PODCAST · arts
Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast
by Olga Herrera
Illo Chat is a podcast for illustrators working in the children's book industry. Creative, funny and full of information on how to write, illustrate, and publish picture books and how to become a professional illustrator. Olga Herrera, children's book author and illustrator, teaches about the publishing industry and the behind the scenes work that goes into book design and illustration. Kidlit discussions and insights for artist and creatives. WEBSITE: www.illochat.com
Episodes
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A Light For Lucinda - The story
In this episode Olga shares the story behind her latest picture book, A Light For Lucinda published June 9, 2026. She answers questions from the Kidlit community regarding the inspiration for this book, Illustration struggles and a sneak chat about her upcoming graphic novels.
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A Chat with Jed Alexander. Writing and Marketing.
In this Episode, I chat with Jed Alexander, author and illustrator of The Black Market. We talked about his writing style, writing for characters and not the plot. We discuss the challenges of marketing and doing author school visits and promoting work on social medias.
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A Chat with Kerry McQuaide. Finding your pack: Kidlit Community
In This Episode Olga and Kerry chat about the importance of having connections, the benefits of associations and being active in your kidlit community. They discuss Kerry's picture book, The Biggest Highest Wave, and how Kerry got to make a windows display for her book at Books of Wonder.
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What is Narrative Art?
In this episode Olga talks about Narrative Illustration. What does it mean, and how to do it. With examples on how small changes can create story in your illustration work.
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Time Trap. What's stealing your time?
In this episode Olga talks about social media, the ultimate time stealer, and what she did about it. She gives concrete ideas for maximizing your time and rebooting that creative flow.
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Can Art be a hobby again?
In this episode we have Sunny as a guest! We chat about the constant pull to monetize art. After leaving the industry and not seeking art as career, the siren call to make money from art can ruin the joy of it.
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Illo Chat Comes Back!
The podcast is back! Hosted by Olga Herrera. Let's chat again! There will be thoughtful and insightful conversations with guest artists, and think out-loud wonderings with Olga.
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EP 47 Final Episode
Our journey here is coming to an end. We've loved every minute we have gotten to chit-chat on this platform. We'd like to thank all of our past and future listeners for tagging along. We wish you much success and inspiration in your art journey. Thanks for listening. Cover Art by Olga Herrera...
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EP 46 Wrap Up 2024
It's our end-of-the-year episode! Join us while we reminisce about the year and make our plans for the future. Thanks for listening. Cover Art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP):...
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EP 45 Thankful
In this episode, we share what we're thankful for, spending time with friends, finding inspiration in new places, and having the courage to do new things. We'd love to hear what you're thankful for. Thanks for listening. Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY...
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EP 44 A Chat with Berrie Torgan-Randall
In this episode, we chat with author and illustrator Berrie Torgan-Randall about her early graphic novel Bella and Blue. We discussed her publishing journey and how her persistence has paid off. Thanks for listening. Berrie Torgan-Randall www.berrietr.com Podcast and video production by Sunny...
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EP43 A Chat with Tara J. Hannon
In this episode, we chat with author and illustrator Tara J. Hannon about her early graphic novel series Birtle. We discussed her process for submitting a graphic novel and the inspiration behind these adorable books. Thanks for listening. Tara J. Hannon: www.tarajhannon.com Podcast and video...
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EP 42 How to say Yes when you think you're not ready
In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about how to say yes to projects in spite of the fear of failure and imposter syndrome and just do the thing. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK…
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EP 41 Social Media for Illustrators
In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about the state of social media for illustrators today. How things have changed and where they are going. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP):...
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EP 40 The Sting of Rejection
In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about the sting of rejection and how to overcome the feeling of failure. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP):...
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EP 39 Three Year Anniversary
Yay! It's Illo Chat's third anniversary! Join Olga and Sunny as they reminisce on how they got here and some of their favorite highlights from the last three years. Thank you for listening for three years. We couldn't have done this without you. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video...
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EP 38 Think Like a Designer
In this episode, Olga and Sunny talk about how thinking like a designer can save you time and edits when creating art for children's books. Thanks for listening. Cover art by Olga Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP):...
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EP 37 Should you be an Author or an Illustrator or Both
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...
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EP 36 Switching Agents
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...
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EP 35 2023 Wrap up
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…
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EP34 A Chat with Jed Alexander
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 Jed…
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EP 33 A chat with John Sandford
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…
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EP 32 Interview with Julia Mills
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…
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EP 31 Time to Reevaluate
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…
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EP 30 Interview with Holly Hatam
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:...
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EP 29 I Left My Agent
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...
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EP 28 Interview with Vicki Johnson and Gillian Reid
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....
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EP 27 Marketing
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…
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EP 26 Interview with Lenny Wen
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…
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EP 25 Interview with Pat Tanumihardja and Shiho Pate
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...
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EP 24 Listener Questions
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…
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EP 23 Interview with Jonathan Roth and Paulina Suarez
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...
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EP 22 Picture Book Specs
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…
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EP 21 Picture Book Dummies
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...
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EP 20 Best Advice
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):...
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EP 19 Style
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...
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EP 18 Illustration Community
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...
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Ep 17 FAQ's
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...
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Ep 16 Children's Book Categories
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.…
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Ep 15 When your Muse Goes on Vacation
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...
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Ep 14 Pivot
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:...
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Ep 13 Conference Plans
In episode 13 Olga and Sunny talk about they're plans for the new year. They also discuss how to plan for a conference. Please excuse the quality of the audio in this episode. Olga had some technical difficulties. Thanks for listening. LINKS: Women in Publishing Summit:...
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Ep 12 You are an Artist
In episode 12 Olga and Sunny talk about if you are hesitant to call yourself an artist you are not alone. Join us on this raw and real talk about how we finally arrived at the point when we could say I am an Artist. Thanks for listening. SCBWI Creative Coaching/ Mentorship program:...
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Ep 11 Part 2 Self Publishing
In episode 11 part 2 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about how to work with self publishing authors when they ask you to illustrate their book. In this episode they discuss contracts with self publishing authors. Why you need one and what you should cover in your contract. Thanks for listening....
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Ep 11 Part 1 Self Publishing
In episode 11 part 1 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about how to work with self publishing authors when they ask you to illustrate their book. They discuss the information you should get and the information you should give to the author before agreeing to illustrate their book. Thanks for...
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Ep 10 Part 2 Let's Talk about Agents!
In episode 10 part 2 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about red flags to look for, how to submit to agents and how to query a literary agent. They also discuss Twitter pitches, how to look for agents and what questions to ask when you get "the call" from an agent. Thanks for listening. Links we...
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Ep 10 Part 1 Let's talk about Agents!
In episode 10 part 1 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about the different types of agents. What an agent does for children's book authors and illustrators and why you need one. Thanks for listening. OUR WEBSITE: https://www.illochat.com/ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/piTx44xeLpw ▼YOUR HOSTS…
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Ep 9 FAQ
In episode 9 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran answer some frequently asked questions about life as an illustrator. They cover what to do after you join SCBWI. How to go from traditional to digital illustration. How they balance their time between family and an art career. Thanks for listening. Links…
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EP 8 Part 2 How to Find Work and Promote yourself as an Illustrator
In Part 2 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about ways to find work as a children's book illustrator. They cover how to promote yourself online. How to navigate freelance job websites as an illustrator. They also talk a little bit about the different types of agents and how to find submit to one....
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EP 8 Part 1 How to Find Work and Promote yourself as an Illustrator
In Part 1 Olga Herrera and Sunny Duran talk about ways to generate income as a children's book illustrator. They cover multiple income streams and how to promote yourself online. There was a lot to cover and the episode ran long so we broke this up into two parts. Part 2 will release later and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Illo Chat is a podcast for illustrators working in the children's book industry. Creative, funny and full of information on how to write, illustrate, and publish picture books and how to become a professional illustrator. Olga Herrera, children's book author and illustrator, teaches about the publishing industry and the behind the scenes work that goes into book design and illustration. Kidlit discussions and insights for artist and creatives. WEBSITE: www.illochat.com
HOSTED BY
Olga Herrera
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast have?
Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast currently has 55 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast about?
Illo Chat is a podcast for illustrators working in the children's book industry. Creative, funny and full of information on how to write, illustrate, and publish picture books and how to become a professional illustrator. Olga Herrera, children's book author and illustrator, teaches about the...
How often does Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast release new episodes?
Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast has 55 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast?
You can listen to Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast?
Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast is created and hosted by Olga Herrera.
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