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The Self-Taught Illustrator

@Nataszko 28 Episodes Feb 8, 2025

The Self-Taught Illustrator is a podcast that makes the case that you don't need a formal art degree to build a successful career as an illustrator. Host Natasha Polozenko, known online as @Nataszko, shares tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes insight into creating an illustration practice you genuinely love. The show is aimed at aspiring and working illustrators who want practical advice and encouragement outside the traditional art-school path.

Episodes

028. The BEST Illustration Advice in History | Lessons from the Masters 🧑‍🏫 Feb 8, 2025 00:32:01 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 eve

027. Finding Your Illustration Style in 2025! 🔎 Jan 18, 2025 00:36:13 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

026. The Illustration tools you NEED to be using! Aug 17, 2023 00:32:28 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

025. Level up your illustration practice in 2023 Dec 14, 2022 00:21:37 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.comIG: https://instagram.com/nataszkoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6wPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/

024. Staying motivated in your illustration practice Dec 3, 2022 00:21:22 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.comIG: https://instagram.com/nataszkoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko?Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3ka-r13giiDtct-3jcL6wPi

023. The biggest pitfalls I see illustrators fall into Nov 12, 2022 00:26:38 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.comIG: https://instagram.com/nataszkoTikTok: https://

022. How old is too old to become an illustrator? Mar 20, 2022 00:13:39 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://n

021. How to get people to buy your art and illustrations Feb 20, 2022 00:14:36 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/@natas

020. How To Get Freelance Illustration Work Feb 9, 2022 00:18:56 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/

019. Dealing with Imposter Syndrome Jan 23, 2022 00:10:35 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/

018. The Professional Illustrator vs. the Artist Illustrator Jan 9, 2022 00:12:34 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/

017. Level up your Illustration practice in 2022 Nov 21, 2021 00:10:38 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/

016. Selling your Illustrations as NFTs Nov 7, 2021 00:19:50 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-do

015. The biggest hurdle for self-taught illustrators Jun 14, 2021 00:07:56 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/

014. TikTok for Illustrators May 30, 2021 00:11:07 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:

013. Do you have what it takes to make it as an illustrator? May 17, 2021 00:08:37 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

012. How to select color palettes in your illustration work May 2, 2021 00:11:17 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.tikt

011. Which platforms should you be on for illustration? Apr 20, 2021 00:12:19 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

10. How to know which illustration medium is right for you Apr 4, 2021 00:08:10 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: h

9. The 3 big myths standing between you and your personal illustration style [PART3] Mar 22, 2021 00:06:45 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.

8. The 3 big myths standing between you and your personal illustration style [PART2] Mar 8, 2021 00:12:47 In this episode I dispel a huge myth that is keeping a lot of illustrators and creatives stuck. FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup 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/

7. The 3 big myths standing between you and your personal illustration style [PART1] Feb 28, 2021 00:08:56 In this episode I dispel a huge myth that is keeping a lot of illustrators and creatives stuck. FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup 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/ Sponsorships: off for this

6. Different ways to make money with illustration Feb 22, 2021 00:10:09 In this episode I go through a few different ways that illustrators can make a little extra income from their art. FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup 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/

5. The low-down on Illustration commissions, should you be offering them in your business? Feb 15, 2021 00:12:22 The low-down on commissions! I talk about my experience with them, and how I decide whether or not to take them on.  FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup 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/

4. How to find a unique personal illustration style that gets you noticed. Feb 8, 2021 00:10:47 In this episode we talk about my favorite topic- Personal Illustration Style- I introduce my own formula for finding your style, and I tell you about my FREE masterclass that i'm offering, as well as my signature course "Illustration Style Academy". FREE MASTERCLASS: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/ISA-Webinar-Signup ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-sty

3. Is it actually possible to balance a full time job and an illustration business? Jan 31, 2021 00:10:31 In this episode we look at balancing a full time job with your illustration practice, and how to go about it in the right way! IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/ ILLUSTRATION STYLE ACADEMY COURSE: https://nataszko.mykajabi.com/illustration-style-academy 

2. Level up your illustration practice in 2021 Jan 17, 2021 00:11:14 In this episode we look at big picture goal-setting, and how we can strategically and tactically approach leveling up in 2021 regardless of how far along you are in your illustration journey.  IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/

1. The Self-taught Illustrator Podcast is finally here! Dec 8, 2020 00:08:05 Your host Natasha Polozenko AKA @Nataszko introduces The Self-taught Illustrator Podcast, getting you riled up for all the great illustration gems  coming your way! IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataszko/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataszko WEBSITE: https://nataszko.com/

The Self-Taught Illustrator

Episodes

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