🎧 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.com
Instagram: @foossa

🎨 More Episodes + Resources:
https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast

—

#Foossa #DesignForParticipation #LeeSeanHuang #DavidColbyReed #StorytellingInDesign #SocialImpactDesign #SystemsThinking #NarrativeStrategy #EquityByDesign #CreativeLeadership #ArtSchoolGradPodcast

🔥 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 Episodes
https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast

📲 Connect with Xavier Ruffin
Instagram: @xavierruffin
Website: https://cynosureca.com

🎨 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

🔥 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/videos
Instagram: 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

🎙️ 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

🎙️ 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

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

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

New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications:

@artschoolgraduate_podcast

Bryan Bonilla is the Co-Founder of Pirate Worldwide—a fashion and lifestyle brand redefining what it means to blend creativity, culture, and community. In this powerful conversation, Bryan shares how he went from pursuing music to building a purpose-driven brand that's more than just merch. We dive into his journey as a first-gen creative, how he partnered with Adobe, and how AI tools like Acrobat Assistant are helping him stay inspired and streamline his creative process.

Whether you’re launching a brand, navigating a career pivot, or looking to build community through your work—this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

This episode is for you if:

You're building a fashion or lifestyle brand with cultural impact.

You want to use storytelling to grow your creative business

You’re curious about how AI can support your workflow

You’re a first-gen or underrepresented creative forging your own path

You want to design with purpose, identity, and innovation

In This Episode:

Meet Bryan Bonilla of Pirate Worldwide

Growing up in Pomona and the role of creative escape

From football and music to entrepreneurship

How Pirate Worldwide was born

Scaling a brand rooted in culture and storytelling

What “Pirate” really meansWorking with Adobe and using Acrobat AI Assistant

How AI fuels creativity and strategy

Building for first-gen creatives and expanding to new audiences

Creating the By Any Means docuseries

Future collabs, legacy, and advice for the next gen

Quickfire Round: Creativity, collabs, and favorite albums

Connect with Bryan Bonilla:Pirate Worldwide: https://pirateworldwide.com

Instagram:

https://instagram.com/pirateworldwide

Adobe Feature: https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2024/04/15/how-bryan-bonilla-fashion-brand-pirate-worldwide-uses-ai-fuel-inspiration-deliver-eye-catching-fashion-contentMore

Podcast Episodes:https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast

Resources Mentioned:– Pirate Worldwide

– Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant

– By Any Means Docuseries

– Creative AI Tools– Community

-Based Branding

New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications:
/ @artschoolgraduate_podcast

Oen Michael Hammonds is a distinguished design executive, educator, and creative mentor who has helped shape the culture of design at IBM. In this thought-provoking conversation, Oen reflects on his journey from traditional graphic designer to leading design enablement at a global tech company—all while championing inclusivity, mentorship, and problem-solving through empathy. We explore his transition from print to digital, his thoughts on cultivating future-ready creatives, and what it means to lead with heart in the design world.

This is your deep dive into leadership, transformation, and staying human in a tech-driven space.

This episode is for you if:

• You’re transitioning from traditional to digital design

• You want to become a more intentional and empathetic designer

• You’re building a career in UX, product, or service design

• You’re passionate about mentorship and design education

• You want to lead with inclusion, curiosity, and purpose

  
  

Connect with Oen Hammonds:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oenhammonds/Links to Oen: https://linktr.ee/oenhammonds

More Podcast Episodes:
https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast

Resources Mentioned:
– IBM Enterprise Design Thinking
– The Designer’s Dilemma (Medium Article)
– Mentorship Models in Creative Industries
– Service Design Toolkit

#OenHammonds #IBMDesign #DesignLeadership #MentorshipMatters #CreativeGrowth #EmpathyInDesign #DigitalDesign #DesignThinking #DesignPodcast #ArtSchoolGradPodcast #BlackDesigners #CreativeCareers #PortfolioTips #UXDesign #AIandDesign

New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications:
📺 /@artschoolgraduate_podcast

Judah “Tip” Middleton is a Senior Art Director in the sports industry, author of Free Game: How to Become a Designer in the Sports Industry, and a powerful voice for purpose-driven design. In this motivating episode, Judah shares how she went from designing for her local basketball league to building a creative career in professional sports—while mentoring others to do the same.

