Shows
The Illustration Department PodcastJessie Kanelos WeinerGiuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, author, and educator, Jessie Kanelos Weiner, about the healing properties of watercolor; what it means, with respect to mental health, to be “the movement”; what three words all creatives need to hear; and more.To learn more about Jessie and her book, Thinking in Watercolor, visit jessiekanelosweiner.net.In this episode, Giuseppe’s Substack post, What is Illustration, Anyway? is mentioned. You can read it here.
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2025-04-0839 min
The Illustration Department PodcastRobin Preiss GlasserGiuseppe Castellano talks to New York Times bestselling illustrator, Robin Preiss Glasser, about how she worked with Jane O’Connor on Fancy Nancy (and how close Nancy came to a horrible death); what “the buzz” is, and why artists should not listen to it; what art can do and be in times of hardship and pain; and more.To learn more about Robin, visit robinpreissglasser.com.You can listen to Giuseppe’s podcast chat with Jane O’Connor here.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Hilary Knight, Bernadette Watts, Susan Guevara, Adrienne Adams, Reginald M...
2024-09-241h 09
The Illustration Department PodcastAndrew LeungGiuseppe Castellano talks to concept artist, designer, and filmmaker, Drew Leung, about what storytelling has to do with concept art; what the key difference is between GenAI and actual concept artists; why it’s important for any artist to remember why they wanted to be an artist to begin with; and more.To learn more about Drew, visit anihaus.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Karla Ortiz, Vicki Pui, and Craig MullinsGiuseppe mentioned Angel Hernandez as being one of the worst Major League Baseball umpires of all time. He is. It’s tr...
2024-09-031h 15
The Illustration Department PodcastKatty HuertasGiuseppe Castellano talks to artist, illustrator, and art director, Katty Huertas, about what she looks for in illustrators (hint: it’s not “being the best”); what simple portfolio advice illustrators should follow; why any creative might want to look into being a “polyteche”; and more.To learn more about Katty, visit kattyhuertas.com.Websites Katty and Giuseppe mentioned include: It’s Nice That, Creative Boom, Grain Edit, Creative Review, Illustration.lol, and Working Not Working
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2024-08-2039 min
The Illustration Department PodcastDr. David R. McDuffGiuseppe Castellano talks to Dr. David R. McDuff, sports psychiatrist and faculty member at the University Of Maryland’s School Of Medicine, about his role as a mental preparation trainer for the Baltimore Orioles; what simple, doable, healthy routines help manage anxiety and stress; why athletes and artists should accept the positive energy fear can bring into their lives; and more.To learn more about David and his practice, visit mdsports.net. Read Giuseppe’s article on the similarities between baseball and illustration on his blog.Artists mentioned in this episode include: James Hartzell
2023-03-2154 min
The Illustration Department PodcastTracy van StraatenGiuseppe Castellano talks to Tracy van Straaten, Founder and President of TvS Media Group, about the difference between marketing and publicity in children’s publishing; what illustrators and writers should realistically expect from marketing and publicity departments; why the pre-order window is important when it comes to the life or death of a book; and more.To learn more about Tracy and TvS Media Group, visit tvsmediagroup.com.Tracy mentioned Giuseppe’s chat with Hilary Knight. You can listen to that conversation here.
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2022-11-291h 25
The Illustration Department PodcastJacqueline LiptonGiuseppe Castellano talks to Jacqueline Lipton, founding agent at Raven Quill Literary Agency, and faculty member at The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Law. Among other topics, she explains what copyright is and isn’t for creators; how artists can legitimately protect their work; why “fear of the law” shouldn’t stop one from being creative; and more.Jacqueline is closed to submissions. However, you can send your query to her… but only if you listen to this conversation.To learn more about Jacqueline, visit jlipton.com.To learn more about Raven Quill Literar...
2022-05-1054 min
The Illustration Department PodcastRichard BorgeGiuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, animator, director, and educator, Richard Borge about choosing a freelance life over something more (ostensibly) stable; why illustrators should embrace their work’s evolution; how to conceptualize an editorial illustration; why some great pieces of advice for illustrators aren’t that great; and more.To learn more about Richard, visit richardborge.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Scott Santoro, Ed Bedno, Matt Mahurin, and Mark FredricksonRichard cited an article entitled, A Program for Developing Visual Symbols, by Ed Bedno. You can read it here.Gius...
2022-04-2042 min
The Illustration Department PodcastLane SmithCaldecott-winning illustrator and author, Lane Smith, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how he went from illustrating an album cover for Oingo Boingo, to publishing his first picture book; what he doesn’t like about the term “kid-friendly” when describing kids’ books; why he works in multiple styles and media; and more.To learn more about Lane, visit lanesmithbooks.com.Lane and Giuseppe spoke at length about Grandpa Green—which earned Lane a Caldecott Honor in 2012. You can buy it here.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Stan Lee, Georganne Dean, Matt Mahurin, Greg Spalenka...
2021-10-261h 14
The Illustration Department PodcastRoy FreemanRoy Freeman—scientist, artist, author, publisher, and son of Don Freeman—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about Don’s life before Corduroy; how Roy found peace with the difficult relationship he had with his father; what advice Don would share with illustrators were he alive today; and more.To learn more about Roy and Don Freeman, visit donfreeman.info.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Al Hirschfeld, Jackson Pollack, David Edward Byrd; Beauford Delaney, and Beatrix PotterRoy and Giuseppe talk about a short documentary of Don, his wife Lydia, and their working relationship.
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2021-09-2855 min
The Illustration Department PodcastTraci ToddAuthor and long-time children’s book editor, Traci Todd, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the editorial process—from her experiences as the head of multiple editorial departments; how “original” trade publishing relies on Pokemon, SpongeBob, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; what a 1975 article by Augusta Baker can teach us about the future of diversity in children’s publishing; and more.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Mariko Tamaki, Jacob Chabot, Christian Robinson, Vera B. Williams, and Don TateTraci and Giuseppe talk about Augusta Baker’s 1975 article, The Changing Image of the Black in Children's L...
2021-09-0758 min
The Illustration Department PodcastJohn HendrixIllustrator, Author, and Professor, John Hendrix, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the lessons he learned from the early days of his illustration career; how his religious faith intersects with his art (and why he thinks “God is dunking” on him); what baseball can teach us about working as an illustrator; and more.To learn more about John, visit johnhendrix.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Barry Fitzgerald, Marshall Arisman; Milton Glaser, Seymour Chwast, Steven Heller, Grant Wood, Chris Van Allsburg, and Marjane SatrapiGiuseppe mentioned an blog post he wrote about the simi...
2021-08-2440 min
The Illustration Department PodcastShaun TanArtist and writer, Shaun Tan, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how dinosaurs helped him become an artist (and combat bullies); why 95% of the art he makes never sees the light of day; how simplicity and complexity can be synonymous; why a crisis of confidence can be a good thing; and more.To learn more about Shaun, visit shauntan.net.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Michael Youens, Ann Baum, Thomas Crosby-Smith, Yōichi Kotabe, Don Freeman, and Maurice SendakShaun and Giuseppe spoke at length about this image from Shaun’s book, The Red...
