Elissa Elwick and Jo Lindley are children’s book illustrators and friends. Join them for a weekly catch-up about the life of an illustrator in the children's publishing industry, discussing creative processes, inspirations, favourite books, comics, animations and, well, anything really!
For anyone who loves to eavesdrop on conversations about children’s books, illustration, character design, animation and a little bit of good old 80s and 90s nostalgia!
Elissa and Jo are back and this time they’re chatting about prospective work. They discuss how their initial story and character ideas are turned into actual books and how they juggle working on new pitches alongside commissions.
Elissa discusses how she initially pitched the idea for her new graphic novel (The Gumdrops), and Jo talks through the picture book pitch she’s currently working.
Books/courses discussed in this episode:
Bookfox Academy
Duo published by Glénat
31 Mar 2026
"A juvenile sense of humour"
Elissa and Jo talk about the challenges and joys of drawing in front of people, Muriel’s (or is it murals?), the delayed pay offs with illustration work, how Elissa’s publication week went for her new graphic novel The Gumdrops and, well, the usual nonsense!
Books, podcasts, and films referenced:
The Gumdrops Quest for Bravery, by Elissa Elwick
The Gumdrops Main Character Energy, by Elissa Elwick
Sirat, directed by Oliver Laxe.
Building Your Brand Live, podcast hosted by Liz Mosley
23 Feb 2026
"From horror to children's books"
Friends With Pens is back with Series 2! Elissa and Jo chat about what they’ve been watching, reading and creating. And they share details of the new developments in their illustration careers.
Elissa talks about the leap into writing and illustrating her first graphic novels and Jo shares what it’s been like designing a children’s art trail for Morriston Hospital in Swansea.
Inspired by the animated series The Amazing World of Gumball, they also discuss the joy of rehoming old characters that have been stashed away for years.
Books discussed in this episode:
Blankets by Craig Thompson
Wands Away! by Emma Farrarons
Claude by Alex T Smith
King Coo by Adam Stower
Bird and Bear by Jarvis
The Gumdrops: Quest for Bravery by Elissa Elwick
Izzy the Inventor (books 6 & 7) by Zanna Davidson and Elissa Elwick
The Beaver Who Saved Christmas by Will Millard and Jo Lindley
The Squirrel Who Lost Her Nuts by Will Millard and Jo Lindley
Chi Chi the Panda by Maisie Chan and Jo Lindley
22 Mar 2024
"It's all character-building"
Elissa and Jo discuss their favourite reference books that they turn to when in need of some inspiration, and the unique prizes their drawings got them as kids! It’s the last episode of series 1 and they really hope you’ve enjoyed listening in on their chats. They'll be back for series 2 soon!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
15 Mar 2024
"How did you become and illustrator?"
On World Book Day, Elissa and Jo compared notes on how they marked the day, discussed their illustration 'origin stories' and answered some intriguing questions put to them by some fellow friends with pens. As it was also International Women's Day last week, Elissa and Jo discussed two books featuring feminists in this episode’s Library Hunt.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
8 Mar 2024
“Gremlins? No, cats!”
Elissa and Jo chat about their character design processes, favourite cat books as recommended by listeners and…well, cats (you’ll find out why).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
1 Mar 2024
"Have you got anything in your brain right now?"
Elissa and Jo discuss how they stay motivated midway through a long project, what they listen to while they work, company perks when you’re your own boss, a recent film watch (one we’re sure you’ve all seen), showcases, portfolios and the usual nonsense!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
23 Feb 2024
“Reader beware you’re in for a scare”
Elissa and Jo are back, this time chatting about spooky things, from Goosebumps, favourite villains, the daunting parts of being an illustrator, the pull of drawing scary forests and the things that dwell in them, to ghosts and other childhood fears.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
16 Feb 2024
“Did you have a favourite book when you were a kid?”
Elissa and Jo chat about some of their early influences, from favourite childhood books to animations and comics. Featuring a Very Serious round of quickfire questions and a new game that sounds like something straight out of daytime telly…oh wait!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Reach and audience
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
12 ratings
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