Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast
Episodes
A Chat with Jed Alexander. Writing and Marketing.
27 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this Episode, I chat with Jed Alexander, author and illustrator of The Black Market. We talked about his writing style, writing for characters and ...
A Chat with Kerry McQuaide. Finding your pack: Kidlit Community
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode Olga and Kerry chat about the importance of having connections, the benefits of associations and being active in your kidlit community...
What is Narrative Art?
15 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Olga talks about Narrative Illustration. What does it mean, and how to do it. With examples on how small changes can create story in y...
Time Trap. What's stealing your time?
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Olga talks about social media, the ultimate time stealer, and what she did about it. She gives concrete ideas for maximizing your time...
Can Art be a hobby again?
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we have Sunny as a guest! We chat about the constant pull to monetize art. After leaving the industry and not seeking art as career, ...
Illo Chat Comes Back!
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The podcast is back! Hosted by Olga Herrera. Let's chat again! There will be thoughtful and insightful conversations with guest artists, and think...
EP 47 Final Episode
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our journey here is coming to an end. We've loved every minute we have gotten to chit-chat on this platform. We'd like to thank all of our pas...
EP 46 Wrap Up 2024
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's our end-of-the-year episode! Join us while we reminisce about the year and make our plans for the future. Thanks for listening.Cover Art by O...
EP 45 Thankful
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we share what we're thankful for, spending time with friends, finding inspiration in new places, and having the courage to do new thi...
EP 44 A Chat with Berrie Torgan-Randall
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we chat with author and illustrator Berrie Torgan-Randall about her early graphic novel Bella and Blue. We discussed her publishing j...
EP43 A Chat with Tara J. Hannon
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we chat with author and illustrator Tara J. Hannon about her early graphic novel series Birtle. We discussed her process for submitti...
EP 42 How to say Yes when you think you're not ready
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about how to say yes to projects in spite of the fear of failure and imposter syndrome and just do the thing. Tha...
EP 41 Social Media for Illustrators
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about the state of social media for illustrators today. How things have changed and where they are going. Thanks ...
EP 40 The Sting of Rejection
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about the sting of rejection and how to overcome the feeling of failure. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga...
EP 39 Three Year Anniversary
19 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yay! It's Illo Chat's third anniversary! Join Olga and Sunny as they reminisce on how they got here and some of their favorite highlights from...
EP 38 Think Like a Designer
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about how thinking like a designer can save you time and edits when creating art for children's books. Thank...
EP 37 Should you be an Author or an Illustrator or Both
17 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about the roles and responsibilities of being an author and an illustrator or wearing the hats of both. And how t...
EP 36 Switching Agents
18 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about the steps one can take when switching agents. The use of publisher’s marketplace, and query tracker to re...
EP 35 2023 Wrap up
24 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olga and Sunny recap what happened this year, where they are now, and their plans for the future. They also discuss how it's easi...
EP34 A Chat with Jed Alexander
26 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we chat with author, illustrator Jed Alexander about his wordless picture books. We talked about his process for writing wordless pic...
EP 33 A chat with John Sandford
28 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we chat with author, illustrator John Sandford about his new picture book BrindleFox. We talk about his inspiration and illustration ...
EP 32 Interview with Julia Mills
24 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat with author and illustrator Julia Mills about her debut picture book I am Stuck. We talk about her writing journey, her inspir...
EP 31 Time to Reevaluate
20 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sunny talks about her year of letting go and her decision to go back to a full-time job outside the home. Giving her the freedom to p...
EP 30 Interview with Holly Hatam
23 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we chat with Holly Hatam the illustrator of A Good Deed Can Grow written by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman. We talk about Holly's jou...
EP 29 I Left My Agent
25 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Sunny talks about leaving her agent and what she would look for in the future when considering an agent. She discusses how it's ok...
EP 28 Interview with Vicki Johnson and Gillian Reid
21 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we chat with Vicki Johnson the author of Molly's Tuxedo, and Gillian Reid the illustrator that worked on this wonderful book. We ...
EP 27 Marketing
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Olga talks about everything she is doing for marketing as an author, illustrator. How she is preparing for her upcoming book launch at...
EP 26 Interview with Lenny Wen
12 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat with author, illustrator Lenny Wen about her debut picture book Spicy Spicy Hot. We talk about her journey into illustration, ...
