My Creative Life for Artists and Creators

Hi Everyone! Today my special guest is illustrator and mural artist, Dannie Niu. She is an award winning illustrator to boot! Here is more about Dannie: Dannie is a freelance illustrator based in Atlanta, and she received her M.F.A degree in illustration at Savannah College of Art and Design. Being influenced by classical romantic oil painting from early childhood, Dannie never likes to portray de...

Hi Everyone! I was so fortunate to interview one of my favorite children's book illustrators, Samantha Cotterill. She is an award-winning illustrator and author of the Little Senses Series. Here is more about Samantha. Samantha Cotterill is an award winning picture book author and illustrator of many books for children. Samantha has been featured in The New York Times (as illustrator for Just Add...

Hi Everyone! In the episode I have return guest and cohost Keith Lee. He had some exciting news to share with us today. Also to share his love of editorial concepts and ideation. His inspiration has been Craig Fraizer's The Illustrated Voice. It's no longer in print but you can buy a used copy from your favorite used book reseller. To see Keith's work visit: Keith Lee, editorial illustrator https:...

Hi Everyone! I was pleased to interview Melissa Miles, children's book author and SCBWI Southern Breeze RA. She has been so kind and helpful, and I wanted to share more of her books and the story behind her writing: Jeremiah Justice Saves the Day and Jeremiah Justice Saves Camp.  Melissa's Blog: https://anovelwritingconcept.wordpress.com/ Melissa's Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissajmiles S...

Hi Everyone! Today my guest is Robin Johnson, and she is sharing tips for searching for that inhouse job and getting an interview. I thought Robin's tips were very practical. Here is more about Robin: Robin Martéa is a Fine Artist and Illustrator whose clients range from CNN Style to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Since grade school, she has been heavily involved in the visual arts...

Hi Everyone! I had the pleasure of speaking with Laura Alderson a children's book illustrator based in Italy! So cool! Laura was kind enough to share her art journey with us today. Here is more about her: I grew up in the southern US, with an imagination ready for travel. In middle school I started writing a book set in Italy and my librarian encouraged both my writing and illustrations. My intere...

Hi Everyone, there is no special new guest today, but a reflective talk about what it has been like starting my art business. I recorded this in Dec. 2022, six months after I finished my master's degree. I figured it was a good point to stop and think about what I've accomplished so far and mention the things I've done to get my work out there. If you would like to see my illustration work visit:...

Hi Everyone! Tried a panel discussion on marketing ourselves and some of the current art scams we have run into. I hope this episode is helpful to anyone starting their art journey. In this panel, we have Nancy So Miller, Robin Johnson, Allen Zhang, Via Li, and Keith Lee. We are all working towards building our freelance careers and getting things going.  To see our work: Nancy So Miller, chi...

Hi Everyone, today my guest is Alyssa Ruby, an illustrator, and fibers artist. She has a wide range of skills from 2D to 3D fiber sculptures. I am amazed by Alyssa's work. Here is more about Alyssa: Alyssa Ruby is here to make your magical idea a reality! A native Floridian, but a mountain dweller at heart, I love to create whimsical dreams come to life I love to bring happiness to every...

Hi Everyone! I'm excited to have my guest Lisa Hetrick today! She is a graphic designer, illustrator, and teacher. She has worn numerous hats and was kind enough to share her expertise in building her freelance business. Here is a bit about Lisa. Lisa is the creator of Indigo Jade Art.  She creates art that brings more happiness and joy into the world.  During our conversation, Lisa shar...

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Michael Allen, comic book creator of Melon Cat. Here is more about Michael: Michael Allen has been drawing and writing stories since his birth in 1994. In 2016 he graduated from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA with a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Studio Art with a Drawing and Digital Media focus. After wandering around the Northeast and Texas as a nomad,...

Hi Everyone! Today's guest is Karen Torok, a freelance illustrator based in Nebraska. Karen Torok is a surface designer and freelance illustrator. Here is a partial list of her clients American Girl Inc., Mattel, Parragon Books, Pearson Learning, PepsiCo., Random House, Scholastic, and Sterling Publishing.  To see her work visit: https://karentorok.com/ Instagram Karen Torok Thank you for lis...

