Explore every episode of the podcast The Illustration Department Podcast

Giuseppe Castellano talks to literary agent at Root Literary, Jessica Saint Jean about what comparison titles are, and whether they have value; what else you should have ready to submit, when an agent shows interest; how children’s book illustrators can play the long game; and more.

You can find Jessica on Instagram.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Janell Cannon, Christian Robinson, Leo Lionni, Marc Simont, Beatrix Potter, Remy Charlip, Lane Smith

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, writer, and filmmaker, Gris Grimly about how cancelled or postponed projects can be positive, even magical, steps forward; how making art helps process trauma; how creatives can avoid being misguided; and more.

To learn more about Gris, grisgrimly.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Dave McKean, John J. Muth, Edward Gorey, Charles Addams, Arthur Rackham, Lisbeth Zwerger, Sam Kieth, Mercer Mayer, Simms Taback

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Sara Frazetta, co-founder of Frazetta Girls, and granddaughter of Frank Frazetta, about her relationship with her grandpa; who 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

Originally published on January 9, 2024.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and educator, Marcos Chin about the one lesson he hopes all students of illustration take to heart; how illustrators can “keep the demons of jealousy away”; why asking “what is it like to be me” is an important question all of us should ask; and more.

To learn more about Marcos, visit marcoschin.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Christina Lee, Marshall Arisman, Anita Kunz

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and writer, Angie Kang about how winning a major award can affect one’s relationship with their creative process; what Angie’s bad (and good) art days look like; how illustrators can minimize their bad art days; and more.

To learn more about Angie, visit angiekang.net.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Oliver Jeffers, Christian Robinson, Julia Sardá, Mike Lowery, Bernie Fuchs, Shawn Harris, Gracey Zhang, Paul O. Zelinsky

Angie mentioned the literary platform, submittable.com.

Here is Giuseppe’s Substack publication about thoughtfulness.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to literary agent and founder of The Anjali Singh Agency, Anjali Singh about how she brought Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel, Persepolis, to the U.S.; what common, subjective excuse is given for many rejections in publishing; how you can find a literary agent; and more.

To learn more about Anjali, visit anjalisinghagency.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Myra El Mir, Art Spiegelman, Aya Ghanameh, Angie Kang, Nicole Georges

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

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

To learn more about Roz, visit rozchast.com.

Roz mentions Bartleby, the Scrivener.

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, Charles Addams

Originally published on March 29, 2022.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, Brett Helquist about how challenging it can be for illustrators to make time to make art; how he approaches character design; what artists need on their creative journeys; and more.

To learn more about Brett, visit bretthelquist.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Robert Neubecker, Hank Ketcham, Christian Robinson, Howard Pyle

Find Brett’s book, The Haunted Playground, at your favorite bookstore, or by visiting penguinrandomhouse.com.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and writer, Shawn Harris about the difference between detail and specificity in an illustration; what a picture book can be about (hint: literally everything); how illustrators can color correct traditional art; and more.

To learn more about Shawn, visit shawnharris.info.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Júlia Sardà, Quentin Blake, The Fan Brothers, William Steig, James Marshall, Jan Brett, Maurice Sendak, Chris Van Allsburg, Sandra Boynton, Alexander Utkin, Helen Stephens, Dr. Seuss

Shawn and Giuseppe talked about playing cassette tapes in one’s car. If you’re interested, here’s how.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, educator, and creative investigator, Sterling Hundley about why it’s challenging for artists to find a “voice”; why it’s important to stay present—especially for creative and depressive types; why illustrators should embrace the word, “interesting”; and more.

To learn more about Sterling, visit sterlinghundley.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Mark English, John English, Brad Holland, Bob Peak, Bernie Fuchs, Diego Velázquez, John Singer Sargent, Robert Heindel

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to writer, producer, and co-creator of the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra, Michael Dante DiMartino, about the challenges he faced in self-publishing his young adult novel, Both Here and Gone; how he weaves emotions like grief, depression, and anger into appealing stories for a young audience; how artists can bring balance to their creative lives; and more.

To learn more about Michael, and his novel, visit michaeldantedimartino.com.

Originally published on February 11, 2025.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, author, and educator, Catarina Sobral about how she uses color to keep her illustrations in balance; what people misunderstand about the picture book as an art form; why moments of tangible happiness are so important for illustrators; and more.

To learn more about Catarina, visit catarinasobral.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Christian Robinson, Oliver Jeffers, Benjamin Chaud

Giuseppe mentioned his Substack article, Brown Deserves Better. You can read it here.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to visual artist, Emiliano Ponzi about how he uses chaos and ping-pong to come up with creative ideas; how an artist is like a broken glass of water; how illustrators, or any artist, can follow their own nature; and more.

To learn more about Emiliano, visit emilianoponzi.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Lorenzo Mattoti, Anita Kunz, Guido Crepax, Mike Mignola, Luis Mendo

Headshot by Emanuele Zamponi.

Emiliano mentioned The Philippe Labaune Gallery. You can learn more about it here.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Kathleen Merz, Editorial Director at Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, about what she looks for in children's book text and art; what top five things creators need to know before they submit their children’s book to a publisher; what creators should be chasing instead of “the market”; and more.

To learn more about Kathleen and Eerdman’s, visit eerdmans.com.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, Yuko Shimizu about how illustrators can manage their fear of failure; how to negotiate with illustration clients; what necessary steps illustrators need to take to be successful; and more.

To learn more about Yuko, visit yukoart.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Christoph Niemann, William Steig, Katsushika Hokusai, Mirko Ilić, Leo Lionni

Originially published on June 10, 2019.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator and writer, Jon Klassen about how mid-century UPA cartoons led him to a children’s book career; why illustrators can use quieter color palettes (despite being told otherwise); why illustrators should get into the habit of saying, “I don’t wanna”; and more.

You can find Jon, his links, and his books on Instagram.

Giuseppe mentioned his popular Substack article, Get Into Your Comfort Zone. You can read it here.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Dr. Seuss, John Hubbell, P.D. Eastman, Roy McKie, Frank Thomas, Gustaf Tenggren, J.P. Miller, Aurelius Battaglia, Bill Peet, Retta Scott, Dan Krall, William Steig, Arnold Lobel, Jess Hannigan, Syd Hoff

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist, Ann Telnaes about her news-making departure from The Washington Post; how illustrators can combat cynicism; what advice she has for struggling illustrators; and more.

To learn more about Ann, visit anntelnaes.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Barbara Dale, Barry Blitt, Thomas Nast, Honoré Daumier, Herb Block, Barbara Shermund

Check out:

• anntelnaes.substack.com
• democracyundersiegedoc.org
• arenes.fr/livre/censure-en-amerique (Book co-authored with Patrick Chappatte)

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator, Cátia Chien about balancing her personal and artistic lives; how the nervous system and the creative process are intertwined; what basic, boring advice every artist should follow; and more.

To learn more about Cátia, visit catiachien.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Leo Espinosa, Luis Mendo, Yuko Shimizu, Brecht Evens, Rudy Gutierrez, Javaka Steptoe, Betsy Lewin

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator and author, Lane Smith 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 Deen, 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, Étienne Delessert, Rita Marshall, Jon Klassen, Keith Haring, Charles Schulz, William Steig, Grandma Moses, Leo Lionni

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and author, Micha Archer about what illustrators can do when they don’t feel motivated to illustrate; what creative value collage brings to her work; what it takes for illustrators to get good; and more.

To learn more about Micha, visit michaarcher.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Ezra Jack Keats, Sandra Boynton, Anna Dewdney, Marc Simont

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, educator, and President of the Society of Illustrators, Leslie Cober about who the great Alan Cober was as an illustrator and a father; how she’s come to wear all of her creative hats; what advice her dad would share with illustrators today; and more.

To learn more about Leslie, visit lesliecober.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Sophie Blackall, Mark English, Bernie Fuchs, Robert Heindel, Fred Otnes, Bob Peak, Norman Rockwell, Robert Weaver, Sarah Getz, The Balbusso Twins, Alice Neel, C.F. Payne

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to New York Times best-selling illustrator, Julien Chung about his road to getting published, and why it started a bit later in life; how Lois Ehlert’s “wild style” chicka chicka changed children’s publishing; what an illustrator can do to add their voice to the publishing discussion; and more.

To learn more about Julien, visit julienchung.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Sydney Smith, Miroslav Šašek, Lois Ehlert

Photograph by Bernard Fougères.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

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 instagram.com/brianpinkneyart.

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 Ransome, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to school librarian, blogger, podcaster, author, and illustrator, Travis Jonker about the “shameless” origins of 100 Scope Notes—Travis’s popular children’s literature blog; what surprising common denominator connects most good picture books; why performing a picture book manuscript can help one write it; and more.

To learn more about Travis, visit travisjonker.substack.com.

Blogs and, podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:

• The Yarn
• A Fuse8 Production
• Giuseppe’s chat with Matthew Cordell
• Giuseppe’s popular Substack post, The Thoughtful Illustrator

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Phil Stead, Lee White, Matthew Cordell, Brian Floca, Aaron Becker, Molly Idle, David Wiesner, Catia Chien, Angie Kang

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to two-time Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator and author, Sophie Blackall about what a “sludgy” color palette is, and why it’s okay to use one; what value art-making has during life’s most difficult moments; why all book-makers should take book-making seriously; and more.

To learn more about Sophie and her books, visit sophieblackall.com. To learn more about Milkwood, visit milkwoodfarm.org.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Selina Alko, Rafael López, Barbara Cooney, Virginia Lee Burton, Rebecca Green, Beatrice Alemagna, Sergio Ruzzier, Laura Carlin, Brian Floca, Dasha Tolstikova, Rowboat Watkins, Doug Salati, John Bemelmans Marciano, Beatrix Potter, Shaun Tan, Carson Ellis, Myo Yim, Victoria Semykina, Raquel Catalina, Jenny Meilihove, Kitty Crowther, Catia Chien, Isabelle Arsenault, Cece Bell, Maira Kalman, May Gibbs, Howard Pyle, Maurice Sendak, LeUyen Pham

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to drawer and writer, Luis Mendo, about what art directors love hearing from illustrators—before and during a project; why artists should find sources of joy other than art-making; why a bad drawing is a good thing; and more.

To learn more about Luis, visit luismendo.com.

To learn more about Mundo Mendo, visit luismendo.com/mundomendo.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Quentin Blake, Jean-Jacques Sempé, Jean Jullien, Katsuhiro Otomo, John Cuneo, Hokusai

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Eisner Award and Caldecott Honor-winning children’s book creator, LeUyen Pham, about what artistic inspiration is and isn’t; how illustrating in multiple styles is not a disadvantage; what an Indiana Jones quote has to do with being an illustrator; and more.

To learn more about LeUyen, visit leuyenpham.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Chuck Close, Marla Frazee, Allen Say, Barbara McClintock, Hilary Knight, Ashley Bryan, Mary GrandPré

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Michelle Komie, publisher for art and architecture at Princeton University Press, and DB Dowd, author and professor of design at the Sam Fox School at Washington University, about illustration’s past; what reading has to do with illustration; how they—the publisher and the writer—approached the making of DB’s book, Reading Pictures; and more.

Find Reading Pictures, at your favorite bookstore, or at press.princeton.edu/books.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: John Sloan, Susan Doyle, Jaleen Grove, Whitney Sherman, Steven Heller

Notes:

Racial Innocence: Performing American Childhood from Slavery to Civil Rights

Here is DB’s previous episode on The Illustration Department Podcast from March 30, 2021.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator and author, Greg Pizzoli, about how some of his characters reflect his own multitudes; why “for now” are two very important words for aspiring book creators; what simple step illustrators can take if they want to write; and more.

To learn more about Greg and his books, visit gregpizzoli.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Kay Healy, Matt Curtius, Matt Phelan, Zachariah OHora, Eric Carle, Saul Bass, Tomi Ungerer, Ed Emberley, Saul Steinberg, Roger Hargreaves, Roy McKie, P.D. Eastman, Katherine Milhous, Aliki Brandenberg, Seymour Chwast, Susan Viguers, John Alcorn, Jerry Smath, Arnold Lobel

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to bookseller and founder of Forage Books, Tamlyn Ancone, about how an independent book store isn’t just a place to buy books; how she stocks her store—literally and morally; what book-buyers are looking for (it’s not AI); and more.

To learn more about Tamlyn and Forage Books, visit foragebooksksq.com.

A few things that were mentioned in this episode:

• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Don’t buy books on Amazon. Use bookshop.org instead.
• For audio books, visit libro.fm.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Leo Lionni, Maria Dek, Micha Archer, Alexandra Day

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to designer and illustrator, Brandon Campbell, about what making a bed has to do with illustration; how illustrators can improve the artistry of their line; what it means to listen to your work; and more.

To learn more about Brandon, visit brandoncampbell.tv.

Find Brandon’s book, Just Add Line, here or at your favorite bookseller.

Correction: Giuseppe mentioned that Harold Ross asked Gloria Steinem to infiltrate a Turkish bath for an exposé. It was actually Harvey Kurtzman—not Harold Ross.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jim Campbell, Norman Rockwell, Bernie Fuchs, Rick McCollum, Jim Flora, David Klein, David Stone Martin, Ben Shahn, Al Parker, Ralph Steadman, Tim Bauer, Steve Brodner, Philip Burke, Joe Sorren, Evaline Ness

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and artist, Rafael Lopéz, about how illustrators can approach color fearlessly; why fun, community, and discipline are a creator’s holy trinity; what it means to give all children the stories they deserve; and more.

To learn more about Rafael, visit rafaellopez.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Mary Blair, Alice and Martin Provensen, Charley Harper, J.P. Miller, Jon Klassen, Christian Robinson

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, teacher, and author of Drawing Is Important, Tom Froese, about the pleasures and pains of podcasting; why doing things in small increments is a real way to reach big creative goals; how creativity isn’t just about creating; and more.

Find Tom‘s book, Drawing Is Important, here, or at your favorite bookseller. To learn more about Tom, visit tomfroese.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Saul Bass, Mike Lowery, Lauren Nassef

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning book creators, Erin and Philip Stead, about how illustrators can know if they’re going in the right direction; why artistic (read: human) “mistakes” are important; what cynicism and conformity do to creativity; and more.

Find Phil’s A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic here or at your favorite bookseller. Learn more about Erin at erinstead.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jules Feiffer, Brian Lies, John Burningham, William Steig, Anselm Kiefer, Jon Klassen, Peter Brown, Eric Carle, Tomie dePaola, Domenico Gnoli, Imero Gobbato, M.B. Goffstein, Leo Lionni, Mark Teague, Barbara Cooney

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator and instructor, Gérard DuBois, about his twenty-five-year award-winning run; how he approaches complex editorial assignments; what it takes for your illustration career to get rolling; and more.

To learn more about Gérard, visit gdubois.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Edel Rodriguez, Robert Neuman, Henrik Drescher, Chris Buzelli, Brad Holland, Brian Cronin, Francisco de Goya, Henry Moore, Aristide Maillol

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Honor-winning children’s book illustrator and author, Brian Lies, about what “broccoli books” are, and why he’s not a fan; how he did and didn’t get the Caldecott call; what it means to be driving, not driven; and more.

To learn more about Brian, visit brianlies.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include:  Oge Mora, Harry Devlin, N.C. Wyeth, Helen Oxenbury, John Burningham, Randolph Caldecott, Ed Young

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Karina Granda, Art Director at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, about how she looks for illustrators, and what makes a portfolio stand out; what the downside is to responding to an illustrator’s cold email; how book-making is a team sport; and more.

To learn more about Karina, visit karinagranda.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Brandon Dorman

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning author and multimedia artist, Selina Alko, about why illustrators who say, “I’m not a writer” are almost always wrong; how she approached Otherwise Known as Judy the Great—her poetic ode to Judy Blume; why every creative needs to be their own best friend; and more.

To learn more about Selina and her books, visit selinaalko.com.

You can find Otherwise Known as Judy the Great here, or at your favorite bookseller.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Lisa Desimini, Matt Mahurin, Mike Curato

Photography by Good Job Photos

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Simone Friend and Beth Johnson, the partners behind Friend + Johnson, about why social media is a double-edged sword for illustrators… and agents; what we must all agree on, no matter what you think about AI; what illustrators should focus on; and more.

To learn more about Friend + Johnson, visit friendandjohnson.com.

Here is the episode with Daniel Abraham that Giuseppe referenced.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Robert Valentine, Don Sibley, Woody Pirtle, Michael Bierut, Milton Glaser, DJ Stout, Jeff Kern, Peggy Sirota

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to lettering artist, New York Times best-selling author, and co-founder of Studioworks, Jessica Hische, about how her first children‘s book came to be, and the two audiences for the book she didn’t anticipate; what value good design brings to our lives; why it’s never too early to think about your legacy; and more.

To learn more about Jessica, visit jessicahische.is.

Learn more about Studioworks here.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Dav Pilkey, William Wallace Denslow, John R. Neill, Ed Emberley, Louise Fili, Steven Heller, Christopher Silas Neal

Photograph by Helena Price.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Sarah Getz, the daughter of illustrator and renowned New Yorker cover artist, Arthur Getz, about supporting her father’s artistic legacy; what made his New Yorker covers work so well; what advice he would share with illustrators today; and more.

To learn more about Arthur, visit arthurgetz.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Philip Guston, Willem de Kooning, Wells Moses Sawyer, Robert Weaver, Charles Addams, Charles Martin, William Steig

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator and author, Júlia Sardà, about why children’s book creators should feel free to explore “darker” themes; what her approach is to using color; why self-criticism doesn’t have to be a bad thing; and more.

To learn more about Júlia Sardà, visit juliasardaportabella.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Caravaggio, Diego Velazquez, Carson Ellis, Eugenia Mello, Rebecca Green

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Matt Curtius, illustrator at Gina and Matt, and educator at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, about how he and his wife, Gina Triplett, make art together; what it means to work within creative boundaries; what the benefit is of an active practice of making; and more.

To learn more about Matt, visit ginaandmatt.studio.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Gina Triplett, Martha Rich, Chris Buzelli, Olaf Hajek, Whitney Sherman, David Plunkert, Joyce Hesselberth, Leo and Diane Dillon, Melinda Beck, Jessica Hische, Penelope Dullaghan, John Martz, Scott Bakal, Richard Amsel, Helen Borten, Aliki Brandenberg, Brian Pinkney, Jerry Pinkney

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to literary agent and founder of Heirloom Literary and Media, Elena Giovinazzo, about publishing’s waiting game; why it’s normal for us to feel “self-I don’t know”; how illustrators can avoid getting buried in the querying trenches; and more.

To learn more about Elena and Heirloom, visit heirloomliterary.com.

Photograph © Joanna Maguire

If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a supporter on Patreon. On either platform, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”—among other perks and benefits. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to New York Times best-selling author, cartoonist, and educator, Bob Eckstein, about why we shouldn’t be “open” to AI; how an artist can know when their work of art is done; why Bob wants illustrators to worry less; and more.

To learn more about Bob, visit bobeckstein.com.

Find Bob on Substack.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Maira Kalman, Steve Brodner, Sam Gross, James Thurber, Charles Saxton, Bob Weber, George Booth, Bill Mauldin

If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a supporter on Patreon. On either platform, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”—among other perks and benefits. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, caricaturist, journalist, author, educator, lecturer, and political commentator, Steve Brodner, about the alchemy of illustration; what he looks for in a portrait; who illustrators should really listen to; and more.

To learn more about Steve, visit stevebrodner.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Peter Kuper, Andrea Arroyo, Brad Holland, Greg Manchess, Yuko Shimizu, Anita Kunz, Herb Block, Al Hirschfeld, Jean-Jacques Sempé, Garry Trudeau, Milton Caniff, Jackson Pollock, Thomas Hart Benton, Camille Pissarro, Paul Cézanne, Guy Billout, James McMullan, Ed Sorel, Gérard DuBois, Victor Juhasz, Joe Ciardiello, Alison Bechdel, Marjane Satrapi, Keith Knight, Mort Drucker, Jack Davis, Richard Williams, Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, Thomas Nast

If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a supporter on Patreon. On either platform, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”—among other perks and benefits. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Mariam Quraishi, Senior Designer at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, about how she works with illustrators. She also answers questions from listeners about the efficacy of postcards, querying agents, and more.

To learn more about Mariam, visit mariamquraishi.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Matthew Forsythe, Kelly Murphy

If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a supporter on Patreon. On either platform, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”—among other perks and benefits. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, artist, designer, and writer, Maira Kalman, about navigating life’s inconsistencies; how we can stay centered and grounded creatively; what the most important thing is about being an illustrator; and more.

To learn more about Maira, visit mairakalman.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Beatrix Potter, Remy Charlip, Maurice Sendak, Edward Gorey

If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a supporter on Patreon. On either platform, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”—among other perks and benefits. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to renowned children’s book illustrator, Axel Scheffler, about the deep, dark mistake he made with The Gruffalo; what he thinks about his “imperfect” art style; why he prefers to be called a family book creator; and more.

To learn more about Axel, visit axelscheffler.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Posy Simmonds, Jean-Jacques Sempé, Tomi Ungerer, Judith Kerr, Lisa Brown, William Steig, Wolf Erlbruch, Maurice Sendak, Edward Gorey, N.C. Wyeth, Norman Rockwell, Janet Ahlberg, Alice and Martin Provensen, and Leo and Diane Dillon

If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a supporter on Patreon. On either platform, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”—among other perks and benefits. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and fine artist, Michael Deas, about his early years as an illustrator; how he created “The Torch Lady” for Columbia Pictures; why he doesn’t look back on his long career; and more.

To learn more about Michael, visit michaeldeas.com.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Ted Lewin, Betsy Lewin, Herbert Tauss

If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a supporter on Patreon. On either platform, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”—among other perks and benefits. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com—a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello.

If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe.