Studiomate Steve

Mikey has created and directed myriad, beautiful animation projects and has now entered the world of children's picture books with his gorgeous debut 'The Cafe At The Edge Of The Woods' which we discuss, along with his work with Aardman, his views on AI and our current favourite books.

Paul is the PR and Brand Director at Andersen Press and chats to me about the role of a publicist within the children's book industry. We delve into brilliant books and also Vanderpump Rules, Love Is Blind and Below Deck - we love a bit of telly! Fun and informative, Paul is an excellent guest!

Comic book creator extraordinaire Jamie, best-known for Bunny V's Monkey and numerous The Phoenix characters, chats about his life/work balance and his earlier career working on The Dandy and a naturist publication amongst others! Also his penchant for gardening and his choice of books for the Studiomate Steve Suggests segment!


Author extraordinaire Rachel talks about her upcoming picture book, young fiction AND middle grade titles plus her opinions on public events and the north/south divide in publishing.

Nadia chats about her early career as a magazine sub-editor, her switch to children's books, Grimwood 3 and lemon curd!

From his early days as a milliner right through to his Emmy award-winning tv show, David chats with warmth and humour about his career so far.

Author and bookseller Katie is a mind full of top tips and experience when it comes to both running a successful bookshop and writing fiction and picture books. A must-listen!

Illustrator of beautiful things and mega Columbo fan Penny chats about her RCA days, her workspace, publishing industry experience so far and juggling kids, cats and creativity!

Ruby may only just be starting out in the picture book world but boy has she already made a big impression! We discuss screen-printing, rejection, answer LOTS of listener questions and have really good giggle in the process!

Debut picture book illustrator Ella is a tour de force of talent. We discuss her rise from novelty book designer to her premiere publication by The Folio Society! Hairy flaps, paper engineering, Christmas adverts and much much more is discussed! And we both recommend our current favourite picture books!

A special 10 Year Anniversary special episode with author of the Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam children's book series! We talk about where the initial idea came from for the first book and how the beloved, best-selling series has evolved over the years.

Designer, author, illustrator and all-round amazing cheery talent, Sharon talks to me about her collaborative process with Julia Donaldson, how she copes with flights to Oz and her insights into the children's publishing industry.

Harry was a joy to talk to and we discuss pencil roughs, the transition from uni to paid illustration work and loads more!

The king of middle grade covers is here! And he chats about rejection, style, his picture books and THE CHICKEN MAN!!!

Me and Fiona chat everything from her work with children's laureate Joseph Coelho, quiz shows to acting and traditional work methods. This episode also introduces 'Studiomate Steve Suggests...' the children's book review segment!

Author/illustrator/designer/witty man Jack Noel tells us all about his career, his thoughts and advice on book cover design, his love of Weetabix and being woke.

Julia is utterly charming and we have a really eye-opening conversation about her work, process, journey to illustrating hit books in the UK & US and lots of giggles in-between!

Author and illustrator of beautiful and hilarious picture books, including Dick The Delightful Duck (which we discuss extensively!) and many fiction covers and interiors. A super fun and informative episode.

I talk to literary and illustration agent Sallyanne Sweeney about graphic novel and picture book submission tips, celebrity authors, contracts, meeting room snack faux pas and flash mobs!

Season 2 kicks off in style with the amazing Jarvis! We discuss sketchbook pressure, Bear and Bird, iPads, we answer listener questions PLUS find out where and why he met MR MOTIVATOR.

We are back! And in this little ten minute special I list the incredible guests I will be interviewing this season and share a fun little recording with some pals from the Bologna Book Fair!

Truly inspirational Dapo chats about his career from a gym receptionist to multi-award winning illustrator and author all within the space of just 4 years! A fitting finale for the series.

Illustration superstar Jim joins me to chat about his numerous big hitters including The Lion Inside and Oi Frog! He also shares a very funny anecdote about an embarrassing situation with his mother-in-law...listen right to the end guys!

It's the season one Christmas Special! And who better to chat to than the king of Christmas children's books Alex T Smith! We chat about Alex's work, dogs, chickens, books and tv shows. Merry Christmas to all our lovely listeners!

The illustrator of many wonderful picture book and fiction collaborations joins me for a really funny and informative chat about her career from brand designer to best seller!

The queen of picture book illustration chats about working with Julia Donaldson, drawalong videos, her latest title 'Adoette' and her poodle Chadwick!

Traditional illustrator Rikin chats about working as a storyboard artist, his time at Pinewood Studios, collaborating with a range of authors and juggling life and work.

My first international guest, Chris has some great Photoshop tips and tricks and discusses his best-selling picture books. And missing Greggs.

Superstar Sophy tells us all about her journey from designer to children's book creator via raspberry jam, roller-booting and karaoke!

'Storm Whale' creator Benji chats about his creative process, his animation background and Bizzy Bear costumes!

In the first episode I chat to genius author and illustrator Tor Freeman who tells us about her life and experiences of being in the children's book industry and her latest book with Richard Ayoade.

Your host, author and illustrator Steven Lenton, says hello! This is a podcast for illustrators, authors, designers, editors, students and anyone who is interested in the world of children's book creation. Steven will be chatting with some terrific illustrators over the coming weeks, discussing their life, work, career and anything else they wish to divulge... Think of Steve as your virtual Studiomate!