My Creative Life for Artists and Creators

Hi Everyone, I spoke with Cythnia Petrovits, the creator, philanthropist, artist, and runner for Sneakermutt. She is no longer pursing this fundraising venture. I thought it would be helpful for listeners to hear about someone that did something from the ground up that meant so much them.

Here is a bit about Sneakermutt:

Sneaker Mutt is crazy for running and dogs, but we are especially crazy for runners who love dogs. Our mission is to give back, by doing what we love for a cause that we love:

WE USE OUR FEET TO HELP PAWS.

Since 2012, Sneaker Mutt has been giving back to local shelters/rescues in the Hudson Valley and beyond through the sales of our handcrafted sweatshirts, T-shirts, and glove dog stuffies. In 2022 we amped things up and hosted our first race,

DIRTY PAWS & CLAWS 2X5K ROAD/TRAIL RELAY CHALLENGE and raised over $5400 for the Dutchess County SPCA!

To learn more about Sneakermutt and donate:

Hi Everyone, I decided to share ways I've been figuring out how to find out more about literary agents. It's been a lot of research. By no means is this only way but there are probably other ways to find an agent. Too many to count!

Here are resources for links that I mentioned during the podcast.

Kidlit Events by Carolyn B. Fraiser:

Hi Everyone! Today is my return guest Caroline Hanlon, illustrator and creator of an adorable line of handmade knit bears. Here is more about Caroline:

I was born in Washington, DC in 1995, and grew up in Maryland - where you can still find me happily exploring. 

I'm a Summa Cum Laude alumni from Savannah College of Art and Design with both my Bachelor's and Master's in Illustration, with also a focus in Animation.​ I'm influenced by everyday life and the world surrounding me. My work is filled with whimsicalness, with a hint of an underlying reality. 

​​When I'm not illustrating, I'm usually eating food, knitting or walking about. 

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Janelle Washing, paper-cut and silhouette artist. She is a fine artist and illustrator. Here is more about Janelle: Janelle Washington is a self-taught paper-cut and silhouette artist from Richmond, Virginia. She graduated from VCU with a BFA in Fashion Design and worked as a children's wear designer for 12 years. Janelle made her debut as a picture book illustrator, winning the 2023 Caldecott Honor Award and the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award for Choosing Brave.

Her website:

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Julie Koon, children's book author, and illustrator. She is the author/illustrator of The Struggle Bus published by Kind World Publishing. She chatted with me about her journey to publication and how she continues to create!

Check out her work!

Hi Everyone! My guest today is Jerushia Graham, printmaker and book artist. Here is more about Jerushia:

Jerushia Graham is an Atlanta-based artist who exhibits both nationally and internationally. She earned an MFA in Book Arts/Printmaking from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and has taught for the Atlanta Printmakers Studio, Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, The Jacqueline Casey Hudgens Center for the Arts, Kennesaw State, University of West Georgia, Spelman Museum, and various Arts Centers in the Atlanta area.

Additional resources from Jerushia:

Hi Everyone, I have returned guest Deborah Miller, mixed media artist, to chat about how you can participate in the Savannah Art Slam event. About the event: The market will feature over 80 artists across various mediums, including fine arts, textiles, photography, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, mixed media, and much more. FOOD TRUCKS PAINT on the community canvas YOUTH POETRY SLAM

Hi Everyone, my special guest is Mark Crilley. Here is a bit about Mark. Mark Crilley is an American comic creator, artist and children's book author and illustrator. He is the creator of Lost in Taiwan published by Little Brown Ink. He produces instructional videos on drawing on YouTube in various styles, including manga-styles.

Hi Everyone! My special guest today is Jennifer Smelker, artist and owner of Tandem for Two. Here is more about Jennifer's wholesale business Tandem for Two:

Tandem For Two is all about celebrating the everyday activities of where we live, making memories with illustrated designs and giving unique gifts as we journey in life together!

As we celebrate where we live and where life takes us, we give back to our communities as 10% of each purchase will give homeless kids a birthday party through The Birthday Party Project, a national non-profit organization we partner with.  

In the spring of 2019, the company expanded to include art licensing and illustration. Now I collaborate with other companies for custom patterns, artwork, and product and package design. I've been fortunate to work with some fun companies on a variety of products like fabric, home decor and table top products, pet accessories, and apparel and gift products, continuing to help other create memories and give unique gifts.

Hi Everyone! Today I spoke with my return guest Robin Martéa, illustrator and fine artist. Robin's had some exciting things going on, and I asked her to return and speak about it. She has an art show at the Municipal Art Gallery in Jackson, Mississippi. We chatted about how to spend more time deeply thinking about creating and making art. Avoid the pitfalls of spending too much time on social media.

