Sometimes life throws a curve ball at your creativity and forces you to take an elongated break away from that which you're most passionate about. In Episode 15 of the HTDC Podcast we talk about getting back into the saddle after you've been knocked off track.

In Episode 14 of the HTDC Podcast we’re joined by special guest artist Robert Marzullo of Ram Studios Comics.

Over the years Robert has produced hundreds of comic art tutorials and several courses, helping aspiring artists around the world harness their abilities and master their craft. If there’s one thing that can be said about Robert, it’s that he has a burning passion to not only create comics but to help others develop the skillset they need to do the same.

During our catch up with Rob we talked about where it all began for him as an artist and the journey he took to develop his artistic abilities. Like many comic creators, the desire to tell his stories through the medium greatly over powered his doubts about the industry. Regardless of how much money, fame or praise it earned him, creating comics was simply something Robert had to do out of love for the craft.

But it took time to learn it; to master the tools, techniques and habits of a seasoned pro. That’s why at the core of this episode we’ve focused on what it means to truly commit to the comic art craft. In the end, true commitment is the only guarantee any of us have of becoming the artist that we someday hope to be. It ensures that we don’t give up in the face of failure, fear or doubt. It pushes us through the obstacles and challenges that lie before us. And gets us through the hours and exertion of energy we must invest into our art so that it can be the very best it can be.

To thank Robert for joining us, this episode’s album art is a tribute to his original character Blackstone. If you’ve read issue #1 of Blackstone then you’ll already know how much of a bad-ass this character is. Not to mention the level of quality and attention to detail put into the book is just breathtaking – it was great to chat with Rob about how he came up with Blackstone, his backstory and the creation process that went into producing the book. With one issue down and another soon to come, I’m excited to see where Blackstone’s story goes next.

We hope you enjoy this episode. It was an absolute honor to finally get Robert onto the Podcast. We’ve talked about collaborating for a long time now, and this was by far one of the best episodes we’ve recorded to date. Here’s to more team ups in the future!

Thanks for listening, and until next time – keep on creating.

-Clayton

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Robert Marzullo's Website: https://ramstudioscomics.com/

Robert Marzullo's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrRamstudios1

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No matter how excited you are to start a new comic book project, there will come a point where your motivation to keep on going will diminish. Our mind loves novelty and the anticipation of embarking on a new endeavor, but with familiarity grows lack of interest.

So what get's things done?

In Episode 13 of the HTDC Podcast, Clayton Barton and Ric Bulow talk tactics when it comes to cultivating unbreakable discipline when it comes to seeing your projects through to the end.

As artists, developing an ability to sit down, grind through our challenges and force ourselves to succeed despite our lack of motivation is incredibly powerful. It can determine whether you get your entire comic book done in a month, in years, or at all.

When you know that everyday you're going to be able to wake up and produce, regardless of if you're in the mood or feeling inspired, there's a new level of self trust a creator can hang onto. The things you create come first, your procrastination comes second.

Starting a project and seeing it through to the end is a trial every creator must conquer again and again. It's in the job description. What's worse is you're on your own. No one else can manifest your creations for you - it must be by your hands. In the end, you've got to be your own cheerleader, barracking for yourself until you win the game - only to play another round the next time you pick up the pencil.

Here in Episode 13 we wanted to share with you some of our strategies for developing productive habits and effectively rigging your brain for productivity - so that you can optimize your working day to squeeze as much work out of it as possible.

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy it,

-Clayton

In Episode 12 of the HTDC Podcast, Ric and Clayton reveal techniques for expanding your visual library so that you can come up with unique and compelling ideas that capture the interest of your audience.

When it comes to learning the art of comic book illustration, there's many paths we can take. The question is, do we venture down a path lead by those before us, armed with their wisdom as we face the trials and tribulations on the road ahead, or should we enter into the unknown ourselves, conquering each lesson as it comes?

Sometimes the road we take can say a lot about us as an artist. Are we someone who learns from example or would we prefer to figure things out on our own? Do we feel safer being held by the hand, knowing that the advice from those more experienced should lead us to the success we seek - or - are we brave enough to think outside the box, rebuilding the wheel to arrive at an outcome which is truly unique?

