Shows
The Pencil Pusher's PodcastArtistic Adventures and Real World Reckonings: With Judd WinnickIn this episode of the Pencil Pushers podcast, host Mike Rosado interviews Judd Winick, a celebrated comic creator known for the Hilo series. The conversation covers Judd’s diverse career in comics, animation, and reality TV. He reflects on his experience as a cast member of MTV’s The Real World, the impact of his late friend Pedro Zamora, and his subsequent memoir ‘Pedro and Me.’ Judd shares insights on his education, work with DC Comics, and how his career evolved into creating the successful Hilo book series. The discussion also touches on his extensive work illustrating for the Complete...
2025-06-191h 35The Pencil Pusher's PodcastMotion Design and the Art of Hustle: How Two Neighbors Made ‘Dash’ a RealityMack Garrison, co-founder and director of Content at Dash Studio, a high-end motion design studio based in North Carolina. The discussion covers Mack’s origins in Raleigh, his creative childhood, the founding of Dash Studio with his partner Corey Livengood, and their journey to working with major clients like JP Morgan and Coinbase. Mack emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in their growth, the challenges of managing large projects, and their approach to business and creativity. They also delve into the impact of AI on the creative industry, the significance of maintaining human touch in design, and the po...
2025-05-261h 16The Pencil Pusher's PodcastAnimating Legendary Tales: A Conversation with Alain SeguinIn this episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast, host Mike Rosado sits down with Canadian animator Alain Seguin, who has been in the animation industry for over 27 years. Seguin discusses his early influences, such as watching Looney Tunes and Aladdin, and how these childhood inspirations led him to pursue a career in animation. He shares his extensive experience working on commercials for 17 years before transitioning to feature films and TV shows, including Space Jam: A New Legacy, Enchanted, and HBO Max’s Looney Tunes series. Seguin also offers insights into his role as a senior animator on the new th...
2025-04-031h 05The Pencil Pusher's PodcastWe Bought a Farm: The Printed Peanut’s Louise Lockhart moves to the country.In this episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast, host Mike Rosado reconnects with illustrator Louise Lockhart, founder of The Printed Peanut. Since her last appearance in 2019, Louise has undergone significant life changes, including relocating with her family from city life to a farm in Monmouthshire, Wales. Mike and Louise discuss how this move has impacted her creative process, business, and personal life. Louise shares her experiences of balancing motherhood, managing her business, and staying creatively inspired. She emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and making decisions that prioritize personal fulfillment over financial gain. The conversation, much like...
2025-03-1745 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastThe Luminous Life and Times of Graphic Artist, Lauren GriffinIn 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 o...
2025-02-102h 00The Pencil Pusher's PodcastThe Universe of Vamos: Raul the Third's TaleIt’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 pub...
2025-01-241h 03The Pencil Pusher's PodcastMad Memories: Sam Viviano on Life, Art, and MAD MagazineHey 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...
2024-12-172h 03The Pencil Pusher's PodcastFrom Skateboards to Studios: The Evolution of Dan Janssen’s CareerEpisode 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 to...
2024-10-2148 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastQuitting’s For Winners - And the Return of Lenny TerenziWelcome 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...
2024-10-0754 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastOne-of Two-of-a-Kind: Tom Bancroft’s Animated LifeMeet 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 al...
2024-09-181h 15The Pencil Pusher's PodcastThe Dutch Touch: Entrepreneurial Spirit and Hand-Drawn Brilliance of Don LeonIn 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...
2024-08-2647 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastThe Life & Times of Graphic Artist Kendrick KiddKendrick 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 G...
2024-07-1553 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastFrom Teacher to Muralist: Rachel Castaneda's Creative JourneyRachel Castaneda, a muralist, lettering artist, illustrator, businesswoman, and mother of three. Rachel shares her journey from teaching to becoming a full-time artist, discussing the challenges of balancing her creative career with family life. She talks about her initial struggles, the importance of social media in her success, and how she manages her schedule with the help of family support. Rachel also touches on her experience illustrating children's books and gives advice to aspiring artists. The episode highlights the thriving creative community in Raleigh, North Carolina, and dispels the myth of the starving artist. 01:16 Rachel's Journey to Becoming...
2024-07-0156 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastFrame by Frame: The International Adventures of Animator Sandro CleuzoWe go deep into the fascinating career journey and insights of Sandro Cleuzo, a Brazilian animator, including his transition from local studios to working with global animation giants like Disney and Fox, his passion for hand-drawn animation, experiences with different animation styles, and the thrill of creating personal projects like his short film. 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...
2024-05-201h 08The Pencil Pusher's PodcastArt, Life, and Resilience: Inside Clarence Heyward's StudioExplore Clarence Heyward's transformation from a midlife crisis to a celebrated artist, highlighting his struggles, artistic growth, and advice for navigating the art business. Gain insights from Hayward on networking, artistic insecurities, AI influence in fine art, and the representation of black artists in the industry. 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
2024-04-2457 min
The Kirk + Kurtts Design PodcastMike Rosado, Illustrator, Creative Director, Owner at MRC Brand Design. Host of The PENCIL PUSHERS Podcast. Founder of BURNY WILD'SSend us a textIn this episode, Kirk and Andy chat with Mike Rosado, the visionary behind MRC Studio and the innovative Burny Wild's brand. From crafting with pencils by day to rocking the drums by night, Mike shares his dynamic world of design and insights. Dive into a mix of wild tales, artistic insights, and entertainment. If you're all about pushing creative boundaries and embracing the unexpected, this episode’s blend of art, adventure, and genuine banter is your perfect match. Learn more about MRC Studio here: https://mrcraleigh.com/Connect with Mi...
2024-04-2347 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastMatt Williames (Supervising Animator and Character Designer)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
2024-04-081h 04The Pencil Pusher's PodcastEl Gran Tocayo - Juan MarantePS: 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
2023-12-041h 21The Pencil Pusher's PodcastAndreas DejaPS: 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
2023-11-1352 min
Office Talk with Raleigh MagazineRaleigh Magazine RefreshAfter nearly a decade as the voice of our city, we unveil a print and website refresh—including a bold new logo—that better reflects the magazine’s content and creates a cohesive, dynamic, recognizable city brand that captures Raleigh Magazine’s growth into a multichannel media company. Tune in as Publisher Gina Stephens and Creative Director Liz Comella sit down with MRC Creative Director Mike Rosado to sneak our “new look.” The Voice of Raleighraleighmag.comMeet MRCMeet Our Sponsors:Logan’s Garden ShopSwansboroThe Cocktail Classic
2023-10-2449 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastCourtney DiPaolaPS: 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
2023-09-1856 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastMy High School Art Teacher: Nancy CartyWelcome folks to Episode 53 of The Pencil Pushers Podcast. In this convo, I speak to educator, painter and photographer, Nancy Carty. She also happened to be my high school art teacher. Nancy has been on my mind for a while to showcase on the podcast because of her art education background, steering budding creatives into a life in the arts for 4 decades. You can imagine there was plenty she’d learned and taught in that time. Nancy is perhaps not your average teacher. She grew up in Saudi Arabia, as an American child living in the middle east. This he...
2023-06-271h 12The Pencil Pusher's PodcastJessica HischeTodays episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast takes us into the mind of Jessica Hische. Jessica is a New York Times best selling author, graphic designer and illustrator, but perhaps she’s most known as one of the pivotal leaders in the new generation of lettering artists. With almost 20 years of experience, working with some of the biggest brands in the world, Jessica has created a career that is the envy of any creative.Listen in as I chat with Jessica about the emergence of AI, how she built her massive client list, how she balances her prolific work sc...
2023-06-0556 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastNicolette CapuanoWelcome folks to the Pencil Pushers Podcast. I’m your humble host Mike Rosado, illustrator, designer and lover of all things creative, and I talk with top tier artists in the hand-drawn arts. Today is no exception, where I talk to Nicolette Capuano, owner and primary artist for Nicolette Atelier, a bespoke mural and decorative arts studio specializing for both residential and commercial fields. I’d met Nicolette years ago in my hometown of Raleigh, and connected through social media, but that was about it. That said, I’d been watching her work from afar and I was always blown...
2023-02-061h 08The Pencil Pusher's PodcastThe More You Pro with Hayley Barry Hello and welcome Leadheads to another fine episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast. I’m as always your humble host Mike Rosado and I’m thrilled to have one of my favorite past guest on the podcast once again…the lovely and talented Hayley Barry. Today’s episode is a special one as we dive into some of the most important business tips for creatives - whether you own your own studio, working freelance or work for an agency. Every creative these days needs to learn how to maximize their professionalism. Whether it’s talking about finances, how to cura...
