The Illustration Department Podcast
Giuseppe Castellano interviews professionals in illustration, graphic design, publishing, animation, and other creative fields about the highs and lows of their careers.
Episodes
From the Archive: Sara Frazetta
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
Marcos Chin
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, M
Angie Kang
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, Christia
Anjali Singh
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
From the Archive: Roz Chast
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,
Brett Helquist
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 PyleFind Brett’s book, T
Shawn Harris
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, Quenti
Sterling Hundley
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
From the Archive: Michael Dante DiMartino
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
Catarina Sobral
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:
Emiliano Ponzi
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 Mignol
Kathleen Merz
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.
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From the archive: Yuko Shimizu
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, L
Jon Klassen
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.
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Ann Telnaes
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, B
Cátia Chien
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
From the Archive: Lane Smith
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 sp
Micha Archer
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
Leslie Cober
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 Black
Julien Chung
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 e
From the Archive: Brian Pinkney
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 episod
Travis Jonker
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.c
Sophie Blackall
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, v
Luis Mendo
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 in
LeUyen Pham
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
Michelle Komie and D.B. Dowd
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
Greg Pizzoli
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
Tamlyn Ancone
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.
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Brandon Campbell
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.
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Rafael López
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 H
Tom Froese
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.
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Erin and Philip Stead
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.
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Gérard DuBois
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 Buzell
Brian Lies
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,
Karina Granda
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
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Selina Alko
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
Simone Friend and Beth Johnson
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
Jessica Hische
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
Sarah Getz
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,
Júlia Sardà
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
Matt Curtius
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: Gi
Elena Giovinazzo
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, co
Bob Eckstein
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
Steve Brodner
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 Man
Mariam Quraishi
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 pod
Maira Kalman
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, E
Axel Scheffler
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
Michael Deas
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 be
Robert Hunt
Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, and distinguished educator, Robert Hunt, about why illustrators should embrace “woodshedding”; how he created the DreamWorks logo; what the great Kazuhiko Sano meant to him, and to the illustration world at large; and more.To learn more about Robert, visit roberthuntstudio.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: John Singer Sargent, Lo
Nishant Jain
Giuseppe Castellano talks to writer and (sneaky) artist, Nishant Jain, about why it’s okay for artists to say, “I am a creative”; how we can break free of social media prison; why one’s creative practice is like an infinite game; and more.To learn more about Nishant, visit sneakyartist.com.Books mentioned in this episode include: The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction and On Photogr
N.C. Wyeth
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Amanda Burdan, Senior Curator at The Brandywine Museum of Art, about N.C. Wyeth’s early life; what led to the restoration and permanent exhibition of Wyeth’s The Apotheosis of the Family; what today’s illustrators can do for tomorrow’s curators; and more.To learn more about the Brandywine, visit brandywine.org. For tours and the mural experience, visit brandywine.org/m
Fahmida Azim
Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and storyteller, Fahmida Azim, about where and how illustrators can find validation; why a creative’s self-worth should not come from their work; what illustration really is; and more.To learn more about Fahmida, visit fahmida-azim.com.
If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a supporter on Patreon. On either p
Emma Carlisle
Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, artist, and author, Emma Carlisle, about how an illustration practice can be a bit of a whirlwind; why some illustration advice is infantilzing; why finding joy in your art is more important than it sounds; and more.To learn more about Emma, visit emmacarlisle.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: London Ladd, Helen Stephens, Beth Spencer
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London Ladd
Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, artist, and educator, London Ladd, about why he thinks “style” is a four-letter word; what and who helped him stay on his feet; how to keep going in life and art; and more.To learn more about London, visit londonladd.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Mark English, Kazuhiko Sano, James Ransome, Romare Bearden, Ezra Jack Keats, Jerry Pinkney, Ke
Huck Scarry
Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, author, and son of Patricia and Richard Scarry, Huck Scarry, about his father’s life and artistic process; how he approached Busytown—from color palettes to car accidents; what his advice would be for illustrators today; and more.To learn more about Richard Scarry, visit richardscarry.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Stan Berenstain, Dr. Seus
Henry Cole
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Illustrator and author, Henry Cole, about the early years of his long career; what he experienced with the banning of And Tango Makes Three; how (and how not) to learn from artistic influences; and more.To learn more about Henry, visit henrycole.net.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Steven Kellogg, John James Audubon, Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth, John Singer S
Kriota Willberg
Giuseppe Castellano talks to educator, author, and graphic medicine cartoonist, Kriota Willberg, about why she felt the need to write Draw Stronger: Self-Care for Cartoonists and Other Visual Artists; how artists can take care of their bodies, and why they don’t; and more.To learn more about Kriota, visit KriotaWelt.blogspot.com.
If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscrib
Martina Flor
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Martina Flor, award-winning lettering artist, author, and educator, about why creatives need to embrace self-promotion; what it means to be a letter designer; what it takes to be an artistic entrepreneur; and more.To learn more about Martina, visit martinaflor.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Lisa Congdon, Jessica Hische, and Malika Favre
If you find valu
Véronique Sweet
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Véronique Sweet, Art Director for Crown Picture Books and Little Golden Books at Penguin Random House, about what she looks for in an illustrator’s portfolio; how Little Golden Books aren’t just for little readers; what it means for illustrators to be storytellers; and more.Véronique’s email address vsweet@penguinrandomhouse.com.Artists mentioned in this episode includ
Vanessa Robles
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Vanessa Robles, Director of Production for Penguin Young Readers, about a production team’s role in bringing a book to life; why the number sixteen is important in book production; why we all need to put more respect on Production’s name; and more.Vanessa can be found on LinkedIn.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Judy Schachner
If you find value in this podcas
Whitney Sherman
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Whitney Sherman, illustrator, designer, and founding director of the MFA in Illustration Practice program at the Maryland Institute College of Art, about how she began her distinguished career as an educator; what it takes to survive a creative practice; why artists, of any discipline, should not be afraid of failure; and more.To learn more about Whitney, visit whitney
Beth Spencer
Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, writer, and creator of Introvert Drawing Club on Substack, Beth Spencer, about what she’s learned from Introvert Drawing Club; why we should always use human intelligence when creating art; how illustrators don’t need much to do what they want; and more.To learn more about Beth, visit bethspencerillustration.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: R
Paul Buckley
Giuseppe Castellano talks to renowned designer and art director, Paul Buckley, about what it takes to be a good art director; why illustrators and designers should aim for distinction; how depression and creativity correlate; and more.To learn more about Paul, visit paulbuckleydesign.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jim Tierney and Sara Wood
If you find value in this podcast, conside
Matthew Forsythe
Giuseppe Castellano talks to author, illustrator, and character designer, Matthew Forsythe, about the many forms a picture book can take—from morality books to “fantastic binomials”; how to make sense of color; how to like your creative work; and more.To learn more about Matthew, visit comingupforair.net.As was discussed in this episode, here is an article about Gianni Rodari’s concept of the “fan
Maria Middleton
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Maria Middleton, Senior Art Director at Candlewick Press, about the role of an art director within the collaborative inner-workings of children’s publishing; what she looks for in illustrators; why illustrators should make work that makes them happy; and more.To learn more about Maria, visit mariamiddleton.com.To send Maria your illustration portfolio, email her at Mar
The Substack Episode
Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning cartoonist, author, and comedian, Jason Chatfield, and award-winning illustrator and creator of Ten Minute Artist, Adam Ming, about what they like and don’t like about Substack, how it can benefit illustrators creatively and financially; and more.To learn more about Jason and Adam, visit jasonchatfield.com and adamming.com.Artists mentioned in this episod
Toshiki Nakamura
Giuseppe Castellano talks to children’s book illustrator and character designer, Toshiki Nakamura, about the all-important three months before and after a picture book’s publication; what his approach is to character design for clients like DreamWorks and Netflix; what your past, creatively or otherwise, has to do with your future; and more.To learn more about Toshi, visit artoftoshi.com.
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Ali Fitzgerald
Giuseppe Castellano talks to comics creator, writer, and educator, Ali Fitzgerald, about where art and art education intersect with social justice; what we can learn from the life and work of Käthe Kollwitz; how art can—especially in trying times—offer connection and solace; and more.To learn more about Ali, visit alifitzgerald.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Bill Watterson, Gary La
Grant Snider
Giuseppe Castellano talks to cartoonist and author, Grant Snider, about how he aligns his creative life; what similarities there are between illustration and Grant’s work in orthodontics; why artists should zigzag every now and then; and more.To learn more about Grant, visit grantsnider.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Shaun Tan, John Hendrix, Bill Watterson, and Mike Lowery
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Terry Brown
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Terry Brown, former director of The Society of Illustrators, about his time at the Society; what’s behind the Society’s disparity between men and women award-winners; how life is made up of many different but connected chapters; and more.Learn more about The Society of Illustrators by visiting societyillustrators.org.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Bob Peak,
Sam Viviano
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Sam Viviano, award-winning cartoonist, and former art director of MAD Magazine, about his membership in MAD’s usual gang of idiots; what the careers of Norman Mingo and Jack Davis can teach today’s illustrators; why creatives, even the worrywarts, should keep on keeping on; and more.Sam can be found on Instagram.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Steve Brodner,
Genevieve Bormes
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Genevieve Bormes, Deputy Covers Editor for The New Yorker, about how she oversees the magazine’s covers; what real and scary questions artists ask themselves; what lesson all creatives need to learn and relearn; and more.Genevieve’s email address at The New Yorker is genevieve_bormes(at)newyorker.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Bob Staake, Peter de Sève,
Michael Maslin
Giuseppe Castellano talks to author and long-time New Yorker cartoonist, Michael Maslin, about the reasons why Michael chronicles the history of cartooning; what differentiates a cartoonist and an illustrator; what “being there” means for cartoonists… and illustrators; and more.To learn more about Michael and Inkspill, visit michaelmaslin.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Liza Donnell
Mary Ann Naples
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Mary Ann Naples, the COO & Publisher of Publishers Marketplace, about what it means (and why it’s hard) for publishers to sell books to book-sellers; what value PM brings to the publishing community; what advice all creatives should follow, if they want to be a publishing or published professional; and more.To learn more about Publishers Marketplace, visit publishersma
Brian Selznick
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator and author, Brian Selznick, about Brian’s approach to illustration; what’s wrong about the “tap into your inner child” advice for writers; why you should only compare yourself to yourself; and more.To learn more about Brian, visit brianselznick.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Chris Van Allsburg, David Macaulay, Fred Ma
The Bancroft Brothers
Giuseppe Castellano talks to The Bancroft Brothers about how they approach character design; which lesser-known animation greats deserve more love; what it means to animate from the heart; and more.Listen to The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast at bancroftbros.libsyn.com, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Alex Hirsch, Peter de Sève, Carter Goodrich, G
Nicholas Kole
Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and character designer, Nicholas Kole, about how being stubbornly buoyant has helped his creative career; what “feeling” has to do with character design; why artists might want to follow the 80/20 rule; and more.To learn more about Nicholas, visit nicholaskole.art.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Shiyoon Kim, Nico Marlet, Cheyenne Curtis, Robb Mom
Sol Cotti
Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, Sol Cotti, about how a little shamelessness can go a long way in establishing an illustration practice; why illustrators should generate ideas without using generative AI; why now is the time for illustrators to share their work; and more.To learn more about Sol, visit solcotti.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Horace Pippin and
Marc Burckhardt
Giuseppe Castellano talks to artist and illustrator, Marc Burckhardt, about “real opportunities” for illustrators; how Generative AI is a degradation of the making and perception of art; what “talent” really is among creatives; and more.To learn more about Marc, visit marcburckhardt.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: C.F. Payne, Anita Kunz, and Greg Manchess
If you find value in this p
Jessie Kanelos Weiner
Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, author, and educator, Jessie Kanelos Weiner, about the healing properties of watercolor; what it means, with respect to mental health, to be “the movement”; what three words all creatives need to hear; and more.To learn more about Jessie and her book, Thinking in Watercolor, visit jessiekanelosweiner.net.In this episode, Giuseppe’s Substack post, What is I
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