The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling

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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!

How To Become A Competitive Creative Professional (Part 1) :: EAJ #9

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In an industry where “good” is the new “average,” creative professionals must develop a unique, valuable, personal brand if they hope to stand out.

Today, we’ll begin a series that will help you thrive in this increasingly competitive market…

[Read more…]

Your 24/7 Art Rep (Part 3) :: EAJ #8

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Previously, we analyzed the reasons many artists become frustrated with social media.

…but also why it shouldn’t be avoided.

We’ll present a more sustainable approach in today’s episode…

[Read more…]

Your 24/7 Art Rep (Part 2) :: EAJ #7

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In part one of this series, we talked about how artists become discouraged and overwhelmed by a lack of response from their followers on social media.

But by holding fast and adjusting your expectations, you will slowly build momentum that will benefit your career long-term.

We’ll help you take your first step today…

[Read more…]

Your 24/7 Art Rep (Part 1) :: EAJ #6

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Have you ever posted your art on a social media platform only to be disappointed by the lack of response from your followers?

…have you ever been tempted to just delete your account entirely?

Maybe it’s an audience problem…

…or is it an attitude problem?

In this episode, we will help you use social media to discover, understand and reach a potential target audience.

[Read more…]

Designing An Adaptive Portfolio For Conventions & Recruiting Events :: EAJ #5

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Many artists are under the misconception that “the portfolio” is a fixed, finishable thing…

This misconception can be particularly restrictive at conventions, job fairs and other recruiting events where you get frequent feedback from industry pros.

In this episode we share a strategy that will help you design a physical portfolio that can adapt to the feedback and unexpected opportunities you’ll encounter throughout the event…

[Read more…]

Attracting Art Directors In Kidlit And Children’s Book Publishing: With Shawna JC Tenney :: EAJ #4

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Artists often struggle to find a balance between work that attracts Art Directors and work that pleases their target audience.

…but can your work accomplish both things at the same time?

Children’s book author, illustrator and host of Stories Unbound, Shawna JC Tenney, joins us for a conversation about attracting art directors in the field of kidlit children’s publishing.

[Read more…]

How To Create Multiple Revenue Streams With A Single Link :: EAJ #3

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Most artists dream of making money from their work… but selling your work online, setting up donation buttons, taking payments at conventions… It’s overwhelming.

But what if you could create multiple revenue streams instantly with a single link?

[Read more…]

Visual Development Portfolios: Original Or Reimagined Story? (Part 2) :: EAJ #2

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In part 1 of this series, we explored the pros and cons of designing your portfolio around the visual development of an existing story – like a classic fairy tale, literary work or a popular novel.

…but would it be better to create your own original story for your visual development portfolio?

[Read more…]

Visual Development Portfolios: Original Or Reimagined Story? (Part 1) :: EAJ #1

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The term “Visual Development” is typically associated with the animation industry.

…but whether you’re a visual development artist, concept artist, illustrator, comics or children’s book creator, your job is to develop stories visually.

…and one of the best ways to demonstrate that you can develop a story visually is to… …well, um… Develop a story visually!

Most aspiring Visual Development Artists base their portfolios on fairy tales or popular novels.

…but would it be better to write your own original story and develop that?

[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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