The Good Ship Illustration

The Good Ship Illustration

By: The Good Ship Illustration

Language: en-gb

Categories: Arts, Design

Welcome to The Good Ship Illustration - the podcast for illustrators who are quietly working away in their sketchbooks thinking… “is it just me?”…it’s not just you!We’re Helen Stephens, Katie Chappell and Tania Willis - three full-time illustrators from three different corners of the industry (and three different age brackets ). We live in the same seaside town in the UK and started having cuppas and chats… and accidentally became illustration agony aunts.Now we record those chats for you! We answer your questions about confidence, tricky clients, pricing your work, creative block, picture books, publishing, and everything in...

Episodes

You're invited! Plan your creative year with The Good Ship Illustration
Jan 09, 2026

Sign up for the 2026 planning party HERE: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/planningparty 

This is a wee replay from last year (with a new intro to tell you the new dates for our planning party) 

-------------------

Are you raring to set goals, or are you feeling more “no plans, just let me lie down” this year? 

We chat about:

Why some years are for sprinting, and others are for walking.The power of visual goal-setting.How to make goals human-sized, doable, and fun, without freaking yourself out.

Here's a Good...

Duration: 00:24:49
You’ll Never Feel Ready. Do It Anyway. An interview with Good Shipper Amber Au.
Dec 12, 2025

What a treat of an episode! Today we’re chatting with Good Shipper and picture book author–illustrator Amber Au.

Amber talks about how drawing became part of her recovery from an eating disorder and how her therapist encouraged her to send her illustration work to her first ever client. Aaand how - in two whirlwind months - she was suddenly winning awards, signing a three-book deal, and being invited to meet editors at Bologna. Whaaa!?

What a blimmin' brilliant reminder to do the things. Even when you don't feel "ready". 

In...

Duration: 00:23:56
An interview with Lisa Congdon - consistency and finding your creative voice
Dec 05, 2025

If you're an illustrator with access to the internet and you have eyeballs, you might've seen Lisa Congdon's work. Lisa started blogging her collections and illustrations back in the good ol' days, and even remembers Instagram back when it was good. (Remember that? It was nice, wasn't it?)

In this episode, Katie asks Lisa about consistency and how to keep on keepin' on when the world is the way it is. We also meander through topics like ADHD, collections, comparison, agents - whether or not she has one - and last but not least, daily projects that...

Duration: 00:28:15
How illustrator Jill Calder built a long-lasting creative career (without losing her voice)
Nov 28, 2025

In this episode, our Tania chats with multi award-winning illustrator Jill Calder about 30+ years of illustration, and how she’s explored pretty much the entire “illustration atlas” without losing herself along the way.

Stuff we cover:

Staying recognisably Jill across 30+ years of illustrationMoving from editorial to corporate to heritage workBuilding a career with both illustration and hand letteringBig, bonkers corporate jobs (including handwriting as other people!)Making the leap into children’s books later in her careerThe reality of nonfiction vs fiction picture books (time, fees, and headspace)Colour palettes, maps and Google E...

Duration: 00:38:07
How to stop your illustration style looking generic & blah
Nov 21, 2025

Y'know when you feel like your work is neeearly there… but it's missing a lil something-something? This podcast episode is all about that. Overcoming that.

How the heck do you put more humanness into your work?

🧠 What we talk about in this one

“Accomplished” isn’t the same as “alive”How generic styles can creep in without us noticingThe danger of trying to look like “a picture book illustrator”Why you need to make work that freaks you out a tiny bit 🤪The power of real memories and emotionsIdeas that stick: why some storie...

Duration: 00:21:44
We’re good at failing (and you can be too) 🤣 the power of experiments
Nov 14, 2025

This week on The Good Ship Illustration Podcast, we’re chatting all things experiments -  we get particularly excited about FAILED experiments. In the words of that there Bob Ross, "we don't make mistakes, we just have happy accidents". 😆

Behind the scenes, Helen gave Tania a haircut just before we recorded this episode. Can you hear Tania's new hair?

Timestamps for our timestamp fans:
00:00 – Mmmm new ideas 
01:00 – Katie’s “scaling the business” experiment that didn’t work
02:00 – Undoing things that aren’t fun anymore
03:00 – Helen’s new plan
05:00 – Tania’s in the boot of the ca...

Duration: 00:21:43
What publishers reeeeally want to see in your picture book pitch
Nov 07, 2025

First, before we jump into the show notes, here's the link to sign up to the Picture Book Pitching Masterclass we've got happening soon! 

🗓️ When: 17th of November at 1 pm UK time

💰 Cost: Freeeee

🚢 RSVP here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/pbpm 

How do illustrators actually get their picture books published? And what really goes on at Bologna Children’s Book Fair? 

This episode is all about pitching, portfolios, publishers, and… how we each pronounce the word plaster? 😅

Here’s what we cover:

Bologna Book...

Duration: 00:17:20
'If it looks awful, keep going. It’ll work out' - an interview with illustrator Catherine Rayner
Oct 31, 2025

This week we’re interviewing another creative for the podcast. Hooray!

Catherine Rayner is an award-winning author and illustrator based in Edinburgh, whose books have sold over two million copies and been translated into 35 languages. She’s written and illustrated 25 picture books and collaborated with legends like Julia Donaldson, Michael Morpurgo, and Michael Bond. 

Winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal (and shortlisted six more times!), Catherine also paints, runs a greetings card and babywear range, and can usually be found in her studio surrounded by ink, animals, and Post-it notes.

Phew.

In th...

Duration: 00:38:34
'If you keep showing up, you can't NOT get better' - an interview with Sandi Hester
Oct 24, 2025

We've decided to play around a bit and do some INTERVIEWS. Ooooh. 

First up is artist and YouTuber Sandi Hester, who recently moved from the US into a 100-year-old fixer-upper house in the UK.

Katie (gently) grills Sandi about what it’s been like moving country and keeping her creative practice alive through chaos, health challenges, and renovation dust.

Sandi shares how painting has become her lifeline, why perfectionism is joy’s worst enemy, and how she’s learned to quiet the “blobbity blob” of negative self-talk that plagues so many creatives.

Nice.

...

Duration: 00:36:09
A Bologna Book Fair special: 6 Good Shippers were finalists in the Illustrators Exhibition!
Oct 17, 2025

Hi there, Helen here.

This is a special episode of the podcast because we had six of our Good Shippers - that’s people who’ve done our courses - selected as finalists in the Bologna Book Fair Illustrators Exhibition!

Which is pretty amazing news. It’s really difficult to be a finalist because the competition is so high. Last year there were 4,374 people who entered, and only 324 were selected to be finalists. So for six of them to be Good Shippers is SO exciting.

Now that the fair’s finished, I thought it would...

Duration: 00:41:30
#WalkToSee is baaack! The hashtag responsible for over 120,000 drawings (join in!)
Oct 10, 2025

Our Helen’s #WalkToSee hashtag on Instagram is baaaack with a new monthly prompt. After seven years of #walktosee there are now over 120,000 drawings on there and counting!

In this episode, we chat about Helen’s relaunch of #WalkToSee (with new monthly prompts), drawing from life vs. photos, why small sketchbooks are weirdly hard, aaand rediscovering messy materials and carbon paper.

Special guest: an enormous chunk of charcoal.

If you'd like a gentle kick up the butt to do some drawing from life, then join in! 

In this episode:

The...

Duration: 00:22:23
Remember drawing for...fun? 😅 what is that?
Oct 03, 2025

Deadlines... yeah yeah yeahhh, but what about doing illustration stuff just for YOU!?
This week we chat about squishing in personal projects when client work always feels much more urgent.

We are gathering ourselves after a very exciting Illustration Business Club launch. 

Phew! Definitely time for fun non-worky projects around here.

(Rough) Timestamps if you want to skip to a certain bit

00:00 Question: “How do you make time for personal artwork?”01:00 Why deadlines are easier than self-led projects02:00 Fine art drive vs. i...

Duration: 00:21:05
"Double your fee without drawing more" say whaaat!?
Sep 26, 2025

First things first, DOORS CLOSE TONIGHT! We start on Monday.

https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/business 

Be lovely to see you in there. 

Psssst, this is the lowest the price will ever be, and we're not opening the doors again until September 2026. 

🚢🚢🚢

Right. Podcast shownotes. 

Yes. Where were we?

Here's a very quick lesson on copyright and licensing before you listen to this episode 🤓

Copyright = you own the work.
Licence = permission your client buys to use the work in specific...

Duration: 00:23:25
The bit art school forgot to teach you 😅
Sep 19, 2025

🌎✏️ The Illustrator’s Income Atlas - exciting free workshop announcement!
🗓️ 24th Sept | ⏰ 1pm UK | 📍 Online
Let's sit down together and map out your illustration income. You'll leave with a plan (a map, woohooo) you can stick on your wall and use.
Save your spot and SIGN UP HERE!

https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/atlas 


Ok, on with the shownotes 🤓


We’ve taken our Business Course, given it a fresh lick of paint, and made it eeeeven more fun.

It's now called...

Duration: 00:10:44
Nice illustrator loneliness & working from home
Sep 12, 2025

🌎✏️ The Illustrator’s Income Atlas - exciting free workshop announcement!
🗓️ 24th Sept | ⏰ 1pm UK | 📍 Online
Let's sit down together and map out your illustration income. You'll leave with a plan (a map, woohooo) you can stick on your wall and use.
Save your spot and SIGN UP HERE!

https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/atlas 


Ok, on with the shownotes 🤓

Why we secretly love working alone (almost all the time)

This week we got a good question from an anonymous listener 'how do I deal with lon...

Duration: 00:21:51
Picture Book, Freak Flag, or Business… which one is calling yoooou?
Sep 05, 2025

Which course should I do? 🎨📚

We get asked this aaall the time: “Do I start with the Picture Book Course, Fly Your Freak Flag, or the Business Course?”

There is no wrong order.

Right now the Business Course isn’t open, but…
 ✨ The Illustration Business Club (our shiny new name for it) opens for enrolment on the 19th of September!

We almost dropped the word “business” because we thought it might put illustrators off. When we asked our students though, the answer was a big NO. That word was...

Duration: 00:09:15
PANIIIIC! (or don’t...) 😅 | Summer camp sketchbook week 5
Aug 29, 2025

Pssst, this episode was originally published in 2023 and we’re sharing it again as part of our Good Ship Summer Camp series. It’s one of five episodes to help you fly your freak flag this summer. If you’d like to join in properly, there’s a free workbook an' everything!

You can download the workbook here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/workbook 


Riiiight, pack up your art supplies. It’s the final week of our pretend Good Ship Summer Camp. 

This week's topic is panic. Mmmmm. Our f...

Duration: 00:09:39
Play, OR ELSE 🎲 | Summer camp sketchbook week 4
Aug 22, 2025

Pssst, this episode was originally published in 2023 and we’re sharing it again as part of our Good Ship Summer Camp series. It’s one of five episodes to help you fly your freak flag this summer. If you’d like to join in properly, there’s a free workbook an' everything!

You can download the workbook here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/workbook 


Feeling stuck? Procrastinating wildly? Hiyaaa this week's episode is for you.

PLAY!! It’s not optional. It can trick you into making your best work...

Duration: 00:10:55
Finding Creative Confidence 🚢 | Summer camp sketchbook week 3
Aug 15, 2025

Pssst, this episode was originally published in 2023 and we’re sharing it again as part of our Good Ship Summer Camp series. It’s one of five episodes to help you fly your freak flag this summer. If you’d like to join in properly, there’s a free workbook an' everything!

You can download the workbook here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/workbook 


Feeling a bit wobbly about your work? You’re not alone. In fact, you’re very much in the club.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about...

Duration: 00:21:22
Draw draw draw! ✏️ | Summer camp sketchbook week 2
Aug 08, 2025

Pssst, this episode was originally published in 2023 and we’re sharing it again as part of our Good Ship Summer Camp series. It’s one of five episodes to help you fly your freak flag this summer. If you’d like to join in properly, there’s a free workbook an' everything!

You can download the workbook here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/workbook 


Got limited time to draw? Children hanging off your leg? Perfect. You’re in exactly the right place. 😆

This week's episode is all about actually drawing. Even...

Duration: 00:08:55
Bask in your weirdness ☀️ | Summer camp sketchbook week 1
Aug 01, 2025

Pssst, this episode was originally published in 2023 and we’re sharing it again as part of our Good Ship Summer Camp series. It’s one of 5 episodes to help you fly your freak flag this summer. If you’d like to join in properly, there’s a free workbook an' everything!

You can download the workbook here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/workbook 

🚢🚢🚢

What if your creative voice isn't one you actually like? 😬

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about that awkward bit of figuring out your voice as an illustrator, and why t...

Duration: 00:11:32
Is AI Coming for your job? Illustrators are fighting back! (Part 2) with Chris Haughton
Jul 25, 2025

This week, we’re back with part 2 of our conversation with the brilliant Chris Haughton – illustrator, author, and passionate copyright advocate.

Here's a link to part 1 in case you need to catch up!

In this half of our Chris Haughton special, Chris shares how his first picture book came about, and we also chat about confidence, creative doubt, and why showing up again and again matters.

And then… we go deep on AI. 

Copyright, ethics, government policy, and what we illustrators can actually do to protect our work. Chris is off...

