

Thoughts on Illustration
Tom Froese
Thoughts on Illustration is a bi-weekly podcast about Showing Up and Growing Up as a commercial artist. Join award-winning illustrator and top teacher, Mr. Tom Froese, as he shares valuable tips, insights, and reflections from his own experience as an illustrator. Tom wants to encourage his fellow creatives and help them get further on by sharing in a transparent, accessible way. If you are passionate about unlocking professional and personal creative fulfillment, you are invited to follow along as Tom does the same!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 15, 2025 • 25min
Re-wilding Your Digital Illustration Process
In this episode I share my recent thoughts on what it means to "Re-wild" my illustration process. Inevitably, this means my continued quest to bring more analogue elements back into my process, with the ultimate aim of increasing my joy in the creative process and in the work itself.IN THIS EPISODEHow style fatigue sparked a shift in my creative practiceReconnecting with analogue rootsRe-wilding as a way of bringing more joy to the creative processFinding analogue techniques that mimic digital tools (rather than the other way around)What does re-wilding mean for a commercial practice?SHOW LINKShttps://mrtomfroese.substack.com/p/re-wilding-my-digital-art-processHOW TO SUPPORTShare this episode with your friends!Like/Subscribe/Follow/Comment/ReviewBecome a $3 Supporter or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon. VIsit http://patreon.com/tomfroese to learn more.BECOME A DRAWING BUDDY- Live, monthly Draw With Me meetups- All past DWMs available as replays- Exclusive access to the DWM Discord Serverhttp://patreon.com/tomfroeseFIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.comInstagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantCREDITSMusic and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic

Apr 6, 2025 • 1h 2min
Overcoming Decision Paralysis in your Life and Work
Ever feel like you're stuck in a decision-making loop? Discover how decision paralysis can affect creativity and everyday choices. Learn tips to minimize options and make confident selections, especially in art. Find out why limiting your color palette can spark your unique style. Get insights on balancing personal projects with client work, and the importance of feedback. Overcome the overwhelm and embrace effective decision-making strategies!

Apr 1, 2025 • 1min
Episode 51 Coming Soon
With apologies! Stay tuned for Episode 51 — coming no later than April 8, 2025.

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 17min
Working with Editorial Art Directors with Mike Schnaidt
Working with Editorial Art Directors with Mike SchnaidtLearn how to make Clever Conceptual Illustrations in my new Skillshare class, Drawing Ideas — https://skl.sh/40dk9rKMike Schnaidt is the Creative Director at Fast Company, an Adjunct Professor at the School of Visual Arts (SVA), and author of Creative Endurance: 56 Rules for Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Your Goals.I picked Mike’s brain about all things Editorial Illustration, and invited him to share some deep insights on how to stave off burnout and keep going as a creative from his book, Creative Endurance.IN THIS EPISODEWhat is the difference between an art director and a creative director?What is the best way to reach out to an editorial client?Is Email or a Mailer the better way to get noticed?How do art directors discover new illustrators?What is the ONE THING you need to SHINE with your editorial clients?What is the state of illustration today?Is pursuing a career as an editorial illustrator a bad move in 2025?Mike’s last-minute choice to interview a total stranger he met in a coffee shop for his book — and how that changed the whole book for him.SHOW LINKSCreative Endurance (the book) — https://www.mikeschnaidt.com/creativeenduranceHelp Mike shape his next book — https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLScdjF1Kx4GDwqEdONKEvu349PCvxJUgydRLUMIdXxVLvVgWUg/viewform?usp=send_formMike’s Website: https://www.mikeschnaidt.comFollow Mike on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schnaidtHOW TO SUPPORTShare this episode with your friends on Social Media! Like, Comment, Follow, Subscribe! Become a $3 Fan or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon. Visit http://patreon.com/tomfroese to learn more.FIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.comInstagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantCREDITSMusic and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic

Mar 3, 2025 • 57min
5 Ways to Survive in 2025 as an Illustrator
Uncover five essential tips for illustrators navigating the bustling creative landscape of 2025. Learn how to diversify your definition of illustration and create memorable promotional mailers with innovative printing techniques. Discover strategies to stand out to art directors and maximize your portfolio's impact. Address emotional well-being through daily drawing practices to combat creative loneliness. Plus, hear how listener feedback shapes the conversation, fostering a vibrant community of creatives.

