iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Why do sketchbooks make you FEEL creative? Author Roland Allen, @zibaldoni.bsky.social, shares some mind-blowing insight about the science of inspiration in our latest episode of “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think!” Listen now: youtu.be/uU2522vBxXs

youtu.be

Sketchbooks Vs. Screens: Which Makes You More Creative?

How paper sketchbooks help you think in creative ways that screens simply can't. PLUS: Why six months of sketching literally changes how you see! ...with special guest Roland Allen, author of The…

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Why is Toy Story’s ending so satisfying? Story maven KM Weiland reveals the answer in this case study from “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think.” Listen to the full episode: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

“Experimenting with brushes gets you out of your comfort zone.” @KyleTWebster.bsky.social More from Kyle on “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think”: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

“Fall Over The Ravine”: Digital Plein Air in #Procreate

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

This video by @ethanmaldridge.bsky.social is jam-packed with practical tips for writing comics. Highly recommend! Also, stick with it. The first few points might seem obvious to some of you, but the insights just get richer the longer you listen:

youtube.com

My Writing Process for Comics and Prose

I'm a NYT and Indie Bestselling author and illustrator, and have worked full time for nearly a decade writing both prose novels and comics. Here is a look at how I write my books! See more…

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

Is your brush collection a mess? Try this! …and check out our full interview with brush genius @KyleTWebster.bsky.social on “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think!” Listen and subscribe: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

@procreate.com's @kyletwebster.bsky.social shares why brush choice matters more than many artists realize on today’s episode of “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think.” Plus: Why brush building is the key to Kyle's remarkable versatility... Listen now:

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How To Pick The Right Brush (with Procreate's Kyle Webster)

Procreate's Kyle Webster, the Internet's favorite digital art brush builder, on why brush choice matters more than many artists realize. 00:00 Episode Start 02:40 Why Brushes Matter At…

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

"Joy Is An Act Of Resistance": Digital Plein Air in #Procreate

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

Struggling with your outline? This tip from author @shawnrpryor.bsky.social may help. For more advice on writing all-ages comics, listen to the full interview: buff.ly/Bl2r2V5

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

“You’re a better artist than you were when you started.” @victoriaying.com More from Victoria at: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

"Throw Your Arms Around Me”: Digital Plein Air in #Procreate

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Reposted by Chris Oatley

Shawn Pryor @shawnrpryor.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

This is one of my favorite conversations I've had this year. Being able to talk about the creative process of writing is so freeing and fun. I hope that you enjoy it!

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

Learn about writing comics for kids on this week’s episode of “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think” with @shawnrpryor.bsky.social, author of over sixty published books and comics. Plus: Working with artists and the essential role of conflict in story development. Listen now: buff.ly/SraUc00

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Writing Comics For Kids (A Prolific Author's Process)

Get FREE digital art brushes every month for a year when you join The Magic Box Brush Club at http://DigitalArtBrushes.com -------- In this episode of You're A Better Artist Than You Think: Shawn…

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

“You have to get away from your studio to find things to write about.” @ladygoofus.bsky.social Subscribe to “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think” at: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

“A lot of people get overwhelmed because they think they have to learn everything at once. You don’t have to know how to use every element. …just focus on what you need to do that day.” -Carmen Thora More advice from our “Rising Stars” on the podcast: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

“No Such Thing As Neutral”: Digital Plein Air in #Procreate

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

“Our journey is not a straight line. Maybe we gotta do a detour before arriving at our destination. …and that’s OK.” -Mutia Terian More insights from our “Rising Stars” on “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think”: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 19/07/2025

Did you catch our latest interview with storytelling expert KM Weiland? If you experience pacing problems (especially throughout the middle) or struggle to create satisfying endings, the insights she offers will almost certainly help: youtu.be/h6UMwu0LZmM

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Solve Plot Problems With "Mirrored" Story Structure

Get free digital art brushes every month for a year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com In this episode: KM Weiland, author of "Creating Character Arcs" and "Struc...

