Shows
The Illustration Department PodcastPaul BuckleyGiuseppe Castellano talks to renowned designer and art director, Paul Buckley, about what it takes to be a good art director; why illustrators and designers should aim for distinction; how depression and creativity correlate; and more.To learn more about Paul, visit paulbuckleydesign.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jim Tierney and Sara Wood
If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a supporter on Patreon. On either platform, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”—among other perks and benefi...
2025-08-0556 min
The Illustration Department PodcastMatthew ForsytheGiuseppe Castellano talks to author, illustrator, and character designer, Matthew Forsythe, about the many forms a picture book can take—from morality books to “fantastic binomials”; how to make sense of color; how to like your creative work; and more.To learn more about Matthew, visit comingupforair.net.As was discussed in this episode, here is an article about Gianni Rodari’s concept of the “fantastic binomial”.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Mary Blair, Randolph Caldecott, Beatrix Potter, Wanda Gág, William Steig, Paul Klee, Lauren Tamaki, Jasmine Li, Jesse Jacobs, Richard Scarry, Don F...
2025-07-2952 min
The Illustration Department PodcastChris HaughtonGiuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator and author, Chris Haughton, about the unfortunate difference between information and fact; what oral culture’s four R’s are, and why they matter for children‘s book creators; what advice Aristotle has for illustrators, and more.To learn more about Chris and his book, The History of Information, visit chrishaughton.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jim Field, Benji Davies, and Richard Outcault
If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a supporter on Patreon. On either platfo...
2024-12-311h 16
The Illustration Department PodcastTim JacobusGiuseppe Castellano talks to Tim Jacobus, the original illustrator for Goosebumps, about why no one working on Goosebumps thought it would last past the first few books; how the making of the Goosebumps covers is an art director’s nightmare; what it means for illustrators, and writers, to finish what they start; and more.Learn more about Tim at jacobusstudios.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jim Thiesen, Greg and Tim Hildebrandt, and Stanisław Fernandes
If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a s...
2024-08-2756 min
The Illustration Department PodcastBob SheaGiuseppe Castellano talks to the author and illustrator of your favorite children’s books, Bob Shea, about how a logo and Lane Smith helped him launch his children’s book career; what ADHD is and isn’t, especially for creatives (or loved ones); what illustrators should let go to enjoy being an illustrator; and more.To learn more about Bob, visit bobshea.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Lane Smith, Richard McGuire, Jim Flora, Jarvis, Sophie Blackall, Eric Carle, Linzie Hunter, and Zachariah OHora
If you find value in this podcast, consid...
2024-03-0559 min
The Illustration Department PodcastTony DiTerlizziGiuseppe Castellano talks to #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, Tony DiTerlizzi about how Dungeons & Dragons helped him along his journey as a professional creative; how other artists and illustrators guided his visual voice; why—no matter what challenge you face—you have to keep rolling the dice; and more.To learn more about Tony, visit diterlizzi.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Arthur Rackham, Alan Lee, Brian Froud, Frank Frazetta, Norman Rockwell, Jim Henson, Don Bluth, Scott Gustafson, J.C. Leyedecker, Winsor Mckay, Hayao Miyazaki, Fred Marcellino, Edward Gorey, Charles Addams, Tim Burt...
2023-10-311h 24
The Illustration Department PodcastPaige BraddockGiuseppe Castellano talks to Paige Braddock, Chief Creative Officer at Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates, about the life and work of Charles Schulz, and what he was like as her mentor; what Schulz would have likely said about efforts today to ban and censor children’s books; why illustrators should be more detail-oriented; and more.To learn more about Paige, visit paigebraddock.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jim Davis, V.T. Hamlin, Steve Canyon, and Bill Watterson
If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Su...
2023-10-0337 min
The Illustration Department PodcastRobb MommaertsGiuseppe Castellano talks to cartoonist and illustrator, Robb Mommaerts, about why he still feels like an imposter; why illustrators should think a little less when creating art; how illustrators can draw things they’re too afraid to draw; and more.Check out Robb’s work by visiting instagram.com/robbmommaerts.The children’s book series, Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat was mentioned in this episode. They were designed and art directed by Lynn Portnoff—the incomparable Executive Art Director of Penguin Workshop.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Frank Frazetta, Jim Davis, Aaron Blecha...
2023-09-1237 min
The Illustration Department PodcastDr. Rose Roberto and Tamsin RosewellGiuseppe Castellano talks to Dr. Rose Roberto, part-time lecturer and librarian at Bishop Grosseteste University, and Tamsin Rosewell, illustrator and bookseller about the removal of Kate Greenaway’s name from The Kate Greenaway Medal; why this renaming should alarm you; what you can do to bring back Kate Greenaway; and more.To sign Rose and Tamsin’s petition, visit ipetitions.com/petition/bring-back-the-kate-greenaway-medal.From their petition: “You may contact CILIP at carnegies@cilip.org.uk to let them know you share these sentiments.”To learn more about the Chartered Institute of Library Information Professi...
2023-08-2944 min
The Illustration Department PodcastJay Cooper and Jim HooverGiuseppe Castellano talks to Jay Cooper (New York Times Best-Selling Illustrator and Executive Creative Director at Serino Coyne) and Jim Hoover (Senior Art Director at Penguin Random House) about the making of The Last Comics on Earth; what children’s publishing hasn’t fully figured out yet with graphic novels (hint: money, time, reviews); what selfishness has to do with achieving a work/life balance; and more.To learn more about Jay, visit jaycooperbooks.com. You can find Jim on LinkedIn.To purchase The Last Comics on Earth, visit penguinrandomhouse.com/books.Artists ment...
2023-06-1356 min
The Illustration Department PodcastShannon McNabGiuseppe Castellano talks to Shannon McNab, surface designer, educator, and founder of Sketch Design Repeat about how she took the leap from corporate graphic design to freelance surface design; how surface designers can build a portfolio, find clients, and negotiate fees; why illustrators should really follow their own paths; and more.To learn more about Shannon, visit shannonmcnab.com.Other helpful links from Shannon include: Sketch Design Repeat, Pitch Your Portfolio, Artful Pricing & Negotiation, Portfolio Myths Mini-Course, and Surface Design Industry SurveyArtists mentioned in this episode include: William Morris, Alice and Martin...
2023-03-1455 min
The Illustration Department PodcastEileen ChristelowGiuseppe Castellano talks to best-selling illustrator and author, Eileen Christelow about her transition from being a photographer in the 1960’s, to becoming a best-selling children’s book maker; what illustrators (especially those in critique groups) can learn from Jim Giblin—Eileen’s long-time editor; what illustrators can do to improve (hint: it’s likely you’re already doing it); and more.To learn more about Eileen, visit christelow.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Henri Cartier-Bresson, Margaret Bourke-White, John Steptoe, Maurice Sendak, James Marshall, and Arnold LobelTo learn more about James Cross Giblin...
2022-07-1946 min
The Illustration Department PodcastD.B. DowdD.B. Dowd—Professor of Art and American Culture Studies at Washington University in St. Louis, and faculty director of the D.B. Dowd Modern Graphic History Library—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the definition of illustration; whether illustration is or is not art; what advice he has for any illustrator looking to find their “style”; and so much more.To learn more about D.B., visit dbdowd.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Gustave Doré, Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, Mead Schaeffer, Haddon Sundblom, Jim McMullan, Marshall Arisman, Bernie Fuchs, and Robert Weaver
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2021-03-301h 11
The Illustration Department PodcastVictor JuhaszVictor Juhasz—award-winning illustrator, satirist, and visual reporter—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about working “in the old school” as an illustrator in the 1970’s; the relationship between the U.S. Military and Illustration throughout history; being an artist embedded with U.S. troops; knowing when an illustration is “finished”; and more.To learn more about Victor, visit juhaszillustration.com.To learn more about the U.S. Air Force Art Program—and its relationship with the Society of Illustrators, visit military.com/history.Victor mentioned the “bravura” technique in painting and drawing. For further reading on it, visit...
2021-03-1656 min
The Illustration Department PodcastBarbara NessimBarbara Nessim—Illustrator, Fine Artist, and Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame inductee—talks to Giuseppe Castellano about the early days of her illustrious career—starting at Pratt Institute in the 1950’s; working as one of the very few women in illustration in the 1960’s; hanging out with Milton Glaser, Tomi Ungerer, and Gloria Steinem; being one of the first artists to “go digital”; avoiding the need to “fit in”; and more.To learn more about Barbara, visit barbaranessim.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Artists: Robert Weaver, Bob Gale, Thomas Allen, Henry Wolf, Milton Glaser, Sey...
2021-03-0947 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 PodcastJim Hoover, Part 2 of 2Children’s book art director, Jim Hoover, answers questions from illustrators.Among other topics, he covers: postcards, portfolios, websites, getting work, digital vs. traditional methods, social media, and style.This is part 2 of a 2-part conversation. Be sure to listen to part 1—in which Jim talks about the ups and downs of being a children’s book art director.
If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a supporter on Patreon. On either platform, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”—among other...
2019-07-3030 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, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a supporter on Patreon. On either platform, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”—among other perk...
2019-07-3052 min