Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast

In this episode Olga shares the story behind her latest picture book, A Light For Lucinda published June 9, 2026. She answers questions from the Kidlit community regarding the inspiration for this book, Illustration struggles and a sneak chat about her upcoming graphic novels.

In this Episode, I chat with Jed Alexander, author and illustrator of The Black Market. We talked about his writing style, writing for characters and not the plot. We discuss the challenges of marketing and doing author school visits and promoting work on social medias.

In This Episode Olga and Kerry chat about the importance of having connections, the benefits of associations and being active in your kidlit community. They discuss Kerry's picture book, The Biggest Highest Wave, and how Kerry got to make a windows display for her book at Books of Wonder.

In this episode Olga talks about Narrative Illustration. What does it mean, and how to do it. With examples on how small changes can create story in your illustration work.

In this episode Olga talks about social media, the ultimate time stealer, and what she did about it. She gives concrete ideas for maximizing your time and rebooting that creative flow.

In this episode we have Sunny as a guest! We chat about the constant pull to monetize art. After leaving the industry and not seeking art as career, the siren call to make money from art can ruin the joy of it.

The podcast is back! Hosted by Olga Herrera. Let's chat again! There will be thoughtful and insightful conversations with guest artists, and think out-loud wonderings with Olga.

Our journey here is coming to an end. We've loved every minute we have gotten to chit-chat on this platform. We'd like to thank all of our past and future listeners for tagging along. We wish you much success and inspiration in your art journey. Thanks for listening. Cover Art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GR...

It's our end-of-the-year episode! Join us while we reminisce about the year and make our plans for the future. Thanks for listening. Cover Art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/423218296121427⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUR WEBSITE : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠illochat.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtu.be...

In this episode, we share what we're thankful for, spending time with friends, finding inspiration in new places, and having the courage to do new things. We'd love to hear what you're thankful for. Thanks for listening. Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/423218296121427⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUR WEBSITE : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠i...

In this episode, we chat with author and illustrator Berrie Torgan-Randall about her early graphic novel Bella and Blue. We discussed her publishing journey and how her persistence has paid off. Thanks for listening. Berrie Torgan-Randall ⁠⁠ www.berrietr.com Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/4232182961...

In this episode, we chat with author and illustrator Tara J. Hannon about her early graphic novel series Birtle. We discussed her process for submitting a graphic novel and the inspiration behind these adorable books. Thanks for listening. Tara J. Hannon: ⁠www.tarajhannon.com Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/...

In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about how to say yes to projects in spite of the fear of failure and imposter syndrome and just do the thing. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about the state of social media for illustrators today. How things have changed and where they are going. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ W...

In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about the sting of rejection and how to overcome the feeling of failure. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QK...

Yay! It's Illo Chat's third anniversary! Join Olga and Sunny as they reminisce on how they got here and some of their favorite highlights from the last three years. Thank you for listening for three years. We couldn't have done this without you. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www....

In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about how thinking like a designer can save you time and edits when creating art for children's books. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watc...

In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about the roles and responsibilities of being an author and an illustrator or wearing the hats of both. And how to decide which fits best. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https...

In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about the steps one can take when switching agents. The use of publisher’s marketplace, and query tracker to research agents and help make informed decisions. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR...

In this episode, Olga and Sunny recap what happened this year, where they are now, and their plans for the future. They also discuss how it's easier to stay focused when you're busy but easy to lose your way when you have too much time on your hands. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBO...

In this episode, we chat with author, illustrator Jed Alexander about his wordless picture books. We talked about his process for writing wordless picture books and his illustration technique. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran Jed Alexander: ⁠https://jedalexander.com/books/ ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fa...

In this episode, we chat with author, illustrator John Sandford about his new picture book BrindleFox. We talk about his inspiration and illustration technique for this book as well as his time as an art director. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran John Sandford: sandfordarchive.com ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP):...

In this episode we chat with author and illustrator Julia Mills about her debut picture book I am Stuck. We talk about her writing journey, her inspiration as an art teacher, and her process for illustrating this book. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran Julia Mills: ⁠⁠⁠ jamills.com ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP):...

In this episode, Sunny talks about her year of letting go and her decision to go back to a full-time job outside the home. Giving her the freedom to pursue art as her passion instead of her career. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OU...

In this episode, we chat with Holly Hatam the illustrator of A Good Deed Can Grow written by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman. We talk about Holly's journey to becoming a children's book illustrator and her process for illustrating this book. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Holly Hatam: ⁠⁠ hollyhatam.com ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠facebook.com/g...