E42: Clarify Your Artistic Signal

Author: Tim Mcburnie
Published: Thu 13 Mar 2025
Episode Link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/fe37bb15

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 Second Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.

Let's talk about finding your artistic signal - developing a unique voice in a world that pushes conformity.

This expands upon a video I did over at The Drawing Codex channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYGJuvl4bOk

Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality!

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In this episode, I explore why artists often get trapped making art for others rather than developing their own authentic style. Using a sound metaphor, I explain how finding your "signal" (your unique artistic voice) should come before amplifying it with "volume" (technical skills and attention-grabbing techniques).

I discuss how our educational systems and industry structures often prioritize making artists fit into production pipelines rather than helping them discover what makes them unique. From early illustration jobs to modern concept art workflows, we've been trained to sublimate our personal style to serve commercial needs. This training creates formulaic approaches that, ironically, are now being replicated by AI systems.

The greatest value you can offer as an artist is something that can't be replicated - your unique perspective and voice. While technical skills matter, they should amplify your message rather than replace it. When you examine artists with enduring careers, you'll notice they developed a clear signal first, then found ways to amplify it appropriately for their audience.

Finding your signal isn't about verbal articulation - it's about discovering something ephemeral that comes through in your work. It requires stepping back from seeking approval and instead focusing on what genuinely interests you. This might mean temporarily turning down the "volume" on technical impressiveness to better hear your authentic voice.

I see this becoming increasingly important in our AI-driven future. While algorithms can replicate formulaic approaches to art, they struggle with authentic perspective and non-verbal expression. Your unique viewpoint - something machines can't replicate because they operate within the constraints of language - will become your greatest asset.

This journey isn't straightforward - the search itself shapes your voice. The challenges you overcome while discovering your signal become part of what makes your perspective valuable. Rather than seeking shortcuts, embrace this process of discovery as part of developing your authentic artistic voice.

Remember: before worrying about making people look at your art, first determine what you want them to see. Your unique signal, consistently delivered over time, is what will ultimately create lasting connection with your audience. ---

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro

01:31 Welcome

02:48 The Challenge Of Finding Your Style

07:39 The Value of Having a Point of View

20:15 What Is Your "Signal"

30:30 How To Find "Your" Signal

37:03 The Analytical Takeaway

41:52 The Simple Takeaway

42:12 The Practical Takeaway

46:31 The Philosophical Takeaway

48:03 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