My Creative Life By Nancy Miller

Hi Everyone! I was so fortunate to interview one of my favorite children's book illustrators, Samantha Cotterill. She is an award-winning illustrator and author of the Little Senses Series. Here is more about Samantha. Samantha Cotterill is an award winning picture book author and illustrator of many books for children. Samantha has been featured in The New York Times (as illustrator for Just Add Glitter, written by Angela Diterlizzi) and The Wall Street Journal for her art in The Jinx and The Doom Fight Crime! (written by Lisa Mantchev). She has recently launched a book series for kids on the Autism spectrum and/or with sensory issues entitled Little Senses, with This Beach Is Loud! chosen for Dolly Parton's 2020, 2021 and 2022 book list for The Imagination Library.  Samantha is represented by Kirsten Hall of Catbird, and works out of her studio in Upstate New York. See her work at https://www.samanthacotterill.com/

Hi Everyone! In the episode I have return guest and cohost Keith Lee. He had some exciting news to share with us today. Also to share his love of editorial concepts and ideation. His inspiration has been Craig Fraizer's The Illustrated Voice. It's no longer in print but you can buy a used copy from your favorite used book reseller. To see Keith's work visit: Keith Lee, editorial illustrator https://www.instagram.com/keithleeillustration/ https://www.keithleeillustration.com/ Thanks for listening please like and subscribe!

Hi Everyone! I was pleased to interview Melissa Miles, children's book author and SCBWI Southern Breeze RA. She has been so kind and helpful, and I wanted to share more of her books and the story behind her writing: Jeremiah Justice Saves the Day and Jeremiah Justice Saves Camp.  Melissa's Blog: https://anovelwritingconcept.wordpress.com/ Melissa's Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissajmiles Superhero Success Foundation: https://superherosuccessfoundationinc.wordpress.com/ You can order her books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Miles/e/B00EC927ZG%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share Thanks for listening! Please like and subscribe!

Hi Everyone! Today my guest is Robin Johnson, and she is sharing tips for searching for that inhouse job and getting an interview. I thought Robin's tips were very practical. Here is more about Robin: Robin Martéa is a Fine Artist and Illustrator whose clients range from CNN Style to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Since grade school, she has been heavily involved in the visual arts and has since then, developed a strong foundation in mediums ranging from painting to photography. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and received her M.F.A. in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. To see her work visit: https://robinmartea.com/ https://www.instagram.com/marteadesignco/ Robin was included in the Jackson Comics Project. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jackson-comics-200-years#/ Thanks for listening, and please subscribe!

Hi Everyone! I had the pleasure of speaking with Laura Alderson a children's book illustrator based in Italy! So cool! Laura was kind enough to share her art journey with us today. Here is more about her: I grew up in the southern US, with an imagination ready for travel. In middle school I started writing a book set in Italy and my librarian encouraged both my writing and illustrations. My interests shifted to modern art while attending the University of Georgia, but I did sneak in a summer in Italy. After a few years designing offices in Atlanta, I started painting oil portraits, and then our family moved to NYC, where my daughter grew up. In 2011 our family unexpectedly moved to—where else? Italy! Wanting to start a new career from abroad, I decided to return to my original love of children’s book illustration. By this time I was ready to make use of years of accumulated art skills and cultural experience, as well as digital tools. I am now actively looking for representation to illustrate children’s books

Hi Everyone, there is no special new guest today, but a reflective talk about what it has been like starting my art business. I recorded this in Dec. 2022, six months after I finished my master's degree. I figured it was a good point to stop and think about what I've accomplished so far and mention the things I've done to get my work out there. If you would like to see my illustration work visit: https://www.nmillerillustration.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmillerillustration/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/nancymillerillustration Twitter: https://twitter.com/nmillerillo Click to sign up for my newsletter for updates and freebies: Nancy So Miller Illustration Newsletter Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Tried a panel discussion on marketing ourselves and some of the current art scams we have run into. I hope this episode is helpful to anyone starting their art journey. In this panel, we have Nancy So Miller, Robin Johnson, Allen Zhang, Via Li, and Keith Lee. We are all working towards building our freelance careers and getting things going.  To see our work: Nancy So Miller, children's book author and illustrator, art licensing https://www.nmillerillustration.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nmillerillustration/ https://twitter.com/nmillerillo Robin Johnson, fine artist and illustrator https://robinmartea.com/ https://www.instagram.com/marteadesignco/ https://www.instagram.com/jxncomics_ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jackson-comics-200-years#/ Allen Zhang, concept artist https://www.instagram.com/allewn19/ https://www.artstation.com/zitongzhang Via Li, painter https://www.instagram.com/via.li_art/ https://www.vialiart.com/ Keith Lee, editorial illustrator https://www.instagram.com/ke

Hi Everyone, today my guest is Alyssa Ruby, an illustrator, and fibers artist. She has a wide range of skills from 2D to 3D fiber sculptures. I am amazed by Alyssa's work. Here is more about Alyssa: Alyssa Ruby is here to make your magical idea a reality! A native Floridian, but a mountain dweller at heart, I love to create whimsical dreams come to life I love to bring happiness to everyday life through my exploration of fluffy creatures and cozy homes! I graduated from Flagler College with a BA in Fine Art and a specialization in illustration. I am now pursuing an MFA in Fibers at SCAD. ​To see her work: https://rubyhousedesign.wixsite.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebunnyruby/ Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! I'm excited to have my guest Lisa Hetrick today! She is a graphic designer, illustrator, and teacher. She has worn numerous hats and was kind enough to share her expertise in building her freelance business. Here is a bit about Lisa. Lisa is the creator of Indigo Jade Art.  She creates art that brings more happiness and joy into the world.  During our conversation, Lisa shares why she decided to bring her art direct to the consumer and how she’s doing that successfully! Lisa's Website: https://indigojadeart.com/ Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Michael Allen, comic book creator of Melon Cat. Here is more about Michael: Michael Allen has been drawing and writing stories since his birth in 1994. In 2016 he graduated from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA with a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Studio Art with a Drawing and Digital Media focus. After wandering around the Northeast and Texas as a nomad, he went to Savannah, GA to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design where he received a Master's of Fine Arts in Sequential Art in 2022. Now, he continues his comics work while doing his best to explain why Medabots should be reintroduced to the U.S. to anyone who will listen. His Website: https://michaeltallen94.wixsite.com/theartofmichaelallen Michael's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cash_masheen/ Michael's Twitter: https://twitter.com/cash_masheen Thank you for listening! Please like and subscribe!

Hi Everyone! Today's guest is Karen Torok, a freelance illustrator based in Nebraska. Karen Torok is a surface designer and freelance illustrator. Here is a partial list of her clients American Girl Inc., Mattel, Parragon Books, Pearson Learning, PepsiCo., Random House, Scholastic, and Sterling Publishing.  To see her work visit: https://karentorok.com/ Instagram Karen Torok Thank you for listening!  Please like and subscribe!

Hi Everyone! Today's guest is Jessica Yoon, a children's book author. I was fortunate to get to know Jessica through our agent Tara Gonzalez. Here is more about Jessica.  Jessica Yoon is a second generation Korean-American kidlit writer. Her stories revolve around family, food, and being a child of multiple cultures. She is an active member of SCBWI, 12x12, and the Harrisburg Asian Writers Collective. She is passionate about representation in children's literature and has provided freelance sensitivity reader services to We Need Diverse Books. To learn more about Jessica visit: JessicaYoon.com Jessica Yoon Writes on IG Jessica Yoon Twitter

Hi Everyone! Sorry to all the listeners, I accidentally missed a Sunday because I got my dates off. My apologizes! Here is a new episode! Today I spoke with Eric Clark, a professor of art and ceramic artist. He has taught for eleven years in higher education. Here is more about Eric:  Eric B. Clark is an Associate Professor of Art at Savannah State University. Eric is a ceramic sculptor interested in combining multiple construction and finishing processes to create unique forms with an industrial aesthetic. To see his work visit:  https://www.savannahclaycommunity.com/eric-clark.html www.ericbclark.com  Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today my special guest is children's book author and illustrator Caitlyn Notaro. Here is a bit about Caitlyn: In 4th grade, Caitlyn Notaro was asked to create her dream pet during art class. Instead of a dog or cat, she created a purple spotted fire-breathing dragon out of clay. Once she realized she had a knack for imagining, she never looked back. Fast forward many years, and Caitlyn is now an Author/illustrator in Upstate, New York, where she lives in an old Victorian home with her husband and vivacious toddler. She loves creating soft, yet cinematic worlds for children to visit in the form of picture books. Caitlyn is a member of SCBWI, and facilitator for her local SCBWI monthly network meetups Caitlyn is now represented by Tara Gonzalez at Erin Murphy Literary Agency  Her website: http://caitlyn-knepka.squarespace.com/  Instagram: Silent K Design and Twitter  Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today I have return guest, Jennifer Greive. I came across her from some of the other lettering artist I follow. Her work is super cute, and professional! I feel very fortunate to have her on the podcast. Here is a little about Jennifer. She specializes in t-shirt design, logos and branding. Her personal brand Fueled By Letters was born from her love for Typography and Hand Lettering. Jennifer started out at a very young age doing illustration, leading to the world of Graphic Design. Anime got her into design. She attended Stark State College of Technology and The University of Akron, receiving both an Associates and Bachelors degree in Graphic Design. Jennifer is available for commissioned work or visit her Etsy store to purchase a digital print. She is currently a designer for American Greetings. To see more of Jennifer's work visit: Fueled by Lettters Instagram @Jennifer.Greive Etsy Fueled by Letters Thanks for listening! Thanks for listening! Please like and subscribe!

Hi Everyone! Today my special guest is Deborah Kelly, and she is a member of my Storyteller's Academy Critique Group. Deborah is a children's book author based out of California. She is also a retired school psychologist. She loves to help others, big or small. Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Becky Lance, a children's book author and illustrator. She is based out of Portland, Oregon, and is also the leader of my picture book critique group with Storytellers Academy. To see Becky's work: https://www.instagram.com/beckylancekidlit/ https://twitter.com/beckyl_kidlit Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today my special guest in Jime Wimmer, illustrator, and art educator. Jime was kind enough to share her career and art education experience. Here is more about Jime: Jime Wimmer currently resides in Savannah and is a full-time ​Drawing Professor. She instructs all levels, from Freshmen through Seniors in Traditional and Digital Drawing and Drawing for Storyboard. She raised two sons while working through her BS in Art Education and earning her MFA in Illustration. She has taught HS for ten years and college for over six years. To see her work visit: https://www.prettylines.com/ https://www.instagram.com/myprettylines/ https://www.instagram.com/wimmerswoods/ Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest is award-winning children's book author and food ethnographer June Jo Lee. She is the co-author of Chef Roy Choi and The Street Food Remix (Food Heroes Series). The book was a Robert F. Sibert Informational Award Honor Book and Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List, 2018-2019. She also co-authored with Jacqueline Briggs Martin, Sandor Katz and the Tiny Wild, released in June 2022. They are published by Readers to Eaters. To purchase a copy of the book. Chef Roy Choi and The Street Food Remix (Food Heroes Series) Sandor Katz and the Tiny Wild Food Ethnographer Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! I had the opportunity to take Elizabeth Silver's Start Your Surface Pattern Business. I learned some great practical advice about getting my pattern designs out there. I got enough courage to ask her to be on the podcast. Here is more about Elizabeth and links to her website and social media. Elizabeth Silver is a surface pattern designer with 18 years of industry experience and her freelance work has been featured in major retailers like Party City, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Five Below, and evite.com. She has also licensed her art with over 25 partners, including quilting fabric, greeting cards, home decor, and all types of gift products. She is also to teacher behind Start Your Surface Pattern Business. https://www.elizabethsilver.com/ https://www.instagram.com/esilverdesign/ Thanks for listening!