Podcasts about pencil kings

You can take a passion like drawing and turn it into a money making business. Mitch Bowler of Pencil Kings took his passion for drawing and now teaches it to his many students.Get my free real estate investing course: https://masterpassiveincome.com/freecoursesuYoutube Channel: https://successfullyunemployed.co/youtube// WHAT TO WATCH NEXTStart a Podcast: https://youtu.be/YdKKwSSOnJAMake Money Online: https://youtu.be/WDkRHg3uxR0Flea Market Flipper: https://youtu.be/MYEoeQPT-5E//BEST BUSINESS COURSES I RECOMMENDStart an Online Business: https://successfullyunemployed.co/p24Start a podcast: https://successfullyunemployed.co/podcourseMake money on Etsy: https://successfullyunemployed.co/goldcityCreate a Facebook Ads Agency: https://successfullyunemployed.co/laptopempiresMake $ from nothing as a Flea Market Flipper: https://successfullyunemployed.co/fleamarketflipperLearn how to invest in land: https://successfullyunemployed.co/retipster//OTHER RESOURCES:Bank I use: https://successfullyunemployed.co/bankWebsite hosting I use: https://successfullyunemployed.co/sitegroundMembership Tools I Use for My Online Business: https://successfullyunemployed.co/kartraNOTE: This description may contains affiliate links to products we enjoy using ourselves. Should you choose to use these links, this channel may earn affiliate commissions at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

You can take a passion like drawing and turn it into a money making business. Mitch Bowler of Pencil Kings took his passion for drawing and now teaches it to his many students.Get my free real estate investing course: https://masterpassiveincome.com/freecoursesuYoutube Channel: https://successfullyunemployed.co/youtube// WHAT TO WATCH NEXTStart a Podcast: https://youtu.be/YdKKwSSOnJAMake Money Online: https://youtu.be/WDkRHg3uxR0Flea Market Flipper: https://youtu.be/MYEoeQPT-5E//BEST BUSINESS COURSES I RECOMMENDStart an Online Business: https://successfullyunemployed.co/p24Start a podcast: https://successfullyunemployed.co/podcourseMake money on Etsy: https://successfullyunemployed.co/goldcityCreate a Facebook Ads Agency: https://successfullyunemployed.co/laptopempiresMake $ from nothing as a Flea Market Flipper: https://successfullyunemployed.co/fleamarketflipperLearn how to invest in land: https://successfullyunemployed.co/retipster//OTHER RESOURCES:Bank I use: https://successfullyunemployed.co/bankWebsite hosting I use: https://successfullyunemployed.co/sitegroundMembership Tools I Use for My Online Business: https://successfullyunemployed.co/kartraNOTE: This description may contains affiliate links to products we enjoy using ourselves. Should you choose to use these links, this channel may earn affiliate commissions at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support!

Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: How to ground your ideas of what a character designer does by looking at reference books Why not loving the character design process can be a huge red flag, and what to do if this is you. How to look for jobs and make your dream career more realistic. How and why to participate in online communities Putting together a portfolio based on your earlier research How to have an awesome creative career even if you realize that character design isn’t as fun as you thought it might be In this episode: In this week’s episode, Mitch Bowler from Pencil Kings breaks down a simple five-step process that he would use to break into having a career as a character designer.  This talk skips right over technical skill development and gets right to the heart of the key steps any artist will need to take to land their dream job, even if they have no idea how to get started.  The cool thing about this plan is that you can get started right now, and when you put your mind to it and just follow the steps you could be landing your dream career as a character designer in the next 12 months. 

Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.   In this episode: Mitch wraps up his series on getting serious about using your creativity to generate income and talks about the different types of resources you can use to move towards your goal. Having a goal of 12 months into the future, while also looking back at how you have performed in the past 12 months gives you a good idea of where you are right now... and wherever that is, is perfectly fine!   The most important part is being honest with yourself so you can move forward and get to where you want to be in the most direct way possible.   The four options that you have are: Free Resources Paid Courses Mentorship School Each resource has its own plusses and minuses, but most importantly you need to do what is right for YOU.  Your situation is unique and by knowing yourself and having clear goals you can make the right choice to make the next 12 months really count!  

Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level. In this episode… What skills do you need in order to start making money from your art? While many artists focus on creative skills such as drawing or painting, these are not always the most important skills for landing your dream creative career.  According to Mitch Bowler, exploring and developing the skills that are in demand for creative projects is a necessary step for making your artistic dreams a reality. But, how do you know which creative skills are in demand—and which ones will be the right fit for you? Mitch Bowler has some tried-and-true strategies for testing different career ideas, discerning project-fit, and taking simple steps to find your creative calling.  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler demonstrates how you can discover—and develop—the skills necessary to land your dream creative career. Mitch shares his strategies for identifying which skills are in demand for creative projects, how to find your calling as an artist, and the simple ways to unlock new possibilities for your creative career. Stay tuned for more!

Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level. In this episode… If you’re ready to transform your dream of having an art career into a reality, then you’re going to need a plan. And, what better way to start planning your art career path than by determining exactly what skills will benefit your level up?  For artists looking to jumpstart their careers, job descriptions are a goldmine of valuable information. That’s because they are essentially a wish list compiled by the companies you want to work for. As Mitch Bowler says, by analyzing a job description in the creative field you want to join, you can effectively gauge the skills that are in demand and devise a plan of action for how to obtain those skills—and land your dream job.  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler reveals how to ground your art career path in reality using job descriptions. Listen in as Mitch talks about how to discern what creative skills are in demand for a specific field, why experience isn’t the only metric for determining if you are qualified for a job, and the importance of breaking out of your comfort zone as you make your dreams a reality. Stay tuned.

Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level. In this episode… Where are you on your creative journey? Are you still dreaming about leaving your day-to-day job and taking the next step in your career as an artist? If so, now is the perfect time to create a 12 month art career goal.  Far too many artists have romanticized what it means to be a full-time creative. For these artists, their dream of pursuing a creative career is precisely that: a dream. However, according to Mitch Bowler, it is entirely possible for you to transform your dream of being an artist "one day" into a concrete reality—and all you need is 12 months.  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler shares his expert strategies for transforming your creative dreams into a reality in the next 12 months. Mitch highlights the importance of setting a concrete goal as an artist, how to determine the right path to take on your creative journey, and his tips for making real progress with your next project. Stay tuned!

Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level. In this episode… Where are you in your journey to make art full-time? Have you just started dreaming about being an artist? Or, have you already landed your first client? (If so, congrats!)  Wherever you are in your creative journey, Mitch Bowler, the Founder of Pencil Kings and Co-founder of Evolve Artist, wants to help you kickstart the art career of your dreams in the new year. With his expert advice, you can start on the path to achieving not only a creative career in 2021, but also creative freedom.  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler discusses how to transition from a dreamer to a doer in the new year. Mitch shares the essential steps for taking your art career to the next level, the story of how he first broke into the industry, and his journey to becoming the artist and teacher he is today. Listen in to learn more about how to achieve your artistic and career goals in 2021!

Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level. In this episode… You are an architect of your own time, and only you can choose how you spend it. However, many artists struggle to find time and create space in their days to pursue their creative work. So, how can you start making time for your art in 2021, without the typical distractions of day-to-day life? Mitch Bowler, the Founder of Pencil Kings and Co-founder of Evolve Artist, has often struggled with the challenge of carving out time for his artistic goals. Then, in the chaos of 2020, he stumbled on a silver lining: the opportunity to slow down and be more intentional with his time. Now, Mitch is starting off 2021 with a goal to stop wasting time and start treating his creative endeavors as a marathon, not a sprint.  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler reflects on how 2020 allowed him to take stock of his creative pursuits—and the time he spent working on them. He discusses the common challenges artists face with making time to pursue their creative endeavors, the importance of saying “no” when carving out time for your art, and his strategies for sticking to your artistic goals in 2021. Stay tuned.

Terri Rodriguez-Hong is a UX/UI designer and a UX/UI Tutor at CareerFoundry. In her position as a UX/UI designer, Terri hopes to bridge the gap between products to be accessible by all users. She received her MFA from the University of Hawaii and is currently working on her master’s degree in Human Computer Interaction. Outside of her passion for UX/UI, Terri is an avid Muay Thai boxer, a volleyball fan, and the co-host of the Ramblings of a Designer podcast. In this episode… What happens when you blend a passion for art and user experience? While many artists base their success on commissions and reputation, there may be a more fulfilling path.  UX/UI is the combination of design, art, and user experience that bridges the gap between a product and its user. Terri Rodriguez-Hong made the leap into the UX/UI world four years ago—and she hasn’t looked back since. With her fine art and visual design background, she brings a unique perspective to her role as a UX/UI designer. So, what is Terri’s advice to fellow artists looking to create a career in the sweet spot between art and user experience?  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler sits down with UX/UI Designer, Terri Rodriguez-Hong. Terri recalls what gave her the push to transition from visual design to UX/UI, how she navigated the interview process, and why the most important investment you can make is in yourself. She also shares her tips for building industry connections and starting your journey in UX/UI. Stay tuned!

David Emmons is the owner of Artist Marketing Formula, a company that helps artists and small specialty business owners utilize the power of the internet and social media marketing to successfully—and sustainably—sell online. Before creating Artist Marketing Formula, David spent many years selling his copper and stained glass sculptures at various art fairs. After mastering the life-changing art of selling his products online, David decided to teach others how to create sustainable and profitable online businesses using social media. In this episode… Gone are the days when a simple phrase like "build it and they will come" sufficed for a marketing strategy. Like other business owners with a powerful product, artists now have to engage in strategic marketing strategies to reach their audience and boost their sales. However, this doesn't have to be an intimidating process—in fact, marketing your art today is easier than you may have imagined.  Artist David Emmons saw first-hand how social media ads could change the way he connected to his fans and buyers. After transitioning from selling at art festivals to selling online, he decided to create a program to help fellow artists create their own profitable and successful online businesses. Since then, his Artist Marketing Formula has guided countless artists and creatives on their journey to creating a sustainable income using effective online marketing strategies.  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler sits down with fellow creative and Founder of Artist Marketing Formula, David Emmons. Together, they discuss common misconceptions about marketing your art, how to effectively engage with fans and buyers online, and the tools you need to succeed using social media. If you want to find out more about David’s secret sauce to creating sustainable income using online marketing, then stay tuned!

Allan McKay is an Emmy Award-winning VFX Supervisor and Technical Director based in Los Angeles, CA. Allan has created visual effects for projects such as Game of Thrones, Avengers Endgame, Transformers 3, and many more. He has over 20 years of experience working with different studios and directors, including Blur Studio, Pixomondo, and M. Night Shyamalan. In addition to this, Allan McKay recently launched his creative industry podcast, where he interviews the leading experts, creatives, and technical wizards in Hollywood. In this episode… What sets you apart from the competition in your industry? How do you stand out from every other qualified artist during a job interview? According to Emmy Award-winning visual effects artist, Allan McKay, the deciding factor that companies take into account before working with you is your personal brand. So, how can you create a unique, memorable, and authentic personal brand?  When Allan started in the VFX industry, he was only 14. However, he had the drive and knowledge to back up his passion. By amplifying his unique skills and story, he was able to build a powerful personal brand—and a successful career—that wasn’t impacted by his young age. So, what is his secret?  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler sits down with long time friend, VFX Supervisor and Technical Director Allan McKay. They discuss common misconceptions that artists have about social media, branding, and job interviews. Allan also shares the incredible impact that his personal brand had on his career and reveals his tips for building a powerful personal brand today. Stay tuned.

Daniel Piche is a data analyst with a background in databases and data visualization. Outside of his day job, Daniel has combined his passion for bringing family and friends together and his love for board games to create a team-based game that anyone can enjoy. Daniel's unique understanding of how data and human interaction intertwines has allowed him to make a seamless game that captivates all audiences. In this episode… Do you love the excitement and collaboration of board games? Or, does the sight of a game board at a dinner party make you want to pack up early? Almost every gathering will have someone from each end of the spectrum, so the question remains: Is it possible to create a board game that everyone will enjoy?  This is the question that Daniel Piche sought to answer in 2017 after years of ideation and fine-tuning his board game. Using his data visualization background, Daniel created a game that was easy to play—and even easier to understand. His idea was to create a board game for his friends' enjoyment, but after huge popularity at conventions, Daniel decided to invite others into the fun.  Tune in to this episode of Pencil Kings as host Mitch Bowler sits down with Daniel Piche, a data analyst by day and board game creator by night. They discuss the game-making journey from ideation to creation and the important role that feedback plays in the process. Daniel also highlights how he used his data analysis skills to create a board game that was easy to play and understand. Keep listening! 

