Art by Analise Black

How do I break out of permanent practice mode? Jake Parker, Will Terry, and Anthony Wheeler address this issue- and update us on their latest projects- in this juicy episode.

ASK A QUESTION
JOIN US ON PATREON

Note: We’ve done our best to provide relevant links to products mentioned in this podcast. Qualifying purchases support SVSLearn and the 3 Point Perspective podcast. Thank you for your patronage!

SHOW LINKS
Anthony Wheeler: anthonywheelerart.com, Twitch
Pickleball Paul by Will Terry
Inktober Pictionary Sketchbook
Lorcana by Disney

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Titles are irrelevant; it’s your work habit that counts.

• The fastest way out of an illustration rut is a project with a focus.

• Amateurs create for fun; pros create because it’s the right thing to do.

QUESTIONS

Jessica asks, “How do you define a professional artist?” 

While it’s hard to nail down, a good rule of thumb for any professional is the seriousness with which they treat their work. While amateurs create when they feel like it, pros do the work because it needs to be done, whether or not their emotions are in favor.

With that, don’t get too hung up on whether or not you’re a professional. Focus instead on showing up consistently, making the highest-quality work you can, and doing what you need to to support yourself with your art. At the end of the day, what’s more professional than that?

Joe asks, “Any tips for breaking out of forever practice mode?”

When you’re stuck in practice mode, it often means you don’t have direction. The best way to combat this is to pick a lane and stick to it, even if only for a certain amount of time to see if you like it. Give yourself a 30-day project that involves daily practice and a solid result- a zine, a series of posters, a portrait for every day, etc. At the end of 30 days, start a new project. This will get you out of practice mode and into completion mode; you’ll have something to show for your daily efforts. Sometimes a little focus and direction are all you need!

Danika asks, “Can you give any tips on how to organize traditional and digital artwork?”

Years’ worth of accumulated art can feel suffocating. When it comes to physical work, we like to sell, give away, or even throw out anything that’s taking up space unnecessarily. Digital pieces are easier to store; our more recent work is uploaded to the cloud (in case we need it again), while super old stuff gets retired to hard drives.

LINKS

Svslearn.com

Jake Parker: mrjakeparker.com. Instagram: @jakeparker, Youtube: JakeParker44

Will Terry: willterry.com. Instagram: @willterryart, Youtube: WillTerryArt

Lee White: leewhiteillustration.com. Instagram: @leewhiteillo 

Daniel Tu: danieltu.co.

Lily Camille Howell: lilycamille.com

If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, and let us know your thoughts or if you learned something new!

If you want to be a part of the discussion and have your voice heard, join us at forum.svslearn.com.