Thoughts on Illustration

Tom Froese
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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!

  1. How Do You Make an Illustration Cohesive? | FREE PREVIEW

    HÁ 3 DIAS

    How Do You Make an Illustration Cohesive? | FREE PREVIEW

    What is the secret to making cohesive illustrations? Also known as unity and harmony, this is the elusive quality that makes your illustration feel "whole". In this episode, I look at why that sense of unity is harder to achieve in digital work, and how thinking in terms of physical media and physical reproduction methods can bring your images together.  I introduce what I call The Five Stars of Cohesiveness—Purpose, Drawing Style, Medium, Reproduction Method, and Application—and show how, when these align, your work gains that solid, self-contained presence we all chase. Using Ben Shahn’s The Shape of Content as a case study (read on for visual examples), I unpack how medium and black-only printing worked hand-in-hand to create unusually cohesive results—and how we can borrow that logic in our digital workflows.  If you’ve struggled to make your digital illustrations feel unified—and want a concrete framework to diagnose why—this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE “Truth to materials” — keyword materialsThe Five Stars of CohesivenessHow physical constraints shape shape your style—and why limitless tools can derail itCase study: Ben Shahn’s expressive linework printed black-only in The Shape of ContentWhy your chosen medium is the central star, influencing both idea and outcomeIllustrating for print (even when your art never gets printed)Try This: would your piece hold up in black-only? as a 2–3 colour Riso print?Classes and resource recommendations SHOW LINKS Ben Shahn — The Shape of Content (book) — https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674302426“Illustration” (definition/context) — general reference — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IllustrationMy Skillshare: Illustrating for Letterpress (technical limits → clearer decisions) — https://www.tomfroese.com/teaching/impress-meSlo-Fi Illustrations (analogue paradigms in a digital flow) — https://www.tomfroese.com/teaching/slofiillustrationsDi Ujdi — Introduction to Risograph Printing (layered colour thinking) — https://skl.sh/47BXNm5 HOW TO SUPPORT / LISTEN If you’d like to support this podcast and hear the full version of monologue episodes like this one: Join on Patreon for as low as $3/month Become a paid subscriber on Spotify ($2.99/month) I also post monologues as full articles on Medium. FIND ME ELSEWHERE My New Book! Drawing is Important! — tomfroese.com/links — look for the green book coverWork and Classes — tomfroese.comInstagram — instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings — instagram.com/drawingisimportantCREDITS Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk — semiathletic on Linktree—————— DRAWING IS IMPORTANT — NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER My new book, Drawing Is Important, is your guide to making drawing a meaningful daily habit. Through stories, insights, and exercises, it helps you draw more often—with less pressure and more joy. Available Spring 2026 — Pre-order now! The first 500 orders get a free hand-signed book plate! Look for "get pre-order prizes" after clicking the lin

    18min
  2. Being a Cartoonist for the New Yorker | Interview with Tom Toro

    21 DE OUT.

    Being a Cartoonist for the New Yorker | Interview with Tom Toro

    How does one become a professional cartoonist? In this episode, I talk with New Yorker cartoonist Tom Toro, whose sharp wit clever drawings have kept readers laughing (and thinking) for more than fifteen years. Toro’s debut book, And to Think We Started as a Book Club (out now from Simon & Schuster), gathers the best of his cartoons from over a decade and a half at The New Yorker. In our conversation, we dig into the realities of professional cartooning — from the weekly grind of submissions and rejection, to the balance between writing and drawing, and the creative fire that keeps artists like Tom doing it anyway. 🙏 Thank you to all paid supporters on Patreon — without your support, this would be an expensive hobby. Thank you! 🟢 Listen on Spotify | 🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts | 🔴 Listen/Watch on YouTube Cover of And to Think We Started as a Book Club … IN THIS EPISODE What it’s really like to be a New Yorker cartoonist — and why rejection is part of the job How the relationship between writing and drawing defines the cartoon form The secret to making a success New Yorker-worthy cartoon Why embracing imperfection keeps art alive How Tom feels about his body of work from the past 15 years SHOW LINKS Tom Toro’s Website — https://www.tomtoro.com Tom Toro on Instagram — www.instagram.com/tbtoro 📕 And to Think We Started as a Book Club (Simon & Schuster, Oct 7 2025) — https://publishing.andrewsmcmeel.com/book/and-to-think-we-started-as-a-book-club/ SLO-FI Illustrations (my new Skillshare class) — GET 30 DAYS FREE WHEN USING THIS LINK — https://skl.sh/4nbo3KT 📗 Drawing is Important — https://geni.us/DrawingisImportant THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! You can show your appreciation for the Thoughts on Illustration podcast by: Sharing with your friends on social media Liking / Following / Subscribing Leaving a review on Apple Podcasts Becoming a paid supporter on Patreon — patreon.com/tomfroese FIND ME ELSEWHERE Work and Classes — http://www.tomfroese.com Instagram — http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroese Daily Drawings — http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportant CREDITS Music and cues by Mark Allan Falk — http://linktr.ee/semiathletic Thanks for reading Thoughts on Illustration with Mr. Tom Froese! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

    1h2min
  3. The Illustrator’s (Smarter) Starter Pack | FREE PREVIEW

    7 DE OUT.

    The Illustrator’s (Smarter) Starter Pack | FREE PREVIEW

    Looking to Get Into Illustration? Here’s How to Begin. NEW—I am now offering free previews of Monologue episodes. This will help you decide if subscribing on Patreon / Spotify is right for you. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an Illustrator’s Starter Pack that could get you up and running as an illustrator ASAP? The reality is that any attempts to find a fast track into illustration could actually slow you down. In this episode, I share my SMART System: five paradigms (Styles, Markets, Applications, Reasons, Techniques) that help you get specific about what you want to make and where it belongs. Instead of hunting for the perfect gear or foolproof course list, SMART gives you a clear way to map your starting point. If you’ve been overwhelmed by tools, apps, or conflicting advice—and you just want a concrete way to begin—this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE Why gear and classes alone won’t make you an illustratorThe SMART System overviewStyles vs. Techniques: how they relate and why they’re not the same thingMarkets vs. Applications: who buys the work vs. where the work livesReasons (purpose): the “why” that sharpens every briefThe closest thing to a starter pack? — (iPad + Apple Pencil + Procreate)How to use SMART to choose your next practice project and reduce decision paralysisTwo starter-pack parables: first-aid kits and flimsy badminton setsAs always (from now on), a reflection prompt to help you turn my thoughts into your actions! SHOW LINKS Malika Favre (style reference) — malikafavre.comHervé Tullet (style reference) — herve-tullet.comJohn Roman, 45 Markets of Illustration (markets overview)What is Risograph Printing? (technique primer) — risottostudio.comProcreate (iPad app) — procreate.artMy New Skillshare Class — SLO-FI Illustrations HOW TO LISTEN/READ If you’d like to hear the full version of monologue episodes like this one: Join on Patreon for as low as $3/monthBecome a paid subscriber on Spotif ($2.99/month)This is also available as a story on Medium for paid members on that platform. FIND ME ELSEWHERE Work and Classes — tomfroese.comInstagram — instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings — instagram.com/drawingisimportant CREDITS Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk — Semiathletic on Linktree

    12min
  4. Focusing on the Kids Market | Interview with Suzy Ultman

    23 DE SET.

    Focusing on the Kids Market | Interview with Suzy Ultman

    What happens when you bravely create from what matters most to you—even when you’re not sure others will understand? In this episode, I talk with artist and author ⁠Suzy Ultman⁠, whose work blends joy, vulnerability, and cultural identity in a way that’s both incredibly specific and widely relatable. Suzy is the creator of a series of Jewish-themed board books for Penguin Workshop — ⁠I Like Your Chutzpah⁠, ⁠Shabbat Shalom⁠, and It’s a Mitzvah! — and in our conversation, we explore the story behind these books: the experiences that shaped them, the fears Suzy had about putting herself out there, and what it means to lead with joy even when it’s rooted in something much deeper. IN THIS EPISODE How Suzy went from client-based work to building a licensing brand around her own voiceWhy she was initially afraid to make books that reflected something deeply meaningful to herWhy she sees herself as a bridge (middle child, anyone!?)What it looks like to make joyful work rooted in meaning, emotionally layered, and honestSuzy’s advice for artists who want to create from a deeper place but aren’t sure where to start REFLECTION PROMPT What’s something you’ve been afraid to share in your creative work — and what might change if you let it in? SHOW LINKS Suzy Ultman’s Website — https://www.suzyultman.com/ It’s a Mitzvah! (Penguin Workshop, Sept 2, 2025) https://www.suzyultman.com/shop/p/mitzvahbook Suzy on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/suzyultman Paper Doll Parade – Chronicle Books — https://www.suzyultman.com/paper-doll-parade Friendship Carousel – Chronicle Books — https://www.suzyultman.com/friendship-carousel-bts THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! You can show your appreciation for the Thoughts on Illustration podcast by: Sharing with your friends on social mediaLiking/Following/SubscribingLeaving a review on Apple PodcastsBecoming a paid supporter on Patreon — patreon.com/tomfroese FIND ME ELSEWHERE Work and Classes — http://www.tomfroese.com Instagram — http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroese Daily Drawings — http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportant CREDITS Music and cues by Mark Allan Falk — http://linktr.ee/semiathletic

    1h1min

  5. 4 DE SET. · BÔNUS

    Season 4 Preview: Big Changes are Coming!

    Welcome to a special preview episode of Thoughts on Illustration. At the end of last season, I wasn’t sure if this podcast would continue — but here I am. After a summer of reflection (and a little camping, surfing, and book work), I’m ready to share how Season 4 will look different. This season I’m making changes to keep the podcast sustainable for me and more valuable for you. Season 4 officially begins on September 9 with the first monologue episode. IN THIS PREVIEW Updates from my summer: working on my book Drawing is Important (out early 2026), teaching, and new class prepWhy I nearly quit the podcast — and what convinced me to keep goingThe 3 key shifts for Season 4New Patreon perks: quarterly Q&A sessions, monthly Draw With Me, and access to every episode SUPPORT THIS PODCAST Join on Patreon — To hear all episodes — monologues and interviews — join me on Patreon starting at $3/month. Drawing Buddies at $8/month also get access to monthly Draw With Me sessions and replays.patreon.com/tomfroese Follow on Substack — Free listeners will still get access to all interview episodes on your podcast app or via Substack at mrtomfroese.substack.com. GET IN TOUCH Email - hello@tomfroese.com Website - tomfroese.com

    21min
  6. Is This Still Working? A Look Back at Season 3

    28 DE JUN.

    Is This Still Working? A Look Back at Season 3

    In this episode, I reflect on the journey of the podcast so far and the evolution of my illustration process. From overcoming burnout in the early seasons to finding a sustainable rhythm in Season 3, I discuss how the podcast has mirrored my own creative growth. Alongside this, I get real about the challenges of balancing podcasting with the rest of my life and career, the emotional toll of self-doubt, and the joy of connecting with listeners. Plus, I dive into the challenges of building a community around the podcast and the ups and downs of monetization. I open up with a story about the little man who tried to tear me down on Threads. If you’ve ever felt like giving up on something you love or questioned whether your efforts are worth it, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE Reflections on three seasons of podcasting and illustration The challenges of balancing podcasting with other creative projects How self-doubt and external criticism can shake your confidence Finding joy and fulfillment in podcasting, despite the obstacles The question of whether podcasting is still worth the effort—how to know when to keep going The evolving mindset behind my illustration process and the shift from burnout to rewilding PLUS – Why I decided to stop doing custom episode art and the joy of simplifying the process. SHOW LINKS Drawing Ideas (Skillshare Class) — Tom Froese Drawing Ideas Creative Boom: Top Podcasts for Creatives 2025 — Creative Boom List HOW TO SUPPORT Share with your friends on social media!Like, Sub, Follow, Comment, ReviewSupport on Patreon - patreon.com/tomfroese BECOME A DRAWING BUDDY Live, monthly Draw With Me meetups All past DWMs available as replays Exclusive access to the DWM Discord Server FIND ME ELSEWHERE Work and Classes | Instagram | Daily Drawings CREDITS Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk – semiathletic on Linktree

    1h12min
  7. What I Got Wrong About Going Analog

    10 DE JUN.

    What I Got Wrong About Going Analog

    In this episode, I share my thoughts on the evolving meaning of “rewilding” my illustration process. Originally, rewilding meant bringing analog elements back into my work—inking on paper, scanning textures, doing things the “hard” way. But lately, I’ve been asking myself: is it really about going analog? Or is it about something deeper? In this episode, I unpack how rewilding is less about tools and more about mindset. I look at how digital tools can either suffocate or support our creativity, depending on how we use them. And I share how I’m finding spontaneity, joy, and pride in my work—even when it’s 100% digital. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your creative process, or worried about how AI and digital tools are affecting your style, this episode is for you. I also share some reflections on the Amish, digital minimalism, and why your mechanical pencil will never ask you to rate it on the App Store. IN THIS EPISODE Why rewilding might be a mindset, not a mediumHow digital tools can both hinder and help creative joyWhat I’ve rediscovered about spontaneity, surprise, and storytelling in illustrationWhy pride in your process matters—and how to get it backHow AI is forcing illustrators to reevaluate their processThe three key questions I now ask to evaluate any creative toolPLUS – Why my Apple Pencil will never beat a Mason jar full of ink water. SHOW LINKS Drawing Ideas (Skillshare Class) — https://www.tomfroese.com/teaching/drawingideasPost by @brettpstenson — https://www.instagram.com/p/DKiYMKHSapr/?img_index=1See How Book Artwork Was Done In The Old Days Before Computers — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5YoyBvX1f8Graphic Design Tools Before Photoshop — https://youtu.be/O-XrRQf7BPM?si=GqEeaFOWfW3A87LlMy early style (Tom Froese Postcard example) — https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aa6d6c0a9e028fce5f7f4b2/1523840966237-XPQXSOX8HCUS9WI1SEDW/Tom+Froese+Stationery-3.jpgMy style a few years ago (totally digital) — https://www.tomfroese.com/work/canadianidentityMy more recent style (more rewilded, in spite of being all digital) — https://www.instagram.com/p/DJr4MSTyTTv/ (image for my upcoming book, Drawing is Important). HOW TO SUPPORT Share this episode with your friends!Like / Subscribe / Follow / Comment / Review on Apple PodcastsBecome a $3 Supporter or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon – patreon.com/tomfroese BECOME A DRAWING BUDDY Live, monthly Draw With Me meetupsAll past DWMs available as replaysExclusive access to the DWM Discord Server Join here FIND ME ELSEWHERE Work and ClassesInstagramDaily Drawings CREDITS Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk – semiathletic on Linktree

    44min
  8. 6 Challenges of Rewilding My Illustration Process (And What I'm Doing About Them)

    27 DE MAI.

    6 Challenges of Rewilding My Illustration Process (And What I'm Doing About Them)

    In this episode, I share my thoughts on the difficult but exciting journey of rewilding my illustration process—bringing back more analog, handmade elements into the way I work. While the dream of working more physically is alive and well, the reality is a lot more complicated. In this monologue episode, I unpack six core problems I’ve identified as I try to rewild in real life, and I talk through some solutions, mindset shifts, and small actions I’m taking to move forward. If you’ve ever felt stuck between your current style and the one you wish you had, or if you're navigating your own transition as a creative, this episode might hit home. I also share some personal updates, what’s coming up with my classes and book, and an embarrassing story from my recent trip to Paris that involves vintage books, broken French, and a stranger’s purse. IN THIS EPISODE Why rewilding your process is easier said than doneSix problems I’ve identified on my rewilding journeyHow I’m coaching myself through a style evolutionWhy confidence in your style is often externalPLUS – Embarrassing Story of the Episode: A Canadian in Paris SHOW LINKS Drawing is Important (Skillshare Class) – https://skl.sh/3TuA0NSThe Style Class on Skillshare – https://skl.sh/4cFnIejDrawing Is Important (Sketchbook IG) – http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantMy Website – http://www.tomfroese.com HOW TO SUPPORT Share this episode with your friends!Like / Subscribe / Follow / Comment / ReviewBecome a $3 Supporter or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon – http://patreon.com/tomfroese BECOME A DRAWING BUDDY Live, monthly Draw With Me meetupsAll past DWMs available as replaysExclusive access to the DWM Discord Serverhttp://patreon.com/tomfroese FIND ME ELSEWHERE Work and Classes – http://www.tomfroese.comInstagram – http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings – http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportant CREDITS Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk – http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic

    57min
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Sobre

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!

Informações

  • Criado por
    Tom Froese
  • Anos de atividade
    2022 - 2025
  • Episódios
    69
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    © Tom Froese
  • Site do podcast
    Thoughts on Illustration

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