Vertex Podcast

In this episode we explore the story of Lawrence Castro. Born and raised in Hawaii, Lawrence's interests and influences take him from painting graffiti in tunnels on the island, to graphic design in Long Beach, to Nail artistry in Austin Texas. Learn with us how he handles his tenacious creative spirit, and whispers of doubt and imposter syndrome along the way. Hopefully his story can help and encourage others on a similar path. Watch if you ever feel like you have more creative energy than you can realistically output. Hope y'all enjoy! Lawrence's Instas: @ lwrncastro @ nailsbyleftie Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded outro by Michael Jarrin

In this episode we get into the story and art of mixed media artist Gian Galang. From early inspirations like Ninja Turtles and Bruce Lee, He takes up both martial and visual arts and shows us how he developed a unique harmony between the two. Hope yall enjoy this episode! Gian's Website: https://giangalang.com/ Gian's Insta: @ giangalang Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded outro by Michael Jarrin

Welcome back everyone ! We've got our first episode back from our Holiday break, I hope everyone got to end and start their year in a way that was enjoyable and meaningful to them. Breaking in 2026 with our interview with Jack Soren @jacksorenhi . Born and raised Hawaiian Muralist and Designer, he shares with us his story and many many gems on using your own uniqueness as a spearhead to forming your own style and finding your audience as a creative. Hope yall enjoy! Jack's Website: https://www.jacksorenart.com/ Jack's Insta: @jacksoren Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded outro by Michael Jarrin

In this episode we speak to Calvin Finklea about his expertise in graphic design and rollerskating! Listen to how he goes from accidentally kicking holes in the wall at the rink to skating with Usher for music videos! Hope yall enjoy this one! Calvin Finklea is a Photographer/Graphic Designer based in New York City by way of Atlanta, GA. Calvin specializes in Graphic Design and Photography, and often combines the two to invoke emotions that couldn't otherwise be fully experienced unless the body was back in the moment itself. Calvin believes that Photography is more than just capturing a moment that the mind will remember, but creating a work of art that will transport you back to that special place or time. Whether it's the first precious days of a child's life, or the gleam of expectancy in a fiancé's eyes, Calvin makes sure that he preserves the delicate memories he has been entrusted with. Calvin's Website!: https://www.calvinfinklea.com/ Calvin's Instagram!: https://www.instagram.com/calvinef/?hl=en Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬

In this episode we dive into the story of Artist and Character Designer Ty Goodwin, and into the weeds of his creative process. We learn how to set your intentions to make art on your own terms, and how to push meaningful reps in your creative journey to make progress you can feel each time you pick up the pencil. Hope yall enjoy this one! "A strong shape, a bold color, and a little time is all I need to turn a blank page into a breathing character. During my 7 year career as a professional designer, I have worked numerous shows, games, books, and music videos. I excel on projects demanding memorable, iconic, and bright characters. My designs bring impact that audiences won’t forget." Ty's Website!: https://www.tygoodwin.com/ Ty's Instagram!: https://www.instagram.com/tyagoodwin/?hl=en Waiylist Ty's Design course! : https://www.warriorartcamp.com/creative-design-theory-with-ty-goodwin Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

In this episode we talk to Illustrator and Character Designer Nick Winn! We get into several topics but some of my favorite places we went were: -Defining your own relationship with the divine -How to take your story ideas from loose thoughts to lines on paper -Art and design theory from Cartoon Network's top professionals and many many more, I hope you all enjoy! Nick's Bio : Nick Winn is an Annie Nominated Designer for TV and a freelance Writer/Illustrator for Comics based in Los Angeles. His clients include Cartoon Network, Titmouse, Shadow Machine and Netflix. He is currently Head Writer on the Adventure Time comics at Oni Press. Nick's Website! : https://winnsart.carbonmade.com/ Nick's Insta! : https://www.instagram.com/winnstinn/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/koacomix/?hl=en Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

In this episode we talk to Aaron 'Woes' Martin and hear about how his creative interests have taken him literally all over the world, from berlin streets, to mongolian suits of armor, to dinner tables with Kim Jung gi, this conversation literally took us to the moon and back. Hope you all enjoy! Woes Bio: Aaron ‘Woes’ Martin is an American artist, originally from the Hawaiian island of Oahu. His artistic focus is mainly based around very detailed images of Pandas that seem to be under some kind of emotional stress by using mediums consisting of but are not limited to acrylic paintings on wood and canvas with vibrant colours. With a history in art that spans back to the late 1990’s his earliest experiences in the graffiti scene as a kid growing up in Southern California and Las Vegas. In 2009, Woes picked up a can to paint out in public beginning with his iconic Panda characters to leave his moniker in different cities across the globe. Aaron has worked with giants with the likes of Mind Style, Disney, Kidrobot and New Era, he has also been published in magazines in the US, Japan & Europe. Aaron also has gone so far to have contributed to the youth by giving lectures at a few schools around the US and has even spoken at universities without despite not having any formal education himself. Woes' Insta : https://www.instagram.com/woes/?hl=en Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

