Sketchnote Podcast

Andrew Tan: Embracing Creativity, Reflection, and Tools — S1/E5


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In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Tan, a freelance illustrator, art teacher, and creator of Drewscape, to discuss his journey from daydreaming about being a business major to becoming an independent illustrator in Singapore.

We dig into how his years as an advertising art director shaped his approach to working with clients, his love of vintage fountain pens, the push-and-pull between analog and digital tools, and what he’s learned about confidence, contrast, and giving yourself permission to be imperfect.

Running Order
  • Introduction and Andrew's journey from YouTube rabbit holes to professional illustration
  • The significance of sketching as a reflection tool and its flexibility
  • How culture and background influence Andrew's artistic path in Singapore and America
  • Transitioning from art direction to independent freelancing
  • How Andrew's art direction experience shapes his illustration work
  • Insights into Andrew's tools: vintage fountain pens, monoprints, and more
  • The impact of storyboarding and speed training in Andrew's skillset
  • Effects of the pandemic on Andrew's professional projects and his COVID Chronicle series
  • Cultural perspectives on comics and visual storytelling in Asia and Singapore
  • Changing perceptions of comics from kids' entertainment to sophisticated storytelling mediums
  • Favorite tools: iPad Pro, Procreate, and challenges with digital vs. traditional mediums
  • Embracing imperfections and the psychology of confident drawing
  • Techniques for sketching and illustration workflow, combining paper and iPad
  • Practical tips for visual thinkers in a creative rut: spontaneity, contrast, and permission
  • Connecting with Andrew: YouTube, website, and ongoing courses
  • Resources & Links
    • Drewscape — YouTube
    • Drewscape — Website and Blog
    • Andrew's Skillshare Courses
    • Procreate
    • Adobe Illustrator
    • Greg Minuskin Vintage Fountain Pens
    • Monoprint Techniques — Overview
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