To see Robin's Art:

Hi Everyone! I had the pleasure of interviewing Cleonique Hilsaca, children's book illustrator based out of Savannah, GA. Here is a more about Cleonique:

CLEONIQUE HILSACA is an illustrator from Honduras based in Savannah, GA. Her professional work can be found in picture books, newspapers, magazines, board games and galleries. Though her work is primarily digital, she can be found painting watercolors in the wild.

Hi Everyone! Today my special guest is Melquea Smith, a children's book illustrator based out of upstate New York. Here is more about Melquea:

My name is Melquea Smith, (pronounced "Mehl-kwee-yah" ♥) my pronouns are she/her and I’m a Black, award-winning, published, children’s book illustrator based in New York.

Hi Everyone, Myself and Tiffany Gordon, graphic novel writer/artist, attended the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Springmingle Southern Breeze Conference. We chatted about our experience and how we prepared for the event.

Hi Everyone, my special guest today is Keely Parrack. She is the author of Young Adult thriller, DON'T LET IN THE COLD and picture book, MORNING, SUNSHINE! She currently lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband, and son.

Her upcoming books are 10 Hours to Go out with Sourcebooks Fire out Winter 2023 and the next picture book is How Starling Got His Speckles - Barefoot Books - illustrated by Antonio Boffa - out Spring 2024.

Hi Everyone, my special guest is, Deborah Miller a mixed-media reclaimed artist based in Savannah, GA. She is also the communications director at SLAM. Savannah Local Artist Market.

Hi Everyone, my guest is Lina Callisto, a surface designer based in Montreal, Canada. She creates artwork that straddles the line between soft and bold, bringing products and spaces to life. She also help clients turn their unique visions into reality through freelance work.

​

To see Lina's work visit:

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Carolyn Fraiser, children's book author of Moon Tree published by Reycraft Books. Moon Tree was chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold’s Standard Selection. She is also the author of Our Solar System: Moons. She is represented by Tara Gonzalez of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

To learn more about Carolyn visit:

Hi Everyone, I had the opportunity to chat with Mikia Kopanski, Instructor of Graphic Design and Visual Storytelling. I met Mika in my motion media class and wanted to learn more about his thesis research and teaching higher education.

To see more of Mika's work visit:

Hi Everyone, I got an insightful question during a school visit asking how I handle anxiety and creating art. I wanted to share my perspective on it. I hope my fellow artists know you are not alone. I provided some tips and ways I look at things to keep making art.

Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Scott Boyd, video editor for Zealot Inc. Here is a bit about Scott. Scott Boyd Award-winning video editor working at Zealot Inc, creating trailers, TV spots, and digital content for high-profile clients, including Disney, Sony, Netflix, and HBO. 

To see Scott's work visit:

Hi Everyone! I'm talking today about the Pros and Cons of getting an MFA. I tell people to research what fits best for their situation and interests. I finished my MFA about 8 months ago, and I noticed I got asked by others about getting their MFA. 

Here are some other interviews that talk about it:

Hi Everyone, I have my lovely return guest TeMika Grooms, Illustrator. She is the illustrator of "Put Your Shoes On and Get Ready!" by Raphael G. Warnock. TeMika shares the recent NYC SCBWI Conference Event and her process for creating her illustrations.

To learn more about TeMika visit her website:

Hi Everyone, today, my special guest is Dr. Sarah Park Dahlen. She is an associate professor at the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research addresses transracially adopted Koreans in children’s literature, Frank Carpenter and Frances Carpenter and their writings for children, and diversity in children’s literature and library education. 

To learn more about her work:

Hi Everyone, my special guest today is Laura Lacámara, award-winning children's book author and illustrator. Here is more about Laura. 

Cuban-born Laura Lacámara is the award-winning author and illustrator of Dalia’s Wondrous Hair / El cabello maravilloso de Dalia (Piñata Books), a bilingual picture book about a clever girl who transforms her unruly hair into a vibrant garden.

Laura also wrote Floating on Mama’s Song / Flotando en la canción de mamá, a bilingual picture book inspired by her mother, who was an opera singer in Havana. Illustrated by Yuyi Morales and published by HarperCollins, Floating on Mama’s Song was a Junior Library Guild Selection for Fall 2010 and was a Tejas Star Book Award Finalist for 2011-2012.

Laura illustrated the 2012 Tejas Star Book Award winner, The Runaway Piggy / El cochinito fugitivo (Piñata Books), as well as Alicia’s Fruity Drinks / Las aguas frescas de Alicia (Piñata Books).

Laura recently illustrated Mamá the Alien / Mamá la extraterrestre (Lee and Low Books, 2016), which received a starred review from Kirkus.

