We were lucky to catch up with Jeff Burns recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jeff, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

As an artist, I’ve come to realize that risk-taking and creativity have become estranged. We’ve traded boldness for security, sacrificing innovation for the sake of paying bills. I’m guilty of this too, often prioritizing what appeals to the masses over my true artistic vision.

Sure I get paid well for my services, but do I really stand out amongst the many talented artists out there?

One day I stumbled upon a podcast that challenged me. An artist shared her strategy of doing the opposite of what her fears dictated. This opened many more doors for her than if she would have played it safe. I decided to try it.
I accepted an invitation to paint live in front of an audience – something I would liken to public speaking. I was terrified of the thought. My initial instinct was to decline, but I knew I had to push past the fear. The experience was exhilarating! It didn’t lead to lavish commissions, but it gave me something invaluable – the knowledge that I can say yes to something perceivably scary and not die.
Now, I’m committed to embracing uncertainty and unleashing my true artistic voice. No more playing it safe.

Jeff, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a freelance concept artist, illustrator, and book designer – but I like to call myself a Storyteller that’s a kid at heart. Born and raised in Los Angeles, I discovered my passion for art at an early age, fascinated by comic book superheroes and Choose Your Own Adventure books. However, I couldn’t comprehend someone like me making a living creating stories like those.
But I did manage to stumble, bumble and back into working along those lines after all. After formal training in Advertising Design at East Los Angeles Occupational Center, I began my career as a graphic designer, working predominantly in print media. My journey took me through various roles, from a Graphic Artist at a sweatshop, to Lead Graphic Designer at a megachurch, and eventually, Production Artist for a medical device manufacturer.
Although I enjoyed aspects of my design career, my true desire was to tell stories through art. So, I made the leap to freelancing, focusing on concept art and illustration. These days I’m privileged to work on diverse projects, from children’s books to visual development for animated shorts and even some fine art painting.
Through my experiences, I’ve come to realize the importance of understanding one’s artistic identity. I’ve learned to appreciate the distinction between drawing and painting, and seek inspiration from fellow artists on both sides of the fence. I believe recognizing one’s lane helps you identify others and is crucial for growth.
In my artistic journey, I’ve also explored the challenges of being a self employed entrepreneur, sharing my findings on my YouTube channel, Jeff Burns Art. I’ve come to understand that embracing one’s strengths and experimenting with new techniques can lead to exciting discoveries.
As the co-founder of Stories Untold, a company supporting independent book authors, I’m passionate about empowering storytellers. I’m excited to continue exploring the intersection of art and storytelling, pushing boundaries, and learning from fellow artists. Thank you for joining me on this creative journey.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

For me, the most essential tool isn’t a pencil, brush, or stylus – it’s the internet. I wish I’d taken advantage of the web sooner. A reliable WiFi connection is my gateway to creativity and connection. While other artists may swear by their favorite software or traditional mediums, I’ve found that online communities and networking have revolutionized my career.
Social media, in particular, has been a game-changer. By joining online platforms, I’ve formed meaningful collaborations with fellow creatives, expanding my network and opening doors to new opportunities. Today, I’m proud to be part of a vibrant community of illustrators, writers, and designers who support and elevate each other.
As a freelancer, it’s easy to fall into the “Lone Ranger” mentality, working solo and relying solely on individual talent. However, I’ve learned that embracing collaboration and mutual support can catapult your career forward. By pooling our skills and expertise, my network and I offer comprehensive solutions to clients, making us more attractive and competitive in the marketplace.
I’d have to say the Internet and Social Media are tools I wish I had earlier in my career. But one plus is that I’m old enough to know what life was like before this technology and how much better it is now.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was that I had to do everything alone. I’m more of an Introvert by nature, and though my parents loved and supported me the best they could there were some roads I had to travel alone. So as I navigated my artistic journey, internal struggles proved to be the most daunting. Understanding what it meant to be an artist and how to pursue that in a world where you’re the minority was a constant challenge.
Without guidance from mentors or role models, I was flying blind. Comic book illustration initially captivated me, but the industry’s grim realities – exploitation and burnout – forced me to reconsider.
Graphic design became my fallback, thanks to its availability at my local trade school. I figured that I could sneak into an illustration career through a back door at some point in the future.
I’ve since learned that you only know what you know. And there truly is strength in numbers. A good support group of peers and mentors is invaluable.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://jeffburnsart.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffburnsart/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeffBurnsArt