Real Abstract
Veteran illustrator Eric M. Strong shares career and business advice for freelancers and creative professionals.
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S2 Episode 8: Improve Your Craft, Be Useful, Become More Valuable (Pt. 3)
12/12/2022
S2 Episode 8: Improve Your Craft, Be Useful, Become More Valuable (Pt. 3)
Eric wraps up the three-part series on creating more value with your art and more value for your clients with more practical examples of putting the 8 rules into practice. Eric's 8 Made Up Rules of Value: Do you agree with these? Disagree? Start a discussion in the Discord channel! Eric M. Strong IG:
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S2 Episode 7: What Makes Art Valuable? Practical Ways to Add Value to Your Art, Pt. 2
11/28/2022
S2 Episode 7: What Makes Art Valuable? Practical Ways to Add Value to Your Art, Pt. 2
Eric continues his exploration of how to create more value with your art in part two of a three-part series. Today's episode takes a deeper look at Eric's "8 Made Up Rules of Value," outlined in part one, and lays out some practical examples of how you apply each of the rules to your own work and business practices. Do you agree with these? Disagree? Start a discussion in the Discord channel! Eric M. Strong IG:
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S2 Episode 6: What Makes Art Valuable? Eric's 8 Made Up Rules of Value, Pt. 1
11/14/2022
S2 Episode 6: What Makes Art Valuable? Eric's 8 Made Up Rules of Value, Pt. 1
In the first of a three-part series, Eric explores the concept of value and, specifically, what makes some art valuable and other art... well, not. Today Eric explores the different types of value, and then offers his eight rules that make a thing valuable. Eric's 8 Made Up Rules of Value Rarity — the more rare something is, the more valuable it is Liability — the greater the risk, the greater the reward Expertise — the better you are at something, the more valuable you become Reputation — the better your reputation, the higher value you hold Investment — of time, of money. The bigger the investment, the greater the potential for reward Demand — the higher the demand, the higher the value. Tied to rarity, but not exactly the same. Not all rare things are valuable, and not all valuable things are rare. "Tag team" value — things of less importance become more valuable when they are “tag teamed” with something of value Usefulness — the more useful something is, the more utility it has, the more valuable it becomes Do you agree with these? Disagree? Start a discussion in the Discord channel! Eric M. Strong IG:
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S2 Episode 5: The Basics of Intellectual Property, Copyright, and Protecting Your Work with Attorney Hillary Johns
10/31/2022
S2 Episode 5: The Basics of Intellectual Property, Copyright, and Protecting Your Work with Attorney Hillary Johns
Eric invites attorney Hillary Johns, who specializes in entertainment law and represents a wide variety of artists and creatives, onto the podcast to discuss some of the big issues artists face when releasing their intellectual property out into the world. Artists are so involved in the creation of their art that they often forget, or are simply ignorant, to copyright their work and take steps to protect themselves from others taking credit -- and potentially future royalties -- for their work. Hillary explains the basics of copyright, licensing, fair use, and explains why you should think carefully about setting up contracts and agreements before collaborating with others on work. Too often artists collaborate without clearly spelling out who owns which ideas, and who contributed which parts of the finished work, only to get into legal battles over royalties when one of their works becomes commercially popular. Hillary explains some basic steps you can take to protect your work and keep others from profiting off your ideas. You can contact Hillary Johns at: Phone: Email: Eric M. Strong
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S2 Episode 4: Managing ADHD and Creative Work with Artist Jeremy Regan
10/17/2022
S2 Episode 4: Managing ADHD and Creative Work with Artist Jeremy Regan
Eric invites graphic designer, copywriter, and long-time friend from art school, Jeremy Regan, onto the show to talk about working in the creative world with ADHD. Like most kids from the 80's, Jeremy was not diagnosed with ADHD, but he had all the signs -- short attention span, a tendency to fidget or need to move constantly, difficult beginning projects, and easily overwhelmed with large task lists. Over the decades of his art career, however, Jeremy has learned to manage his ADHD and find the types of work environments he thrives in, and he shares these lessons on the show. You can follow Jeremy and some of his work on Instagram Eric has started a Discord server to link creatives together and continue the conversation outside the podcat! To join the chat, go to: Eric M. Strong IG:
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S2 Episode 3: AI Is Here... What Now?
10/03/2022
S2 Episode 3: AI Is Here... What Now?
