Podcast Episode 35 – Style with Kevin Cross
May 18, 2010
(Illustration by Kevin Cross)
Episode 35 of the Escape From Illustration Island Podcast features a discussion about style with Illustrator Kevin Cross. Together we explore the overall concept of style, as well as our own recent experiences with reinventing our approach to style. I also announce the official release date of my new eBook, 15 Steps to Freelance Illustration.
Here are links to some of the things mentioned on the show:
Kevin Cross Illustration
Thomas James Illustration
Cartoon Modern by Amid Amidi
Related Posts:
- Podcast Episode 34 – ICON6 Illustration Conference
- Podcast Episode 25 – Steven Heller
- Podcast Episode 31 – Artist Representative Scott Hull
- Podcast Episode 27 – Promotion
- Podcast Episode 5 – Social Networking
Stay up-to-date with future Illustration resources via email, Facebook, and Twitter.
One of the best podcasts yet. As somebody that’s been beating his head against a wall to rework their style, this came at the perfect time. Thanks guys..
I loved this episode! I’m struggling a bit with the whole style thing myself at the moment, and it’s great to hear about other people’s experiences with this and how they come to ‘find themselves’ and have fun with their work again. Kevin’s enthusiasm about his new style is contagious and now I’m all excited about going to the drawing table and having fun with it too.
I can’t wait to see his new work. Thank you guys, this episode has provided me with some much-needed inspiration and a great new approach/way of thinking when it comes to making my own work. :)
Thanks for the feedback, Caleb and Melanie. I’m glad you enjoyed listening. Style is a really elusive topic, but I feel like we at least spoke from our own experiences.
Thanks a lot for this great podcast.
I’ve been listening to all of the EFII podcasts lately (while working on a portfolio myself :) ) and while I found most of them very interesting and enjoyable to listen to, this one really struck a chord. Some of the things you’ve talked about, like aknowledging which are the things you actually like about drawing, the things you are good at and working with those, having fun rather than constantly struggling with unobtainable goals, these are things that took me ages to find out for myself.
I think it is excellent advice to pay attention to “the kid inside” and I hope a lot of people get to listen to your conversation with Kevin Cross.
Thanks again.
Thanks very much for your comment. I’m glad you could relate to the conversation.
I agree it was a fantastic podcast. As the illustrator coordinator for our local SCBWI chapter, I’m frequently asked by new illustrators “How do I find my style?” I usually tell them what I was told when I was starting out: It’s the colors you wear, the way you decorate your home, how you express yourself. But most of all, you finding it by working. The more your create, the more your style will begin to show itself.
Now I can also point them to this podcast! :)
Thanks Thomas and Kevin for a great conversation.
Its funny that the day before listening to it i was watching Samurai jack (season 3 has character designs by the wonderful Chris Reccardi) and blown away by the colour palettes and retro look.
Style has always been something i have struggled with. If you spread yourself to thin you can end up being a jack of all trades but master of none. I remember a quote which went something like “style happens when you are not looking”
I agree with Diandra above, just keep creating and absorbing stuff. you will gravitate to the things you love to do. Eventually the style will find you. Hope that’s not too Zen!
cheers
That book…Cartoon Modern..got me to really find my style i’ve always been a big fan of UPA too..especially John Hubley..by studying his vast contribution to animation it can also teach us about style..expressing yourself..that was my problem back then..whenever i look at an artist’s work that i like i immediately copy his style and so on and so forth..but gradually it dawned to me that what really matters is what you feel is right..being a jack of all trades may not be a bad thing but in my opinion being honest about yourself and your art is what really matters to me..great podcast.
Thanks Lloyd. I can relate to being inspired by artists and having that constantly influencing your style. It seems that the more stable you get with your own style, the more this becomes “influence” rather than “copying”. Glad you liked the episode.
yes…even in the comic book world..everybody was a clone of someone else..and some even absorbed the original material..i was so surprised when i saw Bruce Timm drew in the style of Jack Kirby..the end product was crazy..you can’t tell which one is the real kirby not until you really scrutinize the drawings..well my point is there’s nothing wrong in cloning somebody else’s style..but your own style comes when you start to trust your own lines and not look back..it’s easier said than done but in my case I’m getting there slowly but surely.
Thanks for doing this podcast. I too have feel that my career is in need of transition and it’s nice to know that I am not alone! This episode has lifted my spirits and has given me a bit more insight in how I can freshen up my portfolio in order to get the gigs that made me want to be an illustrator in the first place!
:D
Thanks very much, Pat. It’s so great to have that realization, isn’t it? Best of luck with your new directions!