Creating Visual Stories In Your Spare Time

[@TheDrawingCodex]

I got a bunch of great ideas from this to help developing my own projects! Let me know what your favourite bit was.

[@Buddhabellie]

it was so awesome hearing you two talk about sometimes you just try and ink one, and then talk yourself into doing another. it is a talking yourself into process. I am so further than I ever imagined and I desperately not worrying about next step. i'll get to that when I get to that.

[@solgast]

The outward reflections of the inner dialogue parts and transparent perceived mistakes and how to reminding yourself of your path gotta be the best moments of this video. The keep doing something and the correlations between life, inspiration and the creations.

[@Buddhabellie]

after a night of thinking about this video, the most helpful part was the sketchbook behind Rhodes when he said several are filled with thumbnails of one of his stories. I need more thumbnails!

[@henriktholstrup7264]

Hi Tim @TheDrawingCodex, Brilliant. You deliver so much value in the tacit inner processes that sometimes sabotages the creating process, the lack of knowing, or simply "not respecting" these processes. Kind of like "you know you got some gas in the tank and just start driving whiteout making sure you got enough for the tour you are going on", So when in process you end up having used the energy before "reached the destination"/ archived what you wanted for that session, or if "on fire" the fire don't last for every day for a full week.. - Your video posts, helps a lot "fueling" "awareness & how to's" to get going and keep going, finding the necessary energy that also drives inspiration and all :-) - This interview with Matt, helped me especially, to see this "new(?) genre" (an image that is both an illustration and a "frame" in a line of series giving a full story. And as well as beautiful stand alone expressions managing to take what would else have taken several frames to tell. So archiving the same as ex 1 page in a good comic book (graphic novel if you will) - With the major extra - it get a "puzzle like quality" where illustrations often, get not really seen (kind of like good cinematography - thinking of ex. several opening scenes in Breaking Bad, having same unique quality, but then you kind of loos the fascination of the composition, the colors & what it shows, as the story takes over and you are taken away from consuming that single scene's esthetics appeal & impression. .... Here in Matt's Illustrations, each of them captures all your attention, both your esthetic senses as well your logic & curiousness senses are drawn in to solve & decrypt the meaning in the illustration. The skilled intellectual & clever storytelling "trick" having several things from slight before or later chronology in the same image or rendered in, as references to further before in time, has been, or indication of what will happen next (or not (adding a "everything can happen feeling")) builds and deliver very highly drawn in, engaging and compelling "more than illustrations" & more than a graphic story. - It kind of feels like a new way of story telling as it much more than a general comic or movie also "demands" your reflection & intelligence reading it (intelligence = Logic & Creativity) so you drawn deeper in by using more senses than normally reading a story (visually or in text) ... - So long story short :-[] - I think this has helped me in finding out how to tell my story, not that it has made it easier (defiantly not, as its an even higher bar than traditionally composing comic pages, but I think it will really help in feeling enthusiastic, satisfactory & "at it" in each for the steps of the full process of "idea-ting" & composing the scene, sketching, drawing & inking the charters as well as lightning & coloring the hole set. - Kind of instead of drawing & storytelling in process-oriented stations (doing all the sketching/ penciling for a full story, then all the inking etc., then instead allowing for a object oriented-process, chopping the normal process up, in shorter bits of sketching, penciling, inking, coloring etc. making every "illustration" feel like a small completed work, making it "easier" to feel fulfilled at every step/ illustration. Super thanks! Henrik

[@Henriver06]

The amount of talent and amazing hair in this episode is crazy.

[@jakeparker44]

FANTASTIC episode. “Most people overestimate what they can do in a day, and underestimate what they can do in a month. We overestimate what we can do in a year, and underestimate what we can accomplish in a decade." that quote has been attributed to everyone from Bill Gates to the Dalai Lama, but Matt Rhodes is the example of what happens when you LIVE the underlying principle of the quote. I have a folder with Matt's art that dates back to around 2001. Back when he used the name Isric online. I think I first discovered his work on the Sijun forums? Been amazing to follow him over the years, to see each project showcase a new level of quality, and see Tellerion rise out of the bubbling cauldron of creativity that is Matt's imagination. The brilliant thing about not having prose or dialogue in Tellurion is that it can easily transcend the language barrier. I bet more people around the world have "read" it than if it was done with english prose and dialogue. Really excited for the Dead Gods project. I have a feeling it will be his Magnum Opus...but I hope I didn't jinx it by typing that!

[@mattrhodesart]

Dude ❤

[@ReaganLodge]

"Isric"... Now that is a name I have not heard in a very long time!

[@jakeparker44]

@@ReaganLodge I also have a verrrry old folder titled "reagan"

[@ReaganLodge]

@@jakeparker44 Man that's a megamotivator to know.

[@ReaganGillespie-j2m]

I’m no artist - just a writer - but I really aspire to tell stories that people can get something out of, something that points them upwards. The principles and tips here map over perfectly: Matt Rhodes absolutely thinks, plans, and draws like a director and storyteller. A truly great video, and a great introduction to your channel as well. I’m going to be watching more. Man all I can say is that I’ve almost got this tension in my gut like I’m just on the precipice of a cliff. I’m itching to dive into a new project now and really put my all into it.

[@rapasdecoeur7017]

I love the fact that you talked about how hard it is to work on such a project until it's end. It's reassuring to learn that Matt faces the same challenges we do, but could move mountains through his experience and a process that worked really well for him !

[@AdrianW3D]

Would be so cool if you guys had a monthly or quarterly podcast! So much to learn!

[@637arsen5]

Holy… I’ve been studying both of you two since I want to practice illustrating stories before I graduate highschool, this is a very convenient time

[@sophianelson6773]

Matt sliding off the bed onto the floor to get motivated to work is so real, I thought I was the only one 😆

[@DanielWillardson]

Such a great conversation, Tim. All the talk about when social art spaces online (pre mass social media) had such a positive feedback loop with posting and feedback loops really took me back. I wish we could all find a way to get back to that spirit of creative camaraderie that felt more like sharing diary entries with each other. I would love to hear more conversation about how you cultivate those muscles about how to find something you want to say/an idea worth sharing. At the 26:00 mark, Matt says he thinks "its more foundational to have something meaningful to say" which I totally agree with, though never nailed down as eloquently as that! Right now I really feel stuck in what he says immediately after though, on "Well why do you want to make a story?" - "uhhhiunno, i like stories" he's right it IS a nightmare. If there are discussions to be had about how to get out of that rut I'd really love to hear it. I'd kill to have an idea worth sharing or something to say but for the life of me I have no idea what. Would love any advice you've got!

[@Buddhabellie]

when I first started watching you, I'd do maybe 2 or 3 thumbnails and feel so amazed that I was able to accomplish that. I used to spend all my time on a finished product and it took me forever. now, man, i am thumbnailing my story like wow! this was a fun conversation. i thank you kind sirs....

[@ignifero]

Such a blast having Matt Rhodes chatting on the chanel! Loved the interview and it's always a pleasure hearing him talking about his process. I follow him since I discovered his art from Dragon age origin (or it was DA 2, can't be sure, it was so long ago haha). Thank you for the video!

[@hemig2869]

Can't believe I'm seeing an interview with Matt. Been a fan of his since his work on mass effect 2 Amazing stuff ❤

[@ksdaiprai]

Really enjoyed the interview, thank you!

[@jsedwardian]

I really enjoyed the interview. I think it would be cool to see more of these. The interaction between you and other artists brings up thoughts and views that you may not discuss normally. It was also great to hear from Matt, as I've followed Tellurion as it progressed. I was absolutely thrilled when he followed me on artstation. Would love to work with him and you at any point.

[@dubadu0]

This was a very interesting conversation. Thank you both!

[@ljonskar]

Fantastic interview, I've come away feeling super inspired for my own bits and bobs!

[@LoomlightStudios]

Been waiting for Tellurion for a couple years. Finally got my copy and couldn't be more impressed! As someone who has been trying to do their own version of what Matt has done for years, it's so nice to see something so inspiring! One thing that I thought was hilarious that for a book with no words, I found a typo. On the "Tellurion concept sheet" at the end: he writes "Thought" instead of "Though". Either way, it's awe inspiring to see someone mix their faith and their passion into something so constructive and positive. Cannot wait for his next project.

[@MANIAKRA]

Ah fantastic. I've been a fan of Matt Rhodes for almost 20 years, can't wait to listen to this

[@solgast]

Great interview. Great combo. I have said it before, but going to say it again: The long format, the café drawing feel of it all. You got it. Because far too many are trapped into short formats without patience for this sort of stuff today. It is great to swing the pendulum in this direction. Deeply humble and well balanced. Asking the right questions and something that mixed generational pasts and future dreams tied to the now. Creativity and craftsmanship like this do take time and includes that wandering in the dark. Many smaller ponds will create that lake. With some rain it might even give the depth of an ocean. I bet everyone can relate to when that time comes when you notice what to mix it up with and what to remove or add. If the ideas come haunting you again and again, you know the story must be told. Or it might even burst out from your chest and kill you one day if you do not let it out. Breathe in the vision, breathe out the creations. Mosaic. Mosaic. Mosaic. I deeply feel that the only way chaos can take form is through that flow of curiosity. Let it flow and trust it while relaxing into it. That means relaxing those tensed up neck muscles also you hear.

[@P3rformula]

Thanks for having Matt Rhodes on.

[@AlexHuneycutt]

I'm very excited to listen, thank you for bringing on Matt, Tim! Matt's Tellurion project is hugely inspiring. It's a good goal to have for an artist. As a professional myself, I've been struggling with covering any ground in the last 2 years since having a kid while also trying to establish myself in the industry. I have a major project I'm working on - I had started with the vision of it being a comic, but the story is large enough that I know I'd realistically never finish it any time soon. Instead, I'm trying to write it all out as a novel first. I have some background in writing and enjoy it. I would like to write a complete story that people could read, and then start on the visual accompaniment in the vein of Tellurion. Just hundreds of keyframes illustrating the novel as a companion art book. The dream being to package the concept and illustrations, and have both for sale at conventions. I'm chipping away at it. I'm 50,000 words into the 80,000 word length of a standard novel. I expect to wrap it up by spring and then go through some rounds of edits. Then it's art time, baby. It'll all be lined up - everything that needs to be done, everything that gets mentioned in the book. And it might be more fluid than that. I'm finding as I get to parts in the book where I want to be more imaginative, and I think drawing out the idea could help really realize it. It's also really exciting, that by me taking the time to write out the descriptions of sets, events, and character's feelings, I have *exactly* what I need to create artwork. The last 2 years with my new daughter has had me spinning my wheels, practicing the art grind for the sake of it but not really accomplishing anything. I hope in several year's time, I can look back and share my work the same way that Matt has. And his new strategy for sharing Dead Gods' process on his KZbin is so smart, and inspirational! I've been following closely, and want to do the same. Thank you both for sharing.

[@behemothcat5819]

I love Matt's ideas and arts so much❤

[@nailbomb420]

what a flippin great treat this was! thank you both for this wonderful insight into your processes and minds!

[@Amelia_PC]

What a coincidence! I've just seen his Tellurion story beats on Artstation and was amazed by his visual narrative skills. Thanks for this interview! Recently, I read zero dialogue graphic novel: 'Step by Bloody Step' by Si Spurrier, and art by Matías Bergara (yup, a top tier too). Good 'mute' stuff.

[@dakotagarcia997]

This was pretty special to me. thank you for bringing us this one Tim

[@CuttleSquish-hd8fg]

Very inspiring interview, it's got fresh thoughts turning in my brain

[@heiispoon3017]

Writing stories is really hard. Fortunately i have joined a small group that teaches how to write to a degree, but it is a frustrating journey so far, learning the basics while balancing fun,if there is any, is painful. But i guess it is the only way to learn.

[@CameronBrotzman]

Matt is such a huge inspiration and this was awesome stuff to hear! Loved the interview format too super fun!

[@amerrizky7238]

its verry helpfull, thankyou. *cry from happiness*

[@Buddhabellie]

1:32:37 subscribed to Matt's channel. thanks for the recomendations. 😊

[@tripplejaz]

You and Matt have very similar styles. Big fan of both of your works. Can't wait for your art book, Tim. I know it's happening soon 😏 P. S. Kinda miss the head mic. That was a unique look to you haha

[@TheDrawingCodex]

Yeah I need to make that happen. I have a bunch of ideas on the topic of art books. I like what Matt has done by publishing his own on Amazon.

[@janrozanski]

Great!

[@TheCthogua]

The talk about time in graphic storytelling at around 37 minutes in is echoed in the intro to The second "Collected Toppi" book on Sergio Toppi by Dave McKean. "I think for Toppi, the impact of the page is the key, not the metronomic grid of contemporary comics, referencing cinema. Toppi considers each page as an overall flow of rhythm and structure, he tells his stories with complex orchestral arrangements, not single melodic lines. I think this clarifies one of the defining strengths of comics, that they are NOT cinema, that the raw materials of comics make for a powerful and individualistic medium -- motion is implied by static images, sound is implied by the energy of drawing and the evocation of texture and atmosphere, time is controlled by the reader but guided by the push and pull of complex detail and quiet space."

[@graveyard1979]

Oh yes, I've spent so much time following Tellurion. Way, way too much time. 😂

[@Buddhabellie]

1:15:45 😅😅😅😅 that's funny. I love it.

[@francoismahr]

Thanks Tim for this interview, the mix of images of you discussing and images of the actual book was really inspiring and interesting. More over it gives explanations of artistical choices that Matt did. A warm thanks for this. More interviews could be interesting. Cheers

[@V1RNER]

Should I start creating comics/stories/etc…even though my skills are a bit stagnant at the moment?

[@TheDrawingCodex]

From my experience drawing comics or scenes or stories, even when you are struggling with the craft aspects of drawing, is one of the best ways to improve everything. It forces you to draw a variety of subjects and allows you to apply any drawing foundation you learn immediately to the page. Having a project to work on is a great way to focus your efforts. But obviously it can be really hard going in the beginning. Even after decades doing this the first few pages of anything are always a bit off while I get used to the process and drawing new things.

[@V1RNER]

@ Thank you! I have been a middling artist for many years. I have great ideas but struggle with “am I good enough” to begin something/anything. I’m bursting with creativity but perhaps scared of failure and/or choosing the right (or wrong) project to begin with. Love your insights. Thanks again!

[@AnnoyingOnion]

when your guest starts to answer, STOP TALKING! he already get the question