My Creative Life By Nancy Miller

Hi Everyone, my special guest today is Charise Harper, award-winning author and illustrator of picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and comics. Here is more about Charise. Award-winning author and illustrator Charise Mericle Harper delivers a fantastically funny picture book about doing the impossible: drawing a horse. A children's metafiction book about creativity and imaginative play centered around an art lesson, Harper cleverly shows readers how drawings are a collection of recognizable shapes put together to create something new. Here is a link to her site:  http://www.chariseharper.com/ Charise's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chariseharper/ Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Taryn Cozzy, Creative Director for the Superhero Project. She is also an animator and illustrator currently in NC. I was fortunate to have worked with Taryn on a poster for the Superhero Project. It was an honor, and I recommend any artists that like to give back please check out their site for more details. Here is more about Taryn: Born and raised in Vermont, Taryn now lives in Burbank as an animator and freelance illustrator. She's illustrated 7 children's books and loves hiking, eating new foods, watching movies, and singing. Taryn's Website: https://www.taryncozzy.com/ Taryn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ptaryndactyl_/ The Superhero Project: https://www.superheroprojectkids.org/ Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Amanda Bennett, a Fibers Artist based out of Savannah, GA. Here is more about Amanda. Amanda Bennett is an interdisciplinary artist based in Savannah, Georgia.  Her work investigates how biomaterials can act as a conduit for storytelling that reconnects us to nature and provides a more ecologically-responsible approach to material-making. See her work at: https://www.amandahopebennett.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/amanda_h_bennett/ Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, my special guest is Jill Burns of Nestbox. Jill is a surface designer and illustrator who created work for HomeGoods, Trader Joe's, and Pistachio. We met through Elizabeth Silver's Surface Design Business Course. Jill has experience starting two successful creative businesses! To see her work visit: https://www.nestboxstudio.com/  or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nestboxstudio/ Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, I have updates with Keith Lee and Broly Su on their art journey and getting an agent. Seeing how their careers have flourished since I last spoke with them was great. Both are award-winning illustrators and continue to pursue their passions in illustration. They cover the steps they went through to get signed by their agents. I hope this discussion is helpful for you when looking for an agent. To see their work, visit: Keith Lee: https://keithleeillustration.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithleeillustration/ Broly Su: https://www.brolysu.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/8rolysu/ Here is a link to Workbook that Broly mentioned: https://www.workbook.com/ Thanks for listening!  Please subscribe for future episodes.

Hi Everyone today, my guest is Benson Shum, Animator, Children's Book Author and Illustrator. Benson talks about his start in animation and how he went on to work on writing and illustrating his first picture book. He offers advice to young students wanting to start a career in animation. Here is more about Benson: Benson Shum is a children's book author and illustrator. The idea that an image or painting can evoke emotions and movement is what brought him to the world of picture books and animation. Benson uses watercolor, ink and digital tools to create his illustrations. His newest book, Anzu the Great Kaiju received a starred review from School Library Journal and was selected for the Kid's Indie Next List for Jan/Feb 2022 by American Booksellers Association.  Alex's Good Fortune was also selected for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library 2022. Benson is also an Animator at the Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he was a part of such films as Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, Frozen 2, Raya an

Hi Everyone, my special guest today is Donald Sutton, children's book author and illustrator. Donald was kind enough to share what he has learned during his studies at Hollins University for his MFA in Children's Book Writing and Illustration. Here is more about Donald: ​ Donald is a children's book author/illustrator and a 2020 We Need Diverse Books Illustration mentee.  He is a multi-disciplined artist with backgrounds in visual development for animation, graphic design, and photography. Overall, he loves creating entertaining stories about diversity, representation, joy, and empowerment for children from all backgrounds, including the underrepresented ones for both picture books and graphic novels.  To see Donald's work visit: https://www.donaldadsutton.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dons_kreation/ https://twitter.com/dons_kreation https://www.tiktok.com/@dons_kreation Thank you for listening!  Please subscribe fo future notifications!

