Pencil Kings | Inspiring Artist Interviews with Today's Best Artists

  Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ “You can teach yourself so much from the internet these days” ~ Michael Cawood. Want to know how to make an animated short film? In this week’s interview, we speak to Michael Cawood, creator of the award-winning Devils, Angels & Dating, about his exciting new project, The Wrong Rock. You'll hear what it was like to work on big name movies, such as The Mummy, Happy Feet, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, but you'll also get a fascinating insight into what it's like to work on your own animated short film. So, if making an animated movie has been a dream of yours for some time (but you just didn't know how to get started), then check it out... Because you just might pick up all the advice and motivation you need to start work on your passion project right now. Interview Chapters  [00:37-08:21] Introduction and Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, UK-based artist and animator, Michael Cawood. In this chapter, you’ll hear how he got started using his dad’s computer, and how the skills he learned at college eventually led him to work on big name movies such as The Mummy, Happy Feet, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. [09:07-20:01] What was the Idea Behind Making The Wrong Rock? In this chapter, Michael reveals the ideas behind his new animated short film, The Wrong Rock. You’ll hear how he developed his initial concepts and characters, and why reaching out to creatives across the world helped him put together a team to bring his project to life. [20:36-21:05] How can you get Started on Your own Short Animated Film? Want to get started on your own short animated film but don’t know what your first steps should be? In this section, Michael talks about all the resources available to artists online, and why learning new skills are now within everyone’s reach. [21:24-03:41] What Motivated Michael to Make The Wrong Rock? For Michael, making The Wrong Rock is an opportunity to express his creativity and tell a story that resonates deeply with him. But is he expecting to make money out of this project, too? In this chapter, you’ll hear why his reasons for making this film go beyond financial matters, and why working on so-called ‘passion projects’ can actually lead to well-paid career opportunities. You’ll hear why members of his team volunteered their time and experience, and why it’s so important for people to lend their support to independent creative projects. [34:43-43:34 ] Where can you Find out More About The Wrong Rock? Want to find out more about The Wrong Rock and how you can support this project? In this chapter, Michael points you in the right direction and talks about all the perks available to people who want to get behind him and his team. For example, if you’re interested in making your own animated short film, you’ll be able to follow along with the project at every stage and see how it was developed. By the time his film is finished, Michael says there’ll be around 100 different edits for people to choose from, so you’ll be able to see how every single aspect of The Wrong Rock came together. [43:35-45:38] Conclusion Mitch wraps up today’s interview and Michael talks about the final preparations for launching his short animated film, The Wrong Rock.

Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be done. You can always rework it.” ~ Katie Buckleitner. Want to become a magazine designer or illustrator but don’t know where to start? In this week’s interview, we hear how Katie Buckleitner landed her dream job as a digital designer for one of the world’s most iconic publications, Cosmopolitan Magazine, in New York. You’ll hear how she worked on her skills and transitioned into graphic design after initially studying fine art at college, and you’ll find out how you can do the same by developing standout personal projects to put in your portfolio. And, you’ll get a fascinating insight into the fast-paced world of a leading magazine and what it’s really like to work in this exciting environment. Interview Chapters [00:38-02:10] Introduction and Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Katie Buckleitner, a digital designer for Cosmopolitan Magazine in New York. In this chapter, she talks about her background as an artist and designer, including the previous work experience which led up to Katie landing her dream job.   [02:19-02:39] What Does the Creative Industry Mean to Katie? The ‘creative industry’ is a broad term that encompasses many different areas, including fine art, graphic design, illustration, video games and much, much more. But how does Katie define the industry in her own terms...and how does she feel to be a part of it? [02:53-03:05] Did Katie Always Work as a Digital Designer? These days, Katie’s duties involve designing cool stuff specifically for online publication. But did she always work in this area...or did she cut her teeth working as a print designer beforehand? [03:22-03:41] What’s it Like to Land Your Dream Job as a Designer in New York? On paper, Katie’s job sounds ideal. But what’s it live and work in New York...and how does it feel to be part of the team on the number-one young women’s magazine in the world? [03:59-04:48 ] How Did Katie Get Started in her Career? Katie has landed her dream job at Cosmo, but how did she get started as an artist? In this chapter, you’ll hear how her earlier experiences as a fine art student and keen interest in fashion eventually led to her becoming a digital designer. [05:43-19:14] Did Katie Have a Job Lined up Before Moving to New York? Many young artists and designers dream of moving to a big city such