Inspiration: Cup Fillers
2024 has been the year that I’ve tuned into more Substacks, Patreons, Podcasts and Newsletters. I’ve been a bit picky about joining ones that don’t flood my email as well as ones who have plenty of content that I can surf through when I find myself with a free moment. Here are a few of them that have made my practice – and life – a bit richer.
THE DESSERT CLUB with Rebecca Green
Rebecca Green has long been a favorite illustrator of mine. I’ve followed her work for a while and this year I decided to join her Patreon where she shares more on her process, thoughts on life while she draws, her favorite tools and just updates of her current projects. I love her narration because often times I put it on while I’m working and if I have my head down drawing or painting I still feel like I can follow along.
Carson Ellis is an illustrator and author that I deeply admire. Her work feels homemade AND designed. Her compositions are clean and considered and her work, like Rebecca’s, feels timeless. Her posts don’t flood my feed or my inbox but I always look forward to them. She’s shared her processes of her illustrations, quilt work, studio bits, travels and more.
WORKING IT OUT by Mike Birbiglia
The Working It Out podcast has been golden for me this year. I’ve binged several episodes and it’s been our roadtrip buddy all year. It got me through a big project this fall. My husband has always been into comedy and he introduced me to this one – and Mike too! – but this one is special because there’s a lot of discussion about process and storytelling. If you haven’t listened to Mike Birbiglia’s stand-up or seen any of his Netflix specials or movies, you’re missing out. He’s one of the best storytellers of our time. He’s great to listen to but is even better to watch. His physical comedy is subtle but it really helps polish his stories. He interviews a lot of great comedians, screenwriters, playwrights, producers/directors etc. I really think there are some good nuggets in there if you’re writing for children, too.
Sarah Dyer’s Patreon
Sarah’s Patreon is a treasure trove to say the least. She does draw-a-longs with some of her other talented pals and she shares notes about thoughts, her supplies and process and I find her just really easy and fun to have on while I’m working. I’ve loved the draw-alongs that I’ve been able to join, though not too many as we’re in different time-zones. She also works with a writer and sometimes hosts writing workshops which are so cool and helpful. Her Patreon is 100% worth it to me! She’s also pals with Emma Carlisle – another super talented illustrator and artist – who has her own, very robust, Patreon. One I find a lot of value in as well.
GAB ‘N’ DOODLE – studiohoffman
Mark Hoffman of studiohoffman, hosts a draw-along with illustrators every Thursday on Instagram Live. No paywall, just a conversation while the two make a piece or sketch or whatever. I used to be able to keep up with them more regularly but have admittedly fallen off this Autumn just due to my inconsistent schedule. BUT he keeps them up on his feed and when I can, I go back and watch while I work! He’s had some amazing artists on and since it’s live, you can ask questions too. Bonus for people who work at night like I do, they’re typically in the evening!
Other Faves of Mine
I could easily go on and on about these too. They’ve all be in my rotation for years now and I never get bored of them. I think each of these people are such genuine interviewers. They’re curious. They let their guests speak and give them time. They provide the listener (me) with info that is helpful and inspiring. And I always feel like my time spent listening with them is productive and energizing.
Andy J. Pizza’s Creative Pep Talk
Design Matters with Debbie Millman
Jealous Curator Newsletter & Art for Your Ear Podcast
We have a big roadtrip coming up next week so that means I’m squeezing in as much studio time as possible until then. Which also means that I’ll be listening and re-listening to all of these pods/Patreons/Substacks etc. I hope some of these give you some inspiration in your creative journey too!
Which are you favorite listens or subscriptions? I’d love to know!
— J