http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

In this episode of "You're A Better Artist Than You Think:" How color lies to our eyes and why that matters to artists with author Fritz Horstman of the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation.

PLUS: Changing our relationship to color from "painful" to "playful."

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Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance at http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

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00:37 What Josef Albers Means To Present-Day Artists

01:24 Interaction Of Color

02:28 Science Vs Experience

03:51 Color Relativity

04:58 Playing With Color

06:04 Homage To The Square

06:49 The Personification Of Color

07:50 Rothko And Albers

11:15 Interacting With Color

15:11 Let Color Come To You

16:16 How To Play With Color

18:18 Color Intervals

18:48 The Illusion Of Transparency

19:45 Color And Music

21:27 How Color Distorts Proportion

22:55 To Open Eyes

24:56 No "Favorite" Colors

26:29 Developing Your Tolerance For Ambiguity

26:58 Color For Non-Artists

27:47 The Magic Feather

http://linktr.ee/chrisoatley/

In this episode: "The Disney Revolt" author Jake Friedman surveys the infamous animation strike of 1941, and explains why it matters to present-day artists.

We consider the cost of Walt Disney's perfectionism, the painful, personal consequences of his decisions, and whether he ever learned from them.

PLUS: The most influential Disney animator you've never heard of...

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Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance at MagicBoxAcademy.com

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00:49 Introduction: The Disney Animators' Strike Of 1941

04:08 Disney Vs. Disney

06:37 Art Babbitt - The Most Influential Disney Artist You've Never Heard Of 

12:47 Reconstructing The Timeline Of The Disney Strike

15:37 Would The Disney Strike Have Happened Without Art Babbitt?

17:27 Loyalty Above Creativity?

19:01 Products Of Our Influences 

20:08 How Walt Disney Was Like Michael Scott From "The Office"

22:44 When Disney History Repeats Itself

25:18 You Can't Fire Family

26:23 The Cost Of Walt's Perfectionism

28:41 Walt Supported His Artists (Until He Didn't)

31:37 The Emotional Ending

34:37 Did Walt Ever Learn His Lesson?

35:42 Was Walt Anti-Union?

39:15 Learn More At TheDisneyRevolt.com

39:55 Credits

http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley 

Nine of my current mentees were named “Rising Stars” of 2d & 3d art by ImagineFX magazine.

In this two-part interview series, they’re here to share stories of artistic development and how being selected for the article affected their mindsets. 

Illustrator Andrea Ivetic Vicai begins the episode with a positive spin on the more frustrating aspects of illustration.

Next, animation artist Lucy Ledsam talks about finding an art career that matches your personality.

VR artist Elizabeth Person and CG artist Carmen Thora Smith talk about making the switch from painting to 3d.

…and finally, character designer Laura Horan presents the benefits of an agile creative process.

Find links to their portfolios and samples of their art at bit.ly/ifxmb 

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Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance at MagicBoxAcademy.com

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01:18 Illustrator Andrea Ivetic Vicai:

02:17 Infinite Challenge = Infinite Inspiration 

03:46 The Devil On The Shoulder 

04:52 Be Your Own Best Friend 

06:36 Andrea's Magic Feather 

08:09 Animation Artist Lucy Ledsam:

08:48 "I'm Not Big And Bombastic..." 

12:14 Advice For Non-Bombastic Artists 

13:05 Lucy's Magic Feather 

18:01 VR Artist Elizabeth Person:

18:26 Specialization As Curation

18:59 Switching Industries 

23:14 Lizzy's Magic Feather

23:51 Disney Is Convenient 

25:53 CG Artist Carmen Thora Smith:

27:06 Learning Complicated Software 

28:12 Shifting Stories 

29:36 Tools Do Matter 

30:28 Carmen's Magic Feather

31:26 "Just-In-Time" Learning 

33:08 Character Designer Laura Horan:

34:28 Don't Settle For Less 

36:01 Objectivity Is Impossible 

38:04 Laura's Magic Feather

39:16 CREDITS

http://linktr.ee/chrisoatley/

What would you do if you learned that your artwork would be featured in an industry-leading magazine for creative professionals all over the world?

…and you only had a few days to select and submit your samples, write a professional bio and a short blurb about each submission, update your website and prepare a series of social media posts to coincide with the publication date?

Would you find that inspiring? 

…motivating? 

…terrifying?

Nine of my students faced this question when they were named among ImagineFX Magazine’s “Rising Stars” of 2D and 3D art.

…and they’re all here to talk about this career-defining moment.

