The Pencil Pushers Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Pencil Pushers Podcast

MRC Brand Design's Mike Rosado

Arts

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/31d. Total Eps: 90

The Pencil Pushers Podcast celebrates the art of hand-drawing. Produced by MRC Brand Design Studio, it features interviews with illustrators, animators, comic artists, and other talented individuals. Hosted by Mike Rosado, an artist, musician, and designer, the Podcast aims to showcase artists' work and provide insights into their creative process. Join Mike as he chats with his friends and idols in the world of illustration, animation, and comic art.

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https://www.instagram.com/ekimodasor
139 shares
https://www.instagram.com/trujillomedia
58 shares
https://www.instagram.com/trujillo.media
47 shares

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Score global : 37%

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Charly Clements: Illustrator, Online Educator, Entrepreneur

Season 6 · Episode 12

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 • Duration 01:12:22

In this episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast, host Mike Rosado engages in a detailed conversation with Charly Clements, a successful illustrator and educator. Charly shares her inspiring journey, starting from her university rejections in the UK to becoming a digital nomad currently based in Thailand. She discusses her transition from struggling to get into university due to a lack of direction, to refining her portfolio, and eventually starting a thriving illustration career. Charly talks about her entry into the greeting card market and the importance of learning to monetize her art, despite the lack of business education in her formal training. She highlights the importance of passive income and licensing her designs for different products, which allowed her to focus on her creative work. The conversation also delves into the theme of balancing creativity with business, dealing with ADHD, and the significance of following one's passion. Charly gives insights into the importance of fun in learning, the process of product development including her texture brush packs, and community engagement through initiatives like her portrait parties. The podcast emphasizes the value of perseverance, adaptability, and self-awareness in building a successful and fulfilling creative career.

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)

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James Lopez: The Journey of An Animation Master

Season 6 · Episode 11

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 • Duration 01:52:59

Host Mike Rosado sits down with veteran animator James Lopez, celebrating his 35+ years in animation. Lopez shares stories from his illustrious career at top studios like Disney and DreamWorks, touching upon classics like 'The Lion King' and 'The Princess and the Frog.' He dives into his advocacy for 2D animation, details the creation of his independent steampunk project 'Hullabaloo,' and offers a glimpse into his mentorship efforts and future aspirations. This episode is a treasure trove for animation enthusiasts, revealing Lopez's passion, struggles, and undying commitment to the hand-drawn arts.

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)

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Lauren Griffin: The Luminous Life and Times of the Graphic Artist

Season 6 · Episode 2

Monday, February 10, 2025 • Duration 02:00:21

In this episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast, host Mike Rosado interviews local designer and illustrator Lauren Griffin. Lauren shares her journey, from growing up in multiple cities to settling in Durham, North Carolina. With an impressive portfolio that includes work for Helms Workshop and Pabst Blue Ribbon, Lauren discusses her passion for creating playful yet sophisticated illustrations and brand identity design. She also talks about her newfound love for neon design, featuring pieces in the Museum of Neon Art in Los Angeles, as well as her preparations for her first solo show in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.Lauren reflects on her early influences, including her creative mother and a supportive teacher who nudged her toward an art and design career. She also shares her experiences working for agencies, freelancing, and even collaborating with Mike himself at his studio MRC in Raleigh, NC. The conversation explores the importance of knowing one's self-worth, the challenges of freelancing, and the evolving role of technology—including AI—in the world of design and art.

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)

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Raul the Third: The Universe of Vamos

Season 6 · Episode 1

Friday, January 24, 2025 • Duration 01:03:12

It's another banger from the Pencil Pushers Podcast, as host Mike Rosado converses with Raul the Third, a New York Times bestselling and three-time Pura Belpré award-winning illustrator and author. Raul shares insight into his creative journey from growing up in El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, to becoming an influential figure in children's literature. Known for his Vamos series, which reflects his Mexican American heritage, Raul discusses his creative process, inspirations, and the importance of embracing one's culture through art. The conversation delves into his early love for comic books, the challenges of breaking into the publishing world, and the collaborative process with his wife Elaine Bay. With delightfully humorous and heartfelt anecdotes, this episode provides valuable advice for aspiring artists and a glimpse into Raul's vibrant and accessible artistic universe.

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)

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Sam Viviano: Mad Memories from Life, Art, and MAD Magazine

Season 5 · Episode 16

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 • Duration 02:03:22

Hey Pencil Pushers! Welcome back to the podcast. Today we share my chat with legendary illustrator and caricature artist Sam Viviano. Known for his extensive career with MAD Magazine and work for other notable publications such as TV Guide and Rolling Stone, Sam shares the stories behind his artistic journey. From childhood inspirations and early encounters with comic book giants to his breakthrough at MAD and relationships with iconic artists like Al Jaffee and Mort Drucker, Sam provides an intimate look into his creative process and the family-like bonds formed during his career. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful discussion about the life of an artist dedicated to his craft.

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)

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Dan Janssen: From Skateboards to Studios

Season 5 · Episode 15

Monday, October 21, 2024 • Duration 48:04

Episode 66, yall!! Join us as we chat with Dan Janssen, the mastermind behind Lincoln Design Co. From his early days surfing and skating in San Diego to leading creative work for brands like Nike and Hot Wheels, Dan's journey is filled with passion, grit, and talent. He shares how he went from high school design inspired by brands like Santa Cruz and CARtoons magazine to studying at the Art Institute of Colorado, launching his own studio, and growing it into the powerhouse known as Lincoln Design Co. Dan opens up about the highs and lows of running a top-tier studio—balancing tight deadlines, building a talented in-house team, and producing cutting-edge work for a host of dream clients for any creative.Dan and I also chat through insights on managing client expectations, pricing, and the impending movement of AI in the post-COVID digital age. Whether you're an aspiring designer or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with inspiration and no-nonsense advice straight from the frontlines of the creative industry.

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)

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Lenny Terenzi: Quitting's For Winners

Season 5 · Episode 14

Monday, October 7, 2024 • Duration 54:54

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)

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Tom Bancroft: One-of Two-of-a-Kind

Season 5 · Episode 13

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 • Duration 01:15:57

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)

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Don Leon: Entrepreneurial Spirit and Hand-Drawn Brilliance

Season 5 · Episode 12

Monday, August 26, 2024 • Duration 47:58

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)

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Kendrick Kidd: The Life & Times of the Graphic Artist

Season 5 · Episode 11

Monday, July 15, 2024 • Duration 53:42

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

PS: Don't forget to take advantage of our Burny Wild's promo code just for our Pencil Pushers fans. More info on the podcast intro.
Host: Mike Rosado

@ekimodasor & @mrcraleigh
Post-Production: Max Trujillo
@trujillomedia
Sponsors: MRC & Burny Wild's
@mrcraleigh & @burnywilds

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The Pencil Pushers Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Pencil Pushers Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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