The Illustration Department Podcast

Giuseppe Castellano talks to author, cartoonist, and educator, Frank Cammuso, about Frank’s approach to pacing with panels, and why it’s one of the most beautiful things about comics; how Steve Ditko does not get the credit he rightfully deserves; what you can learn from a good tomato sauce recipe about making comics; and more.

To learn more about Frank, visit cammuso.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: James Ransome, Marty Blake, Hergé, Neal Adams, John Buscema, John Byrne, Frank Miller, Will Eisner, Walt Kelly, Jack Cole, Charles Schulz, George Herriman, Bill Watterson, Elzie Segar, Steve Ditko, Jack Kirby, Herb Trimpe, and Darwyn Cooke

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, Jules Feiffer, about the early years of his life and career; how Maurice Sendak and William Steig changed his approach to illustration; why failure is not to be feared; and more.

Find Feiffer’s latest book, Amazing Grapes, at you favorite bookstore or library.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Theodor Seuss Geisel, P.D. Eastman, John Held Jr., Charles Addams, William Steig, Saul Steinberg, Milt Gross, Milton Caniff, Noel Sickles, George Cruikshank, Randolph Caldecott, Walter Crane, Aubrey Beardsley, Richard Doyle, and Edward Ardizzone

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to #1 New York Times best-selling illustrator and author, Peter Brown, about what it’s like getting “The Caldecott Call”; how an illustrator can struggle with knowing if their illustration is good and done; why Roz from The Wild Robot is more than a wild robot; and more.

To learn more about Peter, visit peterbrownstudio.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and author, Cale Atkinson, about how to properly pitch book dummies; what to make of the fracturing social media landscape; how book creators can navigate a career in children’s publishing; and more.

To learn more about Cale, visit cale.ca.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Pascal Campion, Lynn Avril, Ekaterina Trukhan, Jarvis, and Brett Bean

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, about the steps creators should take to start their Kickstarter journey—including one crucial one; how self-publishing differs from traditional publishing; what work needs to be done to publish through Kickstarter; and more.

To learn more about Oriana, visit oriana-leckert.com.

Links mentioned in this episode include:

kickstarter.com/creators/publishing

https://updates.kickstarter.com/how-to-create-an-expert-kickstarter-budget

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Tracy Shaw, Art Director for Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, about how the world of picture books is more than lollipops and rainbows; what her art department’s policy is on Generative AI; she answers questions from podcast patrons about emails, styles, palettes; and more.

You can find Tracy on LinkedIn.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Jess Lomax, co-founder and director of Inkling Illustration Agency, about what special ingredient was needed to form her agency; how there’s nothing magical about generative AI; what she looks for in illustration portfolios—beyond variety and consistency; and more.

To learn more about Jess and Inkling Illustration Agency, visit inklingillustration.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Newbery Honor-winning illustrator and author, Victoria Jamieson, about why quite a few publishing professionals know what a “doodly doo” is; what a graphic novel can be, and how it really is a lot of work; what perfection has to do with art; and more.

To learn more about Victoria, visit victoriajamieson.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Raina Telgemeier, Art Spiegelman, Vera Brosgol, Cece Bell, Bill Watterson, Lynn Johnston, and Bil Keane

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator, Noa Denmon, about how an artist’s traditional or digital tools don’t make the artist; what it’s like to get “the Caldecott call”; why it’s important for creatives to spend time not creating; and more.

To learn more about Noa, visit noadenmon.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Sophie Blackall, Ashley Bryan, Rudy Gutierrez, Betsy Lewin, Pamela Zagarenski, Javaka Steptoe, Yuko Shimizu, Peter de Sève, Tom Feelings, Jackie Ormes, Ernie Barnes, Mozelle Thompson, John Steptoe, Emory Douglass, and Kadir Nelson

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and author, Katie Kordesh, about what creatives still need to do after “getting” a literary agent (and signing book deals); how social media can be an effective promotional tool; why achieving a work/life balance may not be all it’s cracked up to be; and more.

To learn more about Katie, visit katiekordesh.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to New York Times bestselling illustrator, Robin Preiss Glasser, about how she worked with Jane O’Connor on Fancy Nancy (and how close Nancy came to a horrible death); what “the buzz” is, and why artists should not listen to it; what art can do and be in times of hardship and pain; and more.

To learn more about Robin, visit robinpreissglasser.com.

You can listen to Giuseppe’s podcast chat with Jane O’Connor here.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Hilary Knight, Bernadette Watts, Susan Guevara, Adrienne Adams, Reginald Marsh, Jules Feiffer, E.H. Shepard, Shirley Hughes, and Gabrielle Vincent

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to author, illustrator, designer, and educator, Brian Biggs, about how reinvention can play a part in one’s creative life; what it means to be a victim of your own success; whether or not creative types need to be inspired (if inspiration even exists); and more.

Learn more about Brian at brianbiggs.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Mike Lowery, Sarah Walsh, Traci Todd, Andrew Fairclough, Matt Cordell, Jon Klassen, Edward Gorey, and Brian Floca

Books mentioned in this episode include: Stephen King’s On Writing and Jeff Tweedy’s How to Write One Song

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to maker of books & illustrated goods, Sarah Walsh, about what separates expectation from visualization; why running your own shop as a creative is a good idea, despite its ups and downs; why artists should get out of their own head when they’re making art; and more.

To learn more about Sarah, visit sarahwalshmakesthings.com.

Sarah mentioned they-draw.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to concept artist, designer, and filmmaker, Drew Leung, about what storytelling has to do with concept art; what the key difference is between GenAI and actual concept artists; why it’s important for any artist to remember why they wanted to be an artist to begin with; and more.

To learn more about Drew, visit anihaus.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Karla Ortiz, Vicki Pui, and Craig Mullins

Giuseppe mentioned Angel Hernandez as being one of the worst Major League Baseball umpires of all time. He is. It’s true. Here’s proof.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Tim Jacobus, the original illustrator for Goosebumps, about why no one working on Goosebumps thought it would last past the first few books; how the making of the Goosebumps covers is an art director’s nightmare; what it means for illustrators, and writers, to finish what they start; and more.

Learn more about Tim at jacobusstudios.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jim Thiesen, Greg and Tim Hildebrandt, and Stanisław Fernandes

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to artist, illustrator, and art director, Katty Huertas, about what she looks for in illustrators (hint: it’s not “being the best”); what simple portfolio advice illustrators should follow; why any creative might want to look into being a “polyteche”; and more.

To learn more about Katty, visit kattyhuertas.com.

Websites Katty and Giuseppe mentioned include: It’s Nice That, Creative Boom, Grain Edit, Creative Review, Illustration.lol, and Working Not Working

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to multi-award-winning artist, Orlando Arocena (also known as Mexifunk) about how illustrators can avoid betraying their own creative vision; whether or not “fulfillment” is something artwork should provide its artist; how illustrators can find clients; and more.

You can find Orlando on Instagram.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator and author, Joe Cepeda, about how Joe took the scenic route to starting his illustration career; what clogs and filters get in the way of one’s creativity; why he’s not that into looking at other illustrators for inspiration; and more.

Learn more about Joe by visiting joecepeda.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Antonia Weaver Atkins, educator and daughter of the great Robert Weaver, about what it was like growing up with her outside-of-the-box father; what “The Weave” didn’t like about being a commercial artist; what advice she thinks her father would share for illustrators today; and more.

Learn more about Robert Weaver at library.wustl.edu.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Kate Kunac-Tabinor, Creative Director at Oxford University Press, about what part illustrators play in OUP’s diverse body of work; why creatives should avoid working in isolation; what simple career advice illustrators should follow; and more.

Kate can be found on LinkedIn.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Kathryn Humphries, Art Director at Harper’s Magazine, about how she finds, keeps track of, and works with illustrators; why AI images are not gracing the pages of Harper’s; what it means to use “unexpected” color palettes; and more.

Kathryn can be found on Instagram.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Shepard Fairey and Stephen Kroninger

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Katie Kalupson, Associate Art Director at TIME, about how transitioning from designer to art director requires personal growth; how intention separates AI-generated imagery from actual illustration; why the best thing an illustrator can do is to lean into themselves; and more.

To learn more about Katie, visit katiekalupson.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Wesley Allsbrook, Christine Lee, and Edel Rodriguez

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Michael Mrak, Creative Director for Scientific American, about how often (and where) he looks for illustrators; why he chooses not to not use AI for SciAm’s illustration needs; why the need for good, smart, human-made illustration isn’t going away anytime soon; and more.

Michael can be found on LinkedIn.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jerome Snyder, Boris Artzybasheff, Heath Robinson, Roger Hayward, Ben Shahn, Stanley Meltzoff, Yuko Shimizu, Brian Stauffer, and Sam Falconer

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and author, Chris Van Dusen, about the pros and cons of using gouache—and why spittle is a problem; why calling an illustrator’s work “old-fashioned” is not a productive critique; how children’s book writers can spend their time if they want to rhyme; and more.

To learn more about Chris, visit chrisvandusen.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Dahlov Ipcar, Robert McCloskey, Sam Gross, Lane Smith, Eyvind Earle, Mary Blair, Syd Mead, Esther Friend, Lowell Hess, Margaret Bloy Graham, Marc Simont, P.D. Eastman, Chuck Jones, and Maurice Noble

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Erika Gaffney, Acquisitions Editor in Scholarly Publishing and Founder of Art Herstory, about why everyone should brush up on their art herstory; why the “merit over gender” argument does not apply; why art, or the study of its entire history, doesn’t have to be intimidating; and more.

To learn more about Erika and Art Herstory, visit artherstory.net.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Sofonisba Anguissola, Rachel Ruysch, Jessie Wilcox Smith, Neysa McMein, Elenor Plaisted Abbott, Ethel Plummer, Jackie Ormes, Lily Renée, Lillian Astor, Retta Scott, Ellen Pyle, Bernarda Shahn, Barbara Zuber, Georgia O’Keeffe, Olive Rush, Maginel Wright Enright Barney, Judy Chicago, and Margaret Mee

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to artist and storyteller, Hope Christofferson, about why a lot of what you see on social media is fantasy (and not in a good way); why illustrators should be wary of the siren call of creative influences; why, if you’re going to believe in magic and lore, you should first believe in yourself; and more.

To learn more about Hope, visit hopechristoffersonart.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Brian Froud, Caravaggio, Rubens, Pontormo, Tony DiTerlizzi, Edmund Dulac, Arthur Rackham, John Bauer, Cory Godbey, Iris Compiet, Pauline Baynes, Rowena Morrill, Frank Frazetta, and Rien Poortvliet

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Emily Kleinman, Art Director at Mudpuppy, about her role in the creation of Mudpuppy’s toys, puzzles, books, and other products; where she goes first to look for illustrators (listeners of this podcast won’t be surprised by her answer); how art directors are just like us; and more.

