The Genius Behind Star Wars, The Roots & Blackkklansman ā Kenny Gravillis
šØ 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 Gravillisāfounder of Gravillis Inc.ātakes us behind the curtain of his award-winning work for BlackKklansman, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Roots, Star Wars, and more. From Def Jam to Netflix, Kennyās 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.šÆ This Episode Is for You If:š¬ You want to design for film, music, or streamingš„ Youāre looking to build a creative legacy, not just a portfolioš You care about representation in the design industryš” You want to learn how top designers pitch, scale, and stay relevantš Youāre mentoring or building pathways for young creatives
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From 9-to-5 to Full-Time Artist: Alanna Flowers on Lettering, Licensing & Living Creatively
šØ In this episode, lettering artist Alanna Flowers shares how she left her 9-to-5 to build AGF Design Studioāworking 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, Alannaās story will inspire you to take the leap and create on your own terms.
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Jeremy Biggers | Dallasā Hardest Working Artist on Purposeful Art & Power Moves
šØ Jeremy Biggers is a painter, muralist, filmmaker, and one of Dallasā 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, Jeremyās work challenges expectations and inspires bold self-expression.š¤ If youāre passionate about art, identity, and building a creative career without shrinking yourselfāthis oneās for you.
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1:27:28
Designing Culture: Mike Nicholls on Building Umber & Leading With Purpose
Mike Nichollsācreative director, visual artist, and founder of Umberājoins us to talk about using design as a tool for discovery, identity, and positive inspiration. With over 20 years in the game, Mike shares how he built Umber into a globally recognized platform amplifying Black and Brown voices through print, digital content, and cultural storytelling.We dive into the mindset shifts that shaped his creative evolution, the power of editorial design, his love for hip-hopās visual language, and why abundance comes through collaboration. From Oaklandās creative pulse to the future of Black media, this episode is packed with real talk, vision, and design leadership gems.Whether you're a designer, founder, or cultural curatorāthis oneās for you.
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James Barnard: Building a Brand, Growing an Audience, Landing Dream Clients
James Barnard, a UK-born logo designer turned content powerhouse, joins us to share how he built a six-figure design business by niching down, leveraging SEO, and going viral on TikTok. From leaving agency life to landing Adobe partnerships, James breaks down how content, clarity, and confidence can transform your creative career. We also dive into his client process, pricing tips, and the role of AI in the future of design. Whether you're a freelancer or full-time creative, this episode is packed with real-world advice, lessons, and inspiration.
šļø Welcome to The Art School Graduate Podcast ā your go-to art podcast for creative minds. I'm Justin, a proud Black art school grad exploring the world of visual art, street art, graphic design, and creative careers.
Each week, I sit down with artists, illustrators, and designers to talk about their journey, creative process, and real-world advice. Whether you're into typography, freelance design, or just looking for creative inspiration, this is your space.
šØ Subscribe for weekly artist interviews, design tips, and creative podcast content that fuels your passion.
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