The Good Ship Illustration

The 7 email rule: Pitching your work to illustration clients - Kira Matthews

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nobody is born knowing how to pitch.(Katie here) I've been known to pitch once, hear nothing, and decide 'Oh well. Never mind.' Then ne...

How Salty (our Picture Book mascot) became a 2-book deal

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're pulling up a chair at Helen's kitchen table to finally spill the beans on Salty. Salty Dog and Pals is the book that started...

Identity + rejection: when your illustration work *is* you 🥲

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're dragging ourselves away from our hypothetical gardens and custom urn businesses (lol) to have a proper sofa-chat about the big qu...

Instagram Is Not Your Portfolio (PHEW!)

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re wrapped up in some blankets havin' a proper sofa-chat about Instagram.Specificallyyyy:Should your Instagram be your portfolio?W...

🍎 Elephantasia (aphantasia) - can you see an apple in your mind?

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week we roll headfirst into the interestin' world of aphantasia.It all started with conversations inside Find Your Creative Voice and The Pi...

Anna Mac on finding her creative voice (after years designing for retail)

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Permission to play can change EVERYTHING!This week we’re chatting to Anna Mac - artist, printmaker, illustrator, product designer, sleep counsellor,...

Are illustrators doomed… or is this our time to shiiiiiine? [AI workshop replay]

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Here's the audio replay from our AI workshop last week. There are slides too - the full replay with slides is available to watch HERE (but it goe...

Tara Tayyebi Fard on finding her creative voice (and illustration career) after 10 years of being an architect

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Pssst, while you're here... On Tuesday 10th February 2026 we're running a live workshop! https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/aiworkshop ...

Want to know what February’s #WalkToSee prompt is?

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Are you joining in with #WalktoSee?In this episode, we chat about how our Helen's hashtag Walk to See started, how it works, (there are basically...

When you want to work but can’t seem to start

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ahhh this ol' chestnut. You know it. We've aaall been there. You sit down...you need to work. But you get absolutely nowt done. Instead, you...

Is copying ever OK in illustration? When does inspiration turn into plagiarism? 👀✏️

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s talk about the big hairy thing that no one really wants to talk about… copying.In this episode, we discuss inspiration, and how social media...

You're invited! Plan your creative year with The Good Ship Illustration

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sign up for the 2026 planning party HERE: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/planningparty This is a wee replay from last year (with a new intro...

You’ll Never Feel Ready. Do It Anyway. An interview with Good Shipper Amber Au.

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What a treat of an episode! Today we’re chatting with Good Shipper and picture book author–illustrator Amber Au.Amber talks about how drawing beca...

An interview with Lisa Congdon - consistency and finding your creative voice

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're an illustrator with access to the internet and you have eyeballs, you might've seen Lisa Congdon's work. Lisa started bloggin...

How illustrator Jill Calder built a long-lasting creative career (without losing her voice)

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, our Tania chats with multi award-winning illustrator Jill Calder about 30+ years of illustration, and how she’s explored pretty muc...

How to stop your illustration style looking generic & blah

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Y'know when you feel like your work is neeearly there… but it's missing a lil something-something? This podcast episode is all about that....

We’re good at failing (and you can be too) 🤣 the power of experiments

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Good Ship Illustration Podcast, we’re chatting all things experiments -  we get particularly excited about FAILED experiments. In ...

What publishers reeeeally want to see in your picture book pitch

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

First, before we jump into the show notes, here's the link to sign up to the Picture Book Pitching Masterclass we've got happening soon! 🗓...

'If it looks awful, keep going. It’ll work out' - an interview with illustrator Catherine Rayner

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re interviewing another creative for the podcast. Hooray!Catherine Rayner is an award-winning author and illustrator based in Edinburgh...

'If you keep showing up, you can't NOT get better' - an interview with Sandi Hester

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've decided to play around a bit and do some INTERVIEWS. Ooooh. First up is artist and YouTuber Sandi Hester, who recently moved from the US i...