Bruce Marion is a contemporary impressionist who specializes in creating compelling abstracted cityscapes, landscapes, and figurative and contemporary wildlife paintings. Bruce received his BFA from the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he studied with world-renowned artist Pat Nagel, as well as Lorser Feitelson, father of Post-Surrealism. Since then, Bruce has taught various courses and workshops to aspiring artists in the US, overseas, and online. In this episode… Many children dream of being veterinarians, artists, or even teachers. As a contemporary impressionist, Bruce Marion has skillfully combined all three career paths into one.  With his love for creating figurative and contemporary wildlife paintings, as well as his skill for teaching art, Bruce has found a style—or, rather, many styles—that keeps him inspired and motivated as an artist. As he says, the secret is following your passion and constantly creating new pieces (even if they aren’t “perfect”).  Listen in to this week's episode of Pencil Kings as host Mitch Bowler is joined by Bruce Marion, renowned art teacher and contemporary impressionist artist. Bruce discusses the joys of working with multiple different styles, how to overcome creative roadblocks, and his process for helping artists find what works for them. If you want to learn more about discovering your artistic style and finding inspiration everywhere, then stay tuned!

Michelle Sakhai is a contemporary artist based in New York. With over 20 years of experience exploring plein air painting before transitioning to the abstract, Michelle’s vision is to create transformative art that touches the soul. In addition to exhibiting her paintings across the nation and worldwide, Michelle also serves on the advisory board for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Hofstra University and teaches Transformative Art at the Harlem Hospital. In this episode… Do you want to take your art to the next level? Then, in the words of contemporary artist Michelle Sakhai, simply let go. Free your mind from any artistic constraints and allow your hands to create. This is the mindset that allowed Michelle to experience her artistic awakening and discover her authentic vision as a painter.  Michelle's ingenuity and ability to go beyond her area of expertise have paved the way for her free-flowing abstract art. After specializing in plein air painting for over 20 years, Michelle made the transition to the abstract—and she has never felt more connected to her craft.  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler sits down with contemporary fine artist, author, and educator, Michelle Sakhai. They discuss letting go of form, finding the balance between reality and expectations as an artist, and pursuing your unique artistic expression. Michelle also emphasizes the importance of experiencing the business side of the art world, in addition to honing your craft. Stay tuned!

Sergio Paez is an animation director, a successful author, and a founding member of StoryboardArt.org, a visual storytelling community. He has spent the last 20 years pushing the limits of what it means to be a story artist while working with Pixar, Lucasfilm, Sony, and many more. Sergio has also created courses that teach budding artists how to design engaging and exceptional storyboards. In this episode… The common stereotype of the “starving artist” has started to fade from the mainstream view. New opportunities in industries like tech, marketing, and film have allowed artists to shine like never before. This is especially true for artists who can successfully communicate clear and consistent ideas through storyboards.  Sergio Paez is one of these successful artists. With over 20 years of experience creating storyboards, Sergio is an expert at transforming mere ideas into gripping adventures or heart-wrenching tales. So, what is his advice to artists looking to build a prosperous career in storyboarding?  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler sits down with Sergio Paez, renowned author, story artist, and animation director. They discuss how to build a career as a story artist, the importance of creating passive income, and the many viable career options in media production. Sergio and Mitch also share their love for the creative process and their tips for making a living as an artist.

Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level. In this episode… On their pursuit to create great art, many artists face a variety of obstacles. For some, this may be a lack of motivation to stick to their goals, while others may have trouble balancing their numerous different projects. But what happens when you are so overwhelmed with these obstacles that you have no time or energy to produce great art?  Rather than stress about your current tasks or obstacles, Mitch Bowler suggests that you seek out external support to help you focus on your craft. From productivity planners to business coaches, Mitch has a few useful strategies for making time for your art and creativity.  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler shares his expert strategies for making more time for your art. He highlights the importance of prioritizing your tasks and discusses how to ask for help from people in your industry or personal life. Mitch also delves into how to improve your art with the help of Evolve Artist. Stay tuned!

Miriam Schulman is a watercolor and mixed media artist and the Founder of The Inspiration Place, a popular online art class and artist community. Before venturing into the art world, Miriam worked at a hedge fund on Wall Street until 9/11. Since then, she has followed her passion, built a successful career as an artist, and helped other creatives make their art dreams come true. Miriam is also the host of The Inspiration Place podcast, where she talks with artists, creatives, and industry experts about how to succeed in the art world. In this episode… Artists are revolutionaries and trailblazers, but sometimes they get stuck. For many creatives, their inner fear of rejection and criticism hinders their ability to be bold, create impactful pieces, and grow their careers.  Miriam Schulman, ex-Wall Street worker turned watercolor and mixed media artist, knows this feeling all too well. After pursuing her art career and gaining confidence as an artist, she decided to create The Inspiration Place. Now, this online community helps other artists and creatives find the inspiration they need to overcome their mental roadblocks and pursue their art careers with more intensity. In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Mitch Bowler sits down with fellow podcaster and watercolor artist, Miriam Schulman. They discuss the connection between mortality and art, how to overcome your fear of rejection and criticism, and the impact of the global pandemic on creative spaces. Miriam also shares her thoughts on the purpose of life (hint: get uncomfortable!).

Mark McGuinness is a creative coach, an award-winning poet, and the Owner of Lateral Action, where he helps 21st century creatives achieve their artistic and professional ambitions. With over 20 years of experience in the coaching industry, Mark has helped countless creatives take their careers to the next level. He believes in creating a balance between our creative pursuits and our ability to become proficient as professionals in our desired field. Mark is also the author of several books for creatives and the host of the 21st Century Creative podcast. In this episode… Where are you on your creative journey? Whether you’re just starting to pursue your craft or you’re looking for a career shift, it’s important to remember the meaning behind your creative pursuits.  For Mark McGuinness, art is a self-expressive tool of connection and discussion. However, many artists struggle with this connection—and the criticism and feedback that comes with it—during their pursuit toward a successful creative career. That’s why Mark has spent more than 25 years coaching creative professionals on how to achieve their artistic and career ambitions. He has helped hundreds of artists build and sustain professional relationships while productively pursuing their creative goals.  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mark McGuinness joins host Mitch Bowler to discuss how to take your art career to the next level. Mark shares his thoughts on finding motivation as an artist, overcoming rejection and criticism, and why business and art are not mutually exclusive. Mark also reveals the mindset shift that will help you achieve profitable artistic freedom. Stay tuned!

Jason Horejs is the Owner of Xanadu Gallery and the Publisher of RedDotBlog, an online resource that provides art marketing news and business tips for artists. He is also the author of three books that are focused on helping artists better understand the business side of art. His close relationship with the art business began at the tender age of 12 after watching his father, the nationally recognized oil painter John Horejs, establish his successful career through different art galleries.  Jason opened Xanadu Gallery in 2001 and has since connected hundreds of artists to investors, collectors, and fellow creators. Jason now runs a second art gallery with his wife, Carrie, in the mountain resort town of Pinetop, Arizona. In this episode… What makes an artist successful? While success may be defined differently by each artist, most will agree that one of the greatest artistic achievements is attaining some level of recognition for your work. Gaining this attention—and sales—can be a tumultuous journey, but with the right business skills, it may just be easier than winning the lottery.  Jason Horejs, the son of the nationally recognized oil painter John Horejs, fell in love with the business side of art at a young age. Using his unique background and understanding of the art world, Jason helps artists learn the business tips and tricks they need to take their careers to the next level.  In this week's Pencil Kings episode, host Mitch Bowler sits down with Jason Horejs, the voice behind RedDotBlog and the Owner of Xanadu Gallery. They discuss the common misconceptions about the business side of art, the six key skills to master to improve your art career, and what it means to be a second-generation art gallerist. Jason also shares his experience building a valuable art community of investors, artists, and collectors.

Tyler James is a publisher, comics creator, and educator. His publishing company, ComixTribe, has published hundreds of thousands of books ranging from comics to graphic novels to children’s books. After achieving several successful launches on Kickstarter, Tyler decided to share his expertise with other artists, writers, and self-publishers. He is currently the host of the ComixLaunch podcast and the creator of the popular Kickstarter launching program, ComixLaunch Pro. In this episode… Do you remember the first comic you ever read? How amazing was it to watch as characters fought battles or discovered exciting powers and abilities? Did this first experience spark your interest in creating your own comic book or graphic novel? Tyler James had the same interest, and, 20 years later, he has mastered the art of launching comics on Kickstarter. With his ComixLaunch program and podcast, Tyler has managed to grow a community of comic developers who have revolutionized how comics gain recognition and funding. Tyler uses his experience as a publisher to help budding and established comic creators better understand their audience and launch successful Kickstarter campaigns.  In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler sits down with Tyler James, the co-creator of ComixTribe and ComixLaunch Pro, to discuss what most Kickstarter launches get wrong and how to position your campaign for success. Tyler shares the importance of building an audience before you launch your campaign, the tips and tricks he learned while working in the publishing industry, and his fantastic advice on the best time to start your Kickstarter campaign.

Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. Mitch has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level. In this episode… What have you not done because you’re afraid of being judged? What have you not done because you don’t think you can do it? What have you not done because someone told you that you’re not good enough? What have you not done because everyone else is better than you? In his 100 Day Artist Challenge, Mitch Bowler encourages you to answer these four questions. Once you discover what is preventing you from accomplishing your ultimate goals—both in your career and your personal life—you can begin your 100-day journey toward transformation and success. In this week’s episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Mitch Bowler discusses his new 100 Day Artist Challenge. He explains how spending just one hour per day working toward your goals can make a huge impact on your career, your art, and your life. Mitch also talks about his personal journey to becoming an artist, the importance of overcoming the fear of failure, and how he wrote a book in just three weeks. Stay tuned to discover how to make the most out of your next 100 days!

Alexis Fedor is a performance artist, writer, and business developer living in New York City. She is the Founder of Artists In Business, a consulting company that provides online courses and group coaching for artists of all disciplines. With Artists in Business, Alexis helps artists create profitable online businesses by focusing on three major areas: clarifying their offers, identifying their ideal clients, and crafting a marketing plan that aligns with their artistic vision and mission. In this episode… While all business owners face challenges when running their companies, artists experience a specific set of issues when starting their businesses. For many, these obstacles are based on the “starving artist” mindset, a belief system that holds artists back from achieving professional—and financial—success.  Alexis Fedor believes that by understanding how the individual pieces of starting a business fit together, artists can overcome their limiting beliefs and successfully grow their online businesses. That’s why she founded Artists In Business, a consulting company that helps artists of every discipline design businesses that thrive in revenue and purpose. In this week’s episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Alexis Fedor, the Founder of Artists In Business, joins Mitch Bowler to discuss how she helps artists start successful online businesses. Alexis shares a story about an artist who overcame her limiting beliefs and went on to earn six figures. She also talks about her personal journey to success, the dangers of comparison, and why now is the best time to create an online business for your art. Stay tuned.

Marco Bucci is an artist and illustrator with over 15 years of experience in the film, TV, game, and print industries. After deciding to pursue a career in art, Marco studied classical drawing before moving on to painting and illustration. He has worked with Walt Disney Publishing Worldwide, LEGO, LucasArts, Mattel Toys, Fisher-Price, Hasbro, and more. Marco  is also a passionate teacher and currently teaches a painting course at CGMA. In this episode… Art is a culmination of the soul on a canvas. Because of this, many artists are eager to turn their love for art into a full-time career. But what if the foundation of creating art—drawing—is not where your strength lies?  According to Marco Bucci, who learned to draw later in life and still struggles with his draftsmanship, there are many routes to becoming a successful artist. He believes that the most important part is chipping away at your craft every day—no matter what form that takes.  In today’s episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Marco Bucci, an acclaimed painter and illustrator, sits down with Mitch Bowler to talk about what it means to be a full-time artist. Marco discusses how to create a productive work/life balance and the importance of solving the big problems one step at a time. He also explains that while drawing is essential for learning art, it does not have to define your road to success. Stay tuned.

