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July 28, 2020

Illustrator June Steube on Creativity, Criticism, and Children’s Book Publishing

What does it take to build a career as a professional illustrator? For artist June Steube, the answer involves curiosity, persistence, continual learning, and a deep love for the natural world. Known for her detailed animal illustrations and expressive storytelling, June has spent years refining her craft while navigating criticism, creative challenges, publishing opportunities, and the realities of professional art. In this interview, she shares insights into her creative process, artistic growth, publishing experiences, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Whether you're an illustrator, writer, or creative professional, you'll find valuable encouragement and practical wisdom throughout her journey.

March 3, 2020

What It’s Really Like to Be a Children’s Book Author-Illustrator

Many aspiring creators dream about publishing books for children, but few understand what life actually looks like once those dreams begin becoming reality. Behind every published picture book are deadlines, revisions, school visits, creative challenges, business decisions, and years spent developing both craft and career. In this interview, author-illustrator Shanda McCloskey shares an honest look at the realities of children's publishing, including creativity, time management, school visits, technology, illustration, and navigating the ups and downs of a professional creative career. Whether you're an aspiring author, illustrator, or simply curious about the publishing industry, her journey offers valuable lessons about persistence, growth, and building a creative life.

December 3, 2019

Behind Grama’s Hug: Amy Nielander on Writing, Illustration, and Persistence

Creating a picture book often looks simple from the outside. A reader sees a finished story, beautiful illustrations, and a book on a shelf. What they rarely see are the years of revisions, rejected drafts, critique sessions, conference feedback, and creative persistence required to bring that book into existence. Many successful children's books spend years evolving before finding the right publisher and audience. In this interview, author-illustrator Amy Nielander and editor Courtney Burke share the journey behind Grama's Hug, a picture book that took nearly seven years to develop from its original concept into a published book. Their conversation offers valuable insights into revision, resilience, author-illustrator careers, and the collaborative process that transforms an idea into a finished picture book.

October 14, 2019

What Picture Book Critique Fest Taught Me About Creative Growth

One of the fastest ways to improve any creative skill is to seek thoughtful feedback from people with more experience than you. Whether you're a writer, illustrator, entrepreneur, or artist, growth rarely happens in isolation. We learn through studying our craft, practicing consistently, and receiving outside perspectives that help us see what we cannot see on our own. Back in 2019, I participated in Picture Book Critique Fest (#PBCritiqueFest), a community event that connected aspiring children's book creators with literary agents, authors, and illustrators willing to provide critiques and guidance. While the event itself has long since ended, the lessons behind it remain highly relevant today because the principles of creative growth never change. The experience reinforced something every creator eventually discovers: improvement requires knowledge, practice, and feedback.

September 27, 2019

Illustrating Children’s Books: Lessons from Phyllis Harris on Creativity, Publishing, and Persistence

Children's book illustrations often feel effortless. A reader turns the page, smiles at the artwork, and becomes immersed in the story without ever considering the years of practice, experimentation, revisions, and professional growth required to create those images. Behind every published picture book is a creative process shaped by persistence, craftsmanship, and a commitment to continual improvement. In this interview, children's book illustrator and author Phyllis Harris shares lessons from a career spanning more than 30 books, discussing creativity, publishing, artistic development, resilience, and what it takes to build a lasting career creating work that resonates with children and families.

September 10, 2019

How Amy and Greg Newbold Create Picture Books as a Team

Creating picture books is often viewed as a solitary pursuit, but some of the most memorable books are built through collaboration. Author Amy Newbold and illustrator Greg Newbold have spent years combining storytelling, visual art, creativity, and mutual trust to create award-winning children's books together. In this interview, they share lessons on writing, illustration, publishing, creative partnerships, and what it takes to build books as a husband-and-wife team.

September 21, 2018

Jessika von Innerebner on Creativity, Freelancing, and Developing Your Artistic Style

It's a special treat to have successfully published illustrator Jessika von Innerebner, who is represented by veteran agent Kelly Sonnack with Andrea Brown Literary Agency, stop by for an interview! She's known as Jess von I to her friends (which now includes you!) and is a full-time freelance children’s book illustrator who travels the world. Morning cups of coffee, long-boarding and laughing at corny puns are a few of her favorite things. Some newly released projects include, Grow Up Ant-Man with Marvel, Miranda & Maude the Princess and Absolutely-Not-A-Princess with ABRAMS and Rox’s Secret Code with POW! The rest, well, we'll soon find out!

February 10, 2018

Lessons on Illustration, Creativity, and Building an Artistic Career from Katy Halford

Katy Halford is a children's book illustrator whose work spans publishing, commercial illustration, art licensing, and character design. After earning a degree in illustration, she built a successful freelance career through consistent practice, portfolio development, and a willingness to keep learning. In this interview, we discuss creative growth, working with publishers, building relationships with clients, overcoming rejection, and what aspiring illustrators can do to develop a sustainable artistic career. Although this conversation took place in 2018, many of the lessons about creativity, persistence, and professional development remain just as relevant today.