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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

In this episode of Art School Graduate, we sit down with the legendary Gail Anderson—a designer, educator, and typographic master whose work has shaped everything from Rolling Stone to Broadway and beyond. With over 40 years of experience, Anderson shares her journey through the evolving world of design, the power of typography, and how she’s shaping the next generation of creatives at the School of Visual Arts. We discuss diversity in design, the impact of AI, the future of education, and why asking for help is one of the most underrated skills in any creative career.

In this episode, I sit down with Cey Adams, a legendary artist and designer who shaped the visual culture of hip-hop as the founding Creative Director of Def Jam Recordings. From designing album covers and logos for Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, and Notorious B.I.G. to creating the Chappelle’s Show logo, Cey’s work has left an undeniable mark on the culture.

In this episode, we sit down with Kenny Borg, a seasoned CEO, transformational coach, and co-founder of MerchCamp/TSL, to uncover the essence of impactful leadership. From scaling a dorm-room startup into a multi-million-dollar brand to mentoring leaders through adversity, Kenny shares his wealth of knowledge on navigating the complexities of leadership, culture development, and personal growth.

In this episode of The Art School Graduate Podcast, I sit down with the incredibly talented George Gabriel, also known as atribecalledhiphop. George has been at the forefront of hip-hop's visual and cultural storytelling, from photographing legends like Jay-Z and Nipsey Hussle to recording some of Power 106’s most iconic freestyles. We dive into the stories behind his unforgettable shots, the vibe on set with artists who’ve shaped the industry, and the untold moments behind the lens. George also shares his experiences capturing the raw energy of Power 106 freestyle sessions and how he balances creativity with the responsibility of documenting hip-hop’s greatest moments. Whether you’re a fan of hip-hop, photography, or the magic of live freestyles, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight you won’t want to miss!

Ever wonder what it takes to bring voices to life? In this episode, we go behind the mic with Damon Webb, the voice actor who’s tackled everything from eerie tales in Camp Redrum to the high-energy spirit of Stephen Curry’s Sports Superheroes. Damon spills on his early inspirations, his ‘big break’ moment, and the creative challenges that keep him sharp. He takes us through his process of becoming characters, collaborating on projects, and even working alongside comedy legends on Funny My Way. Plus, hear Damon’s tips for budding voice actors and the secret behind his 100 5-star reviews! Whether you’re a voice-acting fan or just love a good story, Damon’s journey is a masterclass in versatility and passion you won’t want to miss!