2021-08-1757 min
The Illustration Department PodcastBen ZhuBen Zhu—founder of Gallery Nucleus, illustrator, and author—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about COVID19’s affect on Gallery Nucleus; the ups and downs of creating, selling, debuting, and marketing a picture book; and more.To learn more about Ben, visit benzhudraws.com.To learn more about Gallery Nucleus, visit gallerynucleus.com.Ben was a guest in Episode 7 of the podcast. To listen that interview, visit illustrationdept.com/podcast/benzhu.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Babs Tarr, Jon Klassen, LeUyen Pham, and Chris Sasaki
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2021-07-1356 min
The Illustration Department PodcastFrances JetterIllustrator and Printmaker, Frances Jetter, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how she wandered from photographing inmates at Rykers Island to starting an illustration career in the mid-1970’s. They discuss what it was like working with art directors in the 1980’s; why she hits political and social issues—hard; what illustrators can do to find authenticity; and more.To learn more about Frances, visit fjetter.net.Frances mentioned a book called, The Golden Encyclopedia of Art: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, and Ornament, from Prehistoric Times to the Twentieth Century. She said it was highly influential to her—an...
2021-02-0939 min
The Illustration Department PodcastDavid SomanIllustrator, Author, and Educator, David Soman, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how David got his first picture book job—despite not having a single illustration in his portfolio. They discuss the past and future of the beloved, Ladybug Girl books; the bad art advice coming from publishing professionals; painting with watercolor; teaching at the School of Visual Arts; and much more.To learn more about David, his partner, Jacky Davis, and Ladybug Girl, visit readbrightly.com.Follow David on Instagram at davidsoman.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Gustav Rehberger, Harvey Dinnerstein, Max Gi...
2021-02-021h 01
The Illustration Department PodcastMatthew CarlsonMatthew Carlson—Design Director at Adobe Creative Cloud—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about his role at Adobe, and how they responded to COVID-19; why Adobe, Facebook, Twitter, and the rest of Big Tech are so reliant on illustration; what the similarities and differences are between digital and traditional methods of creating art; and more.To learn more about Matthew, visit behance.net/dreamjar.They discuss Matthew’s successful Kickstarter campaign for a role-playing tabletop game, called WanderSquares. Learn more about the game by visiting, wandersquares.comArtists mentioned in this episode include: Matt Steven...
2021-01-2649 min
The Illustration Department PodcastGreg ManchessRenowned Painter and Author, Greg Manchess, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the turbulent beginning of his artistic journey; why his 2017 groundbreaking graphic novel, Above the Timberline, is about searching for his father; how he processes failure; why oil painting and the perfection of imperfection have sustained his 40-year career; and more.To learn more about Greg, visit manchess.com.Greg’s blog post on Failure was mentioned in this episode. You can read the post on muddycolors.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Gary Kelley and M.C. Escher
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2021-01-191h 10
The Illustration Department PodcastChristine von der LinnChristine von der Linn—Director of Illustration Art at Swann Auction Galleries—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how she values traditional and digital illustration; whether important illustrations belong in a museum or in your dining room; why collectors are turning their attention to artists most of us never learned about in art school; and more.To learn more about Christine and Swann Auction Galleries, visit swanngalleries.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Frederic Church, Ludwig Bemelmans, Charles Schulz, Emily Flake, Peter Arno, Charles Addams, Tom Toro, Mead Schaeffer, Barbara Shermund, Martha Sawyers, Barbara Zuber, Ilon...
2021-01-1254 min
The Illustration Department PodcastDavid BorgenichtDavid Borgenicht—Owner and CEO of Quirk Books—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the founding, management, and future of Quirk Books; how his team looks for illustrators, and what they look for in illustration; whether Publishing saw its worst-case scenario in 2020; why a book is a much-needed companion as we try to survive whatever life throws at us; and more.To learn more about Quirk Books, visit quirkbooks.com.If you would like to submit a portfolio or book idea to Quirk, visit quirkbooks.com/page/submissions.
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2020-12-2943 min
The Illustration Department PodcastLuke FlowersLuke Flowers—illustrator, author, and self-described “creative cave-dweller”—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about why Jim Henson is a big part of Luke’s kindness and creativity; how he’s managed to illustrate more than 50 children’s books in less than a decade; how he lives with self-doubt and depression; and much more.Luke and Giuseppe also do their best impression of Kermit the Frog…To learn more about Luke, visit lukeflowerscreative.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Michael Smollin, Jim Henson, Cory Godbey, and Joey EllisLuke mentioned “Becoming Better Grownups” by Brad...
2020-12-2251 min
The Illustration Department PodcastLindsay NohlLindsay Nohl, illustrator, educator, and founder of Light Grey Art Lab, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the founding of her gallery; how she curates exhibitions; why submitting artwork to competitions, exhibitions, and potential clients, involves paradoxical truths; what artists need to do if they want to be product designers; and more.To learn more about Lindsay and Light Grey, visit lightgreyartlab.com.Lindsay mentioned Coroflot.com as a way for artists to find work and clients.
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2020-12-1554 min
The Illustration Department PodcastJulia RosenfeldJulia Rosenfeld, Senior Designer at Penguin Young Readers Group, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the inner-workings of the children‘s book design department; working with Giuseppe as his former Design Assistant; what #mailersandcoffee was, and why it was important; how Julia looks for illustrators during the COVID19 pandemic; and much more.To learn more about Julia, visit juliarosenfeld.com.
If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Cred...
2020-12-0844 min
The Illustration Department PodcastJane O’ConnorJane O’Connor, children’s book author, and editor-at-large at Penguin Young Readers Group, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about her 50-year career.She shares her thoughts on mergers in Publishing; writing Fancy Nancy; creating the trend-setting, non-fiction series, Who Was?; working with Giuseppe as her art director; working with Gyo Fujikawa, Tomie dePaola and Peggy Rathmann; and so much more.To learn more about Jane, visit fancynancyworld.comArtists mentioned in this episode include: Mort Drucker, Al Jaffee, Kevin McVeigh, Nancy Harrison, Hilary Knight, Gyo Fujikawa, Tomie dePaola, and Peggy Rathmann.
If...
2020-12-0147 min
The Illustration Department PodcastKazu KibuishiAuthor and Illustrator, Kazu Kibuishi, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the personal hardships and challenges he faced in becoming a graphic novelist; where comics and graphic novels stand, and where they should go; why doctors gave Kazu a 99% chance of dying in 2012, and how his near-death experience effects him now; what advice he has for comic book and graphic novel creators; and more.At the end of the episode, Giuseppe’s 13 year-old cohost asks Kazu about the future of Amulet.To learn more about Kazu, visit boltcityproductions.com.Kazu mentions Disney animator, Ubbe Iw...
2020-11-241h 03
The Illustration Department PodcastJohn CuneoAward-winning cartoonist, John Cuneo, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about John’s career before and after his “artistic crisis”. They discuss how insecurity and anxiety drive wedges between an artist and their work; why John “goes there” with his “NSFW” illustrations; what role depression plays in John’s, and Giuseppe’s, lives; and much more.Before you listen to this episode, you should know:Sex, trauma, and self-harm are discussed.To learn more about John, visit johncuneo.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Steve Brodner, Thomas Nast, David Levine, Joe Ciardiello, James McMullan, Ed Sorel...
2020-11-171h 25
The Illustration Department PodcastDavid WiesnerDavid Wiesner, illustrator, author, and 3-time Caldecott Medal-winner, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the path that led him to wordless picture books; how Maurice Sendak, James Marshall, Trina Schart Hyman, and other legends helped David feel like he “belonged”; how an “unplanned moment” led to his Caldecott-winning, Tuesday; what it was like to get the “Caldecott Call”; why the pictures in picture books matter; and so much more.To learn more about David, visit davidwiesner.com.David and I talked about the great, Trina Schart Hyman. Here is David’s blog post about working with her when she w...
2020-11-101h 05
The Illustration Department PodcastDebbie BiboDebbie Bibo, the founder of Debbie Bibo Agency, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how and why she became a “picture book agent”; what she looks for in illustrators; and how “bad agents” are burning through illustrators’ good-will equity.She also answers questions from Patrons of the podcast about what illustrators should say in their queries; how to conduct oneself during an interview with an agent; how COVID19 is affecting—and will affect—her agency and the children’s book industry; and so much more.To learn more about Debbie and her agency, visit debbiebiboagency.com.Artists men...
2020-11-031h 03
The Illustration Department PodcastJames McMullanIllustrator, Author, and Illustration Teacher, James McMullan, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about his globe-trotting, but tragic, childhood; what his early days as an illustrator were like; why his philosophy on drawing—and the teaching of drawing—stems from intuition and humanization; why he thinks illustrators should embrace risk; and so much more.To learn more about James, visit jamesmcmullan.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Betsy Lewin, Milton Glaser, Egon Schiele, Ben Shahn, Robert Weaver, Seymour Chwast, Ed Sorel, R.O. Blechman, Maurice Sendak, Charles B. Slackman, Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, and Mary Suzuki.
2020-10-271h 02
The Illustration Department PodcastSergio RuzzierIllustrator and Author, Sergio Ruzzier, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how he “broke into” children’s publishing; how Hieronymus Bosch, the Italian Renaissance, and Popeye influence his work; why watercolor is his medium of choice; what it was like living with Maurice Sendak; and so much more.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Hieronymus Bosch, Giotto, Simone Martini, Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, George Herriman, Elzie Crisler Segar, Chester Gould, Massimo Mattioli, Paul Davis, Lane Smith, Peter Sís, and Alessandro Sanna.To learn more about Sergio, visit ruzzier.com.
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2020-10-201h 07
The Illustration Department PodcastMartin SalisburyMartin Salisbury, Author and Professor of Illustration at Cambridge School of Art in Anglia Ruskin University, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about what led him to illustration; what illustrators should be thinking about when they think about children’s books; what makes a picture book “great” or “bad”; why Martin thinks illustrators should draw, and draw, and draw; and much more.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Russell Mills, Paul Slater, Angela Barrett, Maurice Sendak, Judith Kerr, Roy Gerrard, John Minton, Esphry Slobdkina, Marshall Arisman, and James McMullenTo learn more about Martin and Anglia Ruskin University...
2020-10-1351 min
The Illustration Department PodcastElla LupoFounder of Purple Rain Illustrators, Ella Lupo, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how she became an agent; what it was like being an illustration agent in the late 1990’s; when illustrators should and shouldn’t chase “style” trends; how “bad agents” give “good agents” a bad name; how COVID19 is affecting the illustration community; and much more.To learn more about Ella, visit purplerainillustrators.com.
If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episode...
2020-10-0648 min
The Illustration Department PodcastHeather Campbell CoyleChief Curator and Curator of American Art at the Delaware Art Museum, Heather Campbell Coyle, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about examining and preserving the lives and work of illustrators; how the struggles of past illustrators continue to echo throughout time; what happens when the general public is asked to curate a museum; and much more.Artists mentioned in this episode include: John Sloan, William Glackens, Howard Pyle, Frank Schoonover, Raphaelle Peale, Frederic Edwin Church, Edward Mitchell Bannister, Henry Ossawa Tanner, and Pearl MannTo learn more about the Delaware Art Museum, visit delart.org.
2020-09-2949 min
The Illustration Department PodcastAmanda BurdanCurator of the Brandywine River Museum of Art, Amanda Burdan, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the Brandywine’s history, mission, and collection; how her team finds and curates art; how the Brandywine literally creates space for women in illustration; what it’s like living in “Wyeth Country”; and much more.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Newell Convers Wyeth, Andrew and Jamie Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Maxfield Parrish, Jessie Willcox Smith, Charles Dana Gibson, Rockwell Kent, Horace Pippin, William Trost Richards, John Neagle, Grandma Moses, Violet Oakley, Anna Whelan Betts, Ethel Franklin Betts, Ellen B.T. Pyle, Olive Rush, Bl...
2020-09-2247 min
The Illustration Department PodcastRebecca GreenIllustrator/author, and native “Michigander”, Rebecca Green, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about her first steps as an illustrator; why you sometimes have to unlearn what you learned in art school; what she thinks about when she thinks about color; and how illustrators can navigate blocks and burnouts and breakdowns by following their own “creative compass”.To learn more about Rebecca and her work, and to read her helpful blog posts, visit myblankpaper.com.We discuss Rebecca’s debut picture book, How to Make Friends with a Ghost. You can learn more about it, and purchase it by visi...
2020-09-1546 min
The Illustration Department PodcastCory GodbeyIllustrator, Cory Godbey, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how he balances illustration and parenthood; how personal projects—from sketchbook collections to a tribute website for Where the Wild Things Are—led Cory to landing prestigious client work (including The Dark Crystal for the Hensons); what it’s like to be bitten by the “Comparison Bug”—and how to be cured from it; and much more.To learn more about Cory, visit corygodbey.com.They discussed Cory’s tribute website to Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are. It’s called “Terrible Yellow Eyes”. You can still visit it her...
2020-09-081h 01
The Illustration Department PodcastJoe CiardielloIllustrator and portraitist extraordinaire, Joe Ciardiello, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about his first steps as an illustrator—with the help of Murray Tinkelman; who Jim Spanfeller was, and what he taught Joe about drawing; what Joe thinks about when he thinks about drawing; how he manages the ebb and flow career of an illustrator; how procrastination affects Joe; and much more.To learn more about Joe, visit joeciardiello.com.Illustrators mentioned in this episode include: Murray Tinkelman, Bob Peak, Bernie Fuchs, Mort Drucker, Maurice Sendak, Lorraine Fox, Alan Cober, Chris Spollen, and Richard Egielski.
