from drawing on napkins in the breakroom to launching his own studio, working with notable brands such as Coca-Cola, the Atlanta Braves, and Johnnie Walker. We discuss creative discipline, the art of storytelling through design, why hand sketching still matters, and what it truly means to grow as a designer over time. Whether you’re building a design career from scratch or looking to reconnect with your creative roots, this episode will inspire you to trust your gut, do the work, and design with purpose. This episode is for you if: You want to learn how to evolve as a designer over the decades. You're building a freelance or studio practice from the ground up. You're passionate about logo design, iconography, or identity systems. You’re curious about how to blend analog and digital in your process. Have you ever been told you “shouldn’t” go out on your own 🎧 Listen now — and if you're a creative educator, student, or logo nerd, this one’s a must. Connect with Scott Fuller: Website: https://www.thestudiotemporary.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiotemporary/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestudiotemporary/ 🎒 More Podcast Episodes:https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast Resources Mentioned: – The Studio Temporary – Creative South – Sketchbooks & analog process – Icon design workshops – Client red flags & favorite wins Hashtags:#ScottFuller #TheStudioTemporary #LogoDesign #BrandIdentity #CreativeSouth #DesignPodcast #ArtSchoolGraduate #IconDesign #DesignEducation #SketchToScreen #DesignWithPurpose #CreativeEntrepreneur #DesignStudioLife #ArtSchoolGradPodcast

    1h 6m

  7. 09/14/2025

    From the Army to Award-Winning Designer: Joseph Bullard on Branding, Teaching & Creative Growth!

    New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications: @artschoolgradpodcast. Joseph Bullard is a designer, educator, podcast host, and creative storyteller—known for his bold identity work, thoughtful brand strategy, and commitment to shaping the next generation of designers. From serving as a U.S. Army Sergeant to teaching Visual Communication at Austin Community College, Joseph’s path proves that creativity can come from anywhere. He’s built a portfolio that spans clients like Dungeons & Dragons, The New Yorker, and Studio Dzo—all while hosting Students of Design, a podcast dedicated to elevating design voices and conversations. n this inspiring deep dive, Joseph shares how he transitioned from military life to the creative world, why cultural heritage shapes his work, and the lessons he’s learned from both his own projects and his podcast guests. We explore his design process, his approach to teaching, and how he bridges the gap between professional practice and student creativity. Whether you’re: Navigating the leap into the design industry Looking to strengthen your creative process Interested in no-code web tools and identity design Ready to balance teaching, client work, and personal projects Curious about building a design-centered podcast and community In This Episode:Intro — Who is Joseph Bullard? From the U.S. Army to the design world Early lessons from Marc English Design Teaching at Austin Community College Building the Students of Design podcast Working with clients like Dungeons & Dragons and The New Yorker Rebranding Horse Creek Resort BARKSwag: from passion project to business Design pricing transparency and value The role of cultural heritage in creative work Balancing personal projects with professional demands Burnout, reset routines, and finding inspiration What success means to Joseph now #JosephBullard #DesignPodcast #GraphicDesign #BrandIdentity #BlackCreatives #CreativeProcess #StudentsOfDesign #DesignEducation #VisualCommunication #NoCodeWebsites #CreativeBusiness #ArtSchoolGradPodcast

    1h 30m
  8. How Cody A. Banks Turns Everyday Objects into Characters Using Adobe Illustrator

    09/07/2025

    How Cody A. Banks Turns Everyday Objects into Characters Using Adobe Illustrator

    New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications: 📺 / @artschoolgraduate_podcast Cody A. Banks is an illustrator, content creator, and the creative mind behind a growing archive of fun, expressive characters made from everyday objects. With over 15 years of experience in Adobe Illustrator, Cody blends vintage cartoon charm with a modern edge—delivering eye-catching designs and easy-to-follow tutorials across YouTube and social media. In this inspiring episode, Cody walks us through how he built his visual style, grew a loyal following by teaching Illustrator basics, and why he believes creativity is everywhere—if you know how to look for it. From turning fire hydrants into robots to building a character from a street pole, Cody’s perspective is a refreshing reminder that design can be both simple and deeply imaginative. Whether you’re just starting out in digital illustration, trying to build your creative brand, or want to unlock inspiration in your everyday surroundings—this one’s for you. 🎧 This episode is for you if: You want to level up your Adobe Illustrator skills You love character design with personality and style You’re a content creator building an audience from your art You want to turn tutorials into a community You’re ready to see the world through a more creative lens 🔗 Connect with Cody A. Banks: Website: https://codyabanks.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@codyabanks Instagram: https://instagram.com/codyabanks Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/codyabanksart 🎨 More Podcast Episodes: https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast 🧰 Resources Mentioned: – Adobe Illustrator – Pencil & Pathfinder Tools – YouTube Tutorials – StickerApp Collaboration – Everyday Object Character Method

    57 min
See All (49)

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

🎙️ Welcome to The Art School Graduate Podcast — your go-to art podcast for creative minds. I'm Justin, a proud Black art school grad exploring the world of visual art, street art, graphic design, and creative careers. Each week, I sit down with artists, illustrators, and designers to talk about their journey, creative process, and real-world advice. Whether you're into typography, freelance design, or just looking for creative inspiration, this is your space. 🎨 Subscribe for weekly artist interviews, design tips, and creative podcast content that fuels your passion.

Information

  • Creator
    Art School Graduate Podcast
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Art School Graduate Podcast
  • Show Website
    Art School Graduate Podcast