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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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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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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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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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

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Today, we’re talking with pastor and author, Ken Kytle. To date, Ken has self-published two eloquently-written devotionals, entitled, Biblical Meditation and Like a Tree Planted. Although English is his native language, Ken is the pastor a Spanish-speaking church, and releases his books in both Spanish and English. One of the most fascinating parts of this interview is Ken’s process for transforming sermon’s into books. His method is words apart from any that I’ve seen before. If you’re a pastor, or an author who starts with spoken content, you’ll find this episode intriguing. Ken also has a passion for translation, and his thoughts on the translation process are equally unique, and frankly amazing.

Ken Kytle: amazon.com/stores/Ken-Kytle/author/B0CPYL7JLF

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Over the decades that Brad Herman has been in the industry, he’s worked in nearly every aspect of books. He’s consulted countless authors, helping them write better books and negotiate better contracts.

Brad offers some fantastic insight on tightening up your non-fiction writing, the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing, how to assess a contract, what to look for in an editor, and so much more. Specifically his thoughts on “through lines” are absolute gold.

Brad Herman: www.facebook.com/bradrherman

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