Feb 18, 2025 • 44min
How I Found My First Agent and Editorial Clients
Take "Drawing Ideas: Create Conceptual Illustrations for Editorial and Beyond " on Skillshare! - https://skl.sh/40dk9rK (Use my link to get 30 days free).Today I answer the question, “How did you approach getting representation and landing your first editorial clients?” Thanks to @sipcozyart on Threads for the question! IN THIS EPISODE How do you know when you’re ready to reach out to a rep? What do you say to an agent when you’re reaching out? What is an illustration rep/agent, and what do they do? How I found my rep, what I sent, and why I think it worked How I found my first editorial projects/clients And more!SHOW LINKSIllustration Coaching - http://tomfroese.com/coachingMy Classes - http://tomfroese.com/teachingSecret Random Episode (on Patreon) - https://www.patreon.com/posts/secret-random-48-122527763HOW TO SUPPORT Share this episode with your friends on Social Media! Like, Comment, Follow, Subscribe! Become a $3 Fan or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon. Visit http://patreon.com/tomfroese to learn more.CREDITSMusic and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathleticFIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.comInstagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportant

Feb 4, 2025 • 57min
Jess Miller on Losing Everything in the LA Fires
Take "Drawing Ideas: Create Conceptual Illustrations for Editorial and Beyond " on Skillshare! - https://skl.sh/40dk9rK (Use my link to get 30 days free).
Jess Miller is a designer, illustrator and educator based in LA. She joins me to share her story of losing everything in the Eton fire and how her community, near and far, are rallying to support her as she starts her life all over again.
IN THIS EPISODE
Using social media as a life-line
"Dead inside" — Why going back to work is so hard
Why GoFundMe is necessary after disaster strikes
Having to choose what to keep when you leave all else behind
Why GoFundMe is necessary after disaster strikes
The kindness of strangers
SHOW LINKS
LA Fires Funds + Resource Log (shared by Agent Pekka) — https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XoTlgtYuPQ1tD1FSJnJzzWa7XSi3YO9orlY9cIWX3uQ/edit?gid=910889114#gid=910889114
Jess Miller's GoFundMe — https://gofund.me/1508aee5
Venmo: @jessmillerdraws
PayPal: jess@jessmillerdraws.com
My 2024 Annual Review on Substack — https://open.substack.com/pub/mrtomfroese/p/2024-the-year-in-review
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Share this episode with your friends on Social Media!
Like, Comment, Follow, Subscribe!
Become a $3 Fan or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon. Visit http://patreon.com/tomfroese to learn more.
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
Work and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.com
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroese
Daily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportant

Jan 21, 2025 • 54min
Can you earn a living from illustration alone in 2025?
The discussion dives into the potential of making a living solely from illustration by 2025. Insights reveal that many illustrators earn more from teaching and passive income sources like Patreon. Tips for diversifying income streams are shared, emphasizing the importance of stability in creative careers. Heartfelt stories emerge from the community, particularly those affected by the LA fires. The hosts celebrate listener feedback and connection, highlighting how shared experiences strengthen the creative family.

Jan 7, 2025 • 50min
Reflections on 2024. Predictions for 2025.
Take "Drawing Ideas: Create Conceptual Illustrations for Editorial and Beyond " on Skillshare! - https://skl.sh/40dk9rK (Use my link to get 30 days free).
In this episode I reflect on the last trip around the sun and make some bold predictions for 2025. Be warned, I went commando in this episode — no script, no idea of how the show would go — but I think I pulled off a meaningful, if not personable, episode. (I'm speaking figuratively — I was wearing underpants, and pants, the whole time). Enjoy!
IN THIS EPISODE
Was 2024 better than my worst year ever (2023)?
Why I'm feeling optimistic about 2025
Thoughts on aging, time acceleration, and how I perceive "the present moment".
Highlights and Struggles of the year
Predictions for the state of illustration by year-end
SHOW LINKS
Take my new class! Drawing Ideas: Create Conceptual Illustrations for Editorial and Beyond - https://skl.sh/40dk9rK
Substack (where I will publish my written annual review) - http://mrtomfroese.substack.com
HOW TO SUPPORT
Share this episode with your friends on Social Media!
Like, Comment, Follow, Subscribe!
Become a $3 Fan or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon. Visit http://patreon.com/tomfroese to learn more.
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
Work and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.com
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroese
Daily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportant

Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 26min
Moving from Adobe to Procreate with Kyle T. Webster
Kyle T. Webster, a prominent digital illustration brush creator who transitioned from Adobe to Procreate, shares insights into his journey. He discusses the challenges at Adobe and the artist-first ethos at Procreate that drew him in. Listeners learn about the key differences in brush creation between Procreate and Photoshop, the exciting features of Procreate's brush engine, and the community-driven culture that fosters creativity. Kyle also hints at the upcoming Procreate v6, sparking curiosity about future innovations.


