Pencil Kings | Inspiring Artist Interviews with Today's Best Artists: Recent Episodes
Mitch Bowler
The Pencil Kings Podcast interviews today’s top artists to uncover the story behind their work. These interviews are created for you - the Aspiring Artist, the Hobbyist and the Professional Artist. If you are looking for inspiring and insightful interviews from artists all over the world, you’re in the right place to learn the behind the scenes stories of how these artists got started and how they turned their passion into creative art careers.
Dan Piche is the creator of Champions of Akathena a board game launching on 15 June. He has advice for anyone who has a passion to make a board game, but no experience actually making it a reality.
In this episode:
In this week’s episode we get the final chapter on designing and launching your own board game. We had Dan on the podcast in the past to talk about the process so far in Episode 230 (https://www.pencilkings.com/daniel-piche/) and now that he’s just about to launch again here’s the update of the story as he's just about to release his new board game to the world.
There's lots of insight into the care it takes to bring your project to the finish line, but mostly I hope while listening you can get a sense of how you can look at your own projects with fresh eyes and see how you can use feedback to make your work as good as it possibly can be.
Diego Jourdan Pereira is an author of puzzle and activity books, including the Giant Book of Games and Puzzles for Smart Kids, The Big Book of Brain-Boosting Puzzles, Bible Power Puzzles, and the Astonishing Bathroom Reader. With a background in illustration, comic books, and graphic design, his clientele has ranged from Dover Publications to The Topps Company.
In this episode:
In this week’s episode, Diego Jourdan Pereira walks us through how he went from a career as an illustrator working in licensing and completely reinvented himself as an author and book designer.
Diego’s story is a fantastic model showing how clear goals and hard work pay off to break into a completely new market and create new opportunities.
If you have been sitting on the fence, not knowing what to do or how to do it, just listen up because the clues are all right here and if you are willing to put in the work, it’s just a matter of continued effort and time before you’re well on your way towards your dream career where you get paid to be creative.
In the last part of the episode we talk about the difference between dreams and goals, and Diego has a great way of looking at how to set and make your goals a reality.
Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more.
As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught.
Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
- How to ground your ideas of what a character designer does by looking at reference books
- Why not loving the character design process can be a huge red flag, and what to do if this is you.
- How to look for jobs and make your dream career more realistic.
- How and why to participate in online communities
- Putting together a portfolio based on your earlier research
- How to have an awesome creative career even if you realize that character design isn’t as fun as you thought it might be
In this episode:
In this week’s episode, Mitch Bowler from Pencil Kings breaks down a simple five-step process that he would use to break into having a career as a character designer.
This talk skips right over technical skill development and gets right to the heart of the key steps any artist will need to take to land their dream job, even if they have no idea how to get started. The cool thing about this plan is that you can get started right now, and when you put your mind to it and just follow the steps you could be landing your dream career as a character designer in the next 12 months.
Michael Cawood is a multi-award winning British Animated Filmmaker based in Los Angeles who develops original animated projects in his free time. Having worked in animation since 1994, he's created Films, Series, Commercials, VR and Games. His work in short films has won him numerous 'Best Short Film' and 'Best Animation' awards plus the Orson Welles Award.
In this episode:
In this week’s episode, we’re speaking with Michael Cawood who had been on the podcast previously to speak about his independently animated film, ‘The Wrong Rock’ which has since been completed and published and is generating a lot of views on YouTube and which was also made the shortlist for consideration to be included in the Oscar Awards.
Creating and finishing your animated short film is amazing in itself and Michael talks about the choices he made to ensure that the project would be completed before the birth of his son.
For anyone who has dreamed of making an independent animation this is a fantastic interview that will give you a glimpse of what it’s like, and how long it takes to make it to the finish line.
In this interview right at we discuss how indie projects are the perfect way to break into the creative industry of your dreams. Nothing beats hands-on experience and Michael even gives a call out to anyone interested in collaborating on projects to get in touch. If you’ve always wanted to work in the entertainment industry.
Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.
In this episode:
Mitch wraps up his series on getting serious about using your creativity to generate income and talks about the different types of resources you can use to move towards your goal.
Having a goal of 12 months into the future, while also looking back at how you have performed in the past 12 months gives you a good idea of where you are right now... and wherever that is, is perfectly fine!
The most important part is being honest with yourself so you can move forward and get to where you want to be in the most direct way possible.
The four options that you have are:
- Free Resources
- Paid Courses
- Mentorship
- School
Each resource has its own plusses and minuses, but most importantly you need to do what is right for YOU. Your situation is unique and by knowing yourself and having clear goals you can make the right choice to make the next 12 months really count!
Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.
In this episode… What skills do you need in order to start making money from your art? While many artists focus on creative skills such as drawing or painting, these are not always the most important skills for landing your dream creative career.
According to Mitch Bowler, exploring and developing the skills that are in demand for creative projects is a necessary step for making your artistic dreams a reality. But, how do you know which creative skills are in demand—and which ones will be the right fit for you? Mitch Bowler has some tried-and-true strategies for testing different career ideas, discerning project-fit, and taking simple steps to find your creative calling.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler demonstrates how you can discover—and develop—the skills necessary to land your dream creative career. Mitch shares his strategies for identifying which skills are in demand for creative projects, how to find your calling as an artist, and the simple ways to unlock new possibilities for your creative career. Stay tuned for more!
Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.
In this episode… If you’re ready to transform your dream of having an art career into a reality, then you’re going to need a plan. And, what better way to start planning your art career path than by determining exactly what skills will benefit your level up?
For artists looking to jumpstart their careers, job descriptions are a goldmine of valuable information. That’s because they are essentially a wish list compiled by the companies you want to work for. As Mitch Bowler says, by analyzing a job description in the creative field you want to join, you can effectively gauge the skills that are in demand and devise a plan of action for how to obtain those skills—and land your dream job.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler reveals how to ground your art career path in reality using job descriptions. Listen in as Mitch talks about how to discern what creative skills are in demand for a specific field, why experience isn’t the only metric for determining if you are qualified for a job, and the importance of breaking out of your comfort zone as you make your dreams a reality. Stay tuned.
Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.
In this episode… Where are you on your creative journey? Are you still dreaming about leaving your day-to-day job and taking the next step in your career as an artist? If so, now is the perfect time to create a 12 month art career goal.
Far too many artists have romanticized what it means to be a full-time creative. For these artists, their dream of pursuing a creative career is precisely that: a dream. However, according to Mitch Bowler, it is entirely possible for you to transform your dream of being an artist "one day" into a concrete reality—and all you need is 12 months.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler shares his expert strategies for transforming your creative dreams into a reality in the next 12 months. Mitch highlights the importance of setting a concrete goal as an artist, how to determine the right path to take on your creative journey, and his tips for making real progress with your next project. Stay tuned!
Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.
In this episode… Where are you in your journey to make art full-time? Have you just started dreaming about being an artist? Or, have you already landed your first client? (If so, congrats!)
Wherever you are in your creative journey, Mitch Bowler, the Founder of Pencil Kings and Co-founder of Evolve Artist, wants to help you kickstart the art career of your dreams in the new year. With his expert advice, you can start on the path to achieving not only a creative career in 2021, but also creative freedom.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler discusses how to transition from a dreamer to a doer in the new year. Mitch shares the essential steps for taking your art career to the next level, the story of how he first broke into the industry, and his journey to becoming the artist and teacher he is today. Listen in to learn more about how to achieve your artistic and career goals in 2021!
Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.
In this episode… You are an architect of your own time, and only you can choose how you spend it. However, many artists struggle to find time and create space in their days to pursue their creative work. So, how can you start making time for your art in 2021, without the typical distractions of day-to-day life?
Mitch Bowler, the Founder of Pencil Kings and Co-founder of Evolve Artist, has often struggled with the challenge of carving out time for his artistic goals. Then, in the chaos of 2020, he stumbled on a silver lining: the opportunity to slow down and be more intentional with his time. Now, Mitch is starting off 2021 with a goal to stop wasting time and start treating his creative endeavors as a marathon, not a sprint.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler reflects on how 2020 allowed him to take stock of his creative pursuits—and the time he spent working on them. He discusses the common challenges artists face with making time to pursue their creative endeavors, the importance of saying “no” when carving out time for your art, and his strategies for sticking to your artistic goals in 2021. Stay tuned.
Terri Rodriguez-Hong is a UX/UI designer and a UX/UI Tutor at CareerFoundry. In her position as a UX/UI designer, Terri hopes to bridge the gap between products to be accessible by all users. She received her MFA from the University of Hawaii and is currently working on her master’s degree in Human Computer Interaction. Outside of her passion for UX/UI, Terri is an avid Muay Thai boxer, a volleyball fan, and the co-host of the Ramblings of a Designer podcast.
In this episode… What happens when you blend a passion for art and user experience? While many artists base their success on commissions and reputation, there may be a more fulfilling path.
UX/UI is the combination of design, art, and user experience that bridges the gap between a product and its user. Terri Rodriguez-Hong made the leap into the UX/UI world four years ago—and she hasn’t looked back since. With her fine art and visual design background, she brings a unique perspective to her role as a UX/UI designer. So, what is Terri’s advice to fellow artists looking to create a career in the sweet spot between art and user experience?
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler sits down with UX/UI Designer, Terri Rodriguez-Hong. Terri recalls what gave her the push to transition from visual design to UX/UI, how she navigated the interview process, and why the most important investment you can make is in yourself. She also shares her tips for building industry connections and starting your journey in UX/UI. Stay tuned!
David Emmons is the owner of Artist Marketing Formula, a company that helps artists and small specialty business owners utilize the power of the internet and social media marketing to successfully—and sustainably—sell online. Before creating Artist Marketing Formula, David spent many years selling his copper and stained glass sculptures at various art fairs. After mastering the life-changing art of selling his products online, David decided to teach others how to create sustainable and profitable online businesses using social media.
In this episode… Gone are the days when a simple phrase like "build it and they will come" sufficed for a marketing strategy. Like other business owners with a powerful product, artists now have to engage in strategic marketing strategies to reach their audience and boost their sales. However, this doesn't have to be an intimidating process—in fact, marketing your art today is easier than you may have imagined.
Artist David Emmons saw first-hand how social media ads could change the way he connected to his fans and buyers. After transitioning from selling at art festivals to selling online, he decided to create a program to help fellow artists create their own profitable and successful online businesses. Since then, his Artist Marketing Formula has guided countless artists and creatives on their journey to creating a sustainable income using effective online marketing strategies.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler sits down with fellow creative and Founder of Artist Marketing Formula, David Emmons. Together, they discuss common misconceptions about marketing your art, how to effectively engage with fans and buyers online, and the tools you need to succeed using social media. If you want to find out more about David’s secret sauce to creating sustainable income using online marketing, then stay tuned!
Allan McKay is an Emmy Award-winning VFX Supervisor and Technical Director based in Los Angeles, CA. Allan has created visual effects for projects such as Game of Thrones, Avengers Endgame, Transformers 3, and many more. He has over 20 years of experience working with different studios and directors, including Blur Studio, Pixomondo, and M. Night Shyamalan. In addition to this, Allan McKay recently launched his creative industry podcast, where he interviews the leading experts, creatives, and technical wizards in Hollywood.
In this episode… What sets you apart from the competition in your industry? How do you stand out from every other qualified artist during a job interview? According to Emmy Award-winning visual effects artist, Allan McKay, the deciding factor that companies take into account before working with you is your personal brand. So, how can you create a unique, memorable, and authentic personal brand?
When Allan started in the VFX industry, he was only 14. However, he had the drive and knowledge to back up his passion. By amplifying his unique skills and story, he was able to build a powerful personal brand—and a successful career—that wasn’t impacted by his young age. So, what is his secret?
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler sits down with long time friend, VFX Supervisor and Technical Director Allan McKay. They discuss common misconceptions that artists have about social media, branding, and job interviews. Allan also shares the incredible impact that his personal brand had on his career and reveals his tips for building a powerful personal brand today. Stay tuned.
Daniel Piche is a data analyst with a background in databases and data visualization. Outside of his day job, Daniel has combined his passion for bringing family and friends together and his love for board games to create a team-based game that anyone can enjoy. Daniel's unique understanding of how data and human interaction intertwines has allowed him to make a seamless game that captivates all audiences.
In this episode… Do you love the excitement and collaboration of board games? Or, does the sight of a game board at a dinner party make you want to pack up early? Almost every gathering will have someone from each end of the spectrum, so the question remains: Is it possible to create a board game that everyone will enjoy?
This is the question that Daniel Piche sought to answer in 2017 after years of ideation and fine-tuning his board game. Using his data visualization background, Daniel created a game that was easy to play—and even easier to understand. His idea was to create a board game for his friends' enjoyment, but after huge popularity at conventions, Daniel decided to invite others into the fun.
Tune in to this episode of Pencil Kings as host Mitch Bowler sits down with Daniel Piche, a data analyst by day and board game creator by night. They discuss the game-making journey from ideation to creation and the important role that feedback plays in the process. Daniel also highlights how he used his data analysis skills to create a board game that was easy to play and understand. Keep listening!
Bruce Marion is a contemporary impressionist who specializes in creating compelling abstracted cityscapes, landscapes, and figurative and contemporary wildlife paintings. Bruce received his BFA from the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he studied with world-renowned artist Pat Nagel, as well as Lorser Feitelson, father of Post-Surrealism. Since then, Bruce has taught various courses and workshops to aspiring artists in the US, overseas, and online.
In this episode… Many children dream of being veterinarians, artists, or even teachers. As a contemporary impressionist, Bruce Marion has skillfully combined all three career paths into one.
With his love for creating figurative and contemporary wildlife paintings, as well as his skill for teaching art, Bruce has found a style—or, rather, many styles—that keeps him inspired and motivated as an artist. As he says, the secret is following your passion and constantly creating new pieces (even if they aren’t “perfect”).
Listen in to this week's episode of Pencil Kings as host Mitch Bowler is joined by Bruce Marion, renowned art teacher and contemporary impressionist artist. Bruce discusses the joys of working with multiple different styles, how to overcome creative roadblocks, and his process for helping artists find what works for them. If you want to learn more about discovering your artistic style and finding inspiration everywhere, then stay tuned!
Michelle Sakhai is a contemporary artist based in New York. With over 20 years of experience exploring plein air painting before transitioning to the abstract, Michelle’s vision is to create transformative art that touches the soul. In addition to exhibiting her paintings across the nation and worldwide, Michelle also serves on the advisory board for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Hofstra University and teaches Transformative Art at the Harlem Hospital.
In this episode… Do you want to take your art to the next level? Then, in the words of contemporary artist Michelle Sakhai, simply let go. Free your mind from any artistic constraints and allow your hands to create. This is the mindset that allowed Michelle to experience her artistic awakening and discover her authentic vision as a painter.
Michelle's ingenuity and ability to go beyond her area of expertise have paved the way for her free-flowing abstract art. After specializing in plein air painting for over 20 years, Michelle made the transition to the abstract—and she has never felt more connected to her craft.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler sits down with contemporary fine artist, author, and educator, Michelle Sakhai. They discuss letting go of form, finding the balance between reality and expectations as an artist, and pursuing your unique artistic expression. Michelle also emphasizes the importance of experiencing the business side of the art world, in addition to honing your craft. Stay tuned!
Sergio Paez is an animation director, a successful author, and a founding member of StoryboardArt.org, a visual storytelling community. He has spent the last 20 years pushing the limits of what it means to be a story artist while working with Pixar, Lucasfilm, Sony, and many more. Sergio has also created courses that teach budding artists how to design engaging and exceptional storyboards.
In this episode… The common stereotype of the “starving artist” has started to fade from the mainstream view. New opportunities in industries like tech, marketing, and film have allowed artists to shine like never before. This is especially true for artists who can successfully communicate clear and consistent ideas through storyboards.
Sergio Paez is one of these successful artists. With over 20 years of experience creating storyboards, Sergio is an expert at transforming mere ideas into gripping adventures or heart-wrenching tales. So, what is his advice to artists looking to build a prosperous career in storyboarding?
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler sits down with Sergio Paez, renowned author, story artist, and animation director. They discuss how to build a career as a story artist, the importance of creating passive income, and the many viable career options in media production. Sergio and Mitch also share their love for the creative process and their tips for making a living as an artist.
Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.
In this episode… On their pursuit to create great art, many artists face a variety of obstacles. For some, this may be a lack of motivation to stick to their goals, while others may have trouble balancing their numerous different projects. But what happens when you are so overwhelmed with these obstacles that you have no time or energy to produce great art?
Rather than stress about your current tasks or obstacles, Mitch Bowler suggests that you seek out external support to help you focus on your craft. From productivity planners to business coaches, Mitch has a few useful strategies for making time for your art and creativity.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler shares his expert strategies for making more time for your art. He highlights the importance of prioritizing your tasks and discusses how to ask for help from people in your industry or personal life. Mitch also delves into how to improve your art with the help of Evolve Artist. Stay tuned!
Miriam Schulman is a watercolor and mixed media artist and the Founder of The Inspiration Place, a popular online art class and artist community. Before venturing into the art world, Miriam worked at a hedge fund on Wall Street until 9/11. Since then, she has followed her passion, built a successful career as an artist, and helped other creatives make their art dreams come true. Miriam is also the host of The Inspiration Place podcast, where she talks with artists, creatives, and industry experts about how to succeed in the art world.
In this episode… Artists are revolutionaries and trailblazers, but sometimes they get stuck. For many creatives, their inner fear of rejection and criticism hinders their ability to be bold, create impactful pieces, and grow their careers.
Miriam Schulman, ex-Wall Street worker turned watercolor and mixed media artist, knows this feeling all too well. After pursuing her art career and gaining confidence as an artist, she decided to create The Inspiration Place. Now, this online community helps other artists and creatives find the inspiration they need to overcome their mental roadblocks and pursue their art careers with more intensity.
In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Mitch Bowler sits down with fellow podcaster and watercolor artist, Miriam Schulman. They discuss the connection between mortality and art, how to overcome your fear of rejection and criticism, and the impact of the global pandemic on creative spaces. Miriam also shares her thoughts on the purpose of life (hint: get uncomfortable!).
Mark McGuinness is a creative coach, an award-winning poet, and the Owner of Lateral Action, where he helps 21st century creatives achieve their artistic and professional ambitions. With over 20 years of experience in the coaching industry, Mark has helped countless creatives take their careers to the next level. He believes in creating a balance between our creative pursuits and our ability to become proficient as professionals in our desired field. Mark is also the author of several books for creatives and the host of the 21st Century Creative podcast.
In this episode… Where are you on your creative journey? Whether you’re just starting to pursue your craft or you’re looking for a career shift, it’s important to remember the meaning behind your creative pursuits.
For Mark McGuinness, art is a self-expressive tool of connection and discussion. However, many artists struggle with this connection—and the criticism and feedback that comes with it—during their pursuit toward a successful creative career. That’s why Mark has spent more than 25 years coaching creative professionals on how to achieve their artistic and career ambitions. He has helped hundreds of artists build and sustain professional relationships while productively pursuing their creative goals.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mark McGuinness joins host Mitch Bowler to discuss how to take your art career to the next level. Mark shares his thoughts on finding motivation as an artist, overcoming rejection and criticism, and why business and art are not mutually exclusive. Mark also reveals the mindset shift that will help you achieve profitable artistic freedom. Stay tuned!
Jason Horejs is the Owner of Xanadu Gallery and the Publisher of RedDotBlog, an online resource that provides art marketing news and business tips for artists. He is also the author of three books that are focused on helping artists better understand the business side of art. His close relationship with the art business began at the tender age of 12 after watching his father, the nationally recognized oil painter John Horejs, establish his successful career through different art galleries.
Jason opened Xanadu Gallery in 2001 and has since connected hundreds of artists to investors, collectors, and fellow creators. Jason now runs a second art gallery with his wife, Carrie, in the mountain resort town of Pinetop, Arizona.
In this episode… What makes an artist successful? While success may be defined differently by each artist, most will agree that one of the greatest artistic achievements is attaining some level of recognition for your work. Gaining this attention—and sales—can be a tumultuous journey, but with the right business skills, it may just be easier than winning the lottery.
Jason Horejs, the son of the nationally recognized oil painter John Horejs, fell in love with the business side of art at a young age. Using his unique background and understanding of the art world, Jason helps artists learn the business tips and tricks they need to take their careers to the next level.
In this week's Pencil Kings episode, host Mitch Bowler sits down with Jason Horejs, the voice behind RedDotBlog and the Owner of Xanadu Gallery. They discuss the common misconceptions about the business side of art, the six key skills to master to improve your art career, and what it means to be a second-generation art gallerist. Jason also shares his experience building a valuable art community of investors, artists, and collectors.
Tyler James is a publisher, comics creator, and educator. His publishing company, ComixTribe, has published hundreds of thousands of books ranging from comics to graphic novels to children’s books. After achieving several successful launches on Kickstarter, Tyler decided to share his expertise with other artists, writers, and self-publishers. He is currently the host of the ComixLaunch podcast and the creator of the popular Kickstarter launching program, ComixLaunch Pro.
In this episode… Do you remember the first comic you ever read? How amazing was it to watch as characters fought battles or discovered exciting powers and abilities? Did this first experience spark your interest in creating your own comic book or graphic novel?
Tyler James had the same interest, and, 20 years later, he has mastered the art of launching comics on Kickstarter. With his ComixLaunch program and podcast, Tyler has managed to grow a community of comic developers who have revolutionized how comics gain recognition and funding. Tyler uses his experience as a publisher to help budding and established comic creators better understand their audience and launch successful Kickstarter campaigns.
In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler sits down with Tyler James, the co-creator of ComixTribe and ComixLaunch Pro, to discuss what most Kickstarter launches get wrong and how to position your campaign for success. Tyler shares the importance of building an audience before you launch your campaign, the tips and tricks he learned while working in the publishing industry, and his fantastic advice on the best time to start your Kickstarter campaign.
Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. Mitch has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.
In this episode… What have you not done because you’re afraid of being judged? What have you not done because you don’t think you can do it? What have you not done because someone told you that you’re not good enough? What have you not done because everyone else is better than you?
In his 100 Day Artist Challenge, Mitch Bowler encourages you to answer these four questions. Once you discover what is preventing you from accomplishing your ultimate goals—both in your career and your personal life—you can begin your 100-day journey toward transformation and success.
In this week’s episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Mitch Bowler discusses his new 100 Day Artist Challenge. He explains how spending just one hour per day working toward your goals can make a huge impact on your career, your art, and your life. Mitch also talks about his personal journey to becoming an artist, the importance of overcoming the fear of failure, and how he wrote a book in just three weeks. Stay tuned to discover how to make the most out of your next 100 days!
Alexis Fedor is a performance artist, writer, and business developer living in New York City. She is the Founder of Artists In Business, a consulting company that provides online courses and group coaching for artists of all disciplines. With Artists in Business, Alexis helps artists create profitable online businesses by focusing on three major areas: clarifying their offers, identifying their ideal clients, and crafting a marketing plan that aligns with their artistic vision and mission.
In this episode… While all business owners face challenges when running their companies, artists experience a specific set of issues when starting their businesses. For many, these obstacles are based on the “starving artist” mindset, a belief system that holds artists back from achieving professional—and financial—success.
Alexis Fedor believes that by understanding how the individual pieces of starting a business fit together, artists can overcome their limiting beliefs and successfully grow their online businesses. That’s why she founded Artists In Business, a consulting company that helps artists of every discipline design businesses that thrive in revenue and purpose.
In this week’s episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Alexis Fedor, the Founder of Artists In Business, joins Mitch Bowler to discuss how she helps artists start successful online businesses. Alexis shares a story about an artist who overcame her limiting beliefs and went on to earn six figures. She also talks about her personal journey to success, the dangers of comparison, and why now is the best time to create an online business for your art. Stay tuned.
Marco Bucci is an artist and illustrator with over 15 years of experience in the film, TV, game, and print industries. After deciding to pursue a career in art, Marco studied classical drawing before moving on to painting and illustration. He has worked with Walt Disney Publishing Worldwide, LEGO, LucasArts, Mattel Toys, Fisher-Price, Hasbro, and more. Marco is also a passionate teacher and currently teaches a painting course at CGMA.
In this episode… Art is a culmination of the soul on a canvas. Because of this, many artists are eager to turn their love for art into a full-time career. But what if the foundation of creating art—drawing—is not where your strength lies?
According to Marco Bucci, who learned to draw later in life and still struggles with his draftsmanship, there are many routes to becoming a successful artist. He believes that the most important part is chipping away at your craft every day—no matter what form that takes.
In today’s episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Marco Bucci, an acclaimed painter and illustrator, sits down with Mitch Bowler to talk about what it means to be a full-time artist. Marco discusses how to create a productive work/life balance and the importance of solving the big problems one step at a time. He also explains that while drawing is essential for learning art, it does not have to define your road to success. Stay tuned.
Ian Roberts is a trained painter with over 40 years of experience; he first learned alongside his father, a landscape painter, when he was just 10 years old. Ian attended the New School of Art and the Ontario College of Art in Toronto, and he also studied figure painting in Florence, Italy. He has taught workshops on composition and art for more than 25 years and recently transitioned to teaching his lessons online. Ian is also the author of two books, Mastering Composition and Creative Authenticity.
In this episode… Creating art is a journey—one that is fraught with self-discovery, spirituality, and the quest for personal expression. To become a successful artist, you must find the balance between sharpening your skills and letting your artistic style run free. In fact, one might say that no artist is complete without this internal struggle; so how can you create art that is both authentic and skillful?
Ian Roberts has experienced his own journey of self-discovery while creating his complex yet simple paintings. For him, art is a byproduct of the experience an artist has while connecting to his or her craft. Ian continues to leave his mark on the art world by teaching his students how to connect with their art and discover their unique style, all while developing the skills necessary to succeed.
In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler joins painter Ian Roberts for an in-depth discussion on the value of creative authenticity and personal vision when building a career in art. You don’t want to miss Ian's expert strategies for designing an engaging composition, determining a painting’s center of interest, and mastering vertical and horizontal structure. Stay tuned.
Bruce Marion is a contemporary impressionist who specializes in creating compelling abstracted cityscapes, landscapes, and figurative and contemporary wildlife paintings. Bruce received his BFA from the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he studied with world-renowned artist Pat Nagel, as well as Lorser Feitelson, father of Post-Surrealism. Since then, Bruce has taught various courses and workshops to aspiring artists in the US, overseas, and online.
In this episode… What defines you as an artist? What separates you from your peers? Are you an illustrator, a graphic designer, a contemporary painter? When you listen to your heart, what does it tell you to pursue?
Bruce Marion, a contemporary impressionist, has built his career by experimenting with new mediums of self-expression. From illustration to abstract painting, Bruce has found his calling by combining a business mindset with a passion for fine art. Today, he uses his time and talent to inspire artists of all kinds to push their boundaries and follow their hearts.
Join host Mitch Bowler in this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast as he interviews contemporary impressionist Bruce Marion about his gradual transition to a career in fine art. Tune in as Bruce discusses his process of blending business with passion, how to learn from every artistic endeavor, and the importance of breaking out of your social and physical constraints when pursuing a career in art.
Iva Mikles is the Co-founder of Art Side of Life Studios and Mikles & Co. She is an experienced illustrator, digital media artist, art instructor, and host of the Art Side of Life Podcast. Iva has worked on countless projects with companies including LEGO and Procter & Gamble. She has spent the last three years building an online community where artists can learn the tips and tricks of the trade in order to start making money doing what they love most: creating art.
In this episode… Do you want to pursue a career in art, but don’t know how to make money doing so? According to digital media artist and entrepreneur Iva Mikles, there is much more potential for a successful career as an artist than you may have initially thought.
As the Co-founder of Art Side of Life Studios and Mikles & Co., Iva helps creators learn the skills and tactics necessary to make money with their art. Her advice is to start small and develop a daily habit that allows you to constantly grow and improve as an artist.
In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Iva Mikles, artist, illustrator, and art instructor, talks with host Mitch Bowler about how artists can successfully take their careers to the next level. Iva discusses the common mental roadblocks that artists face when pursuing a profitable career in art, and how to redefine your goals in order to start making money doing what you love. Stay tuned.
Mitch Bowler is the founder of Pencil Kings and the co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.
In this episode… As you stumble through life, you tend to realize your calling along the way. However, for many artists, this calling is often pushed to the side due to a lack of time, money, or support. Now, one question remains: Can you still be an artist without a degree from an art school?
According to artist and entrepreneur Mitch Bowler, the answer is yes! It’s never too late to study art, no matter how old you are. In fact, Mitch has found that there are four distinct life stages when most artists begin to take their craft seriously. With his companies, Pencil Kings and Evolve Artist, Mitch is helping artists in any stage get the skills and support they need to take their art to the next level.
In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, John Corcoran of Rise25 Media interviews host Mitch Bowler about why it’s never too late to start taking your art seriously. Mitch talks about the four stages of life when most artists take that next step, paying homage to his journey along the way. So what are you waiting for? Join this growing community of artists today!
Mitch Bowler is the founder of Pencil Kings and the co-founder of Evolve Artist. Mitch has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.
In this episode… Are you a dabbling creative that’s been dreaming about turning your art into a full-time career? Then it’s time to flip the switch!
We are so often afraid of taking the steps that will change our lives for the better. However, the only way to turn your dreams into reality is to take the plunge and learn the rest as you go. That’s why artist and entrepreneur Mitch Bowler created Pencil Kings and Evolve Artist. These programs help artists take their skills to the next level with hands-on learning and real-time feedback from artists that have already made the switch to success. So what are you waiting for?
In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, John Corcoran of Rise25 Media interviews host Mitch Bowler about how to flip the switch and transition from a creative dabbler to a professional artist. Tune in as they discuss the common catalysts that inspire artists to make the switch, the unmatched feeling of finally taking your craft to the next level, and how you can take the first step toward achieving your dream career today.
James Gurney is an artist and author best known for his painting guide, Color and Light, and his illustrated series, Dinotopia. James is also a popular lecturer at art schools, movie studios, and game companies, where he teaches his unique painting and illustration techniques. His artwork has been exhibited at renowned venues including The Smithsonian Institution, The Norman Rockwell Museum, and The Norton Museum of Art.
In this episode… Art is a process of self-realization, and with emerging techniques and technology, this process is always changing. According to author and artist James Gurney, in order for artists to continue to evolve with the industry, they must have the space to experiment, ask questions, and form their own ideas.
Throughout his long and successful career as an artist, James has created many of his own experiments in order to pioneer new ideas and techniques. This has allowed him to break barriers and leap past the constraints of the traditional art world. By asking questions and seeking results using new technology, James has made influential discoveries about how everything from color palettes to subject matter affect a work of art.
In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler interviews James Gurney, author and illustrator of Color and Light and Dinotopia, about his journey as an artist and the discoveries he has made along the way. Tune in as James discusses the importance of questioning traditional art concepts, the unique differences between digital and traditional art, and how emerging technology will change the art world as we know it.
Tom Ross is the founder and CEO of Design Cuts, the highest rated design marketplace in the world. Design Cuts offers the best quality digital assets, including fonts, graphics, brushes, and templates, at the most affordable prices online. Tom also mentors fellow creatives about how to improve their marketing via his three podcasts: The Honest Designers Show, The Honest Entrepreneur Show, and Biz Buds.
In this episode… Build it, and they will come, right? Wrong! This statement has become obsolete due to the overarching role that SEO and algorithms play in internet traffic. Now, in order to build a community online, you must work smarter, not harder.
Tom Ross, founder and CEO of Design Cuts, learned this the hard way. After a year of non-stop hustle put him in the hospital, Tom had to find better ways to attract followers and scale his business. Now, he uses this experience to help other creatives improve their marketing and build a dedicated online community.
In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler sits down with entrepreneur Tom Ross of Design Cuts to discuss the importance of balancing hard work and self-care when running a business. They talk about the challenges of scaling a company, how to build meaningful relationships with your community, and why you should embrace niching. Stay tuned.
Jennifer Priest is a prominent social media strategist, educator, and the owner of Smart Creative Social, a consulting and online education company that helps bloggers and business owners create social media strategies based on analytics and data. With over 17 years of experience as a digital entrepreneur, Jennifer has a unique understanding of the challenges that creatives and artists face when running an online business. She specializes in helping her clients generate massive traffic through Pinterest using her program, SMART Pin Pro.
In this episode… Do you want to drive more traffic to your site or online business with long-lasting and wide-reaching posts? Then it may be time to start using Pinterest.
According to online content strategist and educator Jennifer Priest, Pinterest is a “cash cow” that not enough artists and creatives are taking advantage of. With Pinterest, viewers can find an aggregate of information on the topic of their choice, no matter who posted it, or when. In other words, this platform is essentially the Google of the arts and crafts world.
In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler talks with Jennifer Priest, owner of Smart Creative Social, about using Pinterest to drive traffic to your online business or blog. Jennifer shares why she switched careers to start her digital business, how she found a way to stand out from the competition, and why Pinterest is her secret weapon for growing an audience and boosting sales. Stay tuned.
Tara Roskell is a freelance graphic designer and co-founder of Kick in the Creatives. She helps small businesses elevate their brands with the use of eye-catching graphics, expert logo designs, online video courses, and more. Tara has over 25 years of experience in the graphic design industry, and she has worked with both national and international clients.
Sandra Busby is a still-life artist and the co-founder of Kick in the Creatives. She has gained recognition for her work on glass and reflective surfaces, winning multiple awards for her traditional oil paintings. Along with Tara Roskell, Sandra is using her platform to encourage other artists to build a creative habit with Kick in the Creative’s monthly challenges.
In this episode… Art is art. It is messy, asymmetrical, innovative, and a reflection of the heart. Yet, most artists strive for perfection, constantly comparing themselves to those around them. According to artists Tara Roskell and Sandra Busby, these expectations and comparisons will only hold you back. Tara and Sandra believe that the beauty of art stems from letting yourself go and having fun with your creativity.
In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler interviews Tara Roskell and Sandra Busby, co-founders of Kick in the Creatives, about what drove them to join minds and create their monthly challenges for artists in their community. Tara and Sandra highlight how to get out of an artistic rut, why you should befriend an artist that you trust, and the importance of regaining your childlike fascination with the world. Stay tuned.
Donna Adi is a mixed media illustrator and the creative director for her brand. She is well known for her unique and recognizable style of illustration, which takes its inspiration from celebrity culture and has garnered her over 190k followers on Instagram. Over the past three years, Donna has worked on a variety of creative fashion and beauty campaigns, collaborating with clients ranging from Barbie to Dior to Nike
In this episode… What do you love about your art? Does it still bring you happiness, or have you fallen into the pitfall of comparison? Whether your art is loved by millions or just a few friends, the most important aspect of being a creator is creating something you are proud of. For Donna Adi, a renowned mixed media illustrator, it took some time to stop seeing other artists’ success as her failure. Now, she finds happiness creating art both for herself and for her 190k Instagram followers.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler interviews Donna Adi about the creative and mental process behind her well-known mixed media illustrations. Donna talks about what she learned from growing her Instagram following to almost 200k, how she stopped comparing herself to others, and why she takes time every day to do something she loves. Stay tuned.
John Wentz is a contemporary painter who was born and raised in San Francisco, California but now resides in Paris, France where he has spent the last eight years of his life exploring art and sound. His work draws inspiration from psychologist Carl Jung and several realism artists. In 2019, he was Artist in Residence at the Arthouse Holland/Project 1606 in Leiden, Netherlands. John is also the host of Lo-Fi Podcast, where he interviews artists, musicians, and actors to talk about their journey and their perception of art.
In this episode… Creating something new can be intimidating. Whether you are just starting or have been an artist for the last thirty years, the feeling remains the same. The desire to draw inspiration from your environment and place it on canvas lies dormant within all of us in some form of creative appeal, and for contemporary painter John Wentz, exploring his artistic voice on canvas with newly defined parameters to guide his art to new heights of distinction has been nothing but gratifying.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler interviews fellow artist John Wentz, a contemporary painter known for his deep tones and contemplative style, about exploring his style and self-taught art. John also discusses the importance of creating parameters to guide your creativity to new territories of exploration and why people need to re-evaluate how they approach stimulation. Stay tuned
Ryan Roy is an accountability coach and he is the owner of Justify or Just Do It Coaching which serves clients from all over the world. Ryan is also a speaker and he hosts the podcast, Be the Dad You Wish You Had. He has also authored a book named after his podcast, and he is committed to being a better father and helping others through parenthood. Ryan is heavily involved with his community and builds others up through action plans rather than mere words and the desire to see the next generation thrive.
Ryan is a husband and father of two boys, ages one and seven.
In this episode… Being a parent is a challenging job but it can also be extremely rewarding. You may lose track of your child's favorite toy or sock, but the quality time you spend with them will far outweigh trivial shortcomings. Helping your child to pursue and develop their passion can open doors to countless possibilities in their lives. Ryan Roy, author and host of Be the Dad You Wish You Had podcast, was raised in a single-parent household. And he says that if there was one takeaway from his childhood that he really holds on to today, it was the importance of spending quality time with your kids and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler talks with fellow podcaster and author of Be the Dad You Wish You Had, Ryan Roy. They discuss how parents can teach their kids to become better people, the importance of showing interest in the activities your child finds captivating, and how you can best support your child in pursuing his passion. Ryan also shares the value of spending time with kids and why it’s important to teach kids the value of process and passion early on. Stay tuned.
Carol Marine is an artist, having painted 3000 paintings since she began her quest to paint every day. She started painting daily in 2006, creating one small painting each day and posting and auctioning them online. Her work has encouraged others to pursue art and let their creativity shine. Carol is also the author of two books, Daily Painting and 100 Small Paintings. She and her husband have created a community of daily painters with over 1500 members to date.
In this episode… Art takes time to perfect. It is a slow process that requires dedication, commitment, and the will to try something new. Taking your art to the next level is no small feat, and this is what Carol Marine, artist and daily painter, realized in 2006 as she took up the quest to paint every day.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler interviews inspiring artist Carol Marine about how her journey in creating one small painting each day has encouraged others to showcase their own works. She shares her tips on overcoming creative blocks and treating the creation of your art like an obsession, and she also talks about her "aha" moments and getting back to painting after some time away. Stay tuned.
Scotty Russell is a podcaster, coach, artist, designer, speaker, and pizza enthusiast. He is the Founder and Creator of Perspective Collective, a company focused on teaching others how to utilize their time and creativity to make their side hustle profitable. Scotty went from working as a graphic designer in his day job to starting his own company using the knowledge he learned as an artist and as an entrepreneur.
In this episode… Having a side-hustle can be either liberating or extremely challenging, depending on your mindset and your goals. When your side-hustle has become a significant part of your life, it may be an indication to switch your focus and give it your full attention. Scotty Russell, owner and founder of Perspective Collective, is an excellent example of what happens when life takes an unfortunate turn with your nine to five, but your side-hustle has become its own thing.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler talks with fellow pizza enthusiast, artist, and podcaster, Scotty Russell, about the real possibility of turning your side-hustle into a business and how Scotty empowers artists to be entrepreneurs. Scotty also talks about the importance of investing in oneself and knowing what you want, and the 3 things that you need to have to achieve your goals. Stay tuned.
Allan McKay is an Emmy Award winner for his outstanding work in visual effects. He is a Los Angeles-based visual effects supervisor and technical director. Allan is responsible for the visual effects in Game of Thrones, Avengers Endgame, Evil Within 2, The Equalizer, Blade, Star Trek: Into Darkness, and many more. He has over 20 years of experience working with different studios, such as Blur Studio, Whoodoo Studios, and ProMotion Studios, early on in his career.
Allan McKay is a graduate of Queens College of Art, Griffith University, South Bank Campus.
In this episode… What does it take to follow your dreams as a creator? The irony of pursuing your dreams is that you may fail and yet that failure does not indicate the end of your journey but rather, a possible beginning. Allan McKay, an award-winning visual effects supervisor and technical director in Hollywood, California, explains how he started to pursue his dream at the age of 14 and discovered his interest in visual effects and the expansion of the field.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler talks with Emmy Award-winning VFX supervisor and technical director in Hollywood, Allan McKay, about visual effects and his desire to explore it further and share his passion about film and design with other people. Tune in as they talk about the importance of putting your best work forward, the benefits of measuring your progress, and how embracing failure can quite possibly lead to your success.
Zhiwan Cheung is a Fulbright Fellow, artist, video storyteller, and freelance web developer. His passion for art and desire to create has led him to connect with artists all over the world to tell their stories and relate art to culture. His art wishes to explore perspective, signs, and the space in which we aim to coexist with each other and nature. Zhiwan is also the host of the Seeing Color Podcast, where he invites other artists to talk about how they express their vision of the world through art as a medium.
Zhiwan earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Cornell University and his Master of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University.
In this episode… What does art mean to you? How do you relate to others through conversations around their craft and how culture affects the way we view each other? Zhiwan Cheung, a Fulbright Fellow, podcaster, and artist, dives into what it means to be an artist and what others sacrifice to follow their passion.
Zhiwan also says that apart from the challenges posed in conversations about art that involves gender, race, and class, there are also many misconceptions about art school and what path to take once you’re done with your art studies.
Join Mitch Bowler in this week's episode of Pencil Kings as he talks with fellow podcaster and artist, Zhiwan Cheung, of the Seeing Color podcast, about how to engage in honest conversations about art and about the importance of creating your vision of what you want your art to accomplish. He also talks about how he encourages artists to push beyond the boundaries, the common misconceptions people have about art school, and how to forge your path after you finish your art studies. Stay tuned.
Liron Yanconsky is an artist, author, creator, and a watercolor painter. Liron is from Israel and he has started multiple businesses focused on art and health, and it’s his personal mission to inspire several artists to spread and improve their craft without foregoing the quality of their dedication to art. Liron is the owner and founder of Liron Art LLC and Liron Yanconsky Books, both of which are dedicated to spreading and educating people who wish to follow their passion in art.
In this episode… What inspires us to follow our passion? And how can our passion change the lives of those around us? Art is one of the most diverse fields of study and exploration, and with so many resources at the tip of your fingers, it becomes easier to dive into your creative pursuits. Liron Yanconsky is an artist and an author, but above all, he is an educator who wishes to encourage others to pursue their passion and grow their craft.
In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler talks to Liron Yanconsky, founder of Liron Art LLC, and Liron Yanconsky Books where they discuss pursuing art and maintaining the quality of your art. Liron also talks about his passion for the arts, how he created his brand, and why he has chosen to connect with fellow artists and fans through social media. Stay Tuned.
Sandra Coan is an award-winning photographer, industry educator, and the best selling author of Crafting Your Ideal Light. She specializes in studio portraiture, artificial lighting, and fine art film photography. In addition to running her busy Seattle, Washington studio, Sandra Coan Photography, she also teaches photographers around the world how
to create a natural-looking light with strobes and flashes. She continues to inspire old and new photographers with her attention to detail and love for natural light photography.
In this episode… How does a teacher with thousands of dollars in student loans become an award-winning photographer and public speaker by pursuing her hobby as a side hustle? How does a small studio establish their brand without compromising their brand name or their quality? Sandra Coan, best selling author and passionate photographer, has established herself as an undeniable resource for those who are looking to hone their photography skills particularly for those who want to use natural light in their photos.
In this week's episode, Mitch Bowler talks to Sandra Coan, author of Crafting the Natural Light Look: The One-Light Approach to Creating Striking Portraits with a Strobe or Flash, about her journey from teacher to photographer. She also talks about how to build your brand and leave a distinguished impression amongst your clients, what natural light means and how to use it to capture incredible photos, and find out how her latest book can help you become better at photography. Stay Tuned.
Youngman Brown is the creator of Your Creative Push Podcast, where he interviews artists from all walks of life to tell their story and how they pursue the art they love. He has aired 350 episodes since the culmination of his project and has motivated hundreds of individuals to be creative in their own way. Youngman hopes to create an environment where artists can grow and connect with their fellow creatives.
In this episode… The art we choose to pursue has a way of breaking down walls and creating opportunities to connect with others. Art connects our community, and in the midst of a pandemic, we realize that taking the time to learn new things and building a community is an important part of being human existence. And Youngman Brown has made it his duty to help artists connect with each other, to build a community, and he wants to share inspiring stories of the many different artists who make up the vibrant world of art.
Join Mitch Bowler in this episode of the Pencil King Show as he talks with Youngman Brown, the host of Your Creative Push Podcast, about the various artists he has had the privilege of speaking with, the importance of community in the art space, and the most common struggles of artists on a daily basis. They also talk about Youngman’s podcast, his journey back to writing, and why he decided to embrace Youtube as a new platform for his passion and advocacies. Stay tuned.
Mitch Bowler is an artist and he is the founder of Pencil Kings, a company that helps artists hone their skills and develop their craft. He is also the co-founder of Evolve Artist Training, a program meant to help creatives develop their professional art skills. Mitch has worked for more than two decades with various artists and has worked behind the scenes for companies such as Pixar, Activision, Marvel, and Dungeons and Dragons.
In this episode… Taking the time to hone your art skill without the right resources can be extremely difficult. While there are plenty of guides and manuals on how to draw, finding the proper structure that compliments your learning style and furthers your skill is what Mitch Bowler aims to do. And this is exactly why he founded Pencil Kings, to help young artists embrace and enhance their artistic ability and open up doors for them in the colorful world of the arts.
Join Mitch Bowler, host of the Pencil Kings podcast, as he talks about his journey and his passion for the arts with John Corcoran of Rise25. Mitch talks about growing up without mentors but still being able to find ways to further his craft, why he’s so intent on transforming art education, and how people can pursue art wherever they are with whatever means they have. Stay Tuned.
Mitch Bowler is an artist and he is the founder of Pencil Kings, a company that helps artists hone their skills and develop their craft. He is also the co-founder of Evolve Artist Training, a program meant to help creatives develop their professional art skills. Mitch has worked for more than two decades with various artists and has worked behind the scenes for companies such as Pixar, Activision, Marvel, and Dungeons and Dragons.
In this episode... What was the first thing you remember drawing? Was it a toy truck, your parents, or scribbles left up to interpretation? Perhaps you continued to draw to gain experience in one of the most diverse industries? Or maybe you didn't like your art and decided to focus on other things until you found yourself wanting to explore your creative prowess? Regardless of the reason, you have decided to pursue art in its many mediums, and choosing which one to go for may be a bit confusing. Mitch Bowler hopes to help solve these questions of what to do next and how you should learn and include the lessons you learn in art into your professional space.
Join Mitch Bowler, host of the Pencil Kings podcast, as he talks about his journey and passion for the arts with John Corcoran of Rise25. Tune in as Mitch discusses the different avenues for people to learn and hone their skills and talents in the arts, the importance of using the right tools, and how having a mentor can be a big boost to aspiring artists.
Lauren Panepinto is the Vice President & Creative Director at Orbit Books at Hachette Book Group, and in this episode, we'll deep dive into what it takes to break into the world of book illustration, and as you'll learn it's not always about being 'the best artist' in the room.
There's so much info jam-packed into this that if you're looking to get into book covers I suggest that you take notes throughout the entire interview because this is your blueprint.
00:38 - What does really 'getting out there' look like for a book cover art director
01:49 - How Lauren approaches portfolio reviews to help artists get clarity on what their next steps could look like
03:44 - Info on the cheat sheet guides that Lauren helped put together to instruct artists on their next steps
05:11 - How did you get into the world of art directing, and what does a book cover art director do?
11:27 - What does an art director look for in a portfolio that artists might not be thinking about?
15:55 - How to start building a portfolio specifically for book covers (and why including type in your work often makes it look worse)
22:14 - What catches Lauren's eye when she's looking at a portfolio so you can stand out?
26:38 - Which books do you recommend to get a good sense of the best work that you can use to research and inform your own style?
29:20 - Why subject matter knowledge is more important than technical skills as an artist
31:35 - How to make life easier for the art director (and increase your chances of getting hired over and over again)
38:41 - Advice for the first phase of your career in book covers, before you land your first job
40:43 - How much of a difference is it when you meet someone who could hire you in person vs just emailing someone quarterly updates
Check Out Lauren on the Web:
Web: http://www.laurenpanepinto.com/
Twitter: @Planetpinto
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.panepinto
Instagram: @planetpinto
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/planetpinto/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenpanepinto
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Marc Scheff - https://www.marcscheff.com/
Artistacon - https://www.artistacon.net/
Drawn and Drafted - http://www.drawnanddrafted.com/
Art Business Bootcamp PDFs (Lauren & Marc's artist cheat sheets) https://gumroad.com/drawnanddrafted
Make Your Art Work - https://www.makeyourartwork.com/
Orbit Books - https://www.orbitbooks.net/
Jon Schindehette - https://theartorder.com/
Richard Anderson - https://www.artstation.com/flaptrapsart
Donato Giancola - https://donatoarts.com/
Looking for a fun, easy-going approach to learning art?
http://www.pencilkings.com
Want to learn to create realistic artwork?
http://www.pencilkings.com/evolve
Grab Mitch's Book:
Digital Artist Career Blueprint Physical Book: https://amzn.to/2VmUybF
EBook: https://amzn.to/2Xo4P9g
Cindy Hohman from ArtMarketingProject.com helps artists market and sell their work by showing them how to be effective and efficient with marketing and empowering them to take the reins themselves. In addition to working with artists one on one she also teaches marketing at the university level.
She works with a large range of artists from abstract artists to those working in illustration and photography.
3:30 - How does your marketing advice apply to artists in different markets?
6:47 - A lot of skills in life come down to 10% learning and 90% doing, but have you found this also to be true when it comes to marketing?
09:20 - Using strategy, so you're not spinning your wheels and doing things that feel icky
11:10 - How to help artists through the paralyzing fear of having too many options
15:04 - Discussing the size of the artist's audience and how that can affect (or not) the ideas of bringing new projects and products to market
17:05 - How to start building an audience (both with and without social media)
25:17 - The main way Cindy works with and helps artists... by getting them to do the things they know they should, but are procrastinating on
31:40 - Exploring the idea of the artist mindset
34:25 - Who are the right types of artists to work with Cindy to help improve their marketing?
35:52 - How can artists stand out and have their work be seen?
Ever since meeting Derek I've been fascinated by his lifestyle and willingness to explore, discover and continually reinvent himself.
As a comic book creator, father, photographer, traveler, bodybuilder... there's just so many different interesting angles and I always love keeping up to hear what Derek has been up to recently.
6:07 - Derek catches us up on what's been going on since the last time we talked when he had just left on a road trip to 'be more one with nature'
14:10 - Travelling through Death Valley and rescuing someone from a burning truck
16:44 - Earning an income while on the road and being 'irresponsible' while having the trip of a lifetime
18:40 - How traveling together can test and grow your relationship
20:18 - Making money with Pokemon Go and how that experience taught him that money isn't everything, and how Derek is making money now on Craigslist
27:02 - What happened after the trip, and how Derek is finding creative fulfillment through Photography after so many years spent working as a comic book creator
36:25 - As someone who was interested in and working on comics before, and knowing what you know now, what would you tell your former self about comic books specifically?
41:10 - Advice to wannabe comic creators
43:57 - Pivoting and creating new creative projects to stay inspired
Arthur Haywood is working to creating art that inspires people to learn and want to read about the stories behind what the viewer sees. He is a classically trained painter and has created an incredible body of work for his book, The Great Library.
In this interview, we talk about Arthur's journey and how he learned from several different schools to develop the skillset he now has.
1:30 - How Arthur and Mitch met at Artistacon when Arthur was showing his book of work
2:55 - Arthur describing his book covering scholars from the ancient library of Alexandria and what inspired him to undertake such an ambitious project
7:00 - How video games can allow us to get a glimpse into the past and experience locations like the Great Library of Alexandria
8:52 - Arthur discusses the time it takes to create his paintings which are done in the classical style
11:00 - Discussing the time it takes to create great work and the mental shift that has to happen to fully understand the art-making process
25:00 - The difference between "Owning" knowledge vs only having theory
29:50 - What's next for Arthur
Links mentioned in this Episode:
Artistacon: https://www.artistacon.net
Grand Central Atelier: https://grandcentralatelier.org
Maryland Institute College of Art: https://www.mica.edu
Caimbridge Street Studios: http://www.cambridgeststudios.com
Check out more of Arthur’s Work at:
Web: http://www.arthurhaywood.com
Arthur's Book, The Great Library: http://www.arthurhaywood.com/p/the-great-library.html
Looking for a fun, easy-going approach to learning art?
http://www.pencilkings.com
Want to learn to paint like Arthur?
http://www.pencilkings.com/evolve
Grab Mitch's Book:
Digital Artist Career Blueprint Physical Book: https://amzn.to/2VmUybF
EBook: https://amzn.to/2Xo4P9g
Rayna was stuck for 15 years... and then 3 questions changed everything.
The questions allowed her to see her life from a completely different view allowing all kinds of amazing opportunities to come her way and now she helps other artists do the same.
This fascinating conversation continues on with the creative coaches we've been speaking with to dig even deeper and see just how crucial your mindset is to everything you do.
If you’ve felt like you’ve been held back, or that everyone else around you is making easier progress your own mind could be the only thing holding you back. As you listen to this episode ask yourself where you may have your own mindset blocks that need attention.
Highlights:
1:07: Rayna's Introduction
2:19: How do you explain mindset and how has changing your own mindset led to better results in your life?
4:38: How long did you stay stuck with a mindset that was holding you back?
10:05: When you switched your mindset after 15 years, did the change stick?
12:58: How to get past the firm belief that anything in life worth doing requires hard work?
17:06: Using your mindset to allow for more time in your life so you can be in flow and allow things to happen naturally
21:28: Moving past judgment of yourself and of others to be creatively free
23:29: Does your mindset allow you to only bring good people and work into your life?
28:20: An example of where mindsets can be created as a child and stick with you for your entire life
30:20: An example of what happens when an artist switches their money mindset issue
33:46: What stops us from moving forward towards our goals even when we know it's safe?
Links mentioned in this Episode:
The Big Leap Book: https://amzn.to/2U1DfzL
Check out more of Rayna’s Work at:
Web: https://www.flowcoachingforartists.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flow_coaching_for_artists/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Flowcoachingforartists/
Looking for a fun, easy-going approach to learning art?
http://www.pencilkings.com
Want to learn artistic mastery?
http://www.pencilkings.com/evolve
Grab Mitch's Book: Digital Artist Career Blueprint
Physical Book: https://amzn.to/2VmUybF
EBook: https://amzn.to/2Xo4P9g
In this episode, Mitch talks about how you feel about the art that you are making and why if you aren't loving it, you could be in for a very rocky road.
But even if you don't love it and still want to do it there is hope!
The reason why it's important to realize this is that the people who really love what they are doing are actually quite rare, and this love can take you very far in any direction you want.
However, where it gets dangerous is when you are the person who doesn't have the love for what you are doing and you are taking advice from someone who does have the love and passion... in this case, no matter what you try to do to follow the advice it's going to be very difficult because you're missing the key ingredient - LOVE!
But what if you don't have or can't find the love?! Does this mean you should just give up? Not at all! If this is you, then you can use careful selection to find the program that will give you the end result you want or keep trying different creative projects until you find one that lights you up.
Highlights:
1:00 - Needing a foundation before any art advice can be applied to yourself
2:30 - Understanding the journey to find what you love in art
4:45 - Try different creative areas quickly and painlessly to find the one you love without spending any money
6:57 - How to determine if you love something or not by trying several different things
14:19 - The difference between people who have a love for their craft and everyone else
15:32 - When you try to do creative work, do yourself a favor and turn off your phone to avoid distractions
16:47 - How to become a working professional if you don't have or can't find the love?
20:28 - How to use the Digital Artist Career Blueprint book to chart your own creative career path
Links mentioned in this Episode:
Looking for a fun, easy-going approach to learning art?
http://www.pencilkings.com
Want to learn artistic mastery?
http://www.pencilkings.com/evolve
More Videos and Interviews!
http://www.pencilkings.com/show
Digital Artist Career Blueprint – Get your copy today!
Physical Book: https://amzn.to/2VmUybF
EBook: https://amzn.to/2Xo4P9g
This interview with Catherine Orer from theArtistEntrepreneur.com was like a rapid-fire Question and Answer session all around the topic of how do you take the next steps to build a viable art career. You'll also learn how artists make the process harder than it needs to be so you can get onto the fast track instead of being stuck.
If you feel like you aren't making progress OR if you've always wondered what your next step should be - listen up because it's all covered in this interview!
Catherine helps artists all over the world develop their entrepreneurial strategy which goes far beyond just selling their art. She works with artists on their long term vision and then helps them to turn that vision into reality.
One idea that has come up several times in past interviews is 'going all-in' on your art. While that may be the fastest way, it's certainly not the only way. Going all-in makes sense when you have a clear vision, a proven plan and the support network to make it all happen. However, without those key pieces it can be a tough road and as you'll hear - it's completely OK to take it slower.
If you're just starting out here are your next 3 action steps, it's right at 21:38:
- Get a consistent body of work
- Figure out what your story is
- Look at who is around you and start surrounding yourself with the right people who can support your vision and journey
Highlights:
2:50 - How artists have a blind spot that is keeping them back from being able to make forward progress
5:00 - How to start challenging everything you do, so you can start getting different results
6:40 - The biggest hurdles that keep artists from growing
9:20 - What roadblocks to we are artists create for ourselves to prevent us from being able to really 'lean in' to the life that we want
14:45 - Why treating your art like you treat your day job often leads to poor results
15:35 - Why artists are so good at making their journey into a confusing mess
17:40 - The difference between creative and technician work
21:38 - What are the first steps for someone to take who has never sold or shown any of their work, but aspires to grow as an artist
31:20 - How to explain your story as an artist, and what to do if you think you have nothing interesting to say
37:00 - Quick recap of the 3 action items to take the next step with your art career
38:54 - Details on Catherine's upcoming workshop on March 14: "How to grow your art business in 2019 without sacrificing your creative practice"
Links mentioned in this Episode:
You won't be getting a Medal for this: http://theartistentrepreneur.com/blog/2017/1/21/you-wont-be-getting-a-medal-for-this
Simon Sinek: Start with Why - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA
The Artist's Way Julia Cameron: https://amzn.to/2Hf9bKi
Check out more of Catherine’s Work at:
Web: http://theartistentrepreneur.com
Resources: http://theartistentrepreneur.com/resources-library
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherineorer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartistentrepreneurcoach
Lab: http://theartistentrepreneur.com/lab
** March 14, 2019 Workshop: http://bit.ly/2ITNC4m
Looking for a fun, easy-going approach to learning art?
http://www.pencilkings.com
Want to learn artistic mastery?
http://www.pencilkings.com/evolve
Grab my Book: Digital Artist Career Blueprint
Physical Book: https://amzn.to/2VmUybF
EBook: https://amzn.to/2Xo4P9g
Suzanne Redmond has been interviewing artists for the Left Brain Artist Podcast just like we do with the Pencil Kings show and in this episode of the show she comes on to share a lot of the wisdom she has gained.
Formerly being an accountant, Suzanne brings an interesting voice to the creative conversations because she has the business background that when combined with artists can see things in a different light.
You'll learn from 3 separate stories Suzanne has discovered where artists are using to live more creatively, as well as how she approached the huge project of getting her podcast off the ground and how you can use the same framework for any project you would like to start.
Highlights:
0:30 - Why Instagram is so good for artists
1:30 - Where the idea for the Left Brain Artist podcast came from and how Suzanne went from being an accountant to getting heavily involved with artists
5:32 - Suzanne's excellent mini artist-business episodes
9:34 - What are some of the big insights you've had from your interviews that you can share with the Pencil Kings audience?
9:50 - How to get back into art by setting a goal to make one piece of 7 days
12:01 - Thinking outside the box to come up with creative ways to overcome financial challenges as an artist
14:04 - Finding other ways to generate income with your art other than simply selling what is on the canvas
17:30 - How changing your thoughts on what you can sell can lead to new, more lucrative ideas
23:27 - How to break into new types of art (for example doing murals) by collaborating with or simply helping out other artists by offering to be an assistant
24:34 - Overcoming the challenges of taking on a big personal project and in the process becoming an expert in the process
34:00 - When you're approaching a project you've never done before how do you estimate and plan your time?
Links mentioned in this Episode:
Wellington Art Society - http://www.wellingtonartsociety.org
Jennifer Love Gironda - https://www.jenniferlovegironda.com
Carrie Schmitt - http://www.carrieschmittdesign.com
Craig McInnis - https://www.craigmcinnis.com
Check out more of Suzanne’s Work at:
Left Brain Artist Podcast: https://suzanneredmond.com
Suzanne's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneredmondart
Looking for a fun, easy-going approach to learning art?
http://www.pencilkings.com/join
Want to learn artistic mastery?
http://www.pencilkings.com/evolve
Grab my Book: Digital Artist Career Blueprint
Physical Book: https://amzn.to/2VmUybF
EBook: https://amzn.to/2Xo4P9g
This episode was originally recorded in early 2018 and has just been released. In this episode, Mike Mattesi and Mitch explore different ideas for the future of art education, how to focus and how niching-down can lead to becoming world-renowned.
Highlights:
2:00 - What's new at DrawingForce.com
4:00 - Thinking forward to using VR in the classroom and teaching his method without being in the same classroom
7:30 - A business idea for the evolution of model photography and reference for artists
10:10 - Where are you seeing students having the most success in the 'new' virtual format of distance learning
18:18 - The challenge of millennials and motivation
25:00 - The fear of going niche vs trying to do everything
27:35 - Using style to really stand out as an artist
32:00 - The idea of being a world-renowned artist and focusing on just one thing
35:20 - How to accomplish the most important things in your life when you have a big list of things to accomplish
38:30 - Laserbeams vs floodlights in drawing, art, and life
Links mentioned in this Episode:
Brian Fraud - http://www.worldoffroud.com/
Richard Mcdonald - https://richardmacdonald.com/
Check out more of Mike’s Work at:
http://www.DrawingForce.com
More Pencil Kings Podcast Episodes:
http://www.PencilKings.com/show
Looking for a fun, easy-going approach to learning art?
http://www.pencilkings.com
Want to learn artistic mastery?
http://www.pencilkings.com/evolve
Sand is known to the other Evolvers as having a unique ability for keeping the live homework rooms always full of energy and she did not disappoint in this interview!
We covered a lot of ground in this episode talking about education, life as a working professional and the passion and drive it takes to make it as a full-time creative.
For me, the big insight from Sand was exploring those who choose art as a career vs those who create art for a hobby. I was never able to understand why people who were 'better' than I was at art would choose what seemed to me like a career path that would be unfulfilling, but Sand helped me to really understand why this is, and it completely makes sense.
For some of us the goal is creative expression but that is just our goal, and each person has their own goals an motivations... for example if your goal is safety, security and high pay, then choosing a creative career could seem really scary compared to other options.
To put it another way... there are a lot of people who enjoy singing and playing instruments who have no intention of ever being in a band or performing. This doesn't mean they can't still enjoy music and even be amazingly skilled at it - it's just that their goals and priorities aren't in alignment with being a professional musician.
Highlights:
07:45 - Accidentally walked into a workshop on animation which completely set Sand on a new direction
08:22 - What parents really think when you tell them you want to pursue a creative path
09:40 - What the animation college taught Sand, and how she filled in the gaps with her education
11:50 - Physical depression from not making art
12:20 - The dark side of college (designed to take your money)
17:19 - 5 Second shorts and becoming an artist who loves the craft so much they desire to learn everything they can about it
19:48 - Why it's so important to create your own projects and do the work you most want to do
22:40 - Why travel and networking is so important for artists, especially those wanting to work in the entertainment industries
26:23 - What pushed you to start with Evolve?
41:00 - Exploring the idea that artists absolutely must create (or risk extreme unhappiness)
45:56 - What is your strategy for getting your artwork done?
51:00 - Why there aren't any shortcuts in art - at some point you have to lean in and earn the experience
55:00 - What advice would you give to someone who just started with Evolve today?
59:00 - Exploring the difference between the creative path and other less creative ways of living *This question was a real eye-opener for me personally to help explain why us creatives do what we do, and why people who have high creative skill don't end up doing anything with it.
1:06:48 - The best part about making art is that you don't lose out when you make art
1:07:39 - Best places to find Sand online
@sandmcunicorn - industry-specific
@pudgypudymcunicorn - Youtube, twitch and hobbies and philosophy
@spookymcunicorn - horror and macabre
Want to learn serious art skills? Check out: http://www.pencilkings.com/evolve
Looking for a fun, easy-going approach to art? Check out: http://www.pencilkings.com
Jan rediscovered her love of art when she found some old paints at a garage sale. The last time she had done any art was when she was 6 years old and took an art class for a month.
Those newly acquired paints brought art back into Jan’s life, but even though she was enjoying learning to paint on her own she wanted the mentorship and system to follow to take things to a whole other level to really see how far she could go with her art.
That’s when she first heard about the Evolve program, but like many people, she believed that the program was too good to be true.
She thought it was silly to think of herself as a more serious artist, and that’s when her husband encouraged her to go for it.
Since starting, Jan has been flying through the program and hasn’t looked back.
In this interview, you’ll learn:
- How she’s able to always find time for her art
- Why she was reluctant to show her art to the other students
- How painting gives Jan a blissful feeling that keeps her motivated and moving forward
Highlights:
1:20 - What did your art study look like before the program?
3:50 - How did you get back into art?
5:20 - Jan heard about Evolve but thought it was too good to be true
6:25 - Why Jan almost didn't sign up
8:05 - What does your family think of your work now?
10:27 - Explaining the bliss feeling that comes when making art
12:30 - What Jan is looking forward to painting
14:40 - When you're not making art, how are you spending your time?
15:30 - What is your strategy for getting things done?
23:30 - What do to if you think you have no time
24:47 - What would you tell someone who just started with Evolve to inspire them?
29:10 - Why were you reluctant to share your work?
Are you interested in learning to paint together with Jan and Mitch?
For details on the Evolve Program:
https://pencilkings.com/evolve
For more podcast episodes:
https://www.pencilkings.com/show
Daniel never dreamed that he would create realistic oil paintings.
In fact, he has never taken any art classes before participating in the http://www.EvolveArtist.com program.
In this interview, you can see how far he has come in just a few months.
What's interesting about Daniel's journey is that while he is creative; he is first and foremost a musician and had never considered developing the skills to become a visual artist.
He will show you how even though art isn't the main passion he is still managing to find a place for art in his life, and receiving the calm and relaxing benefits that come with making art. He also stresses the importance of having a system to follow that allows for confidence to be built naturally.
Highlights:
3:40 - What's your motivation for doing art?
5:22 - How do your skills compare to the other students in the program?
7:20 - What makes Daniel's choice of subject matter special, and examples of his work
10:30 - How are you feeling when you sit down to do a painting?
13:20 - Having a system for art takes away the fear
14:30 - What's your strategy for time management and getting time to study art?
20:05 - What would you tell someone who started Evolve today to inspire and help them get started?
22:20 - Once your skills are at a professional level, what are you looking forward to creating?
To see the entire curriculum Daniel is following and join the program, visit http://www.EvolveArtist.com
Have you always wanted to create art that gets noticed, but not sure if you have the talent to make it happen?
If so, you'll love Michael's story as he is currently working through Block 4 of the Evolve Artist program (http://www.evolveartist.com) where students have learned the skills necessary to create professional level illustrative paintings.
In this interview, he will tell you that talent has nothing to do with it because it's all about putting in the work which makes even the highest levels of art attainable to anyone with the desire to learn.
When Michael started with Evolve Artist just over a year ago, he wasn't sure if it would work for him, but he knew that this could be his last real shot at being able to learn the skills that would give him the ability to create the work that he really wanted to make.
Throughout his life, he always had a creative calling and had tried a number of different ways to learn and improve but was never quite happy with where he was with his art.
He made that fateful decision to join Evolve a year ago and now he couldn't be happier.
Michael has the same challenges as most other students... there's family commitments, work commitments, and even travel commitments, but he's prioritized his painting and his results are now clearly on display for anyone to see.
This is the third interview we've had with students in the Evolve program and there are patterns starting to emerge:
- Every student has had a friend or family member want to hire them to create a piece of art (well before they are finished the program)
- Every student made the commitment to do the work
- None of the students claim to have any special talent or ability that's allowed them to develop the mastery they are showing with their work.
So if you've always wanted to learn to create head-turning artwork, and have the willingness to put in the work, there's nothing really stopping you from taking the next step to create your own artistic legacy.
Follow Michael's Progress here: https://www.instagram.com/michaelrayart/
Join Michael in Evolve Artist: http://www.evolveartist.com
Kristen's college professor told her she couldn't draw and after 10 years of believing that lie, she was inspired by the idea of showing her own work at an art convention.
The only problem was that she was starting literally from the beginning.
To get started with her art, she joined several different online courses and programs but kept running into the same problem...
The courses she was trying to learn from were too far ahead of where she needed to be. She lacked the foundation that would allow her to move forward and access the knowledge in the courses.
So she kept going backward to uncover the simplest techniques that would allow her to truly start right from the absolute beginning and in doing so realized the real first step she needed was learning how to hold the pencil.
About the same time as she had this realization to go back to the very beginning she began hearing about the Evolve program which promised to teach everything an aspiring art student would need - even how to hold the pencil.
But committing to something like this can be scary - unless you have one key insight that has been such a big part of Kristen moving so quickly through the program.
So what's Kristen's secret?
She knew that she could put in the work. If learning art came down to talent or having a special gift then it wouldn't work for her - but if all she had to do was follow the plan; she knew Evolve was something she could do.
After joining she got to work and has been handing in assignment after assignment, moving through the program without any hint of slowing down.
Just to give you an idea of how quickly she's been moving here's Kristen's timeline:
January: Got inspired by the desire to create work for an art convention
March: Joined online courses and realized she needed to go back to discover a true starting point
May: Joined Evolve and got busy
December: Now working on professional level techniques and paintings
That's only 7 months from starting the program to now working on her first professional level pieces... all beginning with learning how to first hold the pencil and then applying herself every day to continue moving forward to her goal.
Meet Peggy Durant - Community Superstar and student at Evolve Artist: http://evolveartist.com
Peggy is on a great path and people are starting to take notice of her amazing artistic progress, but it wasn't always like this.
About a year ago she had fallen off with her art practice and went for 8 months with doing very little. As good as her original intentions were; life can just seem to get in the way.
And her 4 hour daily commute to work doesn't help... at 5 days a week that's 20 hours spent just on commuting. It's the equivalent of having a second job just so she could get to her full time job.
Time was tight and it was looking like Evolve was going to be just another art program that sounded good, but ended up just sitting in the corner collecting dust.
Up until this point Peggy's story was just like so many other aspiring artists.
Something happens and they put the pencil down for a day... which turns into a week... which turns into a month and before they know it - an entire year has gone by and they are in exactly the same position they were 12 months ago - being no more closer to fulfilling their dreams of being an artist.
But thankfully Peggy's story doesn't stop here...
After 8 months of inaction there was a spark... a simple question in the form of a challenge.
Could she finish her homework assignments faster than another student?
That's it - just a friendly race to the finish line.
But the real change had to come from within. The change happened when, "I'd like to learn to be an artist," was replaced with "I'm going to be an artist."
That's all it took to ignite the spark.
However even though Peggy had made the decision to commit to her art, the world didn't take notice. The people around here still weren’t convinced that she would make any progress, and her co-workers didn't notice anything different.
So she got to work and after getting a little momentum she found her art was filling a void formerly crowded with activities that used to eat up all her time like shopping and going for social activities.
All of a sudden she had more time for art than those other activities, and the even bigger shift was that she was getting so much energy from doing her art she didn't want to stop.
She just kept going making as much progress as she could while still taking the 4 hours each day to get to and from her full time job.
It didn't take long for her internal fire to start burning bright as her dedication began to pay off. She could see her results and was enjoying her art at a deeper level with each assignment completed.
And then the people around her started to notice as well. Her daughter came around and said "Mom, now I believe it - you are an artist" and her co-workers are in disbelief at her new skills which seemed to just magically come from nowhere… one of them even wants to commission her to do a work.
But these skills didn’t just magically appear one day... it's simply what Peggy loves to do and all it took was a little bit of an initial push to rediscover how much she really loves art so that she could get to the point to make the commitment to herself - to finally do this and turn a lifelong love and dream into a new reality for herself.
This is just the beginning of Peggy's story... she had never picked up a paint brush (not even to paint a wall!) just 2 months before, and now she is currently working on painting her first portrait.
It's true - Peggy is a star inside the community and her personality and enthusiasm make her unique... but when it comes to her art she is seeing the same results as the other students in the Evolve Artist program were anyone can follow the same step by step process to see the same transformation as Peggy.
And it all started with a little bit of action.
Full Video Interview Here: https://youtu.be/sXgNISJYdDQ
If you know someone who has always dreamed of being an artist like Peggy, we invite them to visit http://www.evolveartist.com where we help regular people develop the skills and experience to create anything they want without limitation.
As the head instructor at Evolve Artist, Piper Talladay oversees all student homework submissions. She makes sure everyone is kept to the highest standards of the program while still moving ahead at a good pace and encouraged at each step of the way.
She also has another career building her Equine Art business where she paints the portraits of horses. She uses her love of animals and especially horses to capture the special bond that humans and horses share.
This first episode of the Evolve Artist interview series will take you behind the scenes to meet some of the faces of the program and meet your fellow students.
Piper's Website: https://www.pipertalladay.com/
For more information on Evolve Artist please visit: http://EvolveArtist.com
A little over two years ago the original idea for the Evolve Artist program was first discussed. It took a long time to go from the initial idea of taking the proven art curriculum Kevin was using in his school to getting the knowledge online and everything ready so it could be delivered into the hands of students anywhere in the world.
It's now been a little bit over a year since the very first students have started and they are now moving into learning the same techniques that Kevin possessed at the height of his illustration career.
There were a lot of challenges to get over, especially in the beginning and the good news is the results of the home students are getting are every bit as good as the students inside Kevin's brick-and-mortar school.
The Evolve Artist program is special is because it's blending experience (the amount of time students take to complete their assignments) together with knowledge, (the actual videos that students watch). It's only when these two components come together in the right amounts that students are able to move quickly, but at the same time build the confidence to fully own their journey as they develop as artists.
In a nutshell this means that as the students progress through the program they will become stronger until they will be able to take what they know and create anything they want, without any limitations.
In this interview Kevin and Mitch sit down and talk about everything they've learned in the past year as well as the results the current students are seeing. They also talk about the special materials from Old Holland that are used in the program and why these are so important for the development of the students.
As you'll see in the video, both of the program creators are extremely excited about the consistent results the Evolve Artist students are receiving and what this means for art education in general. Really, this is just the beginning of a much broader movement to bring technical mastery to anyone in the world that wants to learn it both quickly and affordably – even if they are starting right from the beginning.
It is going to be extremely exciting watching the further development of this program and seeing the amazing results of the students are able to achieve as they continue through the program.
Learn how Kevin Murphy has been helping complete beginner artists consistently win awards and scholarships. If you've always wanted to learn, or have been trying to learn for years with limited success his program could be the answer you have been looking for.
After a much needed break, we're back and here's what's been happening the past few months while we've been focusing on developing the new generation of art education with the Evolve program.
It's one thing to create a beautiful work of art that's rendered to perfection, but it's an entirely different challenge to express complex ideas with your art.
Today we talk with Dorian Vallejo and explore how he approaches his paintings and the thought process that goes into applying deeper meaning to your art.
We'll also touch on why being comfortable in a career can hold you back, and what it really means to live a fully-engaged life as an artist.
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“You have to be true to yourself, you have to have 100% commitment. If you’re gonna do it, you’ve just gotta do it. You can’t half hit the mark.” ~ Matt B Lewis.
Becoming a children’s book illustrator is a dream for many artists, but how can you turn this dream into reality and actually make a decent living from it?
In this week’s podcast, Australian children’s book illustrator, Matt B Lewis, reveals how he eventually decided to take the plunge and go freelance after 18 years as a civil servant - a totally unrelated career.
Although he never went to art school, Matt has always drawn every single day. And, one day in 2017, he decided to see if he really could turn his hobby into a viable career.
Having enrolled in the Illustration Lighthouse program in September 2016, he’d already realized how important it is to find the one thing you love doing most and concentrate on that.
So that’s exactly what he did. And, by October, he’d already written, illustrated and published his first book, Monsters in the Garden - a gift to his young daughter.
Another picture book for his son followed in February 2017, by which time Matt felt ready to start taking his new creative career to the next stage.
But how exactly did he go about doing this? You’ll find out in this week’s inspiring podcast interview.
Highlights From This Podcast:
- Why being self-taught needn’t be a barrier to your art career
- Why concentrating on the one thing you love doing most is so important
- How to find out about networking events in your local area
- Why determination and putting yourself out there are key factors in your success
- Why having a portfolio to show to prospective clients is crucial
- How to study and develop your skills as an artist
- How to quit the day job and finally start doing what you’ve always wanted to do.
Show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“In Canada, as soon as you write down and you create the comic strip and you put pen to paper, you have author rights - right from that point of the creation.”
~ Paul Lomic.
Ever wondered how to copyright artwork?
If you’re an artist, illustrator or any other kind of creative, there will most likely come a point in your career when you feel the need to protect your work and prevent others using it without your permission.
After all, in recent years, there have been several high profile cases of large companies such as clothing giant H&M using another artist’s work without giving them due credit, and it can be intimidating (and potentially very expensive) for an individual creator to take on the big boys.
So what can you do to protect your Intellectual Property (IP) and make sure your ideas are safe from larger predators?
Step forward IP and social media lawyer, Paul Lombic - an expert in helping individuals and small businesses protect themselves from unauthorized use of their creations.
In this week’s podcast interview, he explains how copyright law varies from country to country, and how all creatives can get essential advice on how to copyright artwork for much less than you might think.
Highlights From This Podcast:
- Why, in Canada, your author rights begin as soon as you put your idea down on paper
- A quick, easy and completely free way to prove you created something first
- The complex area of trademarks and how to avoid copyright infringement
- Why a free consultation with an IP lawyer can help point you in the right direction
- Why protecting your IP and learning how to copyright artwork from an early stage is so important
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“If you want your life to change and evolve a bit, sometimes you have to take a step into the unknown and see what happens. Because, if you don’t do anything, for sure you won’t have anything.” ~ Ladislas Chachignot.
Travel and living creatively often go hand in hand, with many artists all over the world moving to different countries to get inspiration and further their careers.
But what if you’re too scared to make that first step? And what actually happens when you take the plunge, move to a city in a different country and start trying to carve out a creative career for yourself?
In this week’s podcast, we speak to someone who’s done exactly that - freelance artist and Pencil Kings Community member, Ladislas Chachignot.
After a long career as a graphic designer in his native France, he decided to up sticks and move to Barcelona recently in a bid to meet more creative people, expand his horizons, and develop his career as an illustrator.
But how did he summon up the courage to take this huge first step…
And how is he managing to support himself and find new clients in this new environment?
You’ll find out in this honest, revealing and helpful interview about travel and living creatively...
Highlights From This Podcast:
- Why Ladislas spent time developing his skills as an artist before becoming a freelance illustrator
- How to use portfolio and social networking sites to attract more clients
- Why personal projects can be a great way to showcase your style
- How to get over the fear of making a big change in your life
- How to reach out to clients and keep going...even when you get rejected
- Why taking a risk can sometimes be the right thing to do
- Why travel and living creatively go hand in hand for many artists
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“Take the time and get at least one book done for yourself, because I just think it’s more impactful. When you go to these cons and you want to talk to people, if you hand them a finished book rather than a script or inked pages, that finished product is definitely something that’ll be an ace in your pocket.”
~ Ryan Onorato.
If you want to know how to start a comic book (but seriously don’t know where to begin), this week’s interview with illustrator, Ryan Onorato, should give you all the steps you need to get going.
Having recently completed his first comic series, the wonderfully bizarre Pizza Tree, he’s got plenty of great advice to share about promoting yourself at comic conventions, networking with people who can help, and that pesky dilemma of juggling a full-time job with making art.
So, if you’ve spent the past year talking about making a comic book (but never actually got round to actually, y’know, doing it), then this interview just might be the motivation you’ve been looking for.
And, if learning how to start a comic book has always been high on your list of artistic achievements, then there’s never been a better time to start putting those words into action.
Because, even if you only have two hours to spare each night, you’ll be amazed at what you can actually get done - just ask Ryan.
Highlights From This Interview:
- How to develop your own creative style while still being influenced by other artists
- How to take inspiration for your comic book from the things which interest you most
- Why networking and making contacts with other creatives can help make your project happen
- How Ryan’s first job at a screenprinting studio influenced his current work
- How to set yourself soft deadlines to get your project off the ground
- Why overcoming your shyness could be crucial to your success as an artist
- How to handle rejection and never, ever let it stop you in your tracks
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“If you’re painting the things that you are interested in, you’re probably going to have a better result than if you’re trying to satisfy what you think somebody else is expecting to see.”
~ David Palumbo.
Are you itching to learn how to make the art you want to make?
If you’re pursuing a creative career, putting together a portfolio which best represents your work can sometimes be tricky.
Should you add the personal projects where you felt like you were truly expressing yourself as an artist...or should you include the pieces you think potential clients want to see?
It’s a lesson that professional artist and illustrator, David Palumbo, learned early on in his career.
At the time, the trend in fantasy illustration was for highly-rendered detailed pieces, but there was just one problem…because that’s not the style David felt most comfortable working in.
And, after a prospective client gave David’s painting of a dragon some negative feedback, he had an important realization which would influence his entire career.
He decided to use his personal projects to explore the style of painting he enjoyed most...and he’s never looked back.
So, if you’re stuck in that awkward dilemma between making the art you really enjoy...or forcing yourself to produce something you think will be commercially successful, you’ll find lots of useful insights in this week’s interview to help you move forwards.
It’s a fascinating journey into the creative process, and a reminder that artists invariably produce their best work when they’re truly enjoying making it.
Highlights From This Interview:
- How to develop your own unique style through personal projects
- How to get back into making art after a hiatus
- Why using your spare time to prepare for the next project is so important
- Why working as a freelance artist isn’t for everyone
- Why networking with other artists is crucial to building a career as an artist
- Why you should never lose track of what really motivates you as an artist
- How not to let the market or clients dictate the kind of art you really want to make
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“You don’t need a publisher now to be successful. You don’t need the ‘gatekeepers’ any more. You don’t need to worry about the ‘gatekeepers’ any more. ” ~ Michael Dolce
Want to know how to break into comics?
Whether you’ve always wanted to write a graphic novel or illustrate pages for Marvel, DC or any other publishing house, this week’s podcast with Michael Dolce, creator of The Sire, has got the blueprint you need to get your project off the ground.
Having successfully launched numerous titles on Kickstarter and worked with a team of fellow artists over the years, he’s got plenty of experience in the industry and advice to share.
He’s been through all the highs and lows of breaking into the comics industry, from reaching out to publishers and handling rejection through to fine-tuning your passion project and seeing it sell in droves.
And now, in this revealing and insightful interview, he’s sharing his own action plan for success with you.
You’ll learn how he developed the concepts behind his comics and networked with other artists to help bring his projects, such as The Sire, Descendant and many other titles, to life.
And, you’ll also discover how to market yourself as an artist and attract a large following for your work by making sure your art gets seen by the right people.
Highlights From This Interview:
- How to self-publish your comics through funding campaigns on Kickstarter and Patreon
- Why it’s so important to make others aware of what you’re working on as an artist
- Why networking is such a huge factor in developing your career as an artist
- The realities of creating your own comic book and successfully launching your project
- Why it’s so important to see your art career as a business and think like an entrepreneur
- How to handle rejection and keep ploughing on regardless
- Why Mike’s radio show and podcast, Secrets of The Sire, now attracts major-league guests
- How to find other artists to work with...even if you have no connections
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“There is something in every one of us that is waiting for this motivation to arrive, that is waiting to be moved. Start scribbling if you don’t know what to do and allow this scribbling to continue. Because when new memories arise, novel ideas will also form. ”
~ Dr Srini Pillay.
Want to know how to unlock your creativity?
If you’ve ever made any art, you’ll be familiar with the feeling of getting into the ‘flow’ - that creative state of mind where time just seems to melt away and you reach an almost meditative state while drawing or painting.
But have you ever wondered what’s actually going on in your brain while you’re making art? And, is it possible to unlock your creativity and find inspiration more easily just by making a few simple changes to your lifestyle?
In this week’s interview, best-selling author and renowned psychiatrist, Dr Srini Pillay, talks about the research and experiences behind his new book, Tinker, Dabble, Doodle, Try.
You’ll hear some fascinating insights into what makes us creative and how you can become a sharper thinker in every aspect of your life through harnessing the brain’s ability to wander.
And, if you’ve ever been described as a daydreamer, you’ll discover plenty of easy tips and techniques to help channel this into a powerful force for your creativity.
Highlights From This Interview:
- What actually happens in your brain when you make art
- How to understand and harness the power of creative motivation
- Why each and every human being has the ability to be creative
- How to enhance your creative powers through simple daily practices
- How doodling can actually improve your memory
- How creativity can help improve the attention span of people with ADHD
- Why just a 15-minute nap can reboot your brain and boost your creativity
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“This whole idea that we should be as good as whoever it is next to us is just crazy. If you really want to do something badly enough and you step into it, then you will be taken care of.” ~ Tracy Verdugo
Want to know more about how to live creatively?
Sometimes, finding the one thing you’re truly passionate about as an artist can be tricky...and having some guidance along the way can really help.
But where should you look to for guidance...and how can you get to that stage in your life when you’re completely satisfied with where you’re at as an artist?
In this week’s interview, mixed media artist, Tracy Verdugo, reveals how she found the courage and the inspiration to develop her career and learn how to live creatively...even though she didn’t decide to follow this path until she was 33.
This journey hasn’t always been easy, and Tracy’s had to overcome many hurdles to get to where she is today...but she’s learned something from each and every experience, whether good or bad.
And now, in this revealing interview, she’s sharing everything she’s learned with you.
Key Topics in This Interview:
- What first made Tracy want to become an artist...at the age of 33
- Why you need to stop comparing your art with others
- How to silence your inner critic and allow yourself to have fun and experiment
- How reading and other influences can help you find clarity in your creative career
- How one opportunity can often open up the doors to others
- Why finding the right balance between work and making art is so important
- How to find the strength to go out there and follow your true passion in life
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“Make sure it’s something you really, really have a passion for...not just a thing that you think is gonna make money.” ~ Jim Pavelec
Witches, demons, and art have always been strongly linked. If you look back through art history, you’ll find countless artists such as William Blake who have been inspired by the writings of Aleister Crowley and themes such as Ars Goetia…
And now, in the 21st Century, occult and fantasy artist, Jim Pavelec, is bringing these darkly wonderful themes to new audiences with his powerful paintings and prints.
But what does it take to make an impact in the art world today? Should you be making the art you truly want to make...or making the art you think might sell?
And, how can you as an artist learn to treat your creativity as a business without feeling too much like a salesperson?
In this week’s podcast interview, Jim Pavelec talks about making the break from a busy (but financially unstable) freelance fantasy artist career to building a huge new audience for his occult art.
You’ll hear a lot of common sense advice, some home truths, and a refreshing insight into the reality of carving out a career as an artist in this busy age of social media, art conventions, and establishing an online presence....
Key Takeaways From This Interview:
- Why Jim decided to leave his career as a freelance fantasy artist and focus on making the art he felt truly passionate about
- How Jim got over the problem of selling his art in public
- How to balance your lifestyle with making art
- Why investing in your art career can pay dividends in the long run
- How to grow your social media following...without burning out
- Why the ‘follow your dreams’ rhetoric will only get you so far
- How to find the thing you love doing most...and keep doing it
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“That’s a key thing - to be willing to make art that you don’t like and be almost neutral about it, be objective about it, rather than making it mean anything.” ~ Tamara Laporte.
Can making art change your life?
Today’s guest, mixed media artist, Tamara Laporte, certainly thinks so. Like so many creative types, she struggled for years with self-doubt and hating every painting she produced.
But then, one day, she made a pact with herself to give up making art if it continued to make her feel this way…
And that’s when something happened which inspired her to carry on and use what she’d learned to help others.
That’s when she learned to let go of the preciousness and quest for perfection that stops so many artists in their tracks.
And, in today’s interview, she relives this defining moment in her own life and shares lots of great advice to help you overcome any hurdles you might be facing.
So, if you’ve ever wondered if making art can change your life, you’ll find the answer in today’s inspiring podcast interview.