Emily can be found on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Priscilla Moreno, Ekaterina Trukhan, and Katy Tanis

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Hana Nakamura, Art Director for Norton Young Readers, an imprint of W.W. Norton, about how she finds and keeps track of illustrators; how she art directs a children’s book; why a big key to being an illustrator is… to illustrate; and more.

Hana can be found on Instagram.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Timothy Travaglini, Senior Literary Agent at Transatlantic Agency, about how illustrators and writers aren’t the only ones who experience rejection in publishing; why being open to the editorial process is almost always a good thing; why it’s important to find joy in creating art; and more.

To learn more about Tim and Transatlantic, visit transatlanticagency.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Toby Fox, Deputy Art Director at Rolling Stone, about what A.I. imagery really is (it’s not art); how stylistically open the field of editorial illustration is—for the print or digital space; how creative inspiration can come from anywhere; and more.

To learn more about Toby, visit tobyfoxdesign.com. Her Instagram is instagram.com/twodogfox.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Louise Fili, Matt Mahurin, Brad Holland, Jules Feiffer, Klaas Verplancke, and Al Hirschfeld

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Semadar Megged, former Art Director at Penguin Random House, about her approach to art direction; what makes good illustrators good; why it’s important to not just look at art, but to be curious about it; and more.

To learn more about Semadar, visit semadarmegged.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Loren Long, Maurice Sendak, Renata Liwska, David Elliot, David Small, Christian Robinson; Ben Shahn, David Stone Martin, Andy Warhol, R.O. Blechman, and Will Hillenbrand

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Jill Pratzon, founder of Pratzon Art Restoration, Illustrator, and Graphic Novelist, about what it takes to restore and conserve the art of Winsor McCay, George Herriman, and other giants of illustration; what she learns about artists’ lives through examining their art; what the key to being an illustrator is, beyond talent and skill; and more.

To learn more about Jill, visit jillpratzon.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Norman Rockwell, Steven Guarnaccia, Minerva Durham, Dave Passalacqua, Henrik Drescher, Fred Taraba, Harry Beckhoff, Edwin Austin Abbey, Frank Brangwyn, Dean Cornwell, William Merritt Chase, James Montgomery Flagg, Winsor McCay, George Herriman, Jessie Willcox Smith, J.C. Leyendecker, E.M. Jackson, Haddon Sundblom, Howard Pyle, Henriette Pyle, Neysa McMein, Vernon Grant, Victor Juhasz, Charles Addams, John Held Jr., Austin Briggs, Heinrich Kley, Ralph Steadman, Jules Feiffer, Bob McGuiness, and Lorraine Fox

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to author and conceptual illustrator, Daniel Liévano, about the job of an editorial illustrator; how he connects philosophy and illustration; how illustrators are “traitors”; and more.

To learn more about Daniel, visit lifeisanillusion.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Naomi Kirsten, Senior Editor at Chronicle Books, about what it means to create children’s books with heart and a “felt sense”; what role “the market” and “trends” play in her acquisition process; why the term “kid-friendly” has no place in kids’ books; and more.

To learn more about Naomi and the books she edits, visit naomikirsten.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Anders Arhoj and Benjamin Chaud

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Antonia Markiet, retired Editorial Director for HarperCollins Children’s Books, about her early days as an editor at Harper & Row; what illustrators should do if they want to be great; why Maurice Sendak’s newest book, Ten Little Rabbits, was published more than a decade after his passing; and more.

Find Ten Little Rabbits at your favorite library or bookstore.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Maurice Sendak, Shel Silverstein, Eric Carle, Lois Ehlert, H.A. Rey, Victoria Kann, Brooke Goffstein, Chris Van Allsburg, David Wiesner, Ivan Chermayeff, Fred Marcellino, and Mercer Meyer

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to the Morgan Library and Museum’s Robert H. Taylor Curator and Department Head for Literary and Historical Manuscripts, Philip Palmer, about the behind-the-scenes decisions that went into curating Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature; what he learned about Potter that he didn’t know before; how Potter doesn’t have just one legacy, but many; and more.

To learn more about The Morgan and its exhibitions, visit themorgan.org.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Skye Kelly-Barrett, Founder & Agent at Roar, about the psychology of parting ways with an illustrator; what “visual voice” is and isn’t; how illustration (and illustration work) is everywhere; and more.

To learn more about Skye and Roar, visit roarartists.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to multi-disciplinary artist, performer, and renowned children’s book author, Hervé Tullet, about the beginning of his children’s book career; how a children’s book illustrator’s creativity comes from within, and not from a bookstore; why you have to act like an adult, if you want to create books for children; and more.

To learn more about Hervé, visit herve-tullet.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Leo Lionni, Joan Miró, Nicolas de Staël, Jackson Pollack, and Jon Burgerman

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to the author and illustrator of your favorite children’s books, Bob Shea, about how a logo and Lane Smith helped him launch his children’s book career; what ADHD is and isn’t, especially for creatives (or loved ones); what illustrators should let go to enjoy being an illustrator; and more.

To learn more about Bob, visit bobshea.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Lane Smith, Richard McGuire, Jim Flora, Jarvis, Sophie Blackall, Eric Carle, Linzie Hunter, and Zachariah OHora

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to cartoonist, author, and presenter, Scott McCloud, about the very real problem of poor visual communication in our society; what comics are and could be; why living in a phenomenal world isn’t as great as it sounds; and more.

To learn more about Scott, visit scottmccloud.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Murray Tinkelman, Alan Moore, Will Eisner, Osamu Tezuka, Art Spiegelman, Dave Gibbons, Larry Marder, William Hogarth, Rodolphe Töpffer, Katsushika Hokusai, and Richard Outcault

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, Yas Imamura, about how establishing a stationary shop led her to a children’s book career; why it is a mistake to paint all publishers with the same brush; why it’s a good idea for artists to create in different ways; and more.

To learn more about Yas, visit yasimamura.tumblr.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning children’s book creator and co-founder of The Good Ship Illustration, Helen Stephens, about the rules she ignored in the early days of her career; why “have fun” might be the most no-nonsense piece of advice illustrators will ever hear; why an illustrator’s work should not be called “imaginative”; and more.

To learn more about Helen, visit helenstephens.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Tania Willis, Katie Chappell, Bruce Ingman, and Tor Freeman

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Nathaniel Mell, Founder and CEO of Felt+Fat, about the founding of his Philadelphia-based ceramic design studio; what “working hard” really means for artists; why demand for hand-made art and craft is as hot as ever; and more.

To learn more about Nathaniel and Felt+Fat, visit feltandfat.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Joseph Beuys, Keith Shore, and Armando Veve

(Be)Philly was mentioned in this episode. To learn more about them, visit BePhilly.org.

Nathaniel recommended the book, Fewer Better Things, by Glen Adamson.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Artist and Caldecott Honor-winner, Mary GrandPré, about why she got into and out of a career in illustration; what she likes most about her art for Harry Potter; why it’s important for artists to keep exploring; and more.

To learn more about Mary, visit marygrandpre.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, Miró, Braque, Picasso, Matisse, S. Neil Fujita, Albizu, Chagall, Dalí, Fra Angelico, Giotto, Titian, and Pontormo

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Paper Cut and Silhouette Artist and Award-winning Illustrator, Janelle Washington, about the unexpected, multi-award winning beginning of her children’s book career; why she literary bleeds for her art; what she’s learned, through cut paper, about mental health; and more.

To learn more about Janelle, visit washingtoncuts.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Romare Bearden and Moses Williams

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Holly Hoover, Art Director at Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, about what she looks for in an illustrator’s portfolio; why an illustrator would decline a publisher’s book offer; how to have a positive art director/illustrator relationship; and more.

You can find Holly on LinkedIn.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jen Corace, Chris Raschka, and Luisa Uribe

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Sara Frazetta, co-founder of Frazetta Girls, and granddaughter of Frank Frazetta, about her relationship with her grandpa; what Frazetta influenced, and who influenced him; what illustrators today can learn from Frazetta; and more.

Learn more about Sara and Frazetta Girls at frazettagirls.com.

You can buy Taschen’s The Fantastic Worlds of Frank Frazetta from their website.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Titian, N.C. Wyeth, Mark Taylor, Hal Foster, Milton Caniff, and Joseph Clement Coll

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to New Yorker Writer, Cartoonist, and Visual Journalist, Liza Donnelly, about her early days as a cartoonist; what James Thurber has meant to her, personally and professionally; how illustration—cartoons or otherwise—is the greatest form of communication; and more.

To learn more about Liza, visit lizadonnelly.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: R.O. Blechman, Mort Gerberg, Whitney Darrow, Jr., Charles Addams, James Thurber, Ethel Plummer, Ilonka Karasz, Helen Hokinson, Barbara Shermund, Roberta Macdonald, Lorraine Fox, Michael Maslin, and Barry Blitt

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Erica Rand Silverman, Senior Literary Agent at Stimola Literary Studio, about what she expects from a creative for a positive working relationship; and what it means to approach one’s art from a place of play. She also answers questions from podcast patrons about creating a book dummy; and more.

To learn more about Erica, visit stimolaliterarystudio.com.

To learn more about Stimola Live, visit stimolalive.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Stephanie Alexander-Jinks, co-owner and agent at The Artworks Illustration Agency, about Stephanie’s transition from illustrator to agent; what stands out to her—positively and negatively—in  portfolios; what illustrators can do to increase their chances for success; and more.

To learn more about Stephanie and her agency, visit theartworksinc.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and author, Craig Frazier, about Craig’s newest monograph, Drawn, and what he hopes the book can do for illustrators; how our time is precious—especially with the ones we love; what illustrators can do that AI and its prompters can never do; and more.

To learn more about Craig, visit craigfrazier.com.

To purchase Craig’s monograph, visit frazierbooks.com/order-book.

I hope you enjoy our conversation. Artists mentioned in this episode include: Don Weller, Milton Glaser, Heinz Edelmann, John Hersey, Brian Cronin, Michael Mabry, Ivan Chermayeff, Paul Rand, Leo Lionni, Brad Holland, Alan Cober, Christoph Niemann, and Heath Robinson

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and author, Don Tate, about the reasons Black children’s book illustrators, historically, chose to or had to illustrate representationally; why physical fitness is vital for active creativity; why illustrators don’t have to draw every day; and more.

To learn more about Don, visit dontate.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jerry Pinkney, Leo and Diane Dillon, Floyd Cooper, Brian and Andrea Pinkney, and R. Gregory Christie

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Vanessa Dina, Design Director at Chronicle Books, about some of Chronicle’s historical milestones, including how the iconic glasses logo came to be; how she finds and works with illustrators; why emailing art directors is easier than some illustrators think; and more.