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Today on “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think,” story structure maven KM Weiland reveals why the midpoint holds the secret to fixing broken stories. Plus: creating emotional character arcs! Listen to the new episode: youtu.be/h6UMwu0LZmM

youtu.be

Solve Plot Problems With "Mirrored" Story Structure

Get free digital art brushes every month for a year: http://DigitalArtBrushes.com In this episode: KM Weiland, author of "Creating Character Arcs" and "Struc...

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

“If you’re the best in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” -Amy Lewis’ dad as quoted on “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think.” Listen to the full episode: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

“Fear is often an indication that something is worth doing.” @ladygoofus.bsky.social (on telling vulnerable stories) Listen to the full episode: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

“Just get to the end. It doesn’t matter if it’s good. Just finish it, then come back later to fix it. …because that’s the moment where you’ll give up if you let yourself.” @VictoriaYing.com Listen to the full episode: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Start your day with art… Listen to the full episode: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

Can’t find time for art? Today on “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think,” we share why "time management" so rarely works for artists and four tips for a more effective solution. Listen to the new episode: buff.ly/jhSWcj1

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Can't Find Time For Art? Try This...

Get new digital art brushes with accompanying tutorial guides every month for an entire year at http://DigitalArtBrushes.comIn this episode of You're A Bette...

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

@VictoriaYing.com ‬offers an encouraging perspective on how to maintain momentum and a growth mindset when facing external setbacks in your artistic career. Listen to the full episode: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Illustrator and Web Presence Specialist @KristenSchwartz.bsky.social shares how “The Clockwork Heart” mentorship helped her define her niche and create meaningful networking connections. Looking for help with your own career? Email Support@MagicBoxAcademy.com to schedule an interest meeting!

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Character Designer Dan Tompkins shares how “The Clockwork Heart” mentorship helped him finish new character line-ups, refresh his portfolio, and pitch to 20th Century Studios! Need help with your own career? Email Support@MagicBoxAcademy.com to schedule an interest meeting! (Only 2 spots left!)

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Enrollment for my mentorship is now open! Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and focused, personalized guidance for your career in “The Clockwork Heart”. Email Support@MagicBoxAcademy.com to schedule an interest meeting!

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

"I’ve often had to relearn that I’m a 'better artist than I think'. Perfectionism, doubt, feeling stuck– I know the struggle. I hope the podcast helps you push past the challenges to start building the creative life you dream of." -Veronica Season three available now: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Hey, artists! You know that project you’ve been thinking about for so long? "You're A Better Artist Than You Think" Season 3 will help you finish it… New episodes begin April 16! Subscribe via: linktr.ee/ChrisOatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Lookin’ good, Diego! Artists, you too can get my entire “Brush Ninja” set for FREE at DigitalArtBrushes.com!

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 22/01/2025

“The truth should hold.” It’s one of the most profound lessons I ever learned. If you believe something to be true, it should hold up when tested with scrutiny, skepticism, questions… Those tests are not threats to truth, they verifiers of it.

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 22/01/2025

Your right to religion is not diminished when someone exercises or grants a right that your religion doesn’t.

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Reposted by Chris Oatley

Pearl Low | 劉寶珠🧋 (they/them) @pearllow.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

We need to highlight Black people who have suffered loss during these LA fires. Please please share this "Displaced Black Families" document and donate if you can!!!!! docs.google.com/spreadsheets...

docs.google.com

Displaced Black Families GoFund Me Directory

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

“He never wasted a good idea.” The Jim Henson Company archivist Karen Falk offers insights into Jim’s creative process, his collaborative leadership style, Miss Piggy’s character design evolution and more! All on today’s “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think!” www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rkl...

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Jim Henson's Creative Legacy

YouTube video by Chris Oatley

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Chris Oatley @chrisoatley.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

Hey, artists! I’m excited to finally give this promising platform a try. We released a new episode of the podcast today and though it’s about the relatively unsexy topic of color theory, it’s full of inspiring, practical insights. I’d love to hear what you think: youtu.be/R2sCpXbE8R4?...

youtu.be

Interacting With Color: Insights From Josef Albers

YouTube video by Chris Oatley

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