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)

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

Rachel 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 a Working Creative
• 03:51 The Influence of Family and Early Life 08:40
• Transition from Teaching to Full-Time Artist
• 12:16 First Mural Experience and Learning Curve
• 21:37 Building a Business and Client Process
• 28:44 Pitching Creative Ideas
• 29:29 Navigating the Creative Process
• 30:58 Children's Book Illustration Journey
• 34:51 Balancing Work and Family
• 37:17 The Business of Murals
• 50:32 Advice for Aspiring Artists
• 52:27 Conclusion and Social Media

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