Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast

By Olga Herrera & Sunny Duran

What's Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast about?

Illo Chat is a podcast for illustrators working in the children's book industry. Creative, funny and full of information on how to write, illustrate, and publish picture books and how to become a professional illustrator. Women illustrators, Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran, teach about the publishing industry and the behind the scenes work that goes into book design and illustration. Kidlit discussions and insights for artist and creatives.

WEBSITE: www.illochat.com

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Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast episodes:

05.19.2024
EP 39 Three Year Anniversary
Yay! It's Illo Chat's third anniversary! Join Olga and Sunny as they reminisce on how they got here and some of their favorite highlights from the last three years. Thank you for listening for three years. We couldn't have done...
04.24.2024
EP 38 Think Like a Designer
In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about how thinking like a designer can save you time and edits when creating art for children's books. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION...
03.17.2024
EP 37 Should you be an Author or an Illustrator or Both
In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about the roles and responsibilities of being an author and an illustrator or wearing the hats of both. And how to decide which fits best. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and...
02.18.2024
EP 36 Switching Agents
In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about the steps one can take when switching agents. The use of publisher’s marketplace, and query tracker to research agents and help make informed decisions. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and...
12.24.2023
EP 35 2023 Wrap up
In this episode, Olga and Sunny recap what happened this year, where they are now, and their plans for the future. They also discuss how it's easier to stay focused when you're busy but easy to lose your way when...
11.26.2023
EP34 A Chat with Jed Alexander
In this episode, we chat with author, illustrator Jed Alexander about his wordless picture books. We talked about his process for writing wordless picture books and his illustration technique. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by...
10.28.2023
EP 33 A chat with John Sandford
In this episode, we chat with author, illustrator John Sandford about his new picture book BrindleFox. We talk about his inspiration and illustration technique for this book as well as his time as an art director. Thanks for listening. Cover art...
09.24.2023
EP 32 Interview with Julia Mills
In this episode we chat with author and illustrator Julia Mills about her debut picture book I am Stuck. We talk about her writing journey, her inspiration as an art teacher, and her process for illustrating this book. Thanks for listening. Cover...
08.20.2023
EP 31 Time to Reevaluate
In this episode, Sunny talks about her year of letting go and her decision to go back to a full-time job outside the home. Giving her the freedom to pursue art as her passion instead of her career. Thanks for...
07.23.2023
EP 30 Interview with Holly Hatam
In this episode, we chat with Holly Hatam the illustrator of A Good Deed Can Grow written by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman. We talk about Holly's journey to becoming a children's book illustrator and her process for illustrating this book. Thanks...
06.25.2023
EP 29 I Left My Agent
In this episode Sunny talks about leaving her agent and what she would look for in the future when considering an agent. She discusses how it's okay to evaluate where you are and make changes to help you move forward. Thanks...
05.21.2023
EP 28 Interview with Vicki Johnson and Gillian Reid
In this episode, we chat with Vicki Johnson the author of Molly's Tuxedo, and Gillian Reid the illustrator that worked on this wonderful book. We talk about Vicki's author journey and inspiration for this picture book. We also talk to...
03.13.2023
EP 27 Marketing
In this episode Olga talks about everything she is doing for marketing as an author, illustrator. How she is preparing for her upcoming book launch at the Dancing Bear Toy Store (hosted by the Curious Iguana) on April 22nd at...
02.12.2023
EP 26 Interview with Lenny Wen
In this episode we chat with author, illustrator Lenny Wen about her debut picture book Spicy Spicy Hot. We talk about her journey into illustration, how she got an agent. We also learn how she came up with the idea...
01.15.2023
EP 25 Interview with Pat Tanumihardja and Shiho Pate
In this episode we chat with Pat Tanumihardja the author of Ramen for Everyone and Shiho Pate the illustrator that worked on this adorable book. We talk about Pat's author journey from cookbooks to picturebooks and her love of Ramen....
12.21.2022
EP 24 Listener Questions
In this episode Olga and Sunny answer listener questions about; voice in writing, ghostwriters, how to find publishers open for submissions, is traditional obsolete, can you improve in art without going to school, and ways to learn what magazines are...
11.20.2022
EP 23 Interview with Jonathan Roth and Paulina Suarez
In this episode we chat with Jonathan Roth, author and illustrator of the graphic novel Rover and Speck, this Planet Rocks and his colorist Paulina Suarez. We talk about his inspiration and process for the book and what it was...
10.25.2022
EP 22 Picture Book Specs
In episode 22 Olga and Sunny break down all the parts and pieces of a picture book. From trim size and bleed to end papers and gutters they cover it all. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Books we discuss: New in...
09.26.2022
EP 21 Picture Book Dummies
In episode 21 Olga and Sunny take a deep dive into picture book dummies. They talk about what a dummy is, when you need one and how to plan it out with a storyboard. They also show examples of their...
08.21.2022
EP 20 Best Advice
In episode 20 Olga and Sunny discuss the worst and best advice that they've been given as author/illustrators. How they have dealt with bad advice and how they have put good advice to use. Thanks for listening. ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY...
07.25.2022
EP 19 Style
In episode 19 Olga and Sunny discuss illustration style. How it's a journey and not a destination. They talk about how their styles have evolved over time and how to identify if it's your style or if it's a mistake...
06.27.2022
EP 18 Illustration Community