Key Takeaways From This Interview:
- How Tamara overcame her struggles with self-doubt and many of the other familiar roadblocks faced by artists
- How she discovered the art journaling community and developed her own system of helping other artists based on her own experiences
- How to actually feel good about the art you make...and how to keep making it
- How her online course at Willowing Arts has helped thousands of artists make real progress and break through many of the issues which were holding them back
- How to let go of self-doubt and insecurities and enjoy your creativity instead
- How to find out more about Willowing Arts and how Tamara’s program can help you
Show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“Somebody always knows somebody in this creative industry. And, because of the internet, we have a global reach now.” ~ Jenni Onn.
Travel and creativity are closely linked, with scientific research now suggesting that people who travel tend to become more creative as a result.
But, have you ever wanted to just pack your bags and passport and jump on a plane to be inspired by the new sights and sounds of a different country?
In this week’s podcast, artist Jenni Onn explains why she founded her new magazine, Creative Traveller, and how this has enabled her to make contact with travelling artists from all over the world and get involved with all kinds of exciting creative projects.
So, if you’ve been getting itchy feet lately and wondering whether travelling is the right way to kickstart your creativity, then you might like to hear her story…
Because you’ll soon discover there’s a worldwide network of like-minded artists just waiting to meet you.
And, if buying a plane ticket to explore other countries isn’t an option, then don’t worry - there’s probably a cultural event taking place on your doorstep that could inspire you and help you connect with other artists.
Key Takeaways From This Interview:
- Why travel and creativity are so closely linked...and why so many people decide to up sticks and experience different cultures to reboot their love of making art
- How Jenni used her experience as an artist and art director to get her magazine started
- The skills you need to start working on your own magazine
- Why the internet has opened up the doors for artists to collaborate worldwide
- Why photographers, writers, musicians and portrait painters are choosing to travel more
- Why making global connections with other artists can help your creative career
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“Even if you don’t know what you want to do, just keep doing, keep trying, keep learning. Listen to yourself, listen to your heart, listen to what you love...and eventually the pieces will come together.” ~ Donna Adi.
Want to know how to promote your art on Instagram to gain followers and attract the attention of the kind of clients you want to work with?
In this week’s interview, we talk to Donna Adi, a mixed media illustrator from Los Angeles. After working in the fashion industry for several years, she felt the urge to combine her love of fashion photography with illustration and animation and develop her own style of art.
And, since posting her work online since January 2017, she’s seen her audience on Instagram grow to a huge 75.8K followers, with clothing designers and many more clients approaching her for her fun images, which bring an animated twist to photos of people in various situations.
So, what motivates her to make art? And how did she overcome self-doubt and all the other hurdles faced by artists to carve out an exciting career doing what she loves?
You’ll find out in this week’s’ podcast...
Key Takeaways From This Interview:
- Why liking what you do...and loving what you do are two different things
- Why the moment when you discover what you really love doing is the moment when things start changing for you as an artist
- How to stay focused on your art - even when others don’t take your dream seriously
- Why copying the work of artists you admire can often be a great place to start
- Why you should make today the day you start following your true passion
- How to find your own voice as an artist - even if you’re just starting out
- Why inspiring others with your art can help fuel your own creativity
- How to promote your art on Instagram and other online channels
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“I make art. It makes me happy. There’s a certain number of people that it also makes happy. And that’s better for me than scrolling through social media feeds and looking at all the terrible things that are happening.” ~ Marc Scheff.
Want to learn how to live like an artist and build a successful creative career...but feel like you’re getting nowhere even though you’ve been working really hard?
With social media, Kickstarter campaigns, and networking (not to mention all the other things freelance artists have to do to get their work out there), you can start to feel pretty burned out if you’re not careful.
So that’s why you might find this week’s interview with artist, Marc Scheff, really helpful.
Because, with a young family to support and his own art career to look after, he’s had first-hand experience of just about all the issues an artist can face.
And now, with www.makeyourartwork.com, a site dedicated to helping artists move forwards in their careers, he’s sharing everything he’s learned with you.
Key Takeaways From This Interview:
- Why networking and collaborating with other artists can make your projects happen
- Why you need to be patient and keep hustling to eventually get the results you want
- How Marc’s teaching modules and bootcamps are helping artists...and some of the biggest questions most artists ask
- Why authenticity is the key to building a successful social media presence...but why all those likes and shares don’t necessarily equate to sales of your work
- What really drives a viral post on social media...and how a chance photo with Ivanka Trump (yes, really!) brought Marc more, erm, 'attention' than he ever really wanted
- Why your art career requires constant attention and development...and why even the biggest names still have to do exactly the same kind of things as you do
- Why regular exercise can have a much bigger impact upon your creativity than you might think
- How to make time for yourself and get a really good night’s sleep (Tip: This is also super important for creativity)
- Why learning how to ask for help from others can help you reach your goals
- Why limiting your time on social media really can enhance your general wellbeing
- How to find out more about Marc’s dedicated artist programs and finally start having the creative career you’ve always wanted.
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“Illustration was something I knew I always wanted to do - it was just finding a way to do it full-time. And, as soon as I started drawing what I wanted to draw and what I was interested in, that’s when it started to change.” ~ Collette J Ellis.
Dragons, myths and illustration are just some of the things that inspire today’s guest, Collette J Ellis.
And, in this inspiring interview, you’ll hear how she turned her passion for making art inspired by legends from her native Wales into a full-time career as a freelance illustrator.
You’ll hear how art gradually became a bigger and bigger part of her life, how she developed her own unique style, and how a series of successful Kickstarter campaigns inspired her to leave her part-time job and carve out a new creative career.
So, if you’ve got a passion for drawing something (but you’re wondering how to take the next steps as an artist), you’ll find plenty of great advice in this interview to help you move forwards.
Key Takeaways From This Interview:
- Why your best art comes from drawing and painting the things you’re truly passionate about.
- How to make the art you really want to make - not the art you think others would like to see
- How to launch a successful Kickstarter or Patreon campaign
- How to say no to low-paid art commissions and working for free
- Why exploring ideas in your sketchbook is so important
- How to approach organizations for funding opportunities
- Why your local audience can often be your best one
- Why dragons, myths and illustration are loved by audiences all over the world
- How to approach galleries and publishers
- Why pursuing your passion can take you to all kinds of new and exciting places!
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“I wanna do stuff because I want a finished product at the end, or I want a piece of animation, or I want a comic book at the end of it. And I’m learning everything so I can do that finished product - I’m not learning everything just so I can learn everything.” ~ Jason Brubaker.
Can anyone learn how to draw?
Jason Brubaker, this week’s podcast guest, certainly thinks so.
And he should know. After starting out as a completely self-taught artist, he ended up working in Hollywood for 20 years, spending his last 7 years at Dreamworks working on the Kung Fu Panda trilogy.
These days, he makes comics full-time, having produced titles such as the award-winning reMIND, Phobos, and Sithrah.
He also finds time to help other artists, offering a wide range of resources on his website.
And now, he’s include the exact same techniques he used to learn how to draw anatomy in one handy resource for artists - The Cognitive Drawing workbook.
So, we caught up with him to find out more about this exciting project...and why he genuinely believes anyone can learn how to draw if they use the right learning techniques...
Key Takeaways From This Interview:
- Why working on personal projects can help you learn new skills and open doors for your creative career
- Why even experienced artists are still learning
- How Jason got started in the industry, and how he developed his technique of cognitive drawing to help him draw anatomy (and pretty much everything else)
- How to focus on learning the stuff you really enjoy doing
- How to develop your own style, and why this is always influenced in part by the artists you admire
- How to learn a new skill quickly...without burning yourself out
- How to retain more information about the things you’re trying to draw
- Why the Cognitive Drawing worksheet is so effective for individuals and study groups
- How to really learn something new from using reference pics
- Where to get the Cognitive Drawing worksheet and find out more about Coffee Table Comics and Jason’s other projects.
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“When you have the creative fire burning inside you, sometimes you just don’t know what to do with it and it has to come out” ~ JP Cawood.
Self publishing can be a great way to get your ideas out there, but how do you even get started with a project as huge as this?
In this week’s interview, we talk to JP Cawood, author of Love From Mars - a romantic sci-fi/fantasy novel.
You’ll hear how she used her experience as a television developer to create the plot and characters in her book, and you’ll discover how to break a huge project down into manageable chunks to help you achieve your goals.
So, if you’ve got an idea that’s been floating around your head for some time, you’ll find plenty of effective ideas in this week’s interview to take the next steps...
Highlights From This Interview:
- Why collaborating with others (such as editors, other artists, and getting feedback) is the key to successful self publishing
- How to research your ideas and make sure your ideas are original
- Why self publishing gives you complete artistic freedom over your project
- How to learn from what others have done and adapt this to your own idea
- How to create the outline for your story and write your first draft (without worrying too much about perfection)
- How to help your audience relate to your story
- How to ask for feedback and weigh up advice from others
- How to enjoy the highs and get through the lows when working on a self publishing project
- Why getting help with your project is more affordable than you might think
- How to promote your work effectively and reach out to the right audience
- How to develop your ideas beyond self publishing and take them into all kinds of new and exciting directions
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
The Pencil Kings podcast is sponsored by Freshbooks https://www.freshbooks.com/pencilkings
email: mitch@pencilkings.com
“People who are motivated know that it doesn’t start with motivation - it starts with a commitment to show up. Because, if you wait for the motivation, it’s never going to come.” ~ Sean McCabe.
How do you navigate your way to artistic success?
After all, the path towards a successful creative career can often be a tricky one, with all kinds of hurdles to jump before you can even get off the starting blocks.
And that’s exactly what happened to today’s guest - hand-drawn lettering artist and author, Sean McCabe.
For two whole years, his regular posts on social media went virtually unnoticed...until, one day, people finally began to really take notice of what he was up to.
So what made this shift happen? And how did Sean go from being a creative all-rounder with a day job to a successful freelance artist specializing in hand-drawn typography?
You’ll find out in this week’s podcast interview...
Interview Chapters
[00:37-03:36]
Introduction and Career Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, hand-drawn lettering artist and author, Sean McCabe.
In this chapter, he talks about his two-year-long journey towards artistic success - a journey that began with him holding down a day job while dedicating 6-8 hours a night to making art and posting everything he made online.
You’ll hear how he gradually got a feel for what people liked (and what they didn’t), and how Sean learned a valuable lesson about what kind of work to put online.
[03:57-05:31]
How did the big Shift Happen for Sean?
At first, Sean used to post absolutely everything he made online - from the user interface designs, logos, and illustrations he did in his day job as a web designer...to the hand-drawn typography he’d always loved to make since being a kid.
But sometimes, less is more...and it was only when Sean realized he was putting too much information out there for people to process that they started taking notice.
[06:27-06:58]
What Kind of Hand-drawn Lettering was Sean Making?
It was Sean’s hand-drawn typography or lettering that first got him noticed, but what kind of lettering was he making?
In this chapter, you’ll hear where to find his work online and check out many other examples of hand-drawn lettering from other artists working in this field.
[07:30-35:38]
Was Sean Really Working 6-8 hours a day on his art? Spending 6-8 hours making art while holding down a day might sound impossible, but that’s exactly what Sean did to get his career going.
And, while he doesn’t think that’s what everyone should do, he’s a strong believer in having the commitment to show up every day and make something - regardless of how tired you feel or what’s showing on Netflix. You’ll find out what motivates him in this chapter.
[08:54-10:58]
What Made Sean Choose Hand-lettering as his Thing?
Like many artists and creatives, Sean tried his hand at lots of different things before finding his true niche of hand-drawn lettering or typography.
So, how did he decide this was his thing? And how he feel once he’d made that decision?
In this chapter, Sean describes the relief he felt once he knew he’d found his niche...and reveals how you can find yours, too.
[11:11-12:43]
How did Sean Know he’d Found his Niche?
Searching for your niche isn’t always easy, and Sean tried lots of different things before returning to the hand-drawn lettering he loved making when he was a kid.
Like many artists, he’d told himself there was no way he could possibly make any money from doing this, so his true passion lay dormant for years…until a chance meeting with a fellow designer (who also loved hand-drawn typography) changed everything.
[13:03-16:30]
But How can you Turn Your Passion Into Making Serious Money?
As an artist, you’ve probably done the odd commission for somebody and wondered just how many of these you’d have to do to earn any kind of reasonable income.
Well, that’s exactly what Sean thought, too...until he started to look more closely at how seriously successful artists generate their income.
[16:51-19:07]
How did Sean Build his Audience on Social Media?
Once Sean had thought more about what to post online (and what not to), he started to see an increase in the amount of followers he was getting on social media.
So, how can you learn from him and do something similar with your artwork?
You’ll get plenty of clues in this chapter.
[20:42-26:56]
How did Sean Find out Who to sell his Work to?
Getting likes on your social media posts is one thing, but how can you find out what people are going to part with their hard-earned cash for?
In this chapter, Sean reveals how he tailored his work based on people’s reactions to it, why he decided to share what he’d learned, and how he reached out to those engaged customers who wanted to buy his art.
[28:57-32:03]
Why did Sean Decide to Write his Book, Overlap?
As his career began to take off, Sean started to get lots of questions from aspiring artists asking him how he’d done it. So, he decided to write a book, Overlap, which is specifically aimed at people who work a 9-5 but really want to develop their creative career instead.
In this chapter, you’ll hear how he applied the same commitment to writing as he did to hand-drawn lettering, how he stayed motivated, and why his book struck such a chord with people all over the world.
[34:03-39:45]
What Advice Does Sean Have for Artists Ready to Take the Next Step?
Ready to take the next step...but not sure exactly which way to turn?
In this chapter, Sean shares stacks of useful advice based on his own experiences and reveals why figuring out the next steps in your creative career is all part of the process.
[39:57-40:25]
How can you get Hold of Sean’s Book?
If you’re interested in Sean’s book, Overlap, this section will give you all the information you need. Plus, there’s a special introductory offer you won’t want to miss out on!
[40:26-41:31]
Conclusion
Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Sean McCabe and offers his own feedback on all the invaluable insights in Overlap.
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“What I’d say to people with a great idea is to be prepared to take a few risks, be prepared to commit time, be prepared to learn new software, and be prepared to stick with your ideas.” ~ Peter Richardson.
Want to know how to turn your ideas into an animated cartoon series?
Do you have a cool creative idea trapped in your head and you're wondering how to turn your idea into something more?
In this week’s interview, PK member, Peter Richardson, tells the story of how his new project, Spook Squad, went from a book, to a graphic novel and eventually into an animated show.
There are many important lessons inside this story and we'll break them down for you piece by piece so you can take that big idea you have and turn it into something bigger.
The steps are easy once you know how. And, most importantly, you don't need to be an amazing artist to get started...because the idea is where it all begins!
Interview Chapters
[00:37-16:07]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, illustrator Peter Richardson, who talks about his 40-year career in the industry and how the idea for Spook Squad, his new project with writer, Roger Hurn, came about.
In this chapter, you’ll hear how their project developed from an initial idea for a children’s book and graphic novel into an animated cartoon series.
Along the way, Peter taught himself how to use animation software such as Moho (Anime Studio Pro), and developed his skills as a storyboard artist by studying the work of other artists he admired.
[17:09-22:20]
How did Spook Squad Start to Gain Momentum?
Creating a project is one thing, but what happens next?
In this section, you’ll hear how Peter and Roger took their initial concept for Spook Squad to schools first, picking up an award from children’s literacy charity, The Book Trust, along the way.
You’ll hear how feedback from the kids influenced their ideas, and how both men worked hard to eventually turn this project into a fully-fledged animation series through networking with other artists, agents and publishers.
[22:21-30:08]
How did the Idea for Spook Squad Take Shape?
The idea for Spook Squad began on a wet weekday afternoon, when writer Roger got feedback from a young girl in school who’d seen his book.
After taking what she’d said on board, he starting thinking of ideas...and the project started to come to life.
In this chapter, you’ll learn why having a good idea is the most important thing for a successful book or animation...and why you don’t have to be the world’s greatest artist to accomplish this.
You’ll also hear how Peter and Roger have learned to handle rejection over the years, and why self-belief and supportive online communities such as Pencil Kings can help you through any difficult times.
[31:06-35:38]
What Research did Peter and Roger do for Their Project? Spook Squad went through several changes before it eventually became an animated series.
Peter and Roger found their initial idea for a book and graphic novel didn’t generate as much interest from publishers as they’d hoped, so a little more research was needed before they could decide which way to go next.
In this section, you’ll hear how an online search for an artist led to Peter and Roger having a stall at Brand Licensing, a large trade show for creatives and the book industry, where they were able to start getting their project seen by the right people.
[37:12-39:24]
So how can you Turn Your Ideas into an Animated Cartoon Series?
Through getting feedback from their target audience, learning from what other artists had done, and networking with the right people, Peter and Roger were finally able to get their Spook Squad project off the ground.
But, how can you do the same? You’ll find out in this chapter.
[40:40-44:25]
Where can you Find out More About Spook Squad?
Want to find out more about Spook Squad? In this chapter, Peter lets you know exactly where to see his work and offers stacks of really useful advice from his long-running career as an illustrator in the creative industry.
So, if you’re ready to turn your ideas into an animated cartoon series or start working on that graphic novel you’ve been dreaming about, here’s where you can get started.
[44:25-46:35]
Conclusion
Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Peter Richardson and offers his own advice on how you can start turning your creative ideas into reality.
Show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“With what I’ve produced at the Evolve Art Academy, I’m very confident I could submit a portfolio to a prestigious art school and get accepted. Because that’s how much progress I’ve had.” ~ Michelle Lopez.
Want to know how to become a better artist...but just don’t know where to start?
Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who wants to take their art skills further, we think you’ll find this week’s interview pretty interesting…
Because you’re about to hear how Evolve Artist student, Michelle Lopez, went from being a novice artists to one who gets paid for portrait commissions...in just four months!
Interview Chapters
[00:37-05:07]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Evolve Artist Student, Michelle Lopez. In this chapter, you’ll hear why listening to Kevin Murphy’s Pencil Kings podcast interview inspired her to quit her job as an IT consultant and enrol at The Art Academy...and how she made incredible progress during her time there.
[05:33-06:16]
Why did Michelle Want to Learn how to Become a Better Artist?
Deciding upon a change of career can be pretty daunting at any stage of your life, but even more so when you’re taking a leap into the complete unknown. So what made Michelle decide to swap repairing computers for becoming a realistic painter?
In this section, you’ll hear how Kevin Murphy’s art program helped her develop confidence in her abilities and make real progress as an artist.
[07:12-07:52]
Why did Michelle Think The Art Academy was Right for her?
Like many aspiring artists, Michelle had already tried various college courses and community art groups to help her develop her creative skills...but they’d all fallen flat. So what made her decide this course was right for her...and did it meet her expectations?
[08:27-08:49]
How did Michelle Know This Course was Right for her? Thinking something is right for you and knowing something is right for you are two very different things...so how long did it take for Michelle to realize she’d definitely made the right decision by enrolling in The Art Academy?
[08:57-09:45]
How far did Michelle Travel to Take This Course?
Enrolling at The Art Academy wasn’t exactly like joining a class at her local community college for Michelle. Instead, she had a 10-hour journey to make from her home to New Jersey before she could get started. So, what was this experience like for her?
[09:58-11:32]
What Were Michelle’s First Weeks Like at The Art Academy?
Starting something new can feel like a daunting experience, but the team at The Art Academy made Michelle feel welcome from the moment she walked through the door.
So what were her first few weeks studying with Kevin like? In this chapter, you’ll hear how she want from drawing basic shapes and learning shading techniques to creating a fully-rendered drawing in less than two weeks.
[11:48-12:33]
What Were the Beginner Exercises Like for Michelle?
Because Michelle had already had some art lessons, you might have thought the beginner lessons would be too basic for her.
However, she discovered that she’d actually missed out on learning many of these fundamentals in previous classes...and that learning to be meticulous and patient was one of the best ways to improve her art skills.
[13:41-14:10]
How Many Hours did Michelle Study for Each day?
Once you really get into making art, it’s amazing how the hours fly by without you noticing. So how many hours each day did Michelle dedicate to drawing and painting while at The Art Academy?
[15:22-17:42]
Michelle Worked Hard...but did she Enjoy Herself, too?
Hard work and enjoyment don’t always go hand in hand, but Michelle found she had a completely positive experience while pushing herself to improve as an artist. You’ll find out why in this section.
[17:52-19:05]
Were There Ever Times When she Wanted to Quit?
Even though she had a positive experience, there were times when Michelle felt the pressure and wanted to quit.
So how did she get over this? And how did Kevin and his team help her push through those roadblocks and make real progress?
[20:37-21:36]
Why is This Program so Effective?
Kevin Murphy’s art program has a 100% success rate. So what makes his methods so much more effective than all the others out there?
[21:53-23:17]
What was Michelle’s Study Schedule Like?
Michelle made incredible progress in less than four months at The Art Academy, but what was her study schedule like during this time?
[23:35-26:13]
How Much Progress did Michelle Make?
Michelle entered The Art Academy as a beginner artist and left with a portfolio of work which she’s confident would get her into the most prestigious art schools in the country. Find out how she did it in this chapter.
[26:39-28:28]
How do People React to Michelle’s Work now?
Some of Michelle’s friends and family were sceptical at first when she first told them she was going away for a while to study art.
So what are their reactions like now? In this chapter, you’ll hear why Michelle now feels she’s on the right path to develop her career as an artist and has even started taking commissions for her work.
[29:07-30:12]
What’s Next for Michelle?
So, with four months at the Art Academy under her belt, what’s next for Michelle? In this section, you’ll hear how she plans to develop her skills further and work on her art career.
[31:57-33:28]
What Does Michelle Think of the Evolve Artist Realistic Art Program?
Michelle left her home town for four months to study at The Art Academy, but this just isn’t practical for everyone. So that’s why Pencil Kings has teamed up with Kevin Murphy to create the Evolve Artist Realistic Art Program - a new way to study that incorporates all the elements of his art education from the comfort of your own home.
But does Michelle think this will be just as effective for other people who want to know how to become a better artist? In this chapter, you’ll find out why she’s also decided to join this program and where to see examples of her progress on Instagram.
[34:27-36:37]
How to Find out More About the Evolve Artist Program
Ready to find out more about how to become a better artist by joining the Evolve Artist Program? This final chapter contains everything you need to know.
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
The Pencil Kings podcast is sponsored by Freshbooks
“Just put your stuff up on everything, because you don’t know where the next big thing is gonna be.” ~ Fran Krause.
Want to know how to create a webcomic...that actually gets noticed?!
In this week’s interview, we speak to Fran Krause, creator of the famous ‘Deep Dark Fears’ web comic.
You’ll hear how he went from an established career as an animation artist to making his first web comics. And, he’ll reveal why angry reactions to one of his projects on YouTube made him reconsider which online platforms were the best home for his creations.
So, if you’ve been thinking about creating your own webcomic for a while (but just haven’t gotten around to it yet), then check out this inspiring podcast interview.
Because it’s crammed with great advice on what to - and what not to - do to get your project off the ground and noticed by people.
Interview Chapters
[00:37-03:16]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, webcomic creator, Fran Krause. In this chapter, he talks about how studying animation led to him pursuing a career in this industry before moving into teaching digital animation and, of course, creating Deep Dark Fears.
[03:26-10:56]
How did Deep Dark Fears Come About?
Ironically, it was adverse reactions online to a project Fran was working on with American Elf creator, James Kochalka, that gave rise to Deep Dark Fears.
The project, an adult-rated comic book series called ‘Super f**kers’, was intended as an irreverent take on superheroes and featured a bunch of rude, crude, slacker heroes who never actually did any of the things superheroes are supposed to do.
However, the audience on YouTube didn’t quite get the humor. In fact, they hated it...and wasted no time in filling the comments section with all kinds of abuse.
So Fran went back to the drawing board, had a good long think about whether YouTube was the right platform for his ideas...and eventually started producing short webcomics based on the irrational fears we all have. And, luckily, this project fared better with the online community...
[11:28-21:34]
Why did Fran Choose Tumblr to Showcase his Work?
After doing some research into the best online platform for his creation, Fran eventually decided to start posting his webcomics regularly on Tumblr.
But what made him choose this network above all the others...and how does he even have time to make a webcomic in between teaching and working on other projects? You’ll find out in this chapter.
[23:05-25:10]
Why is it Good to set Deadlines for Yourself? One of the ways Fran manages to be so productive is by setting deadlines for himself. So, for example, after he’s finished teaching for the day, he’ll sit down for a few hours and dedicate his time to working on Deep Dark Fears and his current book project, The Creeps.
And, if you want to know how to create a webcomic and find time for your personal projects, you’ll find lots of great advice in this section.
[25:30-27:23]
Why is it so Important to Love What you do as an Artist?
Some artists are unhappy doing the work they get paid to do, but you’ll be relieved to hear there is another way.
And, in this chapter, Fran shares plenty of advice based on his own experiences with his students to help you create the art you really want to make...and hopefully find an audience who appreciates it.
[27:39-29:55]
Where can you Find out More About Fran’s Work?
Want to find out more about Fran’s work and get your hands on a copy of his new book, The Creeps? All the info you need is in this chapter.
[31:24-37:07]
Want to Know how to Create a Webcomic? Here’s Fran’s Advice
Want to know more about how to create a webcomic? Check out this chapter for some great advice from Fran about how to get your project off the ground, how to build up a following for your work online…and how to create something people can really relate to.
[37:20-40:34]
Conclusion
Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Fran Krause, who offers up some final words of advice on how to make a webcomic people will remember.
Complete Show Notes at:
https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“For the people who come to me and say: ‘how did you do it and how can we do the same?’ I say find your partner. Find somebody who already has a foot in the door of the business and bring him or her something to the table.” ~ Fabrice Sapolsky.
Ever wanted to know more about creating your own comic books?
In this week’s interview, we speak to Fabrice Sapolsky, co-creator of the Spider-Man Noir series published by Marvel.
You’ll hear how he went from growing up as a French kid who was crazy about American comics to working with highly-acclaimed fellow writers and artists such as David Hine and Carmine Di Giandomenico.
But this interview is not about becoming an overnight success story in your chosen creative field. It’s an open and honest account of what it’s really like to work in the comic book industry, including the many struggles and hurdles faced by most freelance creators.
So, if you’ve got an idea for a comic book that you’ve been itching to bring to life, you’ll find stacks of straightforward advice in this interview to relate to.
Because, sometimes, you need to take a few risks to get your ideas out there to the people who matter...
Interview Chapters
00:38-03:21
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, comic writer Fabrice Sapolsky.
In this chapter, he talks about growing up in France, and how his love of American comics led to him working in the industry, co-creating Spider-Man Noir, and eventually moving to the USA to further his career.
04:12-09:28
What Made Fabrice so Determined to Work in the Comic Book Industry?
Lots of young creatives dream of working in the comic industry, but how do you find the determination to turn that dream into reality?
In this chapter, Fabrice reveals what kept him motivated during his early years, and eventually led to co-creating Spider-Man Noir - one of the highlights of his career so far.
10:45-24:19
How Did Fabrice Turn his ‘Impossible Dream’ Into Reality?
Having the dream and working hard to reach your goals is one thing, but there are often many other factors to consider when carving out a career in the creative industry.
In this section, Fabrice expands upon some of the key points in the previous chapter and reveals how the comic book industry has changed since he first started working in it.
24:30-30:24
Why Does Fabrice Believe Creator-Owned Comics are the way Forwards? Having worked in the mainstream comic book industry and seen how it’s changed over the years, Fabrice is now a strong believer in the creator-owned comics movement.
In this chapter, he explains more about this exciting initiative for creatives, and how online platforms such as social media can open up new doors and possibilities for you if you’re thinking about creating your own comic books.
31:26-40:21
How can you get Started With Your First Creator-owned Comic?
Want to start your first creator-owned comic project? In this chapter, Fabrice shares stacks of useful advice to help you get your ideas out of your head and onto the paper.
You’ll learn about the importance of developing a strong work ethic, and why networking with a supportive community of fellow creatives can open up all kinds of possibilities for you as an artist or writer.
40:22-52:59
Conclusion
Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Fabrice Sapolsky, who offers even more gems of advice about creating your own comic books.
You’ll find out where to find him online, hear about which comic cons he’s attending...and you’ll also be the first to hear about the exciting news for fans of the Pencil Kings podcast!
Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“At certain periods of time, the status quo should always be challenged for the better. Not a revolution, but a disruption to the way these things are done.” ~ Matt Davis.
Ever wished printing for artists was more straightforward?
Ever wished there was a one-stop printing shop dedicated to your needs as a creative?
And, ever wished you could earn more than just a few bucks from selling your art on gallery websites?
In this week’s artist interview, we talk to Matt Davis from Digital Print House - a company dedicated to supporting artists by offering an affordable, efficient and easy-to-use service.
So, if you’ve ever spent hours searching for printers online, or if you’ve ever been stung by huge printing costs for a project, then you might like to know there is a better way.
And, with the option to make decent money selling prints of your work via his easy-to-use website, you’ll see why Matt’s promise to artists is: “Just create. We’ll do the rest.”
Interview Chapters
[00:38-04:30]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Matt Davis, from Digital Print House. In this chapter, he talks about his many years of experience in the printing industry, and how going to conventions and talking to artists helped him see a gap in the market for reliable, affordable printing services which are designed to support creatives all the way.
[05:23-10:37]
What is Digital Print House and how did it Come About?
In this section, you’ll learn more about the wide range of services Matt and his team at Digital Print House can offer artists. You’ll also hear about the history behind this exciting new venture, and why Matt is dedicated to making selling prints, books and other merchandise more profitable for artists.
[12:33-24:42]
Why is it Important for Artists to Think About Sales and Marketing?
Sales and marketing is often something artists prefer not to think about, but it’s an essential thing to consider if you want to make decent money from your work.
In this chapter, Matt talks about the huge commissions charged by some artist gallery sites, and why he felt there was a real need to provide a service which treats creatives more fairly.
[27:15-36:38]
Digital Print House is a Great Idea...but is it Sustainable? Matt and his team at Digital Print House are dedicated to giving as much back to artists as possible...but does this make for a sustainable business?
In this section, he talks about going to conventions all across America to get feedback from artists about his idea. And, he explains why offering printing for artists and the opportunity to sell your work while earning a decent commission is already proving to be a hugely popular idea.
[38:00-43:25]
How is Digital Print House Different to Other Companies Offering Printing for Artists?
Matt and his team offer a wide range of services, including free membership to a great-looking gallery site and all the support you need as an artist to push your career forwards.
But what really sets Digital Print House apart from other companies? You’ll find out in this chapter.
[44:25-47:21]
Conclusion
Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Matt Davis from Digital Print House, who offers some final thoughts on why he believes in disrupting the print industry to provide a much better service for artists.
Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“Find that thing that makes your heart sing (it sounds so cheesy, I know!) ; that thing you could draw or paint forever. Find a way to do that, and then market that and find which people buy that...and you’ll be golden! ” ~ Crystal Sully.
Want to know more about how to become a fantasy illustrator?
In this week’s artist interview, fantasy illustrator, Crystal Sully, reveals how she’s turned her love of drawing dragons into a successful creative career.
You’ll hear about her early career as an artist, and the numerous projects she’s worked on, such as Elder Scrolls, The Dragon Lords Book Series, Lord of the Rings TCG and more.
Crystal will be sharing her experiences of exhibiting at art conventions, and how she’s grown her audience via social media and targeting marketing. So, if you’ve been wondering how to make a living from making the art you love, you’ll find stacks of great advice in this interview to help you take the next steps.
And, as if that wasn’t enough, she’ll also be talking about her Kickstarter project, The Untamed Beastiary book, and revealing details about all the exciting goodies on offer for fans of her art.
Interview Chapters
[00:37-02:26]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Crystal Sully, a fantasy illustrator from Colorado. In this chapter, she talks about her exciting Kickstarter project, The Untamed Beastiary book, and her journey as a professional artist so far.
[03:16-06:39]
What has Crystal Learned Through Exhibiting at Art Conventions?
When she first started exhibiting at comic conventions a few years ago, Crystal says she ‘had no idea what she was doing’. Since then, though, she’s steadily built up a huge fanbase of people who want to buy her work, and has learned some valuable lessons about how to market your work at such events. And, in this chapter, she shares them with you.
[07:22-08:21]
Conventions Have Become Increasingly Commercialised. Has This Affected Her Sales?
Comic conventions have changed considerably over the last 10 years, with many artists complaining that they’re losing sales to large corporations such as Marvel. What’s Crystal’s take on this...and has she been affected by it?
[08:45-11:41]
Did Crystal Always Want to Draw Dragons?
These days, Crystal has built up a large following thanks to her lavishly illustrated dragons and other mythical creatures. But did she start off drawing these...or is it something she just found herself doing? In this section, you’ll hear about her early days in art school and how she’s turned a lifelong passion into something which she can earn a decent living from.
[12:20-13:25]
How Did Art Conventions Lead to Her Producing a Book?
Crystal first had the idea for her book about two years ago, but how did this come about? In this chapter, you’ll hear how her client work played a large part in inspiring her, and how seeing the demand for her work at conventions gave her the motivation she needed.
[13:39-17:04]
Why Did Crystal Launch Her Book With a Kickstarter Project?
Launching a Kickstarter project doesn’t always equal success. So what made Crystal decide to go down the self-publishing route? In this section, she talks about her book, The Untamed Beastiary, and how this project has taken shape over the last two years.
[17:30-19:29]
What Are The Perks For People Who Back Her Kickstarter?
No Kickstarter campaign is complete without a whole stash of exclusive goodies for potential buyers to get excited about. So what can people who back Crystal’s campaign expect to receive in the mail? You’ll find out in this chapter.
[19:52-19:29]
Where Can You Find Out More About The Untamed Beastiary Book?
Want to find out more about how to back Crystal’s Kickstarter project and get your hands on a copy of The Untamed Beastiary Book? The links you’ll need are in this section.
[21:56-27:44]
What Does The Timeline For a Kickstarter Project Look Like?
Launching a successful Kickstarter project can take a huge amount of time and effort. In this chapter, Crystal shares a fascinating insight into what happens behind the scenes, and the complicated logistics behind every successful launch. Like she says, it’s a lot of hard work, but the end result can be incredibly rewarding if you stick at it.
[21:56-30:59]
Which Audience is The Untamed Beastiary Book Aimed at?
Knowing your audience is a crucial part of any marketing plan - especially if you want to earn a living as an artist. So who did Crystal have in mind when she started working on her book? In this chapter, you’ll learn about the importance of aiming your work at one particular audience, but still keeping general appeal in mind.
[31:40-30:59]
How Has Crystal Built Her Following on Social Media?
Building a large following on social media enables you to reach out to more people as an artist - the people who could potentially buy your work. But how do you go about doing this and which platform is right for you? In this section, Crystal shares some incredible useful insights about using social media, and explains why Facebook turned out to be the best channel when promoting her art and her Kickstarter project.
[34:39-30:59]
What’s The Scariest Part of Launching a Kickstarter Campaign?
Most artists are familiar with the saying ‘If it scares you, do it’, but what does it actually feel like to step outside your comfort zone and take on something as huge as a Kickstarter campaign? In this chapter, Crystal talks openly and honestly about the challenges she faced while working on this project...but reveals why she’s so glad she completed it.
[39:28-41:10]
Conclusion
Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Crystal Sully, and she shares some final words of inspiration for all you artists out there.
Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“I think what’s really important is to work on a style that makes you happy. I think you have to create artwork or work in a style that you get really excited about.” ~ Anna Goodson.
Can an art agency help your career?
In this week’s interview, we talk to illustration agency owner, Anna Goodson.
Since setting up in 1996 with a tiny budget, no clients (but stacks of ambition), Anna Goodson Illustration Agency has now grown to be one of Canada and North America’s most respected creative houses.
And, over the years, she’s helped artists go from obscurity into the pages of The New Yorker and the homes of famous pop stars.
So, is getting an agent the right move for you as an artist? Check out this week’s interview to find out...
Interview Chapters
[01:18-07:29]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Anna Goodson, owner of the Anna Goodson Illustration Agency. She talks about how her background in advertising and fashion photography eventually led her to set up her own illustration agency back in 1996. Find out why it’s been one hell of a ride in this chapter...
[08:32-15:08]
What was Anna’s Breakthrough Moment?
When Anna started her agency, the internet was still in its infancy and social media hadn’t even been invented yet.
So how did she break through and make a name for herself in the hugely competitive world of creative agencies? In this section, you’ll hear how she went from being told ‘you’ll never make it’ to selling artwork to the legendary pop star, Prince.
[15:52-22:33]
What Does Anna Look for in an Artist?
The Anna Goodson Illustration Agency represents artists from all over the world with a wide range of styles. So how does she choose artists to work with? In this chapter, you’ll hear how to make an impact with your art when reaching out to an illustration agency...and how to invest in your own career as a professional artist.
[23:06-27:24]
What Should Your Vision be as an Artist?
Many aspiring artists have a vision of where they’d like to be, but they often don’t know how to go about getting there. In this section, Anna reveals the importance of having a realistic, attainable vision and the steps you need to start taking to reach this goal.
[27:59-33:34]
How Has The Internet Changed Things for Artists?
The development of the internet and social media has brought about all kinds of changes, but how do these relate to artists?
In this chapter, Anna talks about going from competing as an agency on a local scale to a worldwide one, but reveals why the traditional values of hard work, dedication, and passion for your craft are just as important today as they ever were.
[33:39-37:54]
How Should You Approach an Artist Agency?
Decided you’re ready to reach out to an agent to help promote your art to a wider audience and get more clients?
In this final part of today’s interview, Anna reveals the key mistakes to avoid when approaching an illustration agency, and why developing your own style should always be a deeply personal choice.
[37:55-39:42]
Conclusion
Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Anna Goodson and lets you know where to find out more about her illustration agency.
Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“You can teach yourself so much from the internet these days” ~ Michael Cawood.
Want to know how to make an animated short film?
In this week’s interview, we speak to Michael Cawood, creator of the award-winning Devils, Angels & Dating, about his exciting new project, The Wrong Rock.
You'll hear what it was like to work on big name movies, such as The Mummy, Happy Feet, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, but you'll also get a fascinating insight into what it's like to work on your own animated short film.
So, if making an animated movie has been a dream of yours for some time (but you just didn't know how to get started), then check it out...
Because you just might pick up all the advice and motivation you need to start work on your passion project right now.
Interview Chapters
[00:37-08:21]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, UK-based artist and animator, Michael Cawood.
In this chapter, you’ll hear how he got started using his dad’s computer, and how the skills he learned at college eventually led him to work on big name movies such as The Mummy, Happy Feet, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
[09:07-20:01]
What was the Idea Behind Making The Wrong Rock?
In this chapter, Michael reveals the ideas behind his new animated short film, The Wrong Rock.
You’ll hear how he developed his initial concepts and characters, and why reaching out to creatives across the world helped him put together a team to bring his project to life.
[20:36-21:05]
How can you get Started on Your own Short Animated Film?
Want to get started on your own short animated film but don’t know what your first steps should be?
In this section, Michael talks about all the resources available to artists online, and why learning new skills are now within everyone’s reach.
[21:24-03:41]
What Motivated Michael to Make The Wrong Rock?
For Michael, making The Wrong Rock is an opportunity to express his creativity and tell a story that resonates deeply with him. But is he expecting to make money out of this project, too?
In this chapter, you’ll hear why his reasons for making this film go beyond financial matters, and why working on so-called ‘passion projects’ can actually lead to well-paid career opportunities.
You’ll hear why members of his team volunteered their time and experience, and why it’s so important for people to lend their support to independent creative projects.
[34:43-43:34 ]
Where can you Find out More About The Wrong Rock?
Want to find out more about The Wrong Rock and how you can support this project? In this chapter, Michael points you in the right direction and talks about all the perks available to people who want to get behind him and his team.
For example, if you’re interested in making your own animated short film, you’ll be able to follow along with the project at every stage and see how it was developed.
By the time his film is finished, Michael says there’ll be around 100 different edits for people to choose from, so you’ll be able to see how every single aspect of The Wrong Rock came together.
[43:35-45:38]
Conclusion
Mitch wraps up today’s interview and Michael talks about the final preparations for launching his short animated film, The Wrong Rock.
Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“It doesn’t have to be perfect to be done. You can always rework it.” ~ Katie Buckleitner.
Want to become a magazine designer or illustrator but don’t know where to start?
In this week’s interview, we hear how Katie Buckleitner landed her dream job as a digital designer for one of the world’s most iconic publications, Cosmopolitan Magazine, in New York.
You’ll hear how she worked on her skills and transitioned into graphic design after initially studying fine art at college, and you’ll find out how you can do the same by developing standout personal projects to put in your portfolio.
And, you’ll get a fascinating insight into the fast-paced world of a leading magazine and what it’s really like to work in this exciting environment.
Interview Chapters
[00:38-02:10]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Katie Buckleitner, a digital designer for Cosmopolitan Magazine in New York.
In this chapter, she talks about her background as an artist and designer, including the previous work experience which led up to Katie landing her dream job.
[02:19-02:39]
What Does the Creative Industry Mean to Katie?
The ‘creative industry’ is a broad term that encompasses many different areas, including fine art, graphic design, illustration, video games and much, much more.
But how does Katie define the industry in her own terms...and how does she feel to be a part of it?
[02:53-03:05]
Did Katie Always Work as a Digital Designer?
These days, Katie’s duties involve designing cool stuff specifically for online publication.
But did she always work in this area...or did she cut her teeth working as a print designer beforehand?
[03:22-03:41]
What’s it Like to Land Your Dream Job as a Designer in New York?
On paper, Katie’s job sounds ideal. But what’s it live and work in New York...and how does it feel to be part of the team on the number-one young women’s magazine in the world?
[03:59-04:48 ]
How Did Katie Get Started in her Career?
Katie has landed her dream job at Cosmo, but how did she get started as an artist?
In this chapter, you’ll hear how her earlier experiences as a fine art student and keen interest in fashion eventually led to her becoming a digital designer.
[05:43-19:14]
Did Katie Have a Job Lined up Before Moving to New York?
Many young artists and designers dream of moving to a big city such as New York and finding their dream role.
But does it really ever work out like that? In this chapter, Katie reveals why she took the decision to move to the ‘big apple’...and why the advice of her art tutors in college turned out to be right after all.
[06:12-09:20]
How Long did it Take Katie to Find her Dream job?
Finding her dream job didn’t happen immediately for Katie. In fact, it was only after months of applying that she found her position at Cosmo.
In this chapter, she reveals what she thinks helped her land this role...and how you can take the same steps in your own creative career by having a portfolio that gets you noticed.
[10:02-11:36]
What has Katie Learned From Working on Personal Projects?
Although Katie started out as a fine artist, her portfolio gradually developed to incorporate many of the design elements which also interest her.
So what did she learn from working on personal projects...and how can doing this help you build a varied portfolio, too?
[12:48-13:55]
How is Being a Designer Different to Being a Fine Artist?
Although fine art and graphic design fall under the same banner of ‘creative careers’, there are lots of differences between these two areas.
In this section, you’ll hear how Katie switched from one to the other, but why she still loves to wind down after a hard day at the computer by picking up her sketchbook and pencil.
[14:06-14:47]
How Does Katie Find Time to Work on Personal Projects?
Like many of us, Katie sometimes feels drained after a day in the office and doesn’t always have the mental energy to start working on personal projects.
However, she gets around this by motivating herself to do paintings as gifts for friends, or pursuing her other passion for interior design.
So, if you work a 9-5 and often find yourself lacking in motivation for making art, this chapter should give you some good ideas to incorporate into your regular lifestyle.
[15:21-19:50]
Did Katie aim for a Particular Style in her Portfolio?
When you’re putting together your portfolio, you might wonder if you should be producing work in a particular style to get noticed.
In this chapter, Katie explains why she feels her love of infographics and attention to design principles such as visual hierarchy helped her create a body of work which stood out from the rest.
And, in this section, you’ll hear why many of these principles are such a key part of her current role as a digital designer.
[20:03-22:53]
What Does a Typical day Working at Cosmopolitan Look Like?
As the number-one magazine in the world for young women, it’s safe to say an average day working at Cosmopolitan can get pretty busy.
In this chapter, Katie describes what her day looks like as digital designer and gives you a fascinating insight into a world of deadlines, huge amounts of content, and having a great team of people to work with.
[23:03-23:43]
What’s Next for Katie?
Where does Katie see her career moving in future? In this chapter, she talks about her current interests (such as photoshoots and art direction), and how she can see herself moving forward to incorporate these into her job in the future.
[23:44-25:38]
Conclusion
Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Katie Buckleitner and tells you where to see more of her work online.
Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“Just let go of any intention towards making a cool drawing, and somehow that cool drawing comes of itself.” ~ Ian Ingram.
Art and mindfulness are closely linked,, but what really happens in your brain when you put pencil to paper and lose yourself completely in your art?
In this interview, hyperrealist artist, Ian Ingram, explains why he swapped the craziness of US city life for the more relaxed surroundings of a seaside town in Mexico…
...and why not being bombarded with advertising and the demands of 21st century culture has helped him find a new inner calm where he’s free to let his imagination roam.
Interview Chapters
[00:49-03:28]
Introduction and Overview
Your host. Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Ian Ingram, an American hyperrealist artist now based in Mexico.
Having worked primarily in charcoal for the last 15 years, he’s recently started creating highly detailed self-portraits in oils which explore the human condition in deep and incredibly powerful detail.
[04:18-06:53]
Why Did Ian Move to Mexico?
A few years ago, Ian and his family made the bold decision to swap the hustle and bustle of urban American life for the more serene surroundings of a small coastal town in Mexico.
In this chapter, he explains why he did this, and how escaping the noise of the city has helped him find a new inner calm.
[07:58-10:03]
How Did Moving to Mexico Change Ian’s Life as an Artist?
Since moving, Ian has found it’s not only his lifestyle that’s changed - his new surroundings have also had a positive effect on his creative process as an artist.
In this chapter, he explains how this happened, and reveals why leaving city life behind has helped him discover who he really is as a person.
[10:27-11:50]
What Stage was Ian’s Career at When he Moved?
Do you need to establish yourself as an artist before moving somewhere new?
In this chapter, Ian talks about his career so far, and why big changes regarding his agent and galleries led to him starting afresh in a new town and seeking new inspiration from his surroundings.
[12:42-15:59]
Was Moving to Mexico Easy?
In this chapter, Ian reveals the struggles he faced in adjusting to life in a new country and continuing to develop as an artist.
On one hand, he wasn’t feeling overwhelmed by modern life any more...but, on the other, it took many months of hard work and intense concentration to produce many of his more recent paintings.
[16:41-19:14]
What’s the Reality of Working as an Artist in a new Country?
Many of us have a fantasy about a new life in a different country, but how does this differ from reality?
In this chapter, Ian explains how his vision of life compared to the practical realities of working as an artist in Mexico, and how these changes eventually filtered into the art he started making.
[20:28-22:38]
Art and Mindfulness. Why Creativity is the Perfect Tool for Meditation.
Ian believes art and mindfulness are strongly linked, and that the creative process is the perfect tool for meditation.
In this chapter, he explains how intense concentration on drawing an object can help unlock parts of the subconscious mind, and why so many people can benefit from this in their daily lives.
[22:52-38:57]
How has Mindfulness Influenced Ian’s Teaching Methods and his art?
In this chapter, Ian explains his teaching methods and philosophy on art in great detail.
You’ll hear why he believes the eye is superior to the brain in how we perceive and interpret things, and why certain works of art resonate with us on a deeper level than others.
If you’re looking for a fascinating insight into the mind of a fine artist, you’ll find plenty of food for thought in this section.
[40:35-42:27]
Conclusion and Where to Find Ian Online
In this final chapter, you’ll hear Ian’s final thoughts on the creative process as he shares some of the biggest insights and advice from his career as an artist so far. You’ll also find out where to see more of his work online.
Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“There are so many moments in your daily life when you can actually draw! Lunch break is half an hour, you’ve finished your sandwiches in 20. 10 minutes left...what do you do? Do you go and check your Facebook status, or do you draw? If you want to be a better artist, you draw.” ~ Iris Compiet.
Want to know how to have a successful art career and build your audience?
In this week’s interview, fantasy artist and illustrator, Iris Compiet, reveals how concentrating on her creative career and sketching and posting daily enabled her to quit her day job as a graphic designer and become a full-time illustrator.
This inspiring interview contains the blueprint for anyone wanting to build an art career on their own terms, from how to balance your day job with your creative passion, to posting daily, finding what resonates with the audience you're building, making connections and so much more.
Iris really is a shining example of what's possible when you finally make the decision to make the jump and stop making excuses for yourself. It takes time and hard work, but the steps are easy to understand and available to anyone…
Interview Chapters
[00:37-03:11]
Introduction and Overview
Your host. Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Iris Compiet, a fantasy artist and illustrator from the Netherlands.
She’s about to launch her book, Faeries of The Faultlines, thanks to a Kickstarter campaign which has already raised more than 88,000 Euros! So, how did she get started and end up actually living her dream of becoming a full-time artist?
[03:12-05:43]
Was Quitting Her Day Job a Difficult Decision?
Iris always dreamed of becoming an illustrator, but actually ended up working as a graphic designer for 16 years. So what made her decide to take the plunge...and did she have an action plan?
[06:17-08:21]
How Did Iris Become an Illustrator?
Iris didn’t suddenly wake up one day and decide to become an illustrator. Instead, she juggled her day job as a graphic designer with improving her art skills...and, eventually, she was able to concentrate on making art full time.
But how did she manage to make time for all this?
[05:56-09:34]
Where Can You Find Out More About Faeries of The Faultlines?
When Iris had the idea for her book, Faeries of The Faultlines, she had a clear end product in mind - a beautifully illustrated and printed book which she hopes will inspire generations.
But how did she go about bringing this product to life and raising enough money on Kickstarter to make it happen?
[09:53-13:18]
How Did Iris Get Serious About Becoming an Artist?
Iris made the decision to become a full-time fantasy artist five years before she quit her day job as a graphic designer.
So what did she do to start working towards her dream? In this chapter, you’ll hear how she got her priorities straight, invested in her future, and focused completely on where she wanted to be...
[13:42-19:12]
How Did Iris Build a Successful Brand as an Artist?
After having made the decision to become an artist, Iris also worked hard on developing her brand and getting her work seen.
In this chapter, you’ll find out exactly how she did this, and why sketching daily and posting your work can lead on to bigger things than you might think...
[20:28-22:44]
How Can You Make Time For Art in Your Life?
Finding the time to actually make art can be a real issue for many people. So how did Iris manage to fit daily sketching into her daily routine?
In this chapter, you’ll hear how to manage your time more efficiently and fit art into your schedule - no matter how busy you are.
[23:16-29:08]
How Did Iris Become a Main Stage Artist at Illuxcon?
Becoming a main stage artist at Illuxcon in Pennsylvania, USA, was one of the many highlights of Iris’ creative career so far. So how did she get there...and how did this help her art career?
[30:03-42:20]
What Kind of Work Did Iris Show at Illuxcon?
Choosing the right work to show at any art or comic con can be difficult, so how did Iris decide which pieces to show? In this chapter, you’ll hear how she prepared for this hugely popular and highly-regarded art event.
[32:45-35:08]
How Did Taking Part in Art Challenges Help Boost Iris’ Audience?
Iris took part in many of the popular art challenges on Instagram, such as #junefae and #mermay , which she says helped boost her following significantly. So how can you build your audience on social media using the same approach?
[35:37-43:12]
How Did Iris Launch Her Kickstarter Campaign?
As we mentioned earlier, Iris always had an end product in mind when she began preparing for her Kickstarter campaign and book launch.
But how did this take shape as the months went by and how did Iris find inspiration for her project?
In this chapter, you’ll hear why she believes in making art that stays true to you as a person...and why your passion for your art will always shine through in the quality of your work if you do.
[43:13-47:09]
Conclusion
If you’re interested in buying Faeries of the Faultlines and boosting your art skills at the same time, you might like to know about our special offer for anyone who purchases Iris’ book.
You’ll get the full details of how to take advantage of this deal in this chapter, along with information about another exciting art project...
Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
Want to know how to ask for feedback from an artist and take the next steps in your creative career?
This episode will show you how to ask for feedback the right way, so the artist feedback you receive will be as on point as possible.
It doesn't matter if you want to work in a studio or you want to work as a freelancer...
Because, when you follow these key points, the feedback you receive will always be the most helpful it can be:
- Have a visual quality target example
- Who are you designing your portfolio for?
- Have at least 4 pieces that show what you are going for
- Educate yourself about the market you want to enter
BONUS: How much time per day are you spending on your art?
Interview Chapters
[00:38-01:04]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, talks about the subject of today’s short podcast episode, and reveals what inspired him to put together this handy resource of actionable tips and advice to help you take the next steps in your art career.
So, whether you want to work as a freelance illustrator or in a studio environment, be sure to check out the key takeaways from this podcast. Because the next 20 minutes might just give you all the light bulb moments you’ve been looking for.
[01:05-02:51]
What’s Your Target and Where are you Trying to get to in Your Work?
If you’re wondering how to get feedback from an artist, one of the first things you’ll want to do is make sure you have a specific target in mind.
Why? Because, if the person reviewing your portfolio has an idea of where you’re trying to get to, it’ll make it a whole lot easier for them to offer you their advice.
For example, if you want to become a comic book artist, then it makes total sense to show someone an example of your work that fits this style, along with something by another artist you admire to compare it to.
[02:52-05:47]
Think About who you are Designing or Making art for
Making art is one thing, but it’s going to be difficult to sell this to anybody without a target audience in mind. Therefore, it’s always worth thinking about the kind of people who might like your work.
For example, if pet portraits are your thing, then your target audience is likely to be people who love animals.
After all, you wouldn’t try and sell a stack of smoked ribs to vegetarians, so why take the risk with your own art? Find out where your audience hangs out and reach out them!
And, if you want to work in a studio, you’ll also find all the advice you need to get your work seen by the right people in this chapter.
[05:48-06:36]
Have at Least 4 Pieces of Work to Show People
Once you’ve established your target audience and have a clear idea of where you want to get to, put the 4 pieces of work which best demonstrate this into your portfolio.
This will help the artist reviewing your work get a better picture of your style and highlight any areas that need a little more work.
[06:38-08:42]
Educate Yourself About the Market You’re Trying to get Into
Having established your target market or audience, it’s also a great idea to do some research on them.
For example, if you want to become a video game concept artist, you’ll want to find out what goes on behind the scenes on a daily basis.
To do this, read books, articles and interviews on the subject, follow artists who work in this field on social media, and generally gather as much information as you can about the industry. If you already know someone who works in your chosen field, ask them what a typical day looks like.
The more knowledge you have, the easier it will be to tailor your portfolio accordingly.
[08:44-12:57]
How Much Time per day are you Spending on Your art?
As with anything else in life, you’ll need to put the time in if you want to pursue a career as an artist. But just how much time should you be spending on your art each day?
In this chapter, you’ll learn how to make the most of your time and make real progress with your art.
It won’t always be easy, and it won’t happen overnight...but if you’re wondering how to get feedback on your art and take the next steps with your career, it’s important for the artist reviewing your work to know you’re serious about it.
[12:58-18:33]
Recap on how to ask for Feedback From an Artist
In the final chapter of this short podcast, Mitch recaps the key points from each section and tells you how to start moving towards your goals as an artist.
You’ll also hear some exciting news about our partnership with Shane Madden’s Illustration Lighthouse, and how artists all over the world are already benefiting from the advice in this course.
Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
PK 148: What Does it Really Take to Make it as a Fine Artist?
“It takes application and it’s hard work, but that’s no different to building any other kind of career. Nothing comes easy!” ~ Barney Davey.
What does it really take to make it as a fine artist?
In this week’s interview, Barney Davey from www.artmarketingnews.com shares some of the biggest insights gained from years of experience in the art market and holds nothing back as he dives deep into what it takes to make a career as an artist.
So, if you’re keen to start building a career as a working artist (but don’t know what your next steps should be), then prepare to be enlightened.
Because the advice and information in this interview might just be what you’ve been looking for all along...
Interview Chapters
[00:37-02:02]
Introduction and Overview
Your host. Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Barney Davey, an expert in the art industry with more than 30 years’ experience helping artists make sales. In this chapter, he explains how he does this, and why his website has developed over the years into an indispensable resource for artists all over the world.
[02:07-02:28]
What Kind of Artists Does Barney Work With?
Over the years, Barney has worked with a wide range of artists to help them develop their careers and market their work to the right markets. But what kind of artists are most likely to go to him for help? You’ll find out in this chapter.
[02:36-04:33]
Why Barney Doesn’t Subscribe to The ‘Starving Artist’ Myth
Many people believe it’s impossible to make a living from art and refer back to the image of ‘the starving artist’ to make their point.
But is this really the case...or is it just a myth we need to move away from in our careers? In this chapter, Barney explains why he believes any artist can turn their creativity into a sustainable business with the right approach to marketing and networking.
[05:56-12:47]
What Type of Art Should You be Making to Have a Successful Career?
The fine art business can be confusing at first. On one hand, you see abstract or controversial works changing hands for millions, while on the other, you see artists struggling to get their work accepted in galleries or make sales.
So what kind of art should you be making in order to make a good regular income from your work and which kind of clients should you reach out to?
In this chapter, Barney shares some of the key takeaways from his extensive career in the art industry...and reveals why you may not need as many customers as you might think.
[13:47-17:22]
How Should You Price Your Artwork to Generate a Good Income?
Some artists make the mistake of pricing their work low in a bid to attract customers, but Barney believes this approach is counter-productive.
And, in this chapter, you’ll hear why he feels finding the right audience, working hard, and building your art career are more important things to focus on for long-term success.
[18:10-24:33]
What Are The Most Common Stumbling Blocks For Artists?
Does Barney’s approach work for everyone….or do you need to have a certain mindset to success in the art market?
In this chapter, he reveals many of the pitfalls he’s experienced from years of working with artists, and explains why he believes there’s a certain trade-off between the work you want to make for yourself...and the work that’s actually going to start bringing the dollars in.
[25:12-32:05]
Is Becoming a Professional Artist The Right Career Choice For You?
Even though you love making art, becoming a professional artist and carving out a creative career might not be the best route for you to take. Why? In this chapter, Barney explains how to be honest with yourself and establish whether you have a viable art business or not.
[32:21-34:14]
What if You Aren’t Prepared to Market Yourself as an Artist?
Love making art but don’t want to market yourself? Then here comes the cold water. In this chapter, you’ll hear why promoting your work to others is the crucial difference between professional and hobby artists, and why marketing doesn’t always have to feel ‘icky’.
[34:46-42:20]
How Does Barney Work With Artists And Help Them?
Barney’s website is already a treasure trove of super-useful bounty for artists, but what are the new ways in which he’s working with people to help them get the most from their creative careers?
In this chapter, he talks about the idea behind his new Art Business Book Club, and reveals what motivates him to keep helping artists reach their full potential. You’ll also hear about where to find Barney online, and how to take advantage of his free initial consultation service.
[43:08-46:48]
Conclusion
Mitch wraps up today’s interview, and Barney offers some final thoughts and advice for any artists who are keen to take the next step in their careers.
PK 147: Thinking of Becoming an Illustrator? How Artist, Kate Oleska, Switched Careers.
Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“You just have to do what appeals to you and just do it! Because that’s how you’re gonna get a job that you want to be doing. You just have to grab every minute you have, every second, and just doodle, draw, do whatever you can and don’t get discouraged.” ~ Kate Oleska.
Are you thinking of becoming an illustrator...but feel stuck in an unfulfilling job? In this interview, Kate Oleska reveals how she made the transition over a number of years from her regular job as an architect to becoming a full time freelance artist.
So, if you’re wondering how to get your first client or find your own style as an artist and illustrator, you should find plenty of useful insights in the interview to help you make the switch and start doing what you really love for a living.
Interview Chapters
[00:38-02:11]
Introduction and Overview
Your host. Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Kate Oleska, a professional artist and illustrator based in the UK. In this chapter, you’ll hear about Kate’s previous career as an architect, and why she eventually decided to make the switch to becoming a full-time freelance artist over 14 years ago.
[02:31-03:48]
What did Kate do as an Architect?
You may not know it, but there are actually some strong links between being an architect and being an artist. In this chapter, Kate explains why she chose this career path to begin with, and why she eventually decided to take the plunge and become a freelance illustrator instead.
[04:26-06:13]
What are the Similarities Between Being an Architect and Being an Artist?
Kate became an architect because she wanted a career where she could use her creative skills. But what are the similarities between being an architect and being an artist?
In this chapter, she explains how she made the transition from one career to the other, and reveals the links between the two and the skills she picked up which made the journey much smoother for her.
[07:33-08:55]
How Did Kate Find Time to Develop her Skills as an Artist?
At first, Kate was juggling her day job as an architect with working on her art and developing her creative skills. But how did she find time to do this?
In this chapter, you’ll pick up some great tips for managing your time more effectively, and learn why it’s so much easier to put the hours in when you love what you’re doing.
[09:16-10:14]
What was Kate’s Main Focus as an Artist When she was Starting out?
From day one, Kate’s focus as an artist was on developing and improving her drawing and painting skills. In this chapter, you’ll hear how she did this...and how you can also develop your creative skills by constantly finding ways to improve.
[10:22-13:48]
Which Clients has Kate Worked for...and how did she Find Them?
Kate has worked for a wide range of clients so far, including illustrations for the much-loved Terry Pratchett book series, Discworld.
But how did she find her first clients? In this chapter, you’ll learn why it’s so important to keep your social media channels updated...but also to reach out to people who might be willing to offer you work.
[14:36-24:23]
How did Kate Develop her own Style as an Artist and Illustrator?
It’s one thing to be influenced by another artist, but it’s quite another to develop your own unique style as an artist and stand out from the crowd. So how did Kate find hers? In this chapter, you’ll hear why she believes individuality is so important....and why producing work in the style of already established artists will only get you so far.
[25:06-27:04]
Is There a Right or Wrong way to Develop Your art Style?
Everyone has a different approach as an artist. And, in this chapter, you’ll hear why Kate believes you have to follow your own path and not worry so much about whether you’re going about it the right way or not.
[27:44-43:21]
How to Make the Switch to Becoming a Freelance Illustrator
Going it alone can be scary, but Kate shares some super-useful advice to help you on your way in this chapter. You’ll learn why it’s often a good idea to have a regular job which pays the bills (especially when you’re just starting out), and why all your hard work will eventually pay off if you stick at it.
[43:46-44:57]
What can you Learn in Kate’s Video Course for Pencil Kings?
Kate has recently produced a 3-part video course on portrait painting in oils for us here at Pencil Kings.
And, in this chapter, she describes exactly what you’ll learn from watching her clear, step-by-step instructions which take you all the way from a blank piece of board to a finished portrait painting in oils.
[45:10-46:47]
Conclusion - Where to Find Kate Online
In the concluding chapter of this interview, Kate tells you where to see more of her work online and follow her on her various social media channels.
Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
“You have to do the legwork. I strongly believe you have to go to the conventions and physically meet people.” ~ Kensuke Okabayashi
Want to know how to become an illustrator?
This week, we speak to Kensuke Okabayashi, creator of the bestselling book, Manga for Dummies, and an artist who has worked on all kinds of projects, including Magic The Gathering .
So how did he get started in the industry and get his first big break?
In this in-depth interview, you’ll get a fascinating insight into what it’s really like to work as an illustrator and commercial artist in the fast-paced world of game studios and advertising agencies.
You’ll hear why traditional skills such as drawing and oil painting still form the foundations of a successful career as an artist, and why actually getting out there and meeting people is just as important as keeping your social media channels updated.
Interview Chapters
[00:00-02:07]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Kensuke Okabayashi. In this chapter, you'll hear about his work on Magic The Gathering, creating the Amazon bestseller, Manga for Dummies, and his current career as a storyboard artist in the fast-paced world of New York’s many design agencies.
[02:19-03:14]
Kensuke on his Latest Graphic Novel Project, The Foreigner
When he’s not busy working on storyboards or book illustrations, Kensuke has found time to work on his graphic novel project, The Foreigner. After successfully funding this title on Kickstarter last summer, he’s now adding the finishing touches with a view to publishing it in the next few weeks.
[03:46-05:14]
How did Kensuke get Started in his Career as an Artist?
Incredibly, Kensuke didn’t actually go to art school at first. Although he always loved Manga comics as a kid, he couldn’t find enough support in his native Japan to further his career as an artist.
So, after an initial attempt to join the studio team behind Star Blazers as an apprentice fell through, he decided to ‘play it safe’ and opt for a career in childcare. However, it wasn’t too long before he felt burned out and expressed his real dream of going to art school and becoming an artist to his parents...
[05:27-07:23]
What was art School Like for Kensuke?
Soon after deciding to pursue a career in art, Kensuke enrolled at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York. What was his time there like and which fundamental skills did he learn?
In this chapter, you’ll hear how his enduring passion for oil painting started, and why he came to the conclusion that focusing solely on Manga and comic books wasn’t necessarily going to be the best career option for the future.
[08:31-10:10]
Why is it so Important to be Adaptable as an Artist and Develop Your Own Style?
Although many people dream of becoming a rock star comic book artist, the reality of working in this industry is often quite different.
In this chapter, you’ll hear why Kensuke believes it’s so important to be open to lots of different career routes as an artist, and why developing your own signature style is a great way to stand out from the crowd.
[10:38-11:36]
How is the Manga Industry in Japan Different to the Comic Book Industry in America?
While the American comic book industry is dominated by huge studios such as Marvel and DC, the Manga scene in Japan offers a wide range of scope for artists. In fact, you can buy a Manga comic on just about any topic you can imagine!
In this chapter, Kensuke shares his insights into the Manga industry, and explains why he feels it offers much more potential for creative growth than the more rigid framework of the big American companies.
[11:43-12:37]
What did Kensuke do After Art School?
After leaving art school, Kensuke was fortunate enough to land a book illustration gig via one of his tutors. From there, he made sure he went to as many comic cons as possible, which is where he met the art director behind Magic The Gathering.
After this, he continued to reach out and make contacts, which is how he got a foot in the door of New York’s bustling advertisement and entertainment agencies and continued to grow his career...
[13:35-15:30]
How did Kensuke get Noticed at San Diego Comic Con?
Although Kensuke’s art career sounds incredibly easy and straightforward so far, he naturally had to prove himself to art directors and other clients first.
In this chapter, he reveals how he first landed the gig working on Magic The Gathering, and why it’s often a great idea to step out of your comfort zone and put everything you have into something you might not have tried before.
[16:40-21:44]
How did Kensuke get his Graphic Novel Project Finished?
Creating a graphic novel is a huge undertaking. Not only do you have to have a great story to begin with, you’ve also got lots of other things to consider, such as editing, typography, coloring, illustration and much, much more. So how did Kensuke even begin to put his project together?
In this chapter, you’ll learn a lot about the importance of teamwork and reaching out to fellow artists. You’ll discover why it’s ok to admit you’re not the greatest at absolutely everything. And, you’ll also hear why keeping in touch with your old buddies from art school can pay dividends when you start working on a big project.
[22:34-25:14]
How do you Promote a Graphic Novel?
The business and promotion side to an art project is equally as important as the creative side. But how do you even go about promoting your art to others?
In this chapter, Kensuke shares his experiences of putting together a graphic novel, and reveals why overcoming social awkwardness or shyness is one of the key ways to help get your creative project out there.
[25:52-33:35]
What’s it Like to Work in the Advertising and Entertainment Industries?
These days, Kensuke often works in the relentlessly fast-paced world of New York’s many advertising agencies. Although it can often be a high-pressure environment, Kensuke has picked up many tips along the way to help him rise above the stress and get his work done.
And, in this insightful chapter, he shares many of them with you.
[33:49-41:53]
What’s Next for Kensuke?
Kensuke has packed so much into his creative career already, but what’s next on the horizon?
In this chapter, you’ll hear what really inspires him, and why he feels there’s still so much he wants to explore as an artist.
You’ll also hear why Kensuke believes social media is so important for artists, but that it’s only truly effective if you combine this marketing strategy with going out and meeting people face-to-face.
[42:11-44:00]
Conclusion and Where to see Kensuke’s Work Online
Mitch wraps up today’s interview, and Kensuke tells you about all the places you can see his work online.
So, whether you’re a fan of Manga or just want to learn more about how to become an illustrator, this final chapter should give you everything you’re looking for.
Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
Want to find out how to make an awesome art portfolio and find more clients?
In this interview, we speak to Paul Yates, a concept and fantasy artist from Montreal, Canada.
Since leaving uni and going freelance, Paul has scored a number of wins as an artist, including being featured in Spectrum - a leading magazine for fantasy art.
However, despite this, Paul is struggling to find regular work as an artist. And that's why he reached out to us here at Pencil Kings to see if we could help.
In this interview, you'll learn why having a great portfolio is only part of the package...and why making connections with fellow artists and getting involved with as many art-related events as possible is your key to finding more paid opportunities.
So, if you feel stuck in your career as an artist and don't know which way to turn next, we hope some of the topics covered in this interview will give you some super-useful tips which you can start acting on right now.
Interview Chapters
[00:00-03:30]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Paul Yates. In this chapter, you'll hear about his creative career so far, and why he decided to approach the team at Pencil Kings for their advice on his art career.
[03:46-04:39]
What is Paul's Professional Experience of Working as an Artist?
Since leaving uni and going freelance, Paul has worked on a variety of projects, including personal commissions and book illustration projects. However, he's been struggling to find concrete leads since then, which is why he turned to Pencil Kings for help.
[04:44-05:38]
What has Paul Been Doing to Reach out to People so far?
After putting your portfolio together, one of the biggest challenges as an artist can be knowing who to reach out to...and how to approach them. So how has Paul been reaching out to prospective clients...and is there anything he could change to have more success?
[05:50-07:42]
How Much Time Does Paul Spend on Improving his art Skills?
Since quitting his 9-5, Paul has been putting in the hours on developing his art skills every day. But how is he dividing his day up...and is there anything he could do to use his time more effectively?
[07:57-17:36]
What Does Paul Think is Holding him Back?
Paul's portfolio features a high standard of work and he's been featured in an industry-leading magazine, Spectrum. Yet, despite this, he's struggling to find his next big gig. So what does he think is holding him back...and what can he do to change this? In this chapter, you'll get some great tips on how to reach out to other artists and prospective clients based on our own experiences as working artists.
[18:08-20:25]
What Does 'Paying Your Dues' Mean?
A lot of artists feel held back in their careers because they feel they 'haven't paid their dues yet'. But what are these dues...and what can you do as an artist to overcome hurdles like these?
[34:40-27:52]
What Inspires Paul to Make art?
In this chapter, we asked Paul to tell us how he'd like his portfolio to be perceived by other artists and prospective clients. He reveals what inspires him as an artist, and the message he tries to convey with his paintings. Is there anything else he could be doing to make his portfolio and website stand out from the rest?
[40:32-45:54]
Conclusion
Mitch wraps up today's interview and offers Paul some more insights on how to grow his client base and hopefully find more paid gigs. In this chapter, you'll also find out where to see Paul's work online and follow him on his social media channels.
Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
Want to know how to make a video game?
In this week's podcast, we speak to freelance concept artist, Nik Hagialas.
When his main source of income dried up, he decided to put his time to good use and do something he'd always wanted to do - create his own video game.
So, he started expanding on the coding skills he'd already learned in college and, working with a developer buddy, eventually came up with the concept of Mask of Semblance.
In this interview, you'll hear how he taught himself to use the game development software, Unity, through watching YouTube tutorials.
And, you'll discover that if you're prepared to work hard at something, there's no reason why you can't develop and release your own video game, too.
Interview Chapters
[00:00-02:57]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Nikolas Hagialas. In this chapter, you'll hear about his creative career so far, and why he's decided that now is the time to release his new video game, Mask of Semblance.
[04:30-05:52]
Launching a Successful Video Game can be Really Tough. How has Nik Prepared for This?
Lots of new video games are launched every year, but very few actually make it past the Kickstarter stage. What has Nik done to prepare himself for this, and why is he launching a video game at this stage of his creative career?
[06:28-07:22]
What's The Worst That Could Happen...And What Can You Do If It Does?
When launching any new creative project, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan if things don't work out. So what can you do if your project isn't as successful as you'd hoped it would be?
[07:30-13:36]
What is Mask of Semblance About...and Where is Nik at with it?
In this chapter, Nik explains the concept behind his video game, Mask of Semblance, and why he believes it offers something different to lots of other game titles out there.
[15:34-17:36]
How is Nik Getting Others Excited About His Video Game?
Developing your video game is one thing, but how do you get potential investors and consumers excited about it? In this chapter, Nik talks about creating demos and showreels to help generate a buzz around a new video game.
[18:04-20:25]
How Did Nik get Started With Mask of Semblance?
Many of us have great ideas about projects, but lots of them never really get off the ground. So how did Nik get started with Mask of Semblance? Did he start with a story or a character...and how did he then start building this into a fully-fledged video game?
[21:28-27:52]
Which Skills do you Need to Make a Video Game?
Being good at art is one thing, but which other skills do you need to develop and launch a video game? In this chapter, you'll hear how Nik put his skills in other areas, such as math and languages, to good use when developing his project. And, you'll hear how he built upon the coding skills he learned at college to master the game development software, Unity.
[28:13-31:18]
What if Your Friends and Family Don't Understand Why You're Doing This?
Friends and family don't always understand what it means to be an artist and spend countless hours developing a project. So how has Nik been able to put his dream project first without the usual distractions?
[31:51-37:11]
What Motivates Nik To Do This?
Finding the inspiration and motivation necessary to complete a project can sometimes be tricky, so how has Nik stayed on track...and what has he found to be the most important factor in getting your ideas out there and reaching people?
[38:13-39:24]
Conclusion
Where can you find out more about Mask of Semblance and Nik's other work? This concluding chapter will give you all the info you need.
Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/
When Darren Yeow created the Nomad Art Satchel a few years ago, he wanted to create a super-useful tool for artists with one aim in mind - to encourage creativity and help artists everywhere capture their ideas.
Now, after the huge success of this product on Kickstarter, he's back with a brand new brand and a product which takes the design of the Nomad to an exciting new level for artists - the Etchr Lab Multi-purpose Satchel.
In this interview, you'll hear about the fascinating design process behind this new product, and how Darren and Simon invited feedback from working artists to create something which truly met their needs.
You'll learn why collaboration is key, and why the best people to work with might be easier to reach than you think.
And, if you've ever wanted to develop and launch your own product (but don't know where to start), you'll get some invaluable insights on doing this from listening to Darren and Simon's experiences.
Interview Chapters
[00:00-06:49]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guests, Darren Yeow, creator of the Nomad satchel, and his business partner, finance expert Simon Frisby.
In this chapter, you'll hear why they decided to take the revolutionary design aspects of the Nomad and evolve these into an exciting new product which is set to become an indispensable tool for all artists.
[07:52-14:45]
Why did Darren Decide to Collaborate on This New Product?
When Darren launched the Nomad Art Satchel a few years ago, he was working as a one-man band looking after everything from marketing to raising financial backing for his product via Kickstarter.
Now, he's teamed up with Simon and other experts to form a new company, Etchr Lab, which promises to deliver a wide range of cutting-edge products into the lives of artists.
So why did he decide to work with others on this new project...and how has this led to a new, improved product?
[10:22-12:10]
How Can You go About Launching Your Own Great Idea?
Got a great idea of your own...but don't know how to get started on developing this into a successful product?
In this chapter, you'll hear about the benefits of networking with others in your niche...and why listening carefully to the advice of others can ultimately help you create the most effective business plan and product.
[12:11-17:33]
What Should You Look For in Potential Collaborators?
Choosing people to collaborate with can sometimes be tricky. After all, you've got to be sure they share your passion and vision for your ideas.
In this chapter, you'll hear about how Darren and Simon met, and why a series of shopping trips helped them decide that collaborating was a very good idea!
[17:34-23:41]
It's Been 3 Years Since the Nomad Satchel Was Launched. What's Been Happening Since?
Darren launched his Nomad art satchel three years ago. So what's he been up to in the meantime...and why did he decide that now was the right time to launch a new product?
In this chapter, you'll also learn about the importance of marketing your product, and how to take full advantage of tools such as social media to help promote your big idea and generate a buzz around it.
[23:42-24:42]
What Happened When Darren Devoted All His Time to His Product?
Like many artists and creators, Darren had to take on freelance work in the beginning to pay the bills while he developed his new idea.
But what happened when he was able to devote all his time and energy to this one project?
[24:43-30:44]
How Can You Work Effectively With Other People?
The success of a collaborative project often revolves around your relationship with the other members of your team. But how do you learn to hand over tasks to others and listen to their input?
In this chapter, you'll get some invaluable insights into teamwork, and why learning how to listen can be one of the most important factors behind success.
[30:45-39:00]
How do You Find Business Contacts as well as Creative Contacts?
As artists, most of us have got creative friends who we can work with and bounce ideas off of. But how do you find the business-minded people to help turn your dreams into reality?
In this chapter, you'll learn about networking...and why personal recommendations can often be much more effective than searching for potential contacts online.
[39:01-42:15]
Where to Find Darren and Etchr Lab Online
Want to find out more about Etchr Lab and their exciting new products for artists? You'll find everything you need in this chapter, including some great advice on the realities of developing a product based on Darren's real-life experiences.
[42:16-44:37]
Conclusion
Mitch wraps up today's interview and Darren lets you know how to get behind his new product launch on Kickstarter and take advantage of some great early-bird deals.
Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/
Are you looking for a way to learn figure drawing...
but have been put off in the past by scary math formulas and endless anatomy diagrams?
Or perhaps you're just looking for a way to put the fun back into drawing and create sketches full of life and action?
As a teacher with more than 20 years' experience, Mike Mattesi has seen the struggles aspiring artists go through and the hurdles they face.
And that's why he developed Drawing With Force - his own unique method of drawing figures which captures all the dynamism of the human body...without getting all bogged down in the science and technical stuff.
So, if you've been looking for a way to capture movement and form using just the power and beauty of line, we think you'll find this week's interview super interesting...
And the best part? You won't need anything more than the cheapest art materials you can find to get started!
Interview Chapters
[00:00-06:58]
Introduction and Career Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Mike Mattesi, who gives you an overview of his career as an artist, tutor and senior art director at Zynga games. You'll also find out what Mike decided to develop his Drawing Force method to help other artists.
[07:00-14:45]
How did Mike Mattesi Develop his Drawing Force method and get it Published?
Mike Mattesi launched his Drawing Force method 10 years ago, but how did he develop this unique way of drawing and make it accessible to artists of all abilities? In this chapter, you'll learn about how his book came to be published...and the impact it's had upon the lives of artists and art education ever since.
[16:13-19:08]
How is Drawing With Force Different to Other Figure Drawing Methods?
Drawing with force is very different to many other figure drawing methods you may have seen. In this chapter, Mike explains what excites him about drawing figures this way...and why using these techniques can really help you understand how the human body works.
[26:24-30:47]
Why Mike Believes Making Art Should Always be Fun
One of the key elements of the Drawing Force technique is having fun. In his many years of teaching, Mike observed that students learn best when they feel truly engaged in a subject, so that's exactly what he decided to incorporate in his own techniques.
[31:15-37:27]
How Can Drawing With Force Help Animation or Concept Artists?
Mike's Drawing Force methods may seem like they come from a strictly fine art background, but these techniques actually work really well for artists working in all kinds of industries. In this chapter, Mike explains why teaching his students these techniques has helped them go on to have rewarding careers as concept artists, animators, and many more roles.
[39:19-45:27]
What do you Need to get Started Using the Drawing Force Method?
Unlike some art programs, you don't need expensive materials to get started with the Drawing Force method. In fact, all you need is a soft, stubby pencil and cheap newsprint paper! In this chapter, Mike explains why he feels the cost of materials is a real issue for many beginner artists, and why he's committed to making art accessible to all.
[46:06-50:00]
Why Mike Mattesi Still Loves Figure Drawing More Than Anything Else
Despite having taught for more than 20 years and worked at some of the biggest art and gaming studios, Mike still loves drawing figures more than anything else. So what is it about life drawing that really gets him excited? And how can you take the first steps towards getting that same sense of excitement from making art? Also in this chapter, you'll hear how to take advantage of Mike's exclusive discount for listeners to the Pencil Kings podcast!
[50:01-52:53]
Where to Find Mike Online and Learn More About Drawing Force
Mitch wraps up today's interview by letting you know where to find Mike online and learn more about his Drawing Force program. You'll also hear about Evolve - an exciting new art program which you can sign up to and get early access!
Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/
What happens if you give up everything and take your creative show on the road?
That's what Derek Rodenbeck has done, and we catch up with him again to see what he's learned in the past 5 months of travelling city to city and often living out in nature in a tent with his girlfriend and their two huge dogs.
Interview Chapters:
[00:00-05:54]
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Derek Rodenbeck, who talks about his epic journey so far and where he's planning on travelling to next.
[06:31-13:34]
How has Travelling Changed Derek's Outlook and his Creativity?
It's impossible to travel to incredible places without them having a profound effect upon your outlook and your creativity. How has travelling helped Derek find inspiration, and how has this changed his approach to being creative?
[14:46-16:57]
Why is it so Important to Enjoy What You do as a Creative Person?
Although his background is in comic books, Derek has discovered a new passion for photography while being out on the road. And, for him, this is where he feels his creative interests really lie right now. So, how did he come to this conclusion...and why is it only worth doing something if you truly enjoy it?
[17:17-18:32]
Why Isn't Derek Thinking About Career Options Right Now?
Although he's now become a keen photographer, Derek isn't doing this with a view to having a career behind the lens. So what's really motivating him...and why has he decided to stop worrying about making money for the moment?
[20:01-22:14]
How Does Derek Find The Strength to Take Risks?
Many of us dream of just packing everything away and going travelling for months, but the fear of paying bills or losing our careers often holds us back. So how does Derek find the strength to give it all up and set out on the open road?
[23:13-26:20]
What are the big Lesson Derek's Learned From Travelling?
Travelling can have a major impact on your life, with some often unexpected lessons to learn from the experience. So what are the big lessons Derek's learned while being on the road?
[28:06-29:47]
How has Travelling Changed Derek as a Person?
The Derek we used to know was always a busy man, hustling his way from one art project to another without pausing to take a breath. Whereas, the Derek we're speaking to now has a new sense of calm about him and a much more relaxed approach to life. Has travelling brought about this change...or was it a direction he was headed in already?
[30:54-32:51]
What's Been the Biggest Change to Derek as a Creative Person?
Previously, Derek used to draw for hours on end as he worked on all kinds of projects from comic books to game cards...but where is he at right now? In this chapter, he explains what inspires him creatively about travelling...and why it's always worth exploring as many different options as you want.
[34:05-35:58]
What Happens When Derek's Travelling Comes to an End?
Travelling is great, but most of us don't get to roam the world forever. What happens when it's time to return to regular life...and is Derek worried about what happens next?
[35:59-37:43]
Conclusion and Where to Find Derek Online
If you want to find out more about Derek's adventures, this chapter will give you the information you need. You'll also hear about what's been happening in the Pencil Kings community and why we're so grateful for everyone's support with our podcasts so far.
Full show notes and links at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/
John Martin walks us through the process of creating a successful children's book and what it really looks like behind the scenes as a children's book illustrator.
Interview Overview
Here are some of the great insights from John Martin in this interview:
- More than anything he stressed how powerful and important having a good agent is. They can open doors for you that you don't even know you need to be opening.
- When it comes to the success of your projects good character design is so important. You have to remember that with books you're competing primarily against interactive mediums like video games, and what John does to approach his character design is to pull from design ideas that he's seen and loved from all of the different media he's consumed like comic books, television and moves and then stir them all together to come up with his own new ideas.
But he doesn't just stop there... he uses a fluid design process where he's not afraid to experiment and try new things to come up with his designs, and he uses textures and patterns that he sees in everyday life to use as the basis for his designs. * Music is another big inspiration for him and he will listen to anything from classical music to rob zombie while he is working and use that to inspire the design process and get into the zone. * The job of a book illustrator is a constant juggle, and this is something we've heard before when talking with Francis Vallejo. When the book comes out, you're in full scale promotion mode to get it out to as many people as possible, and if you're like John and part of a multi-book deal you have to balance juggling the promotion with creating work for the second book. * John also talked a bit about his process where he draws an inks everything traditionally and then brings it all into the computer and turns it into vector, which if you've never heard of vector before is a way of working with images that you can easily scale and reposition your images without losing quality, and he works this way so that during the layout process for the book it becomes very easy for him to react to any changes that are needed while in the layout process. * One of the things that I personally loved about this interview is John's mission to create readers for life. This is no small task when you consider the competition with games and movies for the attention span of kids.
Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/
Want to know how to break out of art jail and finally move forwards with your creative career?
Do you long to leave your day job but just don't know how to make progress as an artist?
In this interview, Chris Oatley from The Oatley Academy reveals the simple changes you can make to really start pushing things forwards.
Drawing on years of experience with students of his hugely popular online courses and community, he highlights the most common roadblocks faced by aspiring artists, and what you can do to get past these and finally start working towards a more fulfilling career.
It's not about becoming a rockstar artist, and it certainly isn't about having overnight success. What it really boils down to is your willingness to keep working and learning from your mistakes.
And, in this week's interview, you'll find everything you need to help you do just that.
Interview Chapters
[00:00:00-00:04:08]
Introduction and Career Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Chris Oatley, from The Oatley Academy, who reveals how he quit his job as an artist at Disney after five years to become a full-time educator helping other artists break into the creative industries.
[00:04:09-00:15:50]
How Chris Oatley Changed His Career...And How You Can Do The Same
In this chapter, Chris talks about why he decided to leave behind a stable, reliable career as a Disney artist and make the leap of faith to go it alone. It was a risky move and a steep learning curve with many mistakes made along the way, but Chris made it through to the other side. How did he do it? Listen up to find out.
[00:17:30-00:19:08]
What Do You Do When Things Don't Go To Plan?
If you're determined to become an artist, it's highly likely things won't always go to plan. In this chapter, Chris reveals how he picked himself up when things went wrong, and why finding the motivation to keep going is a huge part of winning the battle.
[00:21:04-00:30:47]
How Can The Oatley Academy Help You Reach Your Goals as an Artist?
Constructive critique and support are vital if you want to progress as an artist. In this chapter, Chris talks about nurturing talent in his community, and why it's a safe haven for any aspiring artists who want to improve. He also describes the numerous creative workshops and sessions at The Oatley Academy, and why he's constantly inspired by the progress his students continue to make.
[00:33:12-00:38:01]
Why is Trust Vital to Your Artistic Growth?
To develop as an artist, you need to trust the person mentoring you and be able to give an honest appraisal of your own abilities and progress as an artist. In this chapter, Chris reveals how he works with his students to give them encouragement and provides honest, constructive feedback to help them take the next steps.
[00:40:44-00:42:29]
Can You Really Make a Career as an Artist?
Many aspiring creatives abandon their dreams after being told there isn't any money in making art. However, the creative industry offers all kinds of opportunities for artists of all abilities. In this chapter, Chris reveals what those opportunities are, and why the artists working behind the scenes on projects play an equally vital role as the big names who get all the attention.
[00:44:35-00:57:20]
What Are The Most Common Obstacles Faced by Artists?
Whether it's family life, work, or the constant fear of not being good enough, there are all kinds of obstacles that can get in the way of pursuing a creative career. In this chapter, Chris outlines some of the most common ones faced by his students and shares some useful steps you can take to overcome them. You'll also learn how to avoid falling into the rabbit hole of social media and video games, and how to track your time to work more efficiently.
[01:00:15-01:01:45]
Why There's No Growth Without Risk
Becoming an artist isn't always an easy option, but it can be a truly fulfilling choice for those prepared to take risks. In this section, Chris reveals the big takeaways he's learned from his own experiences, and how you can find the strength to take some risks too.
[01:02:07-01:03:49]
Conclusion and Where to Find Chris Oatley Online
Want to find out more about The Oatley Academy and what it can do for you? Here's where you need to be!
Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/
Ready to get your career as an artist started, or feeling stuck that you just can't seem to land your first art job?
Today, we talk with Shane Madden from Illustration Lighthouse on how he is working with artists to shortcut the time it takes to start earning money with your creative skills.
Interview Chapters
00:00-03:15
Introduction and Career Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Shane Madden, who talks about his varied career so far as an artist and the many different projects he's been involved in.
04:24-09:27
Why Being a Rockstar Concept Artist Isn't Your Only Career Option
Many artists have dreams of becoming a rockstar concept artist like the ones you see on big art portfolio sites. But this certainly isn't the only option for you as an artist. There are so many areas where you can use your creative skills and still get paid....and in this chapter, Shane outlines what some of those areas are.
09:55-15:25
What is Illustration Lighthouse All About?
Shane set up Illustration Lighthouse as a way to help artists produce the kind of portfolios employers are looking for and to help them find work in a wide range of creative fields. In this chapter, he explains what it's all about in detail and shares some super-useful tips to help you get your art career started.
16:27-22:16
What are Some of the Biggest Sticking Points for Artists
So many people leave art school and never pick up a pencil again. In this chapter, we look into why this is, and Shane explains why he thinks so many promising art careers fall by the wayside. If you want to get ahead in your art career - but don't know what's holding you back - you might just find out in this chapter.
22:41-25:21
What Makes a Perfect Portfolio?
Many artists think their portfolio should show a wide range of different styles, but this isn't necessarily what's going to get you hired. In this chapter, Shane draws on his own experiences as an artist to help explain what employers are looking for...and why tailoring the work in your portfolio to a specific audience can often be much more beneficial to your career.
25:50-31:04
But What if You Don't Know Which Kind of Artist You Are Yet?
It can take a long time for an artist to find their niche and start producing work in their own unique style. In this chapter, Shane explains why this is a natural part of the creative process and shares some tried and tested techniques to help you discover what really interests and motivates you as an artist.
33:15-35:51
What Career Options are Available for Artists?
We often think artists have a limited range of career options, but there are lots of 'hidden' opportunities out there that you may not have discovered yet. In this chapter, Shane runs through the wide and varied options you can get involved in as an artist, and explains why the demand for creatives is probably stronger now than it's ever been.
37:10-46:08
How Will Illustration Lighthouse Help You Create a Better Portfolio?
Even though art is often a subjective thing, there are still some basic rules you can apply to help you get the results you want in your creative career. In this chapter, Shane explains how he helps artists create better portfolios and focus on their target audience to help them get noticed. You'll also learn how to go out there and make things happen...rather than wait around forever for those opportunities to come to you.
46:10-47:59
Where Can You Find Out More About Illustration Lighthouse?
Ready to take action with your art career? In this section, you'll discover how to find out more about Illustration Lighthouse and how this effective program can help you finally get the opportunities you've been looking for as an artist.
48:00-50:00
Conclusion and Where to Find Shane Online
Mitch wraps up today's interview and lets you know where to find Shane online.
Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/
Go to any comic con and you'll see countless artists selling fan art featuring some of our most popular characters. From Spiderman to Superman and Harley Quinn to Stormtroopers, it's all there.
But could you be breaking the law as an artist by producing this kind of work? And how can you avoid getting slapped with a lawsuit for infringing copyright?
Well, who better to ask than an expert in these matters? In this interview, we talk with an actual IP lawyer, Seth Polansky, to see exactly where artists stand when making art based on our favorite comic book and game characters.
So, if you've ever innocently produced fan art (even if you haven't actually sold it), you might want to listen closely. Because the advice you'll get from listening to Seth just might save you a stack of money and help keep you on the right side of the law.
But as well as being an expert in legal matters, Seth is also a pretty awesome indie filmmaker and musician. So, you'll also hear about he keeps busy with numerous creative side projects when he's not helping artists avoid huge legal costs from the big boys.
Interview Chapters:
00:00-03:30
Introduction & Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Seth Polansky, who gives you a brief overview of his career as an artist and and IP Lawyer. He explains why he decided to specialize in this area after finishing law school, and why he's devoted the past few years to helping artists avoid lawsuits and litigation.
04:01-04:38
What about Seth Polansky's Other Projects?
When he's not helping artists stay on the right side of the law, Seth is busy with indie filmmaking projects and music. How does he find time to fit it all in? You'll find out in this chapter.
05:13-13:46
Could You be Breaking The Law as an Artist?
In this chapter, Seth explains copyright law and clears up any gray areas for artists. So, if you weren't aware of any of this before, you might want to listen up and take note.
14:35-21:01
How can you Avoid Copyright Infringement?
Knowing what is (and what isn't) acceptable use of someone else's intellectual property (IP) can help you stay on the right side of the law and avoid any potential copyright issues as an artist. In this chapter, Seth clearly spells out what you need to be aware of as an artist if you're making fan art...and how you can avoid any potential legal issues.
22:40-24:38
Who should you Speak to First About Licensing?
Many artists don't have too much experience of legal matters, so knowing who to approach can be tricky. In this chapter, Seth explains why contacting a lawyer in the first instance is often a very good (an inexpensive) idea and tells you where to find an extremely useful legal contract template for artists online.
25:42-34:52
Seth on Indie Filmmaking and IP Issues
When he's not being a lawyer, Seth is also a great indie filmmaker. In this chapter, he talks about the projects he's been working on and reveals what he's learned about legal issues and making films in the process.
35:10-38:23
Seth Polansky's Advice for Comic Con Artists
Exhibiting your fan art at a comic con but still unsure if it's legal or not? In this chapter, you'll find all the info you need to help you stay on the right side of the tracks.
38:39-40:07
What about art based on older intellectual property?
Many of today's most popular characters have been around for decades, meaning the original concept might be exempt from copyright law. But how do you know which ones are ok to use? Seth clears up this gray area in this chapter.
40:35-43:14
Conclusion and Where to Find Seth Online
Want to know where to find Seth online? Here's the place!
Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/
Building your art career is so much easier if you have the right advice and resources.
In this interview, 3D Total Publishing studio manager, Simon Morse, reveals why knowing your audience is key, and how their books, website, and magazines, have helped countless artists develop their skills and take their careers to the next level.
Interview Chapters:
00:37-2:20
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Simon Morse from 3D Total Publishing, and asks him to give a brief overview of his main job role as a studio manager.
02:42-05:04
What Does a Studio Manager do?
In this chapter, Simon outlines his day-to-day duties and reveals how the small but highly motivated team at 3d Total Publishing helps everything run smoothly.
05:05-09:09
What are the Key Skills a Successful Artist Needs to Have?
Being really good at painting or drawing is just the start if you want to be a successful artist. There are lots of other skills you need to develop too, such as networking and professionalism. In this chapter, Simon reveals how he works with artists on a daily basis, and outlines the key takeaways from this.
10:25-17:08
Why is is so Important to see your Art Career as a Business?
Seeing your art career as a business is vital if you want your work to sell. In this chapter, Simon reveals why profitability is so important, and why producing work aimed at your target audience is key. He also talks about an exciting publication coming soon, The Ultimate Career Guide for Concept Artists, which aims to help people find the right audience for their work.
17:33-22:26
What are the most Popular Titles at 3D Total Publishing?
In this chapter, Simon talks about how 3D Total Publishing got started, and reveals why their Beginner's Guide to Digital Painting is just as popular now as when it was first published. He also talks about recent hugely successful titles, such as The Art of Loish, which has generated more than £1 million in sales since its Kickstarter launch last year.
22:27-24:11
Why are 3D Total Publishing Books and Magazines so Useful for Artists?
Simon and his team take great care to ensure each title delivers the best possible learning experience for artists. In this chapter, he reveals how and why they do this.
24:46-28:56
How has 3D Total Publishing gone from a small city in the UK to a Worldwide Success?
You'd be forgiven for thinking 3D Total Publishing is based in some swanky offices in London, but that's not the case. In this chapter, Simon reveals how the ethos behind 3D Total Publishing has helped them reach artists all over the world from their small offices in the small UK city of Worcester.
30:18-33:41
How can Working for a Smaller Company Help You Develop Your Career?
Working for a smaller company can have many benefits - especially if you have the passion and genuine interest to get involved in several different areas. In this chapter, Simon explains why the passion of his team is a key ingredient in the success story of 3D Total Publishing.
35:27-38:47
How can you Break Into the Creative Industry?
How do you go about working with a company such as 3D Total Publishing as a team member or artist? In this chapter, Simon reveals the main qualities employers in the creative industries are looking for when they hire someone.
38:48-41:43
Conclusion and Publication Launch
In this chapter, you'll find out where to check out 3D Total Publishing online and get some exciting news about their latest publications.
Complete show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast
Want to know how to become a fantasy artist?
In this week's interview, artist and illustrator, Nick Elias, reveals how attending art conventions such as Illuxcon helped him meet fellow artists and boost his career.
You'll learn how to refine your portfolio to make the best impression on prospective employers, and hear about the fascinating themes of mythology and folklore which inspire Nick's work.
And, you'll hear why even in an age of digital art, Nick feels nothing comes close to the sensation of painting with oil on canvas.
Interview Chapters:
00:36 - 02:53
Introduction and Overview
Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces Nick Elias and the artist gives a brief overview of his creative career so far.
03:27 - 04:55
Nick Elias on Illuxcon and What he's Gained From Attending Art Conventions
Going to Illuxcon gave Nick his first break as a fantasy artist. In this chapter, he reveals how meeting and networking with fellow artists helped him make valuable contacts and land his first paid gig.
06:01 - 12:47
Why Meeting Your Art Heroes Can Help Your Art Career
Going to art conventions meant Nick was able to meet and get advice from some of his art heroes, such as Michael C Hayes. In this chapter, he explains why this was so valuable to him as a new artist, and how their feedback helped him perfect his portfolio and gave him the confidence to approach Zoe Robinson, the art director of Fantasy Flight Games, for paid work.
13:18 - 17:03
How do get to Exhibit Your Work at an art Convention?
Nick decided to have an exhibition stall at Illuxcon, but his primary goal wasn't selling his work - it was getting his art seen by the right people.
So how can you do this? In this chapter, you'll learn how to get a stall at an art convention...and why you shouldn't feel bad if you don't sell huge amounts of your work at first.
17:40 - 18:24
How do you Prepare for an art Convention?
Getting a stall is one thing, but what about all the other stuff you need to do to prepare for an art convention? In this chapter, you'll learn how much work to take and how to present it professionally.
19:15 - 21:28
Why does Nick Prefer to Paint Using Traditional Media?
Many people associate fantasy and concept art with digital artists, but there's a great number of people working in this genre who prefer traditional media, such as oil paints. Why does Nick prefer to use these materials...and what makes painting in oils so special?
21:51 - 23:26
What are the Advantages of Working Traditionally in a Mainly Digital Field?
You may not know it, but there's a huge collectors' market out there for unique traditional fantasy art. In this chapter, Nick explains why using oil paint helps him reach a larger audience for his work.
23:54 - 32:12
What Inspires Nick and Makes his Work Stand out?
Nick's art encompasses a wide range of themes, including mythology and folklore. But which subjects really inspire him...and how does he manage to create something completely new from historical subjecs in an already established genre of art?
32:13 - 34:46
Conclusion and Where to see Nick's Work Online
Want to see more of Nick's work online? In this final chapter, you'll get all the info you need to follow him on social media and check out his website.
Shownotes at https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/
To many aspiring artists, Stan Prokopenko, aka Proko, needs no introduction. Already an established artist inn his own right, Proko has built up a huge following on YouTube for his fun and incredibly useful tutorial videos which show people how to draw figures and anatomy.
In this inspiring interview, we discuss the reasons WHY you make art and do our best to tackle any hurdles that might be holding you back. You'll hear about Proko's background as an artist and teacher, and why even an experienced artist like him never ever stops learning.
You'll also hear his thoughts on the future of online education, and how technology could present all kinds of exciting opportunities for artists in the very near future.
And, as if that wasn't enough, there's a coupon code at the end of this podcast that gets you 20% off everything on Proko's site!
Interview Chapters:
Introduction (00:00-02:27)
Mitch introduces today's guest, Stan Prokopenko, who gives a quick overview of his art career and what inspires him.
How Does Proko Help Artists Who Get Stuck? (02:27-08:41)
Proko has attracted a huge following on YouTube thanks to his fun yet detailed art tutorials which help people learn the skills necessary to progress as an artist. But what are the main sticking points he comes across time and time again?
And how can aspiring artists get past these and start getting the results they're really looking for? In this chapter, Proko reveals why cross-training is the key to developing your creative skills...and why even he finds himself struggling with what direction to take his art in next.
What is Proko's Reason Why? (10:24-12:22)
It's always fascinating to hear an established artist talk about their own creativity. And, in this chapter, Proko reveals the soul-searching he's had to do as a creative to get the best results from his own art.
What Would Proko's Advice to his Younger Self be? (16:05-18:20)
Proko has been making and studying art since he was a kid, but what would he do differently if he could go back in time? In this chapter, he looks at his own art journey and reveals some fascinating insights into the areas of art he wishes he'd devoted more time to.
What was Proko's own art Education like? (18:33-19:47)
These days, Proko is a highly respected art teacher and educator, but what was his own experience of art school like? In this chapter, Proko looks back on his school days and reveals how his interest in several different areas helped him develop his own unique style as an artist and inform his teaching methods.
Did Proko Learn Art Purely by Observation? (20:39-25:08)
Some artists learn by drawing from observation, while other draw from their imagination. So how did Proko learn his art skills? And what advice does he have for people just starting out as artists?
What Can People Learn on Proko's New Caricature Drawing Course? (27:51-37:29)
Proko's latest course, a collaboration with artist Court Jones, aims to help aspiring caricature artists achieve a true likeness of their subjects while exaggerating their features as much as possible. Find out more about the exciting teaching methods used in this course in this chapter.
What Will Art Education Look Like in 5 Years' Time? (38:36-44:25)
What does the future look like for online art education? In this chapter, Proko talks about recent developments in technology and how innovations such as virtual reality could transform the way we learn art and other subjects.
Conclusion (45:18-46:48)
Where can you find Proko online and take advantage of his special Pencil Kings promo code to get 20% off all his products? You'll find out in this final chapter.....
Ever have the feeling when you are staring at a blank piece of paper that you're not sure what to draw? Clark Huggins had this same problem. He found he was spending extra time and putting extra pressure on himself before he ever put his brush to the canvas - and he realized that all he wanted to be doing was making art.
To get around this he took out some index cards and wrote down different ideas and then shuffled the deck. He then chose 3 cards at random and went to work - leaving chance to decide what he was going to create.
What he found was that this process allowed him to jump immediately into the creation process and also to tap into truly new and unique ideas by combining elements that he would never have chosen on his own.
This discovery led to the creation of the Reckless Deck, where artists can use the exact same process Clark used to come up with new and unique creations.
The Reckless Deck is just about to go live on Kickstarter so you can pick up a deck for yourself and get busy creating your own unique creations.
Interview Chapters:
00:37 - 02:29
Introductions
Mitch introduces today's guest, Clark Huggins, who gives you a quick overview of what Reckless Deck is all about...and how you can use it to help unlock your creativity.
02:53 - 04:31
Why is Reckless Deck Such a Useful Tool for Artists?
Clark has taken Reckless Deck to comic conventions and other events across the US. What's the response been like from the public and how are artists using it to help them create original characters?
05:20 - 05:50
How can a Humble Deck of Cards Boost Your Creativity?
Why does Reckless Deck help you come up with character ideas so quickly? Clark explains the thinking behind his product in this chapter.
05:58 - 09:37
Where did the Idea to Make Reckless Deck Come From?
The idea of Reckless Deck came about through Clark's own experiences as an artist and his desire to start working on a new character as quickly as possible. Find out how this project came to life in this chapter.
09:49 - 13:23
What was the First Character Clark Created Using Reckless Deck?
Clark can still remember the first character he created using Reckless Deck. In fact, it's one he's revisited many times since! Find out more in this chapter.
13:33 - 20:01
How did Clark Start Developing His Idea?
Reckless Deck began life as a set of index cards Clark made for himself. So how did he develop this idea into a fully-fledged product that people can buy online? You'll discover all the hard work that went into Clark's idea (and how long this process took) in this chapter.
20:33 - 21:35
Why Should you Hire a Graphic Designer to Help With Packaging Your Product?
Many artists take it upon themselves to do all the graphic design work on their projects, but this doesn't always give you the professional look you want for a product and its packaging.
In this chapter, you'll learn why Clark - despite being fluent in using Photoshop - decided to hand his logo and packaging design over to a specialist.
22:07 - 23:08
How did Clark Find the Right Printing Company to Produce Reckless Deck
Finding the right printer at the right cost can sometimes be difficult. In this chapter, you'll hear why Clark chose to use a company in China, and why he was overjoyed with the results - especially when an unexpected issue actually added another feature to his project!
24:03 - 32:30
How did Clark Turn a Kickstarter Fail Into a Win?
Clark didn't have an overnight success when he first tried to launch Reckless Deck on Kickstarter. In fact, he had to go back to the drawing board to find out what makes a project successful and get noticed on this site. Find out how he learned from his mistakes and eventually got successfully funded in this chapter.
33:05 - 34:55
How Can You be The First to Hear About New Reckless Deck Products And Offers?
If you're excited by Reckless Deck and want to find out more about new releases and special offers, this is one part of the interview you won't want to miss.
35:48 - 36:57
What is it Really Like to Launch a Product Like Reckless Deck?
It's easy to listen to Clark talking and imagine the whole process behind making and launching Reckless Deck as being super-easy. But it wasn't. Discover the reality and hard work behind launching any new product successfully in this chapter.
37:45 - 39:00
How Can Reckless Deck Help You as an Artist?
Reckless Deck has already helped many concept and fantasy artists get past creative block and searching for ideas. Find out how it can help you too in this chapter.
39:01 - 42:37
Find Our About Special Offers and Swag for Pencil Kings Listeners
There are some exciting offers in the bag for anyone who's interested in finding out more about Pencil Kings and Reckless Deck. Find out how you can get your hands on some cool free stuff and special offers in this chapter.
42:39 - 44:00
Conclusion
Mitch and Clark wrap up their interview and reveal some more exciting things about Reckless Deck.
Shownotes & more info at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/
Artists often have to work to tight deadlines, but what happens when you've got three whole years to complete a single project?
That's exactly what happened to artist, illustrator and Pencil Kings tutor, Francis Vallejo. In this interview, you'll hear all about the fascinating creative process behind illustrating Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph, and how having more time to research and develop his illustrations actually helped Francis find his true niche as an artist.
So, if the fast-paced world of the average art studio environment just isn't for you, you'll find plenty of valuable advice in this interview to help you plan, research, execute and market your art projects. Plus, you'll get lots of super-useful insights on what it's really like to work as an illustrator, and why good things are more likely to come your way if you stay true to yourself and your art.
Interview Chapters:
00:00 - 03:12 - Introduction
Detroit-born artist and illustrator, Francis Vallejo, introduces himslef and reveals what motivates and inspires him as an artist
03:23 - 04:10 - The Story Behind Illustrating Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph
Francis describes his book illustration project and what he learned from working on it.
04:36 - 07:29 - What's it Like to Work on a Project That Lasts 3 Years?
Illustrating Jazz Day took 3 years. Here, Francis talks about the reasoning behind this, and how what could have been a huge gamble actually paid off.
08:23 - 11:01 - How Illustrating Jazz Day Changed Francis' Life
Francis says illustrating Jazz Day changed his life as an artist. Find out why in this part of our interview.
12:00 - 14:07 - How did Working on Jazz Day Help Francis Find His Niche as an Artist?
Most artists take a while to find their true niche - the one thing that truly inspires them and motivates them to keep on making art. For Francis, illustrating Jazz Day brought him closer to the world of literature he loved, and enabled him to make lots of new contacts with people in this industry.
14:36 - 16:09 - Is Working in Literature Really as Romantic as you Might Think?
Many artists dream of working in the field of literature, but is it really as romantic as all that? Hear what Francis thinks in this chapter.
16:26 - 18:41 - What's Next for Francis?
Having completed one big project, Francis is ready to move onto the next one. Here, he describes the exciting projects he's got lined up, and how he's inspired by the prospect of travelling and researching in the near future.
19:01 - 20:54 - What are the Benefits of Working at Your Own Pace?
Taking the time to research a project and see it through to completion without feeling rushed can really help you as an artist. Here, Francis explains why he loves working this way, and how you as an artist can find an area of work which best reflects your personality.
21:41 - 22:08 - How Can Working on a Long Project Help You Improve as an Artist?
Francis felt he truly developed as an artist while working on Jazz Day. Find out why in this chapter.
22:44 - 27:10 - What Happens After a Long Project is Finished?
In this chapter, Francis reveals what happens once you've completed a long project and goes into detail on all the associated marketing and promotion which follows.
28:08 - 32:28 - How did Francis get Discovered as an Artist?
Amazingly, Francis didn't reach out to the publishers of Jazz Day looking for work. Instead, they found him. How does this work and what can you do to help promote your art? You'll find out in this chapter.
33:10 - 35:56 - How Should you Present Yourself to Book Publishers and Work With Them on Your Project?
Francis went out of his way to meet his clients face-to-face as often as possible during his project. Find out why he believes this is so important in this chapter.
37:03 - 39:54 - What Advice does Francis Have for Aspiring Artists?
Francis learned a lot through working on his project. Here, he shares his advice for any aspiring artists who have yet to find their true niche.
40:35 - 42:40 - What Makes Your Art Saleable?
A lot of artists fall into the trap of producing work in the style of others in an attempt to make their work more saleable. Find out why staying true to yourself is the way forward in this chapter.
43:25 - 44:53 - Conclusion and Where to Find Francis Online
Where can you see examples of Francis' work online? Find out in the concluding part of this interview.
https://www.pencilkings.com/category/podcast/
Want to know how to build a successful freelance art career...without burning out?
In this week's interview, artist and illustrator, Diego Jourdan Pereira, shares his essential advice and tips from a long, established career in the creative industry.
Having broken out of his native Chile to live in several different countries and produce work for clients across the globe, he's learned stacks of valuable lessons along the way.
With a refreshing honesty and a no-nonsense approach to the reality of being a working artist, he sheds lights on what a freelance art career actually looks like...and how you can avoid the pitfalls many artists have to face.
Interview Chapters:
- 00:00 - 02:23 - Introduction and Overview
- 03:37 - 06:08 - How did Diego get started as a freelance artist?
- 06:35 - 10:57 - What are the big takeaways from Diego's long freelance career?
- 11:50 - 13:02 - What is it really like to work as a freelance artist?
- 13:54 - 18:54 - How do you approach publishers and clients to find work
- 19:46 - 23:03 - Why are collaboration and teamwork so important in your art career?
- 23:38 - 31:18 - How has Diego built an established freelance art career and which lessons has he learned along the way?
- 32:35 - 35:17 - How can you avoid buring yourself out and still enjoy your creative career?
- 35:58 - 42:08 - What do Diego's latest creative projects look like?
- 42:36 - 43:39 - Where can you see Diego's work online?
- 43:40 - 45:18 - Conclusion
Kickstarter is littered with failed art projects, and one of the biggest reasons for this is the lack of an established audience.
Yet, despite this, today's guest Scott Sawyer was able to buck the trend and raise CA$ 12,181 in just 8 days for his graphic novel, North.
So how did he do it? In this interview, you'll hear just how powerful networking can be, and why this is such an essential part of marketing yourself as an artist.
You'll also hear just how long a passion project like this can take, but how collaboration and dedication can get your dream project off the ground sooner than you think.
So, if you've ever wondered how to create a graphic novel and get it published, you'll find plenty of great advive in this interview to help you get started.
Interview Chapters:
00:00 - 01:00 - Introductions
01:01 - 03:35 - What is North, the comic, all about?
04:50 - 13:23 - Scott on the Candian comic book industry
14:47 - 20:59 - What inspired Scott to create his own comic book?
23:58 - 39:35 - What's really goes into creating a graphic novel?
42:31 - 49:13 - How Scott launched a successful Kickstarter project
50:02 - 53:23 - Scott's advice for artists
54:06 - 57:38 - Where to find Scott online. Interview conclusion
www.pencilkings.com
What was it like to work as editor for Marvel Comics in its heyday?
In this interview, Carl Potts talks about the exciting creative scene in NYC in the 1980s and discovering artists such as Mike Mignola, Arthur Adams, and Jim Lee.
He sheds light on how artists can break into the industry, and breaks down the fundamental skills editors are looking for.
Drawing on his years of experience as an artist, creative director, and teacher, Carl goes on to explain how artists can utilize the power of social media and the internet combined with networking to get a foot in the door of any creative industry, and provides clarity on the mindset you need to adopt if you want to be successful.
Interview Chapters:
00:00 - 01:09 - Introduction
01:10 - 02:04 - Carl Potts Career Overview
02:05 - 06:15 - How Carl got his First Big Break in The Industry
06:16 - 24:00 - Carl on the Golden Age of Marvel Comics
25:00 - 33:30 - Learning Resources for Artists
33:30 - 42:44 - How to Get Your Work Seen by the Right People
42:45 - 45:43 - How to Adopt the Right Mindset for Success
45:44 - 48:24 Conclusion
Are you a creative introvert? Today we look at how this affects you in social settings, and then go deep on what this means to your art and how you can work around any limitations that you might have.
This is a very fascinating conversation that goes into the experiences that Cat and Mitch have both had with working with creative people to uncover the things that are holding you back.
00:00 - 01:18: Introduction
Cat Rose explains the idea behind www.thecreativeintrovert.com and how she drew on her own experiences as a creative introvert to help others.
01:19 - 03:23: Which Mindset Issues Make You a Creative Introvert?
Cat reveals the roadblocks she faced when she decided to swap her career as a web designer for a freelance career as an illustrator. Are you a creative introvert, too? Then you'll probably recognize many of the issues she talks about.
05:03 - 05:44: How can you Become More Aware of Your Energy Levels When Networking and Promoting Your art?
As an artist, you'll probably already know when the best times to work are. But what about the business side of promoting yourself to others? In this part of the interview, you'll learn how to get stuff done...without burning out.
05:48 - 09:04: What Were Cat's First 6 Months as a Freelance Illustrator Like?
Cat didn't find the going was easy when she decided to become a freelance illustrator. In this section, she gives her honest advice to anyone thinking of going down this route...and how to diversify and adapt if things don't quite go to plan.
10:40 - 11:30: The Tough Medicine You Might Have to Swallow as a Creative
After a while, Cat decided to concentrate on her site instead of being an illustrator. Find out why this part of her interview.
11:32 - 13:40: What has Cat Learned Since Starting her Site?
Cat has had lots of insight into being a creative introvert since starting her site, including a deeper understanding of 'Imposter Syndrome' and why even famous people such as actor, Tom Hanks, lack confidence sometimes.
13:50 - 17:45: How can you Become More Confident?
Ever heard the phrase 'Fake it till you make it'? In this part, Cat reveals why this expression makes her cringe, and reveals some super-actionable steps you can take right now to start building your confidence instead.
19:00 - 22:19: It's all About the Baby Steps
Sometimes, having that big vision or dream of becoming a successful artist or creative can seem overwhelming. Here, Cat reveals why taking small, baby steps can help you get closer to your goal.
22:20 - 34:53: The Key Steps you can Take Today
How does Cat help people who join her site? In this part, she reveals the key steps you can take as a creative introvert.
34:55 - 44:33: Cat's 'A-ha!' Moments
Cat has experienced many lightbulb moments since starting her site. Here' she reveals what these were.
44:44 - 46:54: Are you a Creative Introvert? Where to Find Cat Online
In this concluding part of her interview, Cat tells you where you can find her online and start taking action on whatever's holding you back as an artist and creative introvert.
Are you one of those creatives with 'Da Vinci Syndrome' who gets ideas faster than they can actually implement them? Good news! You're not alone. In fact, you're in very good company.
In this inspiring, in-depth interview, artist Kirsten Zirngibl delves deep into the creative process and reveals the wide range of influences which inspire her to make art.
She sheds light on the fascinating subjects of synesthesia, abstract and fractal art, sci-fi illustration, concept art and many more. And, she reveals how to get all those ideas out of your head and into production as visual art.
So, if you've been looking for a deeper explanation of the creative process and what it really means to be an artist, you'll find plenty of food for thought here.
Interview overview:
[01:24 - 07:40] How does Kirsten describe her work and her influences?
[07:50 - 11:20] What do the terms 'Synesthesia' and 'Ideasthesia' really mean
[11:21 - 14:20] How can you learn to think more deeply about the creative process without over-analyzing things?
[14:53 - 21:20] How do you carve out your own new genre as an artist and find your voice?
[21:21 - 24:00] How can you find out more about singularity, smart matter and futurist thinking?
[24:01 - 29:25] How do you get your ideas out to a wider audience?
[29:26 - 42:24] How can you find the one thing that truly inspires you as an artist?
Visit: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/
Email: mitch@pencilkings.com
Artistacon was held for the first time in September 2016 in Burlington, New Jersey and was an art convention dedicated to celebrating and encouraging creativity.
It featured workshops, symposiums, portfolio reviews, demonstrations and displays from leading artists and writers.
And, vistors and aspiring artists had a chance to engage with them like never before.
So, what were the highlights of Artistacon 2016?
In this interview, organizers Chris Kotsakis & Enrico Botta give us the inside story on last year's successful event and reveal their exciting plans for Artistacon 2017.
Visit: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/
Email: mitch@pencilkings,com
How do you stay creative when life throws you a curveball?
In this interview, we catch up with artist, Derek Rodenbeck, and hear his advice on how to keep moving forwards when a big project falls through.
You'll learn:
- How to have a cushion in place for when things don’t work out
- How to stay creative in any environment
- Why networking and meeting other people is so important
- How to turn that curveball into a new opportunity
Ever wanted to know how to publish your first children's book? Hear how illustrator, Oliver Kriel, achieved this in just three months in this inspiring podcast interview.
You'll learn:
- How to develop the concept of your story
- How to find the right style for your illustrations
- How to turn procrastination into action
- Why perfectionism could be holding you back
Feeling stuck in a job that you know isn't right for you or doesn't allow you to maximize your creative talents?