A Bologna Book Fair special: 6 Good Shippers were finalists in the Illustrators Exhibition!

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hi there, Helen here.This is a special episode of the podcast because we had six of our Good Shippers - that’s people who’ve done our courses - se...

#WalkToSee is baaack! The hashtag responsible for over 120,000 drawings (join in!)

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our Helen’s #WalkToSee hashtag on Instagram is baaaack with a new monthly prompt. After seven years of #walktosee there are now over 120,000 drawing...

Remember drawing for...fun? 😅 what is that?

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Deadlines... yeah yeah yeahhh, but what about doing illustration stuff just for YOU!? This week we chat about squishing in personal projects when clie...

"Double your fee without drawing more" say whaaat!?

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

First things first, DOORS CLOSE TONIGHT! We start on Monday.https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/business Be lovely to see you in there. Psssst, ...

The bit art school forgot to teach you 😅

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🌎✏️ The Illustrator’s Income Atlas - exciting free workshop announcement!🗓️ 24th Sept | ⏰ 1pm UK | 📍 OnlineLet's sit down toge...

Nice illustrator loneliness & working from home

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🌎✏️ The Illustrator’s Income Atlas - exciting free workshop announcement! 🗓️ 24th Sept | ⏰ 1pm UK | 📍 Online Let's sit down to...

Picture Book, Freak Flag, or Business… which one is calling yoooou?

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Which course should I do? 🎨📚We get asked this aaall the time: “Do I start with the Picture Book Course, Fly Your Freak Flag, or the Business C...

PANIIIIC! (or don’t...) 😅 | Summer camp sketchbook week 5

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pssst, this episode was originally published in 2023 and we’re sharing it again as part of our Good Ship Summer Camp series. It’s one of five epis...

Play, OR ELSE 🎲 | Summer camp sketchbook week 4

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pssst, this episode was originally published in 2023 and we’re sharing it again as part of our Good Ship Summer Camp series. It’s one of five epis...

Finding Creative Confidence 🚢 | Summer camp sketchbook week 3

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pssst, this episode was originally published in 2023 and we’re sharing it again as part of our Good Ship Summer Camp series. It’s one of five epis...

Draw draw draw! ✏️ | Summer camp sketchbook week 2

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pssst, this episode was originally published in 2023 and we’re sharing it again as part of our Good Ship Summer Camp series. It’s one of five epis...

Bask in your weirdness ☀️ | Summer camp sketchbook week 1

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pssst, this episode was originally published in 2023 and we’re sharing it again as part of our Good Ship Summer Camp series. It’s one of 5 episode...

Is AI Coming for your job? Illustrators are fighting back! (Part 2) with Chris Haughton

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re back with part 2 of our conversation with the brilliant Chris Haughton – illustrator, author, and passionate copyright advocate.H...

“Do I Have to Pick One Style Forever?! (Part 1)” with Chris Haughton

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you make picture books if you secretly hate writing? Can you REALLY just punch holes in a bit of paper and call it a finished illustration?! 👀...

START HERE - Welcome to The Good Ship Illustration Podcast! (Here's our trailer) 🚢🚢🚢

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Good Ship Illustration - the podcast for illustrators who are quietly working away in their sketchbooks thinking… “is it just me?”...

You don’t have to draw everything (even in picture books)

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emily asked us why backgrounds can be so overwhelming. So in this episode, we share lots of low-pressure ideas to make them doable (maybeee even fun)....

💰 How to protect your time, energy and income as an illustrator

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

“Can you just do it for free?” NO. In this week’s episode, we’re talking about working for free, how to say no without guilt, and why having n...

Is this normal in publishing… or am I being taken for a mug?

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When your project goes a bit pear-shaped you might wonder if that’s just how the illustration industry is.Well, this week we’re talking all about ...

“Help! I found my illustration style… and I don’t like it” 😩

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever looked at your own work and thought… egh? When you work so hard to find your style* it can feel rubbish to realise you don't even...

The joy of not finishing (all) your online courses

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Quick note before we start: In this episode we use the words "women" and "creative women" but we know these things don’t just af...