Ian Roberts is a trained painter with over 40 years of experience; he first learned alongside his father, a landscape painter, when he was just 10 years old. Ian attended the New School of Art and the Ontario College of Art in Toronto, and he also studied figure painting in Florence, Italy. He has taught workshops on composition and art for more than 25 years and recently transitioned to teaching his lessons online. Ian is also the author of two books, Mastering Composition and Creative Authenticity. In this episode… Creating art is a journey—one that is fraught with self-discovery, spirituality, and the quest for personal expression. To become a successful artist, you must find the balance between sharpening your skills and letting your artistic style run free. In fact, one might say that no artist is complete without this internal struggle; so how can you create art that is both authentic and skillful?  Ian Roberts has experienced his own journey of self-discovery while creating his complex yet simple paintings. For him, art is a byproduct of the experience an artist has while connecting to his or her craft. Ian continues to leave his mark on the art world by teaching his students how to connect with their art and discover their unique style, all while developing the skills necessary to succeed.   In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler joins painter Ian Roberts for an in-depth discussion on the value of creative authenticity and personal vision when building a career in art. You don’t want to miss Ian's expert strategies for designing an engaging composition, determining a painting’s center of interest, and mastering vertical and horizontal structure. Stay tuned.

Bruce Marion is a contemporary impressionist who specializes in creating compelling abstracted cityscapes, landscapes, and figurative and contemporary wildlife paintings. Bruce received his BFA from the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he studied with world-renowned artist Pat Nagel, as well as Lorser Feitelson, father of Post-Surrealism. Since then, Bruce has taught various courses and workshops to aspiring artists in the US, overseas, and online. In this episode… What defines you as an artist? What separates you from your peers? Are you an illustrator, a graphic designer, a contemporary painter? When you listen to your heart, what does it tell you to pursue?  Bruce Marion, a contemporary impressionist, has built his career by experimenting with new mediums of self-expression. From illustration to abstract painting, Bruce has found his calling by combining a business mindset with a passion for fine art. Today, he uses his time and talent to inspire artists of all kinds to push their boundaries and follow their hearts.  Join host Mitch Bowler in this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast as he interviews contemporary impressionist Bruce Marion about his gradual transition to a career in fine art. Tune in as Bruce discusses his process of blending business with passion, how to learn from every artistic endeavor, and the importance of breaking out of your social and physical constraints when pursuing a career in art.

Iva Mikles is the Co-founder of Art Side of Life Studios and Mikles & Co. She is an experienced illustrator, digital media artist, art instructor, and host of the Art Side of Life Podcast. Iva has worked on countless projects with companies including LEGO and Procter & Gamble. She has spent the last three years building an online community where artists can learn the tips and tricks of the trade in order to start making money doing what they love most: creating art. In this episode… Do you want to pursue a career in art, but don’t know how to make money doing so? According to digital media artist and entrepreneur Iva Mikles, there is much more potential for a successful career as an artist than you may have initially thought.  As the Co-founder of Art Side of Life Studios and Mikles & Co., Iva helps creators learn the skills and tactics necessary to make money with their art. Her advice is to start small and develop a daily habit that allows you to constantly grow and improve as an artist. In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Iva Mikles, artist, illustrator, and art instructor, talks with host Mitch Bowler about how artists can successfully take their careers to the next level. Iva discusses the common mental roadblocks that artists face when pursuing a profitable career in art, and how to redefine your goals in order to start making money doing what you love. Stay tuned.

Mitch Bowler is the founder of Pencil Kings and the co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level. In this episode… As you stumble through life, you tend to realize your calling along the way. However, for many artists, this calling is often pushed to the side due to a lack of time, money, or support. Now, one question remains: Can you still be an artist without a degree from an art school?  According to artist and entrepreneur Mitch Bowler, the answer is yes! It’s never too late to study art, no matter how old you are. In fact, Mitch has found that there are four distinct life stages when most artists begin to take their craft seriously. With his companies, Pencil Kings and Evolve Artist, Mitch is helping artists in any stage get the skills and support they need to take their art to the next level.  In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, John Corcoran of Rise25 Media interviews host Mitch Bowler about why it’s never too late to start taking your art seriously. Mitch talks about the four stages of life when most artists take that next step, paying homage to his journey along the way. So what are you waiting for? Join this growing community of artists today!

Today’s guest is Mitch Bowler. Mitch has a fascinating story from growing up in a small town in Canada with dreams of being a video games artist, to making his dream come true and moving to live and work in the industry in China. Since then Mitch has created the well known art platform and podcast called Pencil Kings where he has helped thousands of artists learn to draw.    Mitch’s latest project is an online learning platform called Evolve. It’s a program to teach anyone how to paint to a professional level in a realism style in a year or less. It’s some Sandra would have dreamed of when she was learning to paint.    If you go to KickintheCreative.com/Evolve you can get a time sensitive discount off the Evolve program. (please note this is an affiliate link - thank you for your support)

Mitch Bowler is the founder of Pencil Kings and the co-founder of Evolve Artist. Mitch has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level. In this episode… Are you a dabbling creative that’s been dreaming about turning your art into a full-time career? Then it’s time to flip the switch! We are so often afraid of taking the steps that will change our lives for the better. However, the only way to turn your dreams into reality is to take the plunge and learn the rest as you go. That’s why artist and entrepreneur Mitch Bowler created Pencil Kings and Evolve Artist. These programs help artists take their skills to the next level with hands-on learning and real-time feedback from artists that have already made the switch to success. So what are you waiting for? In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, John Corcoran of Rise25 Media interviews host Mitch Bowler about how to flip the switch and transition from a creative dabbler to a professional artist. Tune in as they discuss the common catalysts that inspire artists to make the switch, the unmatched feeling of finally taking your craft to the next level, and how you can take the first step toward achieving your dream career today.

James Gurney is an artist and author best known for his painting guide, Color and Light, and his illustrated series, Dinotopia. James is also a popular lecturer at art schools, movie studios, and game companies, where he teaches his unique painting and illustration techniques. His artwork has been exhibited at renowned venues including The Smithsonian Institution, The Norman Rockwell Museum, and The Norton Museum of Art. In this episode… Art is a process of self-realization, and with emerging techniques and technology, this process is always changing. According to author and artist James Gurney, in order for artists to continue to evolve with the industry, they must have the space to experiment, ask questions, and form their own ideas.  Throughout his long and successful career as an artist, James has created many of his own experiments in order to pioneer new ideas and techniques. This has allowed him to break barriers and leap past the constraints of the traditional art world. By asking questions and seeking results using new technology, James has made influential discoveries about how everything from color palettes to subject matter affect a work of art.  In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler interviews James Gurney, author and illustrator of Color and Light and Dinotopia, about his journey as an artist and the discoveries he has made along the way. Tune in as James discusses the importance of questioning traditional art concepts, the unique differences between digital and traditional art, and how emerging technology will change the art world as we know it.

Tom Ross is the founder and CEO of Design Cuts, the highest rated design marketplace in the world. Design Cuts offers the best quality digital assets, including fonts, graphics, brushes, and templates, at the most affordable prices online. Tom also mentors fellow creatives about how to improve their marketing via his three podcasts: The Honest Designers Show, The Honest Entrepreneur Show, and Biz Buds. In this episode… Build it, and they will come, right? Wrong! This statement has become obsolete due to the overarching role that SEO and algorithms play in internet traffic. Now, in order to build a community online, you must work smarter, not harder.  Tom Ross, founder and CEO of Design Cuts, learned this the hard way. After a year of non-stop hustle put him in the hospital, Tom had to find better ways to attract followers and scale his business. Now, he uses this experience to help other creatives improve their marketing and build a dedicated online community.  In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler sits down with entrepreneur Tom Ross of Design Cuts to discuss the importance of balancing hard work and self-care when running a business. They talk about the challenges of scaling a company, how to build meaningful relationships with your community, and why you should embrace niching. Stay tuned.

Jennifer Priest is a prominent social media strategist, educator, and the owner of Smart Creative Social, a consulting and online education company that helps bloggers and business owners create social media strategies based on analytics and data. With over 17 years of experience as a digital entrepreneur, Jennifer has a unique understanding of the challenges that creatives and artists face when running an online business. She specializes in helping her clients generate massive traffic through Pinterest using her program, SMART Pin Pro. In this episode… Do you want to drive more traffic to your site or online business with long-lasting and wide-reaching posts? Then it may be time to start using Pinterest.  According to online content strategist and educator Jennifer Priest, Pinterest is a “cash cow” that not enough artists and creatives are taking advantage of. With Pinterest, viewers can find an aggregate of information on the topic of their choice, no matter who posted it, or when. In other words, this platform is essentially the Google of the arts and crafts world. In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler talks with Jennifer Priest, owner of Smart Creative Social, about using Pinterest to drive traffic to your online business or blog. Jennifer shares why she switched careers to start her digital business, how she found a way to stand out from the competition, and why Pinterest is her secret weapon for growing an audience and boosting sales. Stay tuned.

If you can say, “Graphic design is my passion” then you will be glad to know that graphic design is now one of the most profitable skills that is marketable both online and offline. In fact, this is now an in-demand expertise among businesses and those in the advertising field. *Get my free real estate investing couse:* *https://masterpassiveincome.com/freecoursesu* ( https://masterpassiveincome.com/freecoursesu ) ** Graphic Design Is My Passion Lessons: https://www.successfullyunemployed.co/44 Youtube: https://successfullyunemployed.co/youtube *// WHAT TO WATCH NEXT* Start a Podcast: https://youtu.be/YdKKwSSOnJA Make Money Online: https://youtu.be/WDkRHg3uxR0 Flea Market Flipper: https://youtu.be/MYEoeQPT-5E *//BEST BUSINESS COURSES I RECOMMEND* Start an Online Business: https://successfullyunemployed.co/p24 Start a podcast: https://successfullyunemployed.co/podcourse Make money on Etsy: https://successfullyunemployed.co/goldcity Create a Facebook Ads Agency: https://successfullyunemployed.co/laptopempires Make $ from nothing as a Flea Market Flipper: https://successfullyunemployed.co/fleamarketflipper Learn how to invest in land: https://successfullyunemployed.co/retipster *//OTHER RESOURCES:* Bank I use: https://successfullyunemployed.co/bank Website hosting I use: https://successfullyunemployed.co/siteground Membership Tools I Use for My Online Business: https://successfullyunemployed.co/kartra NOTE: This description may contains affiliate links to products we enjoy using ourselves. Should you choose to use these links, this channel may earn affiliate commissions at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support!

Tara Roskell is a freelance graphic designer and co-founder of Kick in the Creatives. She helps small businesses elevate their brands with the use of eye-catching graphics, expert logo designs, online video courses, and more. Tara has over 25 years of experience in the graphic design industry, and she has worked with both national and international clients.  Sandra Busby is a still-life artist and the co-founder of Kick in the Creatives. She has gained recognition for her work on glass and reflective surfaces, winning multiple awards for her traditional oil paintings. Along with Tara Roskell, Sandra is using her platform to encourage other artists to build a creative habit with Kick in the Creative’s monthly challenges. In this episode… Art is art. It is messy, asymmetrical, innovative, and a reflection of the heart. Yet, most artists strive for perfection, constantly comparing themselves to those around them. According to artists Tara Roskell and Sandra Busby, these expectations and comparisons will only hold you back. Tara and Sandra believe that the beauty of art stems from letting yourself go and having fun with your creativity.  In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler interviews Tara Roskell and Sandra Busby, co-founders of Kick in the Creatives, about what drove them to join minds and create their monthly challenges for artists in their community. Tara and Sandra highlight how to get out of an artistic rut, why you should befriend an artist that you trust, and the importance of regaining your childlike fascination with the world. Stay tuned.

Donna Adi is a mixed media illustrator and the creative director for her brand. She is well known for her unique and recognizable style of illustration, which takes its inspiration from celebrity culture and has garnered her over 190k followers on Instagram. Over the past three years, Donna has worked on a variety of creative fashion and beauty campaigns, collaborating with clients ranging from Barbie to Dior to Nike In this episode… What do you love about your art? Does it still bring you happiness, or have you fallen into the pitfall of comparison? Whether your art is loved by millions or just a few friends, the most important aspect of being a creator is creating something you are proud of. For Donna Adi, a renowned mixed media illustrator, it took some time to stop seeing other artists’ success as her failure. Now, she finds happiness creating art both for herself and for her 190k Instagram followers.  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler interviews Donna Adi about the creative and mental process behind her well-known mixed media illustrations. Donna talks about what she learned from growing her Instagram following to almost 200k, how she stopped comparing herself to others, and why she takes time every day to do something she loves. Stay tuned. 