as New York and finding their dream role. But does it really ever work out like that? In this chapter, Katie reveals why she took the decision to move to the ‘big apple’...and why the advice of her art tutors in college turned out to be right after all. [06:12-09:20] How Long did it Take Katie to Find her Dream job? Finding her dream job didn’t happen immediately for Katie. In fact, it was only after months of applying that she found her position at Cosmo. In this chapter, she reveals what she thinks helped her land this role...and how you can take the same steps in your own creative career by having a portfolio that gets you noticed. [10:02-11:36] What has Katie Learned From Working on Personal Projects? Although Katie started out as a fine artist, her portfolio gradually developed to incorporate many of the design elements which also interest her. So what did she learn from working on personal projects...and how can doing this help you build a varied portfolio, too? [12:48-13:55] How is Being a Designer Different to Being a Fine Artist? Although fine art and graphic design fall under the same banner of ‘creative careers’, there are lots of differences between these two areas. In this section, you’ll hear how Katie switched from one to the other, but why she still loves to wind down after a hard day at the computer by picking up her sketchbook and pencil. [14:06-14:47] How Does Katie Find Time to Work on Personal Projects? Like many of us, Katie sometimes feels drained after a day in the office and doesn’t always have the mental energy to start working on personal projects. However, she gets around this by motivating herself to do paintings as gifts for friends, or pursuing her other passion for interior design. So, if you work a 9-5 and often find yourself lacking in motivation for making art, this chapter should give you some good ideas to incorporate into your regular lifestyle. [15:21-19:50] Did Katie aim for a Particular Style in her Portfolio? When you’re putting together your portfolio, you might wonder if you should be producing work in a particular style to get noticed. In this chapter, Katie explains why she feels her love of infographics and attention to design principles such as visual hierarchy helped her create a body of work which stood out from the rest. And, in this section, you’ll hear why many of these principles are such a key part of her current role as a digital designer. [20:03-22:53] What Does a Typical day Working at Cosmopolitan Look Like? As the number-one magazine in the world for young women, it’s safe to say an average day working at Cosmopolitan can get pretty busy. In this chapter, Katie describes what her day looks like as digital designer and gives you a fascinating insight into a world of deadlines, huge amounts of content, and having a great team of people to work with. [23:03-23:43] What’s Next for Katie? Where does Katie see her career moving in future? In this chapter, she talks about her current interests (such as photoshoots and art direction), and how she can see herself moving forward to incorporate these into her job in the future. [23:44-25:38] Conclusion Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Katie Buckleitner and tells you where to see more of her work online.

Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ “Just let go of any intention towards making a cool drawing, and somehow that cool drawing comes of itself.” ~ Ian Ingram. Art and mindfulness are closely linked,, but what really happens in your brain when you put pencil to paper and lose yourself completely in your art? In this interview, hyperrealist artist, Ian Ingram, explains why he swapped the craziness of US city life for the more relaxed surroundings of a seaside town in Mexico… ...and why not being bombarded with advertising and the demands of 21st century culture has helped him find a new inner calm where he’s free to let his imagination roam. Interview Chapters [00:49-03:28] Introduction and Overview Your host. Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Ian Ingram, an American hyperrealist artist now based in Mexico. Having worked primarily in charcoal for the last 15 years, he’s recently started creating highly detailed self-portraits in oils which explore the human condition in deep and incredibly powerful detail.   [04:18-06:53] Why Did Ian Move to Mexico? A few years ago, Ian and his family made the bold decision to swap the hustle and bustle of urban American life for the more serene surroundings of a small coastal town in Mexico. In this chapter, he explains why he did this, and how escaping the noise of the city has helped him find a new inner calm. [07:58-10:03] How Did Moving to Mexico Change Ian’s Life as an Artist? Since moving, Ian has found it’s not only his lifestyle that’s changed - his new surroundings have also had a positive effect on his creative process as an artist. In this chapter, he explains how this happened, and reveals why leaving city life behind has helped him discover who he really is as a person. [10:27-11:50] What Stage was Ian’s Career at When he Moved? Do you need to establish yourself as an artist before moving somewhere new? In this chapter, Ian talks about his career so far, and why big changes regarding his agent and galleries led to him starting afresh in a new town and seeking new inspiration from his surroundings. [12:42-15:59] Was Moving to Mexico Easy? In this chapter, Ian reveals the struggles he faced in adjusting to life in a new country and continuing to develop as an artist. On one hand, he wasn’t feeling overwhelmed by modern life any more...but, on the other, it took many months of hard work and intense concentration to produce many of his more recent paintings. [16:41-19:14] What’s the Reality of Working as an Artist in a new Country? Many of us have a fantasy about a new life in a different country, but how does this differ from reality? In this chapter, Ian explains how his vision of life compared to the practical realities of working as an artist in Mexico, and how these changes eventually filtered into the art he started making.   [20:28-22:38] Art and Mindfulness. Why Creativity is the Perfect Tool for Meditation. Ian believes art and mindfulness are strongly linked, and that the creative process is the perfect tool for meditation. In this chapter, he explains how intense concentration on drawing an object can help unlock parts of the subconscious mind, and why so many people can benefit from this in their daily lives. [22:52-38:57] How has Mindfulness Influenced Ian’s Teaching Methods and his art? In this chapter, Ian explains his teaching methods and philosophy on art in great detail. You’ll hear why he believes the eye is superior to the brain in how we perceive and interpret things, and why certain works of art resonate with us on a deeper level than others. If you’re looking for a fascinating insight into the mind of a fine artist, you’ll find plenty of food for thought in this section. [40:35-42:27] Conclusion and Where to Find Ian Online In this final chapter, you’ll hear Ian’s final thoughts on the creative process as he shares some of the biggest insights and advice from his career as an artist so far. You’ll also find out where to see more of his work online.

Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ “There are so many moments in your daily life when you can actually draw! Lunch break is half an hour, you’ve finished your sandwiches in 20. 10 minutes left...what do you do? Do you go and check your Facebook status, or do you draw? If you want to be a better artist, you draw.” ~ Iris Compiet. Want to know how to have a successful art career and build your audience? In this week’s interview, fantasy artist and illustrator, Iris Compiet, reveals how concentrating on her creative career and sketching and posting daily enabled her to quit her day job as a graphic designer and become a full-time illustrator.  This inspiring interview contains the blueprint for anyone wanting to build an art career on their own terms, from how to balance your day job with your creative passion, to posting daily, finding what resonates with the audience you're building, making connections and so much more. Iris really is a shining example of what's possible when you finally make the decision to make the jump and stop making excuses for yourself. It takes time and hard work, but the steps are easy to understand and available to anyone… Interview Chapters [00:37-03:11] Introduction and Overview Your host. Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Iris Compiet, a fantasy artist and illustrator from the Netherlands. She’s about to launch her book, Faeries of The Faultlines, thanks to a Kickstarter campaign which has already raised more than 88,000 Euros! So, how did she get started and end up actually living her dream of becoming a full-time artist? [03:12-05:43] Was Quitting Her Day Job a Difficult Decision? Iris always dreamed of becoming an illustrator, but actually ended up working as a graphic designer for 16 years. So what made her decide to take the plunge...and did she have an action plan? [06:17-08:21] How Did Iris Become an Illustrator? Iris didn’t suddenly wake up one day and decide to become an illustrator. Instead, she juggled her day job as a graphic designer with improving her art skills...and, eventually, she was able to concentrate on making art full time. But how did she manage to make time for all this? [05:56-09:34] Where Can You Find Out More About Faeries of The Faultlines? When Iris had the idea for her book, Faeries of The Faultlines, she had a clear end product in mind - a beautifully illustrated and printed book which she hopes will inspire generations. But how did she go about bringing this product to life and raising enough money on Kickstarter to make it happen? [09:53-13:18] How Did Iris Get Serious About Becoming an Artist? Iris made the decision to become a full-time fantasy artist five years before she quit her day job as a graphic designer. So what did she do to start working towards her dream? In this chapter, you’ll hear how she got her priorities straight, invested in her future, and focused completely on where she wanted to be... [13:42-19:12] How Did Iris Build a Successful Brand as an Artist? After having made the decision to become an artist, Iris also worked hard on developing her brand and getting her work seen. In this chapter, you’ll find out exactly how she did this, and why sketching daily and posting your work can lead on to bigger things than you might think... [20:28-22:44] How Can You Make Time For Art in Your Life? Finding the time to actually make art can be a real issue for many people. So how did Iris manage to fit daily sketching into her daily routine? In this chapter, you’ll hear how to manage your time more efficiently and fit art into your schedule - no matter how busy you are. [23:16-29:08] How Did Iris Become a Main Stage Artist at Illuxcon? Becoming a main stage artist at Illuxcon in Pennsylvania, USA, was one of the many highlights of Iris’ creative career so far. So how did she get there...and how did this help her art career? [30:03-42:20] What Kind of Work Did Iris Show at Illuxcon? Choosing the right work to show at any art or comic con can be difficult, so how did Iris decide which pieces to show? In this chapter, you’ll hear how she prepared for this hugely popular and highly-regarded art event. [32:45-35:08] How Did Taking Part in Art