Zsofi Lang: How a Passion Project Became a Book Deal — S1/E9

In this episode, I welcome back Zsofi Lang, a Brussels-based illustrator and graphic recorder who shares how a personal passion project, drawing science comics for her daughter during COVID, unexpectedly led to a six-part children's book deal with UK publisher Flying Eye Books. We dig into what made her sketchnote-influenced style attractive to a publisher, why self-disqualification holds so many visual thinkers back, and how following your curiosity can open doors you didn't know existed. Running Order Introduction to Zsofi Lang and her return to the podcast What Zsofi does: live illustration, graphic recording, and a new shift into children's books The origin of her science comics series on Instagram during COVID Discovering publisher Flying Eye Books through Adam Ming's Substack How reaching out to a publisher led to a six-part book deal The reframing: from "How to Explain Science to a Five Year Old" to "How to Explain Anything to Grown-ups" Writing and illustrating for seven to ten year olds Why a sketchnote style was exactly what the publisher wanted The danger of self-disqualification and discounting your own work Passion as the key ingredient: doing 20 comics before ever pitching Kevin Kelly's quote on becoming the most improbable person you can be AI, authenticity, and leaning into your unique perspective Privilege, accessibility, and finding ways to express creative passions The practical process: working with subject consultants, visualizing facts, and adding personality Experimenting with personal projects and reviving buried work The Milwaukee party at South by Southwest: a story about doing things without permission Collaborative murals: team building through paint-by-numbers style projects Where to find Zsofi Resources & Links Zsofi Lang on Substack How to Explain Book ZL Drawings (graphic recording and illustration) Flying Eye Books Adam Ming on Substack [Need Correct URL] Kevin Kelly Sponsored by The Reflective Travel Workshop Video Have you ever wanted to create travel sketchnotes from an experience you've had, just using the photos and memories you've got? In the Reflective Travel Workshop Video Replay, I'll guide you through my process for creating travel sketchnotes and then help you reflect on your own photos and memories so that you can make travel sketchnotes of your own trips, too! This 2-hour recorded video includes a set of downloadable, printable sketching templates and a process to kickstart your own travel sketchnoting practice. All this for just $20. Get the Reflective Travel Workshop Video Subscribe to the Sketchnote PodcastYou can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or your favorite podcast listening source.Support the PodcastTo support the creation, production, and hosting of the Sketchnote Army Podcast, buy one of Mike Rohde's bestselling books. Use code ROHDE40 at Peachpit.com for 40% off!Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to think visually. Join Mike and learn to use sketchnotes to clarify your thinking, solve problems, and move forward. Learn more about Sketchnote Lab.Mike is the author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, bestselling books that teach regular people how to start sketchnoting and build a regular sketchnoting practice.He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.Mike teaches recorded, live, and in-person workshops to accelerate your sketchnoting practice and provides personalized coaching for your specific visual-thinking challenges.He is the illustrator of bestselling books like REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, Honest SEO, The Culture Playbook, and The Future Begins with Z.Become a Supporting or Founding Lab Partner to support Mike’s work.Some links in Sketchnote Lab posts are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I use and believe in.©2026 Mike Rohde, Sketchnote Lab