Or perhaps you're struggling to find time for art in your busy schedule?
In this interview, illustrator, Liz Gera, reveals how she balances family life and a day job with making art and selling her work at conventions.
You'll learn:
- How to make time for making art
- How to set goals and deadlines for your creative projects
- How to approach prospective clients for illustration jobs
- How to leave your 9-5 and pursue your real passion
Are you cut out for a creative career...or should you just give up on your art dreams altogether?
In this interview with freelance concept artist and instructor, Ned Rogers, you'll finally get your answer.
It's a simple framework anyone can use to establish if you really have what it takes to make it as a creative.
You'll also learn what Ned's art school looks for in portfolios - and, thankfully, 'being the best' isn't one of the requirements.
Along the way, he'll dispel several common myths about artists and give you a real sense of what it's actually like to work as a creative in the entertainment field.
So, if you've been wondering if a creative career is for you (or not) - this is the interview that will help you decide once and for all!
How do you make it as an artist - even when others won't support your work? In this revealing interview, fashion illustrator and portrait artist, Christina Burton, reveals how she made the important decision to follow her own path - despite being turned down for art school and her parents wanting her to get a regular career. You'll learn: How to build your social media following the right way How Christina found her voice by experimenting with different styles of artwork Why setting personal goals is so important for artists How to conquer the fear of putting your art out there Why your best work is always the work you love doing the most
How do you take the next step as an artist and bring your creative project to life?
In this interview we talk to Jon Schindehette, owner of Art Order, about how to take your great idea from a sketch on a napkin to a fully-fledged product that actually makes you money.
Having worked as an artist for more than 30 years with clients such as Dungeons and Dragons and Microsoft, Jon has a wealth of industry experience which he is now passing on to others.
You'll learn:
- How to take that big idea for a creative project and turn it into a profitable reality
- The biggest hangups that prevent artists from moving forward - and how to avoid them
- The three big mistakes you never want to make in your art career
So, if you've got a great idea but don't know what steps to take next, you'll want to tune into this episode so that you can finally start bringing your project to life.
Indie gaming is a big industry, but what's it like to launch your own title?
In this podcast, co-founder of Crash Wave Games and co-creator of Iron Tides, Carina Kom, shares her story.
You'll learn:
- How to pitch your idea to the right people
- How to reach out to your target audience of gamers
- Why your initial design doesn't have to be perfect
- Why feebback from the gaming community is crucial
- Why there are so many opportunities in the indie gaming industry
Thumbnail sketching and creative flow go hand in hand for many artists, but how can you make these part of your daily routine, too?
In this podcast, UK concept artist and illustrator, Katy Grierson, explains why the freedom of thumbnail sketching helps her stay creative while constantly improving her skills.
You'll learn how to start a thumbnail sketch with just a few basic shapes, and why doing this will kick-start your imagination and help you develop your ideas.
So, if you've ever been hit by creative block, or are looking for an easy way to fit creativity into your busy lifestyle, this interview could be just what you need to get started again.
Finding your focus as an artist can be tough.
Sometimes, your head can be swimming around with so many ideas that it's impossible to see the wood for the trees and concentrate on your main creative strengths.
In this podcast, artist Derek Rodenbeck reveals how he learned how to say no to projects which were distracting him from his main passion.
And he shares his action plan for letting go of the things that are holding you back from where you really want to be as an artist.
Take a fascinating journey inside the creative mind with fine artist and tutor at the New York Academy of Art, John Wellington.
In this interview, the former DC and Marvel colorist draws on his years of experience to give you a wide range of insights into what it really means to be creative.
You'll discover:
- The artists who influence him
- Why staying true to your art is always the best option
- How to incorporate different influences into your art
- Comic book & storyboard techniques that always get great results
- The Number One ingredient for a successful painting
- Who to approach for feedback
- How to find the right audience for your art
There's an art school out there that has been nicknamed 'The Charles Xavier School for Gifted Artists' and today we talk with its founder, Kevin Murphy.
Some of his students have, quite literally, gone from drawing stickmen to becoming accomplished artists in under 2 years.
Why are his methods so effective? Because they simplify the drawing process down to the core essence of observation, and put 100% of the responsibility for learning onto the students themselves.
Kevin doesn't hold back on any of his techniques in this blockbuster interview. So if you have been wondering how to approach your drawings, or even if you have what it takes to become a great artist, you'll find plenty of inspiration here.
Because, as Kevin himself says: "Great artists aren't born - they're taught."
No money for art school? No problem...
In today's interview with concept artist, David Tilton, you're going to learn exactly how you can:
- Self-evaluate your work
- Build a support network of mentors
- Work out how many hours you should be putting in
- Track your time effectively
- Systematically apply to studios and stand out from the crowd
If you are currently working on getting your first paid gig and want to work in the highly competitive entertainment industry, you should take the next 30 minutes to just listen and take notes.
Because this is the plan of attack that you've been looking for, and it's surprisingly straightforward.
The freedom of a freelance art career can help you see the world and get involved with all kinds of exciting opportunities.
In this interview, acclaimed Canadian illustrator, Derek Stenning, talks about traveling through Europe, living in Iceland, and getting to work with concept art legend, Scott Robertson.
He also reveals why building up a regular client base and collaborating with other artists is the key to a fulfilling and successful creative career.
It's not easy making a graphic novel, yet this seem to be the number one goal for so many artists.
In this interview, we're going to look at the mindset behind your creative projects. And, if you've ever wondered how to make a graphic novel, this advice could end up saving you years of time by really thinking deeply about how you approach your creative projects.
Today's guest, Patricio Clarey, has created 3 graphic novels - and his first one was over 200 pages!
Like everything worth doing in life there's hard work involved, and today you'll learn how Cathleen McAllister made the most of her time in art school when she made the decision to get serious and take things to the next level.
If you're in art school, or thinking about going... this is the perfect place to start and see a real example of what it takes to go from wherever you're at right now to actually getting a job as a full-time creative.
In this interview, Jonas Koffler, co-author of New York Times bestseller, Hustle, reveals exactly how artists can leave the cliche of the starving artist behind and propel their careers forward in new and exciting ways.
Creating your own comic book or graphic novel is the big goal of many artists, but very few actually make it to the finish line.
In this podcast, you'll hear from Alex Banchitta, founder of Fright Comics, on how he's working to create his own comic books by focusing on being the writer and then hiring out to different people to get the whole thing made.
And, if you've been wanting to make your own book, we hope this really gives you some insight into what the actual process looks like and how trying to do everything yourself may be the biggest thing holding you back from getting your book published.
It's one thing to create a beautiful work of art that's rendered to perfection, but it's an entirely different challenge to express complex ideas with your art.
Today we talk with Dorian Vallejo and explore how he approaches his paintings and the thought process that goes into applying deeper meaning to your art.
We'll also touch on why being comfortable in a career can hold you back, and what it really means to live a fully-engaged life as an artist.
Consistency is one of the best ways to improve as an artist, but how do you make time in your busy day for practicing your drawing and painting skills?
In this podcast, Pencil Kings founder, Mitch Bowler, shares his own methods for staying on track and seeing a project through.
And, if you can incorporate these into your busy schedule like he does, you should start to see real improvements in your creativity and art career too.
The independent animation industry is changing the way movies are made.
In this podcast, former Lucasfilm and Disney artist, Spyros Tsiounis, explains how new technology is making production more affordable for artists, why this is such a good thing for creativity, and how you can get your own animation project off the ground.
Visit www.pencilkings.com/podcast/
Email: mitch@pencilkings,com
Struggling to figure out how to make a go of your freelance career?
In this podcast, acclaimed Assassin's Creed artist Fred Rambaud shares some incredible insights on how to build a career as a successful freelance concept artist.
Listen as he holds absolutely nothing back and explains exactly what it takes to get your career off the ground. And, if you think that means busting your butt to be the best in the world - well... that's only 50% of the battle.
Amazingly, there's a whole other side to being a successful artist that you may not have been aware of before. And it's thanks to the sharp business mind of Fred's wife that he discovered this invaluable insight too!
So if you're really serious about developing your creative career, you'll want to listen to this episode over and over again (Yes... it's that good).
Because Fred reveals why producing outstanding paintings is only part of the challenge, and outlines the key simple steps you can take to get your career off the ground...and never have to hustle for work again.
Thinking about giving up your day job in favor of a creative career? In this podcast we cover the things that you need to consider before making the leap and how you can take small steps to minimize any risk you might face.
Steve Riederer had a career as a counsellor, but he found that his day job left him feeling drained and unfulfilled. However at night when he would spend time working on his art he'd feel full of energy and happy.
This got him thinking... what if...
What if I made the change?
Ever wondered what you need to do to attend and exhibit at your first convention? Exhibit as in setting up your own table or booth and interacting with fans and selling your work?
Today we explore what it's like to go to an art convetion and what you need to do to prepare for your first one.
We'll also look into the mindset issues that hold you back from actually making the leap to do your first exhibit.
There's something magical about actually going to a live event that you just can't quite capture through a screen. Of course there's the amazing heros that you'll get to meet there, but there's so much more that makes attending live events spectacular.
In this episode we talk with Chris and Enrico of Artistacon - a brand new conference for creatives that focuses on learning the craft from experienced masters.
You'll learn why going to a con is so important and can put your career on the fast track, as well as helpful ideas for how you can prepare yourself to make the most of attending any live event, as well as what you should do after the event to make yourself stand out.
It's pretty painful when you hop back into the seat of a full time artist after an extended time off.
The good news however, is that the old skills come back pretty quick - it just takes some time.
Today we look into the mindset issues that any artist will face when you decide to get serious about your art and what you're able to put down on the page doesn't quite match up with the ideas in your mind.
To celebrate reaching our 100th episode, we've taken the best bits from our most popular interviews and compiled them into one handy podcast.
Hear invaluable advice from artists working in all areas of the creative industry and get the answers to all your questions, such as:
- How to develop your own style
- How to land your dream creative job
- How to promote your art effectively and land more clients
- How to stay motivated and make real progress in your art career
- How to make the kind of art that really inspires and excites you
Featuring interviews with: Sycra Yasin, Will Terrell, David Luong, Ahmed Aldoori, and many more.
Do you have an idea for a huge project that you'd like to bring to life?
Today we talk with Oscar winner and creator and director of Pixar's Brave, Brenda Chapman, to understand what it looks like to create something on the scale of a major animated film.
Brenda has worked on several films and generously shares her wealth of knowledge on what it really takes when you have a huge idea in your mind.
During the interview we'll talk about what life is like working inside Disney, how to get funding for your big idea, and why you may not want to share your big idea if you're already working inside a studio.
In this episode we talk with Fine Artist and Animator Renee Chio about what her path has been like.
She grew up in Mexico and when she found animation she fell in love. There was a problem though... at the time there weren't any schools in Mexico she could attend, so she made the decision to study in Vancouver, Canada for 2 years before returning home to work as a animator.
During her time as an animator she started to experiment with digital painting, and while she started with fan art - eventually she found her own unique style and voice, and this is what is now making her famous.
It's funny how one single event can change your life. In this episode, you'll hear how one fateful tweet took Phil Galloway on a wild ride that has established him as a sought after digital fine artist.
Ever wondered how to become a fantasy concept artist?
A lot of artists have big dreams for that special project that's been kicking around inside their heads for years...
The problem is how do you bring your creative vision to life? Sometimes the project is so big that you don't even know where to start.
Sean Murray has been building worlds for a long time and he's recently released his first fantasy role-play project "The Great City of Gateway" which promises to be a huge world filled with amazing stories, characters and magic.
But it didn't happen in a day, and on this call we'll dive into how Sean was able to bring his ideas to life and combine ideas from many different sources to come up with something completely creative and new.
You'll also discover how his journey as an artist has led to him working with famous director Guillermo del Toro and Pacific Rim writer Travis Beacham.
Corey Pelton is a senior cinematic animator at Blizzard Entertainment, creators of the hugely popular Overwatch game.
In this podcast, he talks about the importance of collaborating with other artists, and explains exactly what animation studios are looking for when they hire new people.
Derek Rodenbeck is back with the latest update on his journey and things are certainly looking up! The last time we talked with him he was just starting to get some traction with his career.
While we're exploring his story we also take time to look at the key changes he made along the way with how he was thinking that led to the success he is enjoying now.
At the end of the episode there are clear instructions you can use to find out if you are holding yourself back like Derek was for so long, and what you can start doing right now to completely change your reality and start accelerating your own art career.
There are a lot of misconceptions around the topic of making money with your art. Today we talk with Shane Madden and start to explore some of the common ideas about getting paid to create art that aren't true and hold you back.
We explore the difference between the life of a studio artist and a freelance artist and how a freelancer career gives you the opportunity to really be in control of your life and schedule.
You will explore the idea if you are ready to start making money with your art now, or if you really do need to go back to school.
Youngman Brown is fast on his way to having interviewed more than 100 creatives from all walks of life, and it was great to have a chance to get him to pass on some of the wisdom he's gained from all those interviews.
You will learn how to get past creative block, how to balance your day job with following your creative passion, and the single most important decision that you absolutely must make when you decide to 'go for it.'
What's the best way to start when you're just at the beginning?
Talking to hundreds of artists seems like a good place, and that's exactly what Carl Olson has been doing for the past six years with the Digital Convergence podcast.
Here's the interesting thing however... while he set out to learn more about skills, what he actually found along the way were some amazing business opportunities to use the skills he was learning in unique markets.
Today we break down the path that artist and illustrator Cale took to get his freelance career off the ground.
One of the things you'll learn is just how far Cale is willing to go to make sure that his work is always getting into the hands of the right people.
He even tells the stories of how many times he's been rejected and why he sees those as a badge of honor instead of being disappointed.
Learn how using lesser known software can help you to stand out and create unique opportunities for yourself that will help you skyrocket your career.
Conrad Allan's career hasn't been 'normal' he's spoken from the stage, and even changed countries.
Learn how this digital artist is approaching his career with hustle and an entrepreneur's mindset that allows him not only to grow faster than most artists, but also create unique opportunities while he's at it.
PK 088: Should you start a YouTube channel as a visual artist? Freelance concept artist Nikolas Hagialas talks about his plans for doing this with fellow artist Derek Rodenbeck and outlines the important questions he asked himself first, such as:
- What kind of content should you be posting?
- Can you afford to spend time making YouTube videos?
- Is this really going to help raise your profile as an artist?
How do you become a cinematic VFX artist at Blizzard, one of the world's top game studios? Hear how David Luong found his dream career, and why he's committed to helping emerging artists by showing their work in his personal art gallery.
Creativity and depression often go together for many artists, but overcoming them isn't always as difficult as you might think. In this interview, concept artist Jonah Lobe talks openly about how he learned to control his anxiety attacks, and how artists can learn to beat their fear of failure and follow their true creative dreams.
Ever wanted to make Manga Art and video games? In this podcast, artist Eliot Min talks abot what inspired him to create his first indie video game, Cerebrawl, and why it's still so important for artists to hustle for every opportunity that comes their way.
The Mila Film is more than an incredibly moving animation about a young girl in WWII.
It's also the result of a worldwide collaboration between 250 artists from 25 countries who volunteered their time and expertise to make it. In this exclusive podcast interview, director Cinzia Angelini tells us how this incredible project took shape, and why her mother's real-life experiences of the horrors of war are as relevant and poignant today as they've ever been.
The work of Jake Mengers speaks for itself - you can see the care that goes into all of the subtle details that make up the final pieces.
It's this level of expertise and expression that Jake is so passionate about and tries to bring to the table with each project he takes on.
But it's not just a one man show, and we explore the difference of this high level thinking and then bring it back to understanding how each and every one of us can work to bring the same level of passion into our work to push the art forms that we are involved in to a higher standard and ultimately break new ground.
Mike Clarida is back with even more information on how to get your creative career off the ground by focusing on the 3 key steps, which are:
- Portfolio
- Outreach
- Interviews
But it doesn't just stop there, because Mike dives deep into each topic to explain the more important motivating factors that need to be there throughout the whole process.
Mike Clarida did everything right coming out of art school. He was talented, and was getting interviews at some of the biggest entertainment companies. There was a problem, however... the timing was all wrong, and instead of going straight off to work at Disney in the beginning - he had to take a different approach.
This interview covers what it takes to be a standout art student, why it might be worth paying a ton of money for art school, how to get noticed in a noisy world and at the end of the day keep a smile on your face while you're doing it.
This is one episode you won't want to miss because Mike's passion for being creative and his depth of knowledge in forging a successful freelance career comes through crystal clear.
Jeff Maksuta has been working and teaching animation for years and is the new leader of House Animation in the Pencil Kings Community.
We talk about the first few assignments that are lined up for house animation and what members can expect.
How do you develop as an artist and find a fulfilling creative career?
In this episode, established artist and Pencil Kings community member, Chaz Sutherland, talks about his career so far and his plans for the future.
You'll learn about studying different art subjects at the same time, and how different personalities adapt to different creative roles.
Finally, you'll discover how to play to your strengths as an artist by seeking out the creative projects which you enjoy doing the most.
Should you learn the strict fundamentals of art, or actually try and follow something a little more fun? The more we think about it, the more that having fun and having a goal is the best way to learn and stay motivated.
Marco has learned to draw, paint, make 3d, program, make music... in other words, he's a master at learning, and today we sat down to ask him about this learning process.
During the interview we also talk about being rejected from art school and what to do when we're told that we're not good enough to pursue a life as a creative.
Jon deMartin has spent the last 20 years exploring figure drawing and he's just released a book on how to draw figures using the same techniques as the classical artists.
In this episode you'll learn about Jon's approach to figure drawing and how it's much different than the path most people take.
Derek Rodenbeck is back with the next update on his story as he continues to work and get his name out. It's been two month since we last caught up with Derek and as always the story has a few unexpected twists and turns that left Derek living in his car for a few days, and finding traction on social media which is leading to him being busy with paid work.
Today Shane Madden joins us to talk about which skills you need to get start in a creative career. The answers we come up with will likely surprise you because it has nothing to do with being the best artist that you can be. The skills you need are actually far easier to acquire than you may have thought possible.
Do you want to be more creative...but always find there's something stopping you?
In this podcast, Pencil Kings founder, Mitch Bowler, talks about his own battle with creative block and how he overcame it by learning how to have fun again with his art.
Listen to his story now and see how you can shake off the rust and start believing in yourself as an artist again.
Want to know how to finish what you started as an artist in 2016?
Frustrated by all those unfinished projects that started with all the best intentions....but then just fizzled out to nothing?
It's time to take action. And, making an impact with your art is much easier than you think - especially when you start reaching out to other artists and helping them with their artistic journey.
This episode also covers the 4 critical levels of artistic development, so you can see exactly where you are and what your next step is to improve. So make 2016 the year you make real progress as an artist and begin to reach your goals.
Ever wondered how to become a concept artist or how to approach other artists to get feedback on your work? In this podcast, Pencil Kings tutor Ahmed Aldoori talks about his career so far and how you can start creating yours
You might feel that the odds are against you... there are so many artists out there, and not enough jobs. It might even feel a little hopeless at times, but it doesn't have to be this way at all and in this interview we'll show you a perfect example of how you can take charge of your career and start making things happen.
Derek fills us in on what has happened with his new t-shirt business since the last time we talked with him and things are starting to turn around.
We cover an extremely important thing in this interview, which is why you need to meet your customers face to face, and why you need to select a niche that you are going after. As soon as Derek did this, everything changed.
This episode is a little different than the usual because we're covering photography here and there's so much that we can learn as artists by studying and understanding different mediums.
While listening to Aaron's story you'll also uncover some tips that you can use to improve your own art, as well as what makes the difference between good art and technically-good art.
Vicky Rubin from TabletsforArtists.com helps us to make sense of all the different tablets that are out there and why the age old wisdom of 'just buy a wacom' may no longer be the best advice depending on what your personal sitution is.
We go over a lot of different models here, so make sure to check out http://www.pencilkings.com/vicky-rubin to get all the deails on these models as well as a handy guide to buying tablets in 2015.
Sometimes you're stuck and you just need a big change, and the funny thing is that you can go from being stuck to being totally lit up in a very short time. That's what Marco did when he decided to leave his job, move to the city and go after his dream job to be a video game artist.
We'll dive into his past to see where his creative came from and look for clues along the way that you can use to spark your own career.
Today we explore how artists create artwork for theme parks, and why theme park design is such an interesting challenging career.
We'll also cover how to make video games in your free time, and how to find a team of video game makers so that even if you're all alone at the moment you can find people to work with on exciting creative projects.
Where do you start if you want to start printing your work onto other surfaces to create things like tshirts, patches, buttons and stickers? We dive deep into the answers to these questions in this interview.
Finding your voice is one of the hardest things to do as an artist, and sometimes it's even harder to know when you're on the right track.
In this interview you'll learn what one artist did to find his voice by surrounding himself with other artists and continuing to work until he had something that he was ready to bring to the world.
There is a lot of golden wisdom in this episode. You'll learn why collaboration is so important and why you can have an impact on the world with your art no matter where you're working.
We'll also dive into how you can be a better story teller and shockingly it has everything to do with what happens before you ever start drawing.
Today's story is extremely inspiring and shows you just how far you can take an opportunity when you really go for it.
You may not realize it, but there is a revolution happening in the creative arts. We are right in the middle of the self-publishing revolution, and we are just at the beginning of a major shift in the way that media is consumed. All of these things are combining into the perfect storm where you can take your ideas and have the resources that you need to get your projects out into the world.
Listen and learn the steps to go through when you're ready to make the jump and begin your career as a professional artist. You'll also hear about what to do when you get knocked down, who to turn to for advice and what to ask them to kickstart your own creative career.
What does an experienced artist see when he goes to the museum and how does he take that information and translate it back into his work? That's what we're covering in this episode of the Pencil Kings Podcast.
What if you knew exactly when the hiring managers would be looking for new people for their project? That's exactly what we cover in this episode so that you can have the best chance possible to send in your resume at the right time.
What if you live somewhere that doesn't have the opportunities that you're looking for in your career? Kelly will tell you how she moved to New Zealand and got her foot in the door at Weta, and the rest as they say - 'is history.' She also talks about how she manages to stay creative and explore her artistic side outside of work, even when in the middle of a production and in crunch mode.
Learn how Dennis Brown uses the exploration of new artistic mediums to come up with completely new styles while still sticking to his roots.
Ever wondered how to become a fine artist? In this interview we go over the steps that anyone can follow to get your work shown in galleries all over the country, and how to overcome the common roadblocks that artists face when they want to get started.
Are you looking for a high energy and accessible art style to get excited about trying with your own work? Today's guest explains how he's able to stay so loose and continue to have fun being creative with his dynamic style.
What does it really take to stick with the habit of drawing every day? The answer is so simple that it may surprise you. In this interview we find out what it took one artist to stick to his creative pursuits for 365 consecutive days.
Learn how to support yourself as an artist so you can give your creative side projects the attention they deserve by allowing your fans to help support you. It's easier than ever to make this happen today and this interview with Oliver Wetter will show you exactly how to take the next step.
Have you been going at it alone and not making much progress? In this episode you'll learn why working with other people can help accelerate anything that you are putting your attention towards, and it doesn't mean that you have to be an expert either - this way of working is available right now to anyone in the world.
Here's the latest update on Derek Rodenbeck's story of transitioning from a comic book artist to starting his own clothing line.
Are you struggling to come up with your own style of art? Brandon Pike outlines how he got started, and the unique way that he sees the world that has enabled him to come up with a great cartoon style.
Are you ready to make the leap and become a freelance artist? Josh Viers shares with us the steps that he took to make the big leap of going out on his own a whole lot less risky. He also shares the steps that you can take to get yourself ready to make your own leap.
How do you get your first job as a digital artist and what kind of opportunities are even out there? Morten Jaeger talks about his journey and the path that he took by getting into an unrelated field before trying to work on feature film projects.
Can you learn to produce top quality artwork when you live in a country that has less opportunities? Mohammad Hossein tells his story of how he is able to create truly amazing artwork and freelance for some of the world's biggest companies, even though he is living in one of the most highly sanctioned countries in the world at the moment - Iran.
Ever wondered what it's like to work at top studios like Blizzard? Brandon Martynowicz talks about his amazing career working for some of the biggest studios and projects and how he landed a job at Lucas Arts right out of art school.
Want to know how to break into the entertainment industry? Byron Slaybaugh shares his story of what it took to land gigs on some of the biggest comic based movies in recent memory.
Want to become a childrens book artist? Erin McGuire tells her story of how she got into the industry, what her days are like and how she's consistently getting work.
Want to get your first art job? Elise Hatheway peels back the curtain on applying to Disney, how to make an impression, artist confidence and how to tell stories with your art - you don't want to miss this one!
Looking to get your art seen? Try picking up the pace, doing more, and working smarter. Justin Harder talks about his amazing career from his first year out of school barely getting by to now working on hollywood films.
From illustrator to gallery artist, to graphic novelist and movie maker - Dave Calver shares his story spanning over 40 years as an artist in the illustration industry.
Ever struggled with your art? It's time to dive deep into the mindset of what separates the successful artists from the rest with Cory Huff - and the good news? Anyone can do this.
Want to create with an IPad or Tablet? Portrait artist Roz Hall explains how he uses technology to smash the barriers to being creative and making art despite having a busy schedule.
Thinking of starting a creative business? Listen to the first steps that comic book artist Derek Rodenbeck is taking to get his t-shirt company off the ground.
Are you dealing with artist overwhelm and not sure how to put all of the tools and technology together into something meaningful? Simon Dyjas talks about his journey as a multimedia artists and how he has incorporated the different tools into his workflow.
Want a career as an artist? Vetran FX artist Allan McKay goes through the exact steps that led him from Australia to breaking into Hollywood.
Learn how to create a children's book, where to publish it and how to overcome any problems you will have along the way with Chandler Bolt.
UI Designer for Bioware's Dragon age Inquisition Tyler Lee talks about what life is like in the studio and how he became a UI Designer.
Learn to sell your tshirts online as Jeff Sheldon tells the story of how he created Ugmonk and explains how artists can get started designing tshirts.
How to get noticed by an art director, and how to get you first job as an artist. Joe Spadaford let's us know his experience and how he became an art director.
Kevin Kramer talks about his four pencil method and the secret he uses to create great looking portraits.
Arturo Aguirre talks about how to create a comic book and the struggles and determination that compels him to keep producing art and moving forward with his passion project.
Cyrus Smith talks about what life is like as a fine artists living and working in a foreign country and how he started to make a name for himself while still in art school.
Dustin D'Arnault talks about setting your goals and creating a portfolio that's going to get you the art job that you really want.
Yamile Yemoonyah talks about all of the opportunities that artists have to monetize their work and how she's working with artists to increase their profitability.
Cat Lavery talks about how she started selling prints online and is now enjoying major success on kickstarter.
Dwayne talks about what happens when depression hits, how it affects your ability to be an artist, and what the road to recovery looks like.
Judy tells the story of how she changed from being a writer to a 'doodler' and how she was able to start selling her work online and making a name for herself.
Jared Fiorino talks about how he became an established artist in the brand name clothing industry.
Adam Volker talks about how he got started at Moonbot Studios and the work that he does there as the creative director.
Oliver Dominguez talks about becoming a freelance artist right out of school, illustrating books for children, and how he's managed to make a name for himself with historical art.
Daniel Davis aka Steam Crow tells the story of how he went from being a graphic designer to being a successful mainstay on the comic art circuit.
Mitch Bowler tells the story of his own artistic journey and how Pencil Kings was created and how the site is working to help artists worldwide.
Will Terrell talks about his journey as an artist and how it's taken him from a comic book artist, to a community leader and now onto a storyboard artist. He also reveals some of the common emotional hurdles that artists face and how to overcome them.
Mechanical Apple Artists Ari Gibson and Jason Pamment talk about the steps they took to create their boutique animation studio, what makes them different and how they continue to bring in interesting work and stay inspired.
Francis Vallejo talks about the life of a freelance artist and what he does to keep his skills sharp and his art fresh and inspired.
Jennifer Llewellyn talks about her path going from an animator, to freelance artist and now what she is doing as an app designer and creator.
Derek Rodenbeck talks about setting a direction for your life and your art to focus and achieve whatever you want.
Michael Grills talks about finding bliss as an artist and how he discovered his fresh new art style.
Ken Wong talks about his new game Monument Valley and how he uses art to give his own perspective on the world.
Shane's had a number of unique experiences as an artist and let's us know what his journey hjas looked like from student, to graduate to teacher and now a cover artist.
Sourav talks about how he got his matte paintings recognized online and how he became an artist.
Andrew Sides has been exploring taking his art to a whole new audience with the help of 3D printing.
Darren Yeow talks about his successful Kickstarter launch where he created a new kind of shoulder bag built specifically for artists.
Lazaro Ruiz enlightens us on what it's like to be a toy designer and the steps you should take if you want to create your own toys.
Sergio Paez helps us understand what a day in the life of a storyboard artist looks like as well as tips on getting into the biggest studios in the world like Pixar and Lucas Film.
Chris Kirkland tells us what kinds of artwork are easiest to sell online, how much you should charge and how you can get your art up online and selling fast.
Kan Muftic tells us how he dropped a promising career to spend the next 12 months becoming a concept artist.
Satchell Winn goes deep on the topic of getting private art commissions from online communities and forums.
Sycra Yasin interview about how he got started as an artist and how he created his own personal style.
Intro to the Pencil Kings Podcast! Explore the previews and highlights from the upcoming episodes with Sycra Yasin, Satchel Winn, Kan Muftic, Chris Kirkland, Sergio Paez, Lazaro Ruiz, Darren Yao and Andrew Sides.