The curse of "Final Artwork"

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

BE MORE WONKY In this episode:Why quick sketches usually have more life in 'em than polished piecesHow perfectionism kills creativityBeware of t...

Inside Helen's hermit cave

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Where does she go? What happens in there? Come and have a wee peek inside Helen’s hermit cave with us.BUT FIRST - is it true? Do you prefer a podca...

Get more illustration work: A pep talk, some tips, and a tiny rant

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Errrr, how do you find illustration work in 2025? Pitching? Instagram? Postcards? SEO? In this nice an' juicy episode we’re answering the &apo...

Residencies and Substack

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hiya. This week’s episode of The Good Ship Illustration podcast is all about artist residencies... illustrators are allowed to go on them too!Our Ta...

Live Illustration (Course Closes Tonight!) Q&A

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s a biiiig day... the doors to our Live Illustration Course are closing tonight! AGH! In this special live illustration-y episode, we grill...

“I’m not sure how to price my illustration work. I think I panic and undercharge because I’m worried they’ll change their mind if it’s too much.”

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s podcast question is from Annabelle:“I’m not sure how to price my work. I think I panic and undercharge because I’m worried they’...

Illustrator vs artist: what’s the difference? + Creating your portfolio 🥳

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks for sending in yer juicy questions. Here are the ones we tackle in this week's podcast episode:“How do I build an illustration portfolio...

Illustration trends vs your creative voice PLUS what materials to use

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two more chunky questions for this week's episode:“How do I choose the right materials and techniques when I love them all?”“How do I keep ...

Perfectionism, CMYK & a shout out to Barry in the cupboard (lovin' your work, Barry)

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re answering TWO of your excellent questions:“How can I stop overthinking my story and just... FINISH IT???”“Which is better, RGB...

How to become a paid illustrator (The step-by-step guide! lol)

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is something we hear quite a lot, and it's a BIG broad question: How do you actually become an illustrator who makes money. Dear Good Ship I...

Should you quit Instagram if you're an illustrator?

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re answering a question from listener Eilidh:"How do you navigate social media? Do you have a strategy or just post willy-nilly?&...

Your website might be missing this one thing – and nooo, it’s not more portfolio pieces

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ahoy! Doors to the Business Course (for illustrators!) are closing TONIGHT! We're going to be having a chat over on Instagram and you're mor...

Is there enough work for illustrators? The truth about illustration jobs in 2025 - a rising tide floats all boats 🚢🚢🚢

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Doors to the Business Course (for illustrators!) are open TONIGHT! We're going to be having a chat over on Instagram and you're more than we...

Feelin' guilty about not drawing as much lately? [A Good Ship Illustration permission slip]

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"I'm not drawing as much anymore - Aghhhhh! Is this ok!?"If you feel like you’re not drawing as much as you “should”, then you’...

What size should your picture book be? (And other silly mistakes to avoid.)

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🚢 The Picture Book Course closes TONIGHT!In this episode, we’re tackling three of the biggest picture book questions we hear all the time:1. Wha...

The secret to *actually finishing* your picture book ❤️

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

First things first, we've got to let you know that the doors to the Picture Book Course are FINALLY OPEN AGAIN today! We'll officially flin...

Saying no as an illustrator: dropping projects can boost your career.

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Juggling too many plates, saying yes to everything, and wondering if it’s time to let something go... It's not a fun place to be. (And all thre...

Why drawing digitally is NAUGHTY 👀 (or is it?)

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nahhh. It's not really. That was a naughty title. Anyway, we got this brilliant and juicy question in our students-only Facebook group for the Fi...

Can you be an illustrator with children and a job?

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsea asked us: "Would love some advice goal-wise for those of us still holding part-time jobs and two small kids under five, trying to transit...

What tech do you use as an illustrator? Featuring Helen's 25 year-old Epson scanner that WILL NOT DIE

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 At The Good Ship Illustration, we love keeping it simple. You don’t need the fanciest gear or the latest tech to be an illustrator. Our Helen’s ...