2022-10-031h 16The Pencil Pusher's PodcastSkillshare Founder Michael KarnjanaprakornWelcome once again Leadheads to another fine episode of The Pencil Pushers Podcast. I am of course your humble host Mike Rosado and I am honored to be sharing some time with you today. Speaking of sharing time, I had the pleasure of sitting down at the studio with Skillshare founder, Michael Karnjanaprakorn to talk about a myriad of topics. For those of you few creatives that may have never heard or used Skillshare, they are pretty much the premiere online learning resource for creatives. Listen in as we talk about how Skillshare came to be, what...
2022-09-121h 07The Pencil Pusher's PodcastSigns of our Times with Master Sign Painter Derek McDonaldWelcome folks to another fine episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast. I am of course your humble host Mike Rosado and I’m thrilled to be sharing this next chat with my new friend Derek McDonald. Derek is a West Coast vintage inspired sign painter that holds the key to some of the greatest traditional crafts of the past 150 years. Hand painted signs are an amazing part of our industrial history and Derek is not only a talented carrier of the torch, but he’s also a massive historian of the craft, so I learned a lot. Dere...
2022-06-281h 07The Pencil Pusher's PodcastGet Motivated with Saul BlinkoffEPISODE 46 LAUNNNCH! Today, I’m excited to share with you another fantastic guest to the conversation; former animator and current animation director/producer, Saul Blinkoff. Saul’s not only had a highly successful career in animation, but has spent many years touring the world, talking about how to live your best life, or like the name of his own podcast, live a Life of Awesome. Our talk ran the gamut of how to be a great leader in the creative arts to the incredible stories of working at Disney during the renaissance years in the 90's - all pepp...
2022-06-0659 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastLettering Artist & Educator: Martina Flor🔥New Episode Launch!🔥 ✏️ Today we are thrilled to be sharing our talk with the uber talented Martina Flor. Martina is widely known as one of the great lettering artists of the day, but she's also an educator, podcaster and studio head in Berlin, Germany. We went through a whirlwind of topics that start with her courageous pivot of leaving her comfy job in her hometown in Buenos Aires in Argentina two train as a lettering artist in Berlin Germany into why this is the best time in history to be a creative, how to position y...
2022-05-3054 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastGame On, Comic ConWelcome Leadheads to another fine episode of The Pencil Pushers Podcast. I am as always your humble host, Mike Rosado, and we’ve got another banger of an episode for you. Today, we present something a little special. As of this recording, in 1 week, I will be headed to Wilmington, North Carolina to exhibit as an artist for my new brand Burny Wild’s. This will be my first ever booth exhibit at a comic con and I thought - what better way to prepare myself than talking to my good friend and personal Obi Wan Kenobi for...
2022-04-1157 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastSavannah 'Little Savage' VervilleWelcome folks to another fine episode of The Pencil Pushers Podcast. I am, as always, your humble host Mike Rosado and today, I am pumped to share with you my conversation with graphic artist and designer, Savannah Verville. Savannah is the creator of all fine things produced for her brand, Little Savage Design. She is currently killing it on social, using her savvy business skills to share and sell her trippy and playful products on Instagram and TikTok. We talk about her growing up in a small southern conservative town, being known as the weird...
2022-04-041h 04The Pencil Pusher's PodcastChristopher SperandioWelcome to another fine episode of The Pencil Pushers Podcast. Today we present Mike’s chat with comic artist, Rice University Professor and author, Christopher Sperandio. Chris started from humble beginnings living in rural West Virginia to carving a deep niche in the pop art world, spanning comics, games, museum exhibitions, sculptures, installations, and television productions all around the world. Chris shares his love of creating collage-style comics, the importance of taking art and comics seriously and great advice on being the best and most authentic artist you can be, even if that means sometimes sometimes getting th...
2022-03-281h 04The Pencil Pusher's PodcastArtrepreneur Kate SmithWelcome folks to another fine episode of the pencil pushers podcast. I’m your humble host, Mike Rosado, and it’s a pleasure to be sitting here introducing to you our very first guest of 2022: Graphic Artist, Stationer and Artrepreneur, Kate Smith. Kate was such a pleasure talking to and had a story that I found super compelling. Picture if you will, marrying your high school sweetheart, working as a designer and living a successful American dream life, only to drop it all, sell everything you own, buy an Airstream for the two of you to travel the...
