Book Folk

Graeme Pitman is a nice guy. The lighthearted attitude he brings is enriched with vulnerability and topped off with self-deprecating laughs. His love of snacks does nothing but endear you to him. He has a big smile.

Graeme would be the first to describe himself as “just a guy.”

After all, that’s all he is. Just a guy who did professional photography for a decade. Just a guy who creatively directs the CiRCE Institute. Just a guy who has interviewed the likes of S. D. Smith, Andrew Peterson, and John Hendrix. Just a guy.

He doesn’t like to call himself an artist. If you spend some time with him, however, you begin to understand that he is one.

And so much more.

Graeme Pitman: Instagram - Website - CiRCE Institute - Forma Journal

Artistic Inspirations:

https://ineedabookcover.com/designers/luisa-dias/

http://www.louiserichardsonartist.comhttps://billyrenkl.com/fine-art/other/

https://www.salvagedesign.nethttps://andygoldsworthystudio.com/archive/

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At first glance, Jesse will make you think he’s your average pop-culture junkie. It’s easy to see little else beyond the trademark mountains of novels and armies of collectibles he boasts. You might label him a common geek for his passions.

No one would blame you.

But there is more to Jesse than meets the eye. The inquisitive listener might just discover a man of nuance, of wit, and—dare I say—charm.

Can you judge a book by its cover?

Click play to find out.

Jesse Dunlap: Instagram

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More than an illustrator, Zach Stuef is a storyteller. He creates images that encapsulate and embellish complex ideas, and he does it in a style that is winsome and free.

How does he do it? While we discuss his inspiration and process, I think his real secret is his dual approach to making art: discipline and fun. While he clearly maintains a serious, intentional approach to his craft, you can tell he hasn’t lost track of how fun it is to just draw stuff! His style manifests this discipline and enthusiasm, drawing you in with __, and keeping you with substance.

Zach Stuef: https://www.stuefcreative.com/

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Free Download: ‘Thought & Style: A guided journal for writers with collected insights from C.S. Lewis’ » humblebooksmedia.com/thought-and-style

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Our conversation with Seth Holmes reflects his artistic style: flowing and free, yet rooted by a kind of sacred joy.

In the course of our discussion, we cover a lot of ground: the complexity of simplicity, developing one’s artistic style, and the power of words. Seth shares his artistic origin story, his passion for locality, his love for film, and his inexplicable preference for Garfield over Calvin and Hobbes.

But we’re left rejoicing in the wonder that bleeds across the ink outlines of our days like splashes of ebullient color, overflowing from the prodigal brush of our merry Painter.

Seth Holmes: https://www.holmeswatercolors.com/

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I’m a little rusty from a nearly 2-year hiatus, but thrilled to have a conversation with a s h e r l e h m a n. Asher is a writer and artist, and is joining me as my co-host in this season of BookFolk. We’re both excited for all of the conversations we’ve got scheduled with bookish creatives!

In today’s interview, we discuss story, books (especially fantasy books), art, world building, and film adaptations.

We hope you enjoy it, and stay tuned for our upcoming conversations with other storytellers and artists!

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Free Download: ‘Thought & Style: A guided journal for writers with collected insights from C.S. Lewis’ » humblebooksmedia.com/thought-and-style

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In this final episode of Season I, we chat to Ned Bustard, the illustrator and designer behind the Every Moment Holy Series, written by Douglas McKelvey. We talk about the differences and similarities between fine art and graphic design, art as seeing and communication, how good design is loving our neighbor, and the importance of creating in community.

In addition to the Every Moment Holy series, Ned has illustrated and/or written over a dozen books for both adults and children. He is the creative director of Square Halo Books publishing, curator of the Square Halo Gallery, and a sought-after lecturer on Christianity and the Arts.

Ned Bustard’s Website: worldsendimages.com

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Today, we’re talking with Robin Smit. Robin has authored 4 books, and she is also the publisher of a hybrid publishing company called The Writer’s Society. Robin offers insights on outlining, repurposing content, and setting manageable goals. But she really shines when it comes to building a community around her core message.

Robin Smit: robinsmit.com

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Today we’re joined by my friend, author and pastor, Davis Moore. In this interview, we talk about Davis’ writing journey—how he overcomes the stumbling block that perfectionism can often be to art, how he navigates the tricky overlap between the Memoir and Christian Living genres, and his experience in being his own sales rep, even to big box stores like Barnes and Noble.

Davis Moore: davismooreauthor.com

Knot by Knot: amazon.com/Knot-Untangling-Lifes-Core-Issues/dp/B0D1Z473W9/

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Free Download: ‘Thought & Style: A guided journal for writers with collected insights from C.S. Lewis’ » humblebooksmedia.com/thought-and-style

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Today, we’re chatting with my good friend, David McIver. David is the executive director of Praise Live radio and the former chaplain for the Minnesota Twins. He is also the author of a beautiful book entitled, Looking for the One: Stories of Seeing the Lost, Lonely, and Broken Through the Eyes of Jesus.

Davis offers wisdom on writing from the posture of worship—how to not merely communicate effectively or artfully, but how to convey God’s heart to your readers.

David McIver: lookingfortheone.org/

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Free Download: ‘Thought & Style: A guided journal for writers with collected insights from C.S. Lewis’ » humblebooksmedia.com/thought-and-style

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Today, I am so thrilled to welcome Emily Kimbell to the show. Emily is an accomplished artist. She’s illustrated children’s books for Penguin Random House and Oxford University Press. She is also the co-creator of Thingamajigs, a weekly comic strip for The Phoenix, a UK kids magazine. Emily is also the illustrator of The Travelling Piano Man of Port Whettershire written by Victoria Murgante, published by Humble Books, and releasing in October 2024. 

In today’s episode, we talk about some of the key skills that go into being a successful illustrator, including planning out your art, communicating an idea vs. representing reality, how illustrations can add to a story, and how to never get artist’s block.

Emily Kimbell: emilykimbell.com

Join the Humble Books community on Substack: humblebooks.substack.com

Free Download: ‘Thought & Style: A guided journal for writers with collected insights from C.S. Lewis’ » humblebooksmedia.com/thought-and-style

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Reach Out: [email protected]