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The Self-Taught Illustrator

@Nataszko

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.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 16 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S1 · E28
    Feb 8, 2025 · 32 min

    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

  • S1 · E27
    Jan 18, 2025 · 36 min

    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

  • S1 · E26
    Aug 17, 2023 · 32 min

    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: Website IG TikTok Youtube Pinterest

  • S1 · E25
    Dec 14, 2022 · 21 min

    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-3jcL6w Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/

  • S1 · E24
    Dec 3, 2022 · 21 min

    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-3jcL6w Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/ Student Spotlight: Glen DeGuzman AKA @_sun_dragon_tattoo_: https://www.instagram.com/_sun_dragon_tattoo_/?hl=en

  • S1 · E23
    Nov 12, 2022 · 26 min

    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.html 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-3jcL6w Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nataszko/

  • S1 · E22
    Mar 20, 2022 · 13 min

    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/

  • S1 · E21
    Feb 20, 2022 · 14 min

    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/

  • S1 · E20
    Feb 9, 2022 · 18 min

    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/

  • S1 · E19
    Jan 23, 2022 · 10 min

    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/

  • S1 · E18
    Jan 9, 2022 · 12 min

    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/

  • S1 · E13
    Nov 21, 2021 · 10 min

    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/

  • S1 · E16
    Nov 7, 2021 · 19 min

    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/

  • S1 · E15
    Jun 14, 2021 · 7 min

    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/

  • S1 · E14
    May 30, 2021 · 11 min

    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/

  • S1 · E13
    May 17, 2021 · 8 min

    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/

  • S1 · E12
    May 2, 2021 · 11 min

    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/

  • S1 · E11
    Apr 20, 2021 · 12 min

    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/

  • S1 · E10
    Apr 4, 2021 · 8 min

    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/

  • S1 · E9
    Mar 22, 2021 · 6 min

    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/

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