In this episode we get into the story and current life/career of realistic wildlife painter Ash Rader! Having an upbringing in Korea, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, she was exposed to so much wildlife from a young age, let's learn together how that's bloomed into an amazing career, where she can gice back to the very animals that inspired her from the beginning! Hope you all enjoy! Ash's Bio: Ashley Rader, known artistically as Ash Rader, is a contemporary wildlife artist whose work bridges the beauty of realism with the emotional depth of storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and the creatures within it, her paintings are rooted in both technical mastery and a deep commitment to conservation. Ash’s work is not only a reflection of her skill, but of her mission: to use art as a voice for the voiceless and bring awareness to endangered species through striking imagery. She is passionate about nurturing the next generation of creators and helping them find their own voices in the world of art. Whether painting to protect wildlife or mentoring the artists of tomorrow, Ash Rader continues to use her creativity as a catalyst for change—believing deeply in the transformative power of art to connect, educate, and inspire. Ash's Website! : https://www.raderartstudios.com/the-artist Ash's Insta! : https://www.instagram.com/raderartstudios/ Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

In this episode, we get into the amazing story of Cassandra 'Honey Pierre' Hickey. Her early influences in art, her detour into the military, and her turnaround back into full time art mode, all the way up to her current specialty that is punch needling! My apologies for any sound blips through the interview, connection was a little rocky. I hope you all still enjoy the interview! Honey Pierre was born in Cleveland, OH and has always been interactive in art activities, but her real introduction of it was from fashion magazines and this started the urge to draw illustrations everyday. Instead of attending a college or institute for the arts she chose a different route by joining the United States Army. For the next three years her life was dedicated to serving her country. Once the contract was up she fed her urge to become an artist full time. Moving from Cleveland to Atlanta was a transition but it made the journey towards more creative outlets. In 5 years Cassandra has been apart of over 40+ art exhibits/ art events, apart of two community based non-profits, and much much more practicing in mediums such as murals, fiber art, collage, and traditional painting. Honey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeypierre_/?hl=en Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

In this conversation we talk to the UBER talented HellaLeah! Leah Abucayan is a Filipino-American artist based out of Atlanta, GA. She finds joy in "making stuff". She studied Graphic Design at the Academy of Art University of San Francisco and currently works as a designer for the CNN Digital Art Department. She was previously an intern at Walt Disney Imagineering designing print collateral and environmental signage for Walt Disney parks, resorts, and cruise lines. Listen to this conversation to learn about the origins of her Duct Tape practice, her childhood overseas, and her present-day non artsy inspirations. Hope you all enjoy the convo! Leah's Website: https://www.hellaleah.com/ Leah's Insta: @hellaleah Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

You got to see her drawing last week, come and listen to her story and her current journey now! Trudy Tran breaks down how she started her career after a long break from art in high school, as well as her college experience, and professional endeavors onwards, hope you all enjoy! Trudy is a multidisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Kennesaw State University. Her work cultivates the exploration into a wide range of traditions, identities, and unique stories of different cultural groups. Through intertwining different styles and techniques, Trudy utilizes elements of storytelling and documenting the world in her pieces. Her artwork has become a vehicle for escape and observation, an opportunity to rekindle imagination. A primary goal of Trudy's mural work is to uplift community voices and foster a strong sense of belonging and identity among local residents. Through events like mural workshops, design surveys, community paint days, and public unveilings, her projects go beyond creating art on walls—they become catalysts for conversation, collaboration, and community connection. Trudy has created artworks for clients including MARTA, AT&T, Greystar, Scholastic, Penguin Random House, Walmart, Rumble Boxing, Sam Flax, the City of Atlanta, the City of Clarkston, and more. Trudy's Website: https://trudytran.art/ Trudy's Insta: @trudytranart Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

Grab you a pencil or stylus and draw with me and artist Trudy Tran as we discuss common quirks of the artist's life, as well as dilemmas and other inspirations we share outside of drawing and painting! Trudy is a multidisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Kennesaw State University. Her work cultivates the exploration into a wide range of traditions, identities, and unique stories of different cultural groups. Through intertwining different styles and techniques, Trudy utilizes elements of storytelling and documenting the world in her pieces. Her artwork has become a vehicle for escape and observation, an opportunity to rekindle imagination. A primary goal of Trudy's mural work is to uplift community voices and foster a strong sense of belonging and identity among local residents. Through events like mural workshops, design surveys, community paint days, and public unveilings, her projects go beyond creating art on walls—they become catalysts for conversation, collaboration, and community connection. Trudy has created artworks for clients including MARTA, AT&T, Greystar, Scholastic, Penguin Random House, Walmart, Rumble Boxing, Sam Flax, the City of Atlanta, the City of Clarkston, and more. Trudy's Website: https://trudytran.art/ Trudy's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/trudytranart/ Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

In this episode we talk to Luq "MonkPanda" Coffen , and get into the importance and the methods of fostering connections that you've always wanted. Whether that's a fresh new idea to draw or making friends in your 20s and 30s, MonkPanda breaks it all down for us here. MonkPanda is an Atlanta based painter, muralist, designer, and chalk artist. Check out his work at the link below! Hope you guys enjoy the episode! MonkPanda's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/monkpanda_/?hl=en Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

In this episode we talk with Atlanta LEGEND Dosa Kim! He's an artist, designer, animator, modeler, and much much more! He currently runs a booming art collective in Atlanta called High Contrast.Watch this interview and recognize your power as a creative when he breaks down how amazing it is that us artists can do magic every day. Hope you enjoy! Dosa’s Insta: https://www.instagram.com/x_dosa_x/?hl=en High Contrast's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/highcontrast_atl/?hl=en High Contrast's Website: https://highcontrastgallery.com/ Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

In this episode we talk with Sarah Jiang, better known as Zwist! She’s a 21 year old asian american artist, designer, and computer science Student studying at Georgia Tech. Her trademark cloudy skies have broken the internet time and time again, and have been featured with folks like Nike, Call of Duty, and Epic the Concept Album! learn here how you could do the same, Hope you enjoy! Zwist’s Insta: https://www.instagram.com/artofzwist/?hl=en Zwist’s Website: https://zwistillustration.com/copy-of-contact Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

In this episode we talk with Muralist, Painter, and Activist Lu 'Pato' Vazquez! We follow her journey from the Streets of Atlanta, through different parts of Mexico, and all the way back, making friends and art along the way. You learn in this episode how travel and connection have the power to define and change you. Hope you enjoy! Pato's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/pato.paints/?hl=en Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

In this episode we talk with Tattoo Artist, Muralist, and Painter Debbi Snax! We learn through her story and her interests what creates inner hustle, and how to use that across different mediums to develop your career, and your inner self along the way. Hope you enjoy! Debbi's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/snaxink/?hl=en Debbi's Website: https://www.snaxink.com/ Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

In this episode we talk with Artist and Designer AJ Howard, learning about his comic Takeout Kings, and through that getting into the various methods to bring an audience into your own created universe! Hope you enjoy! AJ's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ajhasarthere/?hl=en AJ's Website: https://www.ajhoward.art/ Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬ Recorded Intro made by Michael Jarrin

In this episode we get into the story of the talented animator, character and graphic designer Jordan ' DoodleJor ' Best, who is also the animator of our intro! In his story, we discuss how you can find peace with your inner quirks, AND how to turn them into self expression, and eventually connection with others of similar frequency. Hope you enjoy! Doodle's Website: https://www.doodlejor.com/ Doodle's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/doodlejor/?hl=en Doodle's Shop: https://www.doodlejor.com/doodlestor Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬

Dive into the story and workflow of ATL Illustrator and Muralist Rod Ben, also known as the Killamari! His work contains an infectiously playful aesthetic, and over the course of this conversation, we learn what brought him and his work to this place, and how you can do the same ! Killamari's Website: https://www.killamari.com/ Killamari's Insta: @thekillamari Mini Boss Gear: https://minibossgear.com/ Watch us live on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬

Join us as we talk with Nuri Durr (better known as @ActionHankBeard ) discussing his story of becoming an amazing and widely known creative, as well as some hard pills that need to be swallowed in order to successfully become your own boss as an artist. Nuri's Website: https://www.theartofnuridurr.com/works Nuri's Insta and X: @actionhankbeard Watch us live on Twitch! / theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by ‪@doodlejor‬

Join us as we discuss what it takes to stay creative amongst the chaos that is real life with Mural Artist and Graphic Designer George F Baker III. Learn how he spots, utilizes, and rekindles creative inspiration in his every day. George's Website: https://www.gfbthree.com/ George's Insta: @gfb3 Foster Clothing! https://fosteratlanta.com/ Watch us live on Twitch! https://www.twitch.tv/theyoyocam Insta: @yoyocam Animated Intro made by @doodlejor