The Illustration Department Podcast

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Roz Chast, long-time cartoonist for The New Yorker , about the early days of her career; how she works through anxiety and artist’s block; what women cartoonists throughout history have meant to her; and more. To learn more about Roz, visit rozchast.com . Roz mentions Bartleby, the Scrivener . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Lynda Barry, Sam Gross, Jules Feiffer, Stan Mack, Mark Alan Stamaty, Ethel Plummer, Mary Petty, Ilonka Karasz, Helen Hokinson, Barbara Shermund, Roberta Macdonald, Charles Addams Originally published on March 29, 2022. If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, Brett Helquist about how challenging it can be for illustrators to make time to make art; how he approaches character design; what artists need on their creative journeys; and more. To learn more about Brett, visit bretthelquist.com . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Robert Neubecker, Hank Ketcham, Christian Robinson, Howard Pyle Find Brett’s book, The Haunted Playground , at your favorite bookstore, or by visiting penguinrandomhouse.com . If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and writer, Shawn Harris about the difference between detail and specificity in an illustration; what a picture book can be about (hint: literally everything); how illustrators can color correct traditional art; and more. To learn more about Shawn, visit shawnharris.info . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Júlia Sardà, Quentin Blake, The Fan Brothers, William Steig, James Marshall, Jan Brett, Maurice Sendak, Chris Van Allsburg, Sandra Boynton, Alexander Utkin, Helen Stephens, Dr. Seuss Shawn and Giuseppe talked about playing cassette tapes in one’s car. If you’re interested, here’s how . If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, educator, and creative investigator, Sterling Hundley about why it’s challenging for artists to find a “voice”; why it’s important to stay present—especially for creative and depressive types; why illustrators should embrace the word, “interesting”; and more. To learn more about Sterling, visit sterlinghundley.com . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Mark English, John English, Brad Holland, Bob Peak, Bernie Fuchs, Diego Velázquez, John Singer Sargent, Robert Heindel If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to writer, producer, and co-creator of the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra , Michael Dante DiMartino, about the challenges he faced in self-publishing his young adult novel, Both Here and Gone ; how he weaves emotions like grief, depression, and anger into appealing stories for a young audience; how artists can bring balance to their creative lives; and more. To learn more about Michael, and his novel, visit michaeldantedimartino.com . Originally published on February 11, 2025. If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, author, and educator, Catarina Sobral about how she uses color to keep her illustrations in balance; what people misunderstand about the picture book as an art form; why moments of tangible happiness are so important for illustrators; and more. To learn more about Catarina, visit catarinasobral.com . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Christian Robinson, Oliver Jeffers, Benjamin Chaud Giuseppe mentioned his Substack article, Brown Deserves Better . You can read it here . If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to visual artist, Emiliano Ponzi about how he uses chaos and ping-pong to come up with creative ideas; how an artist is like a broken glass of water; how illustrators, or any artist, can follow their own nature; and more. To learn more about Emiliano, visit emilianoponzi.com . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Lorenzo Mattoti, Anita Kunz, Guido Crepax, Mike Mignola, Luis Mendo Headshot by Emanuele Zamponi . Emiliano mentioned The Philippe Labaune Gallery. You can learn more about it here . If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Kathleen Merz, Editorial Director at Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, about what she looks for in children's book text and art; what top five things creators need to know before they submit their children’s book to a publisher; what creators should be chasing instead of “the market”; and more. To learn more about Kathleen and Eerdman’s, visit eerdmans.com . If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, Yuko Shimizu about how illustrators can manage their fear of failure; how to negotiate with illustration clients; what necessary steps illustrators need to take to be successful; and more. To learn more about Yuko, visit yukoart.com. Artists mentioned in this episode include: Christoph Niemann, William Steig, Katsushika Hokusai, Mirko Ilić, Leo Lionni Originially published on June 10, 2019. If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator and writer, Jon Klassen about how mid-century UPA cartoons led him to a children’s book career; why illustrators can use quieter color palettes (despite being told otherwise); why illustrators should get into the habit of saying, “I don’t wanna”; and more. You can find Jon, his links, and his books on Instagram . Giuseppe mentioned his popular Substack article, Get Into Your Comfort Zone . You can read it here . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Dr. Seuss, John Hubbell, P.D. Eastman, Roy McKie, Frank Thomas, Gustaf Tenggren, J.P. Miller, Aurelius Battaglia, Bill Peet, Retta Scott, Dan Krall, William Steig, Arnold Lobel, Jess Hannigan, Syd Hoff If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist, Ann Telnaes about her news-making departure from The Washington Post ; how illustrators can combat cynicism; what advice she has for struggling illustrators; and more. To learn more about Ann, visit anntelnaes.com . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Barbara Dale, Barry Blitt, Thomas Nast, Honoré Daumier, Herb Block, Barbara Shermund Check out: anntelnaes.substack.com democracyundersiegedoc.org arenes.fr/livre/censure-en-amerique (Book co-authored with Patrick Chappatte) If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator, Cátia Chien about balancing her personal and artistic lives; how the nervous system and the creative process are intertwined; what basic, boring advice every artist should follow; and more. To learn more about Cátia, visit catiachien.com . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Leo Espinosa, Luis Mendo, Yuko Shimizu, Brecht Evens, Rudy Gutierrez, Javaka Steptoe, Betsy Lewin If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator and author, Lane Smith 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 Deen, Matt Mahurin, Greg Spalenka, Peggy Rathmann, James Marshall, Ludwig Bemelmans, Edward Gorey, Józef Wilkoń, Tomi Ungerer, Maurice Sendak, Alice and Martin Provensen, Ralph Steadman, William Joyce, Chuck Jones, Henrik Drescher, Étienne Delessert, Rita Marshall, Jon Klassen, Keith Haring, Charles Schulz, William Steig, Grandma Moses, Leo Lionni If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and author, Micha Archer about what illustrators can do when they don’t feel motivated to illustrate; what creative value collage brings to her work; what it takes for illustrators to get good; and more. To learn more about Micha, visit michaarcher.com . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Ezra Jack Keats, Sandra Boynton, Anna Dewdney, Marc Simont If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, educator, and President of the Society of Illustrators, Leslie Cober about who the great Alan Cober was as an illustrator and a father; how she’s come to wear all of her creative hats; what advice her dad would share with illustrators today; and more. To learn more about Leslie, visit lesliecober.com . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Sophie Blackall, Mark English, Bernie Fuchs, Robert Heindel, Fred Otnes, Bob Peak, Norman Rockwell, Robert Weaver, Sarah Getz, The Balbusso Twins, Alice Neel, C.F. Payne If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to New York Times best-selling illustrator, Julien Chung about his road to getting published, and why it started a bit later in life; how Lois Ehlert’s “wild style” chicka chicka changed children’s publishing; what an illustrator can do to add their voice to the publishing discussion; and more. To learn more about Julien, visit julienchung.com . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Sydney Smith, Miroslav Šašek, Lois Ehlert Photograph by Bernard Fougères. If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to New York Times best-selling and two-time Caldecott Honor award-winning illustrator, Brian Pinkney about what it was like growing up—and creating art—with his father, Jerry Pinkney; why illustrators don’t have to be just one thing, or make pictures in just one way; and more. To learn more about Brian, visit instagram.com/brianpinkneyart . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jerry Pinkney, Alan Cober, Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire, George and Doris Hauman, Margret and H.A. Rey, Alice and Martin Provensen, Joe and Beth Krush, Leo and Diane Dillon, James Ransome, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to school librarian, blogger, podcaster, author, and illustrator, Travis Jonker about the “shameless” origins of 100 Scope Notes —Travis’s popular children’s literature blog; what surprising common denominator connects most good picture books; why performing a picture book manuscript can help one write it; and more. To learn more about Travis, visit travisjonker.substack.com . Blogs and, podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: The Yarn A Fuse8 Production Giuseppe’s chat with Matthew Cordell Giuseppe’s popular Substack post, The Thoughtful Illustrator Artists mentioned in this episode include: Phil Stead, Lee White, Matthew Cordell, Brian Floca, Aaron Becker, Molly Idle, David Wiesner, Catia Chien, Angie Kang If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to two-time Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator and author, Sophie Blackall about what a “sludgy” color palette is, and why it’s okay to use one; what value art-making has during life’s most difficult moments; why all book-makers should take book-making seriously; and more. To learn more about Sophie and her books, visit sophieblackall.com . To learn more about Milkwood, visit milkwoodfarm.org . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Selina Alko, Rafael López, Barbara Cooney, Virginia Lee Burton, Rebecca Green, Beatrice Alemagna, Sergio Ruzzier, Laura Carlin, Brian Floca, Dasha Tolstikova, Rowboat Watkins, Doug Salati, John Bemelmans Marciano, Beatrix Potter, Shaun Tan, Carson Ellis, Myo Yim, Victoria Semykina, Raquel Catalina, Jenny Meilihove, Kitty Crowther, Catia Chien, Isabelle Arsenault, Cece Bell, Maira Kalman, May Gibbs, Howard Pyle, Maurice Sendak, LeUyen Pham If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .

Giuseppe Castellano talks to drawer and writer, Luis Mendo, about what art directors love hearing from illustrators—before and during a project; why artists should find sources of joy other than art-making; why a bad drawing is a good thing; and more. To learn more about Luis, visit luismendo.com . To learn more about Mundo Mendo, visit luismendo.com/mundomendo . Artists mentioned in this episode include: Quentin Blake, Jean-Jacques Sempé, Jean Jullien, Katsuhiro Otomo, John Cuneo, Hokusai If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon . / This podcast is produced by IllustrationDept.com —a global leader in online education for illustrators. / The music for this podcast was created by Oatmello . If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, you can email Giuseppe .