Award-Winning Art Director Katrina Lenzly on Design, Black Culture & Music
In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Katrina Lenzly — a multi-talented art director, speaker, and neo-soul hip-hop artist also known as King Cooley. From leading creative work for top brands like HBO, Coca-Cola, and the NBA to using her platform to champion Black identity and push for real change in design, Katrina breaks down what it really means to be a culture-driven creative.We talk about finding your voice, thriving in the design world as a Black woman, and how music, art, and purpose all intersect in her work. Whether you’re a designer, musician, or creative spirit — this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration.
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1:15:03
The XR Visionary Changing How We See Reality – Andre Elijah
In this episode, I sit down with Andre Elijah—award-winning immersive director, XR pioneer, and founder of Andre Elijah Immersive. Known for building cutting-edge VR and AR experiences for brands like Snap, Meta, Sony, Uber, and even Beyoncé, Andre shares his journey from post-production to shaping the future of immersive tech. We dive into the evolution of virtual reality, creative entrepreneurship, and working with major brands. If you're into the future of storytelling, Web3, or building in the metaverse, this one's for you.
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1:27:55
The Harsh Reality of Creative Success: Maurice Cherry Tells All
What does it really mean to make an impact as a Black creative? Maurice Cherry, creator of Revision Path—the first podcast inducted into the Smithsonian—opens up about his career struggles, industry gatekeeping, and why accolades don’t always translate to opportunity. After 550+ episodes, he walked away from podcasting. Why? This conversation is a must-watch for artists, designers, and entrepreneurs navigating an industry that often overlooks Black talent.
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1:29:39
Breaking Barriers in Design: Dr. Cheryl D. Miller on Diversity, Legacy & Decolonizing Graphic Design
In this powerful and eye-opening episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast, I interview the legendary Dr. Cheryl D. Miller, a pioneering graphic designer, educator, and advocate for diversity in the industry.Dr. Miller shares her incredible journey in design, from navigating systemic barriers to documenting the untold history of Black designers. She discusses her latest book, Where The Black Designers Are, her groundbreaking thesis, and her new design course, Decolonizing Graphic Design a Black Perspective.
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1:13:46
Inside the Mind of Pentagram's Eddie Opara: Design, Leadership & the Future of Creativity
What does it take to go from London to Yale to Pentagram, one of the world’s most prestigious design firms? In this robust conversation, Pentagram partner Eddie Opara shares bold insights on design, activism, and the future of creativity. He doesn’t hold back in this deep dive into design, leadership, and the intersection of creativity and social change. If you're a designer, creative, or change-maker, this is a must-watch!
Are you an art school graduate? Well, you don’t have to be!!
I’m Justin — a proud black art school graduate who loves to put the spotlight on the evolving world of art. Join me as we explore everything from street artists to seasoned professionals and talented up-and-comers discovered within the classroom. It's time to dive deep into the captivating realm of ART!
Ireland