My Creative Life for Artists and Creators

Hi Everyone! My guest today is Lenny Wen, children's book author and illustrator, and I'm a fan of her work! Here is more about Lenny: Lenny Wen is an author-illustrator who was born in Indonesia. She is the author/illustrator of several picture books, SPICY SPICY HOT(2023) and WOLFGANG IN THE MEADOW. When she is not illustrating or writing, you might find her staring at the trees, doodlin...

Hi Everyone! Today my guest is Erin K. Robinson, Illustrator of some fabulous books. Here is more about Erin: Erin K. Robinson is an Emmy-nominated illustrator in the News and Documentary category. Trained at the Parsons School of Design and the Corcoran School of Art, Erin’s illustrations have been featured in the New York Times and the Washington Post, among others. She works in a variety of med...

Hi Everyone! My guest is Meg Auchenback, children's book author and illustrator. It was a delight to speak with Meg, and here is more about her: Meg   Auchenbach, Children’s Author & Illustrator and her debut  IF YOU ARE AN ARTIST (Peter Pauper Press, 2024) was inspired by her former career as an elementary art teacher, where she watched children daydream, experiment, and create. Meg’s hop...

Hi Everyone! Today's guest is Violet Tobacco, an Atlanta-based illustrator I met at the SCBWI Southern Breeze Springmingle. Here is more about Violet. Violet is an illustrator based in Atlanta, Georgia. Violet studied theater in college but gravitated toward other mediums of art before graduating. Always a storyteller with an affinity for whimsy, humor, and a well-delivered moral.  Violet'...

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Merrill Rainey, Picture-Book-Creator and Paper-Toy-Maker. Here is more about Merrill: Growing up, Merrill Rainey spent most of his Saturday afternoons drawing, watching monster movies, and going on imaginary adventures. Today, he is a cowboy-boot-wearing, picture-book-creator and paper-toy-maker. Merrill’s work focuses on exploring creativity and imaginative play....

Hi, Everyone! I decided to discuss why Art Teachers Make Good Freelancers. As I was working as an art teacher and freelance illustrator, I started noticing that there were experiences I'd had that allowed me to do better at my second go around with working as a children's book illustrator. Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and rate the podcast!

Hi Everyone! I interviewed Amy Houts, a children's book author who has written over 100 children's books. She has written for a wide range of markets. It's incredible what she has accomplished in her career! She was so kind to share. Amy's site: https://www.amyhouts.com/ Amy's X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyHouts Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe or leave a rev...

Hi, Everyone! I got to speak with return guest Lu Pan about what it was like finishing his Master's Degree in Accessories Design and his reflections on his internships, award-winning designs, and career path. Lu on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lupandesign/ Lu's website https://www.lupandesign.com/ Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, this was a very hard episode to record, but I wanted to talk about a former guest, Reema Zoumut, an art teacher I'd been fortunate to have met during my time as a teacher. Her students fondly referred to her as Mrs. Z. She taught animation, graphic design, and photography. She was also a guest on the podcast. A little over a year ago Reema passed away, and I wanted to say some wor...

Hi Everyone! Today's guest is Victoria Ying, award-winning author and illustrator of graphic novels. Here is more about Victoria: Victoria Ying is a critically acclaimed author and artist living in Los Angeles. She started her career in the arts by falling in love with comic books, this eventually turned into a career working in animation and graphic novels. Her film credits include Tangled, W...

Hi Everyone, I spoke with my librarian friend, Kathryn Hodges to find out more about what young readers are interested in and how librarians get the books that they want to them. Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, today I'm discussing my marketing efforts for the past year. I forgot one tip. I attended an in person Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference. I highly recommend doing inperson events if you are able to. I met some wonderful fellow author/illustrators at the conference. To see my work Nancy So Miller Illustration Nancy's Instagram Nancy's Twitte...

Hi Everyone, I spoke with Michelle Rivera, a school librarian, because they are key figures in getting the work of authors and illustrators of children's literature to young readers. I wanted to learn more about how that happens and what excites a librarian. Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, my guest is Josh White, an Arizona-based Children's Book Illustrator. Here is more about Josh: I’m a digital artist, illustrator, and designer. My work has been featured in picture books, YA novels, book covers, trading card games and more. I work to bring ideas and concepts to vibrant life with captivating imagery and compelling characters. Josh's website Instagram Twitter Th...

Hi Everyone, my guest is Jyn Hall, children's book author and fellow SCBWI member. I met Jyn at the SCBWI Springmingle and wanted to share her amazing story from actress, producer, and writer. Here is more about Jyn. Jyn Hall has performed in theatre and with local and international troupes all over the U.S. and Europe, as well as toured the Southeast with Atlanta’s oldest professional theatre...

Hi Everyone, I'm talking about budgeting and income as a first-year freelance illustrator. I feel like it's not talked about as far as I see artists that are successful talking about their year-end income, but no so much for the person starting out. I decided to talk about the importance of budgeting, and having a monthly profit and loss statement has helped my peace of mind. I mentioned I...

Hi Everyone, I spoke with Cythnia Petrovits, the creator, philanthropist, artist, and runner for Sneakermutt. She is no longer pursing this fundraising venture. I thought it would be helpful for listeners to hear about someone that did something from the ground up that meant so much them. Here is a bit about Sneakermutt: Sneaker Mutt is crazy for running and dogs, but we are especially crazy for r...

Hi Everyone, I decided to share ways I've been figuring out how to find out more about literary agents. It's been a lot of research. By no means is this only way but there are probably other ways to find an agent. Too many to count! Here are resources for links that I mentioned during the podcast. Kidlit Events by Carolyn B. Fraiser: https://carolynbfraiser.com/kidlit/ Publisher's Mark...

Hi Everyone! Today is my return guest Caroline Hanlon, illustrator and creator of an adorable line of handmade knit bears. Here is more about Caroline: I was born in Washington, DC in 1995, and grew up in Maryland - where you can still find me happily exploring.  I'm a Summa Cum Laude alumni from Savannah College of Art and Design with both my Bachelor's and Master's in Illustration, w...

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Janelle Washing, paper-cut and silhouette artist. She is a fine artist and illustrator. Here is more about Janelle: Janelle Washington is a self-taught paper-cut and silhouette artist from Richmond, Virginia. She graduated from VCU with a BFA in Fashion Design and worked as a children's wear designer for 12 years. Janelle made her debut as a picture book illustra...

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Julie Koon, children's book author, and illustrator. She is the author/illustrator of The Struggle Bus published by Kind World Publishing. She chatted with me about her journey to publication and how she continues to create! Check out her work! Julie's Website Julie's Instagram Julie's Twitter Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest today is Jerushia Graham, printmaker and book artist. Here is more about Jerushia: Jerushia Graham is an Atlanta-based artist who exhibits both nationally and internationally. She earned an MFA in Book Arts/Printmaking from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and has taught for the Atlanta Printmakers Studio, Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, The Jacqueline Casey Hudg...

Hi Everyone, I have returned guest Deborah Miller, mixed media artist, to chat about how you can participate in the Savannah Art Slam event. About the event: The market will feature over 80 artists across various mediums, including fine arts, textiles, photography, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, mixed media, and much more. FOOD TRUCKS PAINT on the community canvas YOUTH POETRY SLAM Art Slam Facebook...

Hi Everyone, my special guest is Mark Crilley. Here is a bit about Mark. Mark Crilley is an American comic creator, artist and children's book author and illustrator. He is the creator of Lost in Taiwan published by Little Brown Ink. He produces instructional videos on drawing on YouTube in various styles, including manga-styles. MarkCrilley.com Mark's Twitter Mark Crilley Youtube Thank yo...

Hi Everyone! My special guest today is Jennifer Smelker, artist and owner of Tandem for Two. Here is more about Jennifer's wholesale business Tandem for Two: Tandem For Two is all about celebrating the everyday activities of where we live, making memories with illustrated designs and giving unique gifts as we journey in life together! As we celebrate where we live and where life takes us, we g...