Vanessa can be found on LinkedIn.

To learn more about the Chronicle Books Fellowship, visit designfellowship.chroniclebooks.com. To learn more about the consumer trends website that Vanessa mentioned, visit wgsn.com/en.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Stephanie Plunkett, Chief Curator at The Norman Rockwell Museum, Annie Lionni, granddaughter of Leo Lionni, Leonard Marcus, children’s book historian, and Steven Heller, design historian, about how and why they curated Between Worlds: The Art and Design of Leo Lionni; what Lionni was like outside of his work; what creatives today can learn from Lionni’s work and life; and more.

To learn more about Leo Lionni, visit leolionni.com.

To learn more about Between Worlds: The Art and Design of Leo Lionni visit nrm.org.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, Willem de Kooning, Fernand Léger, Alexander Calder, Massimo Vignelli, David Macaulay, Chris Van Allsburg, David Wiesner, and Brian Selznick

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Janine Le, founder and agent at Janine Le Literary Agency, about how she became a literary agent; how the process of querying agents is far from ideal; what illustrators should do if they’re struggling to find an agent; and more.

To learn more about Janine and her agency, visit janinele.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jerry Pinkney, Peggy Rathmann, Maurice Sendak, Arnold Lobel, and Steven Kellogg

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator and author, Matthew Cordell, about why it took some persuading for Matthew to embark on a career in children’s books; why he was thinking about his father on the night of his Caldecott acceptance speech; why it’s okay if your illustrations are a little rough around the edges; and more.

To learn more about Matthew, visit matthewcordell.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Ian Falconer, William Steig, Arnold Lobel, Jules Feiifer, James Marshall, Quentin Blake, Bernard Waber, Cátia Chien, Don Tate, Beatrice Alemagna, Lilian Hoban, and Garth Williams

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, Tony DiTerlizzi about how Dungeons & Dragons helped him along his journey as a professional creative; how other artists and illustrators guided his visual voice; why—no matter what challenge you face—you have to keep rolling the dice; and more.

To learn more about Tony, visit diterlizzi.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Arthur Rackham, Alan Lee, Brian Froud, Frank Frazetta, Norman Rockwell, Jim Henson, Don Bluth, Scott Gustafson, J.C. Leyedecker, Winsor Mckay, Hayao Miyazaki, Fred Marcellino, Edward Gorey, Charles Addams, Tim Burton, E.H. Shepard, Richard Doyle, Louis Darling, Mœbius, Heath Robinson, Edmund Dulac, W.W. Denslow, Maurice Sendak, Heinrich Kley, Maxfield Parrish, and Kadir Nelson

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Manchester’s best known illustrator, Stanley Chow, about how fan art and Myspace helped kickstart his career; what challenges illustrators can face when raising a family; what it feels like to have your work criticized by a future President; and more.

To learn more about Stanley, visit stanleychow.co.uk.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to cartoonist, Julia Wertz about why illustrators should take themselves, but not their work, a little less seriously; why quitting isn’t necessarily a bad thing; why now is the time to spend less time on social media; and more.

To learn more about Julia and her books, visit juliawertz.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Roz Chast, Lynda Barry, Mimi Pond, and Aline Kominsky-Crumb

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Medalist and Sibert Honoree, Jason Chin about the life and work of Trina Schart Hyman, and how she mentored Jason; how trusting others—and yourself—is vital for illustrators; why it’s a good idea for any creative to branch out and risk a little failure; and more.

To learn more about Jason, visit jasonchin.net.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Trina Schart Hyman, Arthur Rackham, Erin Stead, Chris Van Dusen, Mary Blair, Iyvind Earle, and James Gurney

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Paige Braddock, Chief Creative Officer at Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates, about the life and work of Charles Schulz, and what he was like as her mentor; what Schulz would have likely said about efforts today to ban and censor children’s books; why illustrators should be more detail-oriented; and more.

To learn more about Paige, visit paigebraddock.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jim Davis, V.T. Hamlin, Steve Canyon, and Bill Watterson

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning, Hall of Fame illustrator, Brad Holland about the early days of Brad’s fifty-plus-year career; how he found bits and pieces of himself, artistically speaking; how he helped bring about the modern-day approach to editorial illustration; why his days as a supervisor at Hallmark taught him that “everything turns into a bunny sooner or later”; and more.

To learn more about Brad and his work, visit bradholland.net and drawger.com/holland.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Paul Bacon, Leonard Baskin, Barry Moser, David Godine, Jack Davis, Andrew Wyeth, Milton Glaser, Giorgio Morandi, James Thurber, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Norman Rockwell, John Dioszegi, Ben Shahn, Robert Osborn, Beatrix Potter, Robert Riggs, David Levine, Gerald Scarfe, Käthe Kollwitz, and Robert Weaver

Check out these helpful links for illustrators from Brad:

His First Portfolio / Making It Personal / The Childrens Book That Wasn’t / Shel Game / Clair, Slim, Dali and Me / Resilient Reformer / Express Yourself, It’s Later Than You Think / Trojan Horse: Orphan Works and the War on Authors / First Things About Secondary Rights

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator and author, Fred Blunt about why being “cartoony” is a good thing; how illustrators can know their style—cartoony or not—is theirs; what we can learn about the life and work of the great Ronald Searle; and more.

Check out Fred’s work by visiting fredbluntillustration.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Quentin Blake, Dr. Seuss, P.D. Eastman, Ronald Searle, André Francois, Ed Benedict, and David McKee

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to cartoonist and illustrator, Robb Mommaerts, about why he still feels like an imposter; why illustrators should think a little less when creating art; how illustrators can draw things they’re too afraid to draw; and more.

Check out Robb’s work by visiting instagram.com/robbmommaerts.

The children’s book series, Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat was mentioned in this episode. They were designed and art directed by Lynn Portnoff—the incomparable Executive Art Director of Penguin Workshop.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Frank Frazetta, Jim Davis, Aaron Blecha, Cory Loftis, Tony DiTerlizzi, Nico Marlet, Sergio Aragonés, and Paul Coker Jr.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Emma Cheng, medical doctor turned illustrator, about why she transitioned from tending to patients to… painting tendons; what similarities doctors and illustrators share (including one that might make you sick); what illustrators can do to feel better; and more.

To learn more about Emma, visit gallery.emmacheng.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Henry Vandyke Carter and Frank Netter

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Dr. Rose Roberto, part-time lecturer and librarian at Bishop Grosseteste University, and Tamsin Rosewell, illustrator and bookseller about the removal of Kate Greenaway’s name from The Kate Greenaway Medal; why this renaming should alarm you; what you can do to bring back Kate Greenaway; and more.

To sign Rose and Tamsin’s petition, visit ipetitions.com/petition/bring-back-the-kate-greenaway-medal.

From their petition: “You may contact CILIP at [email protected] to let them know you share these sentiments.”

To learn more about the Chartered Institute of Library Information Professionals, visit cilip.org.uk.

See more of Rose’s work here. See more of Tamsin’s work here.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Freya Blackwood, Jim Kay, Jackie Morris, Axel Sheffler, James Mayhew, and Thomas Taylor

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to cartoonist, educator, and podcaster, Dan Berry about Dan’s podcast, “Make It Then Tell Everybody,” and why he chose to end it; how confidence is most certainly key to being an illustrator; what illustrators have that AI “prompt-smiths” don’t have (hint: ownership); and more.

To learn more about Dan, visit Thingsbydan.co.uk.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Rebecca Green, John Martz, Danielle Corsetto, Loish, and Ian McQue

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to New York Times best-selling artist and author, Rachel Ignotofsky about how she set up shop in the children’s book world; why you should probably stop breaking promises to yourself; how AI is “thought-labor abridged” and what illustrators can do to stay ahead of it; and more.

To learn more about Rachel and her books, visit rachelignotofskydesign.com.

Rachel mentioned the Electronic Frontier Foundation. You can learn more about them here.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Darren Di Lieto, Creative Director at Hireillo, about the founding and early years of Hireillo; why marketing for illustrators involves a million degrees of nuance; how there is no silver bullet to finding an easy path to being an illustrator; and more.

To learn more about Darren and Hireillo, visit hireanillustrator.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to New York Times best-selling and two-time Caldecott Honor award-winning illustrator, Brian Pinkney about what it was like growing up—and creating art—with his father, Jerry Pinkney; why illustrators don’t have to be just one thing, or make pictures in just one way; and more.

To learn more about Brian, visit brianpinkney.net.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jerry Pinkney, Alan Cober, Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire, George and Doris Hauman, Margret and H.A. Rey, Alice and Martin Provensen, Joe and Beth Krush, Leo and Diane Dillon, James Ransom, and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Kate Tardif, founder of Sullivan Moore, about why she’s looking to grow her boutique agency… in a big way; how illustrators (whether they like it or not) are content creators; why it is not the end of the world for illustrators if they are dropped by their agent; and more.

To learn more about Kate, visit sullivanmoore.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Emmy Award-winning illustrator and graphic novelist, Dawud Anyabwile about the origin story of Brotherman: Dictator of Discipline, and how it was a family affair; why it’s important to protect your intellectual property (if and when you can); what advice he has for discouraged illustrators; and more.

To learn more about Dawud, with anyabwile.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Bernard Harmon, Sonia Sanchez, Reggie Byers, Dwayne Ferguson, Jack Kirby, and Billy Graham

Dawud mentioned his father’s book, Black Family Rituals. You can purchase it here.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Emily Harris, Associate Art Director at Lerner Publishing Group, about how illustrators can know what art directors want (spoiler: they can’t); how she finds illustrators for the myriad books she art directs; what myths need to stop spreading about being—and creating art as—a children’s book illustrator; and more.

To learn more about Emily, with cargocollective.com/emilyharris.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, Briana Mukodiri Uchendu about why having no one to disappoint helped her begin her children’s book career; why the multi-honor-winning picture book, The Talk, was a “rollercoaster of emotions” for Briana; at what point do you feel like your art (and you) are enough; and more.

To learn more about Briana, with mukoart.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, Freya Blackwood about her rule-breaking approach to picture book art; how asymmetry and imperfection are keys to an effective illustration portfolio; when it’s time to end your attempt at being an illustrator; and more.

To learn more about Freya and her books, visit freyablackwood.com.au.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, Mirko Ilić, about how procrastination can help in one’s creative process; what role sacrifice plays in defining, and achieving, success as an illustrator; how the key to creative growth lies in both one’s future and past; and more.

To learn more about Mirko, visit mirkoilic.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Milton Glaser, Melinda Beck, Paul Rand, and Keith Haring

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Jay Cooper (New York Times Best-Selling Illustrator and Executive Creative Director at Serino Coyne) and Jim Hoover (Senior Art Director at Penguin Random House) about the making of The Last Comics on Earth; what children’s publishing hasn’t fully figured out yet with graphic novels (hint: money, time, reviews); what selfishness has to do with achieving a work/life balance; and more.

To learn more about Jay, visit jaycooperbooks.com. You can find Jim on LinkedIn.

To purchase The Last Comics on Earth, visit penguinrandomhouse.com/books.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Chris Dickey, John Byrne, and Frank Miller

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Alyssa Walker, Design Director at WIRED, about her approach to editorial design, and how illustration fits into that approach; what hierarchy form and function follow with editorial illustration; why, if certain failsafes are put in place (and that’s a big if), illustrators may not need to worry about AI; and more.

To learn more about Alyssa, visit alyssawalker.me.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Ellen Keiter, Chief Curator of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, about the life and work of Eric Carle, and the origin story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar; why the curation of illustration may look very different in the very near future; what illustrators should start doing today if they want their work to be in a museum tomorrow; and more.

To learn more about Ellen and The Carle, visit carlemuseum.org.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Leo Lionni, Arnold Lobel, Susanne Suba, Leonard Weisgard, Virginia Lee Burton, Remy Charlip, Kuniko Craft, and Ekua Holmes

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Vicki Willden-Lebrecht, CEO and Founder of The Bright Agency, about the founding of Bright, and whether or not it’s “too big”; why illustrators should be less precious about their work; and other topics.

Vicki also answers questions from patrons of the podcast about portfolios, book-banning, AI, and more.

To learn more about Vicki and The Bright Agency, visit thebrightagency.com.

Agents at Bright include: Alex Gehringer, Anne Moore Armstrong, Freddie Dawson, James Burns, Robyn Newton, Susan Penny, Lucie Luddington, Ilaria Vigilante, Edward Palmer, Arabella Stein, and Zuzi Wojciechowska

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Rick Richter, Literary Agent and Senior Partner at Aevitas Creative Management, about the early days of Rick’s publishing career, including the co-founding of Candlewick; what made the late, great Ian Falconer so special; why providing comparison titles (or comp titles) when querying agents is a waste of time; and more.

To learn more about Rick and Aevitas Creative Management, visit aevitascreative.com/agent/rick-richter.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Lisbeth Zwerger, Ian Falconer, Helen Oxenbury, E.H. Shepard, and N.C. Wyeth

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Janine Vangool, publisher, editor, and designer of UPPERCASE magazine about the origins and vision of UPPERCASE; why going your own way as a creative is usually the right way; why you should take a walk and a breath before you respond to a rejection; and more.

To learn more about Janine and her magazine, visit uppercasemagazine.com.

Use the discount code, illusdept, to save 10% on all UPPERCASE subscriptions, books, and back issues. This special offer ends on July 31, 2023.

Janine mentioned “B-School”, by Marie Forleo. To learn more about this online business school, visit marieforleo.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, author of “How To Be An Illustrator”, and founder of Heart, Darrel Rees about why he chose to form an illustration agency; why—when it comes to creating an illustration—good enough is pretty good; how illustrators can best communicate with agents and clients; and more.

To learn more about Darrel and his agency, visit heartagency.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, author, and Maine Master Naturalist, Melissa Sweet about the “convoluted” beginning of her children’s book career; why it’s a good idea for illustrators to care just a little less about their work; why all you need is a color wheel and a complement when it comes to working with color; and more.

To learn more about Melissa and her books, visit melissasweet.net.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Beatrix Potter and Robert Spellman

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Lisa Kollins, Founder and Executive Director of The Superhero Project, about the origin story of The Superhero Project; what healing, empowering, and joy-bringing force illustration can be for children with illnesses and disabilities; how illustrators can work with Lisa; and more.

To learn more about Lisa and The Superhero Project, visit superheroprojectkids.org.

If you would like to join the “League of Extraordinary Artists”, check out this YouTube video. The Superhero Project’s Artist Inquiry Form can be found here.

The Superhero Project has limited funding available to provide honoraria for young and emerging BIPOC artists and artists with disabilities who are interested in participating. To apply for their Artist Equity Program, visit docs.google.com/forms/d/e/.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustration historian, educator, and visual communicator, Jaleen Grove about the public’s lack of awareness of illustration (and why that matters); what women illustrators were doing at the turn of the 20th century; why the illustration industry has had many “deaths” over the past 150 years; and more.

To learn more about Jaleen, visit jaleengrove.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: William Morris, Katheryn Beverley, Elizabeth Ellender, Sidney Sime, Arthr Rackham, and Robert Seymour

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, character designer, and author, Carter Goodrich about his creative process—and why he finds it difficult to talk about his creative process; what his approach to character design is with animated films like Prince of Egypt, Shrek, and Despicable Me; why an artist moving through their career is like a leaf floating down a river; and more.

To learn more about Carter, visit cartergoodrich.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Nico Marlet, Chris Van Allsburg, David Macaulay, Akira Arita, Buck Lewis, Peter de Sève, Carlos Grangel, Vera Brosgol, Remy Charlip, Uri Shulevitz, Frank Frazetta, and Mort Drucker

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and author, Jutta Bauer, about how she went from being a “bad pupil”  to building a multi-award-winning career in illustration; what she has liked and disliked most about her career; whether illustrators today can change the world; and more.

To learn more about Jutta, visit jutta-bauer.info.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Axel Scheffler, Tove Jansson, Tomi Ungerer, Jean-Jacques Sempé, and Friedrich Karl Waechter

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Dr. David R. McDuff, sports psychiatrist and faculty member at the University Of Maryland’s School Of Medicine, about his role as a mental preparation trainer for the Baltimore Orioles; what simple, doable, healthy routines help manage anxiety and stress; why athletes and artists should accept the positive energy fear can bring into their lives; and more.

To learn more about David and his practice, visit mdsports.net. Read Giuseppe’s article on the similarities between baseball and illustration on his blog.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: James Hartzell

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Shannon McNab, surface designer, educator, and founder of Sketch Design Repeat about how she took the leap from corporate graphic design to freelance surface design; how surface designers can build a portfolio, find clients, and negotiate fees; why illustrators should really follow their own paths; and more.

To learn more about Shannon, visit shannonmcnab.com.

Other helpful links from Shannon include: Sketch Design Repeat, Pitch Your Portfolio, Artful Pricing & Negotiation, Portfolio Myths Mini-Course, and Surface Design Industry Survey

Artists mentioned in this episode include: William Morris, Alice and Martin Provensen, Jim Flora, Mary Blair, Eyvind Earle, Lisa Congdon, and Victoria Johnson

Surtex, ABC Kids Expo, and Airtable were also mentioned in this episode.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to author, critic, and children’s book historian, Leonard S. Marcus about his book, Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children’s Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World; why Puffin’s tampering of Roald Dahl’s text opens the doors for publishers to rewrite—and re-illustrate—anything; why we should look to illustration’s history to understand its future; and more.

To learn more about Leonard, visit leonardmarcus.com. To purchase Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children’s Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World, visit abramsbooks.com/pictured-worlds.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jerry Pinkney, Floyd Cooper, Ashley Bryan, Shirley Hughes, Leonard Kessler, Ted Lewin, Robert Quackenbush, Lois Ehlert, Mitsumasa Anno, Eric Carle, Bryan Collier, David Macaulay, Lane Smith, David Wiesner, Květa Pacovská, Elsa Beskow, Maurice Sendak, Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire, Quentin Blake, Jean de Brunhoff, Beatrix Potter, and Allen Say

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Véronique Kirchhoff, Literary Agent & Founder of VeroK Agency, about what illustrators should never do when emailing an agent about representation; how she represents publishers, and what it takes for a children’s book from one country to sell in another; how to “put yourself out there”; and more.

To learn more about Véronique and her agency, visit verokagency.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jean-Jacques Sempé, Alain Grée, Charlotte Steiner, Gertrude Kay, Patricia Hutchins, James Flora, and Jacqueline Ayer

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Philip Lee, cofounder and publisher of Readers to Eaters, about the founding of Lee & Low Books and the philosophy behind its mission; how wabi-sabi guides his editorial process; why “diverse” isn’t the right word when we talk about diverse children’s books; why he’s promoting food literacy from the ground up; and more.

To learn more about Philip and Readers to Eaters, visit readerstoeaters.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Jason Chatfield, Cartoonist, Comedian, and President of the National Cartoonists’ Society, about what illustrators can learn from Jason’s multi-hat-wearing ways; how comedians and cartoonists are cut from the same cloth; how illustrators are not alone in the fight against art theft from AI-image generators; and more.

To learn more about Jason, visit jasonchatfield.com.

You can follow Jason’s Substack at newyorkcartoons.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Ed Sorel, Rube Goldberg, Michael de Adder, Rob Rogers, Barry Blitt, Thomas Nast, Herb Block, Etta Hulme, Tom Floyd, Pat Oliphant, Jeff MacNelly, Tom Richmond, Jack Davis, and Sarah Andersen

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Frances Soo Ping Chow, VP & Creative Director for Running Press and Black Dog & Leventhal, about her role and her time at Running Press; what words illustrators should never use when submitting portfolios to art directors; why illustrators should focus less on style, and more on quality; and more.

To learn more about Running Press, visit runningpress.com. You can email Frances your illustration portfolio by clicking here.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Kerry Martin, Creative Director of Holiday House, Peachtree, and Pixel+Ink.

Kerry answers questions from Patrons of the podcast on submitting picture book dummies; what good habits she thinks illustrators should have; what catches her attention when she looks at portfolios; and more.

They also discuss what might be the worst piece of advice for illustrators.

You can follow Kerry on LinkedIn. You can also email her examples of your illustrations, and a link to your portfolio.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to author, illustrator, creative director, and executive director of Illustration Institute, Scott Nash about welcoming discomfort and change into one’s creative practice; who’s to blame for the general public’s ignorance of illustration; why you should know who Dahlov Ipcar, Barbara Cooney, and other great illustrators are from the great state of Maine; and more.

To learn more about Scott, visit scottnashillustration.com.

To learn more about Illustration Institute, visit illustrationinstitute.org.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Edward Gorey, Katie Yamasaki, Chris Van Dusen, Thomas Nast, Haddon Sundblom, Pearl Mann, Jerry Pinkney, Emily Flake, Joe Ciardiello, Barbara McClintock, Ashley Bryan, Barbara Cooney, Andrew Wyeth, Garth Williams, Dahlov Ipcar, Maurice Jake Day, and Alan Cober

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Cathy Olmedillas, founder of Anorak and Dot Magazines, about the early days of her career as a children’s magazine publisher; why respecting readers and paying illustrators seem to be novel business models in the children’s magazine world; why you should start an illustration career, or a podcast, or a magazine, with joy; and more.

To learn more about Cathy and her happy work, visit studioanorak.co.uk.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to author, former New York Times art director of the Op-Ed page and Book Review, and co-chair of the SVA MFA Designer as Entrepreneur program, Steven Heller.

Steven talks about the early years of his career at the New York Times, and why the word “legacy” is on his mind; what he was looking for in an illustrator’s portfolio—beyond their ability to draw and paint; why he wrote more than seventy obituaries for illustrators, and why he stopped; and more.

This was recorded in Steven and Louise Fili’s Manhattan home (with a surprise appearance by Louise).

To learn more about Steven, visit hellerbooks.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Roz Chast, Seymour Chwast, Milton Glaser, Marshall Arisman, Harvey Kurtzman, Tom Wolfe, Ed Koren, Peter Sís, Brad Holland, Henrik Drescher, Sue Coe, Frances Jetter, Barbara Nessim, Bascove, Steven Guarnaccia, Jules Feiffer, Ronald Searle, Bernie Fuchs, James Flora, Alan Cober, Leo Lionni, Tibor Kalman, Edward Gorey, Saul Steinberg, Maurice Sendak, Philip Guston, Guy Billout, and Christoph Niemann

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, character designer, and “brushmancer”, Max Ulichney about the importance of studying from your favorite artists’ favorite artists; why not having a stylistic home-base may not be a bad thing; how he designs (and how you should use) his MaxPacks brushes; and more.

To learn more about Max, visit maxulichney.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and educator, C.F. Payne about the early years of his illustration career, and how a frustrating portfolio review became a turning point; why he defines illustration as “art done under the circumstances”; why “get good” is the best piece of advice illustrators will ever hear; and more.

To learn more about C.F., visit cfpayne.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Bart Forbes, Norman Rockwell, Charles Schulz, Steve Pietzsch, Sean Earley, Christina Wald, Stewart McKissick, Chris Morris, Alice Carter, Mark Summers, Frank Frazetta, Jack Unruh, Jon Foster, Tara McPherson, Mark English, Gary Kelley, Jon Whitcomb, and Bob Peak

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and author, Bryan Collier about how he dealt with years of rejection and coded racism from publishers; why he thinks there is “no landing place for an illustrator”; what it means to be a “dream walker”; and more.

To learn more about Bryan, visit bryancollier.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Ezra Jack Keats, Crockett Johnson, Ernie Barnes, Tom Feelings, and Jerry Pinkney

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Aram Kim, Art Director at Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, about how she manages her creative duality as both art director and illustrator/author; what it feels like when a book you art direct (not illustrate) wins a Caldecott; why illustrators don’t need to know what she looks for in portfolios; and more.

To learn more about Aram, visit aramkim.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Charlie Bowden, agent and founder of Pickled Ink about the founding of her illustration agency; how illustrators should negotiate fees with clients; what it means to be a friendly agent; and more.

To learn more about Charlie and Pickled Ink, visit pickledink.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Tracy van Straaten, Founder and President of TvS Media Group, about the difference between marketing and publicity in children’s publishing; what illustrators and writers should realistically expect from marketing and publicity departments; why the pre-order window is important when it comes to the life or death of a book; and more.

To learn more about Tracy and TvS Media Group, visit tvsmediagroup.com.

Tracy mentioned Giuseppe’s chat with Hilary Knight. You can listen to that conversation here.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and author, Steve Light about the early years of Steve’s illustration career; why drawing should be like breathing; what it means to be a stylophile; why a little bit of tenacity can take us a long way toward our goals; and more.

To learn more about Steve, visit stevelightart.com.

Steve’s favorite pen is a Montblanc 149. He also recommends the “fude” nib. To learn more about the “fude” nib, visit janinescribbles.com/tag/fude-nib/.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Dave Passalacqua, Květa Pacovská, Marcus Pfister, Shel Silverstein, Ben Shahn, Andy Warhol, and Mozelle Thompson

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to multi-award-winning illustrator, R. Gregory Christie about how his illustration career got its start with the help of a local dance club; why illustrators would do well to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset; what Greg’s three keys are to making it as an illustrator; and more.

To learn more about Greg, visit: rgregorychristie.com

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Ernie Barnes, Ashley Bryan, Jerry Pinkney, Floyd Cooper, Romare Bearden, and Ben Shahn

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to organizers and artists involved with the first annual Kennett Square Arts Festival, in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

The organizers explain why proceeds from the fair are needed to support a new library, and how libraries are funded.

The artists share their experiences with exhibiting at festivals and fairs; why collecting emails from attendees is of utmost importance; why artists might want to consider doing pet portraits; what needs to be done to keep art from blowing into a river (literally); and more.

You can donate to the construction of Kennett Square’s new library by visiting their website.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to artist and writer, Shaun Tan about his new book, Creature: Paintings, Drawings, and Reflections—and what he learned from compiling twenty-six years worth of his work; how illustrators can avoid falling into the rabbit hole of self-imitation; why having fun might be the best guide for any artist’s creative journey; and more.

To learn more about Shaun, visit: shauntan.net.

This is Shaun’s second appearance on the podcast. Click here to listen to his first episode.

To purchase Creature: Paintings, Drawings, and Reflections, visit our book shop.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Chris Ware and Frank Auerbach

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Anna Goodson,  President & Founder of Anna Goodson Illustration Agency, about why—“post-COVID”—her illustration agency is busier than ever; how an illustrator should build their portfolio; whether social media is truly a necessary marketing tool for illustrators; and more.

To learn more about Anna and her agency, visit agoodson.com.

This is Anna’s second appearance on the podcast. Click here to listen to her first episode.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to the attendees of The Illustration Department’s Illustrators’ Day in this “campfire” episode.

Recorded on September 24, 2022, the attendees explain why they chose illustration as a profession; why authors should never say “my illustrator” (with help from illustration collector and author, Roger Reed); what frustrates them most about being an illustrator; and more.

The sound is a little off, but what the attendees share—their wisdom, insight, and advice—is excellent.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Corey Peterschmidt, Book Art and Design Manager at Blizzard, about what they look for in illustrators’ portfolios, and why they say there’s magic in fan art; how trauma can split you into more than one person; what has helped them work and live with Depression (including the healing power of illustration); and more.

Corey’s Instagram handle is @bcpeterschmidt.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and author, Loren Long about the early days of his illustration career, and why being a children’s book illustrator was not part of the plan; how he paints with color blindness; why he feels like he’s still trying to figure things out with his art; and more.

To learn more about Loren, visit lorenlong.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Maynard Dixon, N.C. Wyeth, Gary Kelley, Mark English, Brad Holland, Leo and Diane Dillon, Alice and Martin Provensen, David Shannon, C.F. Payne, Chris Van Allsburg, Virginia Lee Burton, Wanda Gág, Gustaf Tenggren, Lois Lenski, George and Doris Hauman, Kadir Nelson, and Robert McCloskey

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to artist, author, and educator, Alice A. Carter about the life and love of Red Rose Girls—Jessie Willcox Smith, Elizabeth Shippen Green, Violet Oakley, and Elizabeth Cozens—and the scandal that broke them apart; why there’s been a disparity between women and men in the illustration Hall of Fame; why it’s important to view contemporary illustration through an historical lens; and more.

You can connect with Alice on LinkedIn.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Charles Dana Gibson, J.C. Leyendecker, Norman Rockwell, Al Parker, Lorraine Fox, Jesse Willcox Smith, John R. Neil, Ludwig Bemelmans, Dennis Nolan, Giotto, C.F. Payne, Violet Oakley, Elizabeth Shippen Green, Ethel Franklin Betts, Richard Amsel, Steven and Timothy Quay, Mel Ramos, Mort Drucker, Maxfield Parrish, Rose O’Neill, Vincent Van Gogh, Edwin Austin Abbey, Howard Pyle, and Franklin Booth

After the conversation, Alice sent an email about what AI-generated imagery is and isn’t for illustrators:

I recalled how the Disney animators refused to work on Tron because they thought that CGI would be the end of animation. Bill Kroyer, Syd Mead, and Jean (Moebius) Geraud took the plunge and as it turned out, theirs was the right decision.

So (in my opinion) students shouldn’t be intimidated by any new technology. Nothing has changed in 60,000 years except that we’re more likely to draw with pixels than with charcoal.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustration agent and founder of Alan Lynch Artists, Alan Lynch about what has and hasn’t changed in illustration during his 30-year career as an agent; how conversations about AI-generated imagery sound very familiar (and why that might be good news for illustrators); how agents have a negative reputation, and why it’s unfair “for the most part”; and more.

To learn more about Alan and his agency, visit alanlynchartists.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, author, and visual literacy advocate, Ed Vere about growing up with Jan Michał Pieńkowski—and the life-lessons Jan imparted upon him; why it is so important to teach visual literacy to teachers; why “supposed to” should not be part of any creative process; and more.

To learn more about Ed, visit edvere.com.

To learn more about The Power of Pictures, visit clpe.org.uk/books/power-of-pictures/about.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jan Michał Pieńkowski, Quentin Blake, Chris Haughton, Viviane Schwarz, and Benji Davies

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, Melissa Castrillón about how she went from being “pretty bad” at approaching publishers to becoming a full-time illustrator; what her approach is with character design, color, and negative space; how—through limitation—illustrators can find freedom with their creativity; and more.

To learn more about Melissa, visit melissacastrillon.co.uk.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Mumtaz Mustafa—Senior Art Director for William Morrow, Harvest Books, and Mariner Books at HarperCollins—about how she oversees and art directs hundreds of books a year; what the four main steps are when designing a book cover (and why they’re judged, often harshly, within Publishing); how illustrators can get her attention; and more.

To learn more about Mumtaz, visit mmdesignbookcovers.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, author, and educator, Shadra Strickland about what led her to becoming a picture book maker—despite the naysayers; why realism in illustration is not an out-of-fashion style; what artists need to remember about being artists; and more.

To learn more about Shadra, visit jumpin.shadrastrickland.com.

Shadra has work on display from her book, Bird, in the “Imprinted: Illustrating Race” show at the Norman Rockwell Museum. To learn more, visit nrm.org.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Thomas Vroman, Roald Dahl, Jonathan Bean, Lauren Castillo, Taeeun Yoo, Paul Hoppe, Patricia Polacco, Pat Cummings, Tom Feelings, Jerry Pinkney, Bryan Collier, Keith Henry Brown, Greg Christie, Kadir Nelson, Floyd Cooper, and Chris Myers

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, Mike Lowery about how he managed to turn illustrating into a living; why drawing every day is a vital part of his life and work; what illustrators can learn from craft-makers; and more.

To learn more about Mike, visit mikelowery.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: John Hendrix

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to animation director, production designer, and illustrator, Chris Sasaki about how he found his way—in spite of multiple rejections—into the animation world; what he learned about character design from working at Pixar; why drawing in a sketchbook would be his ideal full-time job; and more.

To learn more about Chris, visit Chris Sasaki.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Stephen Gammell, Chris Turnham, Bill Peet, Mary Blair, Carter Goodrich, and Peter de Sève

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to best-selling illustrator and author, Eileen Christelow about her transition from being a photographer in the 1960’s, to becoming a best-selling children’s book maker; what illustrators (especially those in critique groups) can learn from Jim Giblin—Eileen’s long-time editor; what illustrators can do to improve (hint: it’s likely you’re already doing it); and more.

To learn more about Eileen, visit christelow.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Henri Cartier-Bresson, Margaret Bourke-White, John Steptoe, Maurice Sendak, James Marshall, and Arnold Lobel

To learn more about James Cross Giblin, you can read this interview with Roger Sutton.

Eileen mentioned the Esalen Institute. To learn more about it, go to esalen.org.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, Felicita Sala about her early days as an illustrator; why illustrators need to find their “why”; what makes it so difficult to write good books for children; why being inconsistent with her picture book illustrations is fine by her; and more.

To learn more about Felicita, visit felicitasala.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Gianluca Maruotti, Kitty Crowther, Beatrice Alemagna, Isabelle Arsenault, The Fan Brothers, Gianni Rodari,  Ilon Wikland, and Sydney Smith

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to best-selling illustrator and author, Antoinette Portis, about how creative expression can help one navigate life’s hardest challenges; what Maurice Sendak meant when he told her that illustrators need to be “secret agents”; where we can find the ideas for our creative expression; and more.

To learn more about Antoinette, visit antoinetteportis.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Marcel Duchamp, Rowboat Watkins, and Edward Koren

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, designer, and educator, Eugenia Mello about what “draw what you know” means—and why it’s both good and frustrating advice; why she thinks the act of illustrating is like a dance; how illustrators are music makers, and why the music they make is as magical as anything; and more.

To learn more about Eugenia, visit eugeniamello.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Robyn Phillips-Pendleton—Professor of Visual Communications at the University of Delaware, and Interim Director for the MFA in Illustration Practice at Maryland Institute College of Art—about whether social media is bending the quality of today’s illustrations toward mediocrity; why introspection is a key component to being an illustrator; and more.

This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. You can listen to Part 1 here.

To learn more about Robyn, visit rphillipspendleton.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Robyn Phillips-Pendleton— Professor of Visual Communications at the University of Delaware, and Interim Director for the MFA in Illustration Practice at Maryland Institute College of Art—about Illustration’s racist history; the power illustration has to heal… and to harm; and more.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 can be heard here.

To learn more about Robyn, visit rphillipspendleton.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jerry Pinkney, Tom Feelings, Ernie Barnes, Charles Alston, Barbara Zuber, Lois Mailou Jones, Elton Fax, Emory Douglas, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Tom Lovell, Mozelle Thompson, Edward Mitchell Bannister, E. Simms Campbell, Alex Bostic, Rudy Gutieerez, Aaron Douglas, and Thomas Nast

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Heidi and Ryan Sanchez, Art Agents and Cofounders of Spinning Yarn, about how they formed and (with a little help from Captain Kangaroo) named their agency; how they find clients for the illustrators they represent; what is and isn’t professional when emailing an illustration agent (spoiler alert: don’t use emojis); and more.

To learn more about Spinning Yarn, visit spinningyarnreps.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Charlie Moyler, Fiction Art Director at Little Tiger, about how her path to becoming an art director; and how making a little noise helped her get there. She answers questions from Patrons of the podcast on connecting with children’s book art directors, the importance of blogs, the professionalism of “DMing” art directors; and more.

Charlie is @charliemoyler on Instagram.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and author, Keith Henry Brown about how music has a played a vital role in both his life and art; what it means to feel entitled to your mistakes—and how that applies to creativity; and why we must embrace our individuality in the age of Comparison Culture.

To learn more about Keith visit, keithhbrown.com.

Keith mentioned liner note written by Bill Evans about the artistry of Miles Davis. You can read it here.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Joe Ciardiello, Gary Kelley, Loren Long, Floyd Cooper, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Bernie Fuchs, Frank Frazetta, Bob Peak, Robert McGinnis, and N.C. Wyeth

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to picture book illustrator and author, Tom Lichtenheld about why and how he works in so many different styles; why not having enough time to draw or paint or write may not actually have anything to do with time; how illustrators can approach composition; what advice you should not follow from Mem Fox; and more.

To learn more about Tom, visit tomlichtenheld.com.

Tom created a comprehensive guide for illustrators and writers who are interested in children’s publishing. You can read it here.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Jacqueline Lipton, founding agent at Raven Quill Literary Agency, and faculty member at The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Law. Among other topics, she explains what copyright is and isn’t for creators; how artists can legitimately protect their work; why “fear of the law” shouldn’t stop one from being creative; and more.

Jacqueline is closed to submissions. However, you can send your query to her… but only if you listen to this conversation.

To learn more about Jacqueline, visit jlipton.com.

To learn more about Raven Quill Literary Agency, visit ravenliterary.com.

Giuseppe and Jacqueline discuss her book, Law and Authors: A Legal Handbook for Writers. You can (and should) purchase it here.

Jacqueline mentioned Helen Sedwick’s book, Self-Publisher’s Legal Handbook. Here’s more on Helen and her book.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, author, and educator, Rivkah LaFille about the sequence of events that led her to becoming a graphic novel creator; why many illustrators find it difficult to believe in themselves and their work; three misconceptions people have about the creation of a graphic novel; and more.

To learn more about Rivkah, visit rivkah.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Emma D. Dryden—founder of drydenbks, a children’s editorial and publishing consultancy—about what it was like to work alongside one of the great children’s book editors of all time, Margaret K. McElderry; what led Emma to forming drydenbks, after an illustrious career as an editor and publisher; why we should separate our job title from our identity; why you CAN write children’s books in rhyme; and more.

To learn more about Emma and what she offers children”s book creators, visit drydenbks.com.

To learn more about Margaret K. McElderry, her history, and her legendary colleagues, read this article.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, animator, director, and educator, Richard Borge about choosing a freelance life over something more (ostensibly) stable; why illustrators should embrace their work’s evolution; how to conceptualize an editorial illustration; why some great pieces of advice for illustrators aren’t that great; and more.

To learn more about Richard, visit richardborge.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Scott Santoro, Ed Bedno, Matt Mahurin, and Mark Fredrickson

Richard cited an article entitled, A Program for Developing Visual Symbols, by Ed Bedno. You can read it here.

Giuseppe talked about a blog post he wrote called, Do What You Don’t Love. You can read it here.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to New York Times Best-selling illustrator and author, and creator of Pinkalicious, Victoria Kann, about how Rolling Stone helped kickstart her illustration career; how a made-up disease led to her popular Pinkalicious franchise; why we shouldn’t have just one favorite color; what it means to fear success; and more.

To learn more about Victoria, visit ilikeart.com

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

This is our 150th Episode! To celebrate, Giuseppe Castellano has compiled short highlights from Episodes 101 to 149.

If this is the first time you’ve listened to our podcast, you’ll hear from illustrators, agents, art directors, editors, publishers, and more.

Through these 49 episodes, we covered a wide range of topics, including: best practices in building a portfolio and submitting it to art directors; the many varied paths our colleages have taken to find their illustration career; the power of illustration; and beating imposter syndrome and creative blocks.

Our guests were (in order): Sari Levy-Schorr, Janna Morishima, Rashin Kheiriyeh, Ellen Kokontis, Darryl Cheng, Kay Fraser, David Macaulay, Ariel Schrag, Kirk Benshoff, Laura Roode, Giselle Potter, Liz Frances, Ben Zhu, Ren Renwick, Mela Bolinao, Vesper Stamper, Dave McMahon, Shaun Tan, John Hendrix, Richard Solomon, Traci Todd, Karen Katz, Guy Billout, Roy Freeman, Lauren Flower-Kim, Christopher A. Brown, Melissa Iwai, Lane Smith, Flavia Zorrilla Drago, Mary Azarian, Daniel Miyares, Tim Mendola, Mark Summers, Barry Moser, Richard Michelson, Emily Arnold McCully, Jane Dyer, Angela Navarra, Olivia Verdugo, Kellee Riley, Patrick Spaziante, Barbara McClintock, Judy Schachner, Maria Modugno, Nicole Tugeau, Greg Foley, Kat Irannejad, Arsh Raziuddin, and Roz Chast.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Roz Chast, long-time cartoonist for The New Yorker, about the early days of her fifty-year career; what tricks she uses to work through anxiety and artist’s block; what Helen Hokinson and other women cartoonists throughout history have meant to Roz; and more.

To learn more about Roz, visit rozchast.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Lynda Barry, Sam Gross, Jules Feiffer, Stan Mack, Mark Alan Stamaty, Ethel Plummer, Mary Petty, Ilonka Karasz, Helen Hokinson, Barbara Shermund, Roberta MacDonald, and Charles Addams

Roz quotes Bartleby. You can read the full story, Bartleby, the Scrivener, by Herman Melville, here.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Arsh Raziuddin, Creative Director at Bon Appétit and Epicurious, about her career in editorial design and art direction; what experiences she’s had as an art director at The Atlantic and The New York Times; what she looks for in an illustrator’s portfolio; why we’ll be seeing more illustrations in Bon Appétit; and more.

To learn more about Arsh, visit arshraziuddin.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Kat Irranejad—Co-Founder and Executive Agent at Snyder—about work ethic and entrepreneurship through the lens of being a First Generation American; how illustrators can use Instagram in a healthy, productive way; why we need to be our first, best advocate; and more.

To learn more about Kat and Snyder, visit wearesnyder.com.

Kat wrote a blog post about the intersection of Instagram and Commercial Art. Read it here.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Kelli Anderson, Alice Neel, Philip Burke, Victor Juhasz, Robert Grossman, Drew Friedman, Barry Blitt, Libby VanderPloeg, Lulu Xiao, and Aurélia Durand

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Greg Foley—illustrator, writer, designer, and all-around creator—about how studying fashion design at the Rhode Island School of Design led him down many varied creative paths; how Greg’s picture book, Thank You Bear, inadvertently and perfectly describes the picture book submission process; how we can achieve simplicity and authenticity with the work we create; and more.

To learn more about Greg, visit gregfoley.co.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Nicole Tugeau, Agent and Founder of Tugeau 2 (also known as T2) about the founding of her agency; what she looks for in an illustrator’s submission (hint, don’t stress about your submission letter); what mistakes to avoid when submitting your portfolio or picture book dummy to agents; how she parts ways with illustrators; what doing “spec work” really looks like; and more.

To learn more about Nicole and her agency, visit tugeau2.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Maria Modugno, Executive Editorial Director at Random House Studio, about how Tomie dePaola taught her to become an editor; what the acquisition process is like for a children’s book; why debut children’s book creators need to learn about marketing—STAT; what Maria looks for in illustrations; and more.

You can find Maria on LinkedIn.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jane Dyer, Tomie DePaola, Holly Hobbie, Rob Scotton, Victoria Kann, Brigette Barrager, Max Lang, and Pete Oswald

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator and writer, Judy Schachner, about how having an imagination saved her life—especially during a difficult childhood; why her first steps as an author included lying to editors; what the late, great Anna Dewdney meant to her; and more.

To learn more about Judy, visit judithbyronschachner.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Arthur Rackham, Calvin Burnett, Ed Emberley, Alice and Martin Provensen, Aubrey Beardsley, Carl Larsson, Ivan Bilibin, Trina Schart Hyman, E.H. Shepard, Anna Dewdney

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to best-selling illustrator and author, Barbara McClintock, about how Maurice Sendak—literally—helped her begin her children’s book career (including portfolio advice every illustrator should follow); why starting any creative project is the hardest hurdle to jump; how illustrators can process rejections in a positive way; and more.

To learn more about Barbara, visit barbaramcclintockbooks.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Maurice Sendak, Albrecht Dürer, Jean-Jacques Sempé, Walter Shandoah, J. J. Grandville, Honoré Daumier, and Eugène Delacroix

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and comic book artist, Patrick Spaziante, about his career—from his early days at Archie Comics to becoming what Sonic the Hedgehog fans call “the legendary Spaz”; what lessons he’s learned from being a life-long copy artist; what illustrators can do if they don’t like any of the work they create; and more.

As discussed in this episode, Patrick is one of the few artists who can have a career and not be online. You can learn more about him on his Wikipedia page.

Artists mentioned in this epsiode include: Manny Galán, Jack Kirby, Ralph McQuarrie, Arthur Adams, Don Bluth, and Emily Warren

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, Kellee Riley, about how she became a copy artist for Holly Hobby, Dora the Explorer, and other properties; what a copy artist is, and why it deserves more respect from the illustration community; how having just a little bit of confidence—no matter what kind of art you create—can go a long way; and more.

To learn more about Kellee, visit kelleeriley.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Pernille Ørum, Loish van Baarle, Ross Tran, and Brian Kesinger

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Olivia Verdugo, Art Director at The Barnes Foundation about her role at the Barnes, and the circuitous route she took to get there; what illustrators can learn from Dr. Barnes’ idiosyncratic, holistic approach to art collection; why graphic designers are both poets and engineers; what five guiding principles helped Olivia find her creative path; and more.

To learn more about Olivia, visit oliviasverdugo.design.

To learn more about The Barnes Foundation, visit barnesfoundation.org.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Art Director and Illustrator, Angela Navarra, about her role as Art Director at Callisto Media; how she finds illustrators, and what she looks for; what she wishes she knew about being a freelancer when she started; what it’s like balancing single parenthood and a creative practice; and more.

To learn more about Angela, visit signorinanavarra.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, Jane Dyer, about the early days of her decades-long career; how believing in yourself is difficult, but necessary, if you want to be an illustrator; what it’s like to lose your serenity after a traumatic event, and what it takes to find it again; and more.

To learn more about Jane, visit janedyerchildrensbooks.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Charles Mikolaycak, Marc Brown, Barry Moser, Lauren Mills, Dennis Nolan, Maurice Sendak, Maxfield Parrish, Jesse Willcox Smith, and Maud and Miska Petersham

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Caldecott-winning illustrator and author, Emily Arnold McCully, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about her 55-year career; how she felt discouraged enough to consider quitting illustration—just before winning the Caldecott; why meeting our boundaries as artists is a good thing; and more.

To learn more about Emily, visit emilyarnoldmccully.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Betsy Lewin; Maurice Sendak, Milton Glaser, Paul Desmond Brown, Diane Dillon, and Leonardo Da Vinci

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Richard Michelson, owner and founder of R. Michelson Galleries, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the founding of his gallery (thanks to a ping-pong game); why the term “kid-friendly” with respect to picture books is “kid-unfriendly”; how an illustrator can exhibit at his gallery; what it was like being neighbors with Maurice Sendak and Eric Carle; and more.

To learn more about Richard and his gallery, visit rmichelson.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Barry Moser, Leonard Baskin, Dr. Seuss, Virginia Lee Burton, Jerry Pinkney, James Marshall, Trina Schart Hyman, Ezra Jack Keats, Diane Dillon, Tomie dePaola, Alice and Martin Provensen, Eric Carle, Jane Dyer, Maurice Sendak, Jules Feiffer, Gerald McDermott, Mordicai Gerstein, Adam McCauley, Raúl Colón, R.G. Roth, Diane deGroat, Tony DiTerlizzi, Albrecht Dürer, and Bryan Collier

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Bookwright, Barry Moser, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the early years of his career—from teenage minister to renowned artist; what similarities there are between illustrating a picture book and composing a piece of music; what it was like hanging out with—and posing for—Eric Carle; and more.

To learn more about Barry, visit moser-pennyroyal.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Leonard Baskin, Albrecht Dürer, Eric Carle, Chris Van Allsburg, David MacCaulay, and Jane Dyer

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Scratchboard artist, Mark Summers, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the mistakes Mark made early in his Hall of Fame illustration career; how playing Trivia Pursuit with his wife in 1985 “changed the world overnight” for Mark; how an artist can know if they’re going in the right direction with their work; and more.

To learn more about Mark, visit marksummers.myportfolio.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Norman Rockwell, John Tenniel, Will Davies, Anita Kunz, Richard Amsel, J.C. Leyendecker, Charles Dana Gibson, Duncan Macpherson, Bernie Fuchs, Lynd Ward, Franklin Booth, Mary Azarian, Barry Moser, Leonard Baskin, Gustave Doré, Mort Drucker, Albert Dorne, Bob Peak, N.C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish, Mark English, C.F. Payne, Gary Kelly, and Peter de Sève 

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Tim Mendola—President of Mendola Artists and Rapp Art—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about Tim’s first experiences as agent; what best business practices all illustrators should embrace; what the “market” is and isn’t; why we may never see a sustainable union for illustrators; and more.

To learn more about Tim and his agencies, visit mendolaart.com and rappart.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Murray Tinkelman, Leonard Baskin, Bernie D’Andrea, Lorraine Fox, Ben Shahn, Coby Whitmore, Norman Rockwell, and Robert Heindel

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Illustrator and author, Daniel Miyares, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about what being a first generation American means to him, and how he unpacks it through his art; how the beginning of his career started with an agent saying, “I don’t think you’re right for the children‘s book industry”; what it means to be curious—and how it just might be, for illustrators, the key to everything; and more.

To learn more about Daniel, visit danielmiyares.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Floyd Cooper, Mark English,and Bob Kolar

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator and author, Mary Azarian, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about her career—and how much of it came from “randomness, circumstance, and luck”; how farming fed her creativity; what she thinks every creative person should do—regardless of their age or experience; and more.

To learn more about Mary, visit maryazarian.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Leonard Baskin and Barry Moser

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Illustrator and author, Flavia Zorilla Drago, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about creating art outside of one‘s culture; how artists are being placed into diversity “boxes,” and by whom; why it can be difficult for artists to accept praise; and more.

To learn more about Flavia, visit flaviazdrago.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Becky Palmer, Elys Dolan, Katherina Manolessou, Javier Mariscal, Miguel Covarrubias, Hieronymus Bosch, Gabriel Pacheco, and Alfonso Ruano

Flavia mentioned the term “malinchista” when referring to being influenced by work outside of Mexico. Here is the fascinating origin of that term.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Caldecott-winning illustrator and author, Lane Smith, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how he went from illustrating an album cover for Oingo Boingo, to publishing his first picture book; what he doesn’t like about the term “kid-friendly” when describing kids’ books; why he works in multiple styles and media; and more.

To learn more about Lane, visit lanesmithbooks.com.

Lane and Giuseppe spoke at length about Grandpa Green—which earned Lane a Caldecott Honor in 2012. You can buy it here.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Stan Lee, Georganne Dean, Matt Mahurin, Greg Spalenka, Peggy Rathmann, James Marshall, Ludwig Bemelmans, Edward Gorey, Józef Wilkoń, Tomi Ungerer, Maurice Sendak, Alice and Martin Provensen. Ralph Steadman, William Joyce, Chuck Jones, Henrik Drescher, Etienne Delessert, Rita Marshall, Jon Klassen, Keith Haring, Charles Schulz, WIlliam Steig, Grandma Moses, and Leo Lionni

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Illustrator and author, Melissa Iwai, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the meandering journey that led her to becoming an illustrator and author—with a little help from Richard Scarry; how she reclaimed her identity, her joy, and her drawing hand; why it’s a good idea to create art—not for a portfolio piece or social media—but for yourself; and more.

To learn more about Melissa, visit melissaiwai.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Richard Scarry

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Christopher A. Brown—Special Collections Curator for the Children’s Literature Research Collection at the Free Library of Philadelphia—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how a lie helped him become a librarian; who decides what books belong in a library; why he thinks revolutions are recorded in children’s literature; and more.

To learn more about the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Children’s Literature Research Collection, visit FreeLibrary.org/clrc.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Chris Van Allsburg, Martha Rich, David Wiesner, Anna Whelan Betts, Jessie Willcox Smith, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Carolyn Haywood, and Katherine Milhous

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Marketing Consultant, Lauren Flower-Kim, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about her career as a marketing leader at both Random House and HarperCollins; what role—and power—Marketing Departments have in Children’s Publishing; what three ways a book creator can market their book; and more.

You can connect with Lauren on LinkedIn.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Roy Freeman—scientist, artist, author, publisher, and son of Don Freeman—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about Don’s life before Corduroy; how Roy found peace with the difficult relationship he had with his father; what advice Don would share with illustrators were he alive today; and more.

To learn more about Roy and Don Freeman, visit donfreeman.info.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Al Hirschfeld, Jackson Pollack, David Edward Byrd; Beauford Delaney, and Beatrix Potter

Roy and Giuseppe talk about a short documentary of Don, his wife Lydia, and their working relationship.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Editorial illustrator, and picture book author, Guy Billout talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how his experiences during WWII and 9/11 are connected; why self-confidence is an essential part of being an editorial illustrator; what he regrets about being inducted into the Society of Illustrators’ Hall of Fame; and more.

