In this episode, I share my thoughts on the evolving meaning of “rewilding” my illustration process. Originally, rewilding meant bringing analog elements back into my work—inking on paper, scanning textures, doing things the “hard” way. But lately, I’ve been asking myself: is it really about going analog? Or is it about something deeper? In this episode, I unpack how rewilding is less about tools and more about mindset. I look at how digital tools can either suffocate or support our creativity, depending on how we use them. And I share how I’m finding spontaneity, joy, and pride in my work—even when it’s 100% digital.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your creative process, or worried about how AI and digital tools are affecting your style, this episode is for you.

I also share some reflections on the Amish, digital minimalism, and why your mechanical pencil will never ask you to rate it on the App Store.

IN THIS EPISODE

Why rewilding might be a mindset, not a medium
How digital tools can both hinder and help creative joy
What I’ve rediscovered about spontaneity, surprise, and storytelling in illustration
Why pride in your process matters—and how to get it back
How AI is forcing illustrators to reevaluate their process
The three key questions I now ask to evaluate any creative tool

PLUS – Why my Apple Pencil will never beat a Mason jar full of ink water.

SHOW LINKS

Drawing Ideas (Skillshare Class) — https://www.tomfroese.com/teaching/drawingideas
Post by @brettpstenson — https://www.instagram.com/p/DKiYMKHSapr/?img_index=1
See How Book Artwork Was Done In The Old Days Before Computers — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5YoyBvX1f8
Graphic Design Tools Before Photoshop — https://youtu.be/O-XrRQf7BPM?si=GqEeaFOWfW3A87Ll
My early style (Tom Froese Postcard example) — https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aa6d6c0a9e028fce5f7f4b2/1523840966237-XPQXSOX8HCUS9WI1SEDW/Tom+Froese+Stationery-3.jpg
My style a few years ago (totally digital) — https://www.tomfroese.com/work/canadianidentity
My more recent style (more rewilded, in spite of being all digital) — https://www.instagram.com/p/DJr4MSTyTTv/ (image for my upcoming book, Drawing is Important).

HOW TO SUPPORT

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CREDITS

Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk – semiathletic on Linktree