Podcast

You're A Better Artist Than You Think

Arts, Design, Visual Arts

In "You're A Better Artist Than You Think," host Chris Oatley (Disney, DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Animation) explores the mindset, strategies and practices of professional artists from a wide range of creative fields.

Whether you're a total beginner or seasoned pro, this podcast provides actionable insights to enhance your creative skills and advance your artistic career.

Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance at MagicBoxAcademy.com

Episodes
18
Releases
Monthly
Typical length
37 min
On air since
2024
Latest episode
4 days ago

Episodes

18 episodes, newest first

  1. How To Write A Character Death Your Audience Won't Hate

    Season 3, Episode 9

    Show notes

    Today on You're A Better Artist Than You Think: How to make the death of a character emotional, memorable and meaningful, instead of shallow shock value that leaves your fanbase feeling betrayed.

    With Brian McDonald, story consultant to Pixar and Lucasfilm and the author of my personal favorite book on story craft, "Invisible Ink."

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    Join The Magic Box Academy Brush Club: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com/

    Mentorship Info: https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com/

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    This episode contains major spoilers for:

    • The Lion King
    • Game of Thrones: Season 8
    • The Walking Dead: Seasons 7 & 8
    • Lost: Season 3
    • Aliens & Alien 3
    • Terminator 2 & 3
    • Star Trek 2 & 3
    • The Last of Us Parts I & II
    • Bambi
    • Star Wars: A New Hope & The Force Awakens
    • The Shawshank Redemption
    • Three Kings
    • …and Fantastic Four #217

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    00:00 Episode Start 00:22 Opinion Alert! 02:15 Constructive Criticism Vs. "Negativity" 05:04 The Culture Of Time 07:16 The Benefits Of Criticism 08:08 Why Do Artists and Storytellers Fear Criticism? 09:51 Introduction To "Story Math" 14:18 The Problem With "Addictive" Storytelling 16:43 "Story Math" Defined 17:17 Death Is Not (Necessarily) The End 19:08 Character Death Vs. Recasting The Role 21:46 Stories Are Survival 25:56 Sequels And Prequels 31:20 Other Ways To Raise The Stakes 34:33 Death As Catalyst 43:16 Should Fans Be Allowed "Save" A Character's Life? 47:50 Bambi's Mom Vs. Obi-Wan Kenobi 55:26 Character Death As Sacrifice

    1 hr 4 min
  2. 10 Tips for Drawing Animals

    Season 3, Episode 8

    Show notes

    Today on You're A Better Artist Than You Think:

    Charlotte Belland, art educator and author of "Draw All The Animals," offers tips on a variety of animal drawing challenges, including comparative anatomy, creature design and making confident lines.

    PLUS: A gesture drawing workflow that applies to humans too!

    00:00 Episode Start

    00:08 Introduction

    00:16 Tip #1: Compare Your Own Anatomy

    01:54 Tip #2: Keep It Light

    02:18 Tip #3: Wait For The "Nouns"

    03:06 Tip #4: Keep A Steady Pace

    03:33 Join The Magic Box Brush Club

    04:02 Please Like And Subscribe

    04:18 Tip #5: Don't "Nod"

    10:25 Tip #6: Draw Animals At Home

    11:51 Tip #7: Push It Until It Breaks

    15:36 Tip #8: Ask How It Works

    18:16 Tips 1-8 Re-Cap

    19:29 Tip #9: Speak In Your Own Language

    21:34 Tip #10: Beware The "Hairy Line"

    22:42 Best/ Worst Advice

    23:39 Who's Your Favorite Muppet?

    25:11 The Magic Feather

    31:13 Blooper

    Join The Brush Club! https://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    More podcast episodes and articles: https://HowToBecomeAProfessionalArtist.com

    Order "Draw All The Animals": http://www.shopccad.org/shop/draw-all-the-animals-by-charlotte-belland

    32 min
  3. Sketchbooks Vs. Screens: Which Makes You More Creative?

    Season 3, Episode 7

    Show notes

    How paper sketchbooks help you think in creative ways that screens simply can't.

    PLUS: Why six months of sketching literally changes how you see!

    ...with special guest Roland Allen, author of The Notebook: A History Of Thinking On Paper.

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    00:00 Episode Start

    03:15 Why We Don't Love Our Devices

    03:45 How Paper Helps Us Think

    08:39 Why Is The "Blank Page" Inspiring?

    13:02 Fascination With Process

    14:32 "Easy To Get Right, Hard To Get Wrong..."

    16:22 How Paper Empowers Artists

    23:36 The Problem Of Impermanence

    25:24 How Sketchbooks Change Your Brain

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    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe to "You're A Better Artist Than You Think" on all major podcast platforms: http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

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    If you like our show, please comment, subscribe, thumbs-up, ring the bell, write a review, share with a friend, etc.

    Those efforts really do make all the difference in whether our show actually finds the artists and storytellers we're here to inspire and support.

    33 min
  4. How Building A Studio Saved Her Art Career...

    Season 3, Episode 6

    Show notes

    How and why illustrator Amanda "Din" Duarte (Disney Lorcana, Ubisoft, Blizzard) left her solo freelance career to form a virtual studio that now employs over 40 creative professionals.

    PLUS: Burn out or burn it all down?

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    00:00 Episode Start

    08:52 Freelancing Vs. Running A Studio

    10:26 "The Fear Of Failing Everyone"

    13:25 Knowing When To Pivot

    17:00 Finding The Right Artist For The Job

    21:52 Best/ Worst Advice

    26:41 Who Is Your Favorite Muppet And Why?

    27:26 The Magic Feather

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    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe to "You're A Better Artist Than You Think" on all major podcast platforms: http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

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    If you like our show, please comment, subscribe, thumbs-up, ring the bell, write a review, share with a friend, etc. Those efforts really do make all the difference in whether our show actually finds the artists and storytellers we're here to inspire and support.

    Thank you for listening!

    32 min
  5. Why Brushes Matter (with Procreate's Kyle Webster)

    Season 3, Episode 5

    Show notes

    Procreate's Kyle Webster, the Internet's favorite digital art brush builder, on why brush choice matters more than many artists realize.

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    00:00 Episode Start

    02:40 Why Brushes Matter At Studios

    08:45 Why Brushes Matter For Beginners

    09:27 Why You Should "Audition" Your Digital Art Brushes

    10:55 Why Brushes Matter for Artistic Style

    13:45 Why Brushes Matter To Kyle

    15:44 How Brushes Inspire New Styles

    18:09 Why Brushes Matter for Workflow

    21:04 Why Brushes Matter for Speed

    21:55 Best/ Worst Advice

    26:51 Who's Your Favorite Muppet And Why?

    28:49 The Magic Feather

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    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe: http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

    33 min
  6. Writing Comics For Kids (with Shawn Pryor)

    Season 3, Episode 4

    Show notes

    Shawn Pryor, author of over sixty published books and graphic novels (most for all ages), offers insights on outlining, working with artists and the essential role of conflict in story development.

    01:55 An Expansive Bibliography

    03:09 Finding Something To Say

    04:37 The "Conflict List"

    07:17 Developing The Outline

    11:32 Placing The Act Breaks

    13:56 The First Draft Transition

    15:27 Working With Artists

    21:00 Common Problems With Comic Scripts

    22:09 When Is A Script Finished?

    23:59 Best/ Worst Advice

    25:44 Who's Your Favorite Muppet?

    26:06 The Magic Feather

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    Subscribe to You're A Better Artist Than You Think: http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Get FREE digital art brushes every month for a year when you join The Magic Box Brush Club at http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

    Connect with Shawn: https://ShawnPryor.com

    29 min
  7. Solve Plot Problems with "Mirrored" Story Structure (with KM Weiland)

    Season 3, Episode 3

    Show notes

    KM Weiland, author of "Creating Character Arcs" and "Structuring Your Novel" reveals how to solve plot problems using "chiastic" or "mirrored" story structure.

    Plus: Understanding "The Thematic Lie" and building the most important structural "beat" in storytelling!

