Pencil Kings | Inspiring Artist Interviews with Today's Best Artists

Jason Horejs is the Owner of Xanadu Gallery and the Publisher of RedDotBlog, an online resource that provides art marketing news and business tips for artists. He is also the author of three books that are focused on helping artists better understand the business side of art. His close relationship with the art business began at the tender age of 12 after watching his father, the nationally recognized oil painter John Horejs, establish his successful career through different art galleries. 

Jason opened Xanadu Gallery in 2001 and has since connected hundreds of artists to investors, collectors, and fellow creators. Jason now runs a second art gallery with his wife, Carrie, in the mountain resort town of Pinetop, Arizona.

In this episode…

What makes an artist successful? While success may be defined differently by each artist, most will agree that one of the greatest artistic achievements is attaining some level of recognition for your work. Gaining this attention—and sales—can be a tumultuous journey, but with the right business skills, it may just be easier than winning the lottery. 

Jason Horejs, the son of the nationally recognized oil painter John Horejs, fell in love with the business side of art at a young age. Using his unique background and understanding of the art world, Jason helps artists learn the business tips and tricks they need to take their careers to the next level. 

In this week's Pencil Kings episode, host Mitch Bowler sits down with Jason Horejs, the voice behind RedDotBlog and the Owner of Xanadu Gallery. They discuss the common misconceptions about the business side of art, the six key skills to master to improve your art career, and what it means to be a second-generation art gallerist. Jason also shares his experience building a valuable art community of investors, artists, and collectors.

Tyler James is a publisher, comics creator, and educator. His publishing company, ComixTribe, has published hundreds of thousands of books ranging from comics to graphic novels to children’s books. After achieving several successful launches on Kickstarter, Tyler decided to share his expertise with other artists, writers, and self-publishers. He is currently the host of the ComixLaunch podcast and the creator of the popular Kickstarter launching program, ComixLaunch Pro.

In this episode…

Do you remember the first comic you ever read? How amazing was it to watch as characters fought battles or discovered exciting powers and abilities? Did this first experience spark your interest in creating your own comic book or graphic novel?

Tyler James had the same interest, and, 20 years later, he has mastered the art of launching comics on Kickstarter. With his ComixLaunch program and podcast, Tyler has managed to grow a community of comic developers who have revolutionized how comics gain recognition and funding. Tyler uses his experience as a publisher to help budding and established comic creators better understand their audience and launch successful Kickstarter campaigns. 

In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler sits down with Tyler James, the co-creator of ComixTribe and ComixLaunch Pro, to discuss what most Kickstarter launches get wrong and how to position your campaign for success. Tyler shares the importance of building an audience before you launch your campaign, the tips and tricks he learned while working in the publishing industry, and his fantastic advice on the best time to start your Kickstarter campaign.

Mitch Bowler is the Founder of Pencil Kings and the Co-founder of Evolve Artist. Mitch has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.

In this episode…

What have you not done because you’re afraid of being judged? What have you not done because you don’t think you can do it? What have you not done because someone told you that you’re not good enough? What have you not done because everyone else is better than you?

In his 100 Day Artist Challenge, Mitch Bowler encourages you to answer these four questions. Once you discover what is preventing you from accomplishing your ultimate goals—both in your career and your personal life—you can begin your 100-day journey toward transformation and success.

In this week’s episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Mitch Bowler discusses his new 100 Day Artist Challenge. He explains how spending just one hour per day working toward your goals can make a huge impact on your career, your art, and your life. Mitch also talks about his personal journey to becoming an artist, the importance of overcoming the fear of failure, and how he wrote a book in just three weeks. Stay tuned to discover how to make the most out of your next 100 days!

Alexis Fedor is a performance artist, writer, and business developer living in New York City. She is the Founder of Artists In Business, a consulting company that provides online courses and group coaching for artists of all disciplines. With Artists in Business, Alexis helps artists create profitable online businesses by focusing on three major areas: clarifying their offers, identifying their ideal clients, and crafting a marketing plan that aligns with their artistic vision and mission.

In this episode…

While all business owners face challenges when running their companies, artists experience a specific set of issues when starting their businesses. For many, these obstacles are based on the “starving artist” mindset, a belief system that holds artists back from achieving professional—and financial—success. 

Alexis Fedor believes that by understanding how the individual pieces of starting a business fit together, artists can overcome their limiting beliefs and successfully grow their online businesses. That’s why she founded Artists In Business, a consulting company that helps artists of every discipline design businesses that thrive in revenue and purpose.

In this week’s episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Alexis Fedor, the Founder of Artists In Business, joins Mitch Bowler to discuss how she helps artists start successful online businesses. Alexis shares a story about an artist who overcame her limiting beliefs and went on to earn six figures. She also talks about her personal journey to success, the dangers of comparison, and why now is the best time to create an online business for your art. Stay tuned.

Marco Bucci is an artist and illustrator with over 15 years of experience in the film, TV, game, and print industries. After deciding to pursue a career in art, Marco studied classical drawing before moving on to painting and illustration. He has worked with Walt Disney Publishing Worldwide, LEGO, LucasArts, Mattel Toys, Fisher-Price, Hasbro, and more. Marco  is also a passionate teacher and currently teaches a painting course at CGMA.

In this episode…

Art is a culmination of the soul on a canvas. Because of this, many artists are eager to turn their love for art into a full-time career. But what if the foundation of creating art—drawing—is not where your strength lies? 

According to Marco Bucci, who learned to draw later in life and still struggles with his draftsmanship, there are many routes to becoming a successful artist. He believes that the most important part is chipping away at your craft every day—no matter what form that takes. 

In today’s episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Marco Bucci, an acclaimed painter and illustrator, sits down with Mitch Bowler to talk about what it means to be a full-time artist. Marco discusses how to create a productive work/life balance and the importance of solving the big problems one step at a time. He also explains that while drawing is essential for learning art, it does not have to define your road to success. Stay tuned.

Ian Roberts is a trained painter with over 40 years of experience; he first learned alongside his father, a landscape painter, when he was just 10 years old. Ian attended the New School of Art and the Ontario College of Art in Toronto, and he also studied figure painting in Florence, Italy. He has taught workshops on composition and art for more than 25 years and recently transitioned to teaching his lessons online. Ian is also the author of two books, Mastering Composition and Creative Authenticity.

In this episode…

Creating art is a journey—one that is fraught with self-discovery, spirituality, and the quest for personal expression. To become a successful artist, you must find the balance between sharpening your skills and letting your artistic style run free. In fact, one might say that no artist is complete without this internal struggle; so how can you create art that is both authentic and skillful? 

Ian Roberts has experienced his own journey of self-discovery while creating his complex yet simple paintings. For him, art is a byproduct of the experience an artist has while connecting to his or her craft. Ian continues to leave his mark on the art world by teaching his students how to connect with their art and discover their unique style, all while developing the skills necessary to succeed.  

In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler joins painter Ian Roberts for an in-depth discussion on the value of creative authenticity and personal vision when building a career in art. You don’t want to miss Ian's expert strategies for designing an engaging composition, determining a painting’s center of interest, and mastering vertical and horizontal structure. Stay tuned.

Bruce Marion is a contemporary impressionist who specializes in creating compelling abstracted cityscapes, landscapes, and figurative and contemporary wildlife paintings. Bruce received his BFA from the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he studied with world-renowned artist Pat Nagel, as well as Lorser Feitelson, father of Post-Surrealism. Since then, Bruce has taught various courses and workshops to aspiring artists in the US, overseas, and online.

In this episode…

What defines you as an artist? What separates you from your peers? Are you an illustrator, a graphic designer, a contemporary painter? When you listen to your heart, what does it tell you to pursue? 

Bruce Marion, a contemporary impressionist, has built his career by experimenting with new mediums of self-expression. From illustration to abstract painting, Bruce has found his calling by combining a business mindset with a passion for fine art. Today, he uses his time and talent to inspire artists of all kinds to push their boundaries and follow their hearts. 

Join host Mitch Bowler in this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast as he interviews contemporary impressionist Bruce Marion about his gradual transition to a career in fine art. Tune in as Bruce discusses his process of blending business with passion, how to learn from every artistic endeavor, and the importance of breaking out of your social and physical constraints when pursuing a career in art.

Iva Mikles is the Co-founder of Art Side of Life Studios and Mikles & Co. She is an experienced illustrator, digital media artist, art instructor, and host of the Art Side of Life Podcast. Iva has worked on countless projects with companies including LEGO and Procter & Gamble. She has spent the last three years building an online community where artists can learn the tips and tricks of the trade in order to start making money doing what they love most: creating art.

In this episode…

Do you want to pursue a career in art, but don’t know how to make money doing so? According to digital media artist and entrepreneur Iva Mikles, there is much more potential for a successful career as an artist than you may have initially thought. 

As the Co-founder of Art Side of Life Studios and Mikles & Co., Iva helps creators learn the skills and tactics necessary to make money with their art. Her advice is to start small and develop a daily habit that allows you to constantly grow and improve as an artist.

In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, Iva Mikles, artist, illustrator, and art instructor, talks with host Mitch Bowler about how artists can successfully take their careers to the next level. Iva discusses the common mental roadblocks that artists face when pursuing a profitable career in art, and how to redefine your goals in order to start making money doing what you love. Stay tuned.

Mitch Bowler is the founder of Pencil Kings and the co-founder of Evolve Artist. He has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.

In this episode…

As you stumble through life, you tend to realize your calling along the way. However, for many artists, this calling is often pushed to the side due to a lack of time, money, or support. Now, one question remains: Can you still be an artist without a degree from an art school? 

According to artist and entrepreneur Mitch Bowler, the answer is yes! It’s never too late to study art, no matter how old you are. In fact, Mitch has found that there are four distinct life stages when most artists begin to take their craft seriously. With his companies, Pencil Kings and Evolve Artist, Mitch is helping artists in any stage get the skills and support they need to take their art to the next level. 

In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, John Corcoran of Rise25 Media interviews host Mitch Bowler about why it’s never too late to start taking your art seriously. Mitch talks about the four stages of life when most artists take that next step, paying homage to his journey along the way. So what are you waiting for? Join this growing community of artists today!

Mitch Bowler is the founder of Pencil Kings and the co-founder of Evolve Artist. Mitch has worked with countless companies, including Pixar, Marvel, Dungeons & Dragons, Activision, and more. As a former 3D technical artist, Mitch has gone through the ups and downs of honing his craft, which is why he decided to revolutionize the way that art is taught. Both of his companies offer professional instruction and hands-on support from real artists in order to help creatives around the world take their work to the next level.

In this episode…

Are you a dabbling creative that’s been dreaming about turning your art into a full-time career? Then it’s time to flip the switch!

We are so often afraid of taking the steps that will change our lives for the better. However, the only way to turn your dreams into reality is to take the plunge and learn the rest as you go. That’s why artist and entrepreneur Mitch Bowler created Pencil Kings and Evolve Artist. These programs help artists take their skills to the next level with hands-on learning and real-time feedback from artists that have already made the switch to success. So what are you waiting for?

In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, John Corcoran of Rise25 Media interviews host Mitch Bowler about how to flip the switch and transition from a creative dabbler to a professional artist. Tune in as they discuss the common catalysts that inspire artists to make the switch, the unmatched feeling of finally taking your craft to the next level, and how you can take the first step toward achieving your dream career today.

James Gurney is an artist and author best known for his painting guide, Color and Light, and his illustrated series, Dinotopia. James is also a popular lecturer at art schools, movie studios, and game companies, where he teaches his unique painting and illustration techniques. His artwork has been exhibited at renowned venues including The Smithsonian Institution, The Norman Rockwell Museum, and The Norton Museum of Art.

In this episode…

Art is a process of self-realization, and with emerging techniques and technology, this process is always changing. According to author and artist James Gurney, in order for artists to continue to evolve with the industry, they must have the space to experiment, ask questions, and form their own ideas. 

Throughout his long and successful career as an artist, James has created many of his own experiments in order to pioneer new ideas and techniques. This has allowed him to break barriers and leap past the constraints of the traditional art world. By asking questions and seeking results using new technology, James has made influential discoveries about how everything from color palettes to subject matter affect a work of art. 

In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler interviews James Gurney, author and illustrator of Color and Light and Dinotopia, about his journey as an artist and the discoveries he has made along the way. Tune in as James discusses the importance of questioning traditional art concepts, the unique differences between digital and traditional art, and how emerging technology will change the art world as we know it.

Tom Ross is the founder and CEO of Design Cuts, the highest rated design marketplace in the world. Design Cuts offers the best quality digital assets, including fonts, graphics, brushes, and templates, at the most affordable prices online. Tom also mentors fellow creatives about how to improve their marketing via his three podcasts: The Honest Designers Show, The Honest Entrepreneur Show, and Biz Buds.

In this episode…

Build it, and they will come, right? Wrong! This statement has become obsolete due to the overarching role that SEO and algorithms play in internet traffic. Now, in order to build a community online, you must work smarter, not harder. 

Tom Ross, founder and CEO of Design Cuts, learned this the hard way. After a year of non-stop hustle put him in the hospital, Tom had to find better ways to attract followers and scale his business. Now, he uses this experience to help other creatives improve their marketing and build a dedicated online community. 

In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler sits down with entrepreneur Tom Ross of Design Cuts to discuss the importance of balancing hard work and self-care when running a business. They talk about the challenges of scaling a company, how to build meaningful relationships with your community, and why you should embrace niching. Stay tuned.

Jennifer Priest is a prominent social media strategist, educator, and the owner of Smart Creative Social, a consulting and online education company that helps bloggers and business owners create social media strategies based on analytics and data. With over 17 years of experience as a digital entrepreneur, Jennifer has a unique understanding of the challenges that creatives and artists face when running an online business. She specializes in helping her clients generate massive traffic through Pinterest using her program, SMART Pin Pro.

In this episode…

Do you want to drive more traffic to your site or online business with long-lasting and wide-reaching posts? Then it may be time to start using Pinterest. 

According to online content strategist and educator Jennifer Priest, Pinterest is a “cash cow” that not enough artists and creatives are taking advantage of. With Pinterest, viewers can find an aggregate of information on the topic of their choice, no matter who posted it, or when. In other words, this platform is essentially the Google of the arts and crafts world.

In this week's episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler talks with Jennifer Priest, owner of Smart Creative Social, about using Pinterest to drive traffic to your online business or blog. Jennifer shares why she switched careers to start her digital business, how she found a way to stand out from the competition, and why Pinterest is her secret weapon for growing an audience and boosting sales. Stay tuned.

Tara Roskell is a freelance graphic designer and co-founder of Kick in the Creatives. She helps small businesses elevate their brands with the use of eye-catching graphics, expert logo designs, online video courses, and more. Tara has over 25 years of experience in the graphic design industry, and she has worked with both national and international clients. 

Sandra Busby is a still-life artist and the co-founder of Kick in the Creatives. She has gained recognition for her work on glass and reflective surfaces, winning multiple awards for her traditional oil paintings. Along with Tara Roskell, Sandra is using her platform to encourage other artists to build a creative habit with Kick in the Creative’s monthly challenges.

In this episode…

Art is art. It is messy, asymmetrical, innovative, and a reflection of the heart. Yet, most artists strive for perfection, constantly comparing themselves to those around them. According to artists Tara Roskell and Sandra Busby, these expectations and comparisons will only hold you back. Tara and Sandra believe that the beauty of art stems from letting yourself go and having fun with your creativity. 

In this episode of the Pencil Kings podcast, host Mitch Bowler interviews Tara Roskell and Sandra Busby, co-founders of Kick in the Creatives, about what drove them to join minds and create their monthly challenges for artists in their community. Tara and Sandra highlight how to get out of an artistic rut, why you should befriend an artist that you trust, and the importance of regaining your childlike fascination with the world. Stay tuned.

Donna Adi is a mixed media illustrator and the creative director for her brand. She is well known for her unique and recognizable style of illustration, which takes its inspiration from celebrity culture and has garnered her over 190k followers on Instagram. Over the past three years, Donna has worked on a variety of creative fashion and beauty campaigns, collaborating with clients ranging from Barbie to Dior to Nike

In this episode…

What do you love about your art? Does it still bring you happiness, or have you fallen into the pitfall of comparison? Whether your art is loved by millions or just a few friends, the most important aspect of being a creator is creating something you are proud of. For Donna Adi, a renowned mixed media illustrator, it took some time to stop seeing other artists’ success as her failure. Now, she finds happiness creating art both for herself and for her 190k Instagram followers. 

In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, host Mitch Bowler interviews Donna Adi about the creative and mental process behind her well-known mixed media illustrations. Donna talks about what she learned from growing her Instagram following to almost 200k, how she stopped comparing herself to others, and why she takes time every day to do something she loves. Stay tuned. 

John Wentz is a contemporary painter who was born and raised in San Francisco, California but now resides in Paris, France where he has spent the last eight years of his life exploring art and sound. His work draws inspiration from psychologist Carl Jung and several realism artists. In 2019, he was Artist in Residence at the Arthouse Holland/Project 1606 in Leiden, Netherlands. John is also the host of Lo-Fi Podcast, where he interviews artists, musicians, and actors to talk about their journey and their perception of art.

In this episode…

Creating something new can be intimidating. Whether you are just starting or have been an artist for the last thirty years, the feeling remains the same. The desire to draw inspiration from your environment and place it on canvas lies dormant within all of us in some form of creative appeal, and for contemporary painter John Wentz, exploring his artistic voice on canvas with newly defined parameters to guide his art to new heights of distinction has been nothing but gratifying.

In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler interviews fellow artist John Wentz, a contemporary painter known for his deep tones and contemplative style, about exploring his style and self-taught art. John also discusses the importance of creating parameters to guide your creativity to new territories of exploration and why people need to re-evaluate how they approach stimulation. Stay tuned

Ryan Roy is an accountability coach and he is the owner of Justify or Just Do It Coaching which serves clients from all over the world. Ryan is also a speaker and he hosts the podcast, Be the Dad You Wish You Had. He has also authored a book named after his podcast, and he is committed to being a better father and helping others through parenthood. Ryan is heavily involved with his community and builds others up through action plans rather than mere words and the desire to see the next generation thrive.

Ryan is a husband and father of two boys, ages one and seven.

In this episode…

Being a parent is a challenging job but it can also be extremely rewarding. You may lose track of your child's favorite toy or sock, but the quality time you spend with them will far outweigh trivial shortcomings. Helping your child to pursue and develop their passion can open doors to countless possibilities in their lives. Ryan Roy, author and host of Be the Dad You Wish You Had podcast, was raised in a single-parent household. And he says that if there was one takeaway from his childhood that he really holds on to today, it was the importance of spending quality time with your kids and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler talks with fellow podcaster and author of Be the Dad You Wish You Had, Ryan Roy. They discuss how parents can teach their kids to become better people, the importance of showing interest in the activities your child finds captivating, and how you can best support your child in pursuing his passion. Ryan also shares the value of spending time with kids and why it’s important to teach kids the value of process and passion early on. Stay tuned.

Carol Marine is an artist, having painted 3000 paintings since she began her quest to paint every day. She started painting daily in 2006, creating one small painting each day and posting and auctioning them online. Her work has encouraged others to pursue art and let their creativity shine. Carol is also the author of two books, Daily Painting and 100 Small Paintings. She and her husband have created a community of daily painters with over 1500 members to date.

In this episode…

Art takes time to perfect. It is a slow process that requires dedication, commitment, and the will to try something new. Taking your art to the next level is no small feat, and this is what Carol Marine, artist and daily painter, realized in 2006 as she took up the quest to paint every day. 

In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler interviews inspiring artist Carol Marine about how her journey in creating one small painting each day has encouraged others to showcase their own works. She shares her tips on overcoming creative blocks and treating the creation of your art like an obsession, and she also talks about her "aha" moments and getting back to painting after some time away. Stay tuned.

Scotty Russell is a podcaster, coach, artist, designer, speaker, and pizza enthusiast. He is the Founder and Creator of Perspective Collective, a company focused on teaching others how to utilize their time and creativity to make their side hustle profitable. Scotty went from working as a graphic designer in his day job to starting his own company using the knowledge he learned as an artist and as an entrepreneur.

In this episode…

Having a side-hustle can be either liberating or extremely challenging, depending on your mindset and your goals. When your side-hustle has become a significant part of your life, it may be an indication to switch your focus and give it your full attention. Scotty Russell, owner and founder of Perspective Collective, is an excellent example of what happens when life takes an unfortunate turn with your nine to five, but your side-hustle has become its own thing. 

In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler talks with fellow pizza enthusiast, artist, and podcaster, Scotty Russell, about the real possibility of turning your side-hustle into a business and how Scotty empowers artists to be entrepreneurs. Scotty also talks about the importance of investing in oneself and knowing what you want, and the 3 things that you need to have to achieve your goals. Stay tuned.

Allan McKay is an Emmy Award winner for his outstanding work in visual effects. He is a Los Angeles-based visual effects supervisor and technical director. Allan is responsible for the visual effects in Game of Thrones, Avengers Endgame, Evil Within 2, The Equalizer, Blade, Star Trek: Into Darkness, and many more. He has over 20 years of experience working with different studios, such as Blur Studio, Whoodoo Studios, and ProMotion Studios, early on in his career.

Allan McKay is a graduate of Queens College of Art, Griffith University, South Bank Campus. 

In this episode…

What does it take to follow your dreams as a creator? The irony of pursuing your dreams is that you may fail and yet that failure does not indicate the end of your journey but rather, a possible beginning. Allan McKay, an award-winning visual effects supervisor and technical director in Hollywood, California, explains how he started to pursue his dream at the age of 14 and discovered his interest in visual effects and the expansion of the field.

In this week's episode of Pencil Kings, Mitch Bowler talks with Emmy Award-winning VFX supervisor and technical director in Hollywood, Allan McKay, about visual effects and his desire to explore it further and share his passion about film and design with other people. Tune in as they talk about the importance of putting your best work forward, the benefits of measuring your progress, and how embracing failure can quite possibly lead to your success.