The Self-taught Illustrator

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A podcast proving you don't need a fancy Art degree to be a successful, and thriving illustrator. Natasha Polozenko AKA @Nataszko provides tips, tricks, and intel into creating an illustration practice you love. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

@Nataszko


    • Feb 8, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 15m AVG DURATION
    • 28 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Self-taught Illustrator

    028. The BEST Illustration Advice in History | Lessons from the Masters

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2025 32:01


    Welcome to episode 28 of the Self-taught Illustrator Podcast where we learn from art history's greatest masters! In this video, we break down timeless illustration tips and creative lessons from Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe, Rembrandt, Hilma af Klint, Henri Rousseau, and Amrita Sher-Gil.These legendary artists have shaped the world of art, and their wisdom is more relevant than ever for modern illustrators.Links:Listener Spotlight: https://www.instagram.com/itssnadraws_/Book: https://a.co/d/iRVr4db#illustration #artadvice #Leonardodavinci #Picasso #GeorgiaOKeeffe #Rembrandt #HilmaafKlint #AmritaSherGil #artinspiration #drawingtips #artmasters #creativeprocess

    027. Finding Your Illustration Style in 2025!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 36:13


    In this episode of The Self-Taught Illustrator Podcast, we're diving into one of the biggest challenges for beginner and self-taught artists: How to Find Your Illustration Style. If you've been struggling to discover a style that feels authentically yours, this episode is here to help! I'll share the essential basics every illustrator needs to know, walk you through my personal journey to finding my style, and introduce my step-by-step formula for uncovering your unique artistic voice. This episode is packed with actionable tips and creative exercises to help you: Break down the misconceptions about “style” Explore what makes your art unique Build a portfolio that stands out Whether you're just starting or refining your style in 2025, this episode will guide you every step of the way. Follow the podcast for more illustration tips, advice, and inspiration to help you grow as a self-taught illustrator!

    026. The Illustration tools you NEED to be using!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 32:28


    In this episode we go into a deep dive into the different tools available to us as illustrators, and which ones we should be using in our own practices! Episode Links: Register here for Adobe MAX 2023 Check out my in-person session! Illustrator Bootcamp Waitlist The Creative Act by Rick Rubin Listener of the Week @BexCreations Social Links:WebsiteIGTikTokYoutubePinterest --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nataszko/support

    025. Level up your illustration practice in 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 21:37


    In episode 25 of the Self-taught Illustrator Podcast, we talk about getting prepared and setting goals for 2023! Personal Style Masterclass: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup SOCIALS: Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6w Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    024. Staying motivated in your illustration practice

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2022 21:22


    In episode 24 of the Self-taught Illustrator Podcast, I talk through various strategies to find motivation and keep motivated throughout your illustration career. Personal Style Masterclass: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup SOCIALS: Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6w Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/ Student Spotlight: Glen DeGuzman AKA @_sun_dragon_tattoo_: https://www.instagram.com/_sun_dragon_tattoo_/?hl=en --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    023. The biggest pitfalls I see illustrators fall into

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2022 26:38


    In this episode, I break down the biggest pitfalls that I see illustrators encounter at various stages in their illustration journeys. My AdobeMax Session: https://www.adobe.com/max/2022/sessions/na-become-a-selftaught-illustrator-design-concept-s309.html Personal Style Masterclass: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup SOCIALS: Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6w Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    022. How old is too old to become an illustrator?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2022 13:39


    In this episode, I break down the limiting beliefs around age, and how old is too old when it comes to creating a career in illustration. My Adobe Live Sessions: Day 1: https://www.behance.net/live/videos/15191/Vector-Character-Art-with-Natasha-Polozenko-1-of-2 Day 2: https://www.behance.net/live/videos/15195/Vector-Character-Art-with-Natasha-Polozenko-2-of-2 SOCIALS: Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6w Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    021. How to get people to buy your art and illustrations

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 14:36


    In this episode, I walk through the various motivators that lead people to buy art and illustrations, to help you strategically approach the way that you sell. Survey referenced: https://www.statista.com/statistics/887848/top-motivations-for-art-buyers-when-buying-art/ SOCIALS: Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6w Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    020. How To Get Freelance Illustration Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2022 18:56


    In this episode, we go through the steps that you need to take if you want to start doing freelance illustration work. SOCIALS: Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6w Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    019. Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2022 10:35


    In this episode, we dive into the topic of Imposter Syndrome in the art and illustration world. SOCIALS: Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    018. The Professional Illustrator vs. the Artist Illustrator

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2022 12:34


    In this episode, I talk about the differences as well as the pros and cons that exist for both the Professional Illustrator and the Artist Illustrator SOCIALS: Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    017. Level up your Illustration practice in 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2021 10:38


    In this episode, I go through the exact planning and goal-setting tactics that I have been using over the past few years to help me reach my creative business goals! SOCIALS: Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    016. Selling your Illustrations as NFTs

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2021 19:50


    In this episode I deep-dive into the crypto world, exploring what NFTs are, and how we as illustrators can create and sell them. Drawing from my own experience and knowledge I walk through all the platforms and services that I use when it comes to minting and selling my Illustrations as NFTs. LINKS: Project File Downloads: https://nataszko.com/grainy-shading-tutorial#project-file-download.0 Buy my Grainy Brush: https://nataszko.com/grainy-shading-tutorial#get-my-brush.0 Coinbase Sign-Up: https://www.coinbase.com/join/poloze_i Makersplace Application Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewnu8ch_KjAbKPnA5OjQSP4a3k7ihpCmhtthmFgfGK4dUStg/viewform MY NFT PLATFORM PROFILES: Makersplace: https://makersplace.com/natashapolozenko/ OpenSea: https://opensea.io/nataszko SolSea: https://solsea.io/nft/7gBTZJyKfKUGw5ckngUPkm7KSvAWZksc3AYF88f5pB7o SOCIALS: Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    015. The biggest hurdle for self-taught illustrators

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2021 7:56


    One of the biggest hurdles for self-taught illustrators COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    014. TikTok for Illustrators

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2021 11:07


    Should Illustrators have a TikTok? In this episode, we dig into the benefits of TikTok for your creative practice. COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    013. Do you have what it takes to make it as an illustrator?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 8:37


    Addressing a question that a lot of self-taught illustrators have when they are first starting out "Do I have what it takes to make it as an illustrator?" COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    012. How to select color palettes in your illustration work

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2021 11:17


    Chatting all things color, do you need a color palette? and how do you find the right one for you? COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    011. Which platforms should you be on for illustration?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2021 12:19


    How to decide which platforms you should be using to establish and grow your illustration practice. COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    10. How to know which illustration medium is right for you

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2021 8:10


    Let's talk all things mediums and how to know which one is right for you! COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    9. The 3 big myths standing between you and your personal illustration style [PART3]

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2021 6:45


    In this episode I dispel a huge myth that is keeping a lot of illustrators and creatives stuck. COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    8. The 3 big myths standing between you and your personal illustration style [PART2]

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2021 12:47


    In this episode I dispel a huge myth that is keeping a lot of illustrators and creatives stuck. FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    7. The 3 big myths standing between you and your personal illustration style [PART1]

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2021 8:56


    In this episode I dispel a huge myth that is keeping a lot of illustrators and creatives stuck. FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ Sponsorships: off for this episode --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    6. Different ways to make money with illustration

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 10:09


    In this episode I go through a few different ways that illustrators can make a little extra income from their art. FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    5. The low-down on Illustration commissions, should you be offering them in your business?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 12:22


    The low-down on commissions! I talk about my experience with them, and how I decide whether or not to take them on. FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    4. How to find a unique personal illustration style that gets you noticed.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2021 10:47


    In this episode we talk about my favorite topic- Personal Illustration Style- I introduce my own formula for finding your style, and I tell you about my FREE masterclass that i'm offering, as well as my signature course "Illustration Style Academy". FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    3. Is it actually possible to balance a full time job and an illustration business?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2021 10:31


    In this episode we look at balancing a full time job with your illustration practice, and how to go about it in the right way! IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    2. Level up your illustration practice in 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2021 11:14


    In this episode we look at big picture goal-setting, and how we can strategically and tactically approach leveling up in 2021 regardless of how far along you are in your illustration journey. IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

    1. The Self-taught Illustrator Podcast is finally here!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2020 8:05


    Your host Natasha Polozenko AKA @Nataszko introduces The Self-taught Illustrator Podcast, getting you riled up for all the great illustration gems coming your way! IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nataszko/support

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