31 Comments
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Sam's avatar

Thank Jacob that was such a good listen! And so great to see your process at the same time 🤗

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Jacob Souva's avatar

I’m glad you liked it, Sam!

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Elspeth Alix Batt's avatar

Very interesting to watch, Jacob. I would definitely watch more videos. I especially like the technical term "tweakage". I do a lot of tweakage to my artwork as well.

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Jacob Souva's avatar

😂 thanks! I didn’t even realize I used the term tweakage but I think roughly 50% of my art making is that lol

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Eliza Wheeler's avatar

Well this was just delightful! I was going to do my own work while I listened along, but just ended up sipping my coffee on the couch with you. lol on Max getting sick and glad you didn't edit it out - this slice of real life is part of the charm!

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Jacob Souva's avatar

Aww - thanks! It was fun and a bit awkward to do. I’m glad my face wasn’t on camera when Max had his moment 😂

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Eliza Wheeler's avatar

Hahaha - I don’t know if I could physically draw and talk (and listen to the cat puke), so you get gold stars for all three ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

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AndrewBalerdi's avatar

Jacob! Thank you so much for your thoughtful answer and taking stock of the realities of the industry tussling with artistic authenticity. Even since the days of patrons during the renaissance, I am sure those artist had the same struggle. One I am sure is not new nor will go away any time soon. My overall take away: be rare, be bold and be you. This helps me a lot.

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Sarah's avatar

This is my preferred format! I may or may not take the time to read a newsletter, but I'll always watch a process video. Then again, I'm not a paying subscriber so my opinion doesn't count for much. Cheers.

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Jacob Souva's avatar

Ha! No your opinion counts! I appreciate your input.

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Rachel Michelle Wilson's avatar

Oh my gosh, you are the best! Thanks so much, Jacob. Also I haven’t had the chance to watch the video yet, but I’m very excited to listen/watch tonight. Way to try something new! Curious what your thoughts are on using video in substack as I’ve been considering ways to play with that as well.

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Jacob Souva's avatar

I think if writing is clarifying, video is the opposite lol. It feels fast and less measured - but I think w practice I’d get better at it. Your post about your book made me teary eyed. Rooting for you!

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Rachel Michelle Wilson's avatar

Ahaha, there is something beautiful to the casual video hang. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it. And aww thanks -- I definitely cried when writing it, but I'm glad I processed that epiphany at home rather than when answering a question at a book event or something :P Rooting for you as well!

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Michelle Lin's avatar

Thanks so much for answering my questions, Jacob! It was really helpful and I also enjoyed watching you work. I mainly do traditional collage so it was really interesting to see the digital collage process!

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Jacob Souva's avatar

Oh - that’s interesting! I’d imagine it’s similar in some ways and drastically different in others. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Your question was a really good one.

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Michelle Lin's avatar

Yes, I think the difference is that with traditional, once you glue it down, you can't move it around anymore, at least not without disastrous consequences! Thanks again for taking the time to answer my question and Andrew's. It's something I've been thinking about a lot and struggle with, so it was good to hear your perspective!

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Sharon Bottle Souva's avatar

Loved watching you work. It’s magic

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Jacob Souva's avatar

Thanks! 🙏 ❤️

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Joy Laforme's avatar

Loved it! Poor Max lol. A familiar sound in my house. Thanks for sharing your wisdom while you work! Your Photoshop workspace is so organized - very inspiring!

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Jacob Souva's avatar

Ha! I wanted to edit Max out but my video skills are not great lol. I’m glad you like it. I don’t feel super organized in Photoshop, but have gotten used to the setup and it works for me.

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Lauren's avatar

I love this! I truly admire your commitment to actions...I need to force myself to make these. It was sort of neat in the beginning how the rasp of your stylus matched the white chalk line going down, and for a second my brain was convinced you were using real chalk.

On that note...WHAT BRUSH is that white/purple chalk line? I have been looking everywhere for such a brush.

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Jacob Souva's avatar

Hi Lauren - thanks! The brush is wet pencil from one of Kyle Webster’s collections (probably an older one?)

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Jeremy Ray Ross's avatar

Really cool, Jacob! I enjoyed watching your process and listening in. This is good practice for Gab-n-Doodle (wink).

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Meaghan McIsaac's avatar

I love watching artists work. This was lovely!

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Jacob Souva's avatar

Thanks, Meaghan! Was not comfortable, but maybe with more reps I’ll get better at talking while working 😂

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Meaghan McIsaac's avatar

haha it was good tho - didn't feel like lecture, felt more like you opened the door to the studio. Very cool

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Caroline McPherson's avatar

Thoroughly enjoyed this week’s post Jacob.

So awesome to share in a bit of your process and to hear your thoughts on some interesting publishing related questions.

You’ve inspired me to look into action settings for my own PS workspace too =)

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Jacob Souva's avatar

Thanks! It was unnerving to share honestly! Writing is clarifying - this was um not that lol. I’m super glad it was helpful. Actions can be a touch tricky at first, but can be powerful little shortcuts.

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Caroline McPherson's avatar

I thought it was awesome - honest and insightful - you've nailed the secret recipe 👍🙂

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Sam's avatar

Oooh this was so interesting to watch and listen to! As a Procreate user it was kind of magical and mystifying! You Photoshop peeps really have to be technical! Really lovely results 🧡

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John Coulter's avatar

This was awesome to see how you work! Anytime you want to record parts of your process and post, I will appreciate it.

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