The Illustration Department Podcast

Episodes

• 
  From the archive: Yuko Shimizu 21.07.2026 57m

  Yuko talks about how illustrators can manage their fear of failure; what steps illustrators need to take to be successful; and more.
• 
  Jon Klassen 14.07.2026 1h 33m

  Jon talks 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); and more.
• 
  Ann Telnaes 07.07.2026 48m

  Ann talks about her 30-year, Pulitzer Prize-winning career as an editorial cartoonist; how illustrators can combat cynicism; and more.
• 
  Cátia Chien 30.06.2026 1h 4m

  Cátia talks about balancing her personal and artistic lives; what boring advice every artist should follow; and more.
• 
  From the Archive: Lane Smith 23.06.2026 1h 13m

  Lane talks 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.
• 
  Micha Archer 16.06.2026 58m

  Micha talks about what illustrators can do when they don’t feel motivated to illustrate; what creative value collage brings to her work; and more.
• 
  Leslie Cober 09.06.2026 55m

  Leslie talks about her father, the great Alan Cober; how illustrators can wear multiple creative hats; and more.
• 
  Julien Chung 02.06.2026 45m

  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 39m

  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 57m

  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 8m

  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 14m

  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 23m

  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 3m

  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 1m

  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 53m

  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 57m

  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 42m

  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 20m

  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.