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Sketchbooks, Storytelling & The Business of Illustration with Mike Lowery

75 min • 12 mars 2025

Margo is joined by illustrator, author, and sketchbook enthusiast Mike Lowery, a New York Times Best-Selling Illustrator whose work spans over 80 books, greeting cards, magazines, and even food trucks. Known for his playful, humor-infused drawings, Mike shares his creative journey and insights into the business of illustration. In addition to making books, Mike is an avid sketchbook-keeper and has taught classes worldwide, including more than 30,000 students in-person and online, and encourages others to join him in starting a daily drawing habit and in the business of illustration.

Margo and Mike discuss:

How Mike’s childhood passion for drawing superheroes in a Filipino grocery store led to a career in illustration
The moment he received his first check for his art (and why he still keeps it)
His love for humor in art and how it shaped his path in children's book illustration
The importance of maintaining a consistent sketchbook practice for creativity and career growth
How to build a portfolio that speaks directly to potential clients by focusing on project-based ideas
The evolving role of social media for artists and how he approaches it today
Finding inspiration through travel, daily life, and keeping curiosity alive
Teaching and encouraging others to start a daily drawing habit
The intersection of art and business—how to navigate the industry and create a sustainable career