I’m experimenting with the idea of “.5” Episodes (8.5, 10.5 etc…). A “.5” episode will be lighter and primarily concerned with what’s happening around the studio. These episodes will be much shorter and more VLOG style. It’s an experiment to try to tune the channel. Episode 10.5 is now live, it’s concerned with the Leelanau Peninsula, mowing the lawn and snow.
Other Episodes You Might Enjoy
Ed Fella Anti-Master | Episode 29
The American Graphic Designer and Artist Ed Fella embodies the principle of anti-mastery. In this episode, we take a look at Fella’s work and his role in the Cranbrook Design biome.
First Thought, Best Thought. Jack Kerouac & Discipline | Episode 13.5
This episode is a quick follow up to Episode 13’s discussion of the relationship between critical theory and making. Comments by Doctor Kobra and the designer Scott Klinker set the wheels in motion. Episode 13.5 Refers To The Episode Below Machining a Limited Edition Sculpture, Theory & Practice | Episode 13 A close look at […]
I Almost Died! Show Me a Designer in Their 40’s! My Response | Episode 142 | Elliott Earls
we’re diving into your comments from the controversial episode that I eventually deleted, as well as the follow-up clarification video. The title “I ALMOST DIED SHOW ME A DESIGNER IN THEIR 40’s!” encapsulates the emotional intensity and varied responses I’ve received.
2️⃣ Think – Feel – Think. The Jungian Shadow | Part 2 | Episode 119 | Elliott Earls
It’s possible to research your own intuitive choices in order to learn more about your work and yourself. An important component of the creative process is research and analysis of our own work. The art we make can tell us a lot about ourselves. It can show us things about ourselves that we weren’t aware of. Carl Jung the Swiss psychologist who founded analytic psychology who’s work has been influential in psychiatry and in the study of religion, literature, and art developed the concept of The Shadow. The shadow is an unconscious aspect of the personality that the conscious ego does not identify in itself, the Shadow can be understood as the entirety of the unconscious; It’s everything of which a person is not fully conscious. In short, the shadow is the unknown side of the self. The Shadow can be thought of as those aspects of our personality unknowable and inaccessible to ourselves. Many forms of design and art are a visual representations of the shadow. This is why a systematic analysis of our own work can be so powerful. Analysis of our work reveals the shadow, it can bring to light the previously inaccessible and unknown components of our psyche.
Part 2 | Artist Funds Museum Installation Daytrading Against Hurricane Harvey | Episode 52
In Part 2 of The Real Disaster Artist we take a deeper look at the process of making an art installation through natural disatser. A Detroit artist trades natural gas futures during Hurricane Harvey to finance a major museum Installation. In this episode, we take a look at disaster capitalism and art making. “Parafiction #1 […]
Art School Heatwave: Strategies for Difficult Conversations in Critique | Episode 145
#ArtSchoolCritique #ConceptualFraming #DifficultConversations #PolemicalArt #CleonPeterson #HenryEarls #ArtisticDialogue #CritiqueStrategies #DesignFocus #ArtDiscussion #CreativeInsights #YouTubeArtSeries #IncendiaryCreations #ArtEducation #contemporaryart
Why Twitter Is A Dumpster Fire of Design Criticism | Episode 104
Clout chasing and trolling and linguistic killshots are major elements of the dumpster fire that is “design criticism” on Twitter. In this episode, we take a look at how the structure of Twitter rewards these behaviors under the auspices of legitimate criticism.
Here is the link to Wes Larsen’s critique of the work of John Gelardi:
https://www.minislimited.com/product/wes-larsen-critique-of-the-work-of-john-gelardi-free-download
#designtwitter #design #designcriticism #graphicdesign
Harris Earls | Family Matters Part 2 | Episode 123
Harris Earls is collaborating with Henry and Elliott Earls for a show at Wasserman Projects. The show opens on March 18th 2023. This episode takes a look at Harris Earls in the studio.
How to Get Paid in Art & Design | Episode 12 of Studio Practice
How to Get Paid in Art & Design | Episode 12 The idea of the starving artist is so thoroughly embedded in our cultural imagination that it is nearly impossible to understand the role of the artist without poverty. In this episode we look at the idea of the artist as an economically self-sufficient cultural […]
Mindy Seu | The Cyber Feminisist Index, Slow Tech, Programming & Artist as Networker | Episode 113
Mindy Seu (born 1991) is an American designer and researcher whose work focuses on public engagement with digital archives.Seu is currently on the Faculty at Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts and also teaches at the Yale School of Art.
Artistic Independence: Escaping Mom’s Couch with Diagrams | Elliott Earls
DOWNLOAD THE DIAGRAM FROM THE VIDEO HERE (free of course):
https://www.minislimited.com/product/the-diagram-artistic-independence-escaping-moms-couch
In this comprehensive how-to video, we delve into the central thesis that “Responsibility = Power. Power = Freedom,” providing you with the key insights and practical knowledge needed to unlock your artistic potential and achieve financial independence.
Academic Anarchy: Understanding the Chaos and Crisis Inside Colleges and Universities Elliott Earls
Academic Anarchy: Understanding the Chaos and Crisis Inside Colleges and Universities Elliott Earls
A Conversation With Cleon Peterson | Episode 106 #cleonpeterson
Cleon Peterson is an LA based artist whose chaotic and violent paintings show clashing figures symbolizing a struggle between power and submission in the fluctuating architecture of contemporary society. #cleonpeterson
Charlottesville: Withdrawal & Disengagement? | Episode 49
What kind of difficult questions do the recent events in Charlottesville Virginia raise for the studio artist?
The Other 40 Hours | Episode 25 of Studio Practice
In this episode Elliott Earls takes a look at the artist and designers “other 40 hours’. Also in this episode he shows his technique for producing a prepartory drawing (for a painting) with a combination of graphite and ipad painting.
A Message for Sam Hyde’s Lost Boys | FIXED AUDIO | Episode 126 | Elliott Earls
Welcome to Episode 126 of Surviving Nihilism, a series dedicated to exploring the human condition in a world without inherent meaning. In this episode, we have a special message for Sam Hyde’s Lost Boys, a group of young men who have been drawn to Hyde’s anti-establishment, nihilistic philosophy. Our guest today is Elliott Earls, a designer, artist, and professor who has been studying and speaking about nihilism for over two decades. In this video, he will offer some guidance and advice for those who feel lost and disillusioned in the face of nihilism.
PDF Précis for Episode #117
This is the Prédis from Episode 117 of Studio Practice “Alpha Designer. Beta Designer.” Click to download a PDF.
How to Critique Narcissism in Art and Design | Episode 15
Narcissism in art and design is a pervasive component of our contemporary cultural landscape.The allure of the self can be too powerful to resist for many artists and designers. Episode 12 provides you with a few critical tools for the next time you are forced to contend with this prickly beast. Harold Bloom’s book “Genius” […]
Comment Response Video for “Art Crit is Broken” Video Posted
🍀🍀🍀🍀 In this video Elliott Earls answers questions from viewers of Episode 23 “Art Critique is Broken. Fix it!” 🍀🍀🍀🍀
Good Weather. Suburban Context Aggressively Contemporary Art | Episode 26
Good Weather is an artist run contemporary art space in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The Founder and Curator is Haynes Riley. In this episode as Elliott Earls prepares for his exhibit at Good Weather, we take a close look at this unique space. We examine how family, suburbia and southern living contribute to a truly […]
The Grind Paradox | How to Kill Your Work | Episode 81
Dedication to the grind in the artist studio is a fundamental component of a successful studio practice. The lazy shall not inhert the earth. There is a fundamental natural law.: You reap what you sow. What’s the right approach to criticisim WHILE ACTUALLY IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING? Hint, fluid production is key.
