Art School Graduate | Design & Creative Careers

What happens when design becomes a tool for preserving culture instead of simply making things look beautiful? In this episode of the Art School Graduate Podcast, Justin Robinson sits down with Zimbabwean designer, typographer, and art director Osmond Tshuma . From designing visual systems for the Obama Foundation to developing entirely new African writing systems, Osmond shares how African visual language can reshape modern design. Topics include: African typography Graphic design history RISD experience Branding with cultural meaning Research-driven design Identity systems Creative process Design education Visual storytelling Preserving culture through design If you’re a graphic designer, creative director, typography enthusiast, branding professional, educator, or design student, this conversation will completely change how you think about visual communication. Subscribe for weekly conversations with the world’s most influential creatives.

Every book begins with a story—but readers see the cover first. In this episode of the Art School Graduate Podcast, Justin Robinson sits down with Dominique Jones, Senior Designer at Penguin Random House and founder of Blk + Brwn Book Designers, to explore the hidden craft behind book cover design. Dominique shares how she entered publishing, what goes into creating covers that connect emotionally, working with bestselling authors, balancing creativity with client feedback, and why increasing diversity in publishing design matters more than ever. Whether you’re a designer, illustrator, creative professional, student, or simply someone who loves books, this conversation offers an inside look at one of the most overlooked creative careers. Topics include: Book cover design process Graphic design careers Penguin Random House Publishing industry Typography and visual storytelling Creativity and design thinking Blk + Brwn Book Designers Diversity in publishing Graphic design education Building a creative career Subscribe for more conversations with the artists and designers shaping culture.

How does someone go from social work to designing footwear at Vans? In this episode of the Art School Graduate Podcast, Justin Robinson sits down with Shawn Williams, a footwear designer at Vans whose journey into the design industry was anything but traditional. After spending years helping people find employment as an employment specialist, Shawn rediscovered his passion for drawing during COVID, leading him to the Pensole Design Academy, a VF Corporation apprenticeship, and ultimately a career designing footwear for one of the most iconic sneaker brands in the world. Shawn shares his experience overcoming imposter syndrome, entering the design industry without a formal design degree, learning footwear design, building confidence in creative spaces, and using design as a tool for community impact. The conversation explores mentorship, representation in design, Black creatives in the footwear industry, and why exposure matters for the next generation of designers. Topics Covered: • How Shawn Williams became a footwear designer at Vans • Career changes and transitioning into design • Pensole Design Academy experience • Sneaker and footwear design process • Overcoming imposter syndrome in creative careers • Representation and diversity in design • Mentorship and creative leadership • Building a career in product design • Using design to create community impact Subscribe for more conversations with artists, designers, creative leaders, and innovators shaping culture through their work. #FootwearDesign #Vans #CreativeCareers #CareerPivot #PensoleAcademy

What happens when you build a successful 50-person design agency, sell it, become a Chief Creative Officer, and then decide to start over from scratch? In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast , Justin Robinson sits down with designer, strategist, entrepreneur, and creative leader Gus Granger to discuss the realities of building a creative career that stays aligned with who you are. Gus shares his journey from founding and growing 70KFT into a nationally recognized agency, navigating leadership roles, and ultimately returning to the hands-on creative work that first made him fall in love with design. Along the way, he breaks down the importance of typography, brand strategy, storytelling, entrepreneurship, creative identity, and how designers can remain relevant in the age of AI. This conversation explores what it means to create work with significance, why authenticity matters more than ever, and how creative professionals can navigate career pivots without losing themselves in the process. Whether you’re a graphic designer, creative entrepreneur, design student, brand strategist, agency owner, or someone trying to build a meaningful creative career, this episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned wisdom. Building a design agency from a spare bedroom Growing and selling a 50-person creative firm The difference between success and fulfillment Why typography remains a designer’s superpower Brand strategy and meaningful storytelling Creating work that has cultural impact Black designers and representation in design Entrepreneurship and creative leadership The future of AI in graphic design Why designers should master fundamentals before tools If you enjoy conversations about creativity, design, branding, entrepreneurship, and the future of creative work, be sure to subscribe and join us for future episodes. #GraphicDesign #BrandStrategy #Typography #CreativeLeadership #DesignPodcast #AIForDesigners #Entrepreneurship #CreativeCareer #Branding #DesignThinking #AgencyLife #DesignEducation #ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast #GusGranger #JustinRobinson

What do stand-up comedy, product design, and artificial intelligence have in common? In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast, Justin Robinson sits down with product designer, UX strategist, and comedian O’mar Finley to explore the unexpected overlap between creativity, technology, and human connection. O’mar shares his journey from growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, to building a career in product design while simultaneously developing a reputation as a stand-up comedian and creator of the Group Therapy Comedy Show. Together they discuss: • How UX design and comedy both rely on understanding people • Why simplicity is one of the hardest goals in design • The future of AI in product design and creative work • What comedians can teach designers about empathy and communication • Navigating feedback, criticism, and creative risk • Building digital products that people actually want to use • The realities of pursuing multiple creative careers at once • Why audience psychology matters in both design and entertainment Whether you’re a designer, creative entrepreneur, comedian, student, or someone interested in the future of creativity, this conversation offers practical insights and honest reflections on building a meaningful creative life. Subscribe for more conversations with artists, designers, educators, and creative leaders shaping culture through their work. #design #uxdesign #productdesign #standupcomedy #artschoolgraduatepodcast #creativity #artificialintelligence #designthinking #userexperience #creativecareers

What happens when a designer leaves a successful advertising career to explore the deeper meaning of design? In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast, Justin Robinson sits down with graphic designer, educator, filmmaker, and creative director Shantanu Suman for a powerful conversation about design, culture, identity, and visual storytelling. Born and raised in India, Shantanu worked at some of the world’s leading advertising agencies before moving to the United States to pursue his MFA at the University of Florida. His journey transformed the way he thought about design—from simply creating visual solutions to asking deeper questions about culture, communication, and human experience. Together, Justin and Shantanu discuss: • Growing up as a creative in India• The differences between Indian and American design culture • Why design is more than problem solving • The importance of documenting overlooked visual cultures • His award-winning documentary Horn Please and Indian truck art • Hindi typography and cultural identity in design • Building Studio 165+, a student-run design studio at Ball State University • Mentorship, collaboration, and preparing the next generation of designers • The responsibility designers carry when their work enters the world This conversation is packed with insights for graphic designers, creative directors, design students, educators, and anyone interested in the intersection of culture and creativity. If you’ve ever wondered how design shapes the way we see ourselves and the world around us, this episode is for you. Based on the interview transcript. 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with artists, designers, educators, and creative leaders from around the world. #GraphicDesign #DesignPodcast #DesignEducation #VisualCommunication #CreativeCareers #Typography #DesignThinking #CreativeLeadership #ArtSchoolGraduatePodcast #ShantanuSuman

How do you build a design career when the path doesn’t exist? In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast, Justin Robinson sits down with Nigerian brand designer, type designer, and founder of Udi Foundry, Chisaokwu Joboson, to discuss his journey from studying civil engineering to becoming one of the leading voices in African typography. Chisaokwu shares how he taught himself graphic design, discovered type design, and ultimately created Ojuju, the groundbreaking Google Fonts typeface that supports hundreds of languages and helps bring African stories, culture, and identity into the global design conversation. Together, they explore the challenges of building a creative career without formal design education, the lack of documentation surrounding African design history, and why typography is much more than letters—it is the voice of a culture. This conversation is a must-watch for graphic designers, brand designers, typography enthusiasts, creative entrepreneurs, students, and anyone interested in the future of African design. ⸻ 💡 In This Episode: • How Chisaokwu transitioned from civil engineering to graphic design • Teaching yourself design without a traditional design school • Why African typography matters • The story behind Ojuju and Google Fonts • Building Udi Foundry and TypeAfrica • The relationship between brand design and type design • Why typography is the voice of a brand • Preserving African languages through design • Creating opportunities when no roadmap exists • The future of African typography and design education ⸻ 🎙 About Chisaokwu Joboson Chisaokwu Joboson is a Nigerian brand designer, type designer, and founder of Udi Foundry. His work focuses on creating culturally relevant typefaces that support African languages and storytelling. He is the creator of Ojuju, a typeface featured on Google Fonts, and an advocate for making type design education more accessible across Africa. ⸻ 📌 Topics Covered African Design African Typography Type Design Graphic Design Brand Identity Design Google Fonts Creative Careers Design Education Visual Identity Typography Design African Creatives Design Culture Brand Strategy Self-Taught Designer Creative Entrepreneurship ⸻ Subscribe for more conversations with designers, artists, illustrators, creative directors, educators, and cultural leaders shaping the future of creativity. #AfricanDesign #Typography #GraphicDesign #TypeDesign #BrandIdentity #GoogleFonts #CreativeCareers #DesignPodcast #AfricanCreatives #DesignEducation