Challenges Help Boost Iris’ Audience? Iris took part in many of the popular art challenges on Instagram, such as #junefae and #mermay , which she says helped boost her following significantly. So how can you build your audience on social media using the same approach? [35:37-43:12] How Did Iris Launch Her Kickstarter Campaign? As we mentioned earlier, Iris always had an end product in mind when she began preparing for her Kickstarter campaign and book launch. But how did this take shape as the months went by and how did Iris find inspiration for her project? In this chapter, you’ll hear why she believes in making art that stays true to you as a person...and why your passion for your art will always shine through in the quality of your work if you do. [43:13-47:09] Conclusion If you’re interested in buying Faeries of the Faultlines and boosting your art skills at the same time, you might like to know about our special offer for anyone who purchases Iris’ book. You’ll get the full details of how to take advantage of this deal in this chapter, along with information about another exciting art project...

Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ Want to know how to ask for feedback from an artist and take the next steps in your creative career? This episode will show you how to ask for feedback the right way, so the artist feedback you receive will be as on point as possible. It doesn't matter if you want to work in a studio or you want to work as a freelancer... Because, when you follow these key points, the feedback you receive will always be the most helpful it can be: Have a visual quality target example Who are you designing your portfolio for? Have at least 4 pieces that show what you are going for Educate yourself about the market you want to enter BONUS: How much time per day are you spending on your art? Interview Chapters [00:38-01:04] Introduction and Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, talks about the subject of today’s short podcast episode, and reveals what inspired him to put together this handy resource of actionable tips and advice to help you take the next steps in your art career. So, whether you want to work as a freelance illustrator or in a studio environment, be sure to check out the key takeaways from this podcast. Because the next 20 minutes might just give you all the light bulb moments you’ve been looking for. [01:05-02:51] What’s Your Target and Where are you Trying to get to in Your Work? If you’re wondering how to get feedback from an artist, one of the first things you’ll want to do is make sure you have a specific target in mind. Why? Because, if the person reviewing your portfolio has an idea of where you’re trying to get to, it’ll make it a whole lot easier for them to offer you their advice. For example, if you want to become a comic book artist, then it makes total sense to show someone an example of your work that fits this style, along with something by another artist you admire to compare it to. [02:52-05:47] Think About who you are Designing or Making art for Making art is one thing, but it’s going to be difficult to sell this to anybody without a target audience in mind. Therefore, it’s always worth thinking about the kind of people who might like your work. For example, if pet portraits are your thing, then your target audience is likely to be people who love animals. After all, you wouldn’t try and sell a stack of smoked ribs to vegetarians, so why take the risk with your own art? Find out where your audience hangs out and reach out them! And, if you want to work in a studio, you’ll also find all the advice you need to get your work seen by the right people in this chapter.      [05:48-06:36] Have at Least 4 Pieces of Work to Show People Once you’ve established your target audience and have a clear idea of where you want to get to, put the 4 pieces of work which best demonstrate this into your portfolio. This will help the artist reviewing your work get a better picture of your style and highlight any areas that need a little more work. [06:38-08:42] Educate Yourself About the Market You’re Trying to get Into Having established your target market or audience, it’s also a great idea to do some research on them. For example, if you want to become a video game concept artist, you’ll want to find out what goes on behind the scenes on a daily basis. To do this, read books, articles and interviews on the subject, follow artists who work in this field on social media, and generally gather as much information as you can about the industry. If you already know someone who works in your chosen field, ask them what a typical day looks like. The more knowledge you have, the easier it will be to tailor your portfolio accordingly. [08:44-12:57] How Much Time per day are you Spending on Your art? As with anything else in life, you’ll need to put the time in if you want to pursue a career as an artist. But just how much time should you be spending on your art each day? In this chapter, you’ll learn how to make the most of your time and make real progress with your art. It won’t always be easy, and it won’t happen overnight...but if you’re wondering how to get feedback on your art and take the next steps with your career, it’s important for the artist reviewing your work to know you’re serious about it. [12:58-18:33] Recap on how to ask for Feedback From an Artist In the final chapter of this short podcast, Mitch recaps the key points from each section and tells you how to start moving towards your goals as an artist. You’ll also hear some exciting news about our partnership with Shane Madden’s Illustration Lighthouse, and how artists all over the world are already benefiting from the advice in this course.

Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ PK 148: What Does it Really Take to Make it as a Fine Artist? “It takes application and it’s hard work, but that’s no different to building any other kind of career. Nothing comes easy!” ~ Barney Davey. What does it really take to make it as a fine artist? In this week’s interview, Barney Davey from www.artmarketingnews.com shares some of the biggest insights gained from years of experience in the art market and holds nothing back as he dives deep into what it takes to make a career as an artist. So, if you’re keen to start building a career as a working artist (but don’t know what your next steps should be), then prepare to be enlightened. Because the advice and information in this interview might just be what you’ve been looking for all along... Interview Chapters [00:37-02:02] Introduction and Overview Your host. Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Barney Davey, an expert in the art industry with more than 30 years’ experience helping artists make sales. In this chapter, he explains how he does this, and why his website has developed over the years into an indispensable resource for artists all over the world. [02:07-02:28] What Kind of Artists Does Barney Work With? Over the years, Barney has worked with a wide range of artists to help them develop their careers and market their work to the right markets. But what kind of artists are most likely to go to him for help? You’ll find out in this chapter. [02:36-04:33] Why Barney Doesn’t Subscribe to The ‘Starving Artist’ Myth Many people believe it’s impossible to make a living from art and refer back to the image of ‘the starving artist’ to make their point. But is this really the case...or is it just a myth we need to move away from in our careers? In this chapter, Barney explains why he believes any artist can turn their creativity into a sustainable business with the right approach to marketing and networking. [05:56-12:47] What Type of Art Should You be Making to Have a Successful Career? The fine art business can be confusing at first. On one hand, you see abstract or controversial works changing hands for millions, while on the other, you see artists struggling to get their work accepted in galleries or make sales. So what kind of art should you be making in order to make a good regular income from your work and which kind of clients should you reach out to? In this chapter, Barney shares some of the key takeaways from his extensive career in the art industry...and reveals why you may not need as many customers as you might think. [13:47-17:22] How Should You Price Your Artwork to Generate a Good Income? Some artists make the mistake of pricing their work low in a bid to attract customers, but Barney believes this approach is counter-productive. And, in this chapter, you’ll hear why he feels finding the right audience, working hard, and building your art career are more important things to focus on for long-term success. [18:10-24:33] What Are The Most Common Stumbling Blocks For Artists? Does Barney’s approach work for everyone….or do you need to have a certain mindset to success in the art market? In this chapter, he reveals many of the pitfalls he’s experienced from years of working with artists, and explains why he believes there’s a certain trade-off between the work you want to make for yourself...and the work that’s actually going to start bringing the dollars in. [25:12-32:05] Is Becoming a Professional Artist The Right Career Choice For You? Even though you love making art, becoming a professional artist and carving out a creative career might not be the best route for you to take. Why? In this chapter, Barney explains how to be honest with yourself and establish whether you have a viable art business or not. [32:21-34:14] What if You Aren’t Prepared to Market Yourself as an Artist? Love making art but don’t want to market yourself? Then here comes the cold water. In this chapter, you’ll hear why promoting your work to others is the crucial difference between professional and hobby artists, and why marketing doesn’t always have to feel ‘icky’. [34:46-42:20] How Does Barney Work With Artists And Help Them? Barney’s website is already a treasure trove of super-useful bounty for artists, but what are the new ways in which he’s working with people to help them get the most from their creative careers? In this chapter, he talks about the idea behind his new Art Business Book Club, and reveals what motivates him to keep helping artists reach their full potential. You’ll also hear about where to find Barney online, and how to take advantage of his free initial consultation service. [43:08-46:48] Conclusion Mitch wraps up today’s interview, and Barney offers some final thoughts and advice for any artists who are keen to take the next step in their careers.