Duration: 00:22:47
“Do I Have to Pick One Style Forever?! (Part 1)” with Chris Haughton
Jul 18, 2025

How do you make picture books if you secretly hate writing? Can you REALLY just punch holes in a bit of paper and call it a finished illustration?! 👀

This week we’ve got a proper treat for you. 

This is part 1 of our chat with illustrator and picture book maker Chris Haughton! (Katie wasn’t there, but Helen and Tania held the fort and asked him all the juicy questions.)

Chris shares his brilliantly wonky career path from graphic design to editorial, picture books and his latest deep dive into the History of Informat...

Duration: 00:33:57
START HERE - Welcome to The Good Ship Illustration Podcast! (Here's our trailer) 🚢🚢🚢
Jul 08, 2025

Welcome to The Good Ship Illustration - the podcast for illustrators who are quietly working away in their sketchbooks thinking… “is it just me?”

…it’s not just you!

We’re Helen Stephens, Katie Chappell and Tania Willis - three full-time illustrators from three different corners of the industry (and three different age brackets ). We live in the same seaside town in the UK and started having cuppas and chats… and accidentally became illustration agony aunts.

Now we record those chats for you! We answer your questions about confidence, tricky clients, pricing your work, creative...

Duration: 00:01:44
You don’t have to draw everything (even in picture books)
Jul 04, 2025

Emily asked us why backgrounds can be so overwhelming. So in this episode, we share lots of low-pressure ideas to make them doable (maybeee even fun).

Please enjoy Tania nearly falling asleep under a weighted blanket 🤣


Podcast Episode Highlights:

How to stop overthinking itColour tips and some good stuff Chris Haughton taught us NO ZOOMING IN ALLOWED 😠 John BurninghamOld Lady Baby


(rough) Timestamps:

00:00 – Emily’s question: “Backgrounds scare me – help!”
01:00 – The Chris Haughton breakthrough about colour
03:00 – Tonal tips: how to make your characters stand out
04:00 – Thin...

Duration: 00:14:50
💰 How to protect your time, energy and income as an illustrator
Jun 27, 2025

“Can you just do it for free?” NO.
In this week’s episode, we’re talking about working for free, how to say no without guilt, and why having nice strong boundaries won't ruin your career (we promise). 

Tania shares a BRILLIANT script for saying no to unpaid work. Thank you Taniasan, we luv ya.


Other good bits of note:

How to stop feeling bad about saying no to cheeky requestsHow charity auctions can be a smarter way to give backFree pitching: where to draw the lineThat...

Duration: 00:17:41
Is this normal in publishing… or am I being taken for a mug?
Jun 20, 2025

When your project goes a bit pear-shaped you might wonder if that’s just how the illustration industry is.

Well, this week we’re talking all about what's good, bad, and normal... and whether there are red flags you should look out for in your illustrator-publisher relationship.


Highlights:

Why it's never okay to get feedback on a Friday and be asked for a full redraw by Monday 🙃What’s typical in the picture book process (roughs, colour roughs, final art, etc)When changes are fine… and when they’re totally out o...

Duration: 00:22:01
“Help! I found my illustration style… and I don’t like it” 😩
Jun 13, 2025

Have you ever looked at your own work and thought… egh? When you work so hard to find your style* it can feel rubbish to realise you don't even LIKE IT 😅.

*We're not big fans of the word style...but we have to use it so you know what we're on about. We have a WHOLE ENTIRE COURSE about finding your creative voice & flying your freak flag.

This episode is allll about not-holding-the-bar-of-soap-too-tight.

It's also about:

What to do when your style feels a bit too safe...

Duration: 00:22:11
The joy of not finishing (all) your online courses
Jun 06, 2025

Quick note before we start:
In this episode we use the words "women" and "creative women" but we know these things don’t just affect women, and not everyone relates to binary gender labels. This chat is based on our lived experience and isn’t meant to exclude anyone. You’re always welcome aboard, however you identify. WE LUV YA. 

xx Good Ship


How many unfinished online courses have you signed up for and then abandoned or forgotten about them? 

👀 

Yep, us too. 

Oh well.

<...

Duration: 00:15:27
The curse of "Final Artwork"
May 30, 2025

BE MORE WONKY 

In this episode:

Why quick sketches usually have more life in 'em than polished piecesHow perfectionism kills creativityBeware of the pause button (when you're doing graphic recording / live illustration)What to do when you're scared your work isn’t “worth the money”Tips for keeping final artwork fresh and looseHuman vs AI: what if the secret is just… being wonky?

Timestamps, if you're into that kind of thing

00:00 – Can sketches be “the” illustration?01:00 – The gap between sketch and final art02:00 – Helen’s owls05:00 – What kills good work06:00 – The hourly rate mindset07:00 – Simpl...

Duration: 00:12:06
Inside Helen's hermit cave
May 23, 2025

Where does she go? What happens in there? 

Come and have a wee peek inside Helen’s hermit cave with us.

BUT FIRST - is it true? Do you prefer a podcast when there's a video too? Katie's just been to Australia and chatted to some creatives and they all said that they *ONLY* listen to a podcast if there's a video to go with it. 

Whaaat!?

Let us know on Instagram if these rumours are true. You're allowed to slide into our DMs 😆 ❤️ We're @thegoodshipillustration.

Right, podcast stuff.

Thi...

Duration: 00:10:27
Get more illustration work: A pep talk, some tips, and a tiny rant
May 16, 2025

Errrr, how do you find illustration work in 2025? Pitching? Instagram? Postcards? SEO? 

In this nice an' juicy episode we’re answering the 'Heeelp, how do I find clients as an illustrator?' question.

What worksWhy we don’t “hunt” clients 😅SEO tips to help the right people trip over youHow to be pals with art directorsPitching can feel YUCK (but it doesn't have to)Old-skool stuff that still worksSHOW YOUR WORK, PLEASE

Timestamps, for people who like that sort of thing:
 00:00 – Listener question: “How do I find clients?”
 01:00 – Why “hunting” clients feels weird (and what to d...

Duration: 00:19:00
Residencies and Substack
May 09, 2025

Hiya. This week’s episode of The Good Ship Illustration podcast is all about artist residencies... illustrators are allowed to go on them too!

Our Tania’s just returned from her first ever residency (in a chateau, of course. Ooh la laaa) and we wanted to hear about the muscly trees, the chickens, and whether she got the entire chateau to herself.

What a residency actually looks likeHow to pick the right oneDrawing for the sake of it. Mmmmm.Going analogue, trying Procreate, and brush chatSubstack nerves, audio letters, and being “consistent” ...aghhhh.

Timestamps

Duration: 00:31:21
Live Illustration (Course Closes Tonight!) Q&A
May 02, 2025

Today’s a biiiig day... the doors to our Live Illustration Course are closing tonight! 

AGH! 

In this special live illustration-y episode, we grill Katie with loads of the brilliant live illustration questions you submitted. 

Katie also shares some behind-the-scenes stories about v early gigs, navigating some more unusual client requirements (hiya, Apple lawyers!), and why your own values matter just as much as your skills.

Timestamps

00:36 – Is it risky to live illustrate by hand? 
03:15 – How to build your live illustration portfolio even before...

Duration: 00:34:01
“I’m not sure how to price my illustration work. I think I panic and undercharge because I’m worried they’ll change their mind if it’s too much.”
Apr 25, 2025

This week’s podcast question is from Annabelle:

“I’m not sure how to price my work. I think I panic and undercharge because I’m worried they’ll change their mind if it’s too much.”

Ooft. 

This is a juicy episode. Money, mindset, value, VAT nightmares, and charging what you’re worth. 

Bon apetit from your Good Ship pals. 

Tuck in.


Timestamps

00:00 – The question: “How do I stop undercharging?”

01:30 – People can feel when you don’t bel...

Duration: 00:19:33
Illustrator vs artist: what’s the difference? + Creating your portfolio 🥳
Apr 18, 2025

Thanks for sending in yer juicy questions. Here are the ones we tackle in this week's podcast episode:

“How do I build an illustration portfolio if I only have fine art work?”“What’s the difference between an illustrator and an artist?”

Ahh yes that ol' chestnut. How to pivot from fine art to illustration without losing your mind. We dig into the figuring out what kind of work suits your actual personality. No more trying on other people's uncomfy too-small style jumpers. The illustrator vs artist line is a bit blurry - we get into why t...

Duration: 00:16:45
Illustration trends vs your creative voice PLUS what materials to use
Apr 11, 2025

Two more chunky questions for this week's episode:

“How do I choose the right materials and techniques when I love them all?”“How do I keep up with new tech and trends without hopping on every train and going bananas?”

It's a longer one this week! A podcast title that went in the bin was: Mouldy bingo dabbers: A love story. A moment of silence for that title. It woulda been great, but not very useful or searchable 😆

Alas.


Timestamps

00:00 – “How do I choose the righ...

Duration: 00:24:59
Perfectionism, CMYK & a shout out to Barry in the cupboard (lovin' your work, Barry)
Apr 04, 2025

This week we’re answering TWO of your excellent questions:

“How can I stop overthinking my story and just... FINISH IT???”“Which is better, RGB or CMYK?”

Here’s what we chat about:

That annoying feeling when you know your story’s missing something but you can’t figure out whatAsk your characters what they eat for breakfastMagic picture book editors - you don't need to do it all alone!And... how Helen sent a whole book to print in RGB and no one stopped her (justice for Barry in the cupboard)

This episode is espec...

Duration: 00:18:38
How to become a paid illustrator (The step-by-step guide! lol)
Mar 28, 2025

This is something we hear quite a lot, and it's a BIG broad question: How do you actually become an illustrator who makes money. Dear Good Ship Illustration please break it down for me, step by step.

No pressure (aaagh 😅)

Alas, there is no tidy step-by-step guide… but in this episode we're doin' our very best to give you a solid direction to head in.

Step 1 = loadsa drawingFinding your creative voice and confidenceSharing your browniesHow to balance a job while building your illustration careerA big ol' mistake new illustrators tend to make - not you t...

Duration: 00:17:06
Should you quit Instagram if you're an illustrator?
Mar 21, 2025

This week, we’re answering a question from listener Eilidh:

"How do you navigate social media? Do you have a strategy or just post willy-nilly?"

Gah. It’s complicated. In this episode of the podcast we chat about:

Do illustrators really need Instagram anymore? Should you have a strategy, or is it fine to post when you feel like it?Why social media isn’t our main way of getting work (and what is).The ONE thing every illustrator should have on their Instagram right now.

Aaand...

Duration: 00:13:14
Your website might be missing this one thing – and nooo, it’s not more portfolio pieces
Mar 14, 2025

Ahoy! Doors to the Business Course (for illustrators!) are closing TONIGHT! We're going to be having a chat over on Instagram and you're more than welcome to bring your business of illustration questions along. Be lovely to see you there. We're @thegoodshipillustration over on Insta.

p.s. Once the course doors close, they close. We're strict! You've got until 10pm UK time tonight (Friday 14th March 2025)

🚢

This week, we’re talking about one of the best things you can do for your illustration career (but it also just so happe...

Duration: 00:19:03
Is there enough work for illustrators? The truth about illustration jobs in 2025 - a rising tide floats all boats 🚢🚢🚢
Mar 07, 2025

Doors to the Business Course (for illustrators!) are open TONIGHT! We're going to be having a chat over on Instagram and you're more than welcome to bring your business of illustration questions along. Be lovely to see you there. We're @thegoodshipillustration over on Insta.

🚢

This week, we’re diving into the live illustration industry. How much work is actually out there, how to get it, and whether it’s the right fit for you.

We grilled our Katie and found asked her...

Is there really loads of work for illustr...

Duration: 00:14:51
Feelin' guilty about not drawing as much lately? [A Good Ship Illustration permission slip]
Feb 28, 2025

"I'm not drawing as much anymore - Aghhhhh! Is this ok!?"

If you feel like you’re not drawing as much as you “should”, then you’re definitely, absolutely not alone. In this episode, we share our drawing ebbs and flows, why guilt often sneaks in, and how to let yourself off the hook when life gets lifey.

We chat about:

The natural phases of a creative career (and why it’s A-OK not to be drawing all the time).Why forcing yourself to draw can backfire.How other creative stuff like sewing or...

Duration: 00:13:34
What size should your picture book be? (And other silly mistakes to avoid.)
Feb 21, 2025

🚢 The Picture Book Course closes TONIGHT!

In this episode, we’re tackling three of the biggest picture book questions we hear all the time:

1. What size should my picture book be?
2. Do I need kids to write picture books?
3. How do I get my book in front of a publisher? (So that they actually SEE it.)

If you’ve been agonising over book dimensions, stressing about margins, or wondering whether your book must be a certain size before a publisher will even loo...

Duration: 00:20:15
The secret to *actually finishing* your picture book ❤️
Feb 14, 2025

First things first, we've got to let you know that the doors to the Picture Book Course are FINALLY OPEN AGAIN today! 

We'll officially fling 'em open tonight at Art Club (7 pm UK time over on Instagram. Our IG username is @thegoodshipillustration.) See you there! 🚢

Right, back to the podcast show notes.

In this episode, we’re answering a brilliant question from Lou, who asks:

"I've got a picture book for adults. Is that a terrible idea?"

The short answer = not necessarily, but it could be a t...

