NEW—I am now offering free previews of Monologue episodes here on Substack. This will help you decide if subscribing on Patreon / Spotify is right for you. Learn more in the body of this post.
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 EPISODE
Why gear and classes alone won’t make you an illustrator
The SMART System overview
Styles vs. Techniques: how they relate and why they’re not the same thing
Markets vs. Applications: who buys the work vs. where the work lives
Reasons (purpose): the “why” that sharpens every brief
The closest thing to a starter pack? — (iPad + Apple Pencil + Procreate)
How to use SMART to choose your next practice project and reduce decision paralysis
Two starter-pack parables: first-aid kits and flimsy badminton sets
As always (from now on), a reflection prompt to help you turn my thoughts into your actions!
SHOW LINKS
Malika Favre (style reference) — malikafavre.com
Hervé Tullet (style reference) — herve-tullet.com
John Roman, 45 Markets of Illustration (markets overview)
What is Risograph Printing? (technique primer) — risottostudio.com
Procreate (iPad app) — procreate.art
My New Skillshare Class — SLO-FI Illustrations
HOW TO LISTEN/READ
If you’d like to hear the full version of monologue episodes like this one:
Join on Patreon for as low as $3/month
Become a paid subscriber on Spotif ($2.99/month)
This is also available as a story on Medium for paid members on that platform.
👉 With enough demand, I will also add a paid tier here on Substack with access to both written and audio formats. Let me know in the comments!
FIND ME ELSEWHERE
Work and Classes — tomfroese.com
Instagram — instagram.com/mrtomfroese
Daily Drawings — instagram.com/drawingisimportant
CREDITS
Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk — Semiathletic on Linktree
In other news
Now a Staff Pick on Skillshare! SLO-FI Illustrations
My class, SLO-FI Illustrations: Create Beautifully Imperfect Art with Handmade Layers launched in September, and already it’s achieved Staff Pick status! If you’re feeling the urge to return to a slower, analogue illustration process, this class shows you powerful ways to get there.