To see his work, visit instagram.com/gbillout.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Raymond Savignac, André François, Ronald Searle, Hergé, Marshall Arisman, Rolf Armstrong , Peter de Sève, William Glackens, Beatrix Potter, and Richard Powers

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Karen Katz talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the life choice that sparked her prolific career as a children’s book creator; why working in one style might not be a good idea for illustrators; what three words have helped her navigate life, parenting, and art; and more.

To learn more about Karen, visit karenkatz.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Faith Ringgold and Lois Ehlert

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Author and long-time children’s book editor, Traci Todd, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the editorial process—from her experiences as the head of multiple editorial departments; how “original” trade publishing relies on Pokemon, SpongeBob, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; what a 1975 article by Augusta Baker can teach us about the future of diversity in children’s publishing; and more.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Mariko Tamaki, Jacob Chabot, Christian Robinson, Vera B. Williams, and Don Tate

Traci and Giuseppe talk about Augusta Baker’s 1975 article, The Changing Image of the Black in Children's Literature. You can read it here.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Artist Representative, Richard Solomon, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about his forty-year career as an illustration agent; why he has never asked an illustrator to sign a contract with him—and never will; what the word “quality” means; what he wants etched on his gravestone (and why it matters to illustrators); and more.

To learn more about Richard and his agency, visit richardsolomon.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Greg Manchess, Alexander Calder, Frans Hals, Mark Summers, Doug Smith, and Francis Bacon

Richard was as screenwriter before he became an agent. One script he wrote was called The 16th Round. It would eventually become a movie—starring Denzel Washington—called, The Hurricane. Here is the trailer.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Illustrator, Author, and Professor, John Hendrix, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the lessons he learned from the early days of his illustration career; how his religious faith intersects with his art (and why he thinks “God is dunking” on him); what baseball can teach us about working as an illustrator; and more.

To learn more about John, visit johnhendrix.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Barry Fitzgerald, Marshall Arisman; Milton Glaser, Seymour Chwast, Steven Heller, Grant Wood, Chris Van Allsburg, and Marjane Satrapi

Giuseppe mentioned an blog post he wrote about the similarities between baseball and illustration. You can read it here.

John is the Chair of the MFA Illustration and Visual Culture Program at Washington University in St. Louis. To learn more about the program, visit samfoxschool.wustl.edu.

John and Giuseppe spoke about the intersection of Faith and Art in John’s books. One such title is The Holy Ghost: A Spirited Comic, from Abrams ComicArts.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Artist and writer, Shaun Tan, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how dinosaurs helped him become an artist (and combat bullies); why 95% of the art he makes never sees the light of day; how simplicity and complexity can be synonymous; why a crisis of confidence can be a good thing; and more.

To learn more about Shaun, visit shauntan.net.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Michael Youens, Ann Baum, Thomas Crosby-Smith, Yōichi Kotabe, Don Freeman, and Maurice Sendak

Shaun and Giuseppe spoke at length about this image from Shaun’s book, The Red Tree.

Shaun credits A Natural History of Dinosaurs for his early artist training. You can learn more about that 1970’s book on chasmosaurs.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Dave McMahon, Director of Learner and Teacher Experience Design at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the role of an Experience Designer—and how it applies to other forms of art; what 1980’s Nintendo games taught us about the inevitability of losing; what seven-word mantra everyone would do well to follow; and more.

To learn more about Dave, visit davemcmahon.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Illustrator and author, Vesper Stamper, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how her beloved grandfather guided her early steps into illustration; why it’s important to draw attention to the repairs we make within our lives; how her podcast, Vesperisms, combats censorship; why Hilary Knight is punk rock; and more.

To learn more about Vesper, visit vesperillustration.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Makoto Fujimora, Hilary Knight, and Felicita Sala

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Mela Bolinao, Art Agent and Owner of MB Artists, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the precarious steps she took to becoming an agent; why she’s always looking at illustrators’ portfolios (and what she looks for) even when she’s closed to submissions; what she thinks is a sign of great illustrator; and more.

To learn more about Mela and her agency, visit mbartists.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Ren Renwick, CEO of the Association of Illustrators, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how illustrators can gain—or in some cases, reclaim—good mental health; how illustrators can confidently navigate the business end of illustration; why now is “the moment” for visual creators; and more.

To learn more about Ren and the AOI, visit theaoi.com.

An article on mental health, written by Ren, was brought up in this episode. Here is a link to that article.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Ben Zhu—founder of Gallery Nucleus, illustrator, and author—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about COVID19’s affect on Gallery Nucleus; the ups and downs of creating, selling, debuting, and marketing a picture book; and more.

To learn more about Ben, visit benzhudraws.com.

To learn more about Gallery Nucleus, visit gallerynucleus.com.

Ben was a guest in Episode 7 of the podcast. To listen that interview, visit illustrationdept.com/podcast/benzhu.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Babs Tarr, Jon Klassen, LeUyen Pham, and Chris Sasaki

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Liz Frances, Publisher and Founder of Street Noise Books, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about why she started a publishing company during a pandemic; how zen designing novel interiors can be; where social and political views intersect with children’s publishing; and more.

To learn more about Liz, visit streetnoisebooks.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Illustrator, Giselle Potter, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how an embarrassing trip to the New Yorker launched her career; how she finds stability as a professional illustrator; why it’s good to have a little  perspective—especially when you feel like giving up; and more.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Giotto, Fra Angelico, and Beatrix Potter

To learn more about Giselle and her work, visit gisellepotter.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Laura Roode—Executive Art Director at Little Simon and Simon Spotlight, imprints of Simon & Schuster—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how she and her team find illustrators; what illustrators should expect and avoid when working with art directors; how she deals with imposter syndrome; and more.

If you want to send Laura your illustration work, her email address at S&S is laura.roode [@] simonandschuster.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Kirk Benshoff, Art Director at First Second (an imprint of Macmillan Publishers), talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the graphic novel boom; how he and his team at First Second work with graphic novel creators; and what he wishes everyone would know about graphic novels.

This episode covers the nuts and bolts of publishing a graphic novel, including: the timeline from acquisition to proofing, the art process, speech bubbles, visual techniques, trim sizes, pages count, and more.

To learn more about Kirk, visit kirkbenshoff.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Cartoonist and Writer, Ariel Schrag, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about her first steps—starting in high school—as a comics creator; how the current discourse surrounding what illustrators and writers can and can’t do with their work has its pros and cons; how illustrators and writers can get going on the thing they want to create; and more.

To learn more about Ariel, visit arielschrag.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Robert Crumb, Linda Barry, Mimi Pond, and Matt Groening

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Caldecott-winning illustrator and author, David Macaulay, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about his first steps in publishing—from rejections to Caldecott wins. He also shares this thoughts on: “breaking into publishing”, developing curiosity, quitting illustration, and more.

To learn more about David, visit davidmacaulay.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Kay Fraser, Senior Art Director at Capstone, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about her path to becoming an art director—from Buenos Aires to Minnesota; how she and her team look for—and work with—illustrators; what the best practices are when emailing art directors; and more.

If you want to email Kay a link to your portfolio, click here.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Darryl Cheng—author of The New Plant Parent and creator of House Plant Journal—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about being a plant parent; how he approaches house plant care, technically and philosophically; why illustrators should avoid “plant blindness” when it comes to growing or illustrating plants; and more.

To learn more about Darryl, visit houseplantjournal.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Ellen Kokontis—Art Director at Cottage Door Press—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the circuitous route she took to becoming a children’s book art director; what she looks for in illustrations (beyond “I know it when I see it”); what three big mistakes she sees illustrators make; and more.

To learn more about Ellen, visit ellenkokontis.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Illustrator and Author, Rashin Kheiriyeh, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how she became an illustrator—with help from her mother and the Iranian Government; what cultural differences she’s noticed while working with Publishers around the world; why your life’s experiences are worth sharing through illustration; and more.

To learn more about Rashin, visit rashinart.com.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Janna Morishima, Illustration and Literary Agent & Founder of Kids Comics Unite, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how she co-founded Graphix—Scholastic’s Graphic Novel imprint; why she thinks the current graphic novel boom is only the beginning; what she looks for in illustrators’ portfolios; what rules to break when querying agents; and more.

If you are planning on submitting a graphic novel to a publisher or agent… the end of this episode is for you.

To learn more about Janna and her agency, visit jannaco.com. You can email Janna at [email protected].

You can also connect with Janna inside Kids Comics Unite, the online community she founded for graphic novel creators.

Janna mentioned an blog post by Rachel Reichenbach (aka “Rainy Lune”) about Instagram engagement. You can read it here.

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Sari Levy-Schorr, President and Owner of Levy Creative Management, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how she transitioned from being an illustration student who didn’t think she was “good enough” to being an agent who represents illustrators; and what defines a good agent/illustrator relationship.

Sari also answers questions from Patrons of the Podcast about signing with an agent; the viability of traditional art; portfolio mistakes; and more.

To learn more about Sari and her agency, visit levycreative.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Murray Tinkelman, Roger Demuth, and Bob Dacey

If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

This is our 100th Episode! To celebrate, Giuseppe Castellano has compiled short highlights from episodes 51 to 99.

If this is the first time you’ve listened to our podcast, you’ll hear from illustrators, agents, art directors, editors, publishers, museum curators and more… 

Through 49 episodes, we covered a wide range of topics, including: restarting a creative career, living and working through the COVID19 pandemic; starting a publishing company; winning the Caldecott; hanging out with Jimi Hendrix; facing failure; defining illustration; and more.

Our guests were (in order): Kelly Light, Hilary Knight, Angharad Kowal Stannus, Claudia Bedrick, Johnny Temple, Rudy Gutierrez, 23 illustrators (for our 1-year anniversary episode), Shawna J.C. Tenney, Noah Klocek, Nancy Stahl, David Edward Byrd, Dian Holton, James Burns, Jeremy Wortsman, Deborah Feingold, Anita Kunz, R.O. Blechman, Joe Ciardiello, Cory Godbey, Rebecca Green, Amanda Burdan, Heather Campbell Coyle, Ella Lupo, Martin Salisbury, Sergio Ruzzier, Jim McMullan, Debbie Bibo, David Wiesner, John Cuneo, Kazu Kibuisihi, Jane O’Connor, Julia Rosenfeld, Lindsay Nohl, Luke Flowers, David Borgenicht, Daniel Abraham, Christine Von Der Linn, Greg Manchess, Matthew Carlson, David Soman, Frances Jetter, Andrew Fairclough, Chris Sickels, Dinalie Dabarera, Barbara Nessim, Victor Juhasz, Henrik Drescher, D.B. Dowd, and Uri Shulevitz