Jeremy Biggers | Dallas’ Hardest Working Artist on Purposeful Art & Power Moves
🎨 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.
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1:27:28
Designing Culture: Mike Nicholls on Building Umber & Leading With Purpose
Mike Nicholls—creative director, visual artist, and founder of Umber—joins 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-hop’s visual language, and why abundance comes through collaboration. From Oakland’s 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 curator—this one’s for you.
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1:20:50
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.
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1:07:04
Collage, Sound & the Black Experience with Adolphus Washington
In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast, we sit down with Adolphus Washington, also known as Negrophonics—a multidisciplinary artist, historian, and sound storyteller. Born in New York and based in London, Adolphus uses collage, sound, and rhythm to explore the depth of the Black American experience, drawing from over 400 years of history, culture, and resistance. We dive into his creative process, the influence of jazz and hip hop, his views on reparative justice, and how art can be a tool for healing, advocacy, and awakening.🎨 Topics Covered:Collage as cultural resistanceBlack American myth, memory, and spiritualitySound as storytellingLiving Black abroad (UK vs. US)Reparations & artistic advocacy📌 If you’re passionate about Black art, creative process, sound design, cultural history, or using art for social change—this one’s for you.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!
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1:24:21
From Hustle to Studio Dzo: Russell Toynes on Purpose-Driven Design and Creative Leadership
In this episode, designer and educator Russell Toynes, founder of Studio Dzo, shares how he built a values-driven design studio rooted in equity, leadership, and creative excellence. We explore his late start in design, the lessons he learned from corporate life at Dell, and how he now mentors the next generation through teaching and community work. Russell also breaks down the importance of charging for design, building a strong team culture, and designing with purpose—not ego. Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, student, or design leader, this episode is packed with real talk and inspiration.
🎙️ Welcome to The Art School Graduate Podcast — 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.
🎨 Subscribe for weekly artist interviews, design tips, and creative podcast content that fuels your passion.