Help! I’m shy. Do I really have to go to book fairs to start my illustration career?

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ahoy! 🚢In this episode, we’re answering a brilliant question from listener Cat, who wrote: “Help! I’m shy. Do I really have to go to book fai...

Big goals, no pressure: Planning your creative year with The Good Ship Illustration

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is it time to set goals, or are you feeling more “no plans, just let me lie down” this year? We chat about:Why some years are for sprinting, and ...

Hardest Year Ever? An Honest Look at the Illustration Industry in 2024

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As 2024 winds down, we’ve been hearing all sorts of things - budget cuts, AI fears, and whispers of a downturn. There’s no denying it’s been a t...

Ho ho ho 🎄 pressies for illustrators (love from Ron & Betty Frampton x)

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What do tiny bowls of crisps, the world’s fanciest pencils, and a mysterious couple called Ron and Betty Frampton have in common? They’re all in t...

The Confidence to Fly Your Freak Flag: A guide for illustrators and creatives

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Here's your early present from Good Ship. Our previously-just-for-paying-students private VIP podcast episode all about building your creative co...

What should you tackle first!? Starting out as an illustrator.

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you’re starting your illustration career, there is so much advice out there, so in this episode, we're untangling the nice juicy question ...

What you workin' on, pal? A Good Ship Illustration chat.

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Show NotesWhen we meet up, this is always one of the first things we ask each other. We'd ask you too if you were here! "What are you worki...

The burnout life raft (for when you're drowning in to-dos)

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Show NotesFeeling frazzled & running on illustration fumes? You're definitely not alone!In this episode, we wade on in to discuss the murky w...

What do illustrators DO all day? Featuring keep-fit cuppas, & coworking 🤓

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you as nosy as we are? Weyyyy, you're in the right place.In this episode, we talk about our daily routines as illustrators. What do we DO all...

Should I have 2 websites?” + how many mailers until you see results?

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Firstly, if you like this episode, you’ll LOVE The Business Course! Doors are open for enrollment until the 18th of October 2024. Be quick! You can...

Get your illustration work noticed by people who actually want to buy it.

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Firstly, if you like this episode, you’ll LOVE The Business Course! Doors are open for enrollment until the 18th of October 2024. Be quick! You can...

Busy? How to handle multiple illustration projects like a pro.

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Firstly, if you like this episode, you’ll LOVE The Business Course! Doors are open for enrollment until the 18th of October 2024. Be quick!You can r...

Pricing your illustration work 💸 & how to handle ghost-clients that disappear 👻 Bit of a scary episode. Sorry about that.

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome aboard the Good Ship Illustration podcast! In this spooky, scary episode, we tackle one of the trickiest areas for illustrators: pricing and n...

Figuring out your illustration style - how long does it take?

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you’d like to boost your illustration work and dig in to finding your creative voice, you’re in luck!Doors are NOW OPEN for our course, Find Yo...

Feeling stuck? Creative block be GONE!

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is chock full of our very toppest of tips for overcoming creative block. Buckle in 🙂If you’d like to boost your illustration work an...

Want to get your illustrations published? Here are Good Ship’s top tips

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is JUICY. Here’s a checklist of action items if you want to put it on your studio wall and get some more eyeballs on your work.Reach ou...

How to describe your illustration style

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we dig into some juicy questions about describing your own work (aaaargh!) marketing, authenticity, and using your past to find your c...

Surviving Bologna Children's Book Fair with The Good Ship Illustration

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Planning a visit to Bologna Children's Book Fair this year? You're in luck. Our Helen has made you this INCREDIBLE PDF document to accompany...

Picture book Q&A QUICK FIRE 🔥 | Picture book mini series episode #5

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pssst, if you like this, you'll LOVE our course The Picture Book Course. Climb aboard now while you still can - the doors are closing in a few ho...

Self publishing...is it a scam!? + what dimensions should I make my picture book? | Picture Book mini series episode #4

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the picture book mini series, we're answering some of your MOST JUICY questions all about: Self-publishing - is it a scam?The...