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    00:00 Episode Start 02:15 Introduction To "Mirrored" Storytelling 03:04 The Hook And Resolution 03:37 The "Normal" World & The "New" World 05:13 Mirrored Story Structure in "Toy Story" 06:40 Join The Magic Box Brush Club 07:06 How Act Breaks Mirror Each Other 10:25 The Thematic Lie 15:47 The Midpoint As A Mirror 28:51 Solving Story Problems With "Mirrored" Structure 31:07 Structural Timing 34:46 Why Story Structure Matters 40:30 Making Story Structure Your Own 42:59 Best/ Worst Advice 44:46 What Was Your Personal Midpoint As An Artist? 48:19 Mindset Shift 51:34 The Magic Feather 57:14 End Credits

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    SPOILER WARNING: This conversation contains major spoilers for Toy Story and minor spoilers for The Godfather and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

    Find KM Weiland's books and blog at http://HelpingWritersBecomeAuthors.com and learn more about our mentorship program The Clockwork Heart at http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

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    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe to "You're A Better Artist Than You Think": http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

    58 min
  8. Can't Find Time For Art? Try This...

    Season 3, Episode 2

    Show notes

    In this episode of You're A Better Artist Than You Think: Why "time management" so rarely works for artists and four tips for a more effective solution.

    As creative people, we care a lot about time because our projects require so much of it. Furthermore, many, if not most of us want to spend more time working on our creative projects, not less. Even when we're successful in implementing "time management" strategies, the strategies themselves are not.

    That's because "time management," as it's commonly understood, is not the solution, but rather, priority management. With these four priority management tips, you'll learn how to give your best energy to what matters most in your creative life.

    00:00 Intro/ Theme Music

    00:17 Can't Find Time For Art? Try This...

    00:56 Get Free Digital Art Brushes Every Month!

    01:24 Give Your Best To Your Project

    16:48 Tip #1: Make Early Easier

    18:30 Tip #2: Plan For Smooth Transitions

    29:16 Tip #3: Optimize Your Workspace

    43:26 Tip #4: End With Preparation

    Get new digital art brushes with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year at http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    43 min
  9. 12 Tips For Finishing Ambitious Creative Projects (with Victoria Ying)

    Season 3, Episode 1

    Show notes

    Victoria Ying, animation visual development artist (Tangled, Frozen, Big Hero 6) and comics creator (City Of Secrets, Harvey winner Hungry Ghost) joins for today's episode of You're A Better Artist Than You Think!

    Learn how to avoid overwhelm, burnout and art-related injuries, set realistic deadlines and push through the boredom when attempting ambitious, creative projects.

    Plus: Why routines aren't for everyone...

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    00:00 Episode Start 00:22 Tip #1: Start Small 04:04 Tip #2: Accept The Boredom 06:41 Tip #3: Know Your Timelines 09:25 Tip #4: Practice Finishing 11:11 Tip #5: Routines Aren't For Everyone: 14:21 Tip #6: Find The Friction 16:17 Tip #7: Work With What Ya' Got 17:44 Tip #8: Break Down Deadlines 19:27 Tip #9: Mind Your Body 21:56 Tip #10: The Longer The Project, The More Opportunity For Setbacks 27:32 Tip #11: Just Get To The End 28:36 Tip #12: Find Your People 32:42 Best/ Worst Advice: 34:16 Who's Your Favorite Muppet? 34:46 The Magic Feather: 36:09 Read/Watch/Play/Listen

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    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe to "You're A Better Artist Than You Think": http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

    50 min
  10. Jim Henson's Creative Legacy (with Karen Falk)

    Season 2, Episode 9

    Show notes

    The Jim Henson Company Archives' Director and Historian Karen Falk offers insights into Jim's creative process, his collaborative style of leadership and the evolution of his characters.

    If you're listening on one of the audio-only platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify, I do want to encourage you to check out the video version on our YouTube channel where we'll feature images from the new edition of Karen's book titled "Jim Henson's: Imagination Illustrated" as well as photos and video clips from my visits to various Henson exhibits.

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    00:00 Intro

    00:11 Theme Music

    00:35 Interview Begins

    00:58 Jim Henson's Imagination Illustrated

    03:19 More Than Muppets

    06:02 Jim's Personal Touch

    07:13 Jim's Fearlessness

    08:32 Jim Henson The Character Designer

    09:20 From 2D To 3D

    10:30 A More Professional Finish

    13:12 Jim Henson's Character Designers

    14:27 Jim Henson The Director

    16:14 Controlled Chaos

    17:04 Joining The Jim Henson Company

    18:22 Jim's Red Book Blog

    20:35 Puppet Preservation

    22:06 The Museum Partners

    26:47 Character Design Evolution

    30:30 The Historical Record

    31:40 The Jim Henson Legacy

    35:11 Karen's Unique Perspective

    38:06 Credits

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    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe to "You're A Better Artist Than You Think": http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

    40 min
  11. Interacting With Color: Insights From Josef Albers

    Season 2, Episode 8

    Show notes

    Author Fritz Horstman of the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation reveals how color "lies" to our eyes and why that matters to artists.

    PLUS: Changing our relationship to color from "painful" to "playful."

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    00:37 What Josef Albers Means To Present-Day Artists

    01:24 Interaction Of Color

    02:28 Science Vs Experience

    03:51 Color Relativity

    04:58 Playing With Color

    06:04 Homage To The Square

    06:49 The Personification Of Color

    07:50 Rothko And Albers

    11:15 Interacting With Color

    15:11 Let Color Come To You

    16:16 How To Play With Color

    18:18 Color Intervals

    18:48 The Illusion Of Transparency

    19:45 Color And Music

    21:27 How Color Distorts Proportion

    22:55 To Open Eyes

    24:56 No "Favorite" Colors

    26:29 Developing Your Tolerance For Ambiguity

    26:58 Color For Non-Artists

    27:47 The Magic Feather

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    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe to "You're A Better Artist Than You Think": http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

    32 min
  12. Did Disney Learn His Lesson? Inside The Animation Strike Of 1941

    Season 2, Episode 7

    Show notes

    "The Disney Revolt" author Jake Friedman surveys the infamous animation strike of 1941, and explains why it matters to present-day artists.

    We consider the cost of Walt Disney's perfectionism, the painful, personal consequences of his decisions, and whether he ever learned from them.

    PLUS: The most influential Disney animator you've never heard of...

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    00:49 Introduction: The Disney Animators' Strike Of 1941

    04:08 Disney Vs. Disney

    06:37 Art Babbitt - The Most Influential Disney Artist You've Never Heard Of

    12:47 Reconstructing The Timeline Of The Disney Strike

    15:37 Would The Disney Strike Have Happened Without Art Babbitt?

    17:27 Loyalty Above Creativity?

    19:01 Products Of Our Influences

    20:08 How Walt Disney Was Like Michael Scott From "The Office"

    22:44 When Disney History Repeats Itself

    25:18 You Can't Fire Family

    26:23 The Cost Of Walt's Perfectionism

    28:41 Walt Supported His Artists (Until He Didn't)

    31:37 The Emotional Ending

    34:37 Did Walt Ever Learn His Lesson?

    35:42 Was Walt Anti-Union?

    39:15 Learn More At TheDisneyRevolt.com

    39:55 Credits

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    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe to "You're A Better Artist Than You Think": http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

    41 min
  13. The ImagineFX "Rising Stars" of 2D & 3D Art [Part 2]

    Season 2, Episode 6

    Show notes

    Nine of my current mentees were named "Rising Stars" of 2d & 3d art by ImagineFX magazine.

    In this two-part interview series, they're here to share stories of artistic development and how being selected for the article affected their mindsets.

    Illustrator Andrea Ivetic Vicai begins the episode with a positive spin on the more frustrating aspects of illustration.

    Next, animation artist Lucy Ledsam talks about finding an art career that matches your personality.

    VR artist Elizabeth Person and CG artist Carmen Thora Smith talk about making the switch from painting to 3d.

    …and finally, character designer Laura Horan presents the benefits of an agile creative process.

    Find links to their portfolios and samples of their art at bit.ly/ifxmb

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    01:18 Illustrator Andrea Ivetic Vicai:

    02:17 Infinite Challenge = Infinite Inspiration

    03:46 The Devil On The Shoulder

    04:52 Be Your Own Best Friend

    06:36 Andrea's Magic Feather

    08:09 Animation Artist Lucy Ledsam:

    08:48 "I'm Not Big And Bombastic..."

