Friends with Pens Podcast

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Elissa Elwick and Jo Lindley are children’s book illustrators and friends. Join them for a weekly catch-up about the life of an illustrator in the children's publishing industry, discussing creative processes, inspirations, favourite books, comics, animations and, well, anything really! For anyone who loves to eavesdrop on conversations about children’s books, illustration, character design, animation and a little bit of good old 80s and 90s nostalgia! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elissa Elwick & Jo Lindley


    • Feb 23, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 7 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Friends with Pens Podcast

    "From horror to children's books"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 26:41


    Friends With Pens is back with Series 2! Elissa and Jo chat about what they've been watching, reading and creating. And they share details of the new developments in their illustration careers.Elissa talks about the leap into writing and illustrating her first graphic novels and Jo shares what it's been like designing a children's art trail for Morriston Hospital in Swansea.Inspired by the animated series The Amazing World of Gumball, they also discuss the joy of rehoming old characters that have been stashed away for years.Books discussed in this episode:Blankets by Craig ThompsonWands Away! by Emma FarraronsClaude by Alex T SmithKing Coo by Adam StowerBird and Bear by JarvisThe Gumdrops: Quest for Bravery by Elissa ElwickIzzy the Inventor (books 6 & 7) by Zanna Davidson and Elissa ElwickThe Beaver Who Saved Christmas by Will Millard and Jo LindleyThe Squirrel Who Lost Her Nuts by Will Millard and Jo LindleyChi Chi the Panda by Maisie Chan and Jo Lindley

    "It's all character-building"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 33:40


    Elissa and Jo discuss their favourite reference books that they turn to when in need of some inspiration, and the unique prizes their drawings got them as kids! It's the last episode of series 1 and they really hope you've enjoyed listening in on their chats. They'll be back for series 2 soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    "How did you become and illustrator?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 38:49


    On World Book Day, Elissa and Jo compared notes on how they marked the day, discussed their illustration 'origin stories' and answered some intriguing questions put to them by some fellow friends with pens. As it was also International Women's Day last week, Elissa and Jo discussed two books featuring feminists in this episode's Library Hunt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    “Gremlins? No, cats!”

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 35:38


    Elissa and Jo chat about their character design processes, favourite cat books as recommended by listeners and…well, cats (you'll find out why). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    "Have you got anything in your brain right now?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 37:05


    Elissa and Jo discuss how they stay motivated midway through a long project, what they listen to while they work, company perks when you're your own boss, a recent film watch (one we're sure you've all seen), showcases, portfolios and the usual nonsense! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    “Reader beware you're in for a scare”

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 30:34


    Elissa and Jo are back, this time chatting about spooky things, from Goosebumps, favourite villains, the daunting parts of being an illustrator, the pull of drawing scary forests and the things that dwell in them, to ghosts and other childhood fears. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    “Did you have a favourite book when you were a kid?”

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2024 21:56


    Elissa and Jo chat about some of their early influences, from favourite childhood books to animations and comics. Featuring a Very Serious round of quickfire questions and a new game that sounds like something straight out of daytime telly…oh wait! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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