Check out my Free Brainstorming Workshop: https://mightyartisan.com/worldbuilding Learn to silence your inner critic. Ignite creative ideas. And watch a live demo of these techniques in action.
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This is The Fiftieth Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.
Most artists think intent is fine art pretension, but it's actually the secret that transforms technically skilled work into art that connects.
Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality!
---
Let’s explore why artistic intent - often dismissed as "fine art nonsense" by commercial and entertainment artists - is actually the missing element that transforms technical skill into impactful work. The episode examines how the divide between fine art and commercial art education leaves technically proficient artists stuck in the "execution trap," where they can render beautifully but struggle to create work with purpose and direction.
The discussion covers the practical reality that most entertainment artists are trained to execute someone else's vision, never learning to be the author of their own work. Tim breaks down how intent functions as both creative direction and decision-making filter, turning random technical ability into purposeful communication. The episode provides concrete methods for setting and using intent in daily art practice, from individual drawing sessions to larger personal projects.
Rather than academic theory, this episode focuses on intent as a practical tool for working artists who want their technically solid work to create genuine connection with viewers. Tim argues that intent is what separates craft from art, and explores why many skilled artists unconsciously avoid developing this crucial element of their creative practice.
— Chapters
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:05 Welcome
00:02:22 When Technical Skill Isn't Enough
00:09:07 The Intent Divide: Why We Avoid What We Need Most
00:24:57 Intent Creates Direction: From Technician to Author
00:42:54 Practical Intent: How to Actually Use This
00:52:02 The Analytical Takeaway
00:54:44 The Simple Takeaway
00:55:03 The Practical Takeaway
00:58:15 The Philosophical Takeaway
01:07:51 Out
—
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The Visual Scholar Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.
We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.
You Can Find The Visual Scholar Podcast In These Places:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419f
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MightyArtisan
Show Homepage:
https://visualscholar.mightyartisan.com
Where To Find More About Tim Mcburnie:
Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex:
www.thedrawingcodex.com
Take Your Career and Productivity To The Next Level:
www.mightyartisan.com
The Drawing Codex Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrawingCodex
Mighty Artisan Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@MightyArtisan
Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
www.instagram.com/timmcburnie
x.com/timmcburnie
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1:08:52
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1:08:52
E49: Artists! Chip Away At Something Great
Check out my Free Brainstorming Workshop: https://mightyartisan.com/worldbuilding Learn to silence your inner critic. Ignite creative ideas. And watch a live demo of these techniques in action.
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This is The Forty Ninth Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.
What if you could create your masterpiece by working just 15 minutes at a time?
Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality!
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This episode challenges the belief that meaningful artistic work requires long, uninterrupted sessions of 6+ hours. The discussion explores how artists can create significant projects by chipping away in 15-minute increments, and why this approach often produces better results than waiting for perfect conditions.
The episode examines the relationship between flow states and shorter work sprints, drawing parallels to athletic performance where focus can be achieved despite distractions. It breaks down the practical advantages of building a "chipping away" muscle, including staying warmed up creatively, reducing friction to starting work, and replacing passive screen time with active creation. The core argument centers on the principle that all great works are completed through accumulated small efforts, and that learning to manage projects in small chunks prepares artists for larger opportunities when they arise.
—
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:10 Welcome
00:02:27 Why We Think We Need 6-Hour Sessions
00:06:45 Flow, Focus, and Small Chunks of Time
00:18:13 The Advantages of Building the Chipping Away Muscle
00:31:19 Making Art More Fun
00:35:24 Big Things Are Always Finished by Small Efforts
00:48:29 The Analytical Takeaway
00:52:34 The Simple Takeaway
00:53:00 The Practical Takeaway
00:57:10 The Philosophical Takeaway
01:00:36 Out
—
---
The Visual Scholar Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.
We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.
You Can Find The Visual Scholar Podcast In These Places:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419f
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MightyArtisan
Show Homepage:
https://visualscholar.mightyartisan.com
Where To Find More About Tim Mcburnie:
Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex:
www.thedrawingcodex.com
Take Your Career and Productivity To The Next Level:
www.mightyartisan.com
The Drawing Codex Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrawingCodex
Mighty Artisan Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@MightyArtisan
Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
www.instagram.com/timmcburnie
x.com/timmcburnie
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1:03:00
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1:03:00
E48: Too Many Good Ideas Can Kill Your Art Project
Check out my Free Brainstorming Workshop: https://mightyartisan.com/worldbuilding Learn to silence your inner critic. Ignite creative ideas. And watch a live demo of these techniques in action.
---
This is The Forty Eighth Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.
What if having a million amazing ideas for your project is actually the thing that's killing it?
Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality! ---
This episode challenges the common artistic impulse to create elaborate worlds filled with countless creatures, characters, and concepts. The discussion examines why having "a million monsters" often creates noise rather than signal, and explores how constraint and focus can lead to more impactful creative projects. The episode draws from the tension between Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Marvel Comics history to illustrate the difference between creative execution and editorial vision. It explores how the elevator pitch mentality from Hollywood applies to personal artistic projects, using Star Wars as an example of how one clear core idea can anchor an entire universe. The argument centers on the principle that artistic projects need a single, easily communicable hook that people can understand and share, rather than an overwhelming collection of interesting elements.
