

Draftsmen
Stan Prokopenko and Marshall Vandruff
Stan Prokopenko and Marshall Vandruff are art instructors. If you love the arts, particularly the craft of drawing and painting and image-making… and you want to level up your skills or even make a living with your skills, we are here to answer your questions. We’re here to offer you advice, refer you to our resources, share your love of the craft and maybe inspire you! Learn to Draw - www.proko.com Marshall Vandruff - www.marshallart.com Stan Prokopenko - instagram.com/stanprokopenkoPrivacy Policy: https://www.proko.com/privacy-policy
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Intermediate Plateau
Stan and Marshall talk about the frustrating "intermediate plateau" a stage where artists feel stuck. They explore causes like boredom, complacency, and unclear goals, and give advice on how to push through using feedback, mentorship, passion projects, and risk-taking.
SHOW LINKS (some contain affiliate links):
Animal Anatomy For Artists by Joe Weatherly (Foreword by Marshall Vandruff) - https://amzn.to/4f1Fquk
George Woodbridge (Mad Magazine Artist) - https://img-resizer.proko.com/o/media/images/stan/dm-s4e8-lesson-notes-mad-magazine-george-woodbridge-catch-22-issue.jpg
Jack Davis (Mad Magazine Artist) - https://img-resizer.proko.com/o/media/images/stan/dm-s4e8-lesson-notes-mad-magazine-jack-davis-catch-22-issue.jpg
23 Habits for Artists - Draftsmen S1E14 - https://youtu.be/WrKyzUMERKc?si=xAt2uqF3JawxIYAm
Mastery by George Leonard - https://amzn.to/4o1zxBc
Marshall’s small artwork from his 30’s - https://img-resizer.proko.com/o/media/images/stan/dm-s4e8-lesson-notes-marshall-vandruff-drawing-small-caterpillar-framed-with-size-text.jpg https://img-resizer.proko.com/o/media/images/stan/dm-s4e8-lesson-notes-marshall-vandruff-drawing-small-caterpillar-full-size.jpg
Rembrandt (photo by Olivier Middendorp) - https://img-resizer.proko.com/o/media/images/stan/dm-s4e8-lesson-notes-stan-prokopenko-pikachu-wolverine.jpg
Leonardo da Vinci - https://img-resizer.proko.com/o/media/images/stan/dm-s4e8-lesson-notes-leonardo-da-vinci-bear-sketch-framed.jpg https://img-resizer.proko.com/o/media/images/stan/dm-s4e8-lesson-notes-leonardo-da-vinci-bear-sketch-full.jpg
When by Daniel Pink - https://amzn.to/44HYjir
Masterclass (Ron Howard) - https://www.masterclass.com/classes/ron-howard-teaches-directing
Masterclass (Mira Nair) - https://www.masterclass.com/classes/mira-nair-teaches-independent-filmmaking
Masterclass (Martin Scorsese) - https://www.masterclass.com/classes/martin-scorsese-teaches-filmmaking Masterclass (Margaret Atwood) - https://www.masterclass.com/classes/margaret-atwood-teaches-creative-writing
Creativity by Mihaly Csikszentmihaly - https://amzn.to/45elml4
Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt - https://amzn.to/3IDvElY Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt - https://amzn.to/3Uq4YHS
Kristian Nee’s youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@KristianNeeTV
Kristians Podcast with Marshall - “What Every Artist Needs to Hear (But Nobody Says)” - https://youtu.be/ptXnRU-HGxQ?si=qSKU8po6gqpU1MgJ
Stan’s Anatomy Course - https://proko.com/anatomy
Anatomy Course Drawings (only on screen briefly for how much work went into them) - https://img-resizer.proko.com/o/media/images/stan/dm-s4e8-lesson-notes-stan-prokopenko-popeye-stan.jpg
Pinocchio (1940) - https://amzn.to/44RzdO0
Frankenstein by Bernie Wrightson - https://img-resizer.proko.com/o/media/images/stan/dm-s4e8-lesson-notes-frankenstein-by-bernie-wrightson-illustration-1.jpg https://img-resizer.proko.com/o/media/images/stan/dm-s4e8-lesson-notes-frankenstein-by-bernie-wrightson-illustration-2.jpg
The Upside of Quitting - Freakonomics Radio - https://freakonomics.com/podcast/the-upside-of-quitting-3/
Cops TV Show (1989-present) - https://amzn.to/4mqyb1F
Sexy Beast (2000) - https://amzn.to/3UtbugY
Kimon Nicolaïdes - https://img-resizer.proko.com/o/media/images/stan/dm-s4e8-lesson-notes-kimon-nicolaides-gesture-sketches.jpeg
Learn to Draw - www.proko.com
Marshall Vandruff - www.marshallart.com
Stan Prokopenko - instagram.com/stanprokopenko
Kristian Nee - https://www.kristiannee.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 55min
How to Learn Color
Stan and Marshall break down how to learn color by combining theory and practice without getting stuck in rules. They explain hue, value, and saturation, share stories about their own color frustrations, and outline exercises like using limited palettes, plein air painting, and master studies. You’ll learn why repetition, observation, and balancing intuition with knowledge are key to developing your color sense over time.
