E40: Character Development: Avoid The Concept Art Trap!
This is The Fortieth Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.Let's talk about the dangers of being one dimensional in your character design!Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality! ---In this video, I delve into the complexities of character design, exploring the contrast between visual representation and character development through actions. As artists, we're often taught to make characters look like who they are, emphasizing clear, exaggerated visual cues. However, in writing, it's the actions a character takes that truly define them, sometimes conflicting with their outward appearance.I discuss how these differing approaches can clash and how understanding both the external and internal aspects of character can lead to more nuanced and compelling designs. By examining examples like Tyrion Lannister from "Game of Thrones," Darth Vader from "Star Wars," and Long John Silver from "Treasure Island," I highlight how characters with contrasting appearances and motivations captivate audiences.Whether you're designing your own characters or aiming to deepen your storytelling, this video offers insights into balancing clarity with complexity. Join me as I unpack these concepts to help you create characters that resonate on a deeper level with your audience.---00:00 Intro01:39 Welcome02:04 Are There Problems With General Character Design Advice?06:04 Complexity and Duality of Great Characters14:50 The Benefit of Being Basic...20:23 The Dangers of Being a Cog in The Machine...24:00 The Analytical Takeaway27:05 The Simple Takeaway27:19 The Practical Takeaway31:20 The Philosophical Takeaway35:11 Out... Plus The Mona Lisa This Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.Learn more about Tim Mcburnie:Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex: www.thedrawingcodex.comCheck out this podcast with video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tim-McburnieSpotify Link: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419fApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411https://podcast.thedrawingcodex.com/Check out The Drawing Codex Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrawingCodexPortfolio: www.timmcburnie.comwww.artstation.com/tim-mcburniewww.instagram.com/timmcburnietwitter.com/timmcburnie
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37:10
E39: Art Projects - The Mysterious Magic of Constraint
This is The Thirty Ninth Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.
Let's talk about how creative restraint can actually help your art project!
Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality!
---
Often, we think unlimited options and total creative freedom are what we need, but in reality, constraints and creative restrictions are essential. Without them, projects can lose focus and fail to materialize into something great. By imposing limitations on ourselves—like deadlines, budgets, or specific genres—we can spark our creativity and produce more interesting work.
I discuss how starting with simple, even generic ideas can lead to unique and innovative outcomes. Working with others and adhering to briefs has often pushed me to develop better solutions than when I had complete freedom. Adding constraints helps define our projects and challenges us to think more deeply, turning vague concepts into tangible creations.
I encourage you to consider how constraints have affected your own creative process. Reflect on times when you've felt inspired versus when you've faced a blank page with infinite possibilities. By embracing limitations, we can unlock our full creative potential and bring our ideas to life.
---
00:00 Intro02:31 Welcome04:55 The Problem With an Infinity of ideas12:00 The Utility of Simple Ideas18:54 How To Apply Constraints24:56 The Analytical Takeaway26:40 The Simple Takeaway26:57 The Practical Takeaway29:58 The Philosophical Takeaway33:26 Out!
This Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.
We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.
Learn more about Tim Mcburnie:
Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex: www.thedrawingcodex.com
Check out this podcast with video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tim-Mcburnie
Spotify Link: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419f
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411
www.thedrawingcodex.com/podcasts/the-visual-scholar
Check out The Drawing Codex Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrawingCodex
Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
www.instagram.com/timmcburnie
twitter.com/timmcburnie
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35:03
E38 Becoming a Pro Artist: How Long Does It Really Take?
This is The Thirty Eighth Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.
Let's talk about how long it takes to reach the mythical 'pro' level of art.
This concept is something many people ask me about. And it's one of those markers that many of us consider to be really important.
But it's also a moving target, and is not always as significant as people make it out to be.
So in this episode I am going to unpack some of the considerations around improving your art and getting to a good level of skill... and how long it takes.
Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality!
-----DURATION TO REACH PROFESSIONAL LEVEL IN ART
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: It took me about 10 years to reach a professional level, starting from high school. This journey included navigating through various educational paths and job experiences.
GENERAL OBSERVATION: For students in structured educational settings, such as colleges, it generally takes about three to four years to build foundational skills, with additional time needed to refine skills to industry standards.
--COMMON TRAPS IN LEARNING ART
EARLY DISILLUSIONMENT: Many artists become discouraged by the slow visible progress and complex skill acquisition, which can extend the learning period.
INCONSISTENCY: Fluctuations in learning intensity and focus can hinder steady progress. Artists often experience periods where skills seem to regress due to new challenges or advanced techniques.
--PACING YOUR ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
SETTING REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: Understanding that becoming proficient takes years is crucial to maintaining motivation and persistence.
CONSISTENT PRACTICE: Regular practice and application of skills are essential for continuous improvement and avoiding long stagnant periods.
--SPEEDRUN STRATEGY FOR ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
FOCUSED SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Concentrate on the specific skills that are directly relevant to your desired area of professional art. This approach minimizes wasted effort on unnecessary breadth.
AVOIDING OVER-DIVERSIFICATION: While exploring different artistic styles and mediums can be enriching, it can also distract from developing the depth needed for professional work.---
00:00 Intro02:28 Welcome02:50 Here's the Outline for this Episode!06:34 How Long It Took Me To Get To A Professional Level18:54 How Long It Can Take Students Now...25:42 What Are The Traps That Cost You Time?46:09 The Secrets To Pacing Yourself56:29 The Speedrun Playbook...1:05:20 The Analytical Takeaway1:06:32 The Simple Takeaway1:07:25 The Practical Takeaway1:09:30 The Philosophical Takeaway1:15:12 Out!
This Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.
We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.
Learn more about Tim Mcburnie:
Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex: www.thedrawingcodex.com
Check out this podcast with video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tim-Mcburnie
Spotify Link: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419f
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411
www.thedrawingcodex.com/podcasts/the-visual-scholar
Check out The Drawing Codex Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrawingCodex
Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
www.instagram.com/timmcburnie
twitter.com/timmcburnie
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1:16:22
E37: 3 Ways I Kicked Art Procrastination As A Pro
This is The Thirty Seventh Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.
Let's talk overcoming procrastination as artists!
I think there are a few things which are really unique and interesting about procrastination and how it relates to the creative process.
Personally I dealt with a lot of procrastination issues early on in my career.
Both while learning to draw as a self taught artists... and also when I started to work for other people and I had to deal with deadlines and expectations.
Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality!
---This episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast addresses the common challenge of procrastination among artists, a significant barrier to productivity and creative output. I explore the various dimensions of procrastination from psychological, philosophical, and practical perspectives. The discussion centers on my personal struggles with procrastination, insights into the complex nature of this issue, and strategies I found effective in overcoming it.
I delve into the roots of procrastination, highlighting how cultural and educational systems shape our views on time management and productivity. The episode emphasizes the importance of developing good habits to enhance productivity and combat procrastination. I share three specific strategies that helped me personally to manage and eventually minimize my procrastination tendencies.
Throughout, I stress the importance of understanding procrastination not just as a hindrance but as a complex phenomenon that can offer insights into one's creative process and mindset. The goal is to equip artists with the tools and understanding needed to address procrastination head-on, enhancing their ability to consistently create and meet their artistic goals.---
00:00:00 Intro00:02:16 Welcome00:02:38 Why We Often View Procrastination From The Wrong Angle00:08:20 What Even IS Procrastination... What Is Happening?00:23:28 Figuring Out Your Success Metrics00:38:42 Tactics For Epic long Term Procrastination00:51:02 TakeAways00:51:14 The Analytical Takeaway00:55:14 The Simple Takeaway00:55:59 The Practical Takeaway00:59:54 The Philosophical Takeaway01:02:41 Out!
This Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.
We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.
Learn more about Tim Mcburnie:
Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex: www.thedrawingcodex.com
Check out this podcast with video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tim-Mcburnie
Spotify Link: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419f
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411
www.thedrawingcodex.com/podcasts/the-visual-scholar
Check out The Drawing Codex Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrawingCodex
Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
www.instagram.com/timmcburnie
twitter.com/timmcburnie
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1:04:27
E36: Adobe is Legacy Software. What Does The Future Look Like?
This is The Thirty Sixth Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.
Let's talk Adobe...
There is a lot of drama and outrage aimed at Adobe. I normally stay away from this stuff on the Visual Scholar... But people often ask for my opinion as I do use Adobe products, and teach people how to use them.
So this episode is dedicated to my thoughts on the future of Photoshop. But as you know if you have been following this show, it won't be simple, and I will weave in some more interesting topics.
I want to walk though:
1 What we should expect from Software as artists2 What can we learn by looking closer at Adobe Inc3 What Ethics, Morality, Publicly traded companies... and AI say about the future of Customer/Product Symbiosis.
So yeah... This is a long form essay. That no one really asked for. But if you want to rise above the noise and outrage FUD... strap in!
00:00:00 Intro00:03:03 Welcome00:03:28 What's My Take On This?00:07:07 What Good Creative Software Needs To Be... The Dangers of Switching00:08:45 That Time I Gave Up Photoshop For Corel Painter...00:14:56 Reliability...00:15:33 Learning & Community00:16:55 Different Artists Need Different Features... Pro Vs The Rest00:19:06 Professional Features (That Most People Don't Care About)00:20:06 Production Integration00:21:16 Chameleon: Photoshop Can Be Many Things00:23:27 Extensibility00:26:51 Real Professional Reliability00:30:03 Speeed00:32:03 TLDR: Bugs And Tech Hurdles Can Ruin Your Art Flow00:33:11 What About Adobe As A Company (Evil INC)00:33:50 The History... Aggressive Monopoly00:35:22 Adobe The Dinosaur (Legacy Software and Legacy Attitude)00:38:19 Adobe Is Struggling To Be A Modern SAAS Company00:39:15 Publicly Traded Companies Can't Take Care Of Their Customers.00:39:58 The Silicon Valley Hype Cycle00:41:17 Symbiosis: How Good Software Is Made00:43:24 The Protopian Ideal00:44:58 Incentives: It's Not A Matter of Good Or Evil.00:50:37 What Does The Future Of Software Look Like?00:52:51 The Community Matters00:53:58 The Photoshop Interface Built Adobe00:55:06 Piracy Helped Build The Monopoly00:56:00 No Free Version = No One Uses It... Or Cares.00:58:57 Adobe In Trouble?01:02:40 Has Adobe Forgotten How To Make And Promote Software?01:03:32 The Street Price Of Creative Cloud01:05:58 Adobe Actually Has A Great Deal...01:09:10 The Traps Large Companies Fall Into01:10:58 Business Models And Functionality Are Linked!01:14:03 Photoshop IS Unique01:17:34 The Real Issue? (AI)01:19:25 The Hype Train01:22:11 If AGI and Superintelligence Are Coming... Why Is Adobe Putting AI In Photoshop01:24:51 The Double Speak Of Generative Imagery and LLMs01:25:59 The Real Reason I Want OFF The Adobe Train Now01:29:17 Takeaways!01:30:14 The Analytical Takeaway01:35:15 Marker 301:35:26 The practical Takeaway01:37:27 The Philosophical Takeaway
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This Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.
We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.
Learn more about Tim Mcburnie:
Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex: www.thedrawingcodex.com
Check out this podcast with video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tim-Mcburnie
Spotify Link: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419f
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411
www.thedrawingcodex.com/podcasts/the-visual-scholar
Check out The Drawing Codex Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrawingCodex
Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
www.instagram.com/timmcburnie
twitter.com/timmcburnie
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