2020-09-011h 00
The Illustration Department PodcastR.O. BlechmanIllustrator, graphic novelist, and filmmaker, R.O. Blechman, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about why he became an artist despite not loving to draw, and having no interest in art; how he went from having a “rigid” style with “no quality whatsoever” to one of the most recognizable styles in all of illustration; what happened when Maurice Sendak asked Blechman for advice; what would be his best piece of advice for today’s illustrators; and much more.To learn more about Blechman, visit roblechman.com.Illustrators mentioned in this episode include: Maxa Nordau, Ben Shahn, James McMullen...
2020-08-2532 min
The Illustration Department PodcastAnita KunzIllustrator and Artist, Anita Kunz, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how art saved her life; how she achieved an illustrious career in spite of “hundreds” of rejections; why she calls illustrating her first New Yorker cover—called “Mohawk Manhattan”—“one of my worst experiences”; why there continues to be great power in art; what advice Anita has for today’s illustrators; and more.To learn more about Anita, visit anitakunz.com.Anita’s “10 Tips for Creative Success”, by Marie DeFreitas, was mentioned in this episode, You can read them in full here: hercampus.comIllustrators mentioned...
2020-08-1848 min
The Illustration Department PodcastDeborah FeingoldDeborah Feingold talks to Giuseppe Castellano about her 40-year career as a photographer; what it was like taking photographs of major figures in music, politics, and popular culture—from Chet Baker to Madonna to President Obama; how she feels about the age of built-in cameras in smart phones; and why she likes to photograph illustrators.To learn more about Deborah, visit deborahfeingold.com.Musicians, politicians, and illustrators mentioned in this episode include: Scott Lee, David Byrne, Annie Lennox, James Brown, Mitch McConnell, Ed Sorel, Seymour Chwast, Barry Blitt, and Joe Ciardiello
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2020-08-1153 min
The Illustration Department PodcastJeremy WortsmanFounder & Managing Director of The Jacky Winter Group, Jeremy Wortsman, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how he founded an illustration agency in 2007 out of his back bedroom; what he looks for when looking through a thousand portfolios a week; what illustrators can do to make sure that an art director’s “dart” lands on them; how illustration can help us find the good in troubled times; and more.And… he answers the question: Who exactly is Jacky Winter?To learn more about Jeremy and The Jacky Winter Group, visit jackywinter.com.Jeremy mentioned a podcas...
2020-08-0455 min
The Illustration Department PodcastJames BurnsVice President, and Managing Agent, for the Bright Agency, James Burns, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the role of an artist rep; how COVID-19 has affected publishing; what the facts are regarding the graphic novel boom (including fees); what an illustrator can do to improve their portfolio; and so much more. James also answers questions from Patrons of The Illustration Department Podcast.To learn more about James, visit his page on Bright’s website.Several podcast episodes with other agents were mentioned in this episode. They include Giuseppe’s chats with Angharad Kowal Stannus of Kowa...
2020-07-2858 min
The Illustration Department PodcastDian HoltonSenior Deputy Art Director at AARP, Dian Holton, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how she went from Army kid to Design Leader; what she thinks are the benefits and struggles of being a mentor and mentee; and what conversations need to be had with respect to diversity and inclusion in the applied arts.Throughout this conversation, Dian and Giuseppe touch on the racial inequities they see in conventional teachings of art history.To learn more about Dian, visit dianholton.com.
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2020-07-211h 00
The Illustration Department PodcastDavid Edward ByrdIllustrator, David Edward Byrd, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about his 50-year career in illustration. David takes us on a journey that begins in Cleveland, Tennessee; detours through Miami Beach, Florida; stops in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—where he studied at Carnegie Mellon University; and settles in Port Jervis, New York—where he created posters for The Woodstock Festival.His story then moves through New York City in the 1970’s—where he hung out with Jimi Hendrix; and where he created posters for Broadway shows, including: Follies, Godspell, and Little Shop of Horrors.The journey concludes in Los Angeles...
2020-07-1545 min
The Illustration Department PodcastNancy StahlIllustrator, and forerunner of the digital illustration age, Nancy Stahl, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how she started her illustration career in 1971 with two hundred dollars and two years of art school.They also discuss the pleasure and pain of working in gouache; what it was like to be one of the first illustrators to “go digital” in the 1980’s; and why a company called Adobe invited her to try out a new program called, Photoshop.To learn more about Nancy, visit nancystahl.com.Illustrators mentioned in this episode include: Rick Tulka, Michael Deas...
2020-07-0750 min
The Illustration Department PodcastNoah KlocekArt Director at Pixar, Noah Klocek, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how a childhood without a television led to simultaneous careers in feature film animation and children’s book illustration; what differentiates Pixar from Dreamworks (aside from kicks in the groin); and why it’s so important to learn about color theory.To learn more about Noah, visit imageblock.com.Writers and illustrators mentioned in this episode include: Tomie DePaola, Trina Schart Hyman, Lisbeth Zwerger, Gustaf Tenggren, Bill Peet, Mary Blair, Aurelius Battaglia, Hayao Miyazaki, and Bonnie Becker
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2020-06-301h 00
The Illustration Department PodcastShawna J.C. TenneyAuthor and illustrator, Shawna J.C. Tenney, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about getting into illustration thanks to a scheduling snafu in high school; why illustrators sometimes need to break up with their agent (or agents); why her illustration and animation podcast, Stories Unbound, was short-lived—and what she regrets about it; and why—as Mercer Meyer would agree—rejection should be viewed as a normal part of an illustrator’s career.To learn more about Shawna, visit shawnajctenney.com.Writers and illustrators mentioned in this episode include: Mercer Meyer, Ruth Sanderson, Carter Goodrich, and Mary Grandpré...
2020-06-2345 min
The Illustration Department PodcastThe 1-year Anniversary EpisodeSince June 18, 2019, Giuseppe Castellano has talked to leaders, legends, and luminaries in illustration, graphic design, publishing, animation, and other creative fields, about their beginnings, their successes, and the bumps and bruises they’ve experienced along the way.To celebrate the podcast’s 1-year Anniversary, Giuseppe asked listeners of the podcast to answer three questions:1. What is the best thing about being an illustrator?2. What is the worst thing about being an illustrator?3. What advice would you offer to illustrators?Lastly, each of the 23 contributing illustrators share an important message.
2020-06-1742 min
The Illustration Department PodcastRudy GutierrezEducator, and multi-award-winning artist, Rudy Gutierrez, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how he’s “lived many dreams” over a 40-year career in Illustration; why the famous musician, Carlos Santana, chose Rudy’s art for his 2002 album, Shaman; why he thinks the role of an educator is to help students “find their validity”; what it was like getting the “Caldecott Call”; and how illustrators can find their path.To learn more about Rudy, visit altpick.com/rudygutierrez or rudygutierrez.net.Giuseppe mentioned educator, Murry Tinkelman’s words that celebrated Rudy’s 2005 Distinguished Educator in the Arts award. You can read...
2020-06-091h 11
The Illustration Department PodcastJohnny TemplePublisher of Akashic Books, Johnny Temple, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how he went from touring with Rage Against The Machine to launching a socially conscious publishing company; why it took a “constellation of fortunate events” to form Akashic; why Johnny doesn’t like the idea of “mandatory gatekeepers” between artists and companies; and, how Go The F*ck To Sleep went from an almost-rejected proposal to a game-changing phenomenon.Johnny talked about Samuel L. Jackson’s reading of Stay the F**k at Home on The Jimmy Kimmel Show. Here’s the clip on Youtube.To learn mor...
2020-06-0248 min
The Illustration Department PodcastClaudia Z. BedrickCo-founder, Publisher, Art Director, and Editor of Enchanted Lion Books, Claudia Z. Bedrick, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how she—and her family—started the leading independent publishing company; why Enchanted Lion has yet to be swallowed by a Big Fish—despite several attempts; what it takes for an independent to survive—and in many cases, thrive—in the marketplace; and what the publisher of beautifully illustrated books looks for in illustrators.Lastly, Claudia and I explain why we both hope that the publishing industry does NOT go back to normal post-pandemic.To learn more about Clau...
2020-05-2652 min
The Illustration Department PodcastAngharad Kowal StannusFounder of Kowal Stannus Agency, Angharad Kowal Stannus, chats with Giuseppe Castellano about how the publishing industry will look post-COVID-19; why being an American in the UK gives her an advantage as an agent; what subsidiary rights are, and how they work; why her agency doesn’t use “nameless and faceless” submission forms; and what advice she would give to you, if she were your agent…To learn more about Angharad, visit kowalstannusagency.com. Don’t be fooled by the “Website Coming Soon” message. Her agency is quite busy.To request representation, email Angharad at angharad@kowals...
2020-05-1946 min
The Illustration Department PodcastHilary KnightIllustrator and writer, Hilary Knight, chats with Giuseppe Castellano about his life and work as an illustrator; his service for the U.S. Navy during World War II; his up-and-down relationship with Kay Thompson; the creation of “Eloise”; the mysterious theft of his “Eloise” painting from The Plaza hotel in 1960; and much, much more.Illustrators and artists mentioned in this episode include: Peter Arno, Reginald Marsh, David Downton, George Tooker, Ronald Searle, Kay Neilsen, William Ivy Long, and Edmund DulacTo learn more about Hilary, visit hilaryknight.com.
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2020-05-121h 07
The Illustration Department PodcastKelly LightAuthor and Illustrator, Kelly Light, returns to the podcast! She chats with Giuseppe Castellano about how life has changed for Kelly since our first chat with her way back in June of 2018.She shares how she (probably) contracted COVID-19; how one—by choice or necessity—RE-starts a creative a career; and what Tove Jansson, Ashley Bryan, Judith Kerr, and others can teach us about staying creative through hardship.To learn more about Kelly, visit kellylight.com.If you want to listen to our first chat with her in Episode 1, go here.
If...
2020-05-0547 min
The Illustration Department PodcastThe 50th EpisodeThis is our 50th Episode! To celebrate, Giuseppe Castellano compiled short highlights from each guest. Through 49 episodes, illustrators, agents, art directors, and others talked about starting an illustration career, launching an art agency, understanding the history of children‘s publishing, living with depression, finding one’s artistic style, fighting in World War II, and… starting a podcast.Our first 47 guests (two of them were double episodes) were (in order): Kelly Light, Yuko Shimizu, Mohamed Danawi, Erin Hunting, Lisa Brown, Ben Zhu, Stephen Kroninger, Krystal Lauk, Mark Mills, Jim Hoover, Leila Sales, Jess Brallier, Floyd Cooper, Jon Cockley, Leonar...
2020-04-281h 02
The Illustration Department PodcastÂnia MarcosIllustrator, Entrepreneur, and Podcast Producer-extraordinaire, Ânia Marcos, chats with Giuseppe Castellano about living and working in Portugal; how and why she’s helped produced countless creative podcasts; and why she thinks “failure” is a good thing.They also trade “war stories” from the front lines of podcasting.To learn more about Ânia, visit aniamarcos.com.
If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept...
2020-04-211h 03
The Illustration Department PodcastAshley BryanRenowned children’s book author and illustrator, Ashley Bryan, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how—over almost 100 years—art has helped Ashley persevere through adversity. They also discuss Ashley’s experiences during World War II; Ashely’s 50-year career in children’s publishing; and why art is at the heart of what it means to be human.To learn more about Ashley, visit ashleybryancenter.com.Giuseppe mentioned Nancy’s Larrick’s 1965 article, The All-White World of Children’s Books. You can read it here.You can also read about the founding of The Coretta Scott King...
2020-04-1425 min
The Illustration Department PodcastDave McKeanDave McKean talks to Giuseppe Castellano about being a writer, illustrator, filmmaker, and all around “creativo”; why he dislikes being called “artist” and “genius”; and how he managed to talk to artist Paul Nash—an early-20th-century British Modernist who passed in 1946.A few authors and artists were mentioned in this conversation, including: Marshall Arisman, Moebius, Alan Moore, Francis Bacon, and Federico FelliniDave and Giuseppe also talk about jazz, including these musicians: Herbie Hancock, Chick Correa, Bill Evans, and Stefano BollaniTo learn more about Dave, visit davemckean.com.Dave mentioned John...
2020-04-071h 02
The Illustration Department PodcastSteve SimpsonIllustrator and Graphic Designer, Steve Simpson, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how he transitioned from animation and comics to illustration—and how he found his “style” in the process. They discuss the similarities between graphic design and illustration; the differences between influence and appropriation; and the relationships between colors.To learn more about Steve, visit stevesimpson.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jim Flora, David Klein, William Morris, and William Addison HigginsGiuseppe mentioned an article he had written about the lessons illustrators can learn from baseball. Guest contributors to the article includ...
2020-03-3159 min
The Illustration Department PodcastAnna GoodsonPresident & Founder of Anna Goodson Illustration Agency, Anna Goodson, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the founding and management of her world-renowned agency; the top 5 mistakes she’s seen illustrators make; how COVID-19 has affected—and may affect—the illustration community; and what illustrators can do to stay responsibly productive during a time of isolation.To learn more about Anna and her agency, visit agoodson.com.To buy books we mention on the podcast, visit our Book Shop! Purchasing books through our affiliate link supports independent bookstores and our podcast.
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2020-03-2447 min
The Illustration Department PodcastBetsy BirdBetsy Bird (otherwise known as “Fuse8”), the Collection Development Manager of Evanston Public Library, and former Youth Materials Specialist of the New York Public Library, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about her path to becoming a librarian; the origin of “Fuse8”; a librarian’s responsibility—particularly with “problematic” books; the mischievousness of favorite children’s book creators; the Berenstain’s and Alternate Timelines, the six-foot long mustache she once received from Giuseppe’s team at Penguin, and more.To learn more about Betsy—and her podcast, Fuse8 & n’ Kate—visit betsybirdbooks.com.A few authors and illustrators were mentioned...
2020-03-1747 min
The Illustration Department PodcastPamela ZagarenskiTwo-time Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator, Pamela Zagarenski, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about why personal hardship—which led to professional abandonment—almost torpedoed her career; how she picked up the pieces; how her company’s name, Sacred Bee, came from a near-death experience; and what Goethe teaches us about achieving our creative goals.To learn more about Pamela, visit sacredbee.com.Be sure to check out her newest book, The Fabled Life of Aesop, by Ian Lender, where you buy or borrow books.
