The Truth You Need to Hear Before You Graduate

October 12, 2025 Nichols Latham

We all know SCAD helps prepare students to market themselves, build connections, and develop work that pushes the imagination. It’s an amazing opportunity and an incredible environment to grow and thrive in. But the truth is, even at such a well-known school with amazing teachers, success doesn’t come easily. Many graduates admit that balancing creativity with business realities can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential for students like me and you to go beyond the classroom and explore different opportunities through internships.

Incubator Productions is one of the greatest examples of how an unexpected opportunity can make all the difference. Founded by cartoonists as a resource for other cartoonists, the company helps artists learn how to create, publish, and connect with audiences. At the heart of this company is CEO Isaac Fisher, whose vision shapes everything the organization does. Isaac believes that blending creativity with business empowers artists to build strong, sustainable careers. Their first major project, “Milo the Mime”, brought to life the vision of cartoonist Chas Chasler, while giving interns hands-on experience in both the creative and business sides of the industry.

Isaac’s own story illustrates why alternative paths can lead to the greatest growth. Before starting Incubator Productions, he worked as an English Teaching Assistant in South Korea, where he created a comic that evolved into “Mr Lee’s Fruity Bing”. Originally submitted as an application to the Center for Cartoon Studies, the project introduced him to the world of publishing. Later, he enrolled at SCAD to study sequential art. Though his journey wasn’t linear, it shows how determination and openness to unexpected opportunities can change an entire career.

During our conversation, Isaac stressed the importance of looking beyond large corporations like Adult Swim and considering smaller companies as well. He explained that a key part of Incubator Productions is to provide a meaningful space where artists can gain real-world experience, mentorship, and opportunities that can shape careers. For many artists and students trying to break into the industry, it’s exactly the kind of opportunity that makes all the difference.

The interns’ experiences highlight this perfectly. Gianna Regoli, for example, worked on “Milo the Mime” while also supporting a Kickstarter campaign tied to the project. She gained practical knowledge in publishing, production, and marketing— skills she later applied to her own children’s book project connected to her “Princess Mush Plush” brand.

Mireya Rojas followed a similar path. After volunteering at the Mobile Cartoon Museum event, she applied for an internship at Incubator Productions. Working directly with Isaac, she found a balance of practical and creative tasks that made her feel like a true part of the team. The experience gave her confidence and direction as she pursued her dream of becoming a children’s book author and illustrator.

Stormi Melder also shared her internship experience at Incubator Productions. During her time there, she not only grew professionally but also gained a true sense of community with her fellow colleagues. “It can be chaotic and stressful being a cartoonist in this fast-paced world”, she said, “but Incubator gives you the sense that you have a community to support and help you.” Working closely with Isaac allowed her to develop the confidence and skills needed for “guerrilla marketing techniques.” Looking ahead, she feels prepared to tackle bigger projects with the experience she gained.

These examples highlight a larger truth: the opportunities that change us for the better often come from places we didn’t expect. By looking beyond large-company internships, students can gain more than they ever imagined. Gianna, Mireya, Stormi stories show that Incubator Productions offers exactly that kind of growth — a space where young artists can experiment, learn, and prepare for their careers beyond the classroom.

SCAD provides an incredible foundation, but the creative industry is competitive. You need to take that extra step — to reach out, explore unexpected opportunities, and embrace internships that you might not have first considered. Companies like Incubator Productions prove that these experiences can transform careers, giving artists not just skills, but also the connections and confidence to succeed.