Ep. 77 — Tom Post on Art, Freelancing, Murals, AI, and the Creative Life We start this week with news from across Clermont County, including a felony vandalism case involving a Union Township license-plate reader, Loveland’s plans for the Schildmeyer riverfront property and Veterans Memorial, a major rewrite of Loveland’s zoning code, and the proposed Bishops Grove subdivision along Shephard Road. We also cover the concerns Milford residents raised during WCPO’s recent community forum, including downtown parking, infrastructure, school capacity and the future of the former Milford South Elementary School. In New Richmond, village officials are asking boat owners to express interest in potential dedicated space at the new Liberty Landing dock. Interview — Tom Post Cincinnati-area artist Tom Post joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation about painting, illustration, murals, teaching and the unpredictable life of a freelance creative. Tom has worked as an artist for more than four decades. His career has included commercial illustration, fine art, portraiture, teaching and public murals. He recently completed a mural celebrating Loveland’s 150th anniversary and the upcoming America 250 commemoration, incorporating pieces of the city’s history into the design. Tom discusses the freedom that comes with freelancing, including the ability to spend more time with family and organize work around daily life. He also talks honestly about the uncertainty of never knowing where the next project will come from, the bookkeeping and administrative work that artists rarely enjoy, and the comfort of finally having several mural projects lined up in advance. The conversation explores the discipline behind creative work. Tom explains how scheduling unpleasant tasks, accepting downtime and making room for reflection can help prevent burnout. He and Patrick compare the fear of a blank canvas with the fear of a blank page and discuss why ideas often emerge when a person finally slows down. Tom also shares how drawing gave him an identity as a child while his military family moved from place to place. After high school, he landed a staff-illustrator position with SuperX Drugs, where he quickly learned that getting an art job did not necessarily mean doing fulfilling work. A conversation with Cincinnati Enquirer cartoonist Jim Borgman encouraged him to attend the Columbus College of Art and Design, where he expanded his understanding of illustration and fine art. After college, Tom went on dozens of interviews looking for a traditional job. Instead, agencies began offering him freelance assignments. Those projects multiplied until freelancing became his career. Tom talks about the artists who shaped his work, the influence of Impressionism and his admiration for artists who balance creativity with family, faith and the rest of life. He rejects the idea that artists must be unstable or miserable to produce meaningful work. Instead, he believes creativity grows from observation, engagement and the willingness to notice what others pass by. That idea leads to a discussion about finding beauty in ordinary moments. Tom describes stopping to photograph a cluster of mushrooms that looked like a miniature city. For both Tom and Patrick, the artist’s job is not simply to observe those small moments but to amplify them through a painting, poem, story or conversation so that someone else can see them too. Tom explains why oil is his favorite painting medium, why charcoal deserves more attention and why artists should share their sketches alongside finished work. Sketches reveal the process behind a piece, give buyers a more accessible price point and sometimes connect with people in unexpected ways. The conversation also examines the business of being an artist. Tom offers direct advice to younger creatives about pricing, finding different ways to sell work and resisting requests to work for free in exchange for “exposure.” Free work, he argues, lowers the value of the artist’s time and the work of everyone else in the field. A major part of the interview focuses on artificial intelligence and its growing effect on artists, photographers, designers and writers. Tom and Patrick discuss how AI is eliminating much of the routine commercial work that once paid the bills while creatives pursued more meaningful projects. They also consider AI’s usefulness as a research tool and the challenge of finding a healthy balance between efficiency and preserving the human creative process. Throughout the conversation, Tom returns to the importance of continuing to learn, honing the craft and creating work that adds something valuable to another person’s life. Links from This Episode Explore Tom Post’s artworkNews A Clermont County man faces a felony vandalism charge after Union Township police said he destroyed a Flock automated license-plate reader  Investigators said nearby cameras and purchasing records helped identify the suspect  Loveland approves a master-planning agreement for the Schildmeyer riverfront property and Veterans Memorial  The planning process will examine flood conditions, environmental restrictions and possible low-impact public amenities  Loveland’s preserved riverfront property must remain primarily dedicated to conservation and passive recreation  Loveland reviews a comprehensive rewrite of its Planning and Zoning Code  Proposed zoning changes address residential infill, administrative approvals, parking, signs and short-term rentals  The draft would cap short-term rentals at 50 citywide and limit each owner or affiliated entity to three properties  Council requests corrections and additional explanation before taking final action  The Union Township Zoning Commission recommends approval of the 18-home Bishops Grove development on Shephard Road  Residents raise concerns about traffic, drainage, smaller lots, privacy and tree removal  Union Township trustees will make the final decision on the rezoning  Milford residents discuss downtown parking, infrastructure, school capacity and stalled development  The former Milford South Elementary School remains tied up in litigation  Milford continues a study of downtown parking availability and wayfinding  New Richmond seeks interest from boat owners who may want dedicated space at the Liberty Landing dock Events Second Saturday in Haussermann Park  Ralph Shepherd Concert Series featuring the Williamsburg Band  New Richmond Farmers Market  Morning Mindfulness Walk at Shor Park  Community CPR Class  Pattison Park Lodge Public Viewing  Concert in the Park featuring Rita Beach and Mary Herbert  Explore the Bone Wars  Union Township Farmers Market  Union Township Pickleball Slam  Cincinnati Hamfest and ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention  Birding Across the Suspension Bridge  Yoga in the Park  Foraged Tea Time and Hike: Sumac Lemonade  Clermont County Historical Society presents A History of Clermont County  New Richmond Farmers Market  Field Day Beekeeping 2.0Follow Let’s Talk Clermont on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for the Thursday newsletter.If the show brings you value, consider supporting us through your time, talent, or treasure. 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