We explore her creative mindset, how she uses storytelling to amplify culture, and the strategies that helped her turn passion into a profession. From designing church flyers and AAU posters to leading creative for a major league team, Judah’s journey is proof that there’s no one way to make it—only your way.

Whether you're trying to break into sports design, grow your creative confidence, or build a brand with purpose, this episode is full of free game.

This episode is for you if:

• You want to break into the sports or entertainment design industry

• You’re building a personal brand as a creative

• You’re passionate about storytelling, identity, and representation

• You want real-world advice on networking and staying grounded

• You believe your creativity can open doors—if you stay consistent

Connect with Judah Middleton:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judah-middleton-9213b9176/

More Podcast Episodes:

🎧 https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast

Resources Mentioned:

– Free Game by Judah Middleton
– MLS
– Branding & personal storytelling tips for creatives
– Tools like Canva & Adobe Illustrator
– Networking strategies for emerging designers

#JudahMiddleton #FreeGame #SportsDesign #CreativeStrategist #AtlantaUnitedFC #BlackCreatives #DesignCareerTips #BrandDesign #FaithAndDesign #PurposeDrivenDesign #ArtSchoolGradPodcast #CreativeJourney #ContentForCreators #DesignMentorship #DesignWithImpact

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 single article by Cheryl D. Miller shifted his career forever, and how he’s using typography to amplify culture, protest, and inclusion.

We explore his creative journey—from graffitiing names on index cards in elementary school to creating fonts used by Spike Lee, Nike, and countless grassroots movements. Tré shares his deep passion for research, cultural storytelling, and the power of design to preserve and honor the past while shaping a more inclusive future.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes design is more than aesthetics—it’s activism, identity, and voice.

✔️ You want to turn your personal story into purpose
✔️ You’re curious about typography, protest art, or cultural preservation
✔️ You’re ready to diversify the visual language of your work
✔️ You’re looking for career inspiration from a Black creative leader
✔️ You believe type and design can drive social change

Intro — Who is Tré Seals?
Childhood illness and art as therapy
Selling graffiti-style name cards in 5th grade
Discovering design through struggle and story
Launching Vocal Type and honoring protest movements
Creating Martin, the typeface inspired by MLK and Memphis
The role of Cheryl D. Miller’s “Missing in Action” article
Why type design is cultural storytelling
Creative process and research behind each typeface
Building Studio Seals on family land
How he landed collaborations with Spike Lee and Nike
Advice for young designers who feel unseen
The difference between diversity and inclusion
Quickfire: Fonts, protest signs, and design heroes

What’s next for Vocal Type

🌐 Website: https://www.treseals.com
🔤 Vocal Type: https://vocaltype.co
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/vocaltype.co
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/treseals

More Podcast Episodes:

🎧 https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast

Resources Mentioned:

– Cheryl D. Miller’s “Black Designers: Missing in Action”
– Vocal Type Foundry
– Studio Seals
– Fontself & Glyphs
– Protest Design Archives

#TreSeals #VocalType #BlackTypographer #TypographyDesign #DesignForChange #CreativeStorytelling #DesignActivism #DesignWithPurpose #StudioSeals #BlackDesigners #FontDesign #TypeFoundry #ProtestFonts #ArtSchoolGradPodcast #DiversityInDesign

This episode is for you if: In This Episode: Connect with Tré Seals: More Podcast Episodes: Resources Mentioned:

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 becoming what he calls “The Last Black Calligrapher in San Francisco.”

We dive into the power of red and black ink, the spiritual and political weight of his work, and how his Nia Wilson series rewrites history—literally. Hunter shares how grief, mysticism, and vintage ephemera inform his visual language and why his work is less about being understood and more about being felt.

Whether you’re interested in conceptual art, sacred storytelling, or using design as a form of resistance—this episode is a masterclass in creating with intention, complexity, and care.

🎧 This episode is for you if: You want to explore calligraphy beyond tradition and into activism. You use art to process grief, identity, and personal history. You’re curious about mixing mysticism, ornamentation, and narrative. You’re inspired by conceptual artists and non-linear storytelling. You want to see how lettering can reclaim and redefine legacy.

