Ed Steckley is an illustrator. He works on children's picture books, middle grade chapter books and advertising assignments. He's been a caricaturist, cartoonist and tried animating too- but that wasn't his wheelhouse, he says. He shares his passion, his journey and his goals. He also expresses gratitude for his mentors, some of the greatest artists that have contributed work in the last 100 years. Along with drawing "tractors and lawn mowers," to get practice in his early years, he has created wonderful characters in pencil, ink and paint. His cat Franklin is always in his home studio, in Queens, New York, where he creates his magic.

His newest accomplishment is available mid November; one of a series of books called "Rube Goldberg," about a little kid who invents things, and based on a real person. He did ninety drawings for this series of books in grey scale and full color. You can now purchase this book, published by Abrams Publishing, and the same editorial director who put out the hit MG series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Charlie Kochman. 

Ed Steckley is also on the board of the National Cartoonists Society, and says networking is a key way to get to know people in this industry. Knowing your craft is imperative, but "a college degree is not what will get you work in this industry," says Steckley. 

For more on Passion to Power and host, Michelle Zeitlin, please see Passion-Power.com and MoreZap.com

Michelle Zeitlin is the founder of More Zap Productions & Management, a talent & literary boutique in Los Angeles. Along with representing artists, authors, actors and activists, Zeitlin is also a show creator and director/choreographer. 

If you are interested in appearing on this podcast as a guest, please send a request to [email protected].