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2020-03-1056 min
The Illustration Department PodcastGabriel AlborozoIllustrator and Cartoonist, Gabriel Alborozo, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the anxiety-inducing choice to be a children’s book author and illustrator; why he sometimes sees the agent-illustrator relationship as “owner-pet”, how he handled rejections from agents for being “just a cartoonist”; what your big social media following says about you and your art (hint: not much); and how Gabriel dreamt of being a matte painter after watching Star Wars in 1977—and why it never happened.To learn more about Gabriel, visit alborozo.co.uk.Here are a few of the illustrators we mention: E.H. Shepard...
2020-03-031h 06
The Illustration Department PodcastSeymour ChwastRecorded from his apartment, Seymour Chwast talks to Giuseppe Castellano about forming Push Pin Studios with Ed Sorel, and Milton Glaser; hanging out with Ezra Jack Keats; and what his thoughts are on Comic Sans.To learn more about Seymour Chwast, visit pushpininc.com.
If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and...
2020-02-1833 min
The Illustration Department PodcastStephanie PlunkettStephanie Haboush Plunkett, the Deputy Director and Chief Curator of the Norman Rockwell Museum, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how she came to work at the museum; what lessons we can learn from Rockwell’s life and work, and why she and the museum are trying to change how the public views and appreciates the yet-to-be-fully-appreciated field of illustration.The episode begins with a segment of “Moonlight Serenade” by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra. The track was a recording from their live show at the Glen Island Casino in New Rochelle, New York, on May 17, 1939. That same year...
2020-02-1150 min
The Illustration Department PodcastBetsy PeterschmidtBetsy talks about what it was like working with Giuseppe Castellano at Penguin Young Readers Group; how they both live with depression; how she finds illustrators to hire; and what Clifford the Big Red Dog creator, Norman Bridwell, teaches us about rejection, imposter syndrome, and perseverance.To learn more about Betsy, visit betsyillustration.carbonmade.com.Betsy’s always looking for artists. Email her!
If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to...
2020-02-041h 01
The Illustration Department PodcastAlexis Orgera and Chad Reynolds of Penny Candy BooksCo-owners and publishers of Penny Candy Books, Alexis Orgera and Chad Reynolds, talk to Giuseppe Castellano about how they started a publishing company; what 5 steps are needed to publish a book; why they accept unsolicited manuscripts; and why diversity is integral to their mission.Lastly, they discuss if Penny Candy Books—with employees living in Oklahoma, North Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey—is the future of children’s book publishing.Chad brought up the book, Publishing for Profit: Successful Bottom-line Management for Book Publishers. You can purchase a copy from Chicago Review Press, here.To l...
2020-01-281h 01
The Illustration Department PodcastKelly DelaneyVice President of Learning Experience Design at McGraw-Hill Education, Kelly Delaney, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about her role within an educational publisher; why she doesn’t love the word, “textbook”; and why McGraw-Hill—who published Paul Galdone, Robert Barry, and a teenage Maurice Sendak—isn’t part of “The Big 6”… yet.Here are a few of the writers and illustrators they mentioned: Eve Titus, Paul Galdone, Crockett Johnson, Robert Barry, and a teenage Maurice Sendak.To learn more about McGraw-Hill Education, visit mheducation.com.
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2020-01-1439 min
The Illustration Department PodcastZina SaundersIllustrator, Zina Saunders, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about growing up with her father—the legendary pulp artist, Norman Saunders; how she overcame “screwing off” with alcohol and drugs to start an illustration career; what you can and can’t expect from art directors; and so much more.To learn more about Zina, visit zinasaunders.com.To learn more about Norman Saunders, visit normansaunders.com.Zina referenced an online gallery of women illustrators co-launched by Nancy Stahl. It appears to no longer exist on Drawger, but here is a link to Nancy’s response to the Soc...
2020-01-081h 03
The Illustration Department PodcastJay CooperExecutive Creative Director at Serino Coyne, Jay Cooper, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about his path to becoming an “Ad Man”; what it’s like to be in the room where Jay and his team created visual ad campaigns for Frozen, Hamilton, and Boys in the Band; how he manages to double as a prolific author and illustrator; and all that jazz.Here are some of the artists mentioned in this conversation: Drew Hodges, Chip Kidd, Olly Moss, Robert Tracthenberg, David Edward Byrd, Peter de Sève, Arthur Rackham, and Lisbeth Zwerger.Jay mentions a poem by Bill...
2019-12-311h 00
The Illustration Department PodcastKevin EastmanWriter, artist, publisher, and co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Kevin Eastman, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how a “dumb” drawing sparked a global phenomenon; how he and Peter Laird self-published the first TMNT comics; what he sees in the current Turtles renaissance; and what his one big regret has been since the first comic published in 1984.His audio was a little off—but we’re chalking it up to the possibility that he was talking to us from his lair in the sewers of New York City.Here are some of the artists mentione...
2019-12-2439 min
The Illustration Department PodcastPeter GlassmanThe founder of Books of Wonder, Peter Glassman, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about opening his first book store in 1980; coming out to his parents in the late 1970’s; the genius and heart of Maurice Sendak; and the connections Peter made with Arnold Lobel, Madeleine L’Engle, and many of the brightest stars in children’s publishing.Here are a few of the writers and illustrators they mentioned: Arnold Lobel, Maurice Sendak, Crockett Johnson, Ruth Krauss, and Lloyd AlexanderTo learn more about Peter and Books of Wonder, visit booksofwonder.com.To purchase signed artwor...
2019-12-191h 08
The Illustration Department PodcastBetsy LewinCaldecott Honor-winning author and illustrator, Betsy Lewin, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about attending Pratt Institute in the 1950’s; how she met Ted Lewin; how a poem she wrote for Parents Magazine led her to children’s publishing; and why she didn’t know she won a Caldecott Honor after getting a phone call from the Caldecott committee.We recorded this conversation in the dining room of Ted and Betsy’s lovely brownstone in Fort Green, Brooklyn.To learn more about Betsy, visit betsylewin.com.
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2019-12-171h 04
The Illustration Department PodcastKelly MurphyIllustrator and Educator, Kelly Murphy, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about their shared experiences at the Rhode Island School of Design; Kelly’s first phone call with an editor; what it’s like teaching at RISD; why she doesn’t have an agent; and how author/illustrators can sneak around a publisher’s “no unsolicited manuscript” policy.Here are a few of the artists they mentioned: John Tenniel, Arthur Rackham, J.C. Leyendecker, Lizbeth Zwerger, and Kate GreenawayTo learn more about Kelly, visit kelmurphy.com.
