Podcast Summary: The Good Ship Illustration – Episode: Residencies and Substack

Release Date: May 9, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Good Ship Illustration, hosts Helen Stephens, Katie Chappell, and Tania Willis delve into the intricacies of artist residencies and the burgeoning platform Substack. Combining over 70 years of collective illustration experience, the trio offers invaluable insights for illustrators and image-makers navigating their creative careers.

1. Exploring Artist Residencies

Tanya Willis opens the discussion by sharing her firsthand experience with artist residencies. She recounts her stay at the Chateau St. Pierre de Magent in the picturesque Luberon region of the South of France.

“We had this place had about four or five apartments inside a kind of medieval chateau... It was really beautiful.” [00:36]

Unlike traditional residencies that accommodate numerous artists, Tanya’s residency was intimate, primarily reserved for just her and a fellow artist, fostering a more personalized creative environment.

Helen Stephens expresses curiosity about the residency’s structure, prompting Tanya to elaborate on the unique setup:

“They encouraged us to go meditate in. But it was also used as a wedding venue because it was a vineyard.” [01:03]

The hosts discuss the varied nature of residencies, highlighting that they can range from fully funded programs with structured activities to more relaxed arrangements where artists have the freedom to pursue their creative passions without stringent expectations.

“Some are very famous residency places... They may pay your travel as well.” [02:05]

2. Benefits and Challenges of Residencies

Tanya emphasizes the importance of flexibility in residencies, especially for artists seeking to rekindle their drawing practice without the pressure of producing a specific end product.

“Just drawing from life... was a revelation. And drawing slowly, I suddenly started to draw.” [04:18]

The conversation shifts to the broader acceptance of residencies for illustrators, a category Tanya initially overlooked. She acknowledges the diversity in residency offerings, including day residencies, local retreats, and specialized programs tailored for illustrators.

“There are picture book residences that are for either collaboration with writers or research based.” [09:56]

3. Transitioning to Substack: Opportunities and Considerations

The discussion naturally transitions to Substack, a platform gaining popularity among creators for its newsletter-based model. Tanya confesses her struggles with traditional writing, revealing a preference for spoken content over typed words.

“I always think I don't like writing. I prefer talking.” [12:03]

Helen and Katie advocate for leveraging Substack’s flexibility, suggesting that audio recordings can capture the authentic voice of creators without the rigidity of written content. They explore the platform’s advantages over Patreon, noting that Substack allows for more relaxed content schedules, reducing the risk of burnout.

“Substack is like inviting people into your house. Okay. You can actually come into my email box rather than just the passive consumption of scroll media.” [16:38]

The hosts brainstorm innovative content ideas for Substack, such as the "One Word" challenge, where a single word inspires creative responses from subscribers.

“It’s a draw. Hashtag drawing challenge based on what three words?” [24:26]

They also discuss managing subscriber expectations, emphasizing the importance of not overcommitting and maintaining a healthy balance between creating and personal well-being.

“As long as you don't promise it. Just don't promise it.” [14:43]

4. Favorite Substacks and Content Inspiration

To inspire listeners, the hosts share their favorite Substack accounts:

• Helen highlights One Word, a newsletter that explores a single word each month through personal narratives and creative projects.

  “One was video. And he had a really lovely wandering chat about videos that his dad used to take of him when he was a little boy.” [22:17]

• Katie mentions admirations for creators like Adam Ming and Carson Ellis, praising their consistent and engaging content.

  “Adam Ming’s notes... really on it with subs.” [28:05]

• Tanya commends Tor Freeman for her humorous and relatable comic tales.

  “Her sub stacks are little sort of cartoon secrets. Tales of a comic middle aged lady.” [28:33]

5. Committing to Substack and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Tanya expresses her commitment to launching her own Substack, inspired by the supportive dialogue with Helen and Katie.

“I'm going to do it when I get the lesson off Helen, and then it will be forthcoming with specific names for places that love illustrators and would give you a residency.” [30:31]

Helen and Katie encourage Tanya, reinforcing the importance of creating content that feels authentic and manageable.

“The artist approach to it. Yeah.” [21:43]

The trio wraps up the episode affirming the value of residencies and embracing platforms like Substack to foster a sustainable and fulfilling creative career.

Key Takeaways

• Artist Residencies: Offer diverse opportunities ranging from structured, fully funded programs to more relaxed, personalized stays. Ideal for rediscovering and rekindling creative practices without stringent expectations.

• Substack for Creators: A flexible platform that allows creators to share content without the pressure of frequent posting. Audio recordings can capture authentic voices, and innovative content ideas can engage subscribers effectively.

• Managing Creator Well-being: Emphasizes the importance of not overcommitting and setting realistic expectations to prevent burnout, particularly when using subscription-based platforms.

• Community and Support: The supportive dynamic between Helen, Katie, and Tanya highlights the importance of community in navigating creative careers.

Notable Quotes:

• “Just drawing from life... was a revelation.” – Tanya Willis [04:18]

• “Substack is like inviting people into your house.” – Helen Stephens [16:38]

• “As long as you don't promise it. Just don't promise it.” – Helen Stephens [14:43]

• “I'm going to do it when I get the lesson off Helen.” – Tanya Willis [30:31]

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for illustrators considering residencies and exploring Substack as a means to share their creative journey. The candid conversations and shared experiences provide a roadmap for building a sustainable and authentic creative career.