    12:14 Advice For Non-Bombastic Artists

    13:05 Lucy's Magic Feather

    18:01 VR Artist Elizabeth Person:

    18:26 Specialization As Curation

    18:59 Switching Industries

    23:14 Lizzy's Magic Feather

    23:51 Disney Is Convenient

    25:53 CG Artist Carmen Thora Smith:

    27:06 Learning Complicated Software

    28:12 Shifting Stories

    29:36 Tools Do Matter

    30:28 Carmen's Magic Feather

    31:26 "Just-In-Time" Learning

    33:08 Character Designer Laura Horan:

    34:28 Don't Settle For Less

    36:01 Objectivity Is Impossible

    38:04 Laura's Magic Feather

    39:16 CREDITS

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    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe to "You're A Better Artist Than You Think": http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

    41 min
  14. The ImagineFX "Rising Stars" of 2D & 3D Art [Part 1]

    Season 2, Episode 5

    Show notes

    What would you do if you learned that your artwork would be featured in an industry-leading magazine for creative professionals all over the world?

    …and you only had a few days to select and submit your samples, write a professional bio and a short blurb about each submission, update your website and prepare a series of social media posts to coincide with the publication date?

    Would you find that inspiring?

    …motivating?

    …terrifying?

    Nine of my students faced this question when they were named among ImagineFX Magazine's "Rising Stars" of 2D and 3D art.

    …and they're all here to talk about this career-defining moment.

    They'll share their initial reactions and the challenges they encountered throughout the process. They open up about their struggles with self-doubt, perfectionism, and the super-tight deadline.

    …and offer insights about how the experience changed them.

    …probably forever.

    Today, in part one of a two part series, we'll hear from Mutia Terian, Rami Juma, Dan Tompkins and Veronica Kosowski - in that order.

    You can find samples of their work and links to connect with each of them at http://bit.ly/ifxmb

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    00:00 Intro

    01:29 Learn More At MagicBoxAcademy.com

    01:47 Mutia Terian: Animation Artist

    02:50 Mutia Terian: Developing Confidence

    07:07 Mutia Terian: Defining Confidence

    09:54 Mutia Terian: What To Do When You're Stuck

    11:10 Mutia's Magic Feather

    16:49 Rami Juma: Digital Painter

    17:28 Rami Juma: The Benefits Of Writing About Your Art

    20:08 Rami Juma: Effort Vs. Effect

    24:41 Rami Juma: When To Change Things Up

    27:00 Rami Juma: Gifts From Your Younger Self

    29:03 Rami Juma: How Mindset Affects Art

    31:19 Rami's Magic Feather

    34:13 Dan Tompkins: Character Designer

    34:53 Dan Tompkins: Improving Old Art

    37:07 Dan Tompkins: Saved By "Game Face"

    38:01 Dan Tompkins: Drawing Yourself Out Of Doubt

    39:19 Dan Tompkins: Desensitizing Yourself To Doubt

    41:58 Dan's Magic Feather

    43:05 Veronica Kosowski: Animation Background Painter/ VisDev Artist

    44:12 Veronica Kosowski: Learning From Your Younger Self

    47:05 Veronica Kosowski: The Benefits Of Life-Long Projects

    48:59 Veronica Kosowski: Fear As Perfectionism

    50:37 Veronica's Magic Feather (Except Not)

    54:57 Connect & Subscribe

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    NEXT IN PART 2: We'll hear from the rest of the "Rising Stars" in the next episode. For your convenience, I made a Linktree where you can easily find your favorite ways to subscribe: http://linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe to "You're A Better Artist Than You Think": http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

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    57 min
  15. Is Your Art Vulnerable Enough? [Graphic Novelist/ Literary Agent Tori Sharp] [Part 2]

    Season 2, Episode 4

    Show notes

    In part one of this series, graphic novelist and literary agent Tori Sharp shared tips on pitching to publishers, how story guides design, and the challenge of creating honest art.

    Now, in part two, Tori talks about stories as "sense-making" devices, urges the importance of celebration breaks during long projects, and shares her experience as an autistic artist.

    Once again, our production coordinator, Mari Gonzalez Curia, who is currently seeking representation for her first original graphic novel, joins me as co-host.

