Animating Legendary Tales: A Conversation with Alain Seguin
In 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 theatrically released Looney Tunes film The Day the Earth Blew Up, his thoughts on the current state of the animation industry, and the importance of traditional hand-drawn animation. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of working in commercial animation, the significance of proper training and mentorship, and Seguin’s passion projects. 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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1:05:25
We 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 their previous one, is filled with humor and candid reflections on the challenges and rewards of choosing an unconventional path. Louise’s journey is a testament to the courage required to embrace change and pursue a fulfilling artistic life. Mike enjoyed reconnecting with his fellow art pal from across the pond and believes listeners will enjoy the conversation just as much. So, without further ado, sit back, pull up Louise’s Instagram, and enjoy this chat with Louise Lockhart! 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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45:03
The Luminous Life and Times of Graphic Artist, Lauren Griffin
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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2:00:21
The Universe of Vamos: Raul the Third's Tale
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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1:03:12
Mad Memories: Sam Viviano on Life, Art, and MAD Magazine
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)
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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