2022-02-211h 06The Pencil Pusher's PodcastDIY an Animation Film with the Incomparable Dean LennertToday we speak with independent filmmaker and animator, Dean Lennert. Dean has a storied history of working with some of the most popular TV shows and movies of the past 30 years, including Doug, Beavis and Butthead, Sesame Street, SNL’s TV Funhouse, the Oscar award winning short, Bunny and the huge big screen hit, Ice Age. He’s also currently working on his passion project, Dear Anna Olson, a short animated film he’s been working on for over 30 years. Although we get to chat about what it was like working for creatives like Mike Judge and studyi...
2021-11-021h 00The Pencil Pusher's PodcastAnimation Luminary, Don HahnOk folks - here we are with another fine episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast. I am, as always, your humble host Mike Rosado. Today we get to share with you a very special conversation with a true legend - the one and only Don Hahn. Don is largely known as the longtime producer of some of the greatest animated films of the past 50 years spanning from his start at the Walt Disney studios in the 70’s to the resurgence of the public’s love for animation with films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion...
2021-10-181h 02The Pencil Pusher's PodcastLauren Hom’s Recipe for SuccessWelcome folks to another fine episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast. I’m your humble host, Mike Rosado and we have got another gem today with creative mastermind, Lauren Hom. Lauren is a highly prolific illustrator, lettering artist, foodie, and more with a massive social media following that’s hit meteoric heights through her persistence to pave new paths of creative expression beyond her lettering style, and in turn, invited others to do the same.What I love about her story is that she works from her gut - never afraid to listen to her intuitive muse, even...
2021-08-181h 25The Pencil Pusher's PodcastWisdom from the Next Generation with Hayley BarryThe Pencil Pushers Podcast is a celebration of the hand-drawn arts. I’ll be interviewing friends and idols in illustration, animation, comic-art, and more. - Mike Rosado Post production and editing by Trujillo Media Additional music provided by Epidemic Sound
2021-07-1944 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastFreelancing with Ms. Jordan KayWelcome folks to another episode of The Pencil Pushers Podcast. I’m your humble host, Mike Rosado. I come to you from Fresno, California as I’m in the middle of a road trip across America, but I’m too excited to share my chat with Jordan Kay - a super talented illustrator, animator and designer who’s worked with everyone from Starbucks to Penguin Random House. Jordan’s work has a joyous exuberance, filled with color and energy that showcases her extreme talent for a variety of styles and subjects. Listen in as we talk about how she worked her...
2021-07-0753 minThe Pencil Pusher's Podcast100 Year Anniversary of the Tulsa Race MassacreToday, we have a very special episode where we invited my good friend Dameon Williams back to the podcast along with fellow illustrator Josh Lewis as we discuss their new creative collaboration, marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. If you’re not familiar with the incident, well you’re most likely not alone. It’s an unfortunately darker part of American history, where an entire thriving black community was attacked by its fellow citizens. A part of our history that I knew nothing about just a few years back. Beautifully illustrated, this six part series told on Ins...
2021-06-1842 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastBlue Collar Artist, Joseph GiampinoWelcome folks to another episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast and I’m your humble host Mike Rosado. Today, we speak with my good friend and go-to creative partner for all signs hand-painted, Joseph Giampino. Joseph is what one might call a blue collar artist. A sign painter that gets the call for virtually every new hot retail shop, restaurant, brewery and more. Hand painted signs have been around for millennia, reaching it’s height during the industrial age, but had a steep decline with the advent of vinyl lettering, causing the near death of one of the great arti...
2021-05-2459 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastWhy does Matt Lesniewski draw?Welcome folks to the pencil pushers podcast, where I, your humble host, Mike Rosado talk to some of the movers and shakers in the hand drawn arts about their craft, their careers and then some. Today we speak with uber talented Eisner Award nominated independent comic book artist, Matt Lesniewski. Listen in as we talk about his brand spanking new graphic novel, STATIC, which I got an early copy of in advance of our chat and let me tell you - it does not disappoint. We also talk about what it’s like to work as an indie comic ar...
2021-05-1048 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastA Lesson in Lettering with Jason CarneThe Pencil Pushers Podcast is a celebration of the hand-drawn arts. I’ll be interviewing friends and idols in illustration, animation, comic-art, and more. - Mike Rosado https://www.instagram.com/ekimodasor/ Produced and edited by Trujillo Media Additional music provided by Epidemic Sound
2021-05-0355 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastLegendary Animator Ron HusbandWelcome folks to the Pencil Pushers Podcast. I am your humble host, Mike Rosado, here with another banger episode with our very special guest, Ron Husband. Ron is a master illustrator and animator who was employed by the Disney animation studio from the mid-70's until 2013. He worked on classic characters during their renaissance in the 80's and 90's such as Gaston, Jafar, Pumbaa, John Smith, Dr. Sweet and more. Which we do talk about, but the real meat of our conversation comes when we dive into his passion for drawing and a passing of the torch, as we...
2021-04-141h 05The Pencil Pusher's PodcastJessica Borutski Welcome Leadheads - You are listening to yet another banger episode of The Pencil Pushers Podcast. Today, we present my chat with super talented extraordinaire Jessica Borustki. She’s currently director for The Loud House, the hit sitcom style animated show currently on Nickelodeon. We walk through her already rich career of working with such classic characters like Ren and Stimpy, Looney Tunes, Thundercats and more, what it takes to be a director in animation, her goals to develop her own original work, which may or may not be revealed here and so much more. Jessica was so fun to...
2021-03-2255 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastBrent EngstromThis is yet another power-packed episode of The Pencil Pushers Podcast. Today, we talk to Brent Engstrom - a super talented illustrator who’s spent the better part of the past 15 years working for The Topps Company, drawing some of the most beautifully disgusting and hilarious cast of characters with the iconic Garbage Pail Kids, Wacky Packages, Mars Attacks and more. Brent talks about how his life came full circle, from being a massive fan of the collectibles as a kid to now being part of the small rag tag team of artists that get to make a living, li...
2021-03-0128 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastRicky De Los AngelesWelcome Leadheads to another episode of the pencil pushers podcast. I’m your humble host, Mike Rosado, and I’m really excited to share with you my conversation with the uber-talented illustrator, Ricky De Los Angeles. Ricky is currently a character artist for Disney products, where he gets to flaunt his multi-versatile artistic stylings for all of the characters we’ve all grown up loving. Listen in as talk about a day in the life of a character artist, his love for caricature art, how he stumbled along the way like most artists to “make it” and what he’s learned al...
2021-02-1546 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastTaylor White ArtWelcome Leadheads. This is the Pencil Pushers Podcast, episode 28! Today we speak with illustrator, muralist and figurative artist, Taylor White. Listen in as we speak about her artistic path and stylings, how her travels around the world opened her eyes to a whole new career and what it’s like to be a street artist these days and how its perception has changed with the public. She was a blast to speak and already looking forward to having her back. Check her our on Instagram @taylurk and online at taylorwhite.art to peer into her work. Now, sit back, re...
2021-01-071h 19The Pencil Pusher's PodcastAnimator John Pomeroy Welcome Folks - you are listening to the Pencil Pushers Podcast and I’m your humble host Mike Rosado. Today, we share my talk with the legendary animator, John Pomeroy - somebody, who in my opinion, is one of the most important figures in the field for the past 50 years. Listen in as we twist and twirl through his storied career working under the tutelage of the Nine Old Men at Disney, teaming up with Don Bluth and Gary Goldman to create their own animation studio, creating classics like The Secret of Nimh, American Tail and Land Before Time, coming ba...
2020-12-0857 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastAnimation Director on WB’s ‘Looney Tunes Cartoons’ Joey CappsWelcome Leadheads. Today, we are back again with another banger for your ears. Yea, folks - Episode 26 brings us to one of my personally most anticipated interviews with animator Joey Capps. Joey’s journey is power-packed with gracing his talents on a multitude of animation projects that most of us have heard of, whether you’re an animator or not, including Teen Titans Go, Steven Universe, Adventure Time, Scooby Doo and finally his current hot gig, the all new return-to-form Looney Tunes cartoons on HBO Max, serving the role of animation supervisor. Joey talks about making his way in a ve...
2020-08-241h 03The Pencil Pusher's PodcastJack The Radio with George HageLeadheads! We are back again for another banger episode. Today we bring a veteran of the show back into the studio, George Hage. His band Jack the Radio has a new album hot off the presses called Creatures. But it doesn’t stop there. George decided to do something a little unique by producing an accompanying comic book called Creatures Anthology. The book features dozens of artists from all across the globe to help tell the story of the album. Listen in on how one even pulls something like that together, particularly in the midst of a pandemic year li...
2020-07-2145 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastDameon WilliamsThis episode we speak with my good friend and super talented artist, Dameon Williams. Dameon’s a Father of three, husband of one, doing what literally most artistic people do - working a not-so-artistic full-time job - at a hospital no-less, smack dab in the middle of a pandemic, while spending most of every other waking moment crafting beautiful illustrations. His art is playful and informative, using his skills to help showcase historical and social elements dealing largely with people of color and beyond. It was great to catch up with him on how he’s personally handling Covid-19 thro...
2020-06-1648 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastKotis Street ArtLeadheads - at long last, episode 23 is here, loud and proud! Here, we take the podcast on a field trip to Greensboro, NC to witness one of the great mural cities of the country, due in large thanks to the visionary real estate developer Marty Kotis. Kotis is a huge fan of public art and sees the clear value it brings to beautifying a space and a community, and this is why he started Kotis Street Art, an organization focused on supporting and propping up incredible artists, now with a dedicated space where they can travel to and stay...
2020-03-1629 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastV. Cullum RogersWelcome ladies and gents to the Pencil Pushers Podcast! I’m your humble host, Mike Rosado and I’m super stoked to bring you our chat with editorial cartoonist extraordinnaire V. Cullum Rogers. Rogers is a career cartoonist, just recently retired after decades of work with the Durham Herald and the independent weekly. We talk about his illustrative career in the field, what it takes to make it in the industry, how he crafts his ideas and what this challenging but vital medium looks like today and in the future. He was thoughtful, hilarious and as goo...
2020-02-031h 06The Pencil Pusher's PodcastTara DonovanWelcome folks to The Pencil Pushers Podcast and episode 21 (we’re officially legal) and our VERY first for what we’re calling the tip top year of creativity and growth, 2020! I, of course, am still your humble host, Mike Rosado. And today, we’re very thrilled to be sharing our interview with Tara Donovan - one of the few artists who has successfully broken into both traditional and CG animation, working on hand-drawn animated classics like The Thief and the Cobbler and Asterix Conquers the World to CG animation for blockbusters like Justice League, Aquaman and the upcoming King Kong v...
2020-01-2047 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastMary Kate McDevittWelcome Leadheads to the Pencil Pushers Podcast. You are listening to Episode 20! I’m pumped to share with you my conversation with the masterful Mary Kate McDevitt. Follow her art along with the show here: https://www.instagram.com/marykatemcdevitt/?hl=en @marykatemcdevitt She is without a doubt a force in the graphic arts world, largely focused on hand-drawn illustration and lettering. Here we talk about her prolific career that is already jam-packed with work that anyone at any age would be proud of, working with such companies as Target, Smuckers, Sesame Street an...
2019-12-1650 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastLouise LockhartLeadheads! In Episode 19, I invite you to listen in on our fantastic conversation with Louise Lockhart, the founder and creative force behind The Printed Peanut. Louise talks with us about her journey and juggling the life of a prolific artist, business-woman and now mother of a new-born. If you’re looking for a window into the path of a truly dedicated entrepreneurial artist, you’ve found your spot. Do yourself a favor, first find her on https://www.theprintedpeanut.co.uk or on insta @theprintedpeanut, while you listen in. Enough talk - just sit back, relax and enjoy...
2019-12-0250 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastMonsters In The Merlot with Lisa QuinnWelcome Leadheads. Today, we have a lot of fun chatting with on-the-rise artist Lisa Quinn, who’s best known for her comic series Monsters in the Merlot. https://www.instagram.com/monstersinthemerlot/ Lisa dives into the ever-real-life-world of what many of us can relate to…building street-cred as an indie artist while juggling sometimes 2 or 3 totally separate non-creative jobs. We also chat about how art can be used as a way to navigate serious and very personal issues like depression and bi-polar disorder. She was a total delight and I already can’...
2019-11-1846 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastCleon Petersonhttps://cleonpeterson.com Leadheads! Today we release into the wild, episode seventeen and I’m so pumped to share our great convo with the incomparable Cleon Peterson. Someone who knows the true role of what it means to be an artist - to push you to think, feel and perhaps even act. Cleon’s work is nothing short of astonishing in it’s scale and it’s fearlessness. I found him to be a joy to talk with - an open book and completely ready and willing to share his journey. So sit back, relax and enjoy our chat...
2019-11-0447 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastWill Finn****** The Pencil Pushers Podcast is a celebration of the hand-drawn arts. I’ll be interviewing friends and idols in illustration, animation, comic-art, and more. - Mike Rosado https://www.instagram.com/ekimodasor/ Produced and edited by Trujillo Media
2019-10-141h 14The Pencil Pusher's PodcastA conversation with Brittain Peck****** The Pencil Pushers Podcast is a celebration of the hand-drawn arts. I’ll be interviewing friends and idols in illustration, animation, comic-art, and more. - Mike Rosado https://www.instagram.com/ekimodasor/ Produced and edited by Trujillo Media
2019-09-3057 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastHow to Make it in Comics Without Actually Making It.Alright Leadheads! Episode 14 coming in hot. And this ones packed with tons of advice and info. Listen in as we kick through the short list of how to make it in comics without making it in comics. Enjoy! @paulfriedrichdotnet. ****** The Pencil Pushers Podcast is a celebration of the hand-drawn arts. I’ll be interviewing friends and idols in illustration, animation, comic-art, and more. - Mike Rosado https://www.instagram.com/ekimodasor/ Produced and edited by Max Trujillo Productions https://www.instagram.com/mxtrjll/
2019-09-1654 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastThe Animated Life of Richard WilliamsToday's show is a retrospective of the life of the greatest animator of all time: Mr. Richard Williams, who recent'y passed away. I was humbled to have a panel of talented working animators, documentarians, authors and collaborators discuss Mr. Williams' life. We speak with Tony White, Tara Donovan, Dean Lennert and Kevin Schreck. ****** The Pencil Pushers Podcast is a celebration of the hand-drawn arts. I’ll be interviewing friends and idols in illustration, animation, comic-art, and more. - Mike Rosado https://www.instagram.com/ekimodasor/ Produced and edited...
2019-09-021h 04The Pencil Pusher's PodcastThe Incomparable: Milton GlaserI am honored that I get to present to you my chat with inarguably one of the most important graphic designers and design thinkers in history - the one and only Mr. Milton Glaser. Our talk found him ever-inspiring, often deeply philisophical and sometimes fiery and brutally honest with his critique of the modern design world and some hopeful advice on what can be done about it. This ones for the books folks. ****** Y’all! Join me for the release for my show, The Pencil Pushers Podcast - celebrating the hand-drawn arts. I’ll be i...
2019-08-1939 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastAccept The ChallengeEpisode 11 finds Mike in a reflective mood, as he chats about accepting creative challenges as a way to work through personal fears of failure, rejection and judgement, an issue all artists deal with on a regular basis. Grab some tips along the way and share your stories on Instagram. Let’s start a conversation. ****** Y’all! Join me for the release for my show, The Pencil Pushers Podcast - celebrating the hand-drawn arts. I’ll be interviewing friends and idols in illustration, animation, comic-art, and more. - Mike Rosado https://www.instagram.com/ekimodas...
2019-08-0527 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastLenny Terenzi of Hey MonkeyThis week, we sit down with my friend, Lenny Terenzi. Lenny is the owner of Hey Monkey, (https://www.heymonkeydesign.com) a studio that produces screen printing, illustration and graphic design. He is also the president of the AIGA Raleigh chapter (https://raleigh.aiga.org) and raising a daughter who is following her own creative outlets. ****** Y’all! Join me for the release for my show, The Pencil Pushers Podcast - celebrating the hand-drawn arts. I’ll be interviewing friends and idols in illustration, animation, comic-art, and more. - Mike Rosado https://w...
2019-07-221h 13The Pencil Pusher's PodcastMy New Hero, Lisa Congdon.Today we chat I had with the international star, the national treasure and my own new personal hero, Lisa Congdon. Lisa is an incredibly talented illustrator and fine artist who is prime example numero uno on how to successfully make a 180 degree career pivot. Working with clients like Facebook and MoMa, writing numerous books and touring across the globe for speaking engagements, Lisa definitely has created a niche that is filled with passion and vision, with no sign of slowing down. Listen in as we dive deep about her career, working through highs and lows...
2019-07-081h 06The Pencil Pusher's PodcastClaire KeaneIt was an honor and a blast talking to the one and only Claire Keane. Claire, an ex Vis-Dev artist at Disney, talks about her continuing to work in her passions as a children’s book author and illustrator, what it’s like working at The Mouse House, and her life as a Keane (hint: her grandfather Bil is the creator of The comic strip The Family Circus and her Dad Glen is one of the most famous animators at Disney). Listen in and let us know your thoughts on the comments! @claireonacloud . . ****** Y’all! Jo...
2019-06-2455 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastJordan Jameson. Illustrator & Graphic Designer Ok ladies and gents! Today we showcase the one and only Jordan Jameson @jordanjameson - Jordan’s a super talented designer and illustrator that I’ve gotten to know over the past couple of years and loved watching him crank out some killer work in the process. . . Listen in as we talk about how he splits his time working a full-time brand agency gig and side work, how Procreate has changed his work in fundamental ways and how you don’t have to be a master artist to use drawing as a critical thinking design tool. Find th...
2019-06-101h 00The Pencil Pusher's PodcastJ. MassulloAlright! Episode 6, coming in hot! We took Memorial Day off to rest and pay our respects - but we are back with a power packed conversation with muralist, teacher and serial sketcher, J Massullo. . We had a great chat about his journey and how he made his way from being a kid in a small town who was thinking big from an early age. Now, he’s landing gigs left and right that showcase his amazing work that can be seen all around town. Listen in and learn how he’s balanced a full time art teac...
2019-05-2855 minThe Pencil Pusher's PodcastThe Man Behind CANKOR! Matthew Allison****** Y’all! Join me for the release for my show, The Pencil Pushers Podcast - celebrating the hand-drawn arts. I’ll be interviewing friends and idols in illustration, animation, comic-art, and more. - Mike Rosado https://www.instagram.com/ekimodasor/ Produced and edited by Max Trujillo Productions https://www.instagram.com/mxtrjll/
2019-05-131h 04The Pencil Pusher's PodcastDavid EichenbergerEpisode 4 brings me to talk with the uberly talented illustrator and muralist, David Eichenberger. David is another talent hailing from my hometown of Raleigh, NC, and merges classical children's book stylings with surrealism leanings of M.C. Esher. Listen in as he talks about how he developed his career, studied under master Fresco Painter Ben Long and stayed in Toulouse Lautrec's batchelor pad. Yes, you read that correct. Dig in! ****** Y’all! Join me for the release for my show, The Pencil Pushers Podcast - celebrating the hand-drawn arts. I’ll be interviewing friends and idols...
2019-04-291h 05The Pencil Pusher's Podcast2D Animation Legend, Tony White Tony White is a British Academy Award-winning animation director, animator, author and educator. Tony let’s us in to his career that spans decades and intermingles with some of the greatest animators of all time. We explore the path of a young apprentice finding his way via learning from notable animators such as Richard Williams, Ken Harris and Art Babbit. Tony explains to us how he channeled his creativity and experience into a life devoted to the art of animation. ****** Y’all! Join me for the release for my show, The Pencil Pushers Podcast - celebr...
2019-04-151h 02The Pencil Pusher's PodcastGeorge HageWhat does a kid from a small town in the south, who's greatest escape from the mundane was circling comic shops, drawing karate kickin' superheros and blasting rock n roll guitar riffs do to find a way to finally turn those chops into making a buck? Let's find out... Artist/Musician: George Hage http://www.george-hage.com George's Music: http://www.george-hage.com/audio George's Merch: http://www.george-hage.com/shop Y’all! Join me for the release for my new show, The Pencil Pushers Podcast - celebrating the hand...
2019-04-011h 01The Pencil Pusher's PodcastArtist Paul FriedrichMy very first guest in the studio is one who embodies the character of the true working artist. An individual that’s been an inspiration to watch as an artist, a mentor and also just a solid human being. I’ve been honored to slowly grow my friendship with him and honored once again to have him on EPISODE ONE of the Pencil Pushers Podcast, the one, the only Paul Friedrich. @paulfriedrichdotnet https://www.patreon.com/PaulFriedrich Y’all! Join me for the release for my new show, The Pencil Pushers Podcast - celebrating the hand-dr...
2019-03-0955 min