The Pencil Pusher's Podcast

In this episode of the Pencil Pushers podcast, host Mike Rosado talks with Clint Campbell, Miné Jonker, and Brad Hodgkiss from the renowned Cape Town-based illustration studio, Studio Muti. The discussion covers the studio's origins, creative processes, and the team dynamics that make them successful. Founded in 2011, Studio Muti has become a powerhouse in global design, collaborating with brands like Apple, Nike, and Google. The trio shares insights into their journey, the importance of adaptability, and their foray into animation. They also touch on challenges, maintaining a positive culture, and their excitement for future creative endeavors. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

Welcome to The Pencil Pushers Podcast. In this episode, I chat with the multitalented Armando "Mondo" Roque about his incredible journey from childhood robot doodles to designing iconic toys.Mondo takes us back to the '80s, reminiscing about sketching RoboTech battles as a kid and getting his start as a caricature artist at Knott's Berry Farm. He shares his winding educational path through multiple art schools and how he eventually made the leap from corporate graphic design to a creative role at By George Inc., where he helped develop standout projects like the animatronic Hero Droid BB-8.Now serving as the creative director of Dreams of Robots, Mondo blends nostalgia with innovation to craft unique art toys that speak to fans of all ages. His story is a reminder that chasing your passion can lead to professional success, and that choosing creativity over comfort can pay off in powerful ways. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

In this episode, I sit down with Seth Kearsley, a veteran animation director, writer, and producer, to explore his incredible career. With over three decades in the industry, Seth has worked on fan-favorite shows like The Maxx, The Simpsons, and Dilbert, and directed Adam Sandler's Eight Crazy Nights. We talk about his beginnings, discovering pencil and paper in his dad's truck, and the path that led him to major animation projects.From wild CalArts parties to life advice from Dustin Hoffman, Seth shares stories that are both hilarious and inspiring. He also opens up about Never Wonderland, his dark reimagining of Alice in Wonderland, and how a near-fatal car accident pushed him to focus on personal creative work.We cover everything from directing celebrities and stealing art supplies as a kid to finding balance between perfection and progress. It's an episode full of humor, insight, and behind-the-scenes magic from the world of animation. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

In this episode of the Pencil Pushers podcast, host Mike Rosado dives deep into the world of Looney Tunes with Jonathan Graves, the passionate host of 'This Means Podcast.' Covering everything from Bugs Bunny to Daffy Duck, they discuss the artists, animators, and history of the beloved cartoon series. Jonathan shares his journey from a childhood filled with Saturday morning cartoons to his efforts in creating and celebrating Looney Tunes through his podcast. Both fans of classic animation, they explore their favorite shorts, influential animators, and the importance of hand-drawn art in a digital age and how YOU can get involved. A must-listen for animation aficionados and nostalgic cartoon lovers alike. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

In this episode of the Pencil Pushers podcast, host Mike Rosado interviews Judd Winick, a celebrated comic creator known for the Hilo series. The conversation covers Judd's diverse career in comics, animation, and reality TV. He reflects on his experience as a cast member of MTV's The Real World, the impact of his late friend Pedro Zamora, and his subsequent memoir 'Pedro and Me.' Judd shares insights on his education, work with DC Comics, and how his career evolved into creating the successful Hilo book series. The discussion also touches on his extensive work illustrating for the Complete Idiots Guide series and his journey through various creative endeavors. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

Mack Garrison, co-founder and director of Content at Dash Studio, a high-end motion design studio based in North Carolina. The discussion covers Mack's origins in Raleigh, his creative childhood, the founding of Dash Studio with his partner Corey Livengood, and their journey to working with major clients like JP Morgan and Coinbase. Mack emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in their growth, the challenges of managing large projects, and their approach to business and creativity. They also delve into the impact of AI on the creative industry, the significance of maintaining human touch in design, and the potential of events like Dash Bash to foster industry camaraderie and innovation. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

In this episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast, host Mike Rosado sits down with Canadian animator Alain Seguin, who has been in the animation industry for over 27 years. Seguin discusses his early influences, such as watching Looney Tunes and Aladdin, and how these childhood inspirations led him to pursue a career in animation. He shares his extensive experience working on commercials for 17 years before transitioning to feature films and TV shows, including Space Jam: A New Legacy, Enchanted, and HBO Max's Looney Tunes series. Seguin also offers insights into his role as a senior animator on the new theatrically released Looney Tunes film The Day the Earth Blew Up, his thoughts on the current state of the animation industry, and the importance of traditional hand-drawn animation. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of working in commercial animation, the significance of proper training and mentorship, and Seguin's passion projects. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

