Thoughts on Illustration

• The Illustrator’s (Smarter) Starter Pack | FREE PREVIEW

  Looking to Get Into Illustration? Here’s How to Begin.NEW—I am now offering free previews of Monologue episodes. This will help you decide if subscribing on Patreon / Spotify is right for you. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an Illustrator’s Starter Pack that could get you up and running as an illustrator ASAP? The reality is that any attempts to find a fast track into illustration could actually slow you down. In this episode, I share my SMART System: five paradigms (Styles, Markets, Applications, Reasons, Techniques) that help you get specific about what you want to make and where it belongs. Instead of hunting for the perfect gear or foolproof course list, SMART gives you a clear way to map your starting point.If you’ve been overwhelmed by tools, apps, or conflicting advice—and you just want a concrete way to begin—this episode is for you.IN THIS EPISODEWhy gear and classes alone won’t make you an illustratorThe SMART System overviewStyles vs. Techniques: how they relate and why they’re not the same thingMarkets vs. Applications: who buys the work vs. where the work livesReasons (purpose): the “why” that sharpens every briefThe closest thing to a starter pack? — (iPad + Apple Pencil + Procreate)How to use SMART to choose your next practice project and reduce decision paralysisTwo starter-pack parables: first-aid kits and flimsy badminton setsAs always (from now on), a reflection prompt to help you turn my thoughts into your actions!SHOW LINKSMalika Favre (style reference) — malikafavre.comHervé Tullet (style reference) — herve-tullet.comJohn Roman, 45 Markets of Illustration (markets overview)What is Risograph Printing? (technique primer) — risottostudio.comProcreate (iPad app) — procreate.artMy New Skillshare Class — SLO-FI IllustrationsHOW TO LISTEN/READIf you’d like to hear the full version of monologue episodes like this one:Join on Patreon for as low as $3/monthBecome a paid subscriber on Spotif ($2.99/month)This is also available as a story on Medium for paid members on that platform.FIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and Classes — tomfroese.comInstagram — instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings — instagram.com/drawingisimportantCREDITSMusic and Cues by Mark Allan Falk — Semiathletic on Linktree

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• Suzy Ultman

  What happens when you bravely create from what matters most to you—even when you’re not sure others will understand? In this episode, I talk with artist and author ⁠Suzy Ultman⁠, whose work blends joy, vulnerability, and cultural identity in a way that’s both incredibly specific and widely relatable.Suzy is the creator of a series of Jewish-themed board books for Penguin Workshop — ⁠I Like Your Chutzpah⁠, ⁠Shabbat Shalom⁠, and It’s a Mitzvah! — and in our conversation, we explore the story behind these books: the experiences that shaped them, the fears Suzy had about putting herself out there, and what it means to lead with joy even when it’s rooted in something much deeper.IN THIS EPISODEHow Suzy went from client-based work to building a licensing brand around her own voiceWhy she was initially afraid to make books that reflected something deeply meaningful to herWhy she sees herself as a bridge (middle child, anyone!?)What it looks like to make joyful work rooted in meaning, emotionally layered, and honestSuzy’s advice for artists who want to create from a deeper place but aren’t sure where to startREFLECTION PROMPTWhat’s something you’ve been afraid to share in your creative work — and what might change if you let it in?SHOW LINKSSuzy Ultman’s Website — https://www.suzyultman.com/It’s a Mitzvah! (Penguin Workshop, Sept 2, 2025) https://www.suzyultman.com/shop/p/mitzvahbookSuzy on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/suzyultmanPaper Doll Parade – Chronicle Books — https://www.suzyultman.com/paper-doll-paradeFriendship Carousel – Chronicle Books — https://www.suzyultman.com/friendship-carousel-btsTHANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!You can show your appreciation for the Thoughts on Illustration podcast by:Sharing with your friends on social mediaLiking/Following/SubscribingLeaving a review on Apple PodcastsBecoming a paid supporter on Patreon — 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://linktr.ee/semiathletic

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• Season 4 Preview: Big Changes are Coming!

  Welcome to a special preview episode of Thoughts on Illustration. At the end of last season, I wasn’t sure if this podcast would continue — but here I am. After a summer of reflection (and a little camping, surfing, and book work), I’m ready to share how Season 4 will look different.This season I’m making changes to keep the podcast sustainable for me and more valuable for you. Season 4 officially begins on September 9 with the first monologue episode.IN THIS PREVIEWUpdates from my summer: working on my book Drawing is Important (out early 2026), teaching, and new class prepWhy I nearly quit the podcast — and what convinced me to keep goingThe 3 key shifts for Season 4New Patreon perks: quarterly Q&A sessions, monthly Draw With Me, and access to every episodeSUPPORT THIS PODCASTJoin on Patreon — To hear all episodes — monologues and interviews — join me on Patreon starting at $3/month. Drawing Buddies at $8/month also get access to monthly Draw With Me sessions and replays.patreon.com/tomfroeseFollow on Substack — Free listeners will still get access to all interview episodes on your podcast app or via Substack at mrtomfroese.substack.com.GET IN TOUCHEmail - [email protected] - tomfroese.com

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• Is This Still Working? A Look Back at Season 3

  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

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• What I Got Wrong About Going Analog

  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

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