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...
Oct 17, 2023•51 min•Ep. 228
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 Jame...
Oct 10, 2023•45 min•Ep. 227
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 yo...
Oct 03, 2023•37 min•Ep. 226
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 ...
Sep 26, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 225
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 t...
Sep 19, 2023•49 min•Ep. 224
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...
Sep 12, 2023•37 min•Ep. 223
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...
Sep 05, 2023•34 min•Ep. 222
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 carnegies@cilip.org.u...
Aug 29, 2023•44 min•Ep. 221
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 podc...
Aug 22, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 220
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 po...
Aug 15, 2023•49 min•Ep. 219
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 ...
Aug 08, 2023•42 min•Ep. 218
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 ...
Aug 01, 2023•40 min•Ep. 217
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...
Jul 25, 2023•44 min•Ep. 216
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 ,...
Jul 18, 2023•57 min•Ep. 215
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 ...
Jul 11, 2023•38 min•Ep. 214
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 Subst...
Jul 04, 2023•41 min•Ep. 213
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 w...
Jun 27, 2023•56 min•Ep. 212
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 ou...
Jun 20, 2023•52 min•Ep. 211
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 . T...
Jun 13, 2023•56 min•Ep. 210
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, ...
Jun 06, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 209
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...
May 30, 2023•49 min•Ep. 208
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 B...
May 23, 2023•52 min•Ep. 207
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: L...
May 16, 2023•43 min•Ep. 206
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 ...
May 09, 2023•45 min•Ep. 205
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 Illustrati...
May 02, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 204
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 valu...
Apr 25, 2023•48 min•Ep. 203
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 Supe...
Apr 18, 2023•51 min•Ep. 202
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 , ...
Apr 11, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 201
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 ...
Apr 04, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 200
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 p...
Mar 28, 2023•41 min•Ep. 199