In this episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast, host Mike Rosado reconnects with illustrator Louise Lockhart, founder of The Printed Peanut. Since her last appearance in 2019, Louise has undergone significant life changes, including relocating with her family from city life to a farm in Monmouthshire, Wales. Mike and Louise discuss how this move has impacted her creative process, business, and personal life. Louise shares her experiences of balancing motherhood, managing her business, and staying creatively inspired. She emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and making decisions that prioritize personal fulfillment over financial gain. The conversation, much like their previous one, is filled with humor and candid reflections on the challenges and rewards of choosing an unconventional path. Louise's journey is a testament to the courage required to embrace change and pursue a fulfilling artistic life. Mike enjoyed reconnecting with his fellow art pal from across the pond and believes listeners will enjoy the conversation just as much. So, without further ado, sit back, pull up Louise's Instagram, and enjoy this chat with Louise Lockhart! Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

In this episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast, host Mike Rosado interviews local designer and illustrator Lauren Griffin. Lauren shares her journey, from growing up in multiple cities to settling in Durham, North Carolina. With an impressive portfolio that includes work for Helms Workshop and Pabst Blue Ribbon, Lauren discusses her passion for creating playful yet sophisticated illustrations and brand identity design. She also talks about her newfound love for neon design, featuring pieces in the Museum of Neon Art in Los Angeles, as well as her preparations for her first solo show in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.Lauren reflects on her early influences, including her creative mother and a supportive teacher who nudged her toward an art and design career. She also shares her experiences working for agencies, freelancing, and even collaborating with Mike himself at his studio MRC in Raleigh, NC. The conversation explores the importance of knowing one's self-worth, the challenges of freelancing, and the evolving role of technology—including AI—in the world of design and art. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

It's another banger from the Pencil Pushers Podcast, as host Mike Rosado converses with Raul the Third, a New York Times bestselling and three-time Pura Belpré award-winning illustrator and author. Raul shares insight into his creative journey from growing up in El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, to becoming an influential figure in children's literature. Known for his Vamos series, which reflects his Mexican American heritage, Raul discusses his creative process, inspirations, and the importance of embracing one's culture through art. The conversation delves into his early love for comic books, the challenges of breaking into the publishing world, and the collaborative process with his wife Elaine Bay. With delightfully humorous and heartfelt anecdotes, this episode provides valuable advice for aspiring artists and a glimpse into Raul's vibrant and accessible artistic universe. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

Hey Pencil Pushers! Welcome back to the podcast. Today we share my chat with legendary illustrator and caricature artist Sam Viviano. Known for his extensive career with MAD Magazine and work for other notable publications such as TV Guide and Rolling Stone, Sam shares the stories behind his artistic journey. From childhood inspirations and early encounters with comic book giants to his breakthrough at MAD and relationships with iconic artists like Al Jaffee and Mort Drucker, Sam provides an intimate look into his creative process and the family-like bonds formed during his career. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful discussion about the life of an artist dedicated to his craft. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

Episode 66, yall!! Join us as we chat with Dan Janssen, the mastermind behind Lincoln Design Co. From his early days surfing and skating in San Diego to leading creative work for brands like Nike and Hot Wheels, Dan's journey is filled with passion, grit, and talent. He shares how he went from high school design inspired by brands like Santa Cruz and CARtoons magazine to studying at the Art Institute of Colorado, launching his own studio, and growing it into the powerhouse known as Lincoln Design Co. Dan opens up about the highs and lows of running a top-tier studio—balancing tight deadlines, building a talented in-house team, and producing cutting-edge work for a host of dream clients for any creative.Dan and I also chat through insights on managing client expectations, pricing, and the impending movement of AI in the post-COVID digital age. Whether you're an aspiring designer or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with inspiration and no-nonsense advice straight from the frontlines of the creative industry. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

Welcome back, LedHeads, to another episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast! Today I have the pleasure of sharing a recent chat with my good friend, Lenny Terenzi. Lenny, who many of you know as an illustrator, designer, musician, and single dad, joins us to discuss the crucial topic of mental health for Creatives. Since his last visit in 2019, a lot has changed for Lenny. He stepped down as president of the AIGA Triangle Chapter, closed his screen printing business 'Hey Monkey,' went through a divorce and more. We dive into his journey through these challenges, the importance of self-care and 'healthy quitting,' and how he has been rebuilding his life by reconnecting with his old passions, like music. This conversation offers a raw and honest look at balancing creativity, responsibility, and self-preservation. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that's sure to resonate with many of you. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

Meet Tom Bancroft, perhaps the busiest man in animation whose illustrious career started at Disney in the late '80s, contributing to classics like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Mulan. Beyond Disney, Tom has launched ventures like Taught by a Pro and Pencilish Animation Studios, while juggling family, teaching, podcasts, and countless projects. In a heartfelt and humorous chat, he talks about the future of hand-drawn animation, the significance of finishing projects - no matter how imperfect, the evolving role of AI, and teases exciting upcoming projects and his new animation expo in Nashville, TN. For the many that already know and love Tom, this is a definite must-listen - for those that don't - if you want to learn how an ever-curious creative can successfully carves their own path, then this one too, is for you. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