It's coming -- no, it's here, and the world of art and entertainment will change forever. Artifical Intelligence is creating beautiful art, and soon music, film, maybe even poetry! So what are we creatives to do? Eric explores some themes from past technological innovations in the music and film world, and how the industry changed as a result. He shares some of the things he's doing to stay competitve as the landscape changes, and he also makes predictions for the future of AI and how it might change us as humans. Eric M. Strong IG:
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S2 Episode 2: Planning for Change
09/19/2022
S2 Episode 2: Planning for Change
If the robots are coming for creatives (and it's happening, quickly!), then creatives need to be proactive in sustaining their business. Not to mention, the world (and the economy) is a little crazy these days! There's enough to spin yourself into quite a frenzy if you're not careful. Eric discusses a few ways you can plan in the face of world change and economic uncertainty, such as staying on top of emerging trends in your field, looking for related but different types of work, embracing new technology and tools, and "finding your why" to stay positive throughout the journey. Eric M. Strong IG:
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S2 Episode 1 - Don't Let the Robots Win! Rediscovering the Joy of Creation
09/12/2022
S2 Episode 1 - Don't Let the Robots Win! Rediscovering the Joy of Creation
Eric is back with Season Two! My, how the world has changed in just a few months. The tension in the air is palpable, and some things that seemed only a slight possibility earlier this year are now probabilities, even actualities. Artificial intelligence has proven very effective at managing formerly human tasks in manufacturing, but is quickly taking over the creative world as well. AI-generated art, animation, music, scripts, and more is becoming good enough for commercial use, and only getting better. So where does that leave us artists? While we should be concerned about these developments, there is something about art which transcends the product. Making art is a joyful act, worthwhile in itself. It's fun and pleasurable. So says C.S. Lewis in his autobiograph Suprised by Joy. Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life by C.S. Lewis Eric M. Strong IG:
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#23 - Appearances, Staying Competitive, and Multiple Income Streams with Photographer Brant Waldeck
05/16/2022
#23 - Appearances, Staying Competitive, and Multiple Income Streams with Photographer Brant Waldeck
To call him just a photographer is a little misleading, because while he's an excellent one, he's a lot more too! Brant Waldeck joins the show to talk about his work in photography, video, and design, and how he has built a profitable, long-lasting freelance career working with corporate clients. Brant Waldeck Website: IG:
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#22 - Understanding Shame/Guilt and Banish Your Inner Critic with Lois Hollis
05/09/2022
#22 - Understanding Shame/Guilt and Banish Your Inner Critic with Lois Hollis
Lois Hollis has accomplished many things in her 78 years on this Earth -- for over 30 years she worked as an RN with a focus on nephrology, helping establish the first dialysis clinic in the country. Despite a long and successful career in healthcare, however, the abusive traumas she suffered in childhood continued to weigh on her and her health began to decline. Eventually she left the field of traditional medicine, seeking holistic remedies and emotional counseling. After regaining her vitality she knew that she had to help others in their suffering. Lois ascribes many problems of the mind and body to a force she calls "shame/guilt," two emotions that are typically separated but that she says are closely related. Learning to talk with these emotions, and especially for creatives, learning to engage and master your inner critic, can help heal childhood traumas and unwind creative blocks. Lois offers emotional counseling, and has many artlcles and blogs on her website. She has also produced a film exploring the concept of shame/guilt in three parts. Eric M. Strong IG:
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#21 - Train Your Brain Like Memory Athlete Nelson Dellis
05/02/2022
#21 - Train Your Brain Like Memory Athlete Nelson Dellis
Today's guest can remember your name, your number, and, oh, about 10,000 digits of pi while he's at it! Nelson Dellis is a 5-time USA Memory Champion, and when he says he's an athlete, he means it. In addition to his incredible feats of memory, Dellis is a former elite Crossfit games athlete and a mountaineer, having climbed Everest three times. Nelson Dellis describes his unique method for memorizing large amounts of information very quickly, associating words and numbers with notable characteristics and emotions, then placing them in one of his "memory palaces" where they can be organized and quickly recalled. While you may not need to memorize the number and suit of 7 decks of randomly shuffled cards, Dellis' techniques have many real-world applications, like learning the names of employees at a job interview, memorizing lines in a script, or understanding how to make characters in a story more memorable to readers. Nelson Dellis has published two books about his memory techniques, and coaches others privately and through his YouTube channel. Website: YouTube: IG: by Nelson Dellis by Nelson Dellis
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#20 - Tracing Your Influences with Actor Ray Buffer
04/25/2022
#20 - Tracing Your Influences with Actor Ray Buffer
