Pencil Kings | Inspiring Artist Interviews with Today's Best Artists

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!