They’ll share their initial reactions and the challenges they encountered throughout the process. They open up about their struggles with self-doubt, perfectionism, and the super-tight deadline.

…and offer insights about how the experience changed them. 

…probably forever. 

Today, in part one of a two part series, we’ll hear from Mutia Terian, Rami Juma, Dan Tompkins and Veronica Kosowski - in that order.

You can find samples of their work and links to connect with each of them at http://bit.ly/ifxmb

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NEXT IN PART 2:

We’ll hear from the rest of the “Rising Stars” in the next episode. For your convenience, I made a Linktree where you can easily find your favorite ways to subscribe: http://linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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LET US KNOW WHAT *YOU* THINK!

Of the many insights and stories shared throughout this episode, which one resonated with you the most? 

Let us know! Email my team and I via [email protected] or leave a comment on YouTube or social media. I’m @ChrisOatley everywhere. 

The guests from this episode will also be interacting so you can look forward to meeting them in the comments. 

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00:00 Intro

01:29 Learn More At MagicBoxAcademy.com

01:47 Mutia Terian: Animation Artist

02:50 Mutia Terian: Developing Confidence

07:07 Mutia Terian: Defining Confidence

09:54 Mutia Terian: What To Do When You're Stuck

11:10 Mutia's Magic Feather

16:49 Rami Juma: Digital Painter

17:28 Rami Juma: The Benefits Of Writing About Your Art

20:08 Rami Juma: Effort Vs. Effect

24:41 Rami Juma: When To Change Things Up

27:00 Rami Juma: Gifts From Your Younger Self

29:03 Rami Juma: How Mindset Affects Art

31:19 Rami's Magic Feather

34:13 Dan Tompkins: Character Designer

34:53 Dan Tompkins: Improving Old Art

37:07 Dan Tompkins: Saved By "Game Face"

38:01 Dan Tompkins: Drawing Yourself Out Of Doubt

39:19 Dan Tompkins: Desensitizing Yourself To Doubt

41:58 Dan's Magic Feather

43:05 Veronica Kosowski: Animation Background Painter/ VisDev Artist

44:12 Veronica Kosowski: Learning From Your Younger Self

47:05 Veronica Kosowski: The Benefits Of Life-Long Projects

48:59 Veronica Kosowski: Fear As Perfectionism

50:37 Veronica's Magic Feather (Except Not)

54:57 Connect & Subscribe

http://linktr.ee/chrisoatley

In part one of this series, graphic novelist and literary agent Tori Sharp shared tips on pitching to publishers, how story guides design, and the challenge of creating honest art. 

Now, in part two, Tori talks about stories as "sense-making" devices, urges the importance of celebration breaks during long projects, and shares her experience as an autistic artist.

Once again, our production coordinator, Mari Gonzalez Curia, who is currently seeking representation for her first original graphic novel, joins me as co-host.

Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance in our mentorship: The Clockwork Heart: https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com/clockwork-heart/

Subscribe to this podcast on any of the major platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Podcasts, YouTube) and join our email list for notifications about future episodes, courses, and mentorship opportunities. It’s 100% free and we will always respect your privacy: https://visual-voice-llc.ck.page/688dccdf68

00:57 Agent Vs Creator 01:32 Magical Or Terrifying? 02:43 Shouldn't You Be More Excited? 04:24 Taking Celebration Breaks 06:45 Why "Get Out Of The House" Is Good Writing Advice 07:38 Stories As "Sense-Making" Devices 09:26 Neurodivergence & Artistic Development 10:53 Good Teachers Are Good Listeners 11:26 The People Who Can Only Hear Your "Voice" 12:28 Developing Adult Characters In Stories For Kids 14:31 Feeling "Seen" By Stories 19:36 How Has Your Mindset Changed? 21:05 The Best Advice You've Ever Received 21:44 ...And The Worst? 22:45 The Magic Feather

https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com

In this episode: Graphic novelist and literary agent Tori Sharp shares tips on pitching to publishers, how story guides design and the challenge of creating honest art.

Our Production Coordinator, Mari Gonzalez Curia, who is currently seeking representation for her first original graphic novel, joins me as co-host.

This is the first of a two-part series.

Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance in our mentorship: The Clockwork Heart: https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com/clockwork-heart/

Subscribe to this podcast on any of the major platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Podcasts, YouTube) and join our email list for notifications about future episodes, courses, and mentorship opportunities. It’s 100% free and we will always respect your privacy: https://visual-voice-llc.ck.page/688dccdf68

Next, In Part 2: Tori talks about stories as “sense-making” devices, urges the importance of “celebration breaks” during long projects and shares her experience as an autistic artist.

