Aron Nels Steinke is a celebrated Eisner Award-winning cartoonist best known for his best-selling children’s graphic novel series Mr. Wolf's Class and his latest work, Speechless. Formerly an elementary school teacher, Aron channels his experiences into stories that resonate with young readers and inspire literacy through visual storytelling. His creative journey spans over two decades, marked by persistence, growth, and a steady passion for comics. Now a full-time author based in Portland, Oregon, he continues to visit schools, sharing his love for comics and encouraging the next generation of readers and artists.

What You'll Learn:

• Aron's transition from animation school to teaching and eventually to full-time comics creator
• How Speechless was crafted over three years and why it’s his proudest work yet
• The unique production process behind Mr. Wolf's Class and why he still draws large
• Insight into working with colorists and learning to let go of control in creative collaborations
• Practical advice for aspiring graphic novelists: start small, focus on storytelling, and iterate
• How style naturally emerges from repeated practice and experimentation
• Why motivation and support from mentors like Marv Newland can be transformative

“You can't be afraid of failure. Making mistakes and failing aren't exactly the same thing... but you have to be willing for it to all go wrong.” - Aron Nels Steinke

The fear of failure often blocks people from ever starting. Aron's reminder that mistakes are part of the process - and not synonymous with failure - encourages creators to persist, take risks, and let growth happen through doing, not just planning.

Overview:

Hey friends, Carl here. I had an incredible time talking with Aron Nels Steinke on this episode of Pixel Retentive. Aron walked us through his creative journey - from aspiring animator to self-published cartoonist to Scholastic author - and dropped some seriously grounded wisdom along the way. We talked about his process, the challenges of balancing multiple careers, and what it really takes to make a graphic novel that sticks. If you’re a creator navigating the path from idea to execution (especially in comics), this one’s packed with gold. Let’s get inspired to keep drawing, keep writing, and keep showing up.

Today on Pixel Retentive, I had the privilege of chatting with the talented Alex Krokus - an established cartoonist in comics and animation whose work has appeared in Vice, BuzzFeed, and The New York Times. His recent collection Loud and Smart in Color and In Color debuted in February via Silver Sprocket, and his deeply personal, watercolor-illustrated graphic novel Talking to My Father’s Ghosts is set for release from Chronicle Books in August. Over our one-hour conversation, we dive into the profound role of creativity in healing, especially in the aftermath of loss.

What You’ll Learn:

• How channeling grief into art can become a powerful healing tool.
• The emotional and logistical shift from quick gag comics to a 200-page graphic novel.
• The importance of structure, pacing, and consuming the medium when switching creative formats.
• Alex’s journey from early webcomics to securing a literary agent and a traditional publishing deal.
• The value of agency representation and clear communication in negotiating projects.
• How collaboration, whether with family or guest artists, nurtures creativity and emotional processing.

“It doesn’t have to be 200 pages… It probably shouldn’t be. Whatever it takes, right? Get it all out.”

Alex’s words remind us that art - no matter the format - is primarily about emotional truth. It doesn’t need to be long or polished; it only needs to be real. What matters is the release and honesty you bring to it.

Overview:

I’m Carl, and let me tell you - this chat hit me right in the heart. Alex and I, both sons who lost our fathers, shared deeply resonant stories: mine about posthumous watercolor collabs and synchronicities that nearly brought me to tears; his about using structured seasonal vignettes to tell the first year of mourning. We explored how our dads’ encouragement shaped our artistry, and how stepping from three - four panel webcomics into a traditional, 200‑page format requires both discipline and reverence for process. Alex’s journey - from an online webcomic creator to securing an agent and launching a debut graphic novel - is packed with lessons about creative pivots, mentorship, and giving yourself grace in long-term projects. It was a raw, real, and uplifting conversation about using art to heal and hold onto memory.

This week, I had the pleasure of talking with the endlessly creative Jon Kane, founder of Optic Nerve and an early trailblazer in the MTV visual revolution. Jon has spent over four decades at the bleeding edge of motion graphics, editing, and multimedia experimentation. From shaping the visual identity of MTV and Nickelodeon to helping legendary directors bring their visions to life, Jon’s career reads like a love letter to the intersection of art, instinct, and innovation. And now, in his 60s, Jon’s wisdom hits harder than ever.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Jon became a creative force in the early days of MTV - without any formal film training
• Why he turned down high-paying jobs to stay aligned with what made him happy
• His reflections on the balance between striving and being content
• The importance of knowing your personal “currency” and living in alignment with it
• How building \$20M companies can still leave you creatively empty if you lose your compass
• The power of “refilling your creative cup” through personal projects, rock stacking, and fatherhood
• Insights into the evolving accessibility of creative tools, from \$1,200/hr edit bays to today's \$15K home studios
• Stories of wild DJ nights, creative partnerships, and intentionally stepping out of the spotlight
• Practical advice for young creatives on identifying passion and staying out of soul-draining jobs

“When things balance, no matter what the objects are, they look good.”

This beautiful metaphor from Jon captures the essence of creative harmony, not just in sculpture or design, but in life. Whether you’re editing a film, structuring your career, or deciding how to spend your day, there’s a moment when everything just clicks. Jon’s obsession with physical balance in objects mirrors his pursuit of emotional and professional balance. It’s not about perfection, it’s about listening to gravity, literally and metaphorically, and letting it guide you toward alignment.

Overview:

This episode was one of the most relaxed, free-flowing conversations I've had on the podcast. Jon’s journey is a powerful case study in creative autonomy. We traced his path from the scrappy VHS edits of his college days to building and intentionally downsizing a $20 million company. He’s done the high-end production thing, the art-for-art’s-sake thing, and everything in between. And through it all, he’s stayed grounded by asking himself one question: "Am I happy doing this right now?" His answer shaped a life full of purpose, balance, and meaning, and it’s a reminder that you get to choose your story. Whether you’re a striver or a soul searcher, there’s gold in here for everyone.