Pencil Kings | Inspiring Artist Interviews with Today's Best Artists

Oliver Dominguez talks about becoming a freelance artist right out of school, illustrating books for children, and how he's managed to make a name for himself with historical art.

Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/

Go to any comic con and you'll see countless artists selling fan art featuring some of our most popular characters. From Spiderman to Superman and Harley Quinn to Stormtroopers, it's all there.

But could you be breaking the law as an artist by producing this kind of work? And how can you avoid getting slapped with a lawsuit for infringing copyright?

Well, who better to ask than an expert in these matters? In this interview, we talk with an actual IP lawyer, Seth Polansky, to see exactly where artists stand when making art based on our favorite comic book and game characters.

So, if you've ever innocently produced fan art (even if you haven't actually sold it), you might want to listen closely. Because the advice you'll get from listening to Seth just might save you a stack of money and help keep you on the right side of the law.

But as well as being an expert in legal matters, Seth is also a pretty awesome indie filmmaker and musician. So, you'll also hear about he keeps busy with numerous creative side projects when he's not helping artists avoid huge legal costs from the big boys.

Interview Chapters:

00:00-03:30

Introduction & Overview

Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Seth Polansky, who gives you a brief overview of his career as an artist and and IP Lawyer. He explains why he decided to specialize in this area after finishing law school, and why he's devoted the past few years to helping artists avoid lawsuits and litigation.

04:01-04:38

What about Seth Polansky's Other Projects?

When he's not helping artists stay on the right side of the law, Seth is busy with indie filmmaking projects and music. How does he find time to fit it all in? You'll find out in this chapter.

05:13-13:46

Could You be Breaking The Law as an Artist?

In this chapter, Seth explains copyright law and clears up any gray areas for artists. So, if you weren't aware of any of this before, you might want to listen up and take note.

14:35-21:01

How can you Avoid Copyright Infringement?

Knowing what is (and what isn't) acceptable use of someone else's intellectual property (IP) can help you stay on the right side of the law and avoid any potential copyright issues as an artist. In this chapter, Seth clearly spells out what you need to be aware of as an artist if you're making fan art...and how you can avoid any potential legal issues.

22:40-24:38

Who should you Speak to First About Licensing?

Many artists don't have too much experience of legal matters, so knowing who to approach can be tricky. In this chapter, Seth explains why contacting a lawyer in the first instance is often a very good (an inexpensive) idea and tells you where to find an extremely useful legal contract template for artists online.

25:42-34:52

Seth on Indie Filmmaking and IP Issues

When he's not being a lawyer, Seth is also a great indie filmmaker. In this chapter, he talks about the projects he's been working on and reveals what he's learned about legal issues and making films in the process.

35:10-38:23

Seth Polansky's Advice for Comic Con Artists

Exhibiting your fan art at a comic con but still unsure if it's legal or not? In this chapter, you'll find all the info you need to help you stay on the right side of the tracks.

38:39-40:07

What about art based on older intellectual property?

Many of today's most popular characters have been around for decades, meaning the original concept might be exempt from copyright law. But how do you know which ones are ok to use? Seth clears up this gray area in this chapter.

40:35-43:14

Conclusion and Where to Find Seth Online

Want to know where to find Seth online? Here's the place!

Full show notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast/

Building your art career is so much easier if you have the right advice and resources.

In this interview, 3D Total Publishing studio manager, Simon Morse, reveals why knowing your audience is key, and how their books, website, and magazines, have helped countless artists develop their skills and take their careers to the next level.

Interview Chapters:

00:37-2:20

Introduction and Overview

Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today's guest, Simon Morse from 3D Total Publishing, and asks him to give a brief overview of his main job role as a studio manager.

02:42-05:04

What Does a Studio Manager do?

In this chapter, Simon outlines his day-to-day duties and reveals how the small but highly motivated team at 3d Total Publishing helps everything run smoothly.

05:05-09:09

What are the Key Skills a Successful Artist Needs to Have?

Being really good at painting or drawing is just the start if you want to be a successful artist. There are lots of other skills you need to develop too, such as networking and professionalism. In this chapter, Simon reveals how he works with artists on a daily basis, and outlines the key takeaways from this.

10:25-17:08

Why is is so Important to see your Art Career as a Business?

Seeing your art career as a business is vital if you want your work to sell. In this chapter, Simon reveals why profitability is so important, and why producing work aimed at your target audience is key. He also talks about an exciting publication coming soon, The Ultimate Career Guide for Concept Artists, which aims to help people find the right audience for their work.

17:33-22:26

What are the most Popular Titles at 3D Total Publishing?

In this chapter, Simon talks about how 3D Total Publishing got started, and reveals why their Beginner's Guide to Digital Painting is just as popular now as when it was first published. He also talks about recent hugely successful titles, such as The Art of Loish, which has generated more than £1 million in sales since its Kickstarter launch last year.

22:27-24:11

Why are 3D Total Publishing Books and Magazines so Useful for Artists?

Simon and his team take great care to ensure each title delivers the best possible learning experience for artists. In this chapter, he reveals how and why they do this.

24:46-28:56

How has 3D Total Publishing gone from a small city in the UK to a Worldwide Success?

You'd be forgiven for thinking 3D Total Publishing is based in some swanky offices in London, but that's not the case. In this chapter, Simon reveals how the ethos behind 3D Total Publishing has helped them reach artists all over the world from their small offices in the small UK city of Worcester.

30:18-33:41

How can Working for a Smaller Company Help You Develop Your Career?

Working for a smaller company can have many benefits - especially if you have the passion and genuine interest to get involved in several different areas. In this chapter, Simon explains why the passion of his team is a key ingredient in the success story of 3D Total Publishing.

35:27-38:47

How can you Break Into the Creative Industry?

How do you go about working with a company such as 3D Total Publishing as a team member or artist? In this chapter, Simon reveals the main qualities employers in the creative industries are looking for when they hire someone.

38:48-41:43

Conclusion and Publication Launch

In this chapter, you'll find out where to check out 3D Total Publishing online and get some exciting news about their latest publications.

Creativity and depression often go together for many artists, but overcoming them isn't always as difficult as you might think. In this interview, concept artist Jonah Lobe talks openly about how he learned to control his anxiety attacks, and how artists can learn to beat their fear of failure and follow their true creative dreams.

The independent animation industry is changing the way movies are made.

In this podcast, former Lucasfilm and Disney artist, Spyros Tsiounis, explains how new technology is making production more affordable for artists, why this is such a good thing for creativity, and how you can get your own animation project off the ground.

Visit www.pencilkings.com/podcast/

Email: mitch@pencilkings,com