John Wentz is a contemporary painter who was born and raised in San Francisco, California but now resides in Paris, France where he has spent the last eight years of his life exploring art and sound. His work draws inspiration from psychologist Carl Jung and several realism artists. In 2019, he was Artist in Residence at the Arthouse Holland/Project 1606 in Leiden, Netherlands. John is also the host of Lo-Fi Podcast, where he interviews artists, musicians, and actors to talk about their journey and their perception of art. In this episode… Creating something new can be intimidating. Whether you are just starting or have been an artist for the last thirty years, the feeling remains the same. The desire to draw inspiration from your environment and place it on canvas lies dormant within all of us in some form of creative appeal, and for contemporary painter John Wentz, exploring his artistic voice on canvas with newly defined parameters to guide his art to new heights of distinction has been nothing but gratifying. In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler interviews fellow artist John Wentz, a contemporary painter known for his deep tones and contemplative style, about exploring his style and self-taught art. John also discusses the importance of creating parameters to guide your creativity to new territories of exploration and why people need to re-evaluate how they approach stimulation. Stay tuned

Ryan Roy is an accountability coach and he is the owner of Justify or Just Do It Coaching which serves clients from all over the world. Ryan is also a speaker and he hosts the podcast, Be the Dad You Wish You Had. He has also authored a book named after his podcast, and he is committed to being a better father and helping others through parenthood. Ryan is heavily involved with his community and builds others up through action plans rather than mere words and the desire to see the next generation thrive. Ryan is a husband and father of two boys, ages one and seven. In this episode… Being a parent is a challenging job but it can also be extremely rewarding. You may lose track of your child's favorite toy or sock, but the quality time you spend with them will far outweigh trivial shortcomings. Helping your child to pursue and develop their passion can open doors to countless possibilities in their lives. Ryan Roy, author and host of Be the Dad You Wish You Had podcast, was raised in a single-parent household. And he says that if there was one takeaway from his childhood that he really holds on to today, it was the importance of spending quality time with your kids and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler talks with fellow podcaster and author of Be the Dad You Wish You Had, Ryan Roy. They discuss how parents can teach their kids to become better people, the importance of showing interest in the activities your child finds captivating, and how you can best support your child in pursuing his passion. Ryan also shares the value of spending time with kids and why it’s important to teach kids the value of process and passion early on. Stay tuned.

Carol Marine is an artist, having painted 3000 paintings since she began her quest to paint every day. She started painting daily in 2006, creating one small painting each day and posting and auctioning them online. Her work has encouraged others to pursue art and let their creativity shine. Carol is also the author of two books, Daily Painting and 100 Small Paintings. She and her husband have created a community of daily painters with over 1500 members to date. In this episode… Art takes time to perfect. It is a slow process that requires dedication, commitment, and the will to try something new. Taking your art to the next level is no small feat, and this is what Carol Marine, artist and daily painter, realized in 2006 as she took up the quest to paint every day.  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler interviews inspiring artist Carol Marine about how her journey in creating one small painting each day has encouraged others to showcase their own works. She shares her tips on overcoming creative blocks and treating the creation of your art like an obsession, and she also talks about her "aha" moments and getting back to painting after some time away. Stay tuned.

Scotty Russell is a podcaster, coach, artist, designer, speaker, and pizza enthusiast. He is the Founder and Creator of Perspective Collective, a company focused on teaching others how to utilize their time and creativity to make their side hustle profitable. Scotty went from working as a graphic designer in his day job to starting his own company using the knowledge he learned as an artist and as an entrepreneur. In this episode… Having a side-hustle can be either liberating or extremely challenging, depending on your mindset and your goals. When your side-hustle has become a significant part of your life, it may be an indication to switch your focus and give it your full attention. Scotty Russell, owner and founder of Perspective Collective, is an excellent example of what happens when life takes an unfortunate turn with your nine to five, but your side-hustle has become its own thing.  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler talks with fellow pizza enthusiast, artist, and podcaster, Scotty Russell, about the real possibility of turning your side-hustle into a business and how Scotty empowers artists to be entrepreneurs. Scotty also talks about the importance of investing in oneself and knowing what you want, and the 3 things that you need to have to achieve your goals. Stay tuned.

Allan McKay is an Emmy Award winner for his outstanding work in visual effects. He is a Los Angeles-based visual effects supervisor and technical director. Allan is responsible for the visual effects in Game of Thrones, Avengers Endgame, Evil Within 2, The Equalizer, Blade, Star Trek: Into Darkness, and many more. He has over 20 years of experience working with different studios, such as Blur Studio, Whoodoo Studios, and ProMotion Studios, early on in his career. Allan McKay is a graduate of Queens College of Art, Griffith University, South Bank Campus.  In this episode… What does it take to follow your dreams as a creator? The irony of pursuing your dreams is that you may fail and yet that failure does not indicate the end of your journey but rather, a possible beginning. Allan McKay, an award-winning visual effects supervisor and technical director in Hollywood, California, explains how he started to pursue his dream at the age of 14 and discovered his interest in visual effects and the expansion of the field. In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler talks with Emmy Award-winning VFX supervisor and technical director in Hollywood, Allan McKay, about visual effects and his desire to explore it further and share his passion about film and design with other people. Tune in as they talk about the importance of putting your best work forward, the benefits of measuring your progress, and how embracing failure can quite possibly lead to your success.

Zhiwan Cheung is a Fulbright Fellow, artist, video storyteller, and freelance web developer. His passion for art and desire to create has led him to connect with artists all over the world to tell their stories and relate art to culture. His art wishes to explore perspective, signs, and the space in which we aim to coexist with each other and nature. Zhiwan is also the host of the Seeing Color Podcast, where he invites other artists to talk about how they express their vision of the world through art as a medium. Zhiwan earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Cornell University and his Master of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University. In this episode… What does art mean to you? How do you relate to others through conversations around their craft and how culture affects the way we view each other? Zhiwan Cheung, a Fulbright Fellow, podcaster, and artist, dives into what it means to be an artist and what others sacrifice to follow their passion.  Zhiwan also says that apart from the challenges posed in conversations about art that involves gender, race, and class, there are also many misconceptions about art school and what path to take once you’re done with your art studies. Join Mitch Bowler in this week's episode of Pencil Kings as he talks with fellow podcaster and artist,  Zhiwan Cheung, of the Seeing Color podcast, about how to engage in honest conversations about art and about the importance of creating your vision of what you want your art to accomplish. He also talks about how he encourages artists to push beyond the boundaries, the common misconceptions people have about art school, and how to forge your path after you finish your art studies. Stay tuned.

Liron Yanconsky is an artist, author, creator, and a watercolor painter. Liron is from Israel and he has started multiple businesses focused on art and health, and it’s his personal mission to inspire several artists to spread and improve their craft without foregoing the quality of their dedication to art. Liron is the owner and founder of Liron Art LLC and Liron Yanconsky Books, both of which are dedicated to spreading and educating people who wish to follow their passion in art. In this episode… What inspires us to follow our passion? And how can our passion change the lives of those around us? Art is one of the most diverse fields of study and exploration, and with so many resources at the tip of your fingers, it becomes easier to dive into your creative pursuits. Liron Yanconsky is an artist and an author, but above all, he is an educator who wishes to encourage others to pursue their passion and grow their craft.  In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler talks to Liron Yanconsky, founder of Liron Art LLC, and Liron Yanconsky Books where they discuss pursuing art and maintaining the quality of your art. Liron also talks about his passion for the arts, how he created his brand, and why he has chosen to connect with fellow artists and fans through social media. Stay Tuned. 

Mitch Bowler is the founder of Pencil Kings and cofounder of The Evolve Artist Program. He is an expert in remote art production, having spent a decade building AAA Art Studios in Shanghai, China. Through Evolve, he is realizing his dream to make serious art education accessible and affordable worldwide. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/354 In this episode, Mitch discusses: -What he’s been up to in the four years since he was last on the show. -Some of the log jams that he encountered in his creative journey. -Why he is so willing to help other people in their creative pursuits. -An introduction to the Evolve Artist Program. -How typical art schools cost too much money and take too much time, yet a “YouTube education” lacks direction, a roadmap, or guaranteed results. -How Evolve Artist guarantees that someone at any level of art ability will create professional work by the end of the program. -How long it takes the average student to finish the coursework. -The guarantee that each student will get professional results, but there is no ceiling to how far they can take their new skills. -The type of one-on-one feedback that students get from their instructor. -What Evolve students can expect in terms of turning in assignments and receiving the included materials and supplies. -The fast turnaround time of two or three hours for instructor feedback. Mitch’s Final Push will encourage you to look back at the progress that you made in the last year and weigh that against the place you want to be a year from now.   Quotes: “When you help other people, it creates new future possibilities.” “Everyone gets phenomenal results with Evolve, but there’s room for you to push things even higher.” “Our goal for each student is that they are improving about five percent with each assignment.” “As a student, you’re expected to make mistakes and it’s okay to make mistakes.  In fact, if you weren’t making mistakes, something is probably strange.” Links mentioned: The Evolve Artist Program (Exclusive 10% Discount) Evolve Webinar Mailing List Youngman on the Pencil Kings Podcast Episode 200 Mitch’s 1st appearance on Your Creative Push On the next episode: Piper Talladay : Website / Instagram Join the discussion in the Facebook group!

Mitch Bowler, founder of Pencil Kings joins Ward to chat about why he started his membership site, how his community forum is helping members get results and the trials and errors of figuring out how to provide value to his members.

Mitch Bowler is an artist and he is the founder of Pencil Kings, a company that helps artists hone their skills and develop their craft. He is also the co-founder of Evolve Artist Training, a program meant to help creatives develop their professional art skills. Mitch has worked for more than two decades with various artists and has worked behind the scenes for companies such as Pixar, Activision, Marvel, and Dungeons and Dragons. In this episode… Taking the time to hone your art skill without the right resources can be extremely difficult. While there are plenty of guides and manuals on how to draw, finding the proper structure that compliments your learning style and furthers your skill is what Mitch Bowler aims to do. And this is exactly why he founded Pencil Kings, to help young artists embrace and enhance their artistic ability and open up doors for them in the colorful world of the arts. Join Mitch Bowler, host of the Pencil Kings podcast, as he talks about his journey and his passion for the arts with John Corcoran of Rise25. Mitch talks about growing up without mentors but still being able to find ways to further his craft, why he’s so intent on transforming art education, and how people can pursue art wherever they are with whatever means they have. Stay Tuned.   

Mitch Bowler is an artist and he is the founder of Pencil Kings, a company that helps artists hone their skills and develop their craft. He is also the co-founder of Evolve Artist Training, a program meant to help creatives develop their professional art skills. Mitch has worked for more than two decades with various artists and has worked behind the scenes for companies such as Pixar, Activision, Marvel, and Dungeons and Dragons. In this episode... What was the first thing you remember drawing? Was it a toy truck, your parents, or scribbles left up to interpretation? Perhaps you continued to draw to gain experience in one of the most diverse industries? Or maybe you didn't like your art and decided to focus on other things until you found yourself wanting to explore your creative prowess? Regardless of the reason, you have decided to pursue art in its many mediums, and choosing which one to go for may be a bit confusing. Mitch Bowler hopes to help solve these questions of what to do next and how you should learn and include the lessons you learn in art into your professional space.  Join Mitch Bowler, host of the Pencil Kings podcast, as he talks about his journey and passion for the arts with John Corcoran of Rise25. Tune in as Mitch discusses the different avenues for people to learn and hone their skills and talents in the arts, the importance of using the right tools, and how having a mentor can be a big boost to aspiring artists.

Sergio Paez is a Director and Story Designer who got his start working at companies such as Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Sony. He is also a founding member of Storyboard Art, an online visual story community, with both a content creation and educational focus to further techniques in visual storytelling. In 2012, Sergio authored the book Professional Storyboarding: Rules of Thumb which has become the go-to reference for story artists looking to enter the entertainment business. Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and Evolve, an online community that provides world class art education for artists, whether they're trying to get back into art or are working professionals. Founded in 2010, Pencil Kings has established a library of courses on illustration, comics, digital media, entertainment art. In this Podcast, Allan, Sergio and Mitch do a live stream about the mindset of successful artists and give tips on how to overcome challenges and resistances in your learning and evolution.  For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/215/.

Sergio Paez is a Director and Story Designer who got his start working at companies such as Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Sony. He is also a founding member of Storyboard Art, an online visual story community, with both a content creation and educational focus to further techniques in visual storytelling. In 2012, Sergio authored the book Professional Storyboarding: Rules of Thumb which has become the go-to reference for story artists looking to enter the entertainment business.   Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings, an online community that provides world class art education for artists, whether they're trying to get back into art or are working professionals. Founded in 2010, Pencil Kings has established a library of courses on illustration, comics, digital media, entertainment art. In this Round Table Podcast, Allan, Sergio and Mitch do a live feed on the subjects of traveling as an artist, working abroad, freelancing in other countries, global networking, visas and much more!    For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/189/.  

