What happens when you bravely create from what matters most to you—even when you’re not sure others will understand? In this episode, I talk with artist and author ⁠Suzy Ultman⁠, whose work blends joy, vulnerability, and cultural identity in a way that’s both incredibly specific and widely relatable.

Suzy is the creator of a series of Jewish-themed board books for Penguin Workshop — ⁠I Like Your Chutzpah⁠, ⁠Shabbat Shalom⁠, and It’s a Mitzvah! — and in our conversation, we explore the story behind these books: the experiences that shaped them, the fears Suzy had about putting herself out there, and what it means to lead with joy even when it’s rooted in something much deeper.

IN THIS EPISODE

• How Suzy went from client-based work to building a licensing brand around her own voice
• Why she was initially afraid to make books that reflected something deeply meaningful to her
• Why she sees herself as a bridge (middle child, anyone!?)
• What it looks like to make joyful work rooted in meaning, emotionally layered, and honest
• Suzy’s advice for artists who want to create from a deeper place but aren’t sure where to start

REFLECTION PROMPT

What’s something you’ve been afraid to share in your creative work — and what might change if you let it in?

SHOW LINKS

• Suzy Ultman’s Website — https://www.suzyultman.com/
  
• It’s a Mitzvah! (Penguin Workshop, Sept 2, 2025) https://www.suzyultman.com/shop/p/mitzvahbook
  
• Suzy on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/suzyultman
  
• Paper Doll Parade – Chronicle Books — https://www.suzyultman.com/paper-doll-parade
  
• Friendship Carousel – Chronicle Books — https://www.suzyultman.com/friendship-carousel-bts

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

You can show your appreciation for the Thoughts on Illustration podcast by:

1. Sharing with your friends on social media
2. Liking/Following/Subscribing
3. Leaving a review on Apple Podcasts
4. Becoming a paid supporter on Patreon — patreon.com/tomfroese

FIND ME ELSEWHERE

Work and Classes — http://www.tomfroese.com
Instagram — http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroese
Daily Drawings — http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportant

CREDITS

Music and cues by Mark Allan Falk — http://linktr.ee/semiathletic