Show Links (some contain affiliate links):
Show Notes - proko.com/883
Building a Dream Art Studio - proko.com/370
How to Learn Anatomy - proko.com/339
How to Learn Perspective - proko.com/369
How to Learn Composition - proko.com/426
Learn to Draw - www.proko.com
Marshall Vandruff - www.marshallart.com
Stan Prokopenko - instagram.com/stanprokopenko
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Aug 20, 2024 • 1h 16min
State of the Art Industry
Stan and Marshall discuss how the art industry is always changing, facing challenges like economic downturns, tech advances, and shifts in consumer behavior and the importance for artists to adapt to survive. Industries go through cycles, and the art world is no different. Stay resilient, improve your skills, and be open to new ways of working, like collaboration, using technology, or finding alternative income sources. Embrace change, build mental strength, and focus on creating value to navigate the uncertainties of the art industry.Learn to Draw - www.proko.comMarshall Vandruff - www.marshallart.comStan Prokopenko - instagram.com/stanprokopenkoShow Links (some contain affiliate links):Let's Have Another Cup of Coffee by Irving Berlin - https://youtu.be/rFniGuoCBXAProsperity Is Just Around Which Corner? by Carson Robison - https://youtu.be/mkNn4WUwtCACrips and Bloods, made in America - https://amzn.to/4cxgYhpJeffrey Katzenberg - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_KatzenbergHighest Grossing Animated Films - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-grossing_animated_filmsJames Gurney Blog Post - Why Are Art Schools Closing? - jamesgurney.substack.com/p/why-are-art-schools-closingRadiorunner’s Curriculum - https://www.reddit.com/r/learnart/comments/dapk62/from_the_guy_who_made_the_most_comprehensive_list/Being Mortal by Atul Gawande - https://amzn.to/4dPNix3Andrew Huberman - https://www.hubermanlab.com/Simon Sinek - https://simonsinek.comSimon Sinek - Coronavirus Team Speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdSWReBrQukDon Richardson IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0724504/Edgar Müller sidewalk art - https://www.metanamorph.com/SLEW - https://slewniverse.com/Meet The Man Who Can Teach Anyone to Draw - https://youtu.be/Usry6gVEAcE?si=6OBw6M1Gb0fGvRa8In-Depth Tour of the Greatest Art Studio in California - https://youtu.be/R4ocBGf0614?si=UOaYZn76HIVtS7GnSLEW doc on Zac Crawford - This Artist Makes $1,000 Per Day Drawing People in NYC - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kA9Qk4HKa4Tim Ferriss - https://tim.blog/Maui Nui Venison Sticks - https://mauinuivenison.com/Perfect Bar - https://perfectsnacks.com/Artists Mentioned: Justin SweetVance KovacsVance’s Mouse Guard art - Old Greyfur Tells a Story.jpgArtists who studied at the closed American Academy of Art College in Chicago - Thomas Blackshear, Alex Ross, Richard Schmid, Howard Terpning, Gil Elvgren, Haddon SundblomRemedios Varo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 18min
Long Term Projects
Long-term projects require dedication, focus, and patience, often starting with a big goal and breaking it into smaller, manageable tasks. Marshall and Stan discuss the crucial way to stay motivated by celebrating small wins and maintaining a balance between work and rest to avoid burnout. Collaboration can help, but knowing when to delegate is key. The two also talk about embracing unexpected bursts of inspiration and using your most energetic times for critical tasks. Remember, saying no to less important things can help you focus on what truly matters.Learn to Draw - www.proko.comMarshall Vandruff - www.marshallart.comStan Prokopenko - instagram.com/stanprokopenkoShow Links (some contain affiliate links):Atoms shoes - https://atoms.com/Golden Mind Gold Milk - https://remedyorganics.com/Coconut Water - https://harmlessharvest.com/Kyoto Uji Matcha - https://www.ochaandco.com/CLARI-TI SuperShot (Blue Spirulina) - https://solti.com/23 Habits for Artists - Draftsmen S01E14 - https://youtu.be/WrKyzUMERKc?si=fYmxznu8jEGStBGPA Game of Pool - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOorjFsGNKUFigure Course - https://www.proko.com/figureAnatomy Course - https://www.proko.com/anatomyYoung Frankenstein - https://tv.apple.com/ca/movie/young-frankenstein/umc.cmc.qdwp732xvf641j94g9shwan7Daniel Pink Ted Talk - https://youtu.be/rrkrvAUbU9Y?si=Q39zREtWeoP45peMKen Burns Masterclass - https://www.masterclass.com/classes/ken-burns-teaches-documentary-filmmakingKen Burns Brooklyn Bridge Documentary - https://amzn.to/3WH3OZwFinal Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001) - https://amzn.to/3AkLxcNDesign Your Career with a Whiteboard - https://www.proko.com/whiteboardThe Art of Songwriting with Stephen Sondheim and Adam Guettel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TofC3KD-h8MThe Psychology of Performance by Dr. Eddie O’Connor - https://amzn.to/4dAkTM1Books:Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://amzn.to/3M0ZDCTSix Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono - https://amzn.to/3YCtZmFDrive by Daniel Pink - https://amzn.to/4cmCMfOWhen by Daniel Pink - https://amzn.to/4fHQU64Slow Productivity by Cal Newport - https://amzn.to/3M7W8KEZen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury - https://amzn.to/3SGL3nx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 6, 2024 • 54min
Cinematic Perspective
Dive into the fascinating world of cinematic storytelling as the hosts explore the power of camera angles, lighting, and color in shaping audience emotions. Discover how the techniques of classic filmmakers contrast with modern approaches to enhance narratives. They discuss the playful balance of visual flair and storytelling, using examples from popular films to illustrate their points. The conversation is enriched with humor and insights on breaking cinematic rules for creative impact, making for an engaging and enlightening experience!

Oct 10, 2023 • 43min
Are You Ready to Become a Comics Professional? Marvel and Proko Collaboration
Marvel artists and instructors share their journeys and offer advice for aspiring comic artists. Learn about consistency in art, character design tips, mastering visual storytelling, and the dedication needed for success in the industry.

Oct 3, 2023 • 42min
Stephen Bauman on Going From Graffiti to Fine Art
This episode follows painter Stephen Bauman's journey from graffiti artist to fine art professional. He discusses his beginnings tagging buildings in Miami, training at the prestigious Florence Academy, and developing his artistic skills and philosophy. Bauman provides insights into mastering figure drawing, finding inspiration, judging good art, and creating work that is beautifully crafted.Stephen Bauman - www.stephenbaumanartwork.com/Learn to Draw - www.proko.comStan Prokopenko - instagram.com/stanprokopenko Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 26, 2023 • 27min
Glenn Vilppu on Mastering Fundamentals and Developing Your Artistic Voice
Legendary artist and instructor Glenn Vilppu shares wisdom on mastering fundamentals and developing your artistic voice. From his training under old master artists to his transition from painting to animation, Vilppu emphasizes imagination over imitation. He provides tips on studying classical techniques, using anatomical references, and avoiding common mistakes like stiff gestures.

Sep 19, 2023 • 33min
Aaron Blaise on Traditional Animation, Disney, and Creating CreatureArtTeacher
Former Disney animator Aaron Blaise discusses his rapid journey to animating major characters at 21, losing his wife and leaving Disney, and starting an art education website to pass on artistic knowledge. Blaise also talks about his lifelong obsession with drawing animals, gaining inspiration from mentor Glen Keane, and the traditional hand-drawn animation process at Disney.Aaron Blaise - creatureartteacher.comLearn to Draw - www.proko.comStan Prokopenko - instagram.com/stanprokopenko Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 snips
Sep 12, 2023 • 1h 37min
Steve Huston on Figure Drawing, Artistic Philosophies and Teaching Art
This interview with Steve Huston covers his journey from comic books to fine art painting, his unique style combining realism with abstract expressionism, and his insights on figure drawing. Steve explains his mastery of lighting and form, approach to conveying emotion through art, and thoughts on engaging audiences. He also covers some of his artistic philosophies and the path it took to becoming a master painter and beloved instructor.Steve Huston - stevehustonart.comLearn to Draw - www.proko.comStan Prokopenko - instagram.com/stanprokopenko Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices