

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

Dec 10, 2024 • 32min
How Do You Know When an Illustration is Done?
"An artwork is never finished, only abandoned." This is apparently a quote from Leonardo Da Vinci. If one of the greatest artists of all time had trouble knowing when his work was finished, then it's no wonder the rest of us do as well.
In this episode, I share some ideas on what it means to complete a work, how to know when you should call it done, and if that's not possible, how to responsibly abandon it.
At the end I share some important news about the future of the podcast.
IN THIS EPISODE
A new definition of "perfection"
Missing the mark: Is your work "sinful"?
How to know when a work is done
Overcoming perfectionism in client work and personal projects
News about the future of this podcast
SHOW LINKS
Take Drawing Towards Illustration on Skillshare. Learn how to connect how you draw with how you illustrate.
https://www.tomfroese.com/teaching/drawing-towards-illustration
HOW TO SUPPORT
Share this episode with your friends on Social Media!
Like, Comment, Follow, Subscribe!
Become a 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

Nov 26, 2024 • 27min
Embracing Hand-made in Your Work
In the age of AI, it's time to double down on being a human. That means things like bringing more hand-influenced spontaneity into, and embracing analogue processes in, your art. In this episode I share how I'm doing this in my own practice and how it's bringing me more joy and even creating new opportunities for me. By listening to this episode, you'll learn how to embrace your own humanity to re-spark your joy and feel more connected in your everyday practice as an illustrator.

Nov 12, 2024 • 42min
Consistency is The Key to Success
Delve into the vital role of consistency in achieving success as an illustrator. Learn how mindful practices, akin to marathon training, can elevate goal-setting and productivity. Explore the evolution of your unique artistic style through regular experimentation. Discover how consistent creative efforts can help overcome self-doubt and foster a distinct voice. With practical tips and personal insights, this discussion highlights how discipline in art can lead to both mastery and fulfillment.

Nov 5, 2024 • 1min
Episode 41 Postponed - November 5, 2024
Today's scheduled epsiode (Episode 41) will be postponed until next week. Stay kind!

Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 15min
The Illustrator's Guide with James Hughes
In this episode I chat with James Hughes about his new book, The Illustrator's Guide, a comprehensive, motivational handbook for artists trying to break into the freelance illustration market. James is an agent at Folio Illustration and Animation Agency, representing some 60 illustrators around the world. Taking advice from James means learning from someone who sits at the front lines of both illustrators and the clients who hire them every day.

Oct 8, 2024 • 40min
Listen to This if You're Bored With Your Style
Develop a Drawing Habit in 30 Days. Take my class, Drawing Is Important – https://www.tomfroese.com/teaching/drawing-is-important. Use my links to get 30 days free on Skillshare.
In this episode of My Thoughts on Illustration, I dive deep into my recent experience with a style crisis and how I turned to a daily drawing challenge to reignite my creativity.

Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 53min
Making the Big Leap with Martina Flor
Skillshare class promo link
In this episode I talk with lettering artist Martina Flor. Martina started as a designer in Argentina, but she soon discovered the joy of hand lettering. From there she built a successful career as a lettering artist, which has now become a small empire of inspiring work, masterclasses, coaching groups, books, and even a podcast. Of course, she couldn’t do all of this on her own. She’s built an entire team around her so she can focus more on doing what she loves most, while being able to grow her business well beyond what she could do alone. As she puts it best, ““There’s no progress in isolation.”

Sep 10, 2024 • 34min
Let Your Ideas Gain Interest Over Time
Take Drawing is Important on Skillshare — https://skl.sh/3UWWY00 — Use my link to get 30 free days on the platform!
Just like saving money in the bank, your drawings can gain interest over time. In this episode I explain how this works, and I share how this principle has yielded both creative and financial rewards in my own life. I open up the episode with some recap from the summer! In the end you’ll learn how to set your daily drawing practice up for success with my 5-step plan. Happy to be back for Season 3!

Aug 7, 2024 • 18min
Midsummer Update (August 2024)
Take Inky Maps (Procreate Edition): Illustrate an Analog-inspired Map on Your iPad — Use my link to get 30 days free! — https://skl.sh/3Swd9SK
I'm just dropping this bonus episode to say hi, I miss you, and I will be back at it in September. There will be some changes around here, and I talk about what those are. Also, please don't miss my new class on Skillshare, Inky Maps (Procreate Edition).

Jun 18, 2024 • 1h 22min
Lisa Bardot, Procreate Artist and Brush Designer
Lisa Bardot, a Procreate artist and brush designer, shares her passion for digital art and teaching. She dives into the evolution of artistry from traditional methods to digital tools, revealing how she creates brushes that mimic real-life textures. Lisa discusses the emotional elements of her creative journey, emphasizing community through art retreats. Additionally, she talks about engaging children in digital art and the importance of maintaining balance between business and creativity. Her vibrant experiences showcase the power of imagination and connectivity in artistry.