Hi Everyone! Sorry to all the listeners, I accidentally missed a Sunday because I got my dates off. My apologizes! Here is a new episode! Today I spoke with Eric Clark, a professor of art and ceramic artist. He has taught for eleven years in higher education. Here is more about Eric:  Eric B. Clark is an Associate Professor of Art at Savannah State University. Eric is a ceramic sculptor inter...

Hi Everyone! Today my special guest is children's book author and illustrator Caitlyn Notaro. Here is a bit about Caitlyn: In 4th grade, Caitlyn Notaro was asked to create her dream pet during art class. Instead of a dog or cat, she created a purple spotted fire-breathing dragon out of clay. Once she realized she had a knack for imagining, she never looked back. Fast forward many years, and Caitly...

Hi Everyone! Today I have return guest, Jennifer Greive. I came across her from some of the other lettering artist I follow. Her work is super cute, and professional! I feel very fortunate to have her on the podcast. Here is a little about Jennifer. She specializes in t-shirt design, logos and branding. Her personal brand Fueled By Letters was born from her love for Typography and Hand Letter...

Hi Everyone! Today my special guest is Deborah Kelly, and she is a member of my Storyteller's Academy Critique Group. Deborah is a children's book author based out of California. She is also a retired school psychologist. She loves to help others, big or small. Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Becky Lance, a children's book author and illustrator. She is based out of Portland, Oregon, and is also the leader of my picture book critique group with Storytellers Academy. To see Becky's work: https://www.instagram.com/beckylancekidlit/ https://twitter.com/beckyl_kidlit Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today my special guest in Jime Wimmer, illustrator, and art educator. Jime was kind enough to share her career and art education experience. Here is more about Jime: Jime Wimmer currently resides in Savannah and is a full-time ​Drawing Professor. She instructs all levels, from Freshmen through Seniors in Traditional and Digital Drawing and Drawing for Storyboard. She raised two sons w...

Hi Everyone! My guest is award-winning children's book author and food ethnographer June Jo Lee. She is the co-author of Chef Roy Choi and The Street Food Remix (Food Heroes Series). The book was a Robert F. Sibert Informational Award Honor Book and Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List, 2018-2019. She also co-authored with Jacqueline Briggs Martin, Sandor Katz and the Tiny Wild, released in June 202...

Hi Everyone! I had the opportunity to take Elizabeth Silver's Start Your Surface Pattern Business. I learned some great practical advice about getting my pattern designs out there. I got enough courage to ask her to be on the podcast. Here is more about Elizabeth and links to her website and social media. Elizabeth Silver is a surface pattern designer with 18 years of industry experience and her f...

Hi Everyone! I chatted today with Kailee Roark an in-house designer the gift market. Here is a bit about Kailee:  I'm a Designer/Illustrator currently living and working in Atlanta, GA as a designer for International Greetings Design Group. I am proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and have experience in repeat patterns, designing for print, color theory, composition, and illustrati...

Hi Everyone! I spoke with Morgan Huff, a children's book author and illustrator, and she was kind enough to share her creative process and journey in this interview. She has such a wonderful heart and perspective about the work we create as artists. Here is a bit about Morgan: Morgan is a children's book illustrator and author based in the Pacific Northwest. I write and illustrate picture books as...

Hi Everyone! I had a lovely chat with Lauren Emmons today! She is delightful and such a great resource for information on children's book writing and illustrating. Here is a bit about Lauren: Lauren Emmons is an illustrator based in the cold tundra of North Dakota. She completed her Master's degree in Children’s Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art at Anglia Ruskin University in Camb...

Hi Everyone! Today I spoke with Brandon Sugiyama, award-winning motion media designer, and professor. He's done ton of work in his career with major clients. Here is more about him: Brandon Sugiyama is a visual storyteller passionate about connecting people with the world around them. He is lead animator on the Emmy award winning Netflix show, Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj. A director, designer, a...

Today my guest is Annalise Kristensen, a motion media designer that I had to opportunity to meet in my MOME class at SCAD. Annalise is a delightful person to chat with. Here is a little more about her. Hello! I'm Annalise Kristensen and I'm a visual designer with a passion for motion, UX/UI and branding. When I'm not working, I'm exploring the woods of New Jersey with my dog to find the perfect sp...