6 Challenges of Rewilding My Illustration Process (And What I'm Doing About Them)

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 EPISODEReflections on three seasons of podcasting and illustrationThe challenges of balancing podcasting with other creative projectsHow self-doubt and external criticism can shake your confidenceFinding joy and fulfillment in podcasting, despite the obstaclesThe question of whether podcasting is still worth the effort—how to know when to keep goingThe evolving mindset behind my illustration process and the shift from burnout to rewildingPLUS – Why I decided to stop doing custom episode art and the joy of simplifying the process.SHOW LINKSDrawing Ideas (Skillshare Class) — Tom Froese Drawing IdeasCreative Boom: Top Podcasts for Creatives 2025 — Creative Boom ListHOW TO SUPPORTShare with your friends on social media!Like, Sub, Follow, Comment, ReviewSupport on Patreon - patreon.com/tomfroeseBECOME A DRAWING BUDDYLive, monthly Draw With Me meetupsAll past DWMs available as replaysExclusive access to the DWM Discord ServerFIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and Classes | Instagram | Daily DrawingsCREDITSMusic 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 EPISODEWhy rewilding might be a mindset, not a mediumHow digital tools can both hinder and help creative joyWhat I’ve rediscovered about spontaneity, surprise, and storytelling in illustrationWhy pride in your process matters—and how to get it backHow AI is forcing illustrators to reevaluate their processThe three key questions I now ask to evaluate any creative toolPLUS – Why my Apple Pencil will never beat a Mason jar full of ink water.SHOW LINKSDrawing Ideas (Skillshare Class) — https://www.tomfroese.com/teaching/drawingideasPost by @brettpstenson — https://www.instagram.com/p/DKiYMKHSapr/?img_index=1See How Book Artwork Was Done In The Old Days Before Computers — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5YoyBvX1f8Graphic Design Tools Before Photoshop — https://youtu.be/O-XrRQf7BPM?si=GqEeaFOWfW3A87LlMy early style (Tom Froese Postcard example) — https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aa6d6c0a9e028fce5f7f4b2/1523840966237-XPQXSOX8HCUS9WI1SEDW/Tom+Froese+Stationery-3.jpgMy style a few years ago (totally digital) — https://www.tomfroese.com/work/canadianidentityMy more recent style (more rewilded, in spite of being all digital) — https://www.instagram.com/p/DJr4MSTyTTv/ (image for my upcoming book, Drawing is Important).HOW TO SUPPORTShare this episode with your friends!Like / Subscribe / Follow / Comment / Review on Apple PodcastsBecome a $3 Supporter or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon – patreon.com/tomfroeseBECOME A DRAWING BUDDYLive, monthly Draw With Me meetupsAll past DWMs available as replaysExclusive access to the DWM Discord ServerJoin hereFIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and ClassesInstagramDaily DrawingsCREDITSMusic 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 EPISODEWhy rewilding your process is easier said than doneSix problems I’ve identified on my rewilding journeyHow I’m coaching myself through a style evolutionWhy confidence in your style is often externalPLUS – Embarrassing Story of the Episode: A Canadian in ParisSHOW LINKSDrawing is Important (Skillshare Class) – https://skl.sh/3TuA0NSThe Style Class on Skillshare – https://skl.sh/4cFnIejDrawing Is Important (Sketchbook IG) – http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantMy Website – http://www.tomfroese.comHOW TO SUPPORTShare this episode with your friends!Like / Subscribe / Follow / Comment / ReviewBecome a $3 Supporter or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon – http://patreon.com/tomfroeseBECOME A DRAWING BUDDYLive, monthly Draw With Me meetupsAll past DWMs available as replaysExclusive access to the DWM Discord Serverhttp://patreon.com/tomfroeseFIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and Classes – http://www.tomfroese.comInstagram – http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings – http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantCREDITSMusic 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 EPISODEHow Roberts Rurans keeps his fully analog style feeling freshThoughts on evolving your style without disowning the pastThe line between art and design in illustrationAnalog tools vs. digital tools — which gives you the edge?PLUS - Embarrassing Moment of the Episode: Shirtless in the ForestSHOW LINKSRoberts Rurans on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/robertsruransRoberts’s website – https://www.robertsrurans.comHOW TO SUPPORTShare this episode with your friends!Like/Subscribe/Follow/Comment/ReviewBecome a $3 Supporter or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon. Visit http://patreon.com/tomfroese to learn more.BECOME A DRAWING BUDDYLive, monthly Draw With Me meetupsAll past DWMs available as replaysExclusive access to the DWM Discord Serverhttp://patreon.com/tomfroeseFIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.comInstagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantCREDITSMusic and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic

In this episode I talk about why it’s so hard to make digital art look more natural. For many of us, we work digitally out of convenience but really want our work to have a more analogue appearance — as though it were made using physical media. I explain why this is harder than you might think, citing 3 key factors I’ve encountered in my own experience. Then, I offer 5 more practical ways you can overcome these challenges and make your work look more natural. Stick around to the end where I try a new segment called “The Embarrassing Story of the Episode”!NOTE: I accidentally published this episode a day early and now I can't take it back. Enjoy the head start!IN THIS EPISODE3 reasons why it’s hard to make digital art look analogueThe most common mistake of new digital artists5 ways to avoid an overly digital lookPLUS - Embarrassing Moment of the Episode: Lady JacketSHOW LINKSJonathan Woodward’s (@jonathan_woodward_studio) collages - https://www.instagram.com/p/DIuHhUkKcPL/?img_index=3I said I’d share a specific issue from Roman Muradov’s DADA ISSUES Substack, but I couldn’t find it. Either way, go subscribe to it anyway. It is truly one of the best newsletters out there for illustrators. https://dadaissues.substack.com/HOW TO SUPPORTShare this episode with your friends!Like/Subscribe/Follow/Comment/ReviewBecome a $3 Supporter or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon. VIsit http://patreon.com/tomfroese to learn more.BECOME A DRAWING BUDDYLive, monthly Draw With Me meetupsAll past DWMs available as replays- Exclusive access to the DWM Discord Serverhttp://patreon.com/tomfroeseFIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.comInstagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantCREDITSMusic and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - ⁠http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic⁠⁠

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 EPISODEHow style fatigue sparked a shift in my creative practiceReconnecting with analogue rootsRe-wilding as a way of bringing more joy to the creative processFinding analogue techniques that mimic digital tools (rather than the other way around)What does re-wilding mean for a commercial practice?SHOW LINKShttps://mrtomfroese.substack.com/p/re-wilding-my-digital-art-processHOW TO SUPPORTShare this episode with your friends!Like/Subscribe/Follow/Comment/ReviewBecome a $3 Supporter or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon. VIsit http://patreon.com/tomfroese to learn more.BECOME A DRAWING BUDDY- Live, monthly Draw With Me meetups- All past DWMs available as replays- Exclusive access to the DWM Discord Serverhttp://patreon.com/tomfroeseFIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.comInstagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantCREDITSMusic 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 EPISODEWhat is decision paralysis, and how can it get us stuck?Why having keeping options to a minimum is necessary for the decision-impairedHow to give yourself “outside” feedbackWhat to do when you can’t stop making new iterations of an illustrationWhy finding your reason for doing anything is the key to doing it at alland more!SHOW LINKSIllustration Coaching - http://tomfroese.com/coachingAll My Classes - http://tomfroese.com/teachingHOW TO SUPPORTShare 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.FIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.comInstagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantCREDITSMusic 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 SchnaidtLearn how to make Clever Conceptual Illustrations in my new Skillshare class, Drawing Ideas — https://skl.sh/40dk9rKMike 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 EPISODEWhat 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 LINKSCreative Endurance (the book) — https://www.mikeschnaidt.com/creativeenduranceHelp Mike shape his next book — https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLScdjF1Kx4GDwqEdONKEvu349PCvxJUgydRLUMIdXxVLvVgWUg/viewform?usp=send_formMike’s Website: https://www.mikeschnaidt.comFollow Mike on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schnaidtHOW 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.FIND ME ELSEWHERE​Work and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.com​Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroese​Daily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantCREDITSMusic 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/3vtU3EpIn this episode, I share 5 tips to help you maximize your earnings and your joy in turbulent times as an illustrator.IN THIS EPISODEWhat it means to diversify your definition of illustrationA guaranteed way to stand out to art directorsTips for maximizing the impact of your portfolioOvercoming creative lonelinessWhy a personal daily drawing practice is key to your professional survival A listener shares her thoughts on the podcastSHOW LINKSIllustration Coaching - http://tomfroese.com/coachingAll My Classes - http://tomfroese.com/teachingThe Studio (Creative Boom) - https://community.creativeboom.comHOW TO SUPPORTShare 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.FIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.comInstagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantCREDITSMusic and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - ⁠http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic⁠⁠