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, No...
May 21, 2024•56 min•Ep. 258
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...
May 14, 2024•51 min•Ep. 257
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 ,...
May 07, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 256
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 Guarna...
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 255
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...
Apr 23, 2024•59 min•Ep. 254
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 ...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 253
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...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 252
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 ...
Apr 02, 2024•32 min•Ep. 251
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 c...
Mar 19, 2024•54 min•Ep. 250
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 Polla...
Mar 12, 2024•37 min•Ep. 249
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 Hunt...
Mar 05, 2024•59 min•Ep. 248
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 , Katsus...
Feb 27, 2024•55 min•Ep. 247
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,...
Feb 20, 2024•46 min•Ep. 246
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 T...
Feb 14, 2024•51 min•Ep. 245
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 ....
Feb 06, 2024•40 min•Ep. 244
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 Pontorm...
Jan 30, 2024•52 min•Ep. 243
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 subscrib...
Jan 23, 2024•41 min•Ep. 242
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 publicatio...
Jan 16, 2024•38 min•Ep. 241
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 , M...
Jan 09, 2024•58 min•Ep. 240
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 Karas...
Jan 02, 2024•46 min•Ep. 239
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 b...
Dec 26, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 238
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 Illustrati...
Dec 19, 2023•46 min•Ep. 237
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...
Dec 12, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 236
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 valu...
Dec 05, 2023•40 min•Ep. 235
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,...
Nov 28, 2023•41 min•Ep. 234
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: ...
Nov 21, 2023•38 min•Ep. 233
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...
Nov 14, 2023•38 min•Ep. 232
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 , Jul...
Nov 07, 2023•54 min•Ep. 231
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 ,...
Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 230
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, yo...
Oct 24, 2023•47 min•Ep. 229
