More Than Graphics Podcast

We're continuing our IDEAS convo with a bonus episode with Molecular Biologist Cagney Coomer founder of NERD SQUAD a local non profit sharing STEM education with young school aged black girls in the community.

Cagney Coomer is a Lexington, Kentucky native. She received an Associates' degree in biotechnology from BCTC and a BS degree in biology and chemistry from Virginia State University. Ms. Coomer is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the department of biology at UK. In the pursuit of her science degrees, Ms. Coomer has noticed a serious lack of representation and inclusion in the STEM fields. She used this as an inspiration to start a non-profit organization called NERD SQUAD Inc. NERD SQUAD empowers girls of color by exposing them to STEM careers and mentors. High and middle school-aged girls design, develop and facilitate STEM-based activities in the community based on the careers and fields they are exposed to. Ms. Coomer has developed a number of STEM-based student and community programs, some of which have been adopted by elementary schools in the area.

Welcome Cagney!

Happy April everyone! With all the things swirling both physically and mentally around COVID-19 we all could use a few IDEAS on just how to better thrive as a community during this time, which is our April theme!

Be encouraged and inspired by our special guest by community activist, teacher and non profit leader Josh Nadzam.

Josh Nadzam is the co-founder and director of On The Move Art Studio and an instructor at the UK College of Social Work. He escaped a tragic childhood and went on to run Track and Field at the University of Kentucky and ultimately earned a master's degree in social work. Since then, he has been involved in and led many community initiatives around social justice and community building. Recent honors include: 2016 Lexington Leadership Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 2017 880 Cities Emerging Cities Champion and 2019 Lauren K. Weinberg Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Welcome to the show Josh!

Show Notes:

This month is themed MOVEMENT and we just so happen to have the perfect guest for this, Samantha Johnson of Samanhattanpr!

Given her last full-time position as Director of Communication and Events for the North Limestone Community Development Corporation, Samantha jump started her entrepreneurial career by turning her employer in to her first client. Locally known as the girl who directs The Night Market or even, “The Plug,” Samantha launched her own business in 2018. This two year old company that began as a social media and marketing consultancy has quickly turned in to a collective of partnerships incorporating Black and women-owned businesses.

Everyday I ask myself, "What's the best that could happen?" - Samantha

SHOW NOTES /TAKEAWAYS: 

“I wasn’t ready but I just jumped and took it.” - Samantha

“Every time you take a breath, take a step.” - Samantha

“Everything always works out.” - Samantha

“WTBTCH was birthed from my first solo international trip.” -Samantha

“There’s so much growth in being self aware.”- Samantha

“Everybody is doing social media. It’s not enough.” - Samantha

“We couldn’t have the life we have without being a mom too.” - Cicely

“Growing up my business.” - Samantha

“It’s greater later.” - Samantha

“You just have to put yourself out there.” - Samantha

TOOLS

Quotes Shower Curtain 

Welcome to season 2! Our February episode is themed POWER and we're pumped to share the thoughts of Patch Drury that wields storytelling as a unique power to empower others.

Patch Drury is an award-winning writer, published cartoonist, former actor, and professional filmmaker - you know, a storyteller. He has spent his life telling his and other people's stories - these days he coaches businesses and salespeople on how to better tell their stories to increase their sales. He also coaches individuals on how to start and complete their personal Hero's Journey.

Learn more about Patch and some free strategy on story in his facebook group, Storytelling Rooftop Garden.

HIGHLIGHTS:

“I’m going to give you a glimpse of me and when you recognize yourself in me then we’re seen as equal.” - patch

“Power is my ability to enact my will in the world.” - patch

“Everybody has a six pack, deep down in there.” - Cicely

“Storytelling is the skeleton key of your life.” - Patch

“Just because I can do something, doesn’t mean I should.” - patch

“Why am I doing this? What am I trying to accomplish? And who is it affecting?” - patch

“It’s only power if someone else is involved.” - patch

MENTIONS:

Joseph Campbell - world renowned mythologist,  “The hero with 1000 faces”

Welcome to season 2! Meet Michelle Franzetti, owner & photographer of Franzetti Photography, educator and influencer!

Michelle is a Lexington-based photographer with a passion for building up women through positive experiences in front of the camera. As Kentucky's premier boudoir photographer, she believes boudoir can be a healing, uplifting, and incredibly fun experience for all women.

She currently works as the manager of special events for Lexington Parks and Recreation and teaches for the Arts Administration Department with the University of Kentucky.

Learn more about Michelle and other women in the area in the Franz with Benefits facebook group.

HIGHLIGHTS:

RESOURCES:

Tune in as podcast founder and producer Danielle Meadows Stinnett of Octane Design Studios shares the excitement of what's coming in Season 2.

Follow the show:

Twitter

Facebook

Follow the Co-Hosts:

@octanedesigns

@bougiebeautybabe

Still looking for THE gift for that special creative or techie in your life! Hey guys its Danielle with the MoreThanGraphics podcast.

Its the holiday season and the ladies of the More Than Graphics Podcast are here chatting all things gift giving.

Check out our convo on some great gifts that could make your spirits brighter for the new year.

Welcome to the VERY Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide.

Craft with Brittany, Cicely and Danielle of the MoreThanGraphics Podcast at our Ugly Sweater Crafting Workshop!

The Ugly Sweater Workshop includes:

Workshop registration deadline is 12/3.  Limited Seating!

Purchase Tickets Now

Enjoy a fantastic episode with Brittany, Cicely and Danielle as they discuss the topic of ASK/REACH with creative entrepreneur Priscilla Aguila of The Meet Cute Co.  

Equally right-brain left-brain, this seriously playful mother of two young ones found success in the advertising industry for over twenty years by combining her skills as a copywriter, graphic designer, and project manager.

But after returning to her home state of Ohio with her children, Zoey and Max, she chose to shift focus back on her mini family of three. She knows firsthand how creativity strengthens the parent-child bond, and that’s when her “zone of genius” kicked in. Priscilla was inspired when she realized how well she and Zoey worked together on art projects and in life.

And that’s how The Meet Cute Co. was born. A youthful party/event branding and parent-child workshop boutique that she runs with her children, The Meet Cute Co. brings the parent-child collaboration to life for their clients.

Before becoming a mother, Priscilla was known as the self-published author/illustrator of a series of children’s books “The True Tails of Lex & Toto” based on her fur babies. Her love of writing remains alive in her blog “I’mperfectly Fashioned” which advocates for reframing situations and thought processes by changing perspective.

Welcome to the show Priscilla!

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Top Takeaways:

“How bad do you want the help?”

“Still reaching but giving myself permission to take longer.”

“That’s my zone of genius.”

“I’m still getting there but I know I’m not, not getting there.”

“2020, no. I’m not ready.”

“What do you really want?”

Brittany: “Choosing to see the good.”

“Nobody’s an island.”

Danielle: “personal humility - you can’t do it ALL yourself”

Relish the Fall Feelings and join Brittany, Cicely and Danielle as they get deep in themed discussion on DOUBT with special guest renown comic artisan Justin Stewart. 

If you're a Kentuckian and into comics, Justin Stewart is an MVP in the comic industry. As a creative and comic artist he's founder of Six Bomb Boards that host live public art events throughout Kentucky. Justin is the not only the Art Director for the Lexington Comic and Toy Convention but has done work for Marvel and Image. His latest published work includes art in the latest Netflix Stranger Things fan art book available Oct. 15.

Justin is a mentor, parent, entrepreneur and creative community advocate. Welcome to the show!

Follow Justin3000 for more amazing comic works.

Top Takeaways:

“As creatives we can spend a lot of time in our own heads and that can be dangerous.” - Justin

“Doubt feeds the creative process.”-Brittany

“You have to have people that will look at you (your work) with a critical eye but will tell you/give creative criticism.” -Justin

“Find people; reach out.” - Justin

“Don’t compare yourself to others. You’re doing YOUR thing.” -- Justin

“Nobody succeeds alone.” - Justin

“Types of doubt: 1) Delorean of doubt: doubt from anywhere and stricken with dark feelings. 2) Dodge Dart of doubt: 'rolling around with you', its not the best but its always there.” - Justin

“Give the Dart of Doubt the finger.” - Justin

“I always try to do my best to be mindful of where I began.” - Justin

“We see people share there “greatest hits” when sharing our low points is (also) part of the journey.” - Justin

“As creatives we should always challenge ourselves, do things out of our comfort zone. Those things lead to new things.” - Justin

“There’s a scientific method to creativity.” -- Justin

“Being a creative is a long game.” - Justin