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/ “You have to do the legwork. I strongly believe you have to go to the conventions and physically meet people.” ~ Kensuke Okabayashi Want to know how to become an illustrator? This week, we speak to Kensuke Okabayashi, creator of the bestselling book, Manga for Dummies, and an artist who has worked on all kinds of projects, including Magic The Gathering . So how did he get started in the industry and get his first big break? In this in-depth interview, you’ll get a fascinating insight into what it’s really like to work as an illustrator and commercial artist in the fast-paced world of game studios and advertising agencies. You’ll hear why traditional skills such as drawing and oil painting still form the foundations of a successful career as an artist, and why actually getting out there and meeting people is just as important as keeping your social media channels updated. Interview Chapters [00:00-02:07] Introduction and Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Kensuke Okabayashi. In this chapter, you'll hear about his work on Magic The Gathering, creating the Amazon bestseller, Manga for Dummies, and his current career as a storyboard artist in the fast-paced world of New York’s many design agencies. [02:19-03:14] Kensuke on his Latest Graphic Novel Project, The Foreigner When he’s not busy working on storyboards or book illustrations, Kensuke has found time to work on his graphic novel project, The Foreigner. After successfully funding this title on Kickstarter last summer, he’s now adding the finishing touches with a view to publishing it in the next few weeks. [03:46-05:14] How did Kensuke get Started in his Career as an Artist? Incredibly, Kensuke didn’t actually go to art school at first. Although he always loved Manga comics as a kid, he couldn’t find enough support in his native Japan to further his career as an artist. So, after an initial attempt to join the studio team behind Star Blazers as an apprentice fell through, he decided to ‘play it safe’ and opt for a career in childcare. However, it wasn’t too long before he felt burned out and expressed his real dream of going to art school and becoming an artist to his parents... [05:27-07:23] What was art School Like for Kensuke? Soon after deciding to pursue a career in art, Kensuke enrolled at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York. What was his time there like and which fundamental skills did he learn? In this chapter, you’ll hear how his enduring passion for oil painting started, and why he came to the conclusion that focusing solely on Manga and comic books wasn’t necessarily going to be the best career option for the future. [08:31-10:10] Why is it so Important to be Adaptable as an Artist and Develop Your Own Style? Although many people dream of becoming a rock star comic book artist, the reality of working in this industry is often quite different. In this chapter, you’ll hear why Kensuke believes it’s so important to be open to lots of different career routes as an artist, and why developing your own signature style is a great way to stand out from the crowd. [10:38-11:36] How is the Manga Industry in Japan Different to the Comic Book Industry in America? While the American comic book industry is dominated by huge studios such as Marvel and DC, the Manga scene in Japan offers a wide range of scope for artists. In fact, you can buy a Manga comic on just about any topic you can imagine! In this chapter, Kensuke shares his insights into the Manga industry, and explains why he feels it offers much more potential for creative growth than the more rigid framework of the big American companies. [11:43-12:37] What did Kensuke do After Art School? After leaving art school, Kensuke was fortunate enough to land a book illustration gig via one of his tutors. From there, he made sure he went to as many comic cons as possible, which is where he met the art director behind Magic The Gathering. After this, he continued to reach out and make contacts, which is how he got a foot in the door of New York’s bustling advertisement and entertainment agencies and continued to grow his career... [13:35-15:30] How did Kensuke get Noticed at San Diego Comic Con? Although Kensuke’s art career sounds incredibly easy and straightforward so far, he naturally had to prove himself to art directors and other clients first. In this chapter, he reveals how he first landed the gig working on Magic The Gathering, and why it’s often a great idea to step out of your comfort zone and put everything you have into something you might not have tried before. [16:40-21:44] How did Kensuke get his Graphic Novel Project Finished? Creating a graphic novel is a huge undertaking. Not only do you have to have a great story to begin with, you’ve also got lots of other things to consider, such as editing, typography, coloring, illustration and much, much more. So how did Kensuke even begin to put his project together? In this chapter, you’ll learn a lot about the importance of teamwork and reaching out to fellow artists. You’ll discover why it’s ok to admit you’re not the greatest at absolutely everything. And, you’ll also hear why keeping in touch with your old buddies from art school can pay dividends when you start working on a big project. [22:34-25:14] How do you Promote a Graphic Novel? The business and promotion side to an art project is equally as important as the creative side. But how do you even go about promoting your art to others? In this chapter, Kensuke shares his experiences of putting together a graphic novel, and reveals why overcoming social awkwardness or shyness is one of the key ways to help get your creative project out there. [25:52-33:35] What’s it Like to Work in the Advertising and Entertainment Industries? These days, Kensuke often works in the relentlessly fast-paced world of New York’s many advertising agencies. Although it can often be a high-pressure environment, Kensuke has picked up many tips along the way to help him rise above the stress and get his work done. And, in this insightful chapter, he shares many of them with you. [33:49-41:53] What’s Next for Kensuke? Kensuke has packed so much into his creative career already, but what’s next on the horizon? In this chapter, you’ll hear what really inspires him, and why he feels there’s still so much he wants to explore as an artist. You’ll also hear why Kensuke believes social media is so important for artists, but that it’s only truly effective if you combine this marketing strategy with going out and meeting people face-to-face. [42:11-44:00] Conclusion and Where to see Kensuke’s Work Online Mitch wraps up today’s interview, and Kensuke tells you about all the places you can see his work online. So, whether you’re a fan of Manga or just want to learn more about how to become an illustrator, this final chapter should give you everything you’re looking for.

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.

Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ Want to know how to make a video game? In this week's podcast, we speak to freelance concept artist, Nik Hagialas. When his main source of income dried up, he decided to put his time to good use and do something he'd always wanted to do - create his own video game. So, he started expanding on the coding skills he'd already learned in college and, working with a developer buddy, eventually came up with the concept of Mask of Semblance. In this interview, you'll hear how he taught himself to use the game development software, Unity, through watching YouTube tutorials. And, you'll discover that if you're prepared to work hard at something, there's no reason why you can't develop and release your own video game, too. Interview Chapters [00:00-02:57] Introduction and Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Nikolas Hagialas. In this chapter, you'll hear about his creative career so far, and why he's decided that now is the time to release his new video game, Mask of Semblance. [04:30-05:52] Launching a Successful Video Game can be Really Tough. How has Nik Prepared for This? Lots of new video games are launched every year, but very few actually make it past the Kickstarter stage. What has Nik done to prepare himself for this, and why is he launching a video game at this stage of his creative career? [06:28-07:22] What's The Worst That Could Happen...And What Can You Do If It Does? When launching any new creative project, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan if things don't work out. So what can you do if your project isn't as successful as you'd hoped it would be? [07:30-13:36] What is Mask of Semblance About...and Where is Nik at with it? In this chapter, Nik explains the concept behind his video game, Mask of Semblance, and why he believes it offers something different to lots of other game titles out there. [15:34-17:36] How is Nik Getting Others Excited About His Video Game? Developing your video game is one thing, but how do you get potential investors and consumers excited about it? In this chapter, Nik talks about creating demos and showreels to help generate a buzz around a new video game. [18:04-20:25] How Did Nik get Started With Mask of Semblance? Many of us have great ideas about projects, but lots of them never really get off the ground. So how did Nik get started with Mask of Semblance? Did he start with a story or a character...and how did he then start building this into a fully-fledged video game? [21:28-27:52] Which Skills do you Need to Make a Video Game? Being good at art is one thing, but which other skills do you need to develop and launch a video game? In this chapter, you'll hear how Nik put his skills in other areas, such as math and languages, to good use when developing his project. And, you'll hear how he built upon the coding skills he learned at college to master the game development software, Unity. [28:13-31:18] What if Your Friends and Family Don't Understand Why You're Doing This? Friends and family don't always understand what it means to be an artist and spend countless hours developing a project. So how has Nik been able to put his dream project first without the usual distractions? [31:51-37:11] What Motivates Nik To Do This? Finding the inspiration and motivation necessary to complete a project can sometimes be tricky, so how has Nik stayed on track...and what has he found to be the most important factor in getting your ideas out there and reaching people? [38:13-39:24] Conclusion Where can you find out more about Mask of Semblance and Nik's other work? This concluding chapter will give you all the info you need.