In episode 18 Olga and Sunny announce their new facebook group for Illo Chat listeners the Illo Chat Illustration Community. https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 They talk about how to manage and set up a critique group and how listeners will be able to find...
05.30.2022
Ep 17 FAQ's
In episode 17 Olga and Sunny talk about about some frequently asked questions. They discuss their response when people ask them to recommend an illustrator for their book or project. What to do if your an author illustrator and only...
05.01.2022
Ep 16 Children's Book Categories
In episode 16 Olga and Sunny discuss children's book categories. What are the specs for each, the target audience and they show a few examples of their favorites. To see the books discussed in this episode you can watch the...
04.03.2022
Ep 15 When your Muse Goes on Vacation
In episode 15 Olga and Sunny talk about about when your muse goes on vacation. Cuando la Musa se te va de vacaciones. How to recognize if you have art block and possible things you can do to work through...
03.07.2022
Ep 14 Pivot
In episode 14 Olga and Sunny talk about what to do when things don't go as planned. How you can pick up the pieces, pivot and make the best of things. Thanks for listening. LINKS: Women in Publishing Summit: https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/ SCBWI Regional Conference:...
02.07.2022
Ep 13 Conference Plans
In episode 13 Olga and Sunny talk about they're plans for the new year. They also discuss how to plan for a conference. Please excuse the quality of the audio in this episode. Olga had some technical difficulties. Thanks for...
12.13.2021
Ep 12 You are an Artist
In episode 12 Olga and Sunny talk about if you are hesitant to call yourself an artist you are not alone. Join us on this raw and real talk about how we finally arrived at the point when we could...
11.19.2021
Ep 11 Part 2 Self Publishing
In episode 11 part 2 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about how to work with self publishing authors when they ask you to illustrate their book. In this episode they discuss contracts with self publishing authors. Why you need...
11.19.2021
Ep 11 Part 1 Self Publishing
In episode 11 part 1 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about how to work with self publishing authors when they ask you to illustrate their book. They discuss the information you should get and the information you should give...
10.24.2021
Ep 10 Part 2 Let's Talk about Agents!
In episode 10 part 2 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about red flags to look for, how to submit to agents and how to query a literary agent. They also discuss Twitter pitches, how to look for agents and...
10.18.2021
Ep 10 Part 1 Let's talk about Agents!
In episode 10 part 1 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about the different types of agents. What an agent does for children's book authors and illustrators and why you need one. Thanks for listening. OUR WEBSITE: https://www.illochat.com/ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/piTx44xeLpw ▼YOUR...
09.27.2021
Ep 9 FAQ
In episode 9 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran answer some frequently asked questions about life as an illustrator. They cover what to do after you join SCBWI. How to go from traditional to digital illustration. How they balance their time...
09.06.2021
EP 8 Part 2 How to Find Work and Promote yourself as an Illustrator
In Part 2 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about ways to find work as a children's book illustrator. They cover how to promote yourself online. How to navigate freelance job websites as an illustrator. They also talk a little...
08.16.2021
EP 8 Part 1 How to Find Work and Promote yourself as an Illustrator
In Part 1 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about ways to generate income as a children's book illustrator. They cover multiple income streams and how to promote yourself online. There was a lot to cover and the episode ran...
07.25.2021
EP 7 Let's Talk Art
In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about what elements make a good children's book illustration. What is a focal point? How do you use line to tell a story? What makes a good composition? What is value,...
07.05.2021
EP 6 Portfolios and Websites
In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about portfolios and websites for children's book illustration. Should an illustrators have a physical portfolio and a website? What should you include in your portfolio and what mistakes to avoid. Thanks...
07.05.2021
EP 6 Portfolios
In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about portfolios and websites for children's book illustration. Why should illustrators have a physical portfolio and a website? What should you include in your portfolio and what mistakes to avoid. Thanks...
06.14.2021
EP 5 Critiques
Have you had a portfolio critique? In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk all about critiques. Why should illustrators get portfolio critiques, how to choose who critiques your artwork. How to listen to a critique and how to...
05.07.2021
Ep 4 A Dentist can't give you Heart Surgery
Do friends and family ask you for art favors? Do you say yes to things that may not further your illustration career? In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about why illustrators should not always say yes to...
05.07.2021
Ep 3 Start Where You're At!
Should you wait until you're ready to start? In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about how to start on your children's book illustration journey. Don't wait to start illustrating because if you wait you'll never be ready....
05.07.2021
Ep 2 Don't Work in a Bubble.
Are you working in a bubble? In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about how illustrators can tell if they are working in a bubble. How to get out of it and how to find their creative community....
05.04.2021
Ep 1 Our Story, How we got started as Children's Book Illustrators and how we met.
In this episode Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran share their stories on how they got started as children's book illustrators. They'll discuss how they met and what they plan to do with this podcast. Thanks for listening. WEBSITE: https://www.illochat.com/ VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS8HB2Ej1p0&t;=80s ▼YOUR HOSTS...
04.19.2021
Illo Chat Coming Soon
If you want to be a children's book illustrator or just want to hear two friends talk about how to be an illustrator. Subscribe so you can hear our first episode.

What's Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast episodes:

EP 39 Three Year Anniversary

EP 38 Think Like a Designer

EP 37 Should you be an Author or an Illustrator or Both

EP 36 Switching Agents

EP 35 2023 Wrap up

EP34 A Chat with Jed Alexander

EP 33 A chat with John Sandford

EP 32 Interview with Julia Mills

EP 31 Time to Reevaluate

EP 30 Interview with Holly Hatam

EP 29 I Left My Agent

EP 28 Interview with Vicki Johnson and Gillian Reid

EP 27 Marketing

EP 26 Interview with Lenny Wen

EP 25 Interview with Pat Tanumihardja and Shiho Pate

EP 24 Listener Questions

EP 23 Interview with Jonathan Roth and Paulina Suarez

EP 22 Picture Book Specs

EP 21 Picture Book Dummies

EP 20 Best Advice

EP 19 Style

EP 18 Illustration Community

Ep 17 FAQ's

Ep 16 Children's Book Categories

Ep 15 When your Muse Goes on Vacation

Ep 14 Pivot

Ep 13 Conference Plans

Ep 12 You are an Artist

Ep 11 Part 2 Self Publishing

Ep 11 Part 1 Self Publishing

Ep 10 Part 2 Let's Talk about Agents!

Ep 10 Part 1 Let's talk about Agents!

Ep 9 FAQ

EP 8 Part 2 How to Find Work and Promote yourself as an Illustrator

EP 8 Part 1 How to Find Work and Promote yourself as an Illustrator

EP 7 Let's Talk Art

EP 6 Portfolios and Websites

EP 6 Portfolios

EP 5 Critiques

Ep 4 A Dentist can't give you Heart Surgery

Ep 3 Start Where You're At!

Ep 2 Don't Work in a Bubble.

Ep 1 Our Story, How we got started as Children's Book Illustrators and how we met.

Illo Chat Coming Soon