Ep.155: Valerie Bastille on how to overcome the art block

Iva Mikles
Ep.155: Valerie Bastille on how to overcome the art block

Hey, guys! In this episode, I am chatting with Valerie Bastille, a freelance illustrator in Montreal. Her work, both digital and traditional, is influenced by nature, including floral elements, bringing the sense of motion to her illustrations.

Get in touch with Valerie

Key Takeaways

“There is always something you can bring to the people. Everyone has something to show to the world!”

  • Valerie says she is self-taught and that the best way to learn is by observation. She progressed the most when she used to meet with friends every week doing life drawing, everyone from the group would do poses, the 20s, 30s, 1 minute, etc.
  • To avoid the art block, Valerie suggests trying different mediums and switching around to always get new inspiration. Art is about problem-solving so don’t get stuck to one thing.
  • Valerie recommends bringing a lot of smaller items to sell at the conventions because many artists buy only small items like postcards, stickers, and pins.

Resources mentioned

Special thanks to Valerie for joining me today. See you next time!

All artworks by Valerie Bastille, used with permission

Click Here For The Episode Transcript

This episode is sponsored by

  • ArtSnacks – a subscription box of unique, high-quality art supplies. As a member of Art Side of Life community, you will get an exclusive 10% discount with the promo code artside10. Don’t wait, visit artsideoflife.com/artsnacks and use promo code artside10
  • Astropad Studio – an app that turns your iPad Pro into a wireless graphics tablet for your Mac. It works with any Mac app, so you can use Photoshop and Illustrator right on your iPad. As a member of Art Side of Life community, you will get an exclusive 10% discount with the promo code ARTSIDE. To get started, go to artsideoflife.com/astropad and enter the promo code ARTSIDE
Iva

Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »

More Podcast Episodes:

Evolve Artist Academy: From Aspiring Artist To Success Story with Piper Talladay

Evolve Artist Academy: From Aspiring Artist To Success Story with Piper Talladay

Discover how Piper, head instructor at Evolve Artist Academy, helps aspiring artists turn their dreams into success stories in the world of oil painting.

Ep.210: Interview with community members – Donovan, Visi and Keshna (YouTube 20k subs giveaway)

Ep.210: Interview with community members – Donovan, Visi and Keshna (YouTube 20k subs giveaway)

Episode with the winners of the YouTube 20k giveaway - Donovan (fantasy artist, Texas), Visi (Illustrator, Colorado) and Keshna (Illustrator, New Jersey).

Ep.209: Interview with community members – Alex and Petar (YouTube 20k subs giveaway)

Ep.209: Interview with community members – Alex and Petar (YouTube 20k subs giveaway)

Special episode with the winners of the YouTube 20k giveaway. I chat with Alex (graphic designer from Poland) and Petar (3D artist from North Macedonia).

Ep.208: Interview with community members – María and Manuel (YouTube 20k subs giveaway)

Ep.208: Interview with community members – María and Manuel (YouTube 20k subs giveaway)

Special episode with the winners of the YouTube 20k giveaway. I chat with Manuel (concept artist from Argentina) and María (Comics artist from Mexico).

Ep.207: On being a Creative Director, Illustrator, and Educator with Greg Gunn

Ep.207: On being a Creative Director, Illustrator, and Educator with Greg Gunn

I am chatting with Greg Gunn. He is a creative director, illustrator, and animator from LA. He helps passionate people communicate their big ideas.

Ep.206: Beatrice “Bea” Blue on the importance of enjoying the journey

Ep.206: Beatrice “Bea” Blue on the importance of enjoying the journey

I am catching up with Beatrice Blue. We chat about what she has been up to since we talked last time - her time in Montreal, her new books and much more.

Ep.205: Art licensing tips with Bonnie Christine

Ep.205: Art licensing tips with Bonnie Christine

Bonnie Christine, an artist and pattern & textile designer. She is most known for her flowery designs, making artworks for companies & products.

Ep.204: Illustration for Motion Design with Sarah Beth Morgan

Ep.204: Illustration for Motion Design with Sarah Beth Morgan

Sarah Beth Morgan, a freelance art director, motion designer & illustrator based in Portland. She has worked with Gentleman Scholar and Oddfellows.

Ep.203: On getting clients with Jarom Vogel

Ep.203: On getting clients with Jarom Vogel

Jarom Vogel, an illustrator and programmer. He is known for his colorful illustrations and has worked with clients such as Apple, Procreate and others.

More from Podcast Episodes »

Iva

Hey there!

I am Iva (rhymes with viva), and I'm the artist behind Art Side of Life. I'm all about helping you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art! So on my website, I share Procreate classes, tutorials, brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies, and resources such as these interviews. Ready to create and make amazing art? Then explore, join and have fun ♡

More useful content:

Procreate Classes, Brushes and Equipment Guides

Guides on Printing Art

Guides on Digital Art

Guides on Art Tools

Guides on Art Supplies

Guides on Art Books

More about me »