You're A Better Artist Than You Think

Chris Oatley
  • 4.9 (352)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • SERIES
You're A Better Artist Than You Think

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

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Rejection Is Never The End [Animation Artist Amy Lewis]

    https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com/ 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. Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance in our mentorship: The Clockwork Heart: https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com/clockwork-heart/ Subscribe to this podcast on any of the major platforms and join our email list for notifications about future episodes, courses, and mentorship opportunities. It’s 100% free and we will always respect your privacy: https://visual-voice-llc.ck.page/688dccdf68 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... 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

    33 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Rejection Is Never The End [Animation Artist Amy Lewis - Part 2]

    https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com/ 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. Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance in our mentorship: The Clockwork Heart: https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com/clockwork-heart/ Subscribe to this podcast on any of the major platforms and join our email list for notifications about future episodes, courses, and mentorship opportunities. It’s 100% free and we will always respect your privacy: https://visual-voice-llc.ck.page/688dccdf68 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

    27 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Is Your Art Vulnerable Enough? [Graphic Novelist/ Literary Agent Tori Sharp]

    https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com In this episode: 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. Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance in our mentorship: The Clockwork Heart: https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com/clockwork-heart/ Subscribe to this podcast on any of the major platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Podcasts, YouTube) and join our email list for notifications about future episodes, courses, and mentorship opportunities. It’s 100% free and we will always respect your privacy: https://visual-voice-llc.ck.page/688dccdf68 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. 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

    42 min

  4. EPISODE 4

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

    http://linktr.ee/chrisoatley 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. Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance in our mentorship: The Clockwork Heart: https://howtobecomeaprofessionalartist.com/clockwork-heart/ Subscribe to this podcast on any of the major platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Podcasts, YouTube) and join our email list for notifications about future episodes, courses, and mentorship opportunities. It’s 100% free and we will always respect your privacy: https://visual-voice-llc.ck.page/688dccdf68 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

    27 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    ImagineFX Magazine's "Rising Stars" Of 2D & 3D Art

    http://linktr.ee/chrisoatley/   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   --------   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   --------   LET US KNOW WHAT *YOU* THINK!   Of the many insights and stories shared throughout this episode, which one resonated with you the most?    Let us know! Email my team and I via Support@ChrisOatley.com or leave a comment on YouTube or social media. I’m @ChrisOatley everywhere.    The guests from this episode will also be interacting so you can look forward to meeting them in the comments.    --------   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

    57 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    The ImagineFX "Rising Stars" of 2D & 3D Art [Part 2]

    http://Linktr.ee/ChrisOatley  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  ———— Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance at MagicBoxAcademy.com ———- 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

    41 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Did Disney Learn His Lesson? Inside The Animation Strike Of 1941

    http://linktr.ee/chrisoatley/ In this episode: "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... -------- Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance at MagicBoxAcademy.com -------- 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

    41 min
See All Season 2 (7)

4.9
out of 5
352 Ratings

About

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

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