The Illustration Department Podcast

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Giuseppe Castellano talks to folks in illustration, graphic design, publishing, animation, and other creative fields about the ups and downs of their careers.

Giuseppe Castellano


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 52m AVG DURATION
    • 312 EPISODES

    4.9 from 287 ratings Listeners of The Illustration Department Podcast that love the show mention: illustrators, giuseppe, castellano, illustration podcast, illustrating, art directors, children s book, publishing, department, purposeful, interesting and informative, artists, great conversations, critique, thoroughly enjoy, impossible, variety of guests, aspiring, candid, inspires.


    Ivy Insights

    The Illustration Department Podcast is an incredibly informative and inspiring podcast for artists and writers. Hosted by Giuseppe Castellano, the podcast features interviews with a wide range of guests from the illustration industry, including artists, art directors, editors, and more. As an illustrator myself, I find this podcast to be a valuable resource for learning about the industry and gaining insight into the experiences and journeys of professionals in the field.

    One of the best aspects of The Illustration Department Podcast is Giuseppe's interviewing style. He allows each guest to speak freely and gives them ample time to share their thoughts and experiences. This makes for engaging conversations that are full of valuable information and advice. Whether it's discussing industry trends, sharing personal stories, or giving practical tips for success, each episode provides a wealth of knowledge that can benefit aspiring illustrators like myself.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is the variety of guests that Giuseppe brings on. From established artists to up-and-coming illustrators, there is something for everyone. The inclusion of art directors and editors also provides unique perspectives from those who work behind the scenes in publishing. This diversity in guests ensures that listeners get a well-rounded view of the illustration industry as a whole.

    While there aren't many negative aspects to this podcast, one potential drawback is that it may not appeal to those outside the illustration industry. The topics discussed are specific to illustration and may not be as relevant or interesting to individuals in other creative fields. However, for anyone looking to learn more about illustration or gain insights into the industry, this podcast is an excellent resource.

    In conclusion, The Illustration Department Podcast is a must-listen for any artist or writer interested in the world of illustration. With its informative interviews, diverse range of guests, and Giuseppe's skillful hosting, this podcast offers valuable insights into the industry while providing inspiration and motivation for pursuing artistic goals. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this podcast is sure to leave you feeling informed, inspired, and part of a supportive creative community.



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    Latest episodes from The Illustration Department Podcast

    Genevieve Bormes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 44:15


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Genevieve Bormes, Deputy Covers Editor for The New Yorker, about how she oversees the magazine's covers; what real and scary questions artists ask themselves; what lesson all creatives need to learn and relearn; and more.Genevieve's email address at The New Yorker is genevieve_bormes(at)newyorker.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Bob Staake, Peter de Sève, John Cuneo, Arthur Getz, Diana Ejaita, and Rea Irvin 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 more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Michael Maslin

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 72:21


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to author and long-time New Yorker cartoonist, Michael Maslin, about the reasons why Michael chronicles the history of cartooning; what differentiates a cartoonist and an illustrator; what “being there” means for cartoonists… and illustrators; and more.To learn more about Michael and Inkspill, visit michaelmaslin.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Liza Donnelly, Roz Chast, Roxie Munroe, Jack Ziegler, Laurent de Brunhoff, Peter Arno, Helen Hokinson, Charles Addams, James Thurber, Barbara Shermund, Robert Crumb, Sam Gross, David Sipress, Whitney Darrow Jr., John Cuneo, Syd Hoff, Ludwig Bemelmans, William Steig, James Stevenson, Edward Frascino, Barney Tobey, Saul Steinberg, Ed Koren, Ilonka Karasz, Alan Dunn, Mary Petty, Mischa Richter, Ed Sorel, Frank Modell, Rea Irvin, Christoph Niemann, Pearl Mann 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 more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Mary Ann Naples

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 47:51


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Mary Ann Naples, the COO & Publisher of Publishers Marketplace, about what it means (and why it's hard) for publishers to sell books to book-sellers; what value PM brings to the publishing community; what advice all creatives should follow, if they want to be a publishing or published professional; and more.To learn more about Publishers Marketplace, visit publishersmarketplace.com.To learn more about Publishers Lunch, visit lunch.publishersmarketplace.com.Check out the Publishers Marketplace Writers (and Illustrators) Guide: publishersmarketplace.com/help/WritersGuide.cgi 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 more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Brian Selznick

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 58:28


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator and author, Brian Selznick, about Brian's approach to illustration; what's wrong about the “tap into your inner child” advice for writers; why you should only compare yourself to yourself; and more.To learn more about Brian, visit brianselznick.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Chris Van Allsburg, David Macaulay, Fred Marcelino, Robert Innocenti, Nancy Burkhert, Maurice Sendack, Eric Beddows, Gustave Dore, Remy Charlip, and Edward Gorey 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 more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    The Bancroft Brothers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 82:48


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to The Bancroft Brothers about how they approach character design; which lesser-known animation greats deserve more love; what it means to animate from the heart; and more.Listen to The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast at bancroftbros.libsyn.com, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Alex Hirsch, Peter de Sève, Carter Goodrich, Glen Keane, Gustaf Tenggren, Retta Scott, Floyd Norman, Hayao Miyazaki, Jin Kim, Bill Peet, Gene Deitch, Randy Haycock, Mark Henn, Eric Goldberg, and Stephen Silver 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 more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Nicholas Kole

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 64:19


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and character designer, Nicholas Kole, about how being stubbornly buoyant has helped his creative career; what “feeling” has to do with character design; why artists might want to follow the 80/20 rule; and more.To learn more about Nicholas, visit nicholaskole.art.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Shiyoon Kim, Nico Marlet, Cheyenne Curtis, Robb Mommaerts, and Brett Bean  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 more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Sol Cotti

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 55:18


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, Sol Cotti, about how a little shamelessness can go a long way in establishing an illustration practice; why illustrators should generate ideas without using generative AI; why now is the time for illustrators to share their work; and more.To learn more about Sol, visit solcotti.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Horace Pippin and Yuko Shimizu 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 more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Marc Burckhardt

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 42:49


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to artist and illustrator, Marc Burckhardt, about “real opportunities” for illustrators; how Generative AI is a degradation of the making and perception of art; what “talent” really is among creatives; and more.To learn more about Marc, visit marcburckhardt.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: C.F. Payne, Anita Kunz, and Greg Manchess 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 more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Jessie Kanelos Weiner

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 39:02


    Giuseppe 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. 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 more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Lori Steel

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 56:04


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Lori Steel, Literary Agent and Founder of SteelWorks Literary, about launching a literary agency amid concerns (from some) surrounding the health of the children's book industry; what she looks for in a children's book creator; what Henry David Thoreau can teach illustrators; and more.To learn more about Steelworks Literary, visit steelworksliterary.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Yuko Shimizu, Anoosha Syed, Vera Brosgol, and Alex T. Smith 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 more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Charly Palmer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 47:45


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, fine artist, and dreamer, Charly Palmer, about why he focuses on doing better, and on putting love out into the world; why artists should work on their relationship with their art; why he thinks there's no such thing as a self-taught artist; and more.To learn more about Charly, visit charlypalmer.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Ezra Jack Keats, Ernest Crichlow, Lois Mailou Jones, Mark English, Bernie Fuchs, Bart Forbes, and Norman Rockwell 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 more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Arabelle Liepold

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 46:50


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director of The Society of Illustrators, about the past, present, and future of the Society; why illustrators should consider becoming members; what the Society can be for… society; and more.To learn more about the Society, visit societyillustrators.org.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Norman Rockwell, Dean Cornwell, Charles Dana Gibson, Liza Donnelly, Edel Rodriguez, and Steve Brodner If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. 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, our best-selling Substack, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Edward Gorey

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 71:12


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to the folks behind The Edward Gorey House (as well as other Gorey fanatics and aficionados) about the life, work, and house of Edward Gorey.The first half of this episode was recorded at Gorey's 100th birthday gala, which was held at The Mansion at Ocean Edge in Brewster, Massachusetts. Special thanks go to The Edward Gorey House's director and curator, and assistant director and curator, Gregory Hischak and Coco Raymond.To learn more about The Edward Gorey House, visit edwardgoreyhouse.org.Photograph by Richard Avedon / © The Richard Avedon Foundation  If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. 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, our best-selling Substack, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Sarah Gonzales

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 40:25


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator, Sarah Gonzales, about what the Ezra Jack Keats Award brought to her creative practice; why using traditional media and digital media is not an either/or proposition; what piece of very good advice she has taped to her wall; and more.To learn more about Sarah, visit sgonzalesart.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Ezra Jack Keats, Rebecca Lee Kunz, and Sydney Smith If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. 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, our best-selling Substack, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Emily Flake

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 35:34


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to cartoonist, writer, and comic, Emily Flake, about her work as a staff artist for The New Yorker; what “rejection” is and isn't for illustrators (and comics); what it means to burden our work with the weight the world; and more.To learn more about Emily, visit emilyflake.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jason Chatfield, Julia Wertz, Roz Chast, Sam Gross, Charles Addams, Gahan Wilson, Lynda Barry, and Mimi Pond If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. 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, our best-selling Substack, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Bob Staake

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 54:05


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to one of the nation's most prolific illustrators, Bob Staake, about how his creative approach aligns and differs between editorial and children's book illustration; why children's books shouldn't have messages or morals, but rather truths or shares; what having a 50-year illustration career comes down to; and more.To learn more about Bob, visit bobstaake.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Drew Struzan and Barry Blitt If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. 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, our best-selling Substack, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Michael Dante DiMartino

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 58:58


    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. If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. 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, our best-selling Substack, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Skylar Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 45:49


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Skylar Smith, Professor of Liberal Arts at the Ringling College of Art and Design, about why there's no time like the present to start learning about illustration history; whether an illustration is fully complete without the interpretation of an audience; what Generative AI and a lawsuit by Albrecht Dürer have in common; and more.You can find Skylar on LinkedIn.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jules Feiffer, Norman Rockwell, George Petty, Miné Okubo, Arthur Szyk, J.C. Leyendecker, Al Parker, Saul Tepper, Norman Bridwell, Beatrix Potter, Todd McFarlane, James Montgomery Flagg, Seymour Chwast, Hilary Knight, Ashley Bryan, Tomi Ungerer, Tex Avery, Eric Carle, George Herriman, Caravaggio, and Albrecht Dürer If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. 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, our best-selling Substack, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Leslie Mechanic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 48:17


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Leslie Mechanic, art director at Simon & Schuster, about what catches her eye in an illustrator's portfolio; why saying “it's a competitive market” isn't the most accurate take on the illustration industry; what all illustrators should know about the art director/illustrator relationship; and more.To learn more about Leslie, visit lesliemechanic.com. If you find value in this podcast, consider supporting it via Substack or Patreon. 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, our best-selling Substack, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello.

    Asia Orlando

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 45:16


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to visual artist and illustrator, Asia Orlando, about why she turned away from interior design and architecture to become an illustrator; how one can leverage their past experiences, good and bad, to help define their present; why persistence really is the key to an illustration practice; and more.

    Brett Bean

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 48:37


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to comic book artist, character designer, and author, Brett Bean, about why Brett wishes he had his own book on drawing when he was starting out; why adjectives and verbs come before nouns with character design; what it means to keep your goals and dreams in your own hands; and more.

    Dan Chudzinski

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 51:40


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Dan Chudzinski, Director of Curation and Exhibitions at The Mazza Museum, about what being a curator literally and occupationally means; why artists should make art, not excuses; what the masters' fingerprints and clothing can teach us; and more.

    Chris Haughton

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 76:11


    Giuseppe 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.

    Paul O. Zelinsky

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 63:52


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator, Paul O. Zelinsky, about what his former Yale professor, Maurice Sendak, thought about social media; why he's aways wondering at point he can get away with not being good enough; where illustrators can find validation (hint: it's not in an award); and more.

    Christopher Denise

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 55:39


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Honor-winning, New York Times best-selling illustrator and author, Christopher Denise, about why “show, don't tell” is advice children's book creators should avoid; how an anthropomorphized animal can look more like a mascot, and why that's bad; how no illustrator working today knows, entirely, what they're doing; and more.

    Lisa Maltby

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 52:45


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and designer, Lisa Maltby, about why freelance creatives should know the difference between constant and consistent; how illustrators, designers, and other creatives, can negotiate fees with clients; why the only artist, the only person, you should be comparing yourself to is yourself; and more.

    Frank Cammuso

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 48:03


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to author, cartoonist, and educator, Frank Cammuso, about Frank's approach to pacing with panels, and why it's one of the most beautiful things about comics; how Steve Ditko does not get the credit he rightfully deserves; what you can learn from a good tomato sauce recipe about making comics; and more.

    Jules Feiffer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 46:02


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, Jules Feiffer, about the early years of his life and career; how Maurice Sendak and William Steig changed his approach to illustration; why failure is not to be feared; and more.

    Peter Brown

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 53:44


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to #1 New York Times best-selling illustrator and author, Peter Brown, about what it's like getting “The Caldecott Call”; how an illustrator can struggle with knowing if their illustration is good and done; why Roz from The Wild Robot is more than a wild robot; and more.

    Cale Atkinson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 67:38


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and author, Cale Atkinson, about how to properly pitch book dummies; what to make of the fracturing social media landscape; how book creators can navigate a career in children's publishing; and more.

    Oriana Leckert

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 47:19


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, about the steps creators should take to start their Kickstarter journey—including one crucial one; how self-publishing differs from traditional publishing; what work needs to be done to publish through Kickstarter; and more.