Hi Everyone! Today my special guest is illustrator and mural artist, Dannie Niu. She is an award winning illustrator to boot! Here is more about Dannie: Dannie is a freelance illustrator based in Atlanta, and she received her M.F.A degree in illustration at Savannah College of Art and Design. Being influenced by classical romantic oil painting from early childhood, Dannie never likes to portray despair and fear in her work. Instead, Dannie's work is always full of hope and fantasy. Dannie always likes to add some luxury elements in her work, she wants her work to be serious and dignified, but at the same time, people can relate to the brightness and wistfulness in her work.  See her work at www.dannieniu.net and Instagram dannie.niu  Thanks you for listening!  Please like and subscribe!

Hi Everyone! I was so fortunate to interview one of my favorite children's book illustrators, Samantha Cotterill. She is an award-winning illustrator and author of the Little Senses Series. Here is more about Samantha. Samantha Cotterill is an award winning picture book author and illustrator of many books for children. Samantha has been featured in The New York Times (as illustrator for Just Add Glitter, written by Angela Diterlizzi) and The Wall Street Journal for her art in The Jinx and The Doom Fight Crime! (written by Lisa Mantchev). She has recently launched a book series for kids on the Autism spectrum and/or with sensory issues entitled Little Senses, with This Beach Is Loud! chosen for Dolly Parton's 2020, 2021 and 2022 book list for The Imagination Library.  Samantha is represented by Kirsten Hall of Catbird, and works out of her studio in Upstate New York. See her work at https://www.samanthacotterill.com/

Hi Everyone! In the episode I have return guest and cohost Keith Lee. He had some exciting news to share with us today. Also to share his love of editorial concepts and ideation. His inspiration has been Craig Fraizer's The Illustrated Voice. It's no longer in print but you can buy a used copy from your favorite used book reseller. To see Keith's work visit: Keith Lee, editorial illustrator https://www.instagram.com/keithleeillustration/ https://www.keithleeillustration.com/ Thanks for listening please like and subscribe!

Hi Everyone! I was pleased to interview Melissa Miles, children's book author and SCBWI Southern Breeze RA. She has been so kind and helpful, and I wanted to share more of her books and the story behind her writing: Jeremiah Justice Saves the Day and Jeremiah Justice Saves Camp.  Melissa's Blog: https://anovelwritingconcept.wordpress.com/ Melissa's Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissajmiles Superhero Success Foundation: https://superherosuccessfoundationinc.wordpress.com/ You can order her books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Miles/e/B00EC927ZG%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share Thanks for listening! Please like and subscribe!

Hi Everyone! Today my guest is Robin Johnson, and she is sharing tips for searching for that inhouse job and getting an interview. I thought Robin's tips were very practical. Here is more about Robin: Robin Martéa is a Fine Artist and Illustrator whose clients range from CNN Style to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Since grade school, she has been heavily involved in the visual arts and has since then, developed a strong foundation in mediums ranging from painting to photography. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and received her M.F.A. in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. To see her work visit: https://robinmartea.com/ https://www.instagram.com/marteadesignco/ Robin was included in the Jackson Comics Project. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jackson-comics-200-years#/ Thanks for listening, and please subscribe!

Hi Everyone! I had the pleasure of speaking with Laura Alderson a children's book illustrator based in Italy! So cool! Laura was kind enough to share her art journey with us today. Here is more about her: I grew up in the southern US, with an imagination ready for travel. In middle school I started writing a book set in Italy and my librarian encouraged both my writing and illustrations. My interests shifted to modern art while attending the University of Georgia, but I did sneak in a summer in Italy. After a few years designing offices in Atlanta, I started painting oil portraits, and then our family moved to NYC, where my daughter grew up. In 2011 our family unexpectedly moved to—where else? Italy! Wanting to start a new career from abroad, I decided to return to my original love of children’s book illustration. By this time I was ready to make use of years of accumulated art skills and cultural experience, as well as digital tools. I am now actively looking for representation to illustrate children’s books

Hi Everyone, there is no special new guest today, but a reflective talk about what it has been like starting my art business. I recorded this in Dec. 2022, six months after I finished my master's degree. I figured it was a good point to stop and think about what I've accomplished so far and mention the things I've done to get my work out there. If you would like to see my illustration work visit: https://www.nmillerillustration.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmillerillustration/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/nancymillerillustration Twitter: https://twitter.com/nmillerillo Click to sign up for my newsletter for updates and freebies: Nancy So Miller Illustration Newsletter Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Tried a panel discussion on marketing ourselves and some of the current art scams we have run into. I hope this episode is helpful to anyone starting their art journey. In this panel, we have Nancy So Miller, Robin Johnson, Allen Zhang, Via Li, and Keith Lee. We are all working towards building our freelance careers and getting things going.  To see our work: Nancy So Miller, children's book author and illustrator, art licensing https://www.nmillerillustration.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nmillerillustration/ https://twitter.com/nmillerillo Robin Johnson, fine artist and illustrator https://robinmartea.com/ https://www.instagram.com/marteadesignco/ https://www.instagram.com/jxncomics_ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jackson-comics-200-years#/ Allen Zhang, concept artist https://www.instagram.com/allewn19/ https://www.artstation.com/zitongzhang Via Li, painter https://www.instagram.com/via.li_art/ https://www.vialiart.com/ Keith Lee, editorial illustrator https://www.instagram.com/ke

Hi Everyone, today my guest is Alyssa Ruby, an illustrator, and fibers artist. She has a wide range of skills from 2D to 3D fiber sculptures. I am amazed by Alyssa's work. Here is more about Alyssa: Alyssa Ruby is here to make your magical idea a reality! A native Floridian, but a mountain dweller at heart, I love to create whimsical dreams come to life I love to bring happiness to everyday life through my exploration of fluffy creatures and cozy homes! I graduated from Flagler College with a BA in Fine Art and a specialization in illustration. I am now pursuing an MFA in Fibers at SCAD. ​To see her work: https://rubyhousedesign.wixsite.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebunnyruby/ Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! I'm excited to have my guest Lisa Hetrick today! She is a graphic designer, illustrator, and teacher. She has worn numerous hats and was kind enough to share her expertise in building her freelance business. Here is a bit about Lisa. Lisa is the creator of Indigo Jade Art.  She creates art that brings more happiness and joy into the world.  During our conversation, Lisa shares why she decided to bring her art direct to the consumer and how she’s doing that successfully! Lisa's Website: https://indigojadeart.com/ Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Michael Allen, comic book creator of Melon Cat. Here is more about Michael: Michael Allen has been drawing and writing stories since his birth in 1994. In 2016 he graduated from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA with a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Studio Art with a Drawing and Digital Media focus. After wandering around the Northeast and Texas as a nomad, he went to Savannah, GA to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design where he received a Master's of Fine Arts in Sequential Art in 2022. Now, he continues his comics work while doing his best to explain why Medabots should be reintroduced to the U.S. to anyone who will listen. His Website: https://michaeltallen94.wixsite.com/theartofmichaelallen Michael's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cash_masheen/ Michael's Twitter: https://twitter.com/cash_masheen Thank you for listening! Please like and subscribe!

Hi Everyone! Today's guest is Karen Torok, a freelance illustrator based in Nebraska. Karen Torok is a surface designer and freelance illustrator. Here is a partial list of her clients American Girl Inc., Mattel, Parragon Books, Pearson Learning, PepsiCo., Random House, Scholastic, and Sterling Publishing.  To see her work visit: https://karentorok.com/ Instagram Karen Torok Thank you for listening!  Please like and subscribe!

Hi Everyone! Today's guest is Jessica Yoon, a children's book author. I was fortunate to get to know Jessica through our agent Tara Gonzalez. Here is more about Jessica.  Jessica Yoon is a second generation Korean-American kidlit writer. Her stories revolve around family, food, and being a child of multiple cultures. She is an active member of SCBWI, 12x12, and the Harrisburg Asian Writers Collective. She is passionate about representation in children's literature and has provided freelance sensitivity reader services to We Need Diverse Books. To learn more about Jessica visit: JessicaYoon.com Jessica Yoon Writes on IG Jessica Yoon Twitter