The Pencil Pushers Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Lenny Terenzi: Quitting's For Winners Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

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)

Tom Bancroft: One-of Two-of-a-Kind Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

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)

Don Leon: Entrepreneurial Spirit and Hand-Drawn Brilliance Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

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: The Life & Times of the Graphic Artist Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

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