Wrongthink Part 2. The Outsider | Episode 55
Wrongthink Part 2: Linguistic intelligence and verbal acuity (one’s ability to talk all proper ’n what not), seem to be critical components of an effective studio practice. It’s hard to make a case against verbal communication skills. However, when we bracket off what’s said from the work itself, what are we left with? At times […]
Micro-Compositions in Experimental Graphic Design | Part 3. Quick Take | Episode 60
This is Part 3 of “The Death and Resurrection of 1990’s Experimental Graphic Design.” In this episode we examine the role that micro-compositions can play in solving a tricky langauge problem.
Blooper & Outtake Reel Saranay Motel | Episode #32
Who doesn’t love Bloopers? The Saranay Motel is/was Elliott Earls quixotic and ill-fated feature length digital film. Episode 32 of Studio Practice is a quick “blooper” reel from the film.
The Most Important & Dangerous Lesson Not Taught In Design School | Episode 79
What is the single most important lesson not taught in design school? What was the most important idea left out of your design education? Which important idea is simultaneously critically important and decidedly dangerous to your career as a designer? Featuring hot young designer/artists Brenden Lovejoy and Britt Gudas. Featuring a portratit of Reggie by […]
Leigh LeDare & Contemporary Strategy | Episode 5 of Studio Practice
Episode #5 of Elliott Earls new YouTube show hopes to be your source for a zero bull$hit look into the artist and designer studio. In this episode, Elliott provides principles for assessing the quality of your teachers. Elliott also provides a concrete suggestion for helping you to move your work to a more contemporary conceptual […]
The Problem with Graphic Design (Part 1) | Episode 18
What’s the “problem” with the field of Visual Communication and Graphic Design? In this episode of Studio Practice, Elliott Earls discusses the relationship between philosopher Morris Weitz Open Concept of Art, and it’s relationship to design. Part 2 will continue the argument. SUBSCRIBE to the channel here: https://goo.gl/L4FsHI Purchase a limited edition print or sculpture by […]
Dystopian Future? Apple Vision Pro, Street Drugs, Truth and Hedonism | Episode 143 | Elliott Earls
In this eye-opening episode, we delve into a future that’s both fascinating and frightening. Join us as we navigate the convergence of technology, philosophy, and human experience, examining how Apple Vision Pro, VR, Tranq, Street Drugs, Hedonism, The Hedonic Treadmill, Postmodern Philosophy, and Artificial Intelligence are weaving a dystopian tapestry that challenges the very essence of humanity.
As we journey through the digital landscape, Apple Vision Pro takes the spotlight, promising innovation beyond imagination. But does this promise come at the cost of our individuality? We scrutinize the role of technology in reshaping our identity.
3/30 How The Criticism Feedback Loop Destroys the Solipsism Vacuum | Episode 92
Many young artists express allegiance to a kind of solipsistic ethos through blind devotion to the purity of their “art.” This naive approach to work is very dangerous to a sustained artistic life. In this episode we take a look at one possible solution to the problem.
Experimental Goggle Adwords Art Space | Episode 53
The Google advertising system known as Adwords, has the potential to be a compelling platform for experimental design and contemporary art. The 6 Second Youtube bumper Ad in has great potential as a non-traditional art space. In this video we take a look at how to use the Youtube Adwords platform as a contemporary art […]
Artist as Holy Diver | Episode 39 of Studio Practice
####################################### Artist as Holy Diver | Episode 39 The artists’ studio can be thought of as a sacred space where the artist, operating as a kind of “holy diver,” plumbs the depths of human experience. Links & References In Episode 39 of Studio Practice ############################################# DOTBIZ is Helen Ip & Alex Meiser The “Eatquity” installation […]
“Family Matters” The Final Push – 30 Days Till Open – The “Ins” and “Outs” of a Collab | Episode 132 | Elliott Earls
On March 18th, Wasserman Projects hosted a unique and exciting event called “Family Matters.” The event featured an installation collaboration by three talented artists from the Earls family: Elliott, Henry, and Harris. This live opening event offered visitors the opportunity to view the installation while meeting and interacting with the artists themselves.
