E50: The Hidden Power of Artistic Intent
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This is The Fiftieth Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.
Most artists think intent is fine art pretension, but it's actually the secret that transforms technically skilled work into art that connects.
Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality!
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Let’s explore why artistic intent - often dismissed as "fine art nonsense" by commercial and entertainment artists - is actually the missing element that transforms technical skill into impactful work. The episode examines how the divide between fine art and commercial art education leaves technically proficient artists stuck in the "execution trap," where they can render beautifully but struggle to create work with purpose and direction.
The discussion covers the practical reality that most entertainment artists are trained to execute someone else's vision, never learning to be the author of their own work. Tim breaks down how intent functions as both creative direction and decision-making filter, turning random technical ability into purposeful communication. The episode provides concrete methods for setting and using intent in daily art practice, from individual drawing sessions to larger personal projects.
Rather than academic theory, this episode focuses on intent as a practical tool for working artists who want their technically solid work to create genuine connection with viewers. Tim argues that intent is what separates craft from art, and explores why many skilled artists unconsciously avoid developing this crucial element of their creative practice.
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Chapters
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:05 Welcome
00:02:22 When Technical Skill Isn't Enough
00:09:07 The Intent Divide: Why We Avoid What We Need Most
00:24:57 Intent Creates Direction: From Technician to Author
00:42:54 Practical Intent: How to Actually Use This
00:52:02 The Analytical Takeaway
00:54:44 The Simple Takeaway
00:55:03 The Practical Takeaway
00:58:15 The Philosophical Takeaway
01:07:51 Out
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The Visual Scholar Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.
We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.
You Can Find The Visual Scholar Podcast In These Places:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419f
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tim-Mcburnie
Show Homepage:
www.thedrawingcodex.com/podcasts/the-visual-scholar
Where To Find More About Tim Mcburnie:
Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex:
www.thedrawingcodex.com
Art Community:
www.mightyartisan.com
The Drawing Codex Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrawingCodex
Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
www.instagram.com/timmcburnie
x.com/timmcburnie
—
This is The Fiftieth Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.
Most artists think intent is fine art pretension, but it's actually the secret that transforms technically skilled work into art that connects.
Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality!
---
Let’s explore why artistic intent - often dismissed as "fine art nonsense" by commercial and entertainment artists - is actually the missing element that transforms technical skill into impactful work. The episode examines how the divide between fine art and commercial art education leaves technically proficient artists stuck in the "execution trap," where they can render beautifully but struggle to create work with purpose and direction.
The discussion covers the practical reality that most entertainment artists are trained to execute someone else's vision, never learning to be the author of their own work. Tim breaks down how intent functions as both creative direction and decision-making filter, turning random technical ability into purposeful communication. The episode provides concrete methods for setting and using intent in daily art practice, from individual drawing sessions to larger personal projects.
Rather than academic theory, this episode focuses on intent as a practical tool for working artists who want their technically solid work to create genuine connection with viewers. Tim argues that intent is what separates craft from art, and explores why many skilled artists unconsciously avoid developing this crucial element of their creative practice.
—
Chapters
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:05 Welcome
00:02:22 When Technical Skill Isn't Enough
00:09:07 The Intent Divide: Why We Avoid What We Need Most
00:24:57 Intent Creates Direction: From Technician to Author
00:42:54 Practical Intent: How to Actually Use This
00:52:02 The Analytical Takeaway
00:54:44 The Simple Takeaway
00:55:03 The Practical Takeaway
00:58:15 The Philosophical Takeaway
01:07:51 Out
—
The Visual Scholar Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.
We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.
You Can Find The Visual Scholar Podcast In These Places:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419f
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tim-Mcburnie
Show Homepage:
www.thedrawingcodex.com/podcasts/the-visual-scholar
Where To Find More About Tim Mcburnie:
Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex:
www.thedrawingcodex.com
Art Community:
www.mightyartisan.com
The Drawing Codex Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrawingCodex
Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
www.instagram.com/timmcburnie
x.com/timmcburnie