How to run AMAZIN' school visits with your picture book | | Picture Book mini series episode #3

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know, the doors to our course The Picture Book Course are now open? Come on in! We'd love to have you sailing with us. Read all about it ...

Juggling *life* while also creating picture books | Picture Book mini series episode #2

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episide of The Good Ship Illustration, we share juggling skills. Whether you're juggling babies, mental health, or just... life stuff, ho...

Can you make a living as a picture book illustrator? | Picture Book mini series episode #1

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Good Ship Illustration podcast, we talk all about making a living as a children's book illustrator. EXCITING NEWS: the do...

PANIIIIIC! (or don't...) 🚢 | Find Your Creative Voice Mini-Series #5

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The pressure's off; there are no fancy art materials here, and our golden rule is no panicking. Start where you are, use what you have. Be kind t...

Play, OR ELSE 🚢 | Find Your Creative Voice Mini-Series #4

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you get over the fear of starting a new illustration? In this installment of our mini-series we talk all about overcoming procrastination and f...

Finding Creative Confidence 🚢 | Find Your Creative Voice Mini-Series #3

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you stop the niggly voice 'my work isn't good enough' from interfering with your creative confidence?WELCOME to our 5-part mini-...

Draw draw draw! 🚢 | Find Your Creative Voice Mini-Series #2

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Draw draw draw, then draw some more. PLUS we answer the brilliant question: "...my schedule is not allowing me the time I would like. Can I reall...

Bask in your weirdness! 🚢 | Find Your Creative Voice Mini-Series #1

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bask in your weirdness. What to do if the voice that’s emerging isn’t the one you like?WELCOME to our 5-part mini-series, all about finding your c...

HELP! I don't think I have a style - Message in a bottle

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re here to offer no-nonsense advice for illustrators and image-makers navigating a creative careerHere are 3 things you need to know:At The Good ...

Our most weird and wonderful illustration jobs ft. sausages

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re here to offer no-nonsense advice for illustrators and image-makers navigating a creative careerHere are 3 things you need to know:At The Good ...

Substack for Illustrators! Message in a Bottle

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re here to offer no-nonsense advice for illustrators and image-makers navigating a creative careerHere are 3 things you need to know:At The Good ...

Art qualifications... do you need 'em? - Message in a Bottle

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re here to offer no-nonsense advice for illustrators and image-makers navigating a creative careerHere are 3 things you need to know:At The Good ...

Using kids as inspiration for picture book illustration - is it a good idea? - Message in a Bottle

06 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Wahooo, another picture book podcast! The Picture Book CourseIf you're listening to this and you're interested in making picture books, you&...

Picture Books, drawing and storytelling: Emma Carlisle chats to The Good Ship Illustration

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We had a brilliant chat with Good Ship pal, Emma Carlisle on aaall of the things:The importance of bad drawingsTackling social media as an illustrator...

Figuring out where YOUR illustration work fits - Message in a Bottle

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we answer the questions:How do I know if I'm an illustrator or not?How to navigate "The Gap" (see quote below!)How to k...

Getting started as an illustrator - Message in a Bottle

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we answer the questions:How do I get started as an illustrator (even if you're not a young thing fresh outta art school.)How to g...

Preppin' your illustration portfolio - Message in a Bottle

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we answer all of your portfolio questions:Do I need one!?What to put in your illustration portfolio.How to reach out to potential illu...

Nightmare clients, good snacks, illustrator fashion and lots more - Message in a Bottle

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this quick fire interview-style episode we answer the questions:What was your most horrific client experience?What's your favourite subject to...

Analogue vs. digital illustration - Message in a Bottle

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we answer the questions:Analogue vs digital drawing - how to deal with feeling torn between the twoHow to store your artwork (ahhh tha...

Goal setting for illustrators - Message in a Bottle

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we answer the questions:How do I set goals as an illustrator?Am I allowed to illustrate existing book covers?What makes a "good&q...