I listened to these shows up to a few years ago when Thomas got burnt out...but it seems he's recouped and is back in the saddle with a few newer episodes already. I'm so pumped!! A note to Thomas..from a fellow podcaster, I'd vote that you keep any post editing to a minimum and do whatever you can to NOT do things that will burn you out. The straight talk conversations provide all the needed value we need! Otherwise keep em coming..we'll be podcatching eagerly 😉

This show inspired me to start my illustration career. It was like a master class in how to work with art directors of all kinds.

Learned so much. This is possibly the best resource for illustrators.

This is my first iTunes review, even though I listen to a multitude of podcasts, because I'm sad to find such a great podcast and then learn that it's been out of commission for a couple of years. I found this podcast after listening to all of the 'Your Dreams, My Nightmares' podcast from Sam Weber, thinking surely there were no other good podcasts on art and illustration out there. It may be done for now, and that's understandable, life goes on, people have kids and other responsibilities, but for any working or aspiring artists/illustrators/designers/creative professionals, this is really a useful and inspiring source of knowledge, worth listening to despite the slight age. The illustration game hasn't changed much since these conversations took place, and the insight is invaluable. I wish this kind of information and entertainment existed when I was in art school. As someone slowly breaking into professional illustration after studying painting, hearing stories and advice from working professionals I look up to, in so many genres and styles of art, while I work away in my studio, is a great motivation. Happy to have discovered the podcast, sad it's ended, but I'd suggest it to anyone in the creative industries. Especially the Marshall Arisman episodes, of course. Great hearing from art directors and representatives as well. Thanks to Thomas for putting so much work and effort into these when the podcast was running! Still relevant, incredibly useful and inspiring.

Thank you Thomas for all that you do and share! These podcasts are worth their weight in gold. I feel like I've been going to grad school the last half a year while listening to your interviews at my art day job. They really help a lot. Thank you!

I'm an illustration student who is starting out later in life. I stumbled upon this podcast when I was looking for insight on my future career. So far, I haven't heard an episode that wasn't helpful. Keep up the good work!

I have been listening to Thomas James' Escape from Illustration Island since it's inception last year. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about becoming successful as an illustrator in our modern era. Thomas and his guests cover a variety of topics from marketing and self promotion to drawing and technique. If you want to learn more about the illustrative world, or just hear some good stories from awesome illustrators, this is the perfect download.

As a full-time graphic designer and part-time illustrator, I find this podcast to be outstanding. Each week it offers in-depth interviews with industry professionals and offers lots of frank, open, dialogue about the industry as a whole. If you're a working illustrator, an art director, or a graphic designer working in publications, this should be a podcast you listen to each and every week. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better source of information for the industry as a whole. It is also inspirational to anyone that works as a freelance creative professional. Give it a listen, you won't be disappointed. A much needed voice in the industry!

Excellent, motivating, inspiring, and knowledge driven; this podcast is a big deal! It is absolutely priceless, and about achieving the dream. Thank You Thomas James!

Very engaging guests - I look forward to each week's episode

If you are an artist, you struggle. The creative process is tough. EFII is the kind of show that gets you out of your own head, away from you own fears and puts you in direct contact with leaders of the art community. You get to see how they think, how they feel and as a result, you understand your own place better. Listen and learn.

I learned a ton in only 45 minutes about illustration in these podcasts. They are great little interviews with people who are in the illustration industry. I have particularly loved the interview with artist rep Scott Hull and art director, Stephanie Glaros. I'm glad the podcast come out frequently so I can keep motivated and in the know! Thomas James is a down to earth interviewer who really seems to care about the illustration industry and helping other creatives in the commercial arts.

I heard about the website, but a friend told me about the podcast so I subscribed and every episode so far has been very useful and enlightening in more than just the world of illustration, but in living as an artist. Thank for making this happen. It makes me feel less alone.

I haven't heard interviews this professionally grounded and this content packed since I was in school for my illustration BFA. Thanks for all you do Thomas to nurture our conceptual community.

Ron English? Seriously... is just a dick. Better guests please. Absolutely loved the "Art Director" & "Social Networking" shows though. The guests can make or break the shows, so vett them carefully.

I wish I had heard a lot of the content before I decided to go back to school! Would've skipped a lot of school loan debt and time wasting! EFII is very informative and inspirational. Doesn't make feel so alone on my island now when I am drawing or working on layouts for hours.

This podcast has the right balance of information for illustrators, entertainment and inspiration. Thomas knows how to ask the right questions and he lets the guest shine.

as a illustrator just starting out as a second career, this is a fantastic podcast to listen to, to hear the advice from different illustrators, how they work and interesting talk of the industry. Hey, it's fun too. Definitely worth a listen!

Great interviews and resources for illustrators and those in the visual media / design industries.

This is a great podcast, and an excellent addition to a very useful website. I only discovered it this week, and wish I'd known about it long ago. The interviews are very informative and inspiring. I'm hooked!

First review on Itunes ever. Just had to for this one. This podcast is full of wonderful interviews with WORKING and highly skilled illustrators who know their stuff. Each episode offers a great tidbit of information on being in the field, how to promote in new ways, and creativity. I especially loved the Holli Conger interview. She was incredibly knowledgeable and I hope to hear regular interviews from her on the show. Please keep this podcast going. Looking forward to every new episode.

Thomas James is prob the best interviewer out there doing interviews with illustrators. He always knows just teh right questions to ask and gets his guest to share the best information and ideas. Can't wait to see what 2010 brings!

Episode five with Jeff Fisher is a valuable resource for any illustrator looking to create a solid on line presence.

Thomas James delivers an inspiring, interesting, and very useful experience for illustrators, on his website and podcast. If you are working in, or are interest in the illustration field this podcast is a must listen. -Jeremy Gregory

Thomas James is an amicable host and a top notch interviewer. I highly recommend this podcast to all the illustrators out there as a valueable resource! Thomas gets excellent guests from our beloved field and they share great tips, links, and resources that we can all use. If iTunes would allow it, I'd give this show 10 million stars.

What a great concept for a show. Artists breaking free from isolation and making connection with other artists and the rest of the world. This show is worth listening to just for the resources alone. Some really key, valuable artist's advice given out here. Great music, cool subject matter and a host that believes in what he's doing. Great stuff here!

What a wonderful start and contribution to the podcast community! The Interview was well done and very informative! You're answering a definite need within the freelance community. It's always good to know better ways to meet your peers and people with similar interests and tastes as yours. Socializing and learning from those people can only help you excel at what you love to do! I'll be tuning in to see what you do next! I'm looking forward to more and wish you the best of luck! -Wilson

The first show was gerat!!! I can't wait to hear the next one! thanks for the great content and I like the website too (Both yours and the Illustration Mundo) Keep them coming :)