To see Laura's work, visit:

Hi Everyone!  I had the pleasure of speaking with Marsalis Eason, a Contemporary Film Photographer currently residing in Savannah, Georgia. He was kind enough to share his artistic journey and how he balances a full-time job and pushes the boundaries of storytelling through his photography.

See his work at:

 Hi Everyone, my special guest is Shirley Ng-Benitez, award-winning children's book author and illustrator. She was kind to share her experience of going out on sub with her manuscript and then to get the call that it had been acquired! Yeah!! Here is more about Shirley and her wonderful cause Awetober!

Shirley Ng-Benitez

Hi Everyone, today's guest is Lisa Low Stauffer, children's book author and co-regional advisor for the SCBWI Southern Breeze. This interview with Lisa was full of information on becoming a published children's book author. She read her lovely story Two by Two, and she talked about her path to publication. It was fantastic!

Here is more about Lisa:

Although I secretly longed to write fiction since childhood, first I wrote my way through journalism, marketing, consulting, travel writing, and poetry.

My work has appeared in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Miami Herald, Literary Mama, Stories for Children, and numerous business websites, brochures, newsletters, press releases and magazine articles.

Today, I write picture books for children. I live in Roswell, Georgia, which is near Atlanta, and I’m a volunteer (Co-Regional Advisor) with the Southern Breeze region of SCBWI.

Travel is one of my family’s chief hobbies, so don’t be surprised if my blog post sometimes becomes a travel blogging platform! Most recently we’re starting to have adventures with a little camper trailer.

I’m active on social media (especially Twitter), so if you want to follow my adventures–both writing and travel — you’ll find links at the top right of this page.

To learn more about Lisa's work visit:

Hi Everyone, my special guest today is Charise Harper, award-winning author and illustrator of picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and comics. Here is more about Charise.

Award-winning author and illustrator Charise Mericle Harper delivers a fantastically funny picture book about doing the impossible: drawing a horse. A children's metafiction book about creativity and imaginative play centered around an art lesson, Harper cleverly shows readers how drawings are a collection of recognizable shapes put together to create something new.

Here is a link to her site: 

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Taryn Cozzy, Creative Director for the Superhero Project. She is also an animator and illustrator currently in NC. I was fortunate to have worked with Taryn on a poster for the Superhero Project. It was an honor, and I recommend any artists that like to give back please check out their site for more details.

Here is more about Taryn:

Born and raised in Vermont, Taryn now lives in Burbank as an animator and freelance illustrator. She's illustrated 7 children's books and loves hiking, eating new foods, watching movies, and singing.

Taryn's Website:

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Amanda Bennett, a Fibers Artist based out of Savannah, GA. Here is more about Amanda.

Amanda Bennett is an interdisciplinary artist based in Savannah, Georgia.  Her work investigates how biomaterials can act as a conduit for storytelling that reconnects us to nature and provides a more ecologically-responsible approach to material-making.

See her work at:

Hi Everyone, I have updates with Keith Lee and Broly Su on their art journey and getting an agent. Seeing how their careers have flourished since I last spoke with them was great. Both are award-winning illustrators and continue to pursue their passions in illustration. They cover the steps they went through to get signed by their agents. I hope this discussion is helpful for you when looking for an agent.

To see their work, visit:

Hi Everyone today, my guest is Benson Shum, Animator, Children's Book Author and Illustrator. Benson talks about his start in animation and how he went on to work on writing and illustrating his first picture book. He offers advice to young students wanting to start a career in animation. Here is more about Benson:

Benson Shum is a children's book author and illustrator. The idea that an image or painting can evoke emotions and movement is what brought him to the world of picture books and animation. Benson uses watercolor, ink and digital tools to create his illustrations.

His newest book, Anzu the Great Kaiju received a starred review from School Library Journal and was selected for the Kid's Indie Next List for Jan/Feb 2022 by American Booksellers Association.  Alex's Good Fortune was also selected for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library 2022.

Benson is also an Animator at the Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he was a part of such films as Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, Frozen 2, Raya and the Last Dragon and Encanto. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Benson now lives in sunny southern California.

To see his work visit:

Hi Everyone! Today my special guest is illustrator and mural artist, Dannie Niu. She is an award winning illustrator to boot! Here is more about Dannie: Dannie is a freelance illustrator based in Atlanta, and she received her M.F.A degree in illustration at Savannah College of Art and Design. Being influenced by classical romantic oil painting from early childhood, Dannie never likes to portray despair and fear in her work. Instead, Dannie's work is always full of hope and fantasy. Dannie always likes to add some luxury elements in her work, she wants her work to be serious and dignified, but at the same time, people can relate to the brightness and wistfulness in her work. 

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.

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

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:

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. I look forward to talking with you!

To see her work visit:

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:

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

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:

​To see her work:

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!

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.

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:

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:

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: 

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