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Escape From Art Jail:

Available exclusively to students, Escape From Art Jail helps you pursue creative freedom by becoming a true, creative professional. Monthly lessons on money, social media, portfolios, self-promotion, networking, managing clients, collaboration and more!

Case Study With Rebecca Black-Gliko: Anatomy Of A Purple Cow (Part 3) :: EAJ #20

BekiCaseStudyP3_PostArt_1280wIn part 2 of our “Purple Cow” Case Study with Rebecca Black-Gliko, we talked about her commitment to the craft of stop-motion, and how with deliberate practice, she developed an authentic visual voice which launched her creative career.

Today, our conversation concludes with Beki’s thoughts on improving your craft by thoroughly knowing your tools, seizing opportunities to learn from professionals, and making a habit of experimentation…

[Read more…]

Case Study With Rebecca Black-Gliko: Anatomy Of A Purple Cow (Part 2) :: EAJ #19

BekiCaseStudyP2_PostArt_1280wIn part 1 of our “Purple Cow” Case Study with Rebecca Black-Gliko, we discussed how her unwavering focus led to a highly-competitive, entry-level position at Laika – the stop-motion feature animation studio that produced Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings.

Today, our conversation continues with Beki’s thoughts on committing to your craft, practicing fundamentals, and launching a career through the development of an authentic visual voice…

[Read more…]

Case Study With Rebecca Black-Gliko: Anatomy Of A Purple Cow (Part 1) :: EAJ #18

BekiCaseStudyP1_PostArt_1280wRebecca Black-Gliko’s unwavering focus led to a highly-competitive, entry-level position at Laika – the stop-motion feature animation studio that produced Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings.

In part 1 of this series, we hear how Beki shaped her own personal brand, and proved herself with an ambitious personal project…

[Read more…]

“Escape From Art Jail” Live Q&A :: Personal Brand (Part 2)

EAJLiveQAPurpleCow21280wChris Oatley and Ejiwa (Edge) Ebenebe answer your questions about how to discover and develop your Personal Brand (aka your “Purple Cow.”)

Questions Answered:

  • How do I get my drawing skills to a competitive level, while working a full-time job?
  • What online resources do you suggest to help build and strengthen the fundamentals?
  • How do creative products/works satisfy the needs of our audiences?
  • How do I create a Personal Brand when my career consists of many disparate things?
  • What are the most effective ways of growing your Personal Brand?

[Read more…]

“Escape From Art Jail” Live Q&A :: Personal Brand (Part 1)

EAJLiveQ&A_PurpleCow1_1280w

Chris Oatley and Ejiwa (Edge) Ebenebe answer your questions about how to discover and develop your Personal Brand (aka your “Purple Cow.”)

Questions Answered:

  • When do I start worrying about building my Personal Brand?
  • How can I maintain a reliable online presence?
  • Can I have more than one Personal Brand?
  • Can my Personal Brand change based on location?
  • Is it possible to make a living selling only digital products?

[Read more…]

How To Become A Competitive Creative Professional (Part 6) :: EAJ #14

EAJ14_GetBusyLiving_1280w

Previously, in our series on developing your personal brand, we discussed three ways to pursue excellence through learning.

Today we’ll look at how you can leverage your location to find unexpected opportunities…

[Read more…]

How To Become A Competitive Creative Professional (Part 5) :: EAJ #13

EAJ #13 Minas Tirith Academy

Previously, in our series on developing your personal brand, we talked about the benefits of non-art skills and the importance of knowing your gear inside and out.

Today we’ll consider three ways to pursue excellence through learning…

[Read more…]

How To Become A Competitive Creative Professional (Part 4) :: EAJ #12

EAJ12Rocky-EvenStrongerNow1280w

Previously in this series, we discussed the value of reliability & commitment and how you can prove to studios and clients that you possess these essential qualities.

Today we’ll consider how your skills (that are unrelated to art) can inform your personal brand …and discuss the power of perfecting your techniques.

[Read more…]

How To Become A Competitive Creative Professional (Part 3) :: EAJ #11

Escape From Art Jail 11 - Groundhog Day

In the first two parts of this series, we presented two questions that will help you stand out in this increasingly competitive market.

Now, in part three, we’ll discuss the value of reliability and commitment and how you can prove to studios and potential clients that you possess these essential qualities…

[Read more…]

How To Become A Competitive Creative Professional (Part 2) :: EAJ #10

IndianaJonesRaidersImproved

Because of the Internet, most artists are developing their skills faster than ever before.

“Good” is the new “average.”

In part one of this series, we discussed the importance of your Competitive Offer:

The combination of competitive advantages and personal strengths that makes you unique and useful for your target audience.

But while understanding this concept is important, knowing how to apply it is essential.

Today we’ll provide some questions that will help you discover and develop your competitive offers…

[Read more…]

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OA Student Exclusive!

Backstage Pass Categories:

  • Escape From Art Jail
  • Extended Interviews
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Portfolio Reviews
  • Art School Talks
  • Inspiration

Recent Backstage Pass Content:

My Biggest Failures Of 2017 (And What They Taught Me)

How To Ask For Donations Without Sounding Pathetic (Part 2) :: EAJ #29

Tips For Maintaining A Steady InkTober Spirit

Preparing For The Emotional Reality Of CTN-X And Other Conventions

How To Ask For Donations Without Sounding Pathetic (Part 1) :: EAJ #28

Meet Chris:

Chris Oatley was a character designer and visual development artist at Disney for five years before he left to create The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling. Chris Oatley's ArtCast is the #1 illustration podcast on iTunes. He co-hosts Escape From Art Jail, The Paper Wings Show and is a frequent contributor for ImagineFX Magazine. At The Oatley Academy, he teaches composition, color theory, character design, storytelling and digital painting.

Meet Edge:

Ejiwa Ebenebe (you can call her “Edge”) impressed her peers and teachers at The Oatley Academy with her sophisticated artistic style and wisdom beyond her years. She is an alumni of The Magic Box, Painting Drama and The Spark. In 2015, she joined Team OA as an Editorial Assistant where she is currently working with Chris Oatley to develop new business strategies for visual storytellers. Together, they produce and co-host Escape from Art Jail.

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Whether you’re pursuing concept art, illustration, character design, storyboarding, comics, animation or children’s books, The Oatley Academy will help you become a professional Visual Storyteller. Please reach out! We would love to connect with you.

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