In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast, Justin Robinson sits down with designer, educator, and founder Maurice Woods for a powerful conversation about creativity, identity, representation, and building purpose through design. Maurice Woods is a Principal Designer at Microsoft, a former professional basketball player, and the founder of Inneract Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating access and opportunities for underrepresented youth in design and tech. From growing up in Richmond, California, to playing professional basketball overseas, to becoming a leader in the design industry, Maurice shares the real story behind his journey and the lessons he’s learned navigating sports, creativity, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and representation in corporate America. This conversation dives deep into: The transition from basketball to graphic design What it means to be a Black designer in tech Building Inneract Project from the ground up Why representation in design matters The importance of mentorship and community Creativity, purpose, and identity How design shapes culture and society AI, the future of design, and staying relevant Entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for others If you’re a creative, designer, student, educator, entrepreneur, or someone trying to find purpose in your work, this episode is filled with wisdom, honesty, and inspiration. ⸻ 🔗 Learn more about Inneract Project: https://www.inneractproject.org 🎙️ Subscribe to The Art School Graduate Podcast for more conversations with artists, designers, educators, and creative leaders shaping culture and the future of creativity. #MauriceWoods #GraphicDesign #DesignPodcast #BlackDesigners #MicrosoftDesign #UXDesign #CreativeCareers #InneractProject #DesignEducation #ArtSchoolGraduate #ProductDesign #CreativeJourney #DesignLeadership #RepresentationMatters #PodcastInterview

How do you go from making things in PowerPoint as a teenager… to building creative worlds for brands like Netflix, ESPN, and MasterClass? In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast, Justin sits down with creative director and director Jaye Thompson to discuss his journey through design, advertising, storytelling, and creative identity. From growing up outside Philadelphia to navigating the competitive world of visual communication, Jaye shares how curiosity, experimentation, and relentless creative growth shaped his path into the industry. This conversation explores the realities of agency life, the pressure to prove yourself, the transition into directing music videos, and what it truly means to create work that people feel. ⸻ Jaye opens up about the early struggles of breaking into the industry, couch surfing while chasing opportunities in New York, learning how to balance creativity with sustainability in Los Angeles, and why collaboration is essential to building meaningful work. The episode also dives deep into world-building, creative philosophy, cultural impact, and the future of storytelling across design, film, and music. ⸻ In This Episode: Discovering graphic design through PowerPoint and visual experimentation Transitioning from athletics into a creative career The realities of agency life and creative burnout Building campaigns rooted in emotion and cultural insight Why storytelling matters more than aesthetics Creative direction, music videos, and world-building The importance of collaboration in modern creativity Developing confidence and finding your creative voice How design can move beyond advertising into culture What creative longevity actually requires ⸻ About Jaye Thompson Jaye Thompson is a Creative Director and Director whose work lives at the intersection of design, film, and culture. His projects span advertising, motion design, music videos, photography, and visual storytelling, with work connected to brands including Netflix, ESPN, MasterClass, The North Face, and more. Through his creative collective Wish You Well, Jaye is focused on experimentation, collaboration, and building emotionally driven creative experiences. ⸻ Subscribe for More The Art School Graduate Podcast features conversations with artists, designers, filmmakers, and creative leaders sharing real stories about building careers in art, design, culture, and creative industries. ⸻ Follow Jaye Thompson Website: Jaye Thompson Official Website Instagram: @jayethompson

What does it really take to walk away from a “safe” career and build a creative life? In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast , Justin sits down with artist, designer, and hand lettering specialist Dan Lee, also known as DanDrawnWords. From earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemical engineering to leaving it all behind, Dan shares the honest story of choosing creativity over stability. They talk about the tension between security and passion, the mindset required to pursue a creative career without a traditional path, and how Dan built his voice through lettering, storytelling, and community. This conversation also dives into the deeper side of creativity—why human-made work still matters in the age of AI, how craft connects us to meaning, and why the most impactful work is often slow, intentional, and imperfect. If you’ve ever questioned your path or felt pulled toward something more creative, this episode is for you. 💡 In This Episode:🎙️ About The Podcast • Transitioning from engineering to a creative career • Choosing creativity over stability • Building a design career without art school • The power of hand lettering and storytelling • Creativity vs algorithms and AI • Finding meaning through craft and community 🎙️ About The Podcast The Art School Graduate Podcast explores the real journeys of creatives—sharing the wins, struggles, and breakthroughs behind building a life in art and design.

In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast, I sit down with Kaleena Sales, designer, educator, and author of Centered: People and Ideas Diversifying Design, to talk about how culture, identity, and lived experience shape the way we design. Kaleena is the chair of the Department of Art and Design at Tennessee State University, where she teaches the next generation of designers at an HBCU. In this conversation, we explore how traditional design education has centered Eurocentric standards, and what it means to expand the canon to include Black culture, urban aesthetics, and underrepresented voices. We also dive into: * How the environment shapes visual taste and design choices * The “mere exposure effect” and why we like what we see * Teaching design at an HBCU vs traditional institutions * The gap between design school and the real world * Why “good design” is often based on biased standards * Helping students embrace their identity in their work If you are a designer, student, or creative trying to find your voice, this conversation will challenge how you think about design and push you to see your perspective as an advantage, not a limitation. ⸻🔑 Key Takeaway Design is not neutral. Your culture, your environment, and your lived experience all shape the work you create, and that voice belongs in the conversation. ⸻📌 About the Podcast The Art School Graduate Podcast explores the real journeys of creatives, from students to industry professionals, uncovering the truth behind building a creative career.

In this episode of Art School Graduate, we explore portrait photography, fashion photography, and the creative process behind making images that feel both timeless and contemporary. If you are a self-taught photographer, an emerging creative, or anyone trying to find your visual voice in a gate-kept industry, this conversation is full of real, actionable advice on how to build a creative career on your own terms. Justin opens up about studying economics, working for seven years as a corporate data analyst, and only picking up a camera because he was editing at a fashion magazine and could not afford to hire the photographers he needed. From shooting friends in his Bronx apartment with natural light, his work has traveled to Red Hook Labs, Saatchi Gallery, Fotografiska, and Rencontres d'Arles, with covers including Keke Palmer for The Cut, A$AP Rocky, and Venus Williams for Cultured. We go deep on how to find your photography style, how to direct A-list subjects past their public persona, why trust matters more than the perfect frame, and how to develop a portrait photography voice that lasts. Justin shares his honest take on how to shoot celebrities, how to build a portfolio without art school, and the responsibility self-taught photographers carry when their work reflects Black and LGBTQ+ communities. This is a real conversation about how to become a photographer, how to find your creative voice, and how to navigate the photography industry as a self-taught artist who came in through the back door. 💡 Question for you: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received as a self-taught creative? Drop it in the comments — I read every single one. 🎯 This episode is for you if: You are a self-taught photographer trying to break into the industry You want to learn how to become a photographer without an art school You are looking for portrait photography tips and creative direction You want to know how to develop your photography style and voice You are trying to figure out how to shoot celebrities and high-profile subjects You want honest advice on building a creative career as an emerging photographer You are interested in Black photographers and underrepresented voices in fashion photography You are navigating the line between commercial photography and fine art 🕐 Timestamps:00:00 Cold open00:36 Welcome and intro01:18 How to become a photographer without art school03:50 How an analyst background shapes his image-making06:30 When photography clicked as a real career08:30 Why portrait photography over street photography10:45 DIY photography setup and learning natural light13:45 Being a self-taught photographer in a gatekept industry22:00 How travel and culture shape your creative voice25:30 From Red Hook Labs to Saatchi Gallery and Fotografiska28:30 Reflecting on Antwaun Sargent and The New Black Vanguard30:45 How to develop your photography style and voice33:30 How to use historical references in modern photography38:50 How to make timeless images that still feel contemporary43:00 How to build trust with your subjects on set44:30 Photographing Black and LGBTQ+ communities with care46:40 What dignity in portrait photography really means49:00 How to direct celebrities like Keke Palmer and A$AP Rocky52:00 Subject, setting, or concept — what comes first54:00 What he has stopped trying to prove as a photographer55:30 How to maintain your voice in commercial photography57:00 Emotional security advice for emerging photographers1:02:00 Rapid fire round1:04:00 Photography as a labor and a craft1:06:00 Creating images that live beyond you1:07:00 Advice for self-taught photographers starting out1:09:30 The legacy he hopes his photography leaves1:10:30 What he would tell his younger self 🌐 Connect with Justin French: Website: www.justin-french.com Represented by: We Folk Instagram: @justinfrench 🎨 Follow the Podcast:Instagram: @artschoolgraduate_podcast Host: Justin Robinson

How do you turn design into real impact? In this episode of Art School Graduate , art director and collage artist David Perrin breaks down how he uses design to explore social justice, Black culture, and community—and how you can build a purpose-driven creative career. From going from accounting to Design Lead at the Ford Foundation , David shares how he found his voice through collage, overcame imposter syndrome, and started creating work that actually matters. 🎧 Subscribe for more design conversations: 👉 @artschoolgraduate_podcast We talk about: • Finding your creative voice as a designer • Using collage for storytelling and social impact • Designing around sensitive topics like race and policy • Navigating imposter syndrome and career pivots • Why more designers need to lead in social justice spaces • Building a meaningful and sustainable creative career 💡 If you’re a designer, student, or creative trying to find your purpose, this episode is for you. ⸻ 🎯 This episode is for you if: You want to find your style as a designer You want to use design for social impact You are exploring collage or visual storytelling You are navigating a career pivot You want to build a meaningful creative career ⸻ 🕐 Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:16 Who is David Perrin 05:20 From accounting to design 14:00 Identity and culture in design 18:30 Finding his collage style 24:00 Designing for social justice 32:00 Working at The Ford Foundation 41:00 Nonprofit design vs agency work 50:00 Overcoming imposter syndrome 59:00 Current creative season 01:04:00 Quickfire round ⸻ 🌐 Connect with David Perrin: Website: dpicting.com Instagram: @dpicting ⸻ 🎨 Follow the Podcast: Instagram: @artschoolgraduate_podcast

Nashville-based lettering artist and designer Cymone Wilder shares how she found her creative voice through texture, experimentation, and honesty. In this episode of Art School Graduate, we explore graphic design, typography, and the creative process behind developing a unique style as a designer. If you are trying to find your style, improve your design skills, or understand how identity shapes creative work, this conversation offers real insight into building a creative career in today’s design industry. 🎧 New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications: 👉 @artschoolgraduate_podcast Growing up in a predominantly white town, Cymone opens up about discovering her identity as a Black woman later in life and how that journey shaped both her perspective and her work. She talks about finding inspiration through music, social justice, everyday language, and cultural references, and explains how accidents, limitations, and resourcefulness became a powerful part of her creative process. We also go deep on how to find your creative voice, why imperfection matters in typography, how to stop perfectionism in design, and how to protect your style while working with clients. Cymone shares practical insight for designers, students, and creatives looking to grow, stand out, and create work that feels honest and personal. 💡 If you are a graphic designer, lettering artist, or creative trying to find your style, this conversation is for you. 🎯 This episode is for you if: You are trying to find your style as a designer You want to learn how to find your creative voice You struggle with perfectionism in graphic design You want better design inspiration and creative direction You are learning how to build a creative career You want to create more expressive and textured typography You are interested in identity, culture, and diversity in design You are a student or beginner looking for real design advice 🕐 Timestamps: 00:00 Cold open 00:36 Welcome and intro 01:08 Cymone introduces herself as a lettering artist 02:13 Early influences and discovering lettering 04:34 Finding her voice through lettering 06:05 Where her words and phrases come from 08:03 Why she embraces imperfection and texture 09:22 The moment her style started to shift 11:34 Letting accidents shape your process 13:25 Finding your style over time 14:21 Chasing perfection vs chasing your voice 15:15 Cultural influences and identity in her work 17:35 Discovering her identity as a Black woman 19:10 How identity shaped her creative voice 20:40 Self-acceptance and separating validation 22:06 Using art as a mirror for personal growth 23:47 Creating with limited resources 26:41 When her work started to carry emotional weight 28:13 Knowing when a piece is finished 30:26 Creating alone vs collaborating 34:20 Working with clients and setting boundaries 37:17 Clients who want your voice vs your style 39:17 Protecting your voice in commercial work 42:23 When to walk away from a project 44:20 Being authentic and navigating opportunities 46:10 Quickfire round 48:20 What she’s learning in this season 50:29 Advice to her younger self 51:18 Redefining success 52:18 What she’s still trying to say through her work 54:47 Legacy and what she hopes her work stands for 🌐 Connect with Cymone Wilder: Website: cymonewilder.com Instagram / Threads / Pinterest: @simonandmoose 🎨 Follow the Podcast: Instagram: @artschoolgraduate_podcast #CymoneWilder #LetteringArtist #GraphicDesign #Typography #BlackCreative #DesignCulture #ArtSchoolGraduate #CreativeProcess #DesignInspiration #VisualStorytelling #CreativeJourney #DesignPodcast #WomenInDesign #MinorityCreatives #AuthenticDesign #CreativeVoice #DesignEducation #TextureInDesign #HandmadeDesign #CreativeGrowth

