My Creative Life By Nancy Miller

Hi Everyone! Today's guest is Violet Tobacco, an Atlanta-based illustrator I met at the SCBWI Southern Breeze Springmingle. Here is more about Violet. Violet is an illustrator based in Atlanta, Georgia. Violet studied theater in college but gravitated toward other mediums of art before graduating. Always a storyteller with an affinity for whimsy, humor, and a well-delivered moral.  Violet's clients include Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, and Disney Hyperion. You can find Violet online at: https://www.instagram.com/violettobacco/ https://www.violettobacco.com/ More about Violet's Journey https://thebrightagency.com/us/blog/artist-journey-violet-tobacco Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Merrill Rainey, Picture-Book-Creator and Paper-Toy-Maker. Here is more about Merrill: Growing up, Merrill Rainey spent most of his Saturday afternoons drawing, watching monster movies, and going on imaginary adventures. Today, he is a cowboy-boot-wearing, picture-book-creator and paper-toy-maker. Merrill’s work focuses on exploring creativity and imaginative play. His current titles include Roar! I’m a Dinosaur (winner of the Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Board Book of 2022), Oink! I’m a Pig, and the Color, Cut, Create series. His newest illustrated title Giants Are Very Brave People, written by Florence Parry Heide, is a reimagined classic picture book about a little giant that learns to be brave with the help of a new friend. Merrill also works for many children’s magazines like Highlights, Ranger Rick, and Humpty Dumpty. He has served on faculty at the Highlights Foundation retreat center and is currently the illustrator coordinator for the Northern Ohio chapter of the

Hi, Everyone! I decided to discuss why Art Teachers Make Good Freelancers. As I was working as an art teacher and freelance illustrator, I started noticing that there were experiences I'd had that allowed me to do better at my second go around with working as a children's book illustrator. Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and rate the podcast!

Hi Everyone! I interviewed Amy Houts, a children's book author who has written over 100 children's books. She has written for a wide range of markets. It's incredible what she has accomplished in her career! She was so kind to share. Amy's site: https://www.amyhouts.com/ Amy's X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyHouts Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe or leave a review of the podcast!

Hi, Everyone! I got to speak with return guest Lu Pan about what it was like finishing his Master's Degree in Accessories Design and his reflections on his internships, award-winning designs, and career path. Lu on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lupandesign/ Lu's website https://www.lupandesign.com/ Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, this was a very hard episode to record, but I wanted to talk about a former guest, Reema Zoumut, an art teacher I'd been fortunate to have met during my time as a teacher. Her students fondly referred to her as Mrs. Z. She taught animation, graphic design, and photography. She was also a guest on the podcast. A little over a year ago Reema passed away, and I wanted to say some words about having known her. She was so giving, and never expected anything in return. Just be a good teacher. If you had met her, you would have loved her too. Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today's guest is Victoria Ying, award-winning author and illustrator of graphic novels. Here is more about Victoria: Victoria Ying is a critically acclaimed author and artist living in Los Angeles. She started her career in the arts by falling in love with comic books, this eventually turned into a career working in animation and graphic novels. Her film credits include Tangled, Wreck it Ralph, Frozen, Paperman, Big Hero 6, and Moana. She is the author and illustrator of her own series “City of Secrets and City of Illusion” through Penguin/Viking and the illustrator of the DC series “Diana Princess of the Amazons.” Her upcoming graphic novel projects her YA debut, “Hungry Ghost” and the Marvel/Scholastic “Shang-Chi and the Secret of Immortality.” To see her work visit: https://www.victoriaying.com/ Victoria's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriaying/?hl=ha-ng Twitter: https://twitter.com/victoriaying Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, I spoke with my librarian friend, Kathryn Hodges to find out more about what young readers are interested in and how librarians get the books that they want to them. Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, today I'm discussing my marketing efforts for the past year. I forgot one tip. I attended an in person Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference. I highly recommend doing inperson events if you are able to. I met some wonderful fellow author/illustrators at the conference. To see my work Nancy So Miller Illustration Nancy's Instagram Nancy's Twitter Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, I spoke with Michelle Rivera, a school librarian, because they are key figures in getting the work of authors and illustrators of children's literature to young readers. I wanted to learn more about how that happens and what excites a librarian. Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, my guest is Josh White, an Arizona-based Children's Book Illustrator. Here is more about Josh: I’m a digital artist, illustrator, and designer. My work has been featured in picture books, YA novels, book covers, trading card games and more. I work to bring ideas and concepts to vibrant life with captivating imagery and compelling characters. Josh's website Instagram Twitter Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, my guest is Jyn Hall, children's book author and fellow SCBWI member. I met Jyn at the SCBWI Springmingle and wanted to share her amazing story from actress, producer, and writer. Here is more about Jyn. Jyn Hall has performed in theatre and with local and international troupes all over the U.S. and Europe, as well as toured the Southeast with Atlanta’s oldest professional theatre company - The Academy Theatre. Over the past couple years, Jyn has been casting, producing, and writing. She is also writing children's books. She is a 2022 PB Party Contest Finalist and a 50Precious Word Contest Winner. Jyn Hall Website Jyn Hall Twitter Jyn Hall Instagram Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, I'm talking about budgeting and income as a first-year freelance illustrator. I feel like it's not talked about as far as I see artists that are successful talking about their year-end income, but no so much for the person starting out. I decided to talk about the importance of budgeting, and having a monthly profit and loss statement has helped my peace of mind. I mentioned I'd provide some helpful links. Jennifer Smekler Interview about starting her wholesale business https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gidIeVqlTos How to Create a Profit and Loss Statement by MidWest Corp. Credit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AAYTMjWFEk Free Templates for Budgets from Microsoft https://create.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/budgets Free Profit and Loss Statement for Illustrators https://www.nmillerillustration.com/illustratorbiz.html Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, I spoke with Cythnia Petrovits, the creator, philanthropist, artist, and runner for Sneakermutt. She is no longer pursing this fundraising venture. I thought it would be helpful for listeners to hear about someone that did something from the ground up that meant so much them. Here is a bit about Sneakermutt: Sneaker Mutt is crazy for running and dogs, but we are especially crazy for runners who love dogs. Our mission is to give back, by doing what we love for a cause that we love: WE USE OUR FEET TO HELP PAWS. Since 2012, Sneaker Mutt has been giving back to local shelters/rescues in the Hudson Valley and beyond through the sales of our handcrafted sweatshirts, T-shirts, and glove dog stuffies. In 2022 we amped things up and hosted our first race, DIRTY PAWS & CLAWS 2X5K ROAD/TRAIL RELAY CHALLENGE and raised over $5400 for the Dutchess County SPCA! To learn more about Sneakermutt and donate: https://www.sneakermutt.com/ Sneakermutt Instagram Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, I decided to share ways I've been figuring out how to find out more about literary agents. It's been a lot of research. By no means is this only way but there are probably other ways to find an agent. Too many to count! Here are resources for links that I mentioned during the podcast. Kidlit Events by Carolyn B. Fraiser: https://carolynbfraiser.com/kidlit/ Publisher's Marketplace: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/ SCBWI: https://www.scbwi.org/ Storyteller Academy: https://www.storytelleracademy.com/ 12x12: https://www.12x12challenge.com/ Children's Book Academy https://www.childrensbookacademy.com/ Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today is my return guest Caroline Hanlon, illustrator and creator of an adorable line of handmade knit bears. Here is more about Caroline: I was born in Washington, DC in 1995, and grew up in Maryland - where you can still find me happily exploring.  I'm a Summa Cum Laude alumni from Savannah College of Art and Design with both my Bachelor's and Master's in Illustration, with also a focus in Animation.​ I'm influenced by everyday life and the world surrounding me. My work is filled with whimsicalness, with a hint of an underlying reality.  ​​When I'm not illustrating, I'm usually eating food, knitting or walking about.  ​I'm currently represented by Inky Illustration Agency. If you have any other inquiries, please send a hello to: carolinemariehanlon@gmail.com Caroline's Instagram Caroline's Website Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Janelle Washing, paper-cut and silhouette artist. She is a fine artist and illustrator. Here is more about Janelle: Janelle Washington is a self-taught paper-cut and silhouette artist from Richmond, Virginia. She graduated from VCU with a BFA in Fashion Design and worked as a children's wear designer for 12 years. Janelle made her debut as a picture book illustrator, winning the 2023 Caldecott Honor Award and the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award for Choosing Brave. Her website: Washingtoncuts.com Washingtoncuts Instagram Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Julie Koon, children's book author, and illustrator. She is the author/illustrator of The Struggle Bus published by Kind World Publishing. She chatted with me about her journey to publication and how she continues to create! Check out her work! Julie's Website Julie's Instagram Julie's Twitter Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest today is Jerushia Graham, printmaker and book artist. Here is more about Jerushia: Jerushia Graham is an Atlanta-based artist who exhibits both nationally and internationally. She earned an MFA in Book Arts/Printmaking from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and has taught for the Atlanta Printmakers Studio, Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, The Jacqueline Casey Hudgens Center for the Arts, Kennesaw State, University of West Georgia, Spelman Museum, and various Arts Centers in the Atlanta area. Additional resources from Jerushia: Also, Steph Rue was the instructor that Anna will be taking classes with at Penland. She is also a member of the Book/Print Artist/Scholar of Color Collective. She will be teaching paper bojagi using hanji. https://penland.org/workshops/summer-session-1/ Jerushia's Website Jerushia's Instagram Charleston Gallery with Jerushia's Work Below you will find the links to the resources mentioned in the interview: https://paper.gatech.edu/https:

Hi Everyone, I have returned guest Deborah Miller, mixed media artist, to chat about how you can participate in the Savannah Art Slam event. About the event: The market will feature over 80 artists across various mediums, including fine arts, textiles, photography, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, mixed media, and much more. FOOD TRUCKS PAINT on the community canvas YOUTH POETRY SLAM Art Slam Facebook to see Deborah's Art Website. Thank you for listening!