The Illustration Department Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Briana Mukodiri Uchendu Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

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, 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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Freya Blackwood Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

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.

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Mirko Ilić Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

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

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Jay Cooper and Jim Hoover Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

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.

To purchase The Last Comics on Earth, visit penguinrandomhouse.com/books.

Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Chris Dickey, John Byrne, and Frank Miller

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Alyssa Walker Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

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.

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Ellen Keiter May 30, 2023

Show notes

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, Arnold Lobel, Susanne Suba, Leonard Weisgard, Virginia Lee Burton, Remy Charlip, Kuniko Craft, and Ekua Holmes

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Vicki Willden-Lebrecht May 23, 2023

Show notes

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 Burns, Robyn Newton, Susan Penny, Lucie Luddington, Ilaria Vigilante, Edward Palmer, Arabella Stein, and Zuzi Wojciechowska

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Rick Richter May 16, 2023

Show notes

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: Lisbeth Zwerger, Ian Falconer, Helen Oxenbury, E.H. Shepard, and N.C. Wyeth

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Janine Vangool May 09, 2023

Show notes

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 31, 2023.

Janine mentioned “B-School”, by Marie Forleo. To learn more about this online business school, visit marieforleo.com.

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Darrel Rees May 02, 2023

Show notes

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.

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