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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Lori Steel
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Lori Steel, Literary Agent and Founder of SteelWorks Literary, about launching a literary agency amid concerns (from some) surrounding the health of the children’s book industry; what she looks for in a children’s book creator; what Henry David Thoreau can teach illustrators; and more.To learn more about Steelworks Literary, visit steelworksliterary.com.Artists mention
Charly Palmer
Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, fine artist, and dreamer, Charly Palmer, about why he focuses on doing better, and on putting love out into the world; why artists should work on their relationship with their art; why he thinks there’s no such thing as a self-taught artist; and more.To learn more about Charly, visit charlypalmer.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include:
Arabelle Liepold
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director of The Society of Illustrators, about the past, present, and future of the Society; why illustrators should consider becoming members; what the Society can be for… society; and more.To learn more about the Society, visit societyillustrators.org.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Norman Rockwell, Dean Cornwell, Charles Dana G
Edward Gorey
Giuseppe Castellano talks to the folks behind The Edward Gorey House (as well as other Gorey fanatics and aficionados) about the life, work, and house of Edward Gorey.The first half of this episode was recorded at Gorey’s 100th birthday gala, which was held at The Mansion at Ocean Edge in Brewster, Massachusetts. Special thanks go to The Edward Gorey House’s director and curator, and assistant dir
Sarah Gonzales
Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, Sarah Gonzales, about what the Ezra Jack Keats Award brought to her creative practice; why using traditional media and digital media is not an either/or proposition; what piece of very good advice she has taped to her wall; and more.To learn more about Sarah, visit sgonzalesart.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Ezra Jack Keats, R
Emily Flake
Giuseppe Castellano talks to cartoonist, writer, and comic, Emily Flake, about her work as a staff artist for The New Yorker; what “rejection” is and isn’t for illustrators (and comics); what it means to burden our work with the weight the world; and more.To learn more about Emily, visit emilyflake.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jason Chatfield, Julia Wertz, Roz Chast, Sam Gross, C
Bob Staake
Giuseppe Castellano talks to one of the nation’s most prolific illustrators, Bob Staake, about how his creative approach aligns and differs between editorial and children’s book illustration; why children’s books shouldn’t have messages or morals, but rather truths or shares; what having a 50-year illustration career comes down to; and more.To learn more about Bob, visit bobstaake.com.Artists ment
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
Skylar Smith
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Skylar Smith, Professor of Liberal Arts at the Ringling College of Art and Design, about why there’s no time like the present to start learning about illustration history; whether an illustration is fully complete without the interpretation of an audience; what Generative AI and a lawsuit by Albrecht Dürer have in common; and more.You can find Skylar on LinkedIn.Artist
Leslie Mechanic
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Leslie Mechanic, art director at Simon & Schuster, about what catches her eye in an illustrator’s portfolio; why saying “it’s a competitive market” isn’t the most accurate take on the illustration industry; what all illustrators should know about the art director/illustrator relationship; and more.To learn more about Leslie, visit lesliemechanic.com.
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Asia Orlando
Giuseppe Castellano talks to visual artist and illustrator, Asia Orlando, about why she turned away from interior design and architecture to become an illustrator; how one can leverage their past experiences, good and bad, to help define their present; why persistence really is the key to an illustration practice; and more.To learn more about Asia, visit asiaorlando.com.
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Brett Bean
Giuseppe Castellano talks to comic book artist, character designer, and author, Brett Bean, about why Brett wishes he had his own book on drawing when he was starting out; why adjectives and verbs come before nouns with character design; what it means to keep your goals and dreams in your own hands; and more.To learn more about Brett, visit brettbean.com.Brett’s book, Draw!, can be found here.Arti
Dan Chudzinski
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Dan Chudzinski, Director of Curation and Exhibitions at The Mazza Museum, about what being a curator literally and occupationally means; why artists should make art, not excuses; what the masters’ fingerprints and clothing can teach us; and more.To learn more about Dan and the Mazza Museum, visit mazzamuseum.org.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Michelangelo,
Chris Haughton
Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator and author, Chris Haughton, about the unfortunate difference between information and fact; what oral culture’s four R’s are, and why they matter for children‘s book creators; what advice Aristotle has for illustrators, and more.To learn more about Chris and his book, The History of Information, visit chrishaughton.com.Artists mentioned in this
Paul O. Zelinsky
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator, Paul O. Zelinsky, about what his former Yale professor, Maurice Sendak, thought about social media; why he’s aways wondering at point he can get away with not being good enough; where illustrators can find validation (hint: it’s not in an award); and more.To learn more about Paul, visit paulozelinsky.com.The book trailer for Z is fo
Christopher Denise
Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Honor-winning, New York Times best-selling illustrator and author, Christopher Denise, about why “show, don’t tell” is advice children’s book creators should avoid; how an anthropomorphized animal can look more like a mascot, and why that’s bad; how no illustrator working today knows, entirely, what they’re doing; and more.To learn more about Christopher, vis
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Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and designer, Lisa Maltby, about why freelance creatives should know the difference between constant and consistent; how illustrators, designers, and other creatives, can negotiate fees with clients; why the only artist, the only person, you should be comparing yourself to is yourself; and more.To learn more about Lisa, visit lisamaltby.com.
If you find val
Frank Cammuso
Giuseppe Castellano talks to author, cartoonist, and educator, Frank Cammuso, about Frank’s approach to pacing with panels, and why it’s one of the most beautiful things about comics; how Steve Ditko does not get the credit he rightfully deserves; what you can learn from a good tomato sauce recipe about making comics; and more.To learn more about Frank, visit cammuso.com.Artists mentioned in this
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