In the Picture

In which we talk about the confluence of graphic design and kidlit, picture books as design objects, the value of learning about project management, delving into work that comes from a personal, emotional space, the challenges of starting up a creative business, including learning about contract language,and the joy and fulfillment that comes from storytelling. To learn more about me and my work,...

In which we talk with the Art Director of Eerdmans Books about her creative process, the joy of acquiring picture books from abroad, her perspective on asking for illustration samples, having the humility to know when to get out of a project’s way, her advice to illustrators about their voice, and what may surprise people about her job. To learn more about me and my work, go to jyotirajangopal.com...

In which we talk about how a book by Kate Di Camillo changedthe trajectory of her life, how her high school art teacher connected her with SCBWI and her critique group, her work process, how the MC of her next picture book, Elaine, started off as a stream of consciousness for her morning pages, how the Bologna Book Festival was an inspiration, the advice she finds herself giving over and over agai...

In which we talk about her long and winding path to being an author illustrator, how she started off as a biological illustrator (what is that you ask? Listen to find out!) then worked on set design, how a sudden move to Germany and becoming a mom refocused her creative energies, how exactly book designing works, how teaching feeds her work, and redesigning classics. We had also had an illuminatin...

In which we talk about how she worked as a wrestler and a mystic wood elf, the gift of an SCBWI membership, the journey to being a self-taught illustrator, revision and pagination, finding the right art style for a project, partnering with Ben Clanton, and the joy of finding her way back to her childhood love of creating stories. To learn more about me and my work, go to jyotirajangopal.com. You c...

In which we talk about the instructor at the SVA who changed the direction of her career, how greeting cards led her to picture books, how stationary shows can reveal picture book trends, her work process, the very creative dummy she cold-mailed to Scholastic and how to shift your thinking about marketing. To learn more about me and my work, go to jyotirajangopal.com Follow me on Instagram @jyotir...

In which we talk about how John was invited to illustrate his first picture book, how the doors to his creativity were thrown wide open when he began to explore his heritage, how he decides what projects to work on, how art is his language of exploration and communication, the value of having a work spacethat’s ready to go, and why a good night’s rest can spark new creativity! To learn more about...

In which we talk about how Gordon started off as an illustrator for Hallmark, how he found his way to picture books, his approach to illustrating stories, trying chalk pastels for the first time, the power of routine in preventing creative blocks and his first love, fine art. To learn more about me and my work, go to my website . You can follow me on Instagram and Bluesky  To learn more about Gord...

In which we dive into Stan’s first picture book, There are Zombies in the Basement and, and why although the main character was based on his son, he drew him as a white ginger-haired kid and how he found his way to writing his first MG graphic novel, The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang, which just came out this past Sept. Serendipity is a word that crops up a lot in our conversation, a reminder o...

In which we talk with the Creative Director of Neal Porter Books about what kidlit publishing was like back in the 80s (typesetting without computers!), the importance of marrying text and art so it’s seamless, how she defines a successful picture book, the value of art history, the impact of book bans on publishing, and so much more. To learn more about me and my work, go to ⁠my website⁠ .You can...

In which we talk about how Art Directors can comefrom designer backgrounds, the parallels between different creative fields, the value of play, howto create book covers that pull readers in, the importance of typography and lettering in book design, “weirdness” in picture book design, what is the most important thing illustrators need to know when working with an art director To learn more about m...

In which we talk about Svabhu's belief in the power of visual storytelling to change minds and hearts, their deep love for the environment and our responsibility as humans to care for it, the growth opportunities in taking on sometimes overwhelming projects, and of course how they began illustrating children’s picture books.  To learn more about me and my work, go to jyotirajangopal.com and fo...

In which we talk about Lynnor's roundabout route to making her dream of becoming a children’s book illustrator come true. She shares how social media has been a force for good in her career, the value of a supportive creative network,  her experiences  in traditional and self-publishing, the importance of research in her work and more. To learn more about me and my work, go to jyotirajangopal....

In which we discuss Dow's career switch from pediatrician to illustrator, the impact her elementary school teacher had on her, the power of Youtube tutorials, the role of research in illustrating and fakingout AI. To learn more about me and my work, go to jyotirajangopal.com Dow's website: artbydow.blogspot.com Quiet is Strength written by Mary Ann Hess illustrated byDow (released Feb 11,...

In which Nabi talks us through choosing projects, his artistic process, including the role of the art director, and what he wishes he had known before he began working in the picture book world and lots more. We talk about our book together LOVE IS HERE WITH YOU and the beautiful illustrations he created within its spreads. To learn more about me and my work, go to jyotirajangopal.com To visit Nab...