The Illustration Department Podcast

Epizode

• Julien Chung 02.06.2026 45min

  Julien talks about why his road to getting published started a bit later in life; how Lois Ehlert changed children’s publishing; and more.
• From the Archive: Brian Pinkney 26.05.2026 39min

  Brian talks 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.
• Travis Jonker 19.05.2026 57min

  Travis talks about the surprising common denominator that connects most good picture books; why performing a picture book manuscript can help one write it; and more.
• Sophie Blackall 12.05.2026 1h 8min

  Sophie talks 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; and more.
• Luis Mendo 05.05.2026 1h 14min

  Luis talks about what art directors love hearing from the illustrators they work with; why artists should find sources of joy other than art-making; and more.
• LeUyen Pham 28.04.2026 1h 23min

  LeUyen talks about what artistic inspiration is and isn’t; how illustrating in multiple styles is not a disadvantage; and more.
• Michelle Komie and D.B. Dowd 21.04.2026 1h 3min

  Michelle and DB talk about illustration’s past; how they both approached the making of DB’s book, Reading Pictures; and more.
• Greg Pizzoli 14.04.2026 1h 1min

  Greg talks about how some of his characters reflect his own multitudes; why “for now” are two very important words for aspiring book creators; and more.
• Tamlyn Ancone 07.04.2026 53min

  Tamlyn talks about how an independent book store isn’t just a place to buy books; what book-buyers are looking for (it’s not AI); and more.
• Brandon Campbell 31.03.2026 1h

  Brandon talks about how illustrators can improve the artistry of their line; what it means to listen to your work; and more.
• Rafael López 24.03.2026 57min

  Rafael talks about how illustrators can approach color fearlessly; what it means to give all children the stories they deserve; and more.
• Tom Froese 17.03.2026 42min

  Tom talks about why working incrementally is a real way to reach big creative goals; how creativity isn’t just about creating; and more.
• Erin and Philip Stead 10.03.2026 1h 20min

  Erin and Philip talk about how illustrators can know if they’re going in the right direction; why artistic (read: human) “mistakes” are important; and more.
• Gérard DuBois 03.03.2026 46min

  Gérard talks about how he approaches complex editorial assignments; what it takes for an illustration career to get rolling; and more.
• Brian Lies 24.02.2026 59min

  Brian talks about why he’s not a fan of “broccoli books”; what it means to be driving, not driven; and more.
• Karina Granda 17.02.2026 1h 1min

  Karina talks about how she looks for illustrators; how book-making is a team sport; and more.
• Selina Alko 10.02.2026 48min

  Selina talks about her poetic ode to Judy Bloom; why every creative needs to be their own best friend; and more.
• Simone Friend and Beth Johnson 03.02.2026 45min

  Simone and Beth talk about why social media is a double-edged sword for illustrators… and agents; what we must all agree on, no matter what you think about AI; and more.
• Jessica Hische 27.01.2026 1h 12min

  Jessica explains why good design matters… for everything; why it’s never too early to think about one’s legacy; and more.
• Sarah Getz 20.01.2026 45min

  Sarah talks about supporting her father’s artistic legacy; what advice he would share with illustrators today; and more.