Suzanne Redmond has been interviewing artists for the Left Brain Artist Podcast just like we do with the Pencil Kings show and in this episode of the show she comes on to share a lot of the wisdom she has gained. Formerly being an accountant, Suzanne brings an interesting voice to the creative conversations because she has the business background that when combined with artists can see things in a different light. You'll learn from 3 separate stories Suzanne has discovered where artists are using to live more creatively, as well as how she approached the huge project of getting her podcast off the ground and how you can use the same framework for any project you would like to start. Highlights: 0:30 - Why Instagram is so good for artists 1:30 - Where the idea for the Left Brain Artist podcast came from and how Suzanne went from being an accountant to getting heavily involved with artists 5:32 - Suzanne's excellent mini artist-business episodes 9:34 - What are some of the big insights you've had from your interviews that you can share with the Pencil Kings audience? 9:50 - How to get back into art by setting a goal to make one piece of 7 days 12:01 - Thinking outside the box to come up with creative ways to overcome financial challenges as an artist 14:04 - Finding other ways to generate income with your art other than simply selling what is on the canvas 17:30 - How changing your thoughts on what you can sell can lead to new, more lucrative ideas 23:27 - How to break into new types of art (for example doing murals) by collaborating with or simply helping out other artists by offering to be an assistant 24:34 - Overcoming the challenges of taking on a big personal project and in the process becoming an expert in the process 34:00 - When you're approaching a project you've never done before how do you estimate and plan your time? --------- Links mentioned in this Episode: Wellington Art Society - http://www.wellingtonartsociety.org Jennifer Love Gironda - https://www.jenniferlovegironda.com Carrie Schmitt - http://www.carrieschmittdesign.com Craig McInnis - https://www.craigmcinnis.com Check out more of Suzanne’s Work at: Left Brain Artist Podcast: https://suzanneredmond.com Suzanne's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneredmondart --------- Looking for a fun, easy-going approach to learning art? http://www.pencilkings.com/join Want to learn artistic mastery? http://www.pencilkings.com/evolve Grab my Book: Digital Artist Career Blueprint Physical Book: https://amzn.to/2VmUybF EBook: https://amzn.to/2Xo4P9g

After a much needed break, we're back and here's what's been happening the past few months while we've been focusing on developing the new generation of art education with the Evolve program.    

Mitch Bowler is the founder of pencilkings.com - a membership site that helps artists take their art and careers to the next level. Pencil Kings provides over 100 courses and trainings from world-class artists on a wide variety of topics ranging from composition and shading to portraiture and animation. Mitch started Pencil Kings back in 2010 based on his own experience as an artist trying to master his craft and earn a living. Since then, he’s grown Pencil Kings into a thriving community with over 8,000 members. But, it wasn’t easy getting to that point. Mitch underwent massive personal growth and transformation through his entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, Mitch shares what worked, and what didn’t, the highs and the lows based on his experience building Pencil Kings.

Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ The Pencil Kings podcast is sponsored by Freshbooks https://www.freshbooks.com/pencilkings email: mitch@pencilkings.com “People who are motivated know that it doesn’t start with motivation - it starts with a commitment to show up. Because, if you wait for the motivation, it’s never going to come.” ~ Sean McCabe. How do you navigate your way to artistic success? After all, the path towards a successful creative career can often be a tricky one, with all kinds of hurdles to jump before you can even get off the starting blocks. And that’s exactly what happened to today’s guest - hand-drawn lettering artist and author, Sean McCabe. For two whole years, his regular posts on social media went virtually unnoticed...until, one day, people finally began to really take notice of what he was up to. So what made this shift happen? And how did Sean go from being a creative all-rounder with a day job to a successful freelance artist specializing in hand-drawn typography? You’ll find out in this week’s podcast interview...   Interview Chapters [00:37-03:36] Introduction and Career Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, hand-drawn lettering artist and author, Sean McCabe. In this chapter, he talks about his two-year-long journey towards artistic success - a journey that began with him holding down a day job while dedicating 6-8 hours a night to making art and posting everything he made online. You’ll hear how he gradually got a feel for what people liked (and what they didn’t), and how Sean learned a valuable lesson about what kind of work to put online. [03:57-05:31] How did the big Shift Happen for Sean? At first, Sean used to post absolutely everything he made online - from the user interface designs, logos, and illustrations he did in his day job as a web designer...to the hand-drawn typography he’d always loved to make since being a kid. But sometimes, less is more...and it was only when Sean realized he was putting too much information out there for people to process that they started taking notice. [06:27-06:58] What Kind of Hand-drawn Lettering was Sean Making? It was Sean’s hand-drawn typography or lettering that first got him noticed, but what kind of lettering was he making? In this chapter, you’ll hear where to find his work online and check out many other examples of hand-drawn lettering from other artists working in this field. [07:30-35:38] Was Sean Really Working 6-8 hours a day on his art? Spending 6-8 hours making art while holding down a day might sound impossible, but that’s exactly what Sean did to get his career going.And, while he doesn’t think that’s what everyone should do, he’s a strong believer in having the commitment to show up every day and make something - regardless of how tired you feel or what’s showing on Netflix. You’ll find out what motivates him in this chapter. [08:54-10:58] What Made Sean Choose Hand-lettering as his Thing? Like many artists and creatives, Sean tried his hand at lots of different things before finding his true niche of hand-drawn lettering or typography. So, how did he decide this was his thing? And how he feel once he’d made that decision? In this chapter, Sean describes the relief he felt once he knew he’d found his niche...and reveals how you can find yours, too. [11:11-12:43] How did Sean Know he’d Found his Niche? Searching for your niche isn’t always easy, and Sean tried lots of different things before returning to the hand-drawn lettering he loved making when he was a kid. Like many artists, he’d told himself there was no way he could possibly make any money from doing this, so his true passion lay dormant for years…until a chance meeting with a fellow designer (who also loved hand-drawn typography) changed everything. [13:03-16:30] But How can you Turn Your Passion Into Making Serious Money? As an artist, you’ve probably done the odd commission for somebody and wondered just how many of these you’d have to do to earn any kind of reasonable income. Well, that’s exactly what Sean thought, too...until he started to look more closely at how seriously successful artists generate their income. [16:51-19:07] How did Sean Build his Audience on Social Media? Once Sean had thought more about what to post online (and what not to), he started to see an increase in the amount of followers he was getting on social media. So, how can you learn from him and do something similar with your artwork? You’ll get plenty of clues in this chapter. [20:42-26:56] How did Sean Find out Who to sell his Work to? Getting likes on your social media posts is one thing, but how can you find out what people are going to part with their hard-earned cash for? In this chapter, Sean reveals how he tailored his work based on people’s reactions to it, why he decided to share what he’d learned, and how he reached out to those engaged customers who wanted to buy his art. [28:57-32:03] Why did Sean Decide to Write his Book, Overlap? As his career began to take off, Sean started to get lots of questions from aspiring artists asking him how he’d done it. So, he decided to write a book, Overlap, which is specifically aimed at people who work a 9-5 but really want to develop their creative career instead. In this chapter, you’ll hear how he applied the same commitment to writing as he did to hand-drawn lettering, how he stayed motivated, and why his book struck such a chord with people all over the world. [34:03-39:45] What Advice Does Sean Have for Artists Ready to Take the Next Step? Ready to take the next step...but not sure exactly which way to turn? In this chapter, Sean shares stacks of useful advice based on his own experiences and reveals why figuring out the next steps in your creative career is all part of the process. [39:57-40:25] How can you get Hold of Sean’s Book? If you’re interested in Sean’s book, Overlap, this section will give you all the information you need. Plus, there’s a special introductory offer you won’t want to miss out on! [40:26-41:31] Conclusion Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Sean McCabe and offers his own feedback on all the invaluable insights in Overlap.

Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ “What I’d say to people with a great idea is to be prepared to take a few risks, be prepared to commit time, be prepared to learn new software, and be prepared to stick with your ideas.” ~ Peter Richardson. Want to know how to turn your ideas into an animated cartoon series? Do you have a cool creative idea trapped in your head and you're wondering how to turn your idea into something more? In this week’s interview, PK member, Peter Richardson, tells the story of how his new project, Spook Squad, went from a book, to a graphic novel and eventually into an animated show. There are many important lessons inside this story and we'll break them down for you piece by piece so you can take that big idea you have and turn it into something bigger. The steps are easy once you know how. And, most importantly, you don't need to be an amazing artist to get started...because the idea is where it all begins! Interview Chapters [00:37-16:07] Introduction and Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, illustrator Peter Richardson, who talks about his 40-year career in the industry and how the idea for Spook Squad, his new project with writer, Roger Hurn, came about. In this chapter, you’ll hear how their project developed from an initial idea for a children’s book and graphic novel into an animated cartoon series. Along the way, Peter taught himself how to use animation software such as Moho (Anime Studio Pro), and developed his skills as a storyboard artist by studying the work of other artists he admired. [17:09-22:20] How did Spook Squad Start to Gain Momentum? Creating a project is one thing, but what happens next? In this section, you’ll hear how Peter and Roger took their initial concept for Spook Squad to schools first, picking up an award from children’s literacy charity, The Book Trust, along the way. You’ll hear how feedback from the kids influenced their ideas, and how both men worked hard to eventually turn this project into a fully-fledged animation series through networking with other artists, agents and publishers. [22:21-30:08] How did the Idea for Spook Squad Take Shape? The idea for Spook Squad began on a wet weekday afternoon, when writer Roger got feedback from a young girl in school who’d seen his book. After taking what she’d said on board, he starting thinking of ideas...and the project started to come to life. In this chapter, you’ll learn why having a good idea is the most important thing for a successful book or animation...and why you don’t have to be the world’s greatest artist to accomplish this. You’ll also hear how Peter and Roger have learned to handle rejection over the years, and why self-belief and supportive online communities such as Pencil Kings can help you through any difficult times. [31:06-35:38] What Research did Peter and Roger do for Their Project? Spook Squad went through several changes before it eventually became an animated series. Peter and Roger found their initial idea for a book and graphic novel didn’t generate as much interest from publishers as they’d hoped, so a little more research was needed before they could decide which way to go next. In this section, you’ll hear how an online search for an artist led to Peter and Roger having a stall at Brand Licensing, a large trade show for creatives and the book industry, where they were able to start getting their project seen by the right people. [37:12-39:24] So how can you Turn Your Ideas into an Animated Cartoon Series? Through getting feedback from their target audience, learning from what other artists had done, and networking with the right people, Peter and Roger were finally able to get their Spook Squad project off the ground. But, how can you do the same? You’ll find out in this chapter. [40:40-44:25] Where can you Find out More About Spook Squad? Want to find out more about Spook Squad? In this chapter, Peter lets you know exactly where to see his work and offers stacks of really useful advice from his long-running career as an illustrator in the creative industry. So, if you’re ready to turn your ideas into an animated cartoon series or start working on that graphic novel you’ve been dreaming about, here’s where you can get started. [44:25-46:35] Conclusion Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Peter Richardson and offers his own advice on how you can start turning your creative ideas into reality.

Show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ “With what I’ve produced at the Evolve Art Academy, I’m very confident I could submit a portfolio to a prestigious art school and get accepted. Because that’s how much progress I’ve had.” ~ Michelle Lopez. Want to know how to become a better artist...but just don’t know where to start? Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who wants to take their art skills further, we think you’ll find this week’s interview pretty interesting… Because you’re about to hear how Evolve Artist student, Michelle Lopez, went from being a novice artists to one who gets paid for portrait commissions...in just four months! Interview Chapters [00:37-05:07] Introduction and Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Evolve Artist Student, Michelle Lopez. In this chapter, you’ll hear why listening to Kevin Murphy’s Pencil Kings podcast interview inspired her to quit her job as an IT consultant and enrol at The Art Academy...and how she made incredible progress during her time there. [05:33-06:16] Why did Michelle Want to Learn how to Become a Better Artist? Deciding upon a change of career can be pretty daunting at any stage of your life, but even more so when you’re taking a leap into the complete unknown. So what made Michelle decide to swap repairing computers for becoming a realistic painter? In this section, you’ll hear how Kevin Murphy’s art program helped her develop confidence in her abilities and make real progress as an artist. [07:12-07:52] Why did Michelle Think The Art Academy was Right for her? Like many aspiring artists, Michelle had already tried various college courses and community art groups to help her develop her creative skills...but they’d all fallen flat. So what made her decide this course was right for her...and did it meet her expectations? [08:27-08:49] How did Michelle Know This Course was Right for her? Thinking something is right for you and knowing something is right for you are two very different things...so how long did it take for Michelle to realize she’d definitely made the right decision by enrolling in The Art Academy? [08:57-09:45] How far did Michelle Travel to Take This Course? Enrolling at The Art Academy wasn’t exactly like joining a class at her local community college for Michelle. Instead, she had a 10-hour journey to make from her home to New Jersey before she could get started. So, what was this experience like for her? [09:58-11:32] What Were Michelle’s First Weeks Like at The Art Academy? Starting something new can feel like a daunting experience, but the team at The Art Academy made Michelle feel welcome from the moment she walked through the door. So what were her first few weeks studying with Kevin like? In this chapter, you’ll hear how she want from drawing basic shapes and learning shading techniques to creating a fully-rendered drawing in less than two weeks. [11:48-12:33] What Were the Beginner Exercises Like for Michelle? Because Michelle had already had some art lessons, you might have thought the beginner lessons would be too basic for her. However, she discovered that she’d actually missed out on learning many of these fundamentals in previous classes...and that learning to be meticulous and patient was one of the best ways to improve her art skills. [13:41-14:10] How Many Hours did Michelle Study for Each day? Once you really get into making art, it’s amazing how the hours fly by without you noticing. So how many hours each day did Michelle dedicate to drawing and painting while at The Art Academy? [15:22-17:42] Michelle Worked Hard...but did she Enjoy Herself, too? Hard work and enjoyment don’t always go hand in hand, but Michelle found she had a completely positive experience while pushing herself to improve as an artist. You’ll find out why in this section. [17:52-19:05] Were There Ever Times When she Wanted to Quit? Even though she had a positive experience, there were times when Michelle felt the pressure and wanted to quit. So how did she get over this? And how did Kevin and his team help her push through those roadblocks and make real progress? [20:37-21:36] Why is This Program so Effective? Kevin Murphy’s art program has a 100% success rate. So what makes his methods so much more effective than all the others out there? [21:53-23:17] What was Michelle’s Study Schedule Like? Michelle made incredible progress in less than four months at The Art Academy, but what was her study schedule like during this time? [23:35-26:13] How Much Progress did Michelle Make? Michelle entered The Art Academy as a beginner artist and left with a portfolio of work which she’s confident would get her into the most prestigious art schools in the country. Find out how she did it in this chapter. [26:39-28:28] How do People React to Michelle’s Work now? Some of Michelle’s friends and family were sceptical at first when she first told them she was going away for a while to study art. So what are their reactions like now? In this chapter, you’ll hear why Michelle now feels she’s on the right path to develop her career as an artist and has even started taking commissions for her work. [29:07-30:12] What’s Next for Michelle? So, with four months at the Art Academy under her belt, what’s next for Michelle? In this section, you’ll hear how she plans to develop her skills further and work on her art career. [31:57-33:28] What Does Michelle Think of the Evolve Artist Realistic Art Program? Michelle left her home town for four months to study at The Art Academy, but this just isn’t practical for everyone. So that’s why Pencil Kings has teamed up with Kevin Murphy to create the Evolve Artist Realistic Art Program - a new way to study that incorporates all the elements of his art education from the comfort of your own home. But does Michelle think this will be just as effective for other people who want to know how to become a better artist? In this chapter, you’ll find out why she’s also decided to join this program and where to see examples of her progress on Instagram. [34:27-36:37] How to Find out More About the Evolve Artist Program Ready to find out more about how to become a better artist by joining the Evolve Artist Program? This final chapter contains everything you need to know.

Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ The Pencil Kings podcast is sponsored by Freshbooks “Just put your stuff up on everything, because you don’t know where the next big thing is gonna be.” ~ Fran Krause. Want to know how to create a webcomic...that actually gets noticed?! In this week’s interview, we speak to Fran Krause, creator of the famous ‘Deep Dark Fears’ web comic. You’ll hear how he went from an established career as an animation artist to making his first web comics. And, he’ll reveal why angry reactions to one of his projects on YouTube made him reconsider which online platforms were the best home for his creations. So, if you’ve been thinking about creating your own webcomic for a while (but just haven’t gotten around to it yet), then check out this inspiring podcast interview. Because it’s crammed with great advice on what to - and what not to - do to get your project off the ground and noticed by people. Interview Chapters [00:37-03:16] Introduction and Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, webcomic creator, Fran Krause. In this chapter, he talks about how studying animation led to him pursuing a career in this industry before moving into teaching digital animation and, of course, creating Deep Dark Fears. [03:26-10:56] How did Deep Dark Fears Come About? Ironically, it was adverse reactions online to a project Fran was working on with American Elf creator, James Kochalka, that gave rise to Deep Dark Fears. The project, an adult-rated comic book series called ‘Super f**kers’, was intended as an irreverent take on superheroes and featured a bunch of rude, crude, slacker heroes who never actually did any of the things superheroes are supposed to do. However, the audience on YouTube didn’t quite get the humor. In fact, they hated it...and wasted no time in filling the comments section with all kinds of abuse. So Fran went back to the drawing board, had a good long think about whether YouTube was the right platform for his ideas...and eventually started producing short webcomics based on the irrational fears we all have. And, luckily, this project fared better with the online community... [11:28-21:34] Why did Fran Choose Tumblr to Showcase his Work? After doing some research into the best online platform for his creation, Fran eventually decided to start posting his webcomics regularly on Tumblr. But what made him choose this network above all the others...and how does he even have time to make a webcomic in between teaching and working on other projects? You’ll find out in this chapter. [23:05-25:10] Why is it Good to set Deadlines for Yourself? One of the ways Fran manages to be so productive is by setting deadlines for himself. So, for example, after he’s finished teaching for the day, he’ll sit down for a few hours and dedicate his time to working on Deep Dark Fears and his current book project, The Creeps. And, if you want to know how to create a webcomic and find time for your personal projects, you’ll find lots of great advice in this section. [25:30-27:23] Why is it so Important to Love What you do as an Artist? Some artists are unhappy doing the work they get paid to do, but you’ll be relieved to hear there is another way. And, in this chapter, Fran shares plenty of advice based on his own experiences with his students to help you create the art you really want to make...and hopefully find an audience who appreciates it. [27:39-29:55] Where can you Find out More About Fran’s Work? Want to find out more about Fran’s work and get your hands on a copy of his new book, The Creeps? All the info you need is in this chapter. [31:24-37:07] Want to Know how to Create a Webcomic? Here’s Fran’s Advice Want to know more about how to create a webcomic? Check out this chapter for some great advice from Fran about how to get your project off the ground, how to build up a following for your work online…and how to create something people can really relate to. [37:20-40:34] Conclusion Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Fran Krause, who offers up some final words of advice on how to make a webcomic people will remember.

Complete Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ “For the people who come to me and say: ‘how did you do it and how can we do the same?’ I say find your partner. Find somebody who already has a foot in the door of the business and bring him or her something to the table.” ~ Fabrice Sapolsky. Ever wanted to know more about creating your own comic books? In this week’s interview, we speak to Fabrice Sapolsky, co-creator of the Spider-Man Noir series published by Marvel. You’ll hear how he went from growing up as a French kid who was crazy about American comics to working with highly-acclaimed fellow writers and artists such as David Hine and Carmine Di Giandomenico. But this interview is not about becoming an overnight success story in your chosen creative field. It’s an open and honest account of what it’s really like to work in the comic book industry, including the many struggles and hurdles faced by most freelance creators. So, if you’ve got an idea for a comic book that you’ve been itching to bring to life, you’ll find stacks of straightforward advice in this interview to relate to. Because, sometimes, you need to take a few risks to get your ideas out there to the people who matter... Interview Chapters 00:38-03:21 Introduction and Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, comic writer Fabrice Sapolsky. In this chapter, he talks about growing up in France, and how his love of American comics led to him working in the industry, co-creating Spider-Man Noir, and eventually moving to the USA to further his career. 04:12-09:28 What Made Fabrice so Determined to Work in the Comic Book Industry? Lots of young creatives dream of working in the comic industry, but how do you find the determination to turn that dream into reality? In this chapter, Fabrice reveals what kept him motivated during his early years, and eventually led to co-creating Spider-Man Noir - one of the highlights of his career so far. 10:45-24:19 How Did Fabrice Turn his ‘Impossible Dream’ Into Reality? Having the dream and working hard to reach your goals is one thing, but there are often many other factors to consider when carving out a career in the creative industry. In this section, Fabrice expands upon some of the key points in the previous chapter and reveals how the comic book industry has changed since he first started working in it. 24:30-30:24 Why Does Fabrice Believe Creator-Owned Comics are the way Forwards? Having worked in the mainstream comic book industry and seen how it’s changed over the years, Fabrice is now a strong believer in the creator-owned comics movement. In this chapter, he explains more about this exciting initiative for creatives, and how online platforms such as social media can open up new doors and possibilities for you if you’re thinking about creating your own comic books. 31:26-40:21 How can you get Started With Your First Creator-owned Comic? Want to start your first creator-owned comic project? In this chapter, Fabrice shares stacks of useful advice to help you get your ideas out of your head and onto the paper. You’ll learn about the importance of developing a strong work ethic, and why networking with a supportive community of fellow creatives can open up all kinds of possibilities for you as an artist or writer. 40:22-52:59 Conclusion Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Fabrice Sapolsky, who offers even more gems of advice about creating your own comic books. You’ll find out where to find him online, hear about which comic cons he’s attending...and you’ll also be the first to hear about the exciting news for fans of the Pencil Kings podcast!

PK 147: Thinking of Becoming an Illustrator? How Artist, Kate Oleska, Switched Careers. Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ “You just have to do what appeals to you and just do it! Because that’s how you’re gonna get a job that you want to be doing. You just have to grab every minute you have, every second, and just doodle, draw, do whatever you can and don’t get discouraged.” ~ Kate Oleska. Are you thinking of becoming an illustrator...but feel stuck in an unfulfilling job? In this interview, Kate Oleska reveals how she made the transition over a number of years from her regular job as an architect to becoming a full time freelance artist. So, if you’re wondering how to get your first client or find your own style as an artist and illustrator, you should find plenty of useful insights in the interview to help you make the switch and start doing what you really love for a living. Interview Chapters [00:38-02:11] Introduction and Overview Your host. Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Kate Oleska, a professional artist and illustrator based in the UK. In this chapter, you’ll hear about Kate’s previous career as an architect, and why she eventually decided to make the switch to becoming a full-time freelance artist over 14 years ago. [02:31-03:48] What did Kate do as an Architect? You may not know it, but there are actually some strong links between being an architect and being an artist. In this chapter, Kate explains why she chose this career path to begin with, and why she eventually decided to take the plunge and become a freelance illustrator instead. [04:26-06:13] What are the Similarities Between Being an Architect and Being an Artist? Kate became an architect because she wanted a career where she could use her creative skills. But what are the similarities between being an architect and being an artist? In this chapter, she explains how she made the transition from one career to the other, and reveals the links between the two and the skills she picked up which made the journey much smoother for her. [07:33-08:55] How Did Kate Find Time to Develop her Skills as an Artist? At first, Kate was juggling her day job as an architect with working on her art and developing her creative skills. But how did she find time to do this? In this chapter, you’ll pick up some great tips for managing your time more effectively, and learn why it’s so much easier to put the hours in when you love what you’re doing. [09:16-10:14] What was Kate’s Main Focus as an Artist When she was Starting out? From day one, Kate’s focus as an artist was on developing and improving her drawing and painting skills. In this chapter, you’ll hear how she did this...and how you can also develop your creative skills by constantly finding ways to improve. [10:22-13:48] Which Clients has Kate Worked for...and how did she Find Them? Kate has worked for a wide range of clients so far, including illustrations for the much-loved Terry Pratchett book series, Discworld. But how did she find her first clients? In this chapter, you’ll learn why it’s so important to keep your social media channels updated...but also to reach out to people who might be willing to offer you work. [14:36-24:23] How did Kate Develop her own Style as an Artist and Illustrator? It’s one thing to be influenced by another artist, but it’s quite another to develop your own unique style as an artist and stand out from the crowd. So how did Kate find hers? In this chapter, you’ll hear why she believes individuality is so important....and why producing work in the style of already established artists will only get you so far. [25:06-27:04] Is There a Right or Wrong way to Develop Your art Style? Everyone has a different approach as an artist. And, in this chapter, you’ll hear why Kate believes you have to follow your own path and not worry so much about whether you’re going about it the right way or not. [27:44-43:21] How to Make the Switch to Becoming a Freelance Illustrator  Going it alone can be scary, but Kate shares some super-useful advice to help you on your way in this chapter. You’ll learn why it’s often a good idea to have a regular job which pays the bills (especially when you’re just starting out), and why all your hard work will eventually pay off if you stick at it. [43:46-44:57] What can you Learn in Kate’s Video Course for Pencil Kings? Kate has recently produced a 3-part video course on portrait painting in oils for us here at Pencil Kings. And, in this chapter, she describes exactly what you’ll learn from watching her clear, step-by-step instructions which take you all the way from a blank piece of board to a finished portrait painting in oils. [45:10-46:47] Conclusion - Where to Find Kate Online In the concluding chapter of this interview, Kate tells you where to see more of her work online and follow her on her various social media channels.  

Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ Want to find out how to make an awesome art portfolio and find more clients? In this interview, we speak to Paul Yates, a concept and fantasy artist from Montreal, Canada. Since leaving uni and going freelance, Paul has scored a number of wins as an artist, including being featured in Spectrum - a leading magazine for fantasy art. However, despite this, Paul is struggling to find regular work as an artist. And that's why he reached out to us here at Pencil Kings to see if we could help. In this interview, you'll learn why having a great portfolio is only part of the package...and why making connections with fellow artists and getting involved with as many art-related events as possible is your key to finding more paid opportunities. So, if you feel stuck in your career as an artist and don't know which way to turn next, we hope some of the topics covered in this interview will give you some super-useful tips which you can start acting on right now. Interview Chapters [00:00-03:30] Introduction and Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Paul Yates. In this chapter, you'll hear about his creative career so far, and why he decided to approach the team at Pencil Kings for their advice on his art career. [03:46-04:39] What is Paul's Professional Experience of Working as an Artist? Since leaving uni and going freelance, Paul has worked on a variety of projects, including personal commissions and book illustration projects. However, he's been struggling to find concrete leads since then, which is why he turned to Pencil Kings for help. [04:44-05:38] What has Paul Been Doing to Reach out to People so far? After putting your portfolio together, one of the biggest challenges as an artist can be knowing who to reach out to...and how to approach them. So how has Paul been reaching out to prospective clients...and is there anything he could change to have more success? [05:50-07:42] How Much Time Does Paul Spend on Improving his art Skills? Since quitting his 9-5, Paul has been putting in the hours on developing his art skills every day. But how is he dividing his day up...and is there anything he could do to use his time more effectively? [07:57-17:36] What Does Paul Think is Holding him Back? Paul's portfolio features a high standard of work and he's been featured in an industry-leading magazine, Spectrum. Yet, despite this, he's struggling to find his next big gig. So what does he think is holding him back...and what can he do to change this? In this chapter, you'll get some great tips on how to reach out to other artists and prospective clients based on our own experiences as working artists. [18:08-20:25] What Does 'Paying Your Dues' Mean? A lot of artists feel held back in their careers because they feel they 'haven't paid their dues yet'. But what are these dues...and what can you do as an artist to overcome hurdles like these? [34:40-27:52] What Inspires Paul to Make art? In this chapter, we asked Paul to tell us how he'd like his portfolio to be perceived by other artists and prospective clients. He reveals what inspires him as an artist, and the message he tries to convey with his paintings. Is there anything else he could be doing to make his portfolio and website stand out from the rest? [40:32-45:54] Conclusion Mitch wraps up today's interview and offers Paul some more insights on how to grow his client base and hopefully find more paid gigs. In this chapter, you'll also find out where to see Paul's work online and follow him on his social media channels.

Today's interview is with someone who I truly admire - Mitch Bowler who founded the online creative training site Pencil Kings. We talk about his dreams as a kid to be a video game designer to his vision to offer affordable art training to everyone - what has ultimately led to Pencil Kings. Mitch drops a lot of valuable advice for any creative who is striving for perfection but as a result ends up getting discouraged and giving up.   What we discuss: How Mitch went from video game designer dreams to working for Activision How Mitch started teaching online despite his own self doubt The value of treating new projects as experiments How to move forward quickly without getting caught up with perfection When real education begins (hint: not at school!) Discovering quiet time if you're an introvert The importance of finding your purpose (+ how to find it) The value of having a peer group for support and accountability The one piece of common advice Mitch doesn't believe in   Connect with Mitch: Pencil Kings Community Pencil Kings Podcast Twitter Facebook

Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/   Are you looking for a way to learn figure drawing... but have been put off in the past by scary math formulas and endless anatomy diagrams? Or perhaps you're just looking for a way to put the fun back into drawing and create sketches full of life and action? As a teacher with more than 20 years' experience, Mike Mattesi has seen the struggles aspiring artists go through and the hurdles they face. And that's why he developed Drawing With Force - his own unique method of drawing figures which captures all the dynamism of the human body...without getting all bogged down in the science and technical stuff. So, if you've been looking for a way to capture movement and form using just the power and beauty of line, we think you'll find this week's interview super interesting... And the best part? You won't need anything more than the cheapest art materials you can find to get started! Interview Chapters [00:00-06:58] Introduction and Career Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Mike Mattesi, who gives you an overview of his career as an artist, tutor and senior art director at Zynga games. You'll also find out what Mike decided to develop his Drawing Force method to help other artists. [07:00-14:45] How did Mike Mattesi Develop his Drawing Force method and get it Published? Mike Mattesi launched his Drawing Force method 10 years ago, but how did he develop this unique way of drawing and make it accessible to artists of all abilities? In this chapter, you'll learn about how his book came to be published...and the impact it's had upon the lives of artists and art education ever since. [16:13-19:08] How is Drawing With Force Different to Other Figure Drawing Methods? Drawing with force is very different to many other figure drawing methods you may have seen. In this chapter, Mike explains what excites him about drawing figures this way...and why using these techniques can really help you understand how the human body works. [26:24-30:47] Why Mike Believes Making Art Should Always be Fun One of the key elements of the Drawing Force technique is having fun. In his many years of teaching, Mike observed that students learn best when they feel truly engaged in a subject, so that's exactly what he decided to incorporate in his own techniques. [31:15-37:27] How Can Drawing With Force Help Animation or Concept Artists? Mike's Drawing Force methods may seem like they come from a strictly fine art background, but these techniques actually work really well for artists working in all kinds of industries. In this chapter, Mike explains why teaching his students these techniques has helped them go on to have rewarding careers as concept artists, animators, and many more roles. [39:19-45:27] What do you Need to get Started Using the Drawing Force Method? Unlike some art programs, you don't need expensive materials to get started with the Drawing Force method. In fact, all you need is a soft, stubby pencil and cheap newsprint paper! In this chapter, Mike explains why he feels the cost of materials is a real issue for many beginner artists, and why he's committed to making art accessible to all. [46:06-50:00] Why Mike Mattesi Still Loves Figure Drawing More Than Anything Else Despite having taught for more than 20 years and worked at some of the biggest art and gaming studios, Mike still loves drawing figures more than anything else. So what is it about life drawing that really gets him excited? And how can you take the first steps towards getting that same sense of excitement from making art? Also in this chapter, you'll hear how to take advantage of Mike's exclusive discount for listeners to the Pencil Kings podcast! [50:01-52:53] Where to Find Mike Online and Learn More About Drawing Force Mitch wraps up today's interview by letting you know where to find Mike online and learn more about his Drawing Force program. You'll also hear about Evolve - an exciting new art program which you can sign up to and get early access!  

Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/ What happens if you give up everything and take your creative show on the road? That's what Derek Rodenbeck has done, and we catch up with him again to see what he's learned in the past 5 months of travelling city to city and often living out in nature in a tent with his girlfriend and their two huge dogs. Interview Chapters: [00:00-05:54] Introduction and Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Derek Rodenbeck, who talks about his epic journey so far and where he's planning on travelling to next. [06:31-13:34] How has Travelling Changed Derek's Outlook and his Creativity? It's impossible to travel to incredible places without them having a profound effect upon your outlook and your creativity. How has travelling helped Derek find inspiration, and how has this changed his approach to being creative? [14:46-16:57] Why is it so Important to Enjoy What You do as a Creative Person? Although his background is in comic books, Derek has discovered a new passion for photography while being out on the road. And, for him, this is where he feels his creative interests really lie right now. So, how did he come to this conclusion...and why is it only worth doing something if you truly enjoy it? [17:17-18:32] Why Isn't Derek Thinking About Career Options Right Now? Although he's now become a keen photographer, Derek isn't doing this with a view to having a career behind the lens. So what's really motivating him...and why has he decided to stop worrying about making money for the moment? [20:01-22:14] How Does Derek Find The Strength to Take Risks? Many of us dream of just packing everything away and going travelling for months, but the fear of paying bills or losing our careers often holds us back. So how does Derek find the strength to give it all up and set out on the open road? [23:13-26:20] What are the big Lesson Derek's Learned From Travelling? Travelling can have a major impact on your life, with some often unexpected lessons to learn from the experience. So what are the big lessons Derek's learned while being on the road? [28:06-29:47] How has Travelling Changed Derek as a Person? The Derek we used to know was always a busy man, hustling his way from one art project to another without pausing to take a breath. Whereas, the Derek we're speaking to now has a new sense of calm about him and a much more relaxed approach to life. Has travelling brought about this change...or was it a direction he was headed in already? [30:54-32:51] What's Been the Biggest Change to Derek as a Creative Person? Previously, Derek used to draw for hours on end as he worked on all kinds of projects from comic books to game cards...but where is he at right now? In this chapter, he explains what inspires him creatively about travelling...and why it's always worth exploring as many different options as you want. [34:05-35:58] What Happens When Derek's Travelling Comes to an End? Travelling is great, but most of us don't get to roam the world forever. What happens when it's time to return to regular life...and is Derek worried about what happens next? [35:59-37:43] Conclusion and Where to Find Derek Online If you want to find out more about Derek's adventures, this chapter will give you the information you need. You'll also hear about what's been happening in the Pencil Kings community and why we're so grateful for everyone's support with our podcasts so far.

Shownotes at https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/ To many aspiring artists, Stan Prokopenko, aka Proko, needs no introduction. Already an established artist inn his own right, Proko has built up a huge following on YouTube for his fun and incredibly useful tutorial videos which show people how to draw figures and anatomy. In this inspiring interview, we discuss the reasons WHY you make art and do our best to tackle any hurdles that might be holding you back. You'll hear about Proko's background as an artist and teacher, and why even an experienced artist like him never ever stops learning. You'll also hear his thoughts on the future of online education, and how technology could present all kinds of exciting opportunities for artists in the very near future. And, as if that wasn't enough, there's a coupon code at the end of this podcast that gets you 20% off everything on Proko's site! Interview Chapters: Introduction (00:00-02:27) Mitch introduces today's guest, Stan Prokopenko, who gives a quick overview of his art career and what inspires him. How Does Proko Help Artists Who Get Stuck? (02:27-08:41) Proko has attracted a huge following on YouTube thanks to his fun yet detailed art tutorials which help people learn the skills necessary to progress as an artist. But what are the main sticking points he comes across time and time again? And how can aspiring artists get past these and start getting the results they're really looking for? In this chapter, Proko reveals why cross-training is the key to developing your creative skills...and why even he finds himself struggling with what direction to take his art in next. What is Proko's Reason Why? (10:24-12:22) It's always fascinating to hear an established artist talk about their own creativity. And, in this chapter, Proko reveals the soul-searching he's had to do as a creative to get the best results from his own art. What Would Proko's Advice to his Younger Self be? (16:05-18:20) Proko has been making and studying art since he was a kid, but what would he do differently if he could go back in time? In this chapter, he looks at his own art journey and reveals some fascinating insights into the areas of art he wishes he'd devoted more time to. What was Proko's own art Education like? (18:33-19:47) These days, Proko is a highly respected art teacher and educator, but what was his own experience of art school like? In this chapter, Proko looks back on his school days and reveals how his interest in several different areas helped him develop his own unique style as an artist and inform his teaching methods. Did Proko Learn Art Purely by Observation? (20:39-25:08) Some artists learn by drawing from observation, while other draw from their imagination. So how did Proko learn his art skills? And what advice does he have for people just starting out as artists? What Can People Learn on Proko's New Caricature Drawing Course? (27:51-37:29) Proko's latest course, a collaboration with artist Court Jones, aims to help aspiring caricature artists achieve a true likeness of their subjects while exaggerating their features as much as possible. Find out more about the exciting teaching methods used in this course in this chapter. What Will Art Education Look Like in 5 Years' Time? (38:36-44:25) What does the future look like for online art education? In this chapter, Proko talks about recent developments in technology and how innovations such as virtual reality could transform the way we learn art and other subjects. Conclusion (45:18-46:48) Where can you find Proko online and take advantage of his special Pencil Kings promo code to get 20% off all his products? You'll find out in this final chapter.....

