The Illustration Department Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Robb Mommaerts Sep 12, 2023

Show notes

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 Penguin Workshop.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Frank Frazetta, Jim Davis, Aaron Blecha, Cory Loftis, Tony DiTerlizzi, Nico Marlet, Sergio Aragonés, and Paul Coker Jr.

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

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Emma Cheng Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

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

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Dr. Rose Roberto and Tamsin Rosewell Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

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.uk to let them know you share these sentiments.”

To learn more about the Chartered Institute of Library Information Professionals, visit cilip.org.uk.

See more of Rose’s work here. See more of Tamsin’s work here.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Freya Blackwood, Jim Kay, Jackie Morris, Axel Sheffler, James Mayhew, and Thomas Taylor

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Dan Berry Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

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

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Rachel Ignotofsky Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

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.

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Darren Di Lieto Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

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.

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Brian Pinkney Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

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 H.A. Rey, Alice and Martin Provensen, Joe and Beth Krush, Leo and Diane Dillon, James Ransom, and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

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Kate Tardif Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

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.

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Dawud Anyabwile Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

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, and Billy Graham

Dawud mentioned his father’s book, Black Family Rituals. You can purchase it here.

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Emily Harris Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

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.

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