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2019-12-101h 13
The Illustration Department PodcastMeghan McCarthyAuthor and illustrator, Meghan McCarthy, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about creating non-fiction picture books; her “depressing” experiences while working at Barnes & Noble; childhood and adulthood bullies; how Twitter criticism leads to “outrage telephone”; and what the morality clause from publishers could mean for creators.A leader in non-fiction children’s publishing, Jeanne Bendick, was mentioned. Here’s more on her.To learn more about Meghan, visit meghan-mccarthy.com.
If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, yo...
2019-12-031h 08
The Illustration Department PodcastJean DahlgrenThe President of Delaware College of Art and Design, Jean Dahlgren, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about what sparked her lifelong interest in art education; why she’s tired of the “myth” of the “starving artist”; and how the Delaware College of Art and Design prepares future artists.They also praise the Delaware, and the city of Wilmington—the rightful birthplace of the Golden Age of Illustration.Here are a few of the illustrators they mentioned: Linda Kitson, Howard Pyle, Frank Schoonover, Elizabeth Shippen Green, Jessie Wilcox Smith, and Violet OakleyUpdate: DCAD is no longer op...
2019-11-2646 min
The Illustration Department PodcastFrancesca GambatesaIllustrator and animator, Francesca Gambatesa talks to Giuseppe Castellano about Italy’s best kept secret (spoiler: it’s Puglia); how she found a literary agent; what she thinks about when she thinks about character design; and why a career in children’s publishing isn’t for the faint of heart.To learn more about Francesca, visit francescagam.co.uk.Here are a few of the illustrators they mentioned: Quentin Blake, Ronald Searle, Vamba, Marc Boutavant, Fiep Westendorp, and Uri Shulevitz
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2019-11-1950 min
The Illustration Department PodcastBarry BlittIllustrator and Cartoonist, Barry Blitt, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about why showing his drawings to Major League baseball players helped start Barry’s career; how he and art editor, Françoise Mouly, of The New Yorker have worked together for decades to create more than 100 covers; and why illustrators can be overly self-critical.Barry mentions a Daily Show segment with Jon Stewart, in which Jon discusses Barry’s “Politics of Fear” cover. You can watch it on Comedy Central’s site.Here are a few of the illustrators they mentioned: Russell Mills, Ian Pollock, Ed Sorel, Alan...
2019-11-1246 min
The Illustration Department PodcastWill TerryIllustrator and educator, Will Terry, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how he lied his way into a meeting with art director, Carol Porter, of The Washington Post; how the Society of Visual Storytelling got its start; and why the debate between online vs. brick & mortar art programs continues.Here are a few of the artists they mentioned: P. D. Eastman, Jake Parker, Lee White, Piper Thibodeau, and C.F. PayneWill mentioned a series of Japanese tales. Here’s a great blog post on them.To learn more about Will, visit willterry.com....
2019-11-051h 09
The Illustration Department PodcastKayla WasilIllustrator, Designer, and Art Director, Kayla Wasil, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how Giuseppe met (and hired) Kayla; what it’s like to work on licensed properties in book form; and why the publishing design process can be frustrating.Kayla answers questions provided to Giuseppe by The Illustration Dept. Newsletter subscribers. They cover postcards, process, trends, and more.As a point of comparison, listen to Viking art director, Jim Hoover, answer similar questions.To learn more about Kayla, visit kaylawasil.com.
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2019-10-291h 03
The Illustration Department PodcastOlimpia ZagnoliIllustrator, Olimpia Zagnoli talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the ups and downs of speaking a second language; why she calls herself an illustrator; how her father’s advice to “make your portfolio big” might have helped land her first New Yorker job; and what illustrators should think about when staring at a blank page.They also discuss how the legendary Bruno Munari has been “following” Olimpia her whole life.Here are a few of the bands and musicians they mentioned: T. Rex, Franco Battiato, Giuni Russo, Piero Ciampi, Lucio Battisti, and Mina.I mentioned...
2019-10-2256 min
The Illustration Department PodcastDavid GoldmanArtist Representative/Personal Manager/Producer and Founder of David Goldman Agency, David Goldman, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about his role as an agent; why he would rather starve than give up an artist’s rights; what fees illustrators get from magazines and children’s book publishers; and how the illustration world has changed since 1980.David also shares what he thinks is the “key most important thing” anyone in a creative field should be attempting to do.Here are a few of the artists mentioned: Norm Bendell, David Anson Russo, Michael Morgenstern, Kyle Webster, Tim Cook, and Cath...
2019-10-151h 00
The Illustration Department PodcastJavaka SteptoeAuthor and illustrator, Javaka Steptoe, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about growing up with his father, John Steptoe; why collage is “a means of survival”; getting the 3:00 AM phone call from the Caldecott committee; and the life and work of Jean-Michel Basquiat.To learn more about Javaka, visit javaka.com.
If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews...
2019-10-0849 min
The Illustration Department PodcastLeo EspinosaIllustrator and Designer, Leo Espinosa talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how the passing of his father led a 13-year old Leo to drawing.They discuss Leo’s upbringing in Bogotá, Colombia; the relationship between illustration and graphic design; Milton Glaser’s life-changing influence (professionally and personally); the beauty of a pencil; and how immigrants (and their hyphen American children) have shaped children’s literature.Here are a few illustrators mentioned: Milton Glaser, Paul Rand, Yves Chaland, Xavier Mariscal, Mary Blair, Alice and Martin Provensen, Aurelius Battaglia, Abner Graboff, Alex Ducal, Alexander Girard, and Miroslav Šašek...
2019-10-0156 min
The Illustration Department PodcastPeter JasziCopyright Law expert and former Professor of Law, Peter Jaszi, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about his step-grandfather—and Little Golden Books legend—Tibor Gergely.They then discuss the legality of fan art; copyright vs. trademark; the real deal behind the “poor man’s copyright”; and why and how illustrators should legally protect their work.Here are a few links Peter thought would be helpful:Submitting your work to the U.S. Copyright Office.The Organization for Transformative Works (OTW) is a nonprofit organization run by and for fans to provide access to and pre...
2019-09-171h 05
The Illustration Department PodcastEmily KeyesAgent, Emily Keyes, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the esoteric world of foreign rights and sub-rights; and the 3 things you should know before submitting to an agent.They then discuss mental health; and why Wormtongue from The Lord of the Rings is wrong about you.To learn more about Emily—and how to submit to her—visit her Tumblr and fuseliterary.com/emily-s-keyes/.Emily referenced her Short Fuse Guide to Publishing Contracts.
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2019-09-1050 min
The Illustration Department PodcastJon CockleyJon Cockley, co-founder of Handsome Frank, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how fatherhood was a catalyst for starting his illustration agency; how they find illustrators to represent; and why—despite the problems he sees—illustration continues to be a viable career choice.While they no longer respond to every submission for representation, Jon says they absolutely look at every one. Email no less than 9 illustrations as low-res JPGs (approx. 1000px longest edge) to: submissions@handsomefrank.com.To learn more about Handsome Frank, visit handsomefrank.com.He mentioned an article he wrote called, Algorithm Anxi...
2019-08-2739 min
The Illustration Department PodcastFloyd CooperAuthor and illustrator, Floyd Cooper, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how a weatherman in Tulsa, Oklahoma—and his character “gusty”—stoked Floyd’s love of drawing. He also talks about his bumpy experiences with Hallmark; how Mark English became a friend and mentor; and why an author’s insistence—in 1989—that her publisher hire a black illustrator launched Floyd’s publishing career.Here are a few of the authors and illustrators mentioned: Mark English, Thomas Blackshear, Alex Bostic, Eloise Greenfield, Tom Feelings, Jerry Pinkney, Virginia Hamilton, and Bernie FuchsTo learn more about Floyd, visit floydcooper.com.
2019-08-2043 min
The Illustration Department PodcastJess BrallierPublisher and author, Jess Brallier, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about how an industrial engineer major at the University of Pittsburgh became a children’s book publisher; how he and Jeff Kinney launched The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, and what a “P&L” is (and why you should care).Here are a few of the authors Jess mentioned: Virginia Woolf, Anaïs Nin, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Norman Mailer, Tracy Kidder, and Lillian Hellman.To connect with Jess, you can find him on LinkedIn.
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2019-08-1353 min
The Illustration Department PodcastJim Hoover, Part 1 of 2Multi-award-winning children’s book art director, Jim Hoover, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about what it’s like to talk to Maurice Sendak and Hilary Knight; how he finds illustrators; and why he never wants to hear, “Are we married to this illustrator”.This is part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Be sure to listen to part 2—in which Jim answers your questions.
If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extr...
2019-07-3052 min
The Illustration Department PodcastMark MillsMark Mills, founder of Plum Pudding—one of the world’s leading children’s illustration agencies, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the origin of his agency; how art schools (and other agencies) are taking advantage of artists; and why every illustrator who submits to Plum Pudding for representation gets a reply. “Every one.”Here are a few of the illustrators we mentioned: Quentin Blake Helen Oxenbury, Delphine Durand, Eva Montanari, Axel Scheffler, John Burningham, and Kate PankurstWhen talking about the global publishing market, Mark refers to a map created by the International Publishers’ Association. Here it is.
2019-07-2351 min
The Illustration Department PodcastKrystal LaukArt director and illustrator, Krystal Lauk, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the ups and downs of the art boom in the Tech industry; why “UX/UI” is simpler than you think; and how illustration can inspire empathy.For an excellent primer on the relationship between illustration and the Tech industry, we strongly suggest reading this article by Michael Jeter, the Associate Creative Director at Dropbox.To learn more about Krystal, and her boutique agency, visit krystallauk.com.
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2019-07-1642 min
The Illustration Department PodcastStephen KroningerAuthor/illustrator, Stephen Kroninger, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the art of collage; how a kid from “the sticks” got his own show at the MOMA; and why he thinks artists should always say they can—even if they can’t.Here are a few of the illustrators we mentioned: Eric Carle, Leo Lionni, Romare Bearden, Esphyr Slobodkina, George Gross, Henri Matisse, Kurt Schwitters, Hannah Höch, and John Heartfield.To learn more about Stephen, visit stephenkroninger.net.
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2019-07-0928 min
The Illustration Department PodcastBen ZhuBen Zhu, the founder of Gallery Nucleus, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about being a child of immigrants; using a fortune cooking to get a job in video games; owning an art gallery; and why he thinks illustrators “deserve to be seen”.Here are a few of the illustrators mentioned: Chris Appelhans, Ronald Kurniawan, Catia Chien, Jamie Zollars, James Jean, Rebecca Sugar, Pendleton Ward and Damien HirstTo learn more, visit gallerynucleus.com.
If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on S...
2019-07-0148 min
The Illustration Department PodcastLisa BrownAuthor/Illustrator and educator, Lisa Brown, talks with Giuseppe Castellano about myriad illustrators from Edward Gorey and Ed Emberley to Kaylani Juanita and Joohee Yoon; how one tweet led to a dream job with the New York Times Book Review (although Twitter is mostly a “nest of vipers”); and why she thinks contemporary children’s book illustration is going through a revolution.Here are a few of the illustrators we mentioned: Syd Hoff, Quentin Blake, Ivan Brunetti, Paul Rand, Ken Pak, Jon Klassen, Christian Robinson, Yuyi Morales, Isabelle Arsenault, Aaron Becker, and Catia Chien.To learn...
2019-06-2242 min
The Illustration Department PodcastErin HuntingIllustrator, Erin Hunting, talks with Giuseppe Castellano about living in Melbourne, Australia; 1980’s video games and cartoons; how Grumpy Cat changed her life; what you can and can’t do with art piracy; what it means to be a Copic Ambassador; and why fan art is art.Here are a few of the cartoons and video games we mentioned: Danger Mouse, He-Man, Thundercats, Silverhawks, Cops, Snorks, Care Bears, Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros., and TetrisTo learn more about Erin, visit erinhunting.com.
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2019-06-1045 min
The Illustration Department PodcastMohamed DanawiMohamed Danawi—the founder and creative director of IlloZoo—talks with Giuseppe Castellano about the renaissance in illustration, running an art agency, the pros and cons of social media, and the necessary steps illustrators need to take to be successful—from the perspective of an agent.Here are a few of the artists we mentioned: Jack Unruh, Ralph Steadman, Joe Ciardello, Seymour Chwast, CF Payne, Brad Holland, Jean Girard (aka Moebius), Bruno Munari, Olimpia Zagnoli, and Malika FavreTo learn more about Mohamed and IlloZoo, visit illozoo.com.
If you find value in thi...
2019-06-101h 08
The Illustration Department PodcastYuko ShimizuIllustrator and Educator, Yuko Shimizu, talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the fear of failure, negotiating with clients, finding your true self, Hokusai and the zen of brush and ink, and the necessary steps illustrators need to take to be successful.Here are a few of the illustrators we mention: Christoph Niemann, William Steig, Katsushika Hokusai, Mirko Ilić, and Leo LionniTo learn more about Yuko Shimizu, visit yukoart.com.
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2019-06-1057 min
The Illustration Department PodcastKelly Light, Part 2 of 2Author and Illustrator, Kelly Light, and Giuseppe Castellano talk about what it means to be a good character designer; they discuss the importance of believability; they get real about social media; and they explain why publishing is one big gamble.Lastly, Kelly pinpoints the two things everyone needs to live a life as an illustrator.Here are a few of the artists we mentioned: P. D. Eastman, Syd Hoff, Norman BridwellTo learn more about Kelly Light, visit kellylight.com.
If you find value in this podcast, you can support...
2019-06-1045 min
The Illustration Department PodcastKelly Light, Part 1 of 2Author and Illustrator, Kelly Light, and Giuseppe Castellano, talk about how Chuck Jones and P. D. Eastman influence Kelly’s work; they discuss the beauty of a line; and they talk about the art director who—in 2010—told Kelly that she had no business getting into children’s publishing.Here are a few of the artists we mentioned: Chuck Jones, Tex Avery, Friz Freleng, Walt Kelly, Roger Duvoisin, and P. D. Eastman.To learn more about Kelly Light, visit kellylight.com.
If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subsc...
2019-06-1043 min