Saarinen Inspired Studio Signage & Identity | Episode 19
The strange masonry work of architect Eliel Saarinen inspires the signage and identity for a rustic northern Michigan studio. Subscribe to the Studio Practice Channel When you subscribe, it helps keep the channel running. The unfortunate fact is that the more subscribers a channel has the more likely it is to stay active. If you […]
How To Become A Street Artist And Do The Graffiti | Episode 27
Street Art and Graffiti are hot! In this episode Elliott Earls travels to Los Angeles to advance his career, become a street artist and do the graffiti.
Episode 21.5 Comment/Response Posted
This comment/response video relates to Episode 21 of Studio Practice.
Alpha Designer. Beta Designer | Episode 117
#graphicdesign #designadvice #graphicdesigner
Advice if you’re a designer and you don’t want to spend your life as a cubicle drone. There are different types of designer. In the context of this argument Alpha can be broken into 2 basic categories. The Entrepreneur and the Artist. The Beta designer – is the office drone, the dutiful foot soldier, the terminal “employee.” Alpha designers “eat what they kill.” Beta designers “eat what they are given.” This is an ESSENTIAL DISTINCTION – What’s this mean? The Alpha designer is RESPONSIBLE for the viability of their work. The Beta Designer is not. At it’s core None of this has to do with how the work looks or technically wether you are an employee — I’m not talking about the look of the work. You make clean, rational work? Fine. Are you a Maximalist Fine? My advice and this argument has to do with Destinations and responsibility, which I’ll explain in a moment so TECHNICALLY you CAN BE an employee and still act on this advice.
I’d suggest that every designer who’s work you know exhibits Alpha behavior. In other words, famous designers in most instance ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VIABILITY OF THEIR WORK. They are responsible for cultivating, maintaining and developing an audience and economic model for the work. By Contrast the Beta designer has little skin in the game. The beta designer abdicates their responsibility for their work. In most instances the beta designer trades (LITERALLY TRADES) emotional and financial security for NOT HAVING TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK. How to know if you’re Alpha? In the WORK THAT YOU CARE ABOUT are you responsible for finding, cultivating and developing the audience, the venue and the economic viability? Congratulations. You might be an alpha designer.
Family Matters! An Earls Family Collaboration | Episode 122 | Elliott Earls
“Family Matters” (An Earls Family Collaboration) opens on Saturday March 18th, 2023 at Wasserman Projects in Detroit. In this episode we take a look at how a family collaborates on visual art, design, writing and acting.
★ . . . . . . ♤ . . . . . . ★
Social Media:
instagram: @elliottearls
website: www.elliottearls.com
Prints: www.minislimited.com
Studio: https://cranbrookart.edu/departments/2d-design/
The Drawing Center, Attitudes Toward Critique & Isolations | Episode 7 of Studio Practice
Episode 7 of “Studio Practice.” In this episode Elliott Earls offers suggestions on how to learn from the critique process, shows an example of integrating family into a studio practice, discusses the benefits of failure. This episode features break dancing (isolations) and Elliott’s talk at The Drawing Center in New York. Episode Notes: David Bohm […]
Dank Meme Edition | Episode 20 of Studio Practice
Celebrate the release of Episode 20 with this special Dank Meme Edition. In this episode Elliott Earls under takes an exploration of the cultural importance of the dank meme.
Harris Earls – 10 Year Old Sneaker Designer
The 10 Year Old Sneaker Design Hypebeast and his handmade sneakers. Harris Earls, inspired by global streetware brands, designs and handmakes a pair of hightop sneakers. This is an inside look at the process, from design through to finished product.
MASTERCOPY: Why Artschools Get Everything So Wrong | Episode 114
Repertoire and the “mastercopy” are two very different ideas in art. In this episode we take a look at how “repertoire” functions in music and theater training and how the “mastercopy” functions in visual art. This leads to a discussion with Joshua Ray Stephens and Matthew Walsh on the limitations of art school.