⏱️ In This Episode: Intro — Who is Hunter Saxony III?From Rhode Island to SF: A self-taught calligrapher’s journey. Discovering power in letters, punk shows, and poetry. The birth of “The Last Black Calligrapher in SF” Nia Wilson series: memory, mourning, and burning history. Red ink, Black ink: the symbolism behind the palette. Writing on top of time: vintage ephemera and erasure. Legibility, secrecy, and sacred codes. Collaborating through tattoos and community ritual. Living and creating in a changing San Francisco. Success, spirituality, and what’s next.

🖋️ Connect with Hunter Saxony III:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/death_by_a_1000_serifs/Letterform Archive Collection: https://letterformarchive.orgWebsite: https://pocketfullaamethyst.com/press

🎨 More Podcast Episodes:https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast

✨ Resources Mentioned:– Nia Wilson / Say Her Name / No Silence– Letterform Archive– Between You and I Series– Pergamenata & Vellum Techniques– Jenny Holzer, Pina Bausch, Saul Williams (influences)

🎧 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 full-time at Brookfield Properties. A breast cancer survivor, MICA grad, and passionate creative, Ashley shares how intention, identity, and alignment fuel her work.

We explore her postgrad struggles, how she balances freelance with a 9-to-5, and why rest is part of the process. If you’ve ever questioned your path, this episode will remind you that pivots are part of the plan—and creativity can be both healing and revolutionary.

🎯 This episode is for you if:
✔️ You're navigating burnout, balance, or creative redirection
✔️ You're balancing freelance life with a full-time job
✔️ You want to infuse cultural storytelling into your design work
✔️ You're building your own product line or creative shop
✔️ You believe rest, identity, and joy are part of the design process

📌 In This Episode:
Intro — Who is Ashley Fletcher?
Growing up in a creative household
How yearbook class led to a design career
Switching from business to graphic design
Postgrad depression + freelance struggles
The pivot to MICA and grad school revelations
Building a creative process rooted in intention
Working full-time at Brookfield Properties
Starting Digitrrillnana and her first art print
Being a breast cancer survivor + protecting creative energy
Creative wellness, therapy, and taking breaks
Mentorship, Black design orgs, and AIGA DC
What she's manifesting now
Final advice for emerging creatives

📎 Connect with Ashley Fletcher:
Portfolio: https://ashley-fletcher.com
Shop: https://digitrillnana.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitrillnana/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@digitrillnana

🎨 More Podcast Episodes:
https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast

📚 Resources Mentioned:
– MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art)
– AIGA DC
– Black Designers Ignite
– Monday.com (project workflow tool)
– Digitrrillnana product line
#AshleyFletcher #Digitrrillnana #BlackDesigners #GraphicDesignPodcast #CreativeJourney #WomenInDesign #ArtSchoolGradPodcast #DesignWithPurpose #CreativeWellness #BreastCancerSurvivor #DesignStorytelling #BlackCreatives #CreativeEntrepreneur #FreelanceDesign #CulturalDesign #DesignHealing

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 conversation, he shares how he's using design, technology, and storytelling to challenge norms, build community, and shape the future of creative work—especially for Black designers navigating a rapidly changing industry.

We dive into his approach to AI in the design process, his concerns around equity in emerging tech, and why cultural legacy matters more than ever in media. Whether you're a designer, strategist, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will spark reflection on what it means to lead with purpose and adapt with intention.

This episode is for you if:

• You’re a creative looking to use your work for social impact

• You’re curious (or skeptical) about AI in design

• You want to build or support a creative community of color

• You’re interested in the business of design—beyond just the visuals

• You want to redefine success on your own terms

In This Episode:
Intro — Who is Terrence Moline?
Growing up in New Orleans and early creative roots
The shift to Austin and building a justice-driven design agency
Founding AAGD and creating a community for Black creatives
What it means to be a culture builder
How AI is woven into his design process
Hope, fear, and excitement: Terrence's real thoughts on GenAI
Design as healing: stories, equity, and impact
Shifting from “designer” to “creative professional”

How AAGD helps creatives think beyond industry norms
Revisiting 30-year-old sketchbooks with Adobe Firefly
Advice for young designers

Final thoughts on the future of design and legacy

Connect with Terrence Moline:
Website: https://aagd.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmoline

More Podcast Episodes:
https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast

Resources Mentioned:
– AAGD: African American Graphic Designers
– Adobe Firefly
– William Gibson’s “The future is already here...” quote
– Ray Kurzweil’s Age of Spiritual Machines
– Tools: ChatGPT, Adobe Creative Cloud

#TerrenceMoline #AAGD #BlackDesigners #DesignAndAI #CreativeEntrepreneur #SocialJusticeDesign #CulturalStorytelling #DesignForImpact #CreativeCommunity #ArtSchoolGradPodcast #MediaForChange #DesignLeadership #AIinDesign #BlackCreatives #CreativeBusiness #GraphicDesignPodcast

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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 on her own terms. We dive into the systems that keep her collective running, the realities of life abroad, and how she’s helping a new generation of creatives feel less alone in the work. This is a masterclass in creative leadership, freelancing with integrity, and building a brand rooted in purpose.

Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own studio, navigating freelance life, or craving a deeper connection to your creative values—this episode is for you.

This episode is for you if:
✔ You’re pivoting from 9-to-5 to freelance
✔ You’re building a purpose-driven design business
✔ You’re curious about working abroad or as a digital nomad
✔ You want to lead with faith, strategy, and service
✔ You’re looking for creative sustainability—not just hustle

In This Episode:
Intro — Who is Audrey Pray Jr.?

Growing up creative + building A2 Collective

Breaking into the industry through SCAD & Nickelodeon
Freelancing post-layoff & taking big risks

Living between Peru and the DMV
Studying behavior design in Spanish
Running a remote team & financial sustainability
Faith, purpose, and grounding in business
Freelance red flags and must-know advice
Tools, rituals & creative survival
What success looks like now
What’s next for Audrey and A2

Connect with Audrey Pray Jr.:
Website: https://a2collective.studio
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/audreyprayjr

More Podcast Episodes:
https://bio.site/ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast

Resources Mentioned:
– A2 Collective
– Behavior Design in Spanish
– Building Remote Creative Teams
– Creative Freelancing Systems
– Faith & Entrepreneurship

#AudreyPrayJr #CreativeLeadership #FreelanceDesign #WomenInDesign #BlackCreatives #RemoteWorkLife #ArtWithPurpose #DesignPodcast #A2Collective #CreativeEntrepreneur #LifeAbroad #FaithAndCreativity #CreativeWellness #ArtSchoolGradPodcast

🔥 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-generation Filipino-American in a corporate world that often lacks diversity, and how he uses creativity as a form of resistance, storytelling, and community building.

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider in the creative industry, this conversation will remind you why your voice matters more than ever.

💬 In this robust conversation, we cover:

The immigrant excellence mindset

Navigating Oregon during the Trump election

Turning frustration into podcasting

What makes a great creative leader

The impact of First Generation Burden Using art to create real-world change

Designing the ACLU x Nike collab

Mentorship, identity, and full-circle moments at Adobe AI, new tools, and what scares creatives most

Legacy, gratitude, and building spaces for BIPOC creatives

Quickfire round: comic books, dream collabs, and creative fuel

🎯 This episode is for you if:

🧠 You want to lead with cultural authenticity

🎙️ You’re building a podcast or platform for underrepresented voices

📐 You’re a designer pushing against boundaries and burnout

📈 You’re ready to merge identity with impact

💡 You want real talk on creative leadership, AI, and career longevity

🔗 Connect with Rich:https://richtu.com/https://www.instagram.com/richtu/https://www.firstgenburden.com/

🎧 Subscribe to The Art School Graduate Podcast for more conversations with boundary-breaking creatives

🎨 Follow @artschoolgraduate_podcast on IG

🎨 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, Kenny’s journey is a masterclass in creative resilience, cultural impact, and building a legacy as one of the most influential Black designers in the industry.

Whether you're a student, designer, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will inspire you to lead with boldness, stay true to your voice, and reimagine what design can be.

🎯 This Episode Is for You If:

🎬 You want to design for film, music, or streaming

🔥 You’re looking to build a creative legacy, not just a portfolio

📈 You care about representation in the design industry

💡 You want to learn how top designers pitch, scale, and stay relevant

🎓 You’re mentoring or building pathways for young creatives

🎨 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 you're a creative pro or just starting out, Alanna’s story will inspire you to take the leap and create on your own terms.

🎨 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 defiance is woven into every piece he creates. Whether he's on canvas, behind a camera, or painting a wall, Jeremy’s work challenges expectations and inspires bold self-expression.

🖤 If you’re passionate about art, identity, and building a creative career without shrinking yourself—this one’s for you.