Most importantly, when is it time to take off the training wheels and learn to walk on our own two feet as an artist? After all, if we never step out and make our own discoveries there can be no way to feel confident within our own abilities.

In our 10th Episode of the HTDC Podcast Clayton Barton and Ric Bülow are joined by guest artist Nick Melanshek to discuss his art, process and the challenges he's faced as a comic book creator.

Nick is the author and illustrator of two self published series titled "White Cell Inoculation" and "Big Man Down". For the past several years he's put his head down to develop his skill set and bring the stories he wants to tell to the world. But as many artists know this is often a time of true trial and tribulation, as an artist searches deep to overcome fear and self doubt.

We talk with Nick about his journey through these different fazes of self discovery - the moment he got serious about his work, letting go of perfectionist expectations, the taxing experience of his first issue, and how now he's reached a point now where he's able to produce a book once per month while raising a family.

As artists we tend to put a lot of emphasis on the end result. We want the outcome to be the best it can be otherwise why set out to create anything at all?

Problem is while we're so focused on the destination we completely miss the joy of the journey.

In this weeks Podcast Episode, Clayton Barton and Co-Host Ric Bülow talk about the importance of embracing the process.

Ultimately, if you're an artist who's making progress, improving, evolving; that destination will always be out of reach. What you create today will always be trumped by what you create tomorrow. So it's pointless stressing out over reaching perfection.

You've got to revel in the imperfections. Learn from them, and remember that often times what you consider an impure characteristic within your work reflects a signature style unique to you.

If you don't enjoy the process of creation, there's no point in pursuing it in the first place. So remember to have fun with your art. The outcome isn't as important as you think.

-Clayton

In Episode 8 of the How To Draw Comics Podcast Ric Bülow and Clayton Barton talk about the dangers of Burn Out, in the physical and mental sense.

As artists we've all experienced the onset of eye-strain, carpal tunnel, headaches and even back pain from long, unbroken periods of time at the drawing board. Nothing feels more debilitating to an artist then to have to take a month long recovery break from overuse.

So taking regular breaks is important, ensuring we look after our physical well being so that we can maintain peak, artistic performance.

But what about the mental fatigue we also often suffer from? Those days, weeks or even months where we simply lack the motivation to pick up the pencil. Constantly being bombarded with deadlines to meet, crazy schedules, lack of sleep and physical exercise, and a poor diet are all sure fire ways that lead to mental depletion - which is ultimately just as debilitating as the physical counterpart of burn out.

This episode discusses the dangers of falling victim to burn out as a creator and what you can do to avoid it.

Big thanks to Aaron Alfeche and Rob Arnold (creator of Replicator) for this episode's cover art.

In Episode 7 of the HTDC Podcast Clayton Barton and Co-Host Ric Bülow are joined by Ed Foychuk to discuss the comic book grind and what it truly means to dedicate all the focus you've got to mastering your skill-set.

Having released two issues of his Comic Book Captain Corea, Ed lets us in on his approach to creating comics. He gives us insight into his mindset and tactics for getting better, and shares his thoughts on experimentation, development and dedication to the art form.

We learn about the incredible value community forums can offer the aspiring artist both in receiving critical feedback for improvement and challenging us to lift our game to greater heights.

We also discus diversity in comics and the many ways in which we might be able to branch out and experiment from time to time to come up with stories that are truly unique.

In this episode we're joined by guest artist Jenevieve Broomall to discuss what it means to follow your passion.

Like many, Jenevieve is a self taught artist, who over the last eight years has refined her skill-set, mastered her medium and developed a finessed style that sets her apart from the rest.

Having worked as a cover artist for publishers such as Zenoscope, Valiant, IDW, Coffin Comics and more, Jen shares her insights into the challenges that hold many of us back such as burnout, ego, self-doubt, and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone to grow as an artist.

We also learn about the importance of nursing your passions, expressing yourself regardless of the outcome and allowing yourself to become part of the creative process.

Jen ends off with a heart felt message all artist's can relate with which is the act of giving, and the amount of impact our art can truly having on those around us.