Filipino-American graphic designer, educator, and founder of Dynamo Design Group Allan Manzano built a design career rooted in community, culture, and a belief that design is bigger than aesthetics — and he did it by betting on himself after a breaking point that changed everything. In this episode of Art School Graduate, Allan shares the unfiltered story of how a civil engineering student at San Diego State who couldn't pass math became one of San Diego's most community-driven designers and educators. 🎧 New to the channel? Subscribe and turn on notifications: 👉 @artschoolgraduate_podcast From sketching logos and flyers in the 90s, to grad school, to working a soul-crushing 50-mile commute that led to a full breakdown in 2017, to finally launching Dynamo Design Group in San Diego's South Bay. Allan's journey is a masterclass in patience, purpose, and leading with culture first. We also go deep on what it means to be Filipino-American in the design industry, the cultural concept of Bayanihan, and how it shows up in every client relationship and classroom, why he calls himself an educator first and a designer second, and what AI will never be able to take from a skilled designer who truly knows their craft. 💡 If you are a minority designer, a design educator, or anyone trying to build something meaningful in the community that raised you, this conversation was made for you. 🎯 This episode is for you if: You are a designer trying to figure out why you do what you do, not just how You want to understand how cultural identity shapes creative work and leadership You are a design educator looking for real strategies to connect with students You are Filipino-American navigating a creative industry that does not always reflect your background You want to hear what it actually looks like to start your own design firm from scratch You care about community-centered design and what it means to design for impact over aesthetics You are a young creative trying to understand the long game 🌐 Connect with Allan: Dynamo Design Group: dynamodesigngroup.com Instagram: @dynamodesigngroup LinkedIn: Allan Manzano 🎨 Follow the Podcast:Instagram: @artschoolgraduate_podcast #AllanManzano #DynamoDesignGroup #GraphicDesign #FilipinDesigner #FilipinAmerican #DesignEducation #CommunityDesign #SanDiegoDesign #ArtSchoolGraduate #DesignLeadership #DesignCulture #HumanCenteredDesign #MinorityDesigner #CreativeEntrepreneur #DesignCareer #DesignProfessor #GraphicDesignLife #BayanihanDesign #DesignCommunity #NextGenDesign

Mustafa Horton built a 25-year design career without a design degree. No agency. No traditional path. Just talent, resilience, and a refusal to quit. In this episode of Art School Graduate, we sit down with the creative director, founder of United Colors of Design, and creator of the Islamic design studio Dawah Ink to trace one of the most unconventional journeys in graphic design. From losing a basketball scholarship to selling his art at shows across the Southeast, to self-teaching Adobe on a secondhand Mac, to spending six years designing for IKEA in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, Mustafa's story is for every creative who has ever felt like the industry was not built for them. We get into faith and design, building nonprofit creative community, the hard truth about being a Black designer in America, and why multidisciplinary collaboration is the most urgent conversation in design right now. If you are a self-taught creative, a designer of color, or someone building something meaningful outside the traditional pipeline, this one is for you. Follow Mustafa: unitedcolorsofdesign.org Follow the podcast: instagram.com/artschoolgraduate_podcast

🎧 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