Everyday Artist Podcast

Bill Sienkiewicz: Early creativity and the aspects of self-preservation. Bill discloses how reading and producing comics at a young age helped to keep him on a straighter path than some of those around him. The therapeutic aspects of making art and being involved in artistic endeavors shaped his later life. Artistic processes also helped him to deal with negative situations in the past, as well as the present. A truly intimate look into Bill's life and lifestyle. Pics and link at brentwatkinson.com .

Francis Livingston: Influences, Gallery Paintings, and Life Changing Events. Francis discusses his early childhood experiences that led to many thoughts and decisions that would later direct his image making career. Also, a life altering event that helped his decision making ability and his desire to move forward at all times. Pics and link at brentwatkinson.com .

Gary Kelley: His Creative Process and Research. Gary discusses his interest in research regarding any of his projects, but especially in regards to illustrating picture books. His in-depth investigation is prompted not only by his love of history, but his desire to bring fresh ways of showing and interpreting stories. Pics and link at brentwatkinson.com .

Podcast host Brent Watkinson explains in conversational terms how the Apollo 11 spacecraft flew from the Earth to the Moon in July of 1969. An explanation of the vehicles and processes used to transport three astronauts out of Earth's orbit and land two of them on the lunar surface, then returning them all safely back to Earth. Pics and links at brentwatkinson.com .

Spectrum Fantasy Art Live/Planet Comic Con: John English and Timmy Trabon are interviewed during the Kansas City "dual" Convention. John, Timmy, George Pratt, Jon Foster, myself, Gianna Procopio and Alice Collins were working the booth representing both The Illustration Academy and Visual Arts Passage. A highlight of all three days were having George and Jon doing on-the-spot portfolio reviews for artists visiting the booth. PIcs and links at brentwatkinson.com .

Mark tells widely varied stories pertaining to the times before and during his rise to being one of the most important illustrators and picture makers of our time. Still going strong and working in the studio everyday, trying to constantly entertain himself and capture elusive images that are still being collected at all points of the compass. Pics and link at brentwatkinson.com .

A gentle look into the mind and imagination, and where his ideas and his work actually comes from. Bill talks about his passion for his work and his passion of teaching. Also, a brief discussion of the "newest" models for education of art and illustration. Good insights on choosing employment and work opportunities to remain loyal to yourself and your creative goals. Pics and links at brentwatkinson.com .

Chris talks about working in a studio setting after graduating college, and how he became motivated to take control of his own thinking and picture making that inevitably launched his career. Also, a discussion about education and students, and his position as the Director of the The Low Residency MFA in Illustration Program at the University of Hartford's Hartford Art School. PIcs and link at brentwatkinson.com .

Sterling talks about the multitude of his current and ongoing creative endeavors. From teaching full time to the publication of a recent picture book, Sterling interweaves how his life as an educator, illustrator, fine art painter, husband, and father, is beginning to come together. Also, a brief discussion of how Legendeer came to be and how it is intended to function. Pics and link at brentwatkinson.com .

Vanessa Lemen: Dealing with Social Issues and Social Media. Vanessa speaks candidly about dealing with current social issues while working on images from the book, "The Left Hand Of Darkness." She also talks about the value of entering juried, published competitions, such as Spectrum Fantastic Art, and her eclectic education that lead her to her current, interpretive artwork. See pics and links at brentwatkinson.com .