The Breakfast Club + The NFL VS Contemporary Art | Episode 42
Powerful lessons for the artist from the Breakfast Club and the NFL. Links, Institutions and References from this Episode Powerful lessons for the artist from the Breakfast Club and the NFL. Links, Institutions and References from this Episode ############################################# Regarding The Films of John Hughes Information on the filmmaker John Hughes from IMDB. John Hughes […]
The Death and Resurrection of 1990’s Experimental Graphic Design | Part 2 | Episode 58
In Part 2 of “The Death and Resurrection of 1990’s Experimental Graphic Design” we take a look at the movment and what it will take to resurrect it.
An Approach to Graphic Design That Doesn’t Stink | Episode 110
An Approach to Graphic Design That Doesn’t Stink | Episode 110
Escape the Cube Farm | Episode 6 of Studio Practice
In this episode Elliott Earls gives suggestions for how to avoid working in the “cube farm.” He draws on the work of Detroit based designer Chris Schanck, Detroit born motivational speaker Dr. Eric Thomas and clothing designer Marc Ecko as examples. Elliott also gives away a signed, limited-edition print as a thank you to the […]
1/30 The Maximalist Death Spiral | Episode 90
The Maximalist Death Spiral is a trap that many artists fall prey to. In this episode we take a look at what it is and 1 example of how to escape it. This is number 1 in a series of 30 daily videos.
Electronic Music Synth As A Critique Tool in Contemporary Art | Episode 30
Can understanding how synthesizers like the Minimoog and Nordlead shape sound help distinguish between “good” and “bad” in contemporary art? The “Earls ADSR Synthesis Model For The Evaluation of Works of Visual Art” is a tool to help the studio artist critically assess works of visual art. Issues of value and quality are notoriously problematic […]
Henry Earls | A Savage Ride Through the Collaborative Creative Process | Family Matters | Part 3
ChatGPT Wrote This: At the heart of it all was a 20-year-old artist living in the Bowery in Manhattan. This young man was a true original, a rebel who defied convention and pushed boundaries with his work. He was a force to be reckoned with, a bright star burning with creative energy.
How Weaponized Empathy Killed Irony and Critical Thinking | Elliott Earls | Episode 133
The video makes the case that our culture has moved through four distinct phases. We have passed from an early phase of postmodern irony, into a middle phase characterized by “The New Sincerity,” then moving into a phase where Empathy is our primary cultural currency, and finally into a phase where cultural empathy has been weaponized. The video discusses David Foster Wallace’s concept of “The New Sincerity,” 1990’s Grunge Ethos, Tik Tok displays of emotion and Trumpian Rage.
2/30 The Peter Principle and The Artist | Episode 91
This is day 2 of 30 days of videos. The Peter Principle: every employee will rise in the hierarchy through promotion until they reach a level of respective incompetence. This business principle first introduced in the 1970’s has dire ramifications for the studio artist. In this episode we examine the issue.
“.5” Episodes Are Lighter And About Life | Episode 10.5 of Studio Practice
I’m experimenting with the idea of “.5” Episodes (8.5, 10.5 etc…). A “.5” episode will be lighter and primarily concerned with what’s happening around the studio. These episodes will be much shorter and more VLOG style. It’s an experiment to try to tune the channel. Episode 10.5 is now live, it’s concerned with the Leelanau Peninsula, […]
Artist Guide to Being Hot & Going Cold | Episode 44
Artist Guide to Being Hot & Going Cold ( How To Stay Hot ) | Episode 44 🔥LINK 2 FULL EPISODE IN BIO 🔥Chalamagne tha God and the Power 105.1 Breakfast Club crew grill Missy Elliott, Timbaland and Nelly over going “Cold.” How to avoid going “cold” as an artist. How to stay “hot.” What […]