Podcast Starter Packs

Interested in catching up with the show but with a focus on a certain type of visual art?  Check out the themes below. 

Procreate and Digital Art

44: Dog Stories, Animation and Creating a Positive Impact with Michael Relth

Mike gets close to launching the newsletter and his first shop. He also received some new pencils and a wonderful new tool. Michael Relth then joins the podcast to talk about his journey from art school to writing and illustrating his first book. Michael talks about the need to make a positive impact with his art and how critical it is to have a circle of trust. He talks about his work with animation and the piece he did as a commission for Procreate. Michael also talks about the importance of establishing a routine.

36: Keeping Your Head Above Water

Mike reflects on the work from a previous guest, LightBox Expo, and the upcoming release Procreate 5X. Mike then explores the controversy around Inktober and how to remain focussed on your ultimate goal. He then reflects on 2020 and how to remain strong, sensitive, healthy, and creative.

33: Star Trek, Zombies and Procreate with Storyboard and Concept Artist Rob McCallum

Mike finished some more graphite work with a focus on depth and reflection. He then tries some plein air painting on the water without falling overboard. Rob McCallum is back to talk about the impact the pandemic has had on his role as a storyboard and concept artist in addition to some of his recent work including season 3 of Star Trek Discovery (no spoilers). They talk about drawing zombies and his upgrade to the iPad 2020. They also touch on what it means to be an artist with all the pressures of social media.

27: Character Design, Digital Brushes and The Power of Habituation with Artist Max Ulichney

It’s been a challenging few weeks with the pandemic but Mike was still able to make art a priority in drawing some animals, dinosaurs and humans. Mike is then joined by the talented Max Ulichney to talk about his creative journey. Having worked at the same company for 14 years, Max has left to join Netflix for an exciting new project. Max also talks about his MaxPacks which are incredibly well-designed brush sets for Procreate.

21: Exploring Technology, Art and Design with YouTuber Brad Colbow

Mike visits a museum and art gallery to do some sketching. Mike is then joined by artist and tech YouTuber Brad Colbow to talk hardware and software for creative professionals. Brad shares his journey to success from a young artist to graphic designer and web developer to a top YouTube reviewer for creatives. They talk about the current state of tech and apps as well as what the future may hold.

16: Making Movies and TV Shows with Storyboard and Concept Artist Rob McCallum

Mike has follow-up about a recent guest and talks about some graphite sketches. Mike is then joined by storyboard and concept artist Rob McCallum to discuss his art journey from his early days in Scotland with comics and movies to working with Stan Lee and transitioning to his movie and TV show work. Rob talks about some of his recent projects like Star Trek Discovery, IT and Downsizing and how transitioning to the iPad and Procreate has transformed his workflow. 

3: Drawing with an iPad

Mike finally finished the graphite drawing of the chickadee, watched a Disney artist create a Bob Ross painting and may consider doing a flipbook. He also does a deep dive into drawing with the iPad covering his favourite app, brushes, techniques and a few tips. This week’s homework is very dark. 

Pencil, Graphite and Charcoal

60: Connecting with Friends and Finding a New Creative Path with Artist Alvin Chong

Mike prepares some starter packs for those interested in a list of curated episodes around certain topics. He also shares a strategy in how to share your work. Alvin Chong joins the podcast to talk about his beginnings and his journey from creativity and back again. Alvin talks about his art, his tattoo business and, how the lockdown opened up new possibilities for him online.

49: Exploring a Fantasy World of Charcoal and Graphite with Artist Eric Messinger

Mike shares a story about connections. Eric Messinger then joins the podcast to talk about his incredible charcoal and graphite fantasy art. Eric has a unique style and approach using abstract use of charcoal in prepping the paper for his characters to visit. He goes through his process and then Mike and Eric have a great discussion about paper and pencils. Eric uses an interesting approach to starting a fantasy piece and his homework will certainly involve all your senses 🙂

31: Turning Marks Into Art Using Graphite and Charcoal with Artist and YouTuber Scott Maier

Mike finishes a commission and does a little urban sketching. He then picks up an etch-a-sketch for the 60th anniversary of the device. Mike is then joined by artist and YouTuber Scott Maier. Scott has a formal BFA and MFA and has been teaching and creating art for a couple of decades. He has recently been doing live YouTube drawing tutorials since March. Mike and Scott explore some of the videos and talk about the challenges and joy that can be found in putting pencil to paper.

Pen and Ink

48: Urban Sketching, Finding Your People, and The Power of The Fude with Marek Badzynski

Marek Badzynski joins the podcast to talk about his journey from Poland to Canada and architect to urban sketcher. Marek talks about his early days in Europe and how urban sketching saved him from a police incident. He then discusses his approach to using fountain pens with the fude nib as well as water-soluble graphite. He also addresses how to separate the collector of art supplies from the artist and keeping your kit small. Marek has some great tips for anyone interested in urban sketching.

28: Pens, Ink, Paper and Business Advice with The Pen Addict, Brad Dowdy

Mike finishes a nuthatch and is overwhelmed with the response. He connects some art supplies with people who need it and then shares the artwork of some local students. Mike is then joined by The Pen Addict, Brad Dowdy, who shares his journey from drawing tiny things to following his passion by starting a blog, a few businesses, and becoming a podcaster. Class is in session as Brad brings everyone through an intro to pens, ink, and paper and what it takes to create and maintain a successful business.

43: Creating Your Own Brand and Building a Successful Art Business with Jake Parker

Mike spends some time with colored pencils. He then reflects on 2020 and talks about his theme for 2021. Jake Parker joins the podcast to share his creative journey from his early inspiration to animation, books, and of course Inktober. Jake talks about his style and looking in the rearview mirror. He also shares his experience and business advice after successfully creating and publishing a number of books. Jake then talks about documenting your art with social media and giving your art more than one life.

Oil Painting

52: Color Versus Line and Demystifying Oil Painting with Kimberly Brooks

Mike talks about some colored pencil pieces and future plans. Artist and author Kimberly Brooks joins the podcast to talk about her journey and her new book, “The New Oil Painting”. They talk about her beginnings and how she took control of her own journey. She talks about color versus line for all artists and not being precious about your work.

38: Exploring the Melody in Painting with Artist Cornelia Hernes

Mike continues his Inktober project and talks about his workflow and a few of the prompts. Mike shares a couple of books and then explores a video to help your coffee house sketching. Cornelia Hernes joins the podcast to talk about her journey in pursuing her lifelong passion. She speaks to the melody in art and developing your artistic vocabulary. She uses her skill and experience in art and teaching to explore art, uncover the many layers, and inspire anyone looking to improve their drawing and painting.

20: Lessons in Life and Art with Naturalist and Artist Robert Bateman

Mike looks back on the five year old version of himself, explores some human anatomy as well as more nature with graphite. Naturalist and artist Robert Bateman then joins Mike to talk about his art career that has spanned nearly eight decades. They talk about his move from abstract to realism, discuss some of his pieces, explore some art tips and of course they chat about nature.