Ep 2 | Sketchbook, Agent and Life Drawing: A Chat With Picture-Book Author and Illustrator Helen Stephens

Today, Ping is joined by the multitalented Helen Stephens. Helen is a children's book writer and illustrator, co-founder of The Good Ship Illustration, podcast host and creator of the instagram phenomenon #walktosee. In her 26 years as an artist, Helen has done and seen it all. In this fascinating interview, she shares her journey as an artist as well as the lessons she has learned from her vast experience.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Helen talks about how she broke into the world of children's book illustration and some of the challenges she faced along the way.
• Helen admits her best work happens when she is uncomfortable and how realising this led to the creation of the instagram hashtag #walktosee.
• Helen talks about her experience of taking too much advice from too many people and how she realised this diluted her work.
• Working with publishers early in your career can be daunting. Helen gives tips on how to make those relationships work for you and why you shouldn't be afraid to stand your ground. 

BEST MOMENTS

“We put obstacles in our own way because we are scared to start something, the best thing to do is just go for it.” - Helen Stephens

"I realized that sometimes things you don't like to work with, maybe if you give a little bit of effort, turn out to be the things you want to work with." - Ping He

“You’re the expert, you know what works and what doesn’t work, so make sure you are heard.” - Helen Stephens

EPISODE LINKS

Helen’s Website

Helen’s Instagram

Helen’s Substack

The Good Ship Illustration 

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Botany Works Artist Podcast - a podcast created by artists for artists, illustrators, creatives, and aspiring designers and art lovers.

It is a weekly podcast by Ping He. As a creative entrepreneur herself, Ping shares her insight and tips in addition to interviewing seasoned professionals who provide practical tactics and clarity to help listeners walk away with actionable items for improving their personal and professional life.

Botany Works Artist Podcast promotes a community of artists supporting each other through exploration and process while equipping them with a professional toolkit to become successful and thriving artists. 

Botany Works Artist Instagram

ABOUT THE HOST

Ping He

A mom, a botanical artist, a teacher, and mentor for creatives.

From developing a buzzworthy flower consultant business to running a home fragrance line, from self-publishing a stationery line selling in 180 stores in 18 countries to a creative mentor, Ping He is an example of how to make a successful career transition. 

www.pinghe.art

[email protected] 

www.instagram.com/pinghe.art

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