In this episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast, host Mike Rosado sits down with Dutch designer and illustrator Don Leon for a lively conversation about his creative journey. They explore Don's path from childhood through high school, reflecting on his early struggles to find his passion before ultimately launching his own studio, De Don Leon Designs, in 2017. The discussion dives into the heart of Don's career, touching on his design inspirations, creative process, and how he's adjusting to life as a new father while balancing his work. They also chat about some of Don's notable projects, the challenges and rewards of freelancing, and why setting boundaries is crucial when working independently. For aspiring designers, Don offers some key advice: stay true to your authentic self, be strategic when raising your rates, and remember that limiting work hours is essential for maintaining mental well-being.Guest: Don Shuuring (dedonleon) (instagram.com/dedonleon) Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

Kendrick Kidd, an illustrator, designer, and creative director at Shepard Agency. Kendrick shares his journey from growing up in Merritt Island, Florida, with early artistic influences, to studying graphic design at the University of North Florida. He delves into his early career at a newspaper, his transition to advertising, and his two-decade tenure at Shepard. They discuss Kendrick's creative processes, balancing work and family, and the benefits and challenges of freelancing. Additionally, Kendrick offers insights into mentorship, handling creative ruts, and the potential impact of Ai on the creative industry. 00:59 Meet Kendrick Kidd: Early Life and Inspirations  06:45 Discovering Graphic Design 09:50 College Years and First Job 16:06 Transition to Advertising 18:08 Joining Shepard Agency 19:18 Balancing Full-Time Work and Freelance 22:56 The Influence of Jim Phillips on Graphic Design 24:15 Early Beginnings in Illustration and Graphic Design 27:01 Developing a Unique Creative Process 38:26 Balancing Work and Family Life 41:16 Reflections and Future Aspirations PS: Don't forget to take advantage of our Burny Wild's promo code just for our Pencil Pushers fans. More info on the podcast intro.  Host: Mike Rosado @ekimodasor & @mrcraleigh Post-Production: Max Trujillo @trujillomedia Sponsors: MRC & Burny Wild's @mrcraleigh & @burnywilds

Rachel Castaneda, a muralist, lettering artist, illustrator, businesswoman, and mother of three. Rachel shares her journey from teaching to becoming a full-time artist, discussing the challenges of balancing her creative career with family life. She talks about her initial struggles, the importance of social media in her success, and how she manages her schedule with the help of family support. Rachel also touches on her experience illustrating children's books and gives advice to aspiring artists. The episode highlights the thriving creative community in Raleigh, North Carolina, and dispels the myth of the starving artist. 01:16 Rachel's Journey to Becoming a Working Creative 03:51 The Influence of Family and Early Life 08:40 Transition from Teaching to Full-Time Artist 12:16 First Mural Experience and Learning Curve 21:37 Building a Business and Client Process 28:44 Pitching Creative Ideas 29:29 Navigating the Creative Process 30:58 Children's Book Illustration Journey 34:51 Balancing Work and Family 37:17 The Business of Murals 50:32 Advice for Aspiring Artists 52:27 Conclusion and Social Media PS: Don't forget to take advantage of our Burny Wild's promo code just for our Pencil Pushers fans. More info on the podcast intro.  Host: Mike Rosado @ekimodasor & @mrcraleigh Post-Production: Max Trujillo @trujillomedia Sponsors: MRC & Burny Wild's @mrcraleigh & @burnywilds  

We go deep into the fascinating career journey and insights of Sandro Cleuzo, a Brazilian animator, including his transition from local studios to working with global animation giants like Disney and Fox, his passion for hand-drawn animation, experiences with different animation styles, and the thrill of creating personal projects like his short film. PS: Don't forget to take advantage of our Burny Wild's promo code just for our Pencil Pushers fans. More info on the podcast intro.  Host: Mike Rosado @ekimodasor & @mrcraleigh Post-Production: Max Trujillo @trujillomedia Sponsors: MRC & Burny Wild's @mrcraleigh & @burnywilds  

Explore Clarence Heyward's transformation from a midlife crisis to a celebrated artist, highlighting his struggles, artistic growth, and advice for navigating the art business. Gain insights from Hayward on networking, artistic insecurities, AI influence in fine art, and the representation of black artists in the industry. PS: Don't forget to take advantage of our Burny Wild's promo code just for our Pencil Pushers fans. More info on the podcast intro.  Host: Mike Rosado @ekimodasor & @mrcraleigh Post-Production: Max Trujillo @trujillomedia Sponsors: MRC & Burny Wild's @mrcraleigh & @burnywilds  

PS: Don't forget to take advantage of our Burny Wild's promo code just for our Pencil Pushers fans. More info on the podcast intro.  Host: Mike Rosado @ekimodasor & @mrcraleigh Post-Production: Max Trujillo @trujillomedia Sponsors: MRC & Burny Wild's @mrcraleigh & @burnywilds