—
Chapters
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
01:06 Welcome
02:23 The Million Monster Problem
06:11 Why Clear Signal Beats Creative Chaos
16:29 The Stan Lee vs Jack Kirby Lesson
28:52 Pick One Idea and Go Deeper
35:40 The Analytical Takeaway
37:41 The Simple Takeaway
37:48 The Practical Takeaway
40:39 The Philosophical Takeaway
44:11 Outro
—
---
The Visual Scholar Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.
We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.
You Can Find The Visual Scholar Podcast In These Places:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419f
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MightyArtisan
Show Homepage:
https://visualscholar.mightyartisan.com
Where To Find More About Tim Mcburnie:
Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex:
www.thedrawingcodex.com
Take Your Career and Productivity To The Next Level:
www.mightyartisan.com
The Drawing Codex Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrawingCodex
Mighty Artisan Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@MightyArtisan
Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
www.instagram.com/timmcburnie
x.com/timmcburnie
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45:37
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45:37
E47: You Need Your Own Worldbuilding Process
Check out my Free Brainstorming Workshop: https://mightyartisan.com/worldbuilding Learn to silence your inner critic. Ignite creative ideas. And watch a live demo of these techniques in action.
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This is The Forty Seventh Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.
Ever feel like you're doing creativity "wrong" because your process doesn't match what the experts recommend? Lets talk about developing your own Worldbuilding Process...
Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality!
---
In this episode, I dive deep into finding your unique creative process for world-building and storytelling. As someone who's been a professional artist for over 20 years, I've learned that while there's plenty of advice out there on "the right way" to create, what truly matters is discovering YOUR way.
I explore how different creators approach their work - from visual directors like James Cameron who start with powerful images (like the T-800 emerging from flames in a fever dream), to writers who begin with character perspectives, to interactive designers who focus on player experiences.
What I've discovered through my own journey is that creative processes are inherently messy and often illogical. When creating my fantasy comic, I struggled following traditional writing advice until I realized my process worked better starting with character visuals first, then developing stories around them.
I also found that writing from each character's first-person perspective helped me understand their motivations and create authentic conflict. The key insight is that constraints and limitations often fuel creativity rather than hinder it - so don't be afraid to experiment with your own "weird" methods. Your unique creative approach isn't something you'll find in books; it's something you'll discover through practice, experimentation, and embracing your natural tendencies. —
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
01:12 Welcome
02:28 The Importance of YOUR Creative Process
03:31 How Are Great Things Made?
10:35 Creative Process Needs a Focus
14:31 Anchoring Your Ideas
19:06 The Journey of Discovering Your Process
27:33 Analytical Takeaway
29:18 Simple Takeaway
29:47 Practical Takeaway
31:44 Philosophical Takeaway
34:41 Out
—
---
The Visual Scholar Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.
We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.
You Can Find The Visual Scholar Podcast In These Places:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419f
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MightyArtisan
Show Homepage:
https://visualscholar.mightyartisan.com
Where To Find More About Tim Mcburnie:
Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex:
www.thedrawingcodex.com
Take Your Career and Productivity To The Next Level:
www.mightyartisan.com
The Drawing Codex Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrawingCodex
Mighty Artisan Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@MightyArtisan
Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
www.instagram.com/timmcburnie
x.com/timmcburnie
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35:55
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35:55
E46: Lore vs Story: Solving The Ancient Argument
Check out my Free Brainstorming Workshop: https://mightyartisan.com/worldbuilding Learn to silence your inner critic. Ignite creative ideas. And watch a live demo of these techniques in action.
---
This is The Forty Sixth Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.
Are you focusing too much on Lore or too much on Story?
Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality!
---
In this video, I break down one of the biggest challenges artists face when creating fantastical worlds: balancing lore-building with storytelling. After 20+ years as a professional artist, I've seen how easy it is to fall into either spending too much time developing intricate world details without purpose, or rushing into stories that lack depth and unique characteristics. The real magic happens when these two elements work together harmoniously.
I explore how effective lore provides coherency and limitations that actually enhance dramatic tension rather than restrict it. Whether it's how the Force works in Star Wars or magic functions in Harry Potter, these rules become essential plot points that drive character development and narrative arcs.
The best creative works use their unique world elements to create situations that couldn't exist any other way. When developing your own artistic projects, focus on creating environments, creatures, and systems that naturally generate dramatic tension and compelling character interactions. This approach will take your world-building to another level, making your stories resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
—
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
01:35 Welcome
02:51 Preface
04:55 Why Is This An Important Discussion To Have?
10:29 What is "Lore"
17:43 What is 'Story'
22:58 The Power of Combining Lore and Story
28:11 The Analytical Takeaway
30:14 The Simple Takeaway
30:51 The Practical Takeaway
33:43 The Philosophical Takeaway
36:12 Out
—
---
The Visual Scholar Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.
We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.
You Can Find The Visual Scholar Podcast In These Places:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419f
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MightyArtisan
Show Homepage:
https://visualscholar.mightyartisan.com
Where To Find More About Tim Mcburnie:
Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex:
www.thedrawingcodex.com
Take Your Career and Productivity To The Next Level:
www.mightyartisan.com
The Drawing Codex Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrawingCodex
Mighty Artisan Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@MightyArtisan
Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
www.instagram.com/timmcburnie
x.com/timmcburnie
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