Illustration

Interview with DreamWorks Animation Art Director and Children’s Book Illustrator Samantha Kallis :: Stories Unbound #14

Samantha Kallis is an Art Director at Dreamworks TV Animation Studio, and the illustrator of The Fantastic Frame chapter book series, written by Lin Oliver, Executive Director of SCBWI.

Join us today as we talk about:

How Social Media (Tumblr and Twitter) landed Sam her first job in animation.
Pros and Cons of having different art styles in Animation and Kidlit.
How getting a job in Kidlit is different from Animation.
Why every Kidlit creator should be on Twitter.
How Sam became a Tumblr celebrity overnight – true story!

How I Wrote And Sold My First Picture Book: A Conversation With Shawna JC Tenney :: Stories Unbound #11

By Chris Oatley

In this special episode, our host Shawna JC Tenney takes the guest seat to teach us how she wrote, illustrated and sold her first picture book Brunhilda’s Backwards Day.

Chris Oatley, our Executive Producer, interviews Shawna about:

The amazing, emotional power of picture books.
Why you might turn down paid work for time on your personal project.
How Shawna’s book inspired more artistic growth than years of professional work.
How she draws story ideas from her hilarious childhood (Shawna actually sings during this part!)
Why grown-up kids make great picture book creators.

Interview With Caldecott Honor Winner and Kidlit Author/Illustrator Molly Idle :: Stories Unbound #10

By Chris Oatley

Molly Idle is the Author and Illustrator of many acclaimed picture books. In 2014, she won a Caldecott Honor Award for her book Flora and the Flamingo.

Today we talk about the discoveries and challenges revealed along her journey from animation to a career in kidlit:

The transition from Dreamworks to picture books.
The importance of creative community.
The unique advantages of traditional media.
Making the most of your relationship with publishers.
How struggles are actually opportunities…

15 Fantastic Compositions From My ‘Painting Drama’ G4 Students

By Chris Oatley

The fourth generation of Painting Drama (my course on composition and developing your unique visual voice) wrapped this past January.

They are intelligent, professional and relentless.

Here’s a collection of some of their best work from the class, links to connect with each respective artist and some thoughts about what they learned…

Interview with Kidlit Author and Illustrator LeUyen Pham :: Stories Unbound #9

By Chris Oatley

LeUyen Pham‘s versatile illustrations can be found in over 80 books, including picture books, graphic novels, and middle grade novels.

In this episode, Uyen talks about leaving her high-paying animation job for full-time freelance, how and when to say “No” to potential clients and how she finds the kind of work she wants…

Plus: Uncommon versatility and working with celebrities!

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