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
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
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
PLUS – Why my Apple Pencil will never beat a Mason jar full of ink water.
SHOW LINKS
HOW TO SUPPORT
BECOME A DRAWING BUDDY
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk – semiathletic on Linktree
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
SHOW LINKS
HOW TO SUPPORT
BECOME A DRAWING BUDDY
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk – http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic
In this episode, I share my conversation with Roberts Rurans, a Latvia-based illustrator who creates all his work using traditional materials — literally painting his images with acrylics. When Roberts talks about his brushes, he means the actual ones lying on his table, not virtual tools in a menu! His process is physical, full of quirks, accidents, and unexpected moments — and yet, his work feels fresh and totally at home in today’s digital illustration landscape.
Roberts has worked with clients like Hermès, Nike, Apple, and Coca-Cola, but his artistic integrity shines through no matter the project. In our conversation, we talk about evolving your style, the tension between old and new work, the difference between art and design, and what it’s really like to work 100% analog in a mostly digital world.
Toward the end, Roberts answers questions submitted by my Patreon supporters — including whether he secretly uses any digital tools (you’ll have to listen to find out). I wrap things up with some community notes and another “Embarrassing Story of the Episode,” featuring me, a trail run, some hikers caught unawares, and a well-placed band-aid.
IN THIS EPISODE
SHOW LINKS
HOW TO SUPPORT
BECOME A DRAWING BUDDY
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic
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In this episode I share my recent thoughts on what it means to "Re-wild" my illustration process. Inevitably, this means my continued quest to bring more analogue elements back into my process, with the ultimate aim of increasing my joy in the creative process and in the work itself.
IN THIS EPISODE
SHOW LINKS
https://mrtomfroese.substack.com/p/re-wilding-my-digital-art-process
HOW TO SUPPORT
BECOME A DRAWING BUDDY
- Live, monthly Draw With Me meetups
- All past DWMs available as replays
- Exclusive access to the DWM Discord Server
http://patreon.com/tomfroese
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic
Eliminate time-wasting decisions by discovering your style! Learn more in The Style Class on Skillshare. https://skl.sh/4cFnIej — Use my link to get 30 days of free Skillshare membership.
Decision Paralysis — or as some call it, Analysis Paralysis — is the experience of getting stuck on some kind of decision. It could be a big decision, or something very minor, but even the tiniest option can get us spinning our tires for hours or even days! If you struggle to make any kind of decisions, even sometimes, this episode is for you. I’ll open up by sharing some of my own experiences with indecision, and then I’ll share a few different illustration-specific situations where most of us might get stuck the most. I’ll share ways that I navigate these and keep moving, and of course, offer some ways you can use these in your own life.
IN THIS EPISODE
SHOW LINKS
HOW TO SUPPORT
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic
With apologies! Stay tuned for Episode 51 — coming no later than April 8, 2025.
Working with Editorial Art Directors with Mike Schnaidt
Learn how to make Clever Conceptual Illustrations in my new Skillshare class, Drawing Ideas — https://skl.sh/40dk9rK
Mike Schnaidt is the Creative Director at Fast Company, an Adjunct Professor at the School of Visual Arts (SVA), and author of Creative Endurance: 56 Rules for Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Your Goals.
I picked Mike’s brain about all things Editorial Illustration, and invited him to share some deep insights on how to stave off burnout and keep going as a creative from his book, Creative Endurance.
IN THIS EPISODE
What is the difference between an art director and a creative director?
What is the best way to reach out to an editorial client?
Is Email or a Mailer the better way to get noticed?
How do art directors discover new illustrators?
What is the ONE THING you need to SHINE with your editorial clients?
What is the state of illustration today?
Is pursuing a career as an editorial illustrator a bad move in 2025?
Mike’s last-minute choice to interview a total stranger he met in a coffee shop for his book — and how that changed the whole book for him.
SHOW LINKS
Creative Endurance (the book) — https://www.mikeschnaidt.com/creativeendurance
Help Mike shape his next book — https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLScdjF1Kx4GDwqEdONKEvu349PCvxJUgydRLUMIdXxVLvVgWUg/viewform?usp=send_form
Mike’s Website: https://www.mikeschnaidt.com
Follow Mike on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schnaidt
HOW TO SUPPORT
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic
Take Composition for Illustrators on Skillshare. Learn how composition works on last year’s 2nd most-watched class! Use my link to get 30 days of free Skillshare membership. — https://skl.sh/3vtU3Ep
In this episode, I share 5 tips to help you maximize your earnings and your joy in turbulent times as an illustrator.
IN THIS EPISODE
SHOW LINKS
HOW TO SUPPORT
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
Work and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.com
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroese
Daily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportant
CREDITS
Take "Drawing Ideas: Create Conceptual Illustrations for Editorial and Beyond " on Skillshare! - https://skl.sh/40dk9rK (Use my link to get 30 days free).
Today I answer the question, “How did you approach getting representation and landing your first editorial clients?”
Thanks to @sipcozyart on Threads for the question!
IN THIS EPISODE
SHOW LINKS
Illustration Coaching - http://tomfroese.com/coaching
My Classes - http://tomfroese.com/teaching
Secret Random Episode (on Patreon) - https://www.patreon.com/posts/secret-random-48-122527763
HOW TO SUPPORT
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
Work and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.com
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroese
Daily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportant
Take "Drawing Ideas: Create Conceptual Illustrations for Editorial and Beyond " on Skillshare! - https://skl.sh/40dk9rK (Use my link to get 30 days free).
Jess Miller is a designer, illustrator and educator based in LA. She joins me to share her story of losing everything in the Eton fire and how her community, near and far, are rallying to support her as she starts her life all over again.
IN THIS EPISODE
SHOW LINKS
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
Take "Drawing Ideas: Create Conceptual Illustrations for Editorial and Beyond " on Skillshare! - https://skl.sh/40dk9rK (Use my link to get 30 days free).
In this episode I share my income sources in 2024, and how much of my overall earnings I took in for each one. I look into whether I'm the only illustrator who earns most of their living from outside of illustration. I'll share some helpful tips for anyone hoping to find new income sources in 2025.
IN THIS EPISODE
Is it possible to make a living just from illustration in 2025? How much of other illustrators' income sources comes from outside illustration? My other passive income sources, such as Teaching, Patreon, and more. Tips for choosing and building new income streams as a creative professional
SHOW LINKS
LA Fires — Are you an illustrator affected by the LA Fires? Tell us your story. More info at http://tomfroese.com/firestories
Anoosha Sayed: Breakdown of an Illustrator's Salary
Jill Labieniec: Income Sources in 2024 -
Ohn Mar Win: How I Made Money in the Last Year (2022)
HOW TO SUPPORT
Share this episode with your friends on Social Media! Like, Comment, Follow, Subscribe! Become a $3 Fan or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon. Visit
http://patreon.com/tomfroese
to learn more.
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
Work and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.com
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroese
Daily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportant
Take "Drawing Ideas: Create Conceptual Illustrations for Editorial and Beyond " on Skillshare! - https://skl.sh/40dk9rK (Use my link to get 30 days free).
In this episode I reflect on the last trip around the sun and make some bold predictions for 2025. Be warned, I went commando in this episode — no script, no idea of how the show would go — but I think I pulled off a meaningful, if not personable, episode. (I'm speaking figuratively — I was wearing underpants, and pants, the whole time). Enjoy!
IN THIS EPISODE
SHOW LINKS
HOW TO SUPPORT
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
Work and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.com
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroese
Daily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportant
Kyle Webster is arguably the most influential person in digital illustration brushes, period. He started making Photoshop brushes a long time ago, leading to Adobe's acquisition of his brushes and his talent in 2017. In 2024, Kyle left Adobe and joined Procreate in very close succession. I wanted to catch up with Kyle and let him explain what happened, in his own words.
IN THIS EPISODE
SHOW LINKS
HOW TO SUPPORT
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
Work and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.com
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroese
Daily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportant
"An artwork is never finished, only abandoned." This is apparently a quote from Leonardo Da Vinci. If one of the greatest artists of all time had trouble knowing when his work was finished, then it's no wonder the rest of us do as well.
In this episode, I share some ideas on what it means to complete a work, how to know when you should call it done, and if that's not possible, how to responsibly abandon it.
At the end I share some important news about the future of the podcast.
IN THIS EPISODE
SHOW LINKS
Take Drawing Towards Illustration on Skillshare. Learn how to connect how you draw with how you illustrate.
https://www.tomfroese.com/teaching/drawing-towards-illustration
HOW TO SUPPORT
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
Work and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.com
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroese
Daily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportant
