Stay ConnectedIn “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
Copyright: © 2023, Chris Oatley
"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...
--------
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
--------
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
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
--------
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
--------
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
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
--------
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
--------
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
--------
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.
--------
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
--------
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
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.
--------
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
--------
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
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.
--------
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
--------
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
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.
--------
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
--------
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
http://HowToBecomeAProfessionalArtist.com
*At the time of this recording, Chris' mentorship The Clockwork Heart is accepting applications. Email Support@ChrisOatley.com to schedule an interest meeting and apply.
*IN THIS EPISODE:*
In this episode of "You're A Better Artist Than You Think," Chris Oatley, founder of The Magic Box Academy and Visual Development Artist for Disney, DreamWorks, and Sony Pictures Animation, helps artists identify what to look for in a creative mentor.
...and he shares a personal story about the time one of his music mentors helped him overcome a fear he didn't even know he had.
This is part one in a series.
0:01 - Introduction 0:21 - A Potential Mentorship Gone Wrong 2:20 - Collaborative Mentorship 4:08 - Defining "Mentorship" 6:08 - Our Definition 6:52 - Great Mentors Help You Help Yourself 13:10 - Homework 14:44 - "Autonomy" by The Bright Sigh
In this episode of "You're A Better Artist Than You Think," Chris Oatley, founder of The Magic Box Academy and Visual Development Artist for Disney, DreamWorks, and Sony Pictures Animation, helps digital artists and visual storytellers de-stress their creative process through the revival of classical workflows.
You'll find guidance in the timeless methods of legendary illustrator J.C. Leyendecker and modern examples like The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, Aliens, Up, and Cuphead that will reduce overwhelm and frustration in your workflow while also boosting your efficiency and confidence.
Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance through Chris' mentorship at HowToBecomeAProfessionalArtist.com
Pixar Animation Studios was always known for quality storytelling, but in the early years of CG feature animation, they also set the standard for design.
CG feature animation was considered by many (even mainstream audiences) inherently inferior until the turn of the 21st century.
The fur and lighting effects in Monsters, Inc. were remarkable in 2001 (and they still hold up) but in 2003, Finding Nemo's visual art finally and fully transcended the technological limitations of the new medium.
When interviewed about how they created such stunning imagery, the Pixar artists often cited their meticulous research.
Whether it was sketching professional ballet dancers in preparation for Fantasia's dancing hippo sequence, living in Latin America for months at a time during development for Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros or hiring legitimate apex predators as models for The Lion King, Disney artists were willing to do whatever it took to achieve their characteristic verisimilitude.
…so why wouldn't Pixar?
They got the Nemo art team certified for scuba diving. The Up artists flew to Venezuela to paint the world's tallest waterfall. The Cars team went on an epic road trip across the legendary US Route 66, the Ratatouille team wined and dined at fancy restaurants in Paris…
…and the Toy Story 3 team toured…
…landfills.
That's right…
The Nemo people swam around a coral reef.
…and the Toy Story 3 people swam around in literal human garbage.
…but the movie probably wouldn't have created a cultural phenomenon it did if the artists hadn't been so committed to authenticity.
This is the second in a three-part lesson for artists who are ready to develop effective professional practices upon which they can depend for efficiency, consistency and quality in their work.
Today we'll talk about the importance of working from reference - even when it stinks.
We'll bust five common myths about reference.
…myths that if left un-busted put your portfolio at risk of landing in the trash.
This is "You're A Better Artist Than You Think." I'm your instructor Chris Oatley and this is part two in my series titled "Why Artists Need To Slow The Hell Down."
Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance through my mentorship at HowToBecomeAProfessionalArtist.com
There you can also subscribe to this free course via email and get every new lesson delivered directly to your inbox as soon as they become available.
Next, In Part Three:
We'll explore the relationship between practice and projects by applying a product design concept to the process for developing our visual stories.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