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    00:57 Agent Vs Creator 01:32 Magical Or Terrifying? 02:43 Shouldn't You Be More Excited? 04:24 Taking Celebration Breaks 06:45 Why "Get Out Of The House" Is Good Writing Advice 07:38 Stories As "Sense-Making" Devices 09:26 Neurodivergence & Artistic Development 10:53 Good Teachers Are Good Listeners 11:26 The People Who Can Only Hear Your "Voice" 12:28 Developing Adult Characters In Stories For Kids 14:31 Feeling "Seen" By Stories 19:36 How Has Your Mindset Changed? 21:05 The Best Advice You've Ever Received 21:44 ...And The Worst? 22:45 The Magic Feather

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    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe to "You're A Better Artist Than You Think": http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

    27 min
  16. Is Your Art Vulnerable Enough? [Graphic Novelist/ Literary Agent Tori Sharp] [Part 1]

    Season 2, Episode 3

    Show notes

    Graphic novelist and literary agent Tori Sharp shares tips on pitching to publishers, how story guides design and the challenge of creating honest art.

    Our Production Coordinator, Mari Gonzalez Curia, who is currently seeking representation for her first original graphic novel, joins me as co-host.

    This is the first of a two-part series.

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    00:45 Meet Tori Sharp 02:59 Tori's First Comics 05:19 Do You Consider Your Work Nostalgic? 09:24 Coursework Vs. Conversations 11:46 Understanding Passion 13:15 The Challenge Of Creating Honest Art 17:25 A Quick Note From Future Chris 17:44 Continuing Education 19:37 Passion Is Past-Tense 21:17 Rediscovering Her "First Love" 23:02 Tori's "Scariest" Project Yet: Just Pretend 24:36 Managing Panic 25:32 The Unique Challenge Of Sequential Art 28:57 Developing A Visual Style 30:48 Discovering Synesthesia 31:45 Imperfect Perspective 33:06 The Emotional Process Of Pitching 36:52 Pitching Multiple Projects At The Same Time 40:32 Next In Part Two 40:45 Credits

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    Next, In Part 2: Tori talks about stories as "sense-making" devices, urges the importance of "celebration breaks" during long projects and shares her experience as an autistic artist.

    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe to "You're A Better Artist Than You Think": http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

    42 min
  17. Rejection Is Never The End [Animation Artist Amy Lewis] [Part 2]

    Season 2, Episode 2

    Show notes

    Animation visual development artist and background painter Amy Lewis shares insights about the vitality of professional networking, balancing perfectionism with self-acceptance and the attitude she expects from her students and crew.

    This is the second in a two-part series.

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    00:00 Introduction

    01:42 The Struggle Of Self-Critique

    05:52 Growing Confidence - Brass Bands And Bullies

    09:13 How Amy Beats The Odds

    12:11 The Vitality Of Networking

    14:21 Happy Little Trees

    15:14 Amy's Current Mindset

    16:37 Evaluating Amy's Old Portfolios

    18:26 The Mindset Amy Recommends For Her Students And Crew

    19:38 The Best (And Worst) Advice Amy Ever Received

    22:29 The Magic Feather

    25:30 Anything Else?

    26:41 Credits

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    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe to "You're A Better Artist Than You Think": http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

    27 min
  18. Rejection Is Never The End [Animation Artist Amy Lewis] [Part 1]

    Season 2, Episode 1

    Show notes

    Animation visual development artist and background painter Amy Lewis (SpongeBob, Moominvalley) talks about establishing a freelance animation career from Europe, the most devastating rejection of her career and the amazing opportunity that followed.

    This is the first of a two-part series.

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    00:00 Introduction

    00:39 Meet Amy Lewis

    02:11 Amy's Early Influences

    05:03 Frustration With University Art Programs

    07:02 Experimenting With Illustration

    08:05 "I've Found My People..."

    09:49 Amy's First Big Break

    14:08 Another Year Of Skill Building

    15:33 Moominvalley & Art Directing In Lockdown

    16:45 Knowing What You Don't Want

    18:50 Amy's Dream Job Disappointment

    21:33 SpongeBob SquarePants

    24:13 The Brave Locomotive

    25:52 Amy's Artistic Development

    32:17 Next In Part 2

    32:31 Credits/ Hidden Track

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    Next, In Part Two: Amy shares insights about the vitality of professional networking, balancing perfectionism with self-acceptance and the attitude she expects from her students and crew...

    Claim your 100% free, lifetime membership to The Magic Box Brush Club and get new digital art brushes (Procreate or Photoshop) with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com

    Subscribe to "You're A Better Artist Than You Think": http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

    Mentorship: http://MagicBoxAcademy.com

    33 min