00:45 Meet Tori Sharp 02:59 Tori's First Comics 05:19 Do You Consider Your Work Nostalgic? 09:24 Coursework Vs. Conversations 11:46 Understanding Passion 13:15 The Challenge Of Creating Honest Art 17:25 A Quick Note From Future Chris 17:44 Continuing Education 19:37 Passion Is Past-Tense 21:17 Rediscovering Her "First Love" 23:02 Tori's "Scariest" Project Yet: Just Pretend 24:36 Managing Panic 25:32 The Unique Challenge Of Sequential Art 28:57 Developing A Visual Style 30:48 Discovering Synesthesia 31:45 Imperfect Perspective 33:06 The Emotional Process Of Pitching 36:52 Pitching Multiple Projects At The Same Time 40:32 Next In Part Two 40:45 Credits

https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com/

Animation visual development artist and background painter Amy Lewis shares insights about the vitality of professional networking, balancing perfectionism with self-acceptance and the attitude she expects from her students and crew.

This is the second in a two-part series.

Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance in our mentorship: The Clockwork Heart: https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com/clockwork-heart/

Subscribe to this podcast on any of the major platforms and join our email list for notifications about future episodes, courses, and mentorship opportunities. It’s 100% free and we will always respect your privacy: https://visual-voice-llc.ck.page/688dccdf68

00:00 Introduction

01:42 The Struggle Of Self-Critique

05:52 Growing Confidence - Brass Bands And Bullies

09:13 How Amy Beats The Odds

12:11 The Vitality Of Networking

14:21 Happy Little Trees

15:14 Amy's Current Mindset

16:37 Evaluating Amy's Old Portfolios

18:26 The Mindset Amy Recommends For Her Students And Crew

19:38 The Best (And Worst) Advice Amy Ever Received

22:29 The Magic Feather

25:30 Anything Else?

26:41 Credits

https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com/

Animation visual development artist and background painter Amy Lewis (SpongeBob, Moominvalley) talks about establishing a freelance animation career from Europe, the most devastating rejection of her career and the amazing opportunity that followed.

This is the first of a two-part series.

Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance in our mentorship: The Clockwork Heart: https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com/clockwork-heart/

Subscribe to this podcast on any of the major platforms and join our email list for notifications about future episodes, courses, and mentorship opportunities. It’s 100% free and we will always respect your privacy: https://visual-voice-llc.ck.page/688dccdf68

Next, In Part Two: Amy shares insights about the vitality of professional networking, balancing perfectionism with self-acceptance and the attitude she expects from her students and crew...

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Meet Amy Lewis

02:11 Amy's Early Influences

05:03 Frustration With University Art Programs

07:02 Experimenting With Illustration

08:05 "I've Found My People..."

09:49 Amy's First Big Break

14:08 Another Year Of Skill Building

15:33 Moominvalley & Art Directing In Lockdown

16:45 Knowing What You Don't Want

18:50 Amy's Dream Job Disappointment

21:33 SpongeBob SquarePants

24:13 The Brave Locomotive

25:52 Amy's Artistic Development

32:17 Next In Part 2

32:31 Credits/ Hidden Track

http://HowToBecomeAProfessionalArtist.com

*At the time of this recording, Chris' mentorship The Clockwork Heart is accepting applications. Email [email protected] to schedule an interest meeting and apply.

*IN THIS EPISODE:*

In this episode of “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think,” Chris Oatley, founder of The Magic Box Academy and Visual Development Artist for Disney, DreamWorks, and Sony Pictures Animation, helps artists identify what to look for in a creative mentor.

...and he shares a personal story about the time one of his music mentors helped him overcome a fear he didn't even know he had.

This is part one in a series.

0:01 - Introduction 0:21 - A Potential Mentorship Gone Wrong  2:20 - Collaborative Mentorship 4:08 - Defining "Mentorship" 6:08 - Our Definition 6:52 - Great Mentors Help You Help Yourself 13:10 - Homework 14:44 - "Autonomy" by The Bright Sigh

In this episode of “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think,” Chris Oatley, founder of The Magic Box Academy and Visual Development Artist for Disney, DreamWorks, and Sony Pictures Animation, helps digital artists and visual storytellers de-stress their creative process through the revival of classical workflows.

You’ll find guidance in the timeless methods of legendary illustrator J.C. Leyendecker and modern examples like The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, Aliens, Up, and Cuphead that will reduce overwhelm and frustration in your workflow while also boosting your efficiency and confidence.

Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance through Chris' mentorship at HowToBecomeAProfessionalArtist.com