In this episode, we start looking into the topic of feedback, as in getting feedback on our illustrations or artwork. What kind of feedback should we be seeking, and where should we look? It all depends on what you are hoping to get from it. It turns out that we don't always need critique — sometimes we just need to know we're on the right track. Sometimes we don't want solutions, we want comfort. This episode begins with some reflections on what it means to seek comfort — that is, positive affirmation about our work.

In today’s episode we'll look at why making "good" work isn't the best goal to have. We'll look at more helpful ways to judge whether our work is WORKING or not. This will help you become better at critiquing your own work, and being more objective about it. Also: what self-taught illustrators miss out on by not going to art school; why open briefs are a nightmare for me, and what happened when a hamburger restaurant asked me to make "some wall art" for them.

Have you ever felt like a liar when calling yourself the thing you really want to be? Are you already doing the thing — illustration — but still find it hard to own the label — illustrator? In this episode, I share my experience of deep imposter syndrome, and I explain what I believe is the reason. If you struggle with feelings of self-doubt and unworthiness in your art or career, this episode is for you.

When you want to become an illustrator, what are the very first things you should start learning? What does the first year of an illustration education look like? We go deep into 10 skills and subjects to learn in this two part series. This is Part 2

When you want to become an illustrator, what are the very first things you should start learning? What does the first year of an illustration education look like? We go deep into 10 skills and subjects to learn in this two part series.

Do you want to be an illustrator? In this episode, I give you 5 things you need to do before lifting a pencil! Between your spark moment and actually becoming an illustrator, there is a big gap, something that is hard to imagine ever crossing at the start. This is one of the biggest obstacles in our way to just getting started. By listening to this episode, you will learn the five things you can do to get started, when even just finding the starting point seems impossible. These are the things you can do right now, which can help you gain more clarity about what to actually start learning any actual illustration skills.

In this episode, I talk about the very beginning of our journey into becoming illustrators, the moment we discover illustration and say to ourselves, “I want to do that.” This is what Lisa Congdon calls the “spark moment”. I will tell you the story of my own spark moment, which has an unlikely beginning and takes a very long and meandering path to get where I am today. By listening to this episode, you will be able to identify your own spark moment and to learn how to let that pull you forward toward your goal of becoming an illustrator. You should know what you want.

Welcome to Thoughts on Design, a Podcast about Showing Up and Growing Up as a Commercial Illustrator. In this introductory episode, I talk about why I started this podcast, what it's about, and who it's for.