Ever have the feeling when you are staring at a blank piece of paper that you're not sure what to draw? Clark Huggins had this same problem. He found he was spending extra time and putting extra pressure on himself before he ever put his brush to the canvas - and he realized that all he wanted to be doing was making art. To get around this he took out some index cards and wrote down different ideas and then shuffled the deck. He then chose 3 cards at random and went to work - leaving chance to decide what he was going to create. What he found was that this process allowed him to jump immediately into the creation process and also to tap into truly new and unique ideas by combining elements that he would never have chosen on his own. This discovery led to the creation of the Reckless Deck, where artists can use the exact same process Clark used to come up with new and unique creations. The Reckless Deck is just about to go live on Kickstarter so you can pick up a deck for yourself and get busy creating your own unique creations. Interview Chapters: 00:37 - 02:29 Introductions Mitch introduces today's guest, Clark Huggins, who gives you a quick overview of what Reckless Deck is all about...and how you can use it to help unlock your creativity. 02:53 - 04:31 Why is Reckless Deck Such a Useful Tool for Artists? Clark has taken Reckless Deck to comic conventions and other events across the US. What's the response been like from the public and how are artists using it to help them create original characters? 05:20 - 05:50 How can a Humble Deck of Cards Boost Your Creativity? Why does Reckless Deck help you come up with character ideas so quickly? Clark explains the thinking behind his product in this chapter. 05:58 - 09:37 Where did the Idea to Make Reckless Deck Come From? The idea of Reckless Deck came about through Clark's own experiences as an artist and his desire to start working on a new character as quickly as possible. Find out how this project came to life in this chapter. 09:49 - 13:23 What was the First Character Clark Created Using Reckless Deck? Clark can still remember the first character he created using Reckless Deck. In fact, it's one he's revisited many times since! Find out more in this chapter. 13:33 - 20:01 How did Clark Start Developing His Idea? Reckless Deck began life as a set of index cards Clark made for himself. So how did he develop this idea into a fully-fledged product that people can buy online? You'll discover all the hard work that went into Clark's idea (and how long this process took) in this chapter. 20:33 - 21:35 Why Should you Hire a Graphic Designer to Help With Packaging Your Product? Many artists take it upon themselves to do all the graphic design work on their projects, but this doesn't always give you the professional look you want for a product and its packaging. In this chapter, you'll learn why Clark - despite being fluent in using Photoshop - decided to hand his logo and packaging design over to a specialist. 22:07 - 23:08 How did Clark Find the Right Printing Company to Produce Reckless Deck Finding the right printer at the right cost can sometimes be difficult. In this chapter, you'll hear why Clark chose to use a company in China, and why he was overjoyed with the results - especially when an unexpected issue actually added another feature to his project! 24:03 - 32:30 How did Clark Turn a Kickstarter Fail Into a Win? Clark didn't have an overnight success when he first tried to launch Reckless Deck on Kickstarter. In fact, he had to go back to the drawing board to find out what makes a project successful and get noticed on this site. Find out how he learned from his mistakes and eventually got successfully funded in this chapter. 33:05 - 34:55 How Can You be The First to Hear About New Reckless Deck Products And Offers? If you're excited by Reckless Deck and want to find out more about new releases and special offers, this is one part of the interview you won't want to miss. 35:48 - 36:57 What is it Really Like to Launch a Product Like Reckless Deck? It's easy to listen to Clark talking and imagine the whole process behind making and launching Reckless Deck as being super-easy. But it wasn't. Discover the reality and hard work behind launching any new product successfully in this chapter. 37:45 - 39:00 How Can Reckless Deck Help You as an Artist? Reckless Deck has already helped many concept and fantasy artists get past creative block and searching for ideas. Find out how it can help you too in this chapter. 39:01 - 42:37 Find Our About Special Offers and Swag for Pencil Kings Listeners There are some exciting offers in the bag for anyone who's interested in finding out more about Pencil Kings and Reckless Deck. Find out how you can get your hands on some cool free stuff and special offers in this chapter. 42:39 - 44:00 Conclusion Mitch and Clark wrap up their interview and reveal some more exciting things about Reckless Deck. Shownotes & more info at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/

Artists often have to work to tight deadlines, but what happens when you've got three whole years to complete a single project? That's exactly what happened to artist, illustrator and Pencil Kings tutor, Francis Vallejo. In this interview, you'll hear all about the fascinating creative process behind illustrating Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph, and how having more time to research and develop his illustrations actually helped Francis find his true niche as an artist. So, if the fast-paced world of the average art studio environment just isn't for you, you'll find plenty of valuable advice in this interview to help you plan, research, execute and market your art projects. Plus, you'll get lots of super-useful insights on what it's really like to work as an illustrator, and why good things are more likely to come your way if you stay true to yourself and your art. Interview Chapters: 00:00 - 03:12 - Introduction Detroit-born artist and illustrator, Francis Vallejo, introduces himslef and reveals what motivates and inspires him as an artist 03:23 - 04:10 - The Story Behind Illustrating Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph Francis describes his book illustration project and what he learned from working on it. 04:36 - 07:29 - What's it Like to Work on a Project That Lasts 3 Years? Illustrating Jazz Day took 3 years. Here, Francis talks about the reasoning behind this, and how what could have been a huge gamble actually paid off. 08:23 - 11:01 - How Illustrating Jazz Day Changed Francis' Life Francis says illustrating Jazz Day changed his life as an artist. Find out why in this part of our interview. 12:00 - 14:07 - How did Working on Jazz Day Help Francis Find His Niche as an Artist? Most artists take a while to find their true niche - the one thing that truly inspires them and motivates them to keep on making art. For Francis, illustrating Jazz Day brought him closer to the world of literature he loved, and enabled him to make lots of new contacts with people in this industry. 14:36 - 16:09 - Is Working in Literature Really as Romantic as you Might Think? Many artists dream of working in the field of literature, but is it really as romantic as all that? Hear what Francis thinks in this chapter. 16:26 - 18:41 - What's Next for Francis? Having completed one big project, Francis is ready to move onto the next one. Here, he describes the exciting projects he's got lined up, and how he's inspired by the prospect of travelling and researching in the near future. 19:01 - 20:54 - What are the Benefits of Working at Your Own Pace? Taking the time to research a project and see it through to completion without feeling rushed can really help you as an artist. Here, Francis explains why he loves working this way, and how you as an artist can find an area of work which best reflects your personality. 21:41 - 22:08 - How Can Working on a Long Project Help You Improve as an Artist? Francis felt he truly developed as an artist while working on Jazz Day. Find out why in this chapter. 22:44 - 27:10 - What Happens After a Long Project is Finished? In this chapter, Francis reveals what happens once you've completed a long project and goes into detail on all the associated marketing and promotion which follows. 28:08 - 32:28 - How did Francis get Discovered as an Artist? Amazingly, Francis didn't reach out to the publishers of Jazz Day looking for work. Instead, they found him. How does this work and what can you do to help promote your art? You'll find out in this chapter. 33:10 - 35:56 - How Should you Present Yourself to Book Publishers and Work With Them on Your Project? Francis went out of his way to meet his clients face-to-face as often as possible during his project. Find out why he believes this is so important in this chapter. 37:03 - 39:54 - What Advice does Francis Have for Aspiring Artists? Francis learned a lot through working on his project. Here, he shares his advice for any aspiring artists who have yet to find their true niche. 40:35 - 42:40 - What Makes Your Art Saleable? A lot of artists fall into the trap of producing work in the style of others in an attempt to make their work more saleable. Find out why staying true to yourself is the way forward in this chapter. 43:25 - 44:53 - Conclusion and Where to Find Francis Online Where can you see examples of Francis' work online? Find out in the concluding part of this interview.   https://www.pencilkings.com/category/podcast/

Consistency is one of the best ways to improve as an artist, but how do you make time in your busy day for practicing your drawing and painting skills? In this podcast, Pencil Kings founder, Mitch Bowler, shares his own methods for staying on track and seeing a project through. And, if you can incorporate these into your busy schedule like he does, you should start to see real improvements in your creativity and art career too.

To celebrate reaching our 100th episode, we've taken the best bits from our most popular interviews and compiled them into one handy podcast. Hear invaluable advice from artists working in all areas of the creative industry and get the answers to all your questions, such as: How to develop your own style How to land your dream creative job How to promote your art effectively and land more clients How to stay motivated and make real progress in your art career How to make the kind of art that really inspires and excites you   Featuring interviews with: Sycra Yasin, Will Terrell, David Luong, Ahmed Aldoori, and many more.

Mitch Bowler is the founder of Pencil Kings, an online professional art teaching institution that provides top-flight instruction at an affordable price to those who are unable to attend traditional art schools. Formerly a 3D technical artist with work experience on top film and game projects, his focus is now on building and growing the Pencil Kings brand to provide art training and support to enrolled artists. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/mitch In this episode, Mitch discusses: -A bit about his creative history and what led him to create Pencil Kings. -More details about Pencil Kings and what it offers to his members. -How one of his biggest messages is to DO SOMETHING instead of continually just absorbing information. -How the Internet has brought us a wealth of knowledge and teaches us how to do things, but the important thing is to actually do something with that knowledge. -The power in setting a goal of making a new habit for 30 days. -One of the most profound things he has learned through the Pencil Kings podcast -- finding a space where your competition isn't and dominating that space. -When he finds it difficult creating, simply remembering what enticed him to draw and create in the first place -- what was fun. -The power of outsourcing. -How mind maps can help you to organize a large amount of information or ideas. -Finding the things that are pain points for yourself, and being able to hand them off to someone else. -The importance of looking at "outsourcing" as building a team. -The ebbs and flows of balancing his own creative projects with the Pencil Kings project. -How art and creativity (and Pencil Kings specifically) is like a puzzle box that he is constantly trying to figure out. -How if you hear a recommendation two or three times, it is a signal that you must look into that. Mitch's Final Push will inspire you to establish the good and bad things that can happen on your path to pursuing your creative passions.   Quotes: "I wanted to create a resource where people could connect with professionals and distill the knowledge and also bring people together so they could support each other." "It's scary to post your work and have haters." "You can listen to a podcast, but when you go and do something, that's when the magic happens." "It's hard to get the ball rolling in the beginning, but if you start to look at where the competition isn't, it's not as difficult." "I think this is the key: No expectations." "It's like this balance of having fun and building skills.  But you should weight it more on the fun." "Where I see so many people get outsourcing wrong is that they hand it off and expect it to work on the first go." "Sometimes if you are unsure of your direction, life will give you signs." Links mentioned: Pencil Kings "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho Connect with Mitch: Website / Podcast / iTunes / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Jeff Maksuta has been working and teaching animation for years and is the new leader of House Animation in the Pencil Kings Community. We talk about the first few assignments that are lined up for house animation and what members can expect.

How do you develop as an artist and find a fulfilling creative career? In this episode, established artist and Pencil Kings community member, Chaz Sutherland, talks about his career so far and his plans for the future. You'll learn about studying different art subjects at the same time, and how different personalities adapt to different creative roles. Finally, you'll discover how to play to your strengths as an artist by seeking out the creative projects which you enjoy doing the most.

Do you want to be more creative...but always find there's something stopping you? In this podcast, Pencil Kings founder, Mitch Bowler, talks about his own battle with creative block and how he overcame it by learning how to have fun again with his art. Listen to his story now and see how you can shake off the rust and start believing in yourself as an artist again.  

Ever wondered how to become a concept artist or how to approach other artists to get feedback on your work? In this podcast, Pencil Kings tutor Ahmed Aldoori talks about his career so far and how you can start creating yours

Mitch is the founder of Pencil Kings an online training site that teaches illustration and drawing techniques - his background comes from working in film and games for various big name clients in Canada and the United States and China. At a turning point in Mitches life, he decided to risk everything and take action, creating his own business and designing his own lifestyle that would allow him total freedom to travel the world and live the life that he wanted to live, while also running his own business completely virtual - online, giving artists the tools and knowledge to build their career and follow their passions in traditional art and drawing. Mitch's story is both inspirational, as well as instructional, as an amazing case study on how you can take the initiative and get out of your comfort zone, take some calculated risks and build the lifestyle that YOU want to live, doing both the things you love but also having total freedom in how you do it! Check out the show notes at http://www.allanmckay.com/46/

Mitch Bowler tells the story of his own artistic journey and how Pencil Kings was created and how the site is working to help artists worldwide.