The Self-Taught Illustrator

A podcast proving you don't need a fancy Art degree to be a successful, and thriving illustrator. Natasha Polozenko AKA @Nataszko provides tips, tricks, and intel into creating an illustration practice you love.

028. The BEST Illustration Advice in History | Lessons from the Masters 🧑‍🏫

Welcome to episode 28 of the Self-taught Illustrator Podcast where we learn from art history's greatest masters! In this video, we break down timeless illustration tips and creative lessons from Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe, Rembrandt, Hilma af Klint, Henri Rousseau, and Amrita Sher-Gil.These legendary artists have shaped the world of art, and their wisdom is more relevant than ever for modern illustrators.Links:Listener Spotlight: https://www.instagram.com/itssnadraws_/Book: https://a.co/d/iRVr4db#illustration #artadvice #Leonardodavinci #Picasso #GeorgiaOKeeffe #Rembrandt #HilmaafKlint #AmritaSherGil #artinspiration #drawingtips #artmasters #creativeprocess

02-08
32:01

027. Finding Your Illustration Style in 2025! 🔎

In this episode of The Self-Taught Illustrator Podcast, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges for beginner and self-taught artists: How to Find Your Illustration Style. If you’ve been struggling to discover a style that feels authentically yours, this episode is here to help! I’ll share the essential basics every illustrator needs to know, walk you through my personal journey to finding my style, and introduce my step-by-step formula for uncovering your unique artistic voice. This episode is packed with actionable tips and creative exercises to help you: Break down the misconceptions about “style” Explore what makes your art unique Build a portfolio that stands out Whether you’re just starting or refining your style in 2025, this episode will guide you every step of the way. Follow the podcast for more illustration tips, advice, and inspiration to help you grow as a self-taught illustrator! 🎨 #illustrationstyle #selftaughtartist #arttips #beginnerillustrators #findyourstyle #creativejourney

01-18
36:13

026. The Illustration tools you NEED to be using!

In this episode we go into a deep dive into the different tools available to us as illustrators, and which ones we should be using in our own practices! Episode Links: Register here for Adobe MAX 2023 Check out my in-person session! Illustrator Bootcamp Waitlist The Creative Act by Rick Rubin Listener of the Week @BexCreations Social Links:WebsiteIGTikTokYoutubePinterest

08-17
32:28

025. Level up your illustration practice in 2023

In episode 25 of the Self-taught Illustrator Podcast, we talk about getting prepared and setting goals for 2023!Personal Style Masterclass: SOCIALS:  Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6wPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/

12-14
21:37

024. Staying motivated in your illustration practice

In episode 24 of the Self-taught Illustrator Podcast, I talk through various strategies to find motivation and keep motivated throughout your illustration career.Personal Style Masterclass:(No longer available)SOCIALS:  Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6wPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/ Student Spotlight: Glen DeGuzman AKA @_sun_dragon_tattoo_:https://www.instagram.com/_sun_dragon_tattoo_/?hl=en

12-03
21:22

023. The biggest pitfalls I see illustrators fall into

In this episode, I break down the biggest pitfalls that I see illustrators encounter at various stages in their illustration journeys. My AdobeMax Session:https://www.adobe.com/max/2022/sessions/na-become-a-selftaught-illustrator-design-concept-s309.htmlPersonal Style Masterclass: (No longer available)SOCIALS:  Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6wPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/

11-12
26:38

022. How old is too old to become an illustrator?

In this episode, I break down the limiting beliefs around age, and how old is too old when it comes to creating a career in illustration. My Adobe Live Sessions: Day 1: https://www.behance.net/live/videos/15191/Vector-Character-Art-with-Natasha-Polozenko-1-of-2 Day 2: https://www.behance.net/live/videos/15195/Vector-Character-Art-with-Natasha-Polozenko-2-of-2 SOCIALS:   Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6w Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/

03-20
13:39

021. How to get people to buy your art and illustrations

In this episode, I walk through the various motivators that lead people to buy art and illustrations, to help you strategically approach the way that you sell. Survey referenced: https://www.statista.com/statistics/887848/top-motivations-for-art-buyers-when-buying-art/ SOCIALS:   Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6w Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/

02-20
14:36

020. How To Get Freelance Illustration Work

In this episode, we go through the steps that you need to take if you want to start doing freelance illustration work. SOCIALS:   Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6w Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/

02-09
18:56

019. Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

In this episode, we dive into the topic of Imposter Syndrome in the art and illustration world.  SOCIALS:   Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/

01-23
10:35

018. The Professional Illustrator vs. the Artist Illustrator

In this episode, I talk about the differences as well as the pros and cons that exist for both the Professional Illustrator and the Artist Illustrator SOCIALS:   Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/

01-09
12:34

017. Level up your Illustration practice in 2022

In this episode, I go through the exact planning and goal-setting tactics that I have been using over the past few years to help me reach my creative business goals!  SOCIALS:   Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/

11-21
10:38

016. Selling your Illustrations as NFTs

In this episode I deep-dive into the crypto world, exploring what NFTs are, and how we as illustrators can create and sell them. Drawing from my own experience and knowledge I walk through all the platforms and services that I use when it comes to minting and selling my Illustrations as NFTs. LINKS:   Project File Downloads:  https://nataszko.com/grainy-shading-tutorial#project-file-download.0 Buy my Grainy Brush:  https://nataszko.com/grainy-shading-tutorial#get-my-brush.0 Coinbase Sign-Up: https://www.coinbase.com/join/poloze_i Makersplace Application Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewnu8ch_KjAbKPnA5OjQSP4a3k7ihpCmhtthmFgfGK4dUStg/viewform MY NFT PLATFORM PROFILES: Makersplace: https://makersplace.com/natashapolozenko/ OpenSea: https://opensea.io/nataszko SolSea: https://solsea.io/nft/7gBTZJyKfKUGw5ckngUPkm7KSvAWZksc3AYF88f5pB7o SOCIALS:   Website: https://nataszko.com​​​​ IG: https://instagram.com/nataszko​​​​ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?​ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/

11-07
19:50

015. The biggest hurdle for self-taught illustrators

One of the biggest hurdles for self-taught illustrators COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy  IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/

06-14
07:56

014. TikTok for Illustrators

Should Illustrators have a TikTok? In this episode, we dig into the benefits of TikTok for your creative practice. COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy  FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/

05-30
11:07

013. Do you have what it takes to make it as an illustrator?

Addressing a question that a lot of self-taught illustrators have when they are first starting out "Do I have what it takes to make it as an illustrator?" COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy  FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/

05-17
08:37

012. How to select color palettes in your illustration work

Chatting all things color, do you need a color palette? and how do you find the right one for you? COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy  FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/

05-02
11:17

011. Which platforms should you be on for illustration?

How to decide which platforms you should be using to establish and grow your illustration practice.  COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy  FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/

04-20
12:19

10. How to know which illustration medium is right for you

Let's talk all things mediums and how to know which one is right for you! COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy  FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/

04-04
08:10

9. The 3 big myths standing between you and your personal illustration style [PART3]

In this episode I dispel a huge myth that is keeping a lot of illustrators and creatives stuck. COACHING APPLICATION: https://natasha293360.typeform.com/to/m0P0Hhgi ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy  FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/

03-22
06:45

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