    Tracy Shaw

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Tracy Shaw, Art Director for Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, about how the world of picture books is more than lollipops and rainbows; what her art department's policy is on Generative AI; she answers questions from podcast patrons about emails, styles, palettes; and more.

    Jess Lomax

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 60:36


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Jess Lomax, co-founder and director of Inkling Illustration Agency, about what special ingredient was needed to form her agency; how there's nothing magical about generative AI; what she looks for in illustration portfolios—beyond variety and consistency; and more.

    Victoria Jamieson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 47:03


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Newbery Honor-winning illustrator and author, Victoria Jamieson, about why quite a few publishing professionals know what a “doodly doo” is; what a graphic novel can be, and how it really is a lot of work; what perfection has to do with art; and more.

    Noa Denmon

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 75:28


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator, Noa Denmon, about how an artist's traditional or digital tools don't make the artist; what it's like to get “the Caldecott call”; why it's important for creatives to spend time not creating; and more.

    Katie Kordesh

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 51:19


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and author, Katie Kordesh, about what creatives still need to do after “getting” a literary agent (and signing book deals); how social media can be an effective promotional tool; why achieving a work/life balance may not be all it's cracked up to be; and more.

    Robin Preiss Glasser

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 69:55


    Sponsored by Agency Access. Giuseppe 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.

    Brian Biggs

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 94:20


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to author, illustrator, designer, and educator, Brian Biggs, about how reinvention can play a part in one's creative life; what it means to be a victim of your own success; whether or not creative types need to be inspired (if inspiration even exists); and more.

    brian biggs
    Sarah Walsh

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 75:34


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to maker of books & illustrated goods, Sarah Walsh, about what separates expectation from visualization; why running your own shop as a creative is a good idea, despite its ups and downs; why artists should get out of their own head when they're making art; and more.

    Andrew Leung

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 75:01


    Giuseppe 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.

    Tim Jacobus

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 56:26


    Giuseppe 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.

    Katty Huertas

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 39:31


    Giuseppe 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.

    Orlando Arocena (or, Mexifunk)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 60:24


    This episode is sponsored by Agency Access. Giuseppe Castellano talks to multi-award-winning artist, Orlando Arocena (also known as Mexifunk) about how illustrators can avoid betraying their own creative vision; whether or not “fulfillment” is something artwork should provide its artist; how illustrators can find clients; and more.

    Joe Cepeda

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 50:06


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to award-winning illustrator and author, Joe Cepeda, about how Joe took the scenic route to starting his illustration career; what clogs and filters get in the way of one's creativity; why he's not that into looking at other illustrators for inspiration; and more.

    Antonia Weaver Atkins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 38:59


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Antonia Weaver Atkins, educator and daughter of the great Robert Weaver, about what it was like growing up with her outside-of-the-box father; what “The Weave” didn't like about being a commercial artist; what advice she thinks her father would share for illustrators today; and more.

    weaver atkins weave robert weaver
    Kate Kunac-Tabinor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2024 38:38


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Kate Kunac-Tabinor, Creative Director at Oxford University Press, about what part illustrators play in OUP's diverse body of work; why creatives should avoid working in isolation; what simple career advice illustrators should follow; and more.

    Kathryn Humphries

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 32:58


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Kathryn Humphries, Art Director at Harper's Magazine, about how she finds, keeps track of, and works with illustrators; why AI images are not gracing the pages of Harper's; what it means to use “unexpected” color palettes; and more.

    Katie Kalupson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 4:25


    This episode is sponsored by Agency Access. Giuseppe Castellano talks to Katie Kalupson, Associate Art Director at TIME, about how transitioning from designer to art director requires personal growth; how intention separates AI-generated imagery from actual illustration; why the best thing an illustrator can do is to lean into themselves; and more.

    time ai associate art director
    Michael Mrak

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 50:40


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Michael Mrak, Creative Director for Scientific American, about how often (and where) he looks for illustrators; why he chooses not to not use AI for SciAm's illustration needs; why the need for good, smart, human-made illustration isn't going away anytime soon; and more.

    Chris Van Dusen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 44:13


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator and author, Chris Van Dusen, about the pros and cons of using gouache—and why spittle is a problem; why calling an illustrator's work “old-fashioned” is not a productive critique; how children's book writers can spend their time if they want to rhyme; and more.

    Erika Gaffney

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 45:28


    Giuseppe Castellano talks to Erika Gaffney, Acquisitions Editor in Scholarly Publishing and Founder of Art Herstory, about why everyone should brush up on their art herstory; why the “merit over gender” argument does not apply; why art, or the study of its entire history, doesn't have to be intimidating; and more.

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