Inventing challenges for yourself, listening to Bulgarian folk music, and getting good at something by doing it over and over and over and over.

In this episode I talk to fine artist and illustrator Lisa Congdon who's best known for her colorful abstract paintings, intricate line drawings, pattern design and hand lettering. She's the author of five books (and counting!) and writes a popular daily blog at Today is Going to be Awesome.

Music

Show Opener: Salt-n-Pepa, Pharrell Williams (with Justin Timberlake), Melanie and Kanye West (feat. Rhymefest)

Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) – The Beatles

The Analog Kid – Rush

All Your Secrets – Yo La Tengo

Own It – Drake

Within Your Reach – The Replacements

Mur stho sme se razigrali (Hey Let's Dance) - Bulgarian State Television Female Choir

Show Closer: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Tricky, Dusty Springfield and Isaac Hayes

Reading List

Owning It: I Am An Artist - by Lisa Congdon

Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist - by Lisa Congdon

Whatever You Are, Be a Good One: 100 Inspirational Quotations Hand-Lettered by Lisa Congdon

A Collection a Day - by Lisa Congdon

Watch List

Gerhard Richter Painting

Become a Working Artist

Basic Line Drawing

Sketchbook Explorations

** If you like my show, please subscribe and review in iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit brandnewways.com