Duration: 00:15:20
Saying no as an illustrator: dropping projects can boost your career.
Feb 07, 2025

Juggling too many plates, saying yes to everything, and wondering if it’s time to let something go... It's not a fun place to be. (And all three of us have been there, got the frazzled t-shirt). 

In this episode, we share the projects, jobs, and ideas we’ve binned along the way to make room for the shiny new stuff.

We chat about:

Why it’s okay to drop what isn’t working (even when you love parts of it).Illustrator school visits, online shops, and in-person events.The power of saying no...

Duration: 00:15:13
Why drawing digitally is NAUGHTY 👀 (or is it?)
Jan 31, 2025

Nahhh. It's not really. That was a naughty title.

Anyway, we got this brilliant and juicy question in our students-only Facebook group for the Find Your Creative Voice, Fly Your Freak Flag Course.
🎺 31ST JANUARY = YOUR LAST CHANCE TO GET SOME GOOD SHIP ILLUSTRATION SNAIL-MAIL STICKERS WHEN YOU JOIN!
Don't say we didn't warn you! Sign up here.

Megan said: "I just opened up the Microsoft Surface Pro I bought for digital drawing, and I’m freaking out a little. Not just about the expense, but a sense of cheat...

Duration: 00:17:28
Can you be an illustrator with children and a job?
Jan 24, 2025

Chelsea asked us: "Would love some advice goal-wise for those of us still holding part-time jobs and two small kids under five, trying to transition to an illustration career. Is it even possible? I'm feeling impatient and a bit trapped."

We chat about:

Why “slow and steady” beats high-pressure goals.Low-pressure ways to carve out creative time (even with little ones around).How parenting can inspire your creative work.The importance of being kind to yourself and how to keep drawing.Why editorial illustration might not be the best fit right now.
 

Links Menti...

Duration: 00:11:28
What tech do you use as an illustrator? Featuring Helen's 25 year-old Epson scanner that WILL NOT DIE
Jan 17, 2025

 At The Good Ship Illustration, we love keeping it simple. You don’t need the fanciest gear or the latest tech to be an illustrator. Our Helen’s 25-year-old scanner has survived being dropped multiple times and it’s still goin' strong.

This week on the podcast, we’re sharing the tech setups we actually use to get our illustration work done.

Katie tells us about her iPad obsession, the magic of cloud storage, and why a second screen is a game-changer when she remembers to switch it on.Helen sings the praises o...

Duration: 00:21:22
Help! I’m shy. Do I really have to go to book fairs to start my illustration career?
Jan 10, 2025

Ahoy! 🚢

In this episode, we’re answering a brilliant question from listener Cat, who wrote: “Help! I’m shy. Do I really have to go to book fairs to start my illustration career?”

The short answer = nope.

The longer answer = this 15-minute podcast episode. Grab a cuppa and we'll see you in there!

p.s. Freak Flag course doors are now open! If you join before the end of January 2025 we'll send you a Good Ship sticker badge in the post an' everything. Come on in and find your c...

Duration: 00:15:02
Big goals, no pressure: Planning your creative year with The Good Ship Illustration
Jan 03, 2025

Is it time to set goals, or are you feeling more “no plans, just let me lie down” this year? 

We chat about:

Why some years are for sprinting, and others are for walking.The power of visual goal-setting.How to make goals human-sized, doable, and fun, without freaking yourself out.

Here's a Good Ship permission slip to do your 2025 goal-setting in a way that works for your brain/energy-levels/life.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Happy New Year! Goal-setting: exciting, overwhelming, or somewhere in between?
01:00 – Join our Planning Party on 16th January (details i...

Duration: 00:21:30
Hardest Year Ever? An Honest Look at the Illustration Industry in 2024
Dec 27, 2024

As 2024 winds down, we’ve been hearing all sorts of things - budget cuts, AI fears, and whispers of a downturn. There’s no denying it’s been a tricky year for many illustrators. But is it all doom and gloom? Not necessarily!

Timestamps for you to skip around:
00:20 Special news - The doors are open for Find Your Creative Voice, Fly Your Freak Flag!
01:15 What we’ve been hearing from illustrators about the industry.
03:00 Why illustrators are feeling the pinch of budget cuts.
06:30 The world is craving handmade, delightf...

Duration: 00:20:51
Ho ho ho 🎄 pressies for illustrators (love from Ron & Betty Frampton x)
Dec 20, 2024

What do tiny bowls of crisps, the world’s fanciest pencils, and a mysterious couple called Ron and Betty Frampton have in common? They’re all in this week's Christmassy podcast!

Get ready for festive chaos, creative inspiration, and permission to buy yourself something lovely, courtesy of Ron and Betty.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Who on earth are Ron and Betty Frampton?
01:20 – What’s on our Christmas wishlists? Pencils, paint, and tech setups
04:30 – Christmas bingo, tiny bowls of crisps, and the unwritten rules of bingo culture
08:15 – Why quick, unplanned drawings can sometimes be your best w...

Duration: 00:12:52
The Confidence to Fly Your Freak Flag: A guide for illustrators and creatives
Dec 13, 2024

Here's your early present from Good Ship. Our previously-just-for-paying-students private VIP podcast episode all about building your creative confidence.

We're celebrating that Find Your Creative Voice, Fly Your Freak Flag is now open for enrollment all year round! Instant access. You asked, we listened.

EVERYONE who joins during December 2024 & January 2025 will get one of our much-coveted Good Ship sticker badges. Mmmmm.

We're also opening up a rare chance to win 1:1 mentoring with The Good Ship Illustration captains. There are 3 spots up for grabs! When you join, we'll email you all of the details. Duration: 00:29:23

What should you tackle first!? Starting out as an illustrator.
Dec 06, 2024

When you’re starting your illustration career, there is so much advice out there, so in this episode, we're untangling the nice juicy question of “Where do I even start!?”

We share a bit about how we've each learned to hop in and out of our business & creativity cars over the years. Plus, we'll dish out some wisdom nuggets on balancing creative bursts with the less exciting bits of building your freelance illustration career.

Come and say hello, we're friendly! Have you got a question you'd like us to tackle on a future podcast episode? 
Duration: 00:19:09

What you workin' on, pal? A Good Ship Illustration chat.
Nov 29, 2024

Show Notes

When we meet up, this is always one of the first things we ask each other. We'd ask you too if you were here! 

"What are you working on, then?" is the question that made us want to start The Good Ship Illustration all those yeeeeears ago - we realised how mega different our illustration careers are, even though we're all illustrators.

Grab a cuppa - in this episode, Tania shares her big goal to create a personal map (including residencies, studios, and maybe a little bit of procrastination). H...

Duration: 00:29:34
The burnout life raft (for when you're drowning in to-dos)
Nov 22, 2024

Show Notes

Feeling frazzled & running on illustration fumes? You're definitely not alone!

In this episode, we wade on in to discuss the murky waters of burnout. Don't worry, we've got your life raft right here! We chat about what burnout actually IS, why it seems to be so common amongst illustrators & creatives, and most importantly, what you can do to nip it in the bud, or escape it if you're already knee-deep.

So grab a cuppa, put your feet up, and recharge your batteries with us for a bit.

<...

Duration: 00:28:58
What do illustrators DO all day? Featuring keep-fit cuppas, & coworking 🤓
Nov 15, 2024

Are you as nosy as we are? Weyyyy, you're in the right place.

In this episode, we talk about our daily routines as illustrators. What do we DO all day?

We discuss morning routines, our creative processes (or lack thereof), and the importance of deciding when to eat dinner.

When we said we'd love to hear about your day-in-the-life, we mean it! Come over to Instagram and say hello / tag us in your daily routine posts :) We're @thegoodshipillustration on there.

Timestamps:

00:18 Tell us about your day, then  Duration: 00:19:23

Should I have 2 websites?” + how many mailers until you see results?
Oct 17, 2024

Firstly, if you like this episode, you’ll LOVE The Business Course! Doors are open for enrollment until the 18th of October 2024. Be quick!
 
You can read all about The Business Course here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/business
 
If you do miss the boat 😩 and the doors have already closed by the time you're listening to this, you can jump into our free ‘Get into Your Business Car' challenge here in the meantime:
https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/businesscar 

(Once those Business Course doors close, they’re closed. We’re strict.)


...

Duration: 00:21:03
Get your illustration work noticed by people who actually want to buy it.
Oct 16, 2024

Firstly, if you like this episode, you’ll LOVE The Business Course! Doors are open for enrollment until the 18th of October 2024. Be quick!
 
You can read all about The Business Course here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/business
 
If you do miss the boat 😩 and the doors have already closed by the time you’re listening to this, you can join the waiting list for a future round. You can get stuck into our free ‘Get into Your Business Car’ challenge here in the meantime: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/businesscar 

(Once those doors close, they’re...

Duration: 00:23:36
Busy? How to handle multiple illustration projects like a pro.
Oct 15, 2024

Firstly, if you like this episode, you’ll LOVE The Business Course! Doors are open for enrollment until the 18th of October 2024. Be quick!

You can read all about The Business Course here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/business

If you do miss the boat 😩 and the doors have already closed by the time you’re listening to this, you can join the waiting list for a future round. You can get stuck into our free ‘Get into Your Business Car’ challenge here in the meantime: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/businesscar 

(Once those doors close, they’...

Duration: 00:17:14
Pricing your illustration work 💸 & how to handle ghost-clients that disappear 👻 Bit of a scary episode. Sorry about that.
Oct 14, 2024

Welcome aboard the Good Ship Illustration podcast! In this spooky, scary episode, we tackle one of the trickiest areas for illustrators: pricing and negotiations. (Aaaagh!)

Firstly, if you like this episode, you’ll LOVE The Business Course! Doors are open for enrollment until the 18th of October 2024. Be quick!

You can read all about The Business Course here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/business

If you do miss the boat 😩 and the doors have already closed by the time you’re listening to this, you can join the waiting list for a future round. You can...

Duration: 00:20:14
Figuring out your illustration style - how long does it take?
Apr 25, 2024

If you’d like to boost your illustration work and dig in to finding your creative voice, you’re in luck!

Doors are NOW OPEN for our course, Find Your Creative Voice: Fly Your Freak Flag. Just so you know, this the last time to join at the current price. We’d love to have you sailing with us!


You can learn more here: 
https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/freakflag 

Come and say hello!

✏️ @thegoodshipillustration
🌏 www.thegoodshipillustration.com

p.s. We love an...

Duration: 00:12:51
Feeling stuck? Creative block be GONE!
Apr 24, 2024

This episode is chock full of our very toppest of tips for overcoming creative block. Buckle in 🙂

If you’d like to boost your illustration work and dig in to finding your creative voice, you’re in luck!

Doors are NOW OPEN for our course, Find Your Creative Voice: Fly Your Freak Flag. Just so you know, this the last time to join at the current price. We’d love to have you sailing with us!


You can learn more here:  https://ww...

Duration: 00:10:31
Want to get your illustrations published? Here are Good Ship’s top tips
Apr 23, 2024

This episode is JUICY. Here’s a checklist of action items if you want to put it on your studio wall and get some more eyeballs on your work.

Reach out to publishers directly by sending samples and requesting meetings to show your folio and get feedbackSend out batches of samples at a timeFollow up with publishers by sending new samples every 3 monthsResearch publisher websites and publications like The Writer and Artist Yearbook to find calls for submissions that match workAsk other illustrators fo...

Duration: 00:11:06
How to describe your illustration style
Apr 22, 2024

In this episode we dig into some juicy questions about describing your own work (aaaargh!) marketing, authenticity, and using your past to find your creative voice.


Doors are NOW OPEN for our course, Find Your Creative Voice: Fly Your Freak Flag. Just so you know, this the last time to join at the current price. We’d love to have you sailing with us!


You can learn more here: 
https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/freakflag 

Come and say hello!

...

Duration: 00:18:41
Surviving Bologna Children's Book Fair with The Good Ship Illustration
Mar 29, 2024

Planning a visit to Bologna Children's Book Fair this year? You're in luck. Our Helen has made you this INCREDIBLE PDF document to accompany this podcast audio guide to the fair.

What else is inside the downloadable guide?

A Good Ship Illustration lanyard to print out
if you'd like to fly your Good Ship Illustration flag and help fellow Good Ship pals spot you while you're wandering around the fair!Details on when and where we're holding our first ever Good Ship Illustration meet upThe must-haves you don't want to forget in your Bologna bag...

Duration: 00:31:27
Picture book Q&A QUICK FIRE 🔥 | Picture book mini series episode #5
Nov 17, 2023

Pssst, if you like this, you'll LOVE our course The Picture Book Course. Climb aboard now while you still can - the doors are closing in a few hours. BE QUICK! https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/PB

In this episode we answer a zillion of your brilliant picture book questions. Here's a summary of the key takeaways:

Finding stories to illustratePublishers, and how they pair up writers and illustratorsTips for working with authors How picture book publishers work in generalSome live event illustration tips from KatieTIP: When pitching ideas to publishers, don't submit a fully i...

Duration: 00:25:50
Self publishing...is it a scam!? + what dimensions should I make my picture book? | Picture Book mini series episode #4
Nov 16, 2023

In this episode of the picture book mini series, we're answering some of your MOST JUICY questions all about: 

Self-publishing - is it a scam?The correct dimensions for your picture bookInvoicing and contracts in the picture book industry.

It's all the nitty gritty stuff. We love it!

Doors are closing really soon. If you'd like to join The Picture Book Course, now's your time! 

Here it is: thegoodshipillustration.com/PB 

Come and say hello!

✏️ @thegoodshipillustration
🌏 www.thegoodshipillustration.com

p.s. We love answering your illus...

Duration: 00:21:14
How to run AMAZIN' school visits with your picture book | | Picture Book mini series episode #3
Nov 15, 2023

Did you know, the doors to our course The Picture Book Course are now open? Come on in! We'd love to have you sailing with us. Read all about it here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/PB 

What are the big secrets behind successful school visits and events? In this episode, Katie and Tania grill Helen on all the insider bits and VOILA.

We talked about

Setting boundaries when doing school visitsHow to structure your timeThe TOPPEST OF THE TOP TIPS to help children remember your name and connect with you as an author.Being c...

Duration: 00:23:22
Juggling *life* while also creating picture books | Picture Book mini series episode #2
Nov 14, 2023

In this episide of The Good Ship Illustration, we share juggling skills. Whether you're juggling babies, mental health, or just... life stuff, hopefully some of these can help!

EXCITING NEWS: The Picture Book Course is open right now! Click here to read all about it ---> https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/PB 

And you can sign up for the Character Workshop here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/cw 

See ya there! x

Come and say hello!

✏️ @thegoodshipillustration
🌏 www.thegoodshipillustration.com

p.s. We love answering your illustration questions. Click h...

Duration: 00:20:38
Can you make a living as a picture book illustrator? | Picture Book mini series episode #1
Nov 13, 2023

In this episode of The Good Ship Illustration podcast, we talk all about making a living as a children's book illustrator. 


EXCITING NEWS: the doors to The Picture Book Course are open right now!! Go go go: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/PB 

We're running a character workshop on Zoom. You can sign up for it here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/cw (it's free!)

AND

Our live Q&A is happening on Instagram at 7pm (UK time) on Wednesday. We're @theGoodShipIllustration on Insta. See you there!


Co...

Duration: 00:15:50
PANIIIIIC! (or don't...) 🚢 | Find Your Creative Voice Mini-Series #5
Sep 15, 2023

The pressure's off; there are no fancy art materials here, and our golden rule is no panicking. Start where you are, use what you have. Be kind to yourself.

Today we're wrapping up our 5-part adventure. Thank you SO MUCH for listening along. If you've joined the course, we'll see you in there!! We can't wait to see you discover your creative voice.

Also, Art Club is on this Friday if you fancy some stress-free drawing time. It's over on Instagram.

----------

WELCOME to the final part in our 5-part mini-series...

Duration: 00:09:44
Play, OR ELSE 🚢 | Find Your Creative Voice Mini-Series #4
Sep 14, 2023

How do you get over the fear of starting a new illustration? In this installment of our mini-series we talk all about overcoming procrastination and fear of the blank page.

WELCOME to our 5-part mini-series, all about finding your creative voice.  This week we're dropping one episode a day, where we tackle that ol' chestnut: how to find your creative voice. We've answered questions, and created actionable steps for each episode.

Want a fillable workbook? YOU'RE IN LUCK! We've made one for you to download here.

https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/workbook

p...

Duration: 00:11:08
Finding Creative Confidence 🚢 | Find Your Creative Voice Mini-Series #3
Sep 13, 2023

How do you stop the niggly voice 'my work isn't good enough' from interfering with your creative confidence?

WELCOME to our 5-part mini-series, all about finding your creative voice.  This week we're dropping one episode a day, where we tackle that ol' chestnut: how to find your creative voice. We've answered questions and created actionable steps for each episode.

Want a fillable workbook? YOU'RE IN LUCK! We've made one for you to download here.

https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/workbook

p.s. The doors to our 8-week online course Find Your Creative V...

Duration: 00:21:14
Draw draw draw! 🚢 | Find Your Creative Voice Mini-Series #2
Sep 12, 2023

Draw draw draw, then draw some more. PLUS we answer the brilliant question: "...my schedule is not allowing me the time I would like. Can I really find my style if my time is limited?

WELCOME to part 2 of our 5-part mini-series, all about finding your creative voice.  This week we're dropping one episode a day, where we tackle that ol' chestnut: how to find your creative voice. We've answered questions and created actionable steps for each episode.

✨ Want a fillable workbook? YOU'RE IN LUCK! We've made one for you to download here...

Duration: 00:09:09
Bask in your weirdness! 🚢 | Find Your Creative Voice Mini-Series #1
Sep 11, 2023

Bask in your weirdness. What to do if the voice that’s emerging isn’t the one you like?

WELCOME to our 5-part mini-series, all about finding your creative voice.  This week we're dropping one episode a day, where we tackle that ol' chestnut: how to find your creative voice. We've answered questions, and created actionable steps for each episode.

Want a fillable workbook? YOU'RE IN LUCK! We've made one for you to download here.

https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/workbook

p.s. The doors to our 8-week online course Find Your Creat...

Duration: 00:10:53
Art qualifications... do you need 'em? - Message in a Bottle
Jun 21, 2023

We’re here to offer no-nonsense advice for illustrators and image-makers navigating a creative career

Here are 3 things you need to know:

At The Good Ship, our big mission is to help illustrators and image-makers navigate a creative career.There are 3 of us - Tania, Helen and Katie - and we are the Goldilocks (3 bears!) of illustration, covering 3 areas and eras of the industry.We believe your creative work should feel good, make you money, and leave you feeling confident to fly your freak flag!

In this episode, we talk about:

...

Duration: 00:10:49
Our most weird and wonderful illustration jobs ft. sausages
Jun 21, 2023

We’re here to offer no-nonsense advice for illustrators and image-makers navigating a creative career

Here are 3 things you need to know:

At The Good Ship, our big mission is to help illustrators and image-makers navigate a creative career.There are 3 of us - Tania, Helen and Katie - and we are the Goldilocks (3 bears!) of illustration, covering 3 areas and eras of the industry.We believe your creative work should feel good, make you money, and leave you feeling confident to fly your freak flag!


---------------------

In this ep...

Duration: 00:12:35
Substack for Illustrators! Message in a Bottle
Jun 21, 2023

We’re here to offer no-nonsense advice for illustrators and image-makers navigating a creative career

Here are 3 things you need to know:

At The Good Ship, our big mission is to help illustrators and image-makers navigate a creative career.There are 3 of us - Tania, Helen and Katie - and we are the Goldilocks (3 bears!) of illustration, covering 3 areas and eras of the industry.We believe your creative work should feel good, make you money, and leave you feeling confident to fly your freak flag!



--------------------
In this ep...

Duration: 00:19:50
HELP! I don't think I have a style - Message in a bottle
Jun 21, 2023

We’re here to offer no-nonsense advice for illustrators and image-makers navigating a creative career

Here are 3 things you need to know:

At The Good Ship, our big mission is to help illustrators and image-makers navigate a creative career.There are 3 of us - Tania, Helen and Katie - and we are the Goldilocks (3 bears!) of illustration, covering 3 areas and eras of the industry.We believe your creative work should feel good, make you money, and leave you feeling confident to fly your freak flag!


Stuff we talk ab...

Duration: 00:15:52

Using kids as inspiration for picture book illustration - is it a good idea? - Message in a Bottle
May 06, 2023

Wahooo, another picture book podcast!

The Picture Book Course
If you're listening to this and you're interested in making picture books, you've listened at a brilliant time...

The Picture Book Course doors are now open!! 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!

It's an eight week course and the cover creating your own picture book. Making your best picture book work ever.

We'd love to have you on board :) Read all about the course here.

🚢 🚢 🚢 

For this episode we've got three brilliant questions sent for our Mes...

Duration: 00:19:30
Picture Books, drawing and storytelling: Emma Carlisle chats to The Good Ship Illustration
Oct 03, 2022

We had a brilliant chat with Good Ship pal, Emma Carlisle on aaall of the things:

The importance of bad drawingsTackling social media as an illustratorStudying an MA in illustrationFinding out what you're interested inPICTURE BOOKS! Mental health and creativityDrawing from life and filling sketchbooksGetting discovered...aaand lots more 

Meet Emma and learn more about her work here https://www.emmacarlisle.com/

p.s.
DOORS ARE OPEN RIGHT NOW to our big juicy Picture Book Course! 

If you are ready to get your picture book made and out into the world, now's you...

Duration: 00:55:29
Analogue vs. digital illustration - Message in a Bottle
Aug 19, 2022

In this episode we answer the questions:

Analogue vs digital drawing - how to deal with feeling torn between the twoHow to store your artwork (ahhh that old chestnut)Do I HAVE to work digitally to be a picture book illustrator nowadays?

🚢🚢🚢

Right now we have two courses, and the doors open again very soon...

The Picture Book Course
Find out more about The Picture Book Course here!

Find Your Creative Voice: Fly Your Freak Flag
Find out more...

Duration: 00:28:43
Figuring out where YOUR illustration work fits - Message in a Bottle
Aug 19, 2022

In this episode we answer the questions:

How do I know if I'm an illustrator or not?How to navigate "The Gap" (see quote below!)How to keep the magic and energy in your finished work


The Gap

“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has...

Duration: 00:31:39
Getting started as an illustrator - Message in a Bottle
Aug 19, 2022

In this episode we answer the questions:

How do I get started as an illustrator (even if you're not a young thing fresh outta art school.)How to get your first big break as an illustrator.Do I need an illustration agent to be successful?

🚢🚢🚢

Right now we have two courses, and the doors open again very soon...

The Picture Book Course
Find out more about The Picture Book Course here!

Find Your Creative Voice: Fly Your Freak Flag
F...

Duration: 00:37:44
Preppin' your illustration portfolio - Message in a Bottle
Aug 19, 2022

In this episode we answer all of your portfolio questions:

Do I need one!?What to put in your illustration portfolio.How to reach out to potential illustration clients.Should I follow the current illustration trends in my portfolio?

🚢🚢🚢

Right now we have two courses, and the doors open again very soon...

The Picture Book Course
Find out more about The Picture Book Course here!

Find Your Creative Voice: Fly Your Freak Flag
Find out more about Find Your...

Duration: 00:24:50
Nightmare clients, good snacks, illustrator fashion and lots more - Message in a Bottle
Aug 19, 2022

In this quick fire interview-style episode we answer the questions:

What was your most horrific client experience?What's your favourite subject to draw?Favourite snack + subject combo...Most unusual client request?Life drawing: the good, the bad and the ugly.Have you ever gone against some advice and it worked out well?What outfit makes you feel most illustrator-y?

PLUS
Tania talks about 

pitching work to clientsmap work and living in Hong Kong

Katie talks about

Introvert working / knowing yourself and designing a career you loveThe joys of SEO (search engine o...

Duration: 00:50:58
Goal setting for illustrators - Message in a Bottle
Aug 19, 2022

In this episode we answer the questions:

How do I set goals as an illustrator?Am I allowed to illustrate existing book covers?What makes a "good" illustration?Contracts!? The business side of illustration and design.

🚢🚢🚢

Right now we have two courses, and the doors open again very soon...

The Picture Book Course
Find out more about The Picture Book Course here! 

Find Your Creative Voice: Fly Your Freak Flag
Find out more about Find Your Creative Voice: Fly...

Duration: 00:28:08
What's Stopping You? Overcoming Imposter Syndrome to Find Your Creative Voice.
Oct 26, 2020

In this episode, we talk about imposter syndrome, authenticity, getting excited about your own work, and how to be consistent.

Bonus: how to eat an elephant

🚢🚢🚢

Want to be part of an online community, full of fellow creatives?

Build your illustration career and make your best creative work ever?

It's time to discover how good it feels to truly be yourself in your work!

Bask in your weirdness and follow your creative dreams - our course doors open on 30th October f...

Duration: 00:19:59
The Essential Drawing Materials Every Illustrator Needs
Oct 26, 2020

Our top tips for choosing the best drawing materials.
(Don’t let materials trip you up - they're a distraction)

Start where you are, use what you have.

Fancy materials can freeze you up / feel like too much pressure

Your choice of drawing materials can help you blast through a pesky creative block. Rough and ready! Cheap! Easy to grab!

The free audio drawing guide we mention, ‘The Sketchbooker’s Friend’ is here: https://www.thegoodshipillustration.com/sketchbookers-friend

🚢🚢🚢

Want to be part of an online communi...

Duration: 00:19:41
Creative Inspiration and Where to Find It
Oct 26, 2020

Avoiding the comparison trap

In this episode we answer the questions:

Is there room for me in the illustration industry?How can I find time to create my work!?

🚢🚢🚢

Want to be part of an online community, full of fellow creatives?

Build your illustration career and make your best creative work ever?

It's time to discover how good it feels to truly be yourself in your work!

Bask in your weirdness and follow your creative dreams - our course do...

Duration: 00:20:58
Finding Your Creative Voice with The Good Ship Illustration
Aug 05, 2020

This is the first episode of our podcast!

Helen Stephens, Tania Willis, and Katie Chappell are the crew at The Good Ship illustration, and this episode is all about getting to know us.

Learn more about The Good Ship Illustration and how we each found our creative voices.

Grab a cuppa, listen while you draw, and let us know what you think. (Instagram is our favourite place to hang out. We're @thegoodshipillustration) 

p.s. Our course Find Your Creative Voice: Fly Your Freak Flag is now open for enrollment!

Duration: 00:38:59