Eric chats with actor, voiceover artist, producer and director Ray Buffer about his personal influences in life and career, as well as how he hopes to influence others in his work. Ray stays very busy, with a wide range of roles in both high profile TV, film, and commercials as well as independently financed film and theater. He also works as a voiceover artist, and has even owned and managed production companies. One key piece of advice for staying in-demand in the competitive creative industry? Honor your commitments. Ray has had to turn down higher paying gigs because he was already committed to other jobs, but he always honors his commitments and follows through. It shows integrity, which speaks for your reputation in the industry and may lead to more work down the road. Ray Buffer Website: IMDb: Instagram @therealraybuffer: Eric M. Strong IG:
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#19 - Making More Money
04/18/2022
#19 - Making More Money
Mo' money mo' problems right? What are you talking about?! More money, more house, more pools, more happiness! Well, maybe that's overselling it a bit, but making more money has some obvious benefits. Such as, more money in your bank account! But there are some hidden benefits to raising your rates that go beyond the money, like better clients, fewer projects, and more satisfaction. Eric M. Strong IG:
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#18 - Give Yourself a Raise
04/11/2022
#18 - Give Yourself a Raise
It's tax season, and everyone's mind is on their money... and also, how to make more of it! In today's show, Eric offers three strategies for increasing your income this year, including raising your rates, subcontracting your work, creating your own content, and more. Eric M. Strong IG:
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#17 - The Road of Passion: A Chat with Filmmaker George Johnson
04/04/2022
#17 - The Road of Passion: A Chat with Filmmaker George Johnson
Eric sits down with a good friend and accomplished filmmaker George Johnson to talk about the difficult, exciting, occasionally terrifying life of a freelance filmmaker. George has made 5 feature length films and thousands of short films, music videos, and more. His work has won numerous awards and received distribution on major streaming platforms, but his road to success was not always easy. George shares the ups and downs of his artistic career with a passion and zeal for the craft of filmmaking that clearly has only grown over the years. George Johnson
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#16 - An Indie Actor's Survival Guide with Michelle L. King
03/28/2022
#16 - An Indie Actor's Survival Guide with Michelle L. King
Michelle King is an actress... and much, much more. When she's not acting, you might find her writing screenplays, writing songs, working her family's hobby farm, running one of her non-profits, or being a mom of 10! Despite her impressive array of commitments, Michelle is deeply comitted to the art and craft of acting. She has starred in 8 independent films as well as a number of TV series and commericals. Michelle loves to stretch herself creatively, and has played both comedic and dramatic roles on camera. She also writes screenplays, music, and has even worked behind the scenes in various technical capacities of production. In this show, Michelle shares much wisdom about acting: what it means to be an actor, the lifestyle of an independent actor, how to network and land auditions, representation, and staying fresh creatively. Whether you are an actor of not, if you are a creative there is much you can take from this episode! Michelle L. King Eric M. Strong IG:
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#15 - 7 Ways to Trick Yourself to Motivation
03/21/2022
#15 - 7 Ways to Trick Yourself to Motivation
Even creatives get bored and distracted! Creative work is, well, work, and all work gets to be a drag at times. What separates the real pros, however, is their ability to focus and get work done even when the job is difficult or their motivation is waning. To that end, Eric offers seven ways to trick yourself into getting motivated next time you run into a block. Eric M. Strong IG:
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#14 - Why Creative Pros Will Always Have Work
03/14/2022
#14 - Why Creative Pros Will Always Have Work
Artists get a bad rap when it comes to career. Any artist or creative has heard from so many people that his or her field of work is risky, unstable, the first thing to go in a bad economy... you name it, he's probably heard it. Eric argues that art is not a luxury, it's a necessity, and that man has been painting on cave walls since the dawn of history. Creatives will always have work, despite the shifts of technology, economics, and politics. Eric M. Strong IG:
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#13 - What Is Art Anyway? A Talk with Karl Schudt
03/07/2022
#13 - What Is Art Anyway? A Talk with Karl Schudt
Former philosophy professor turned seminar leader, lover of great books, strength coach, and polymath Karl Schudt joins the podcast to talk about art. What is it anyway? You'd think artists would know, but philosophers have long grappled with this question and found that great artists don't necessarily have great insight into this question. Nevertheless, it's worth asking and exploring, Karl says, because artists can wield great power... hopefully for good! Karl Schudt leads seminars at Online Great Books, an online program that pairs readers into small groups which together read through the great books of Western Civilization. Karl also co-hosts a podcast about great books by the same name. When he's not leading seminars, recording podcasts, or reading, you can find him at the gym, where he coaches people to get stronger and fitter. He also coaches online at Barbell Logic Online Coaching. Online Great Books Online Great Books Podcast Apple: Spotify: Barbell Logic Online Coaching Karl's Blog Books Mentioned in This Podcast
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#12 - The Three Attributes of Creativity
02/28/2022
#12 - The Three Attributes of Creativity
Eric offers up a theory of creativity, and why we should celebrate the "problem solvers" in the creative world as much as the "self-expressers." Eric M. Strong IG:
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#11 - Ten Things NOT To Save Money On
02/21/2022
#11 - Ten Things NOT To Save Money On
Creative freelancers have a lot of competition for their hard-earned dollars: shiny new equipment, software, lessons and continuing education, trade shows, more shiny new equipment... Creatives also don't tend to have a lot of money, especially when starting out, so it's understandable that they want to save money wherever they can. There are some things, however, that you DON'T want to save money on. Pull up your chairs and let Eric explain. Eric M. Strong IG:
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#10 - The Elements of Artistic Style with Kevin Mellon (Archer, Marvel's Hit Monkey)
02/14/2022
#10 - The Elements of Artistic Style with Kevin Mellon (Archer, Marvel's Hit Monkey)
Eric chats with his old art school buddy Kevin Mellon, who is now working as art director for Marvel's Hit Monkey and storyboard artist for FX's long-running hit series Archer. As an art student, Kevin spent a LOT of time thinking about his own artistic style, what it means to have a style, and whether an artist should have one style or many styles in his or her tool belt. He drops a lot of fantastic knowledge bombs in this episode about style, voice, managing other artists, how to give constructive notes, and much more. You can find more from Kevin here. Note he's not just an artist, he's also a musician as well! Website: Instagram: LinkedIn:
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#9 - Turning Limitations Into Creativity
02/07/2022
#9 - Turning Limitations Into Creativity
Every creative has faced the dreaded "blocks" at times: writer's block, etc. Eric has a theory why these blocks pop up, and a strategy for reigniting stalled creativity. What you perceive as limitations may actually be the secret to your creativity. Eric M. Strong IG:
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#8 - 3 Rules for Turning Prospects Into Clients
01/31/2022
#8 - 3 Rules for Turning Prospects Into Clients
Sales can be a scary word, especially for creative professionals. Nobody likes to be sold to, and no one wants to be seen as a pushy salesman! But like any business, sales is a crucial part of making your art into a career. Luckily, it doesn't have to be a torturous or sleazy task -- in fact, as Eric outlines in his rules, it starts with building friendship and trust, long before any money changes hands. Eric M. Strong
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#7 - How A String of Insults Led to a Career in Comedy Writing: Scott Dunn (Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, CMT Music Awards)
01/24/2022
#7 - How A String of Insults Led to a Career in Comedy Writing: Scott Dunn (Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, CMT Music Awards)
Eric chats with stand-up comedian turned comedy writer, Scott Dunn, about his work writing jokes for a variety of television and live awards shows. After a brief stand-up career, Scott the met up and coming Lisa Lampanelli, an insult comic, and struck up a friendship. He would occasionally send her jokes, and eventually they collaborated on her slot in the Chevy Chase roast for Comedy Central. Realizing he enjoyed seeing people laugh at his jokes whether he or another comic delivered the lines, Scott dedicated himself to comedy writing and working for a wide variety of shows. Scott doesn't maintain a social media presence, but if you'd like to get in touch, you can email Eric below and get in touch through him: Eric M. Strong
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#6 - How I Find Work
01/17/2022
#6 - How I Find Work
Eric shares his strategies for finding new jobs when his pipeline starts running low. There are many ways to find new work as a creative freelancer -- referral business and word of mouth are powerful tools -- but sometimes your pipeline needs a boost. Eric discusses his favorite freelancing sites, his approach to bidding for jobs, and how to build your online presence to win the best jobs.
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#5 - The Power of Underestimating Yourself
01/10/2022
#5 - The Power of Underestimating Yourself
So... how is your New Year's resolution going? Have you gotten frustrated yet? It's common for people to set big goals at the beginning of the year, promising themselves they will make major changes or take on a large challenge. As Eric argues in this episode, maybe the best thing you can do for yourself when approaching a new goal or resolution is to underestimate yourself and embrace the most realistic version of yourself.
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#4 - Do You Need a Sales Funnel? Yes... and No
01/03/2022
#4 - Do You Need a Sales Funnel? Yes... and No
Eric discusses the key to getting work -- your marketing sales funnel. Do you need one? Of course! But maybe not... there's a few different ways to get new leads, and Eric breaks down your options as a freelancer.
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#3 - Should YOU Become A Freelancer, The Hardest Freelance Jobs, and Eric's Freelancing Story
12/20/2021
#3 - Should YOU Become A Freelancer, The Hardest Freelance Jobs, and Eric's Freelancing Story
Eric is back with more tales from the dream world of freelance creatives. Just kidding -- it's not as dreamy as it looks... well, maybe, but it depends on who you are! As he explains, freelance work can be fantastic, fulfilling work where you set your own schedule, work the jobs that you want to work, and decide your own workflow. For certain types of people, it's a dream; for others, a nightmare.
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#2 - Are You Ready to Go Pro, Todd McFarlane, and the Craftsman's Journey
12/06/2021
#2 - Are You Ready to Go Pro, Todd McFarlane, and the Craftsman's Journey
Profesional illustrator Eric M. Strong shares advice on when it's time to go pro, why the person you most need to convince about being a pro is yourself, the genius of Todd McFarlane, and the long, winding journey of a professional craftsman.
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