EP 25 Interview with Pat Tanumihardja and Shiho Pate
15 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat with Pat Tanumihardja the author of Ramen for Everyone and Shiho Pate the illustrator that worked on this adorable book. We ta...
EP 24 Listener Questions
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Olga and Sunny answer listener questions about; voice in writing, ghostwriters, how to find publishers open for submissions, is tradit...
EP 23 Interview with Jonathan Roth and Paulina Suarez
20 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat with Jonathan Roth, author and illustrator of the graphic novel Rover and Speck, this Planet Rocks and his colorist Paulina Su...
EP 22 Picture Book Specs
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 22 Olga and Sunny break down all the parts and pieces of a picture book. From trim size and bleed to end papers and gutters they cove...
EP 21 Picture Book Dummies
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 21 Olga and Sunny take a deep dive into picture book dummies. They talk about what a dummy is, when you need one and how to plan it out wit...
EP 20 Best Advice
21 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 20 Olga and Sunny discuss the worst and best advice that they've been given as author/illustrators. How they have dealt with bad advice and...
EP 19 Style
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 19 Olga and Sunny discuss illustration style. How it's a journey and not a destination. They talk about how their styles have evolved over ...
EP 18 Illustration Community
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 18 Olga and Sunny announce their new facebook group for Illo Chat listeners the Illo Chat Illustration Community. https://www.faceboo...
Ep 17 FAQ's
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 17 Olga and Sunny talk about about some frequently asked questions. They discuss their response when people ask them to recommend an illust...
Ep 16 Children's Book Categories
01 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 16 Olga and Sunny discuss children's book categories. What are the specs for each, the target audience and they show a few examples of thei...
Ep 15 When your Muse Goes on Vacation
03 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 15 Olga and Sunny talk about about when your muse goes on vacation. Cuando la Musa se te va de vacaciones. How to recognize if you have art...
Ep 14 Pivot
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 14 Olga and Sunny talk about what to do when things don't go as planned. How you can pick up the pieces, pivot and make the best of things....
Ep 13 Conference Plans
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 13 Olga and Sunny talk about they're plans for the new year. They also discuss how to plan for a conference. Please excuse the quality of t...
Ep 12 You are an Artist
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 12 Olga and Sunny talk about if you are hesitant to call yourself an artist you are not alone. Join us on this raw and real talk about how ...
Ep 11 Part 2 Self Publishing
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 11 part 2 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about how to work with self publishing authors when they ask you to illustrate their book. In t...
Ep 11 Part 1 Self Publishing
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 11 part 1 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about how to work with self publishing authors when they ask you to illustrate their book. They...
Ep 10 Part 2 Let's Talk about Agents!
24 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 10 part 2 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about red flags to look for, how to submit to agents and how to query a literary agent. They al...
Ep 10 Part 1 Let's talk about Agents!
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 10 part 1 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about the different types of agents. What an agent does for children's book authors and illustr...
Ep 9 FAQ
27 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 9 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran answer some frequently asked questions about life as an illustrator. They cover what to do after you join SC...
EP 8 Part 2 How to Find Work and Promote yourself as an Illustrator
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about ways to find work as a children's book illustrator. They cover how to promote yourself online. How t...
EP 8 Part 1 How to Find Work and Promote yourself as an Illustrator
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 1 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about ways to generate income as a children's book illustrator. They cover multiple income streams and how...
EP 7 Let's Talk Art
25 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about what elements make a good children's book illustration. What is a focal point? How do you use ...
EP 6 Portfolios and Websites
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about portfolios and websites for children's book illustration. Should an illustrators have a physic...
EP 5 Critiques
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you had a portfolio critique? In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk all about critiques. Why should illustrators get portfolio critiq...
Ep 4 A Dentist can't give you Heart Surgery
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do friends and family ask you for art favors? Do you say yes to things that may not further your illustration career? In this episode Olga Herrera and...
Ep 3 Start Where You're At!
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Should you wait until you're ready to start? In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about how to start on your children's book illustration...
Ep 2 Don't Work in a Bubble.
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are you working in a bubble? In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about how illustrators can tell if they are working in a bubble. How to...
Ep 1 Our Story, How we got started as Children's Book Illustrators and how we met.
04 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran share their stories on how they got started as children's book illustrators. They'll discuss how they met...