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 video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE ▼YOUR HOSTS...

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 video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video:...

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 you have too much time on your hands. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE:...

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 Sunny Duran John Sandford: ⁠sandfordarchive.com⁠ ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/423218296121427⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠illochat.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video:...

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 by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran John Sandford: sandfordarchive.com ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/423218296121427⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠illochat.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch...

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 art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran Julia Mills: ⁠⁠⁠jamills.com ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/423218296121427⁠⁠⁠ OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠illochat.com⁠⁠⁠ Watch the...

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 listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠ Watch the video:...

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 for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Holly Hatam: ⁠⁠hollyhatam.com ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/423218296121427⁠⁠ OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠illochat.com⁠⁠ Watch the video:...

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 for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran You can also find Olga's book here: ⁠https://www.olgaherrera.me/book⁠ ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK...

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 Gillian about her Illustrator journey and her art process. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Vicki Johnson: ⁠vickijohnsonwrites.com Gillian Reid: gillian-reid.com ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK...

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 2pm EST. If you're in the Frederick, MD area stop by for this fun family friendly event. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Book Launch at Dancing Bear toy Store: https://www.olgaherrera.me/events Preorder the book through Curious Iguana (includes free...

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 for this adorable book.  Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Lenny Wen: lennywen.com ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: illochat.com Watch the video: youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE ▼YOUR HOSTS...

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. We also discuss Shiho's Illustrator journey and her varying art styles. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Pat Tanumihardja: ediblewords.com Shiho Pate: shihopate.com ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK...

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 looking for. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Writing, ghostwriting references: Michelle Shusterman  Online courses: SVS Learn, 21 Draw,Make Art that Sells, Schoolism,Domestika,Skillshare Magazines : Highlights,Cricket...

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 like working with a colorist. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Jonathan Roth: beepandbob.com/books/rover-and-speck/ Paulina Suarez: paulinasuarez.com/ ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK...

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 Town by Kevin Cornell Lannie Rea’s Marvelous Hair by Yesenia Rodriguez, illustrated by Sunny Duran Oak Leaf by John Sanford The Crystal Beads by Pat Black-Gould, illustrated by Katya Royz It Fell from the Sky by Terry Fan and Eric Fan A Bear Somewhere by Jodi...

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 own storyboards and examples of their past dummies. Thanks for listening. ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: https://www.illochat.com/ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran...

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 (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: https://www.illochat.com/ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran  https://www.sunnyduran.com/ Olga Herrera...

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 you keep repeating. Make sure you stick around until the end where they talk about sketchbooks.  Mentions: Faith Pray and her wonderful sketchbook look book https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfHiKmsrVk5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE...

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 critique partners, network and participate in live critiques in their new facebook group.  Thanks for listening. ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP):...

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 your manuscript gets accepted and why you don't have to participate in illustration challenges. Thanks for listening. OUR WEBSITE: https://www.illochat.com/ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/5uRvSHNgBsU ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran...

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 video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/38gKjmI1Mow Thanks for listening.   Books we discuss  BOARD BOOKS:  The Mitten by Jan Brett Guess How Much I Love you by Sam McBratney illustrated by Anita Jeram  The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister  Bath! Bath! Bath! by Douglas...

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 it. Thanks for listening. LINKS:  Neil Gaiman University of the Arts commencement speech clip (Make Good Art): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OwRUyZMKwI   Waterproof notepad: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LID8V54/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_api_i_CXTRFCB5EBQG769GGXRX OUR WEBSITE:...

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: https://mddewv.scbwi.org/events/2022-mddewv-regional-conference-all-together-now/ OUR WEBSITE: https://www.illochat.com/ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/4UunlCuh6SE ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran...