GREG PIZZOLI: Developing Picture Book Ideas & Diversifying Your Work As An Artist

Greg Pizzoli is an author, illustrator and screenprinter.He is the author of "Good Night Owl", a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor book, "Templeton Gets His Wish", "Number One Sam", and "The Watermelon Seed", which received the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. In this episode, Greg walks us through his writing process, how his method can help you develop your story ideas, and shares advice on creating brevity in your picture books. We discuss the importance of standing out in the publishing market by highlighting your personality and getting your artwork noticed in the industry by sending out postcards of your illustrations to editors and art directors. We also get into the nitty gritty about preparing your portfolio to be successful at writing conferences, what a picture book dummy is and how it can help you showcase your work to editors and publishers, and how to approach query letters in the picture book world. Further into the episode, we discuss why diversification is the key to earning money while supporting your storytelling dreams and how Greg creates silkscreen style illustrations. Say 'Hi' to Greg on Twitter! Check out the books and resources mentioned in her episode by clicking here! Happy listening! Xo, Yin PS. Do you know anyone who would love our conversation? Please share this episode to help spread the word! --- If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really love your support in growing our community by subscribing to us on iTunes, and leaving a rating and review. These specific steps help to increase our visibility on iTunes which really helps new listeners discover us. A huge heartfelt thank you for your time and support! You can click here to go directly to our iTunes page! --- Meet fellow members in our community and check in about your WIP, and join in on other bookish talks and 88 Cups of Tea related things! You can really feel the love and support in our Facebook community. You also get the opportunity to submit your questions for upcoming guests on the show. Click here to join our private Facebook group! IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to have a clear profile picture of yourself. If not, send over links to either your Twitter or Instagram. Fill out the 3 questions that pop up as soon as you join. To protect our group's safe space, these steps help us weed out any spam/fake profiles/creepers. Can't wait to meet you! --- Warm welcome to our new listeners, be sure to check out our archive of episodes by clicking here! ---  “I definitely try to make things a little funnier and play with your expectations a little bit.”  -Greg Pizzoli (Click to tweet) “You’re just sort of filling a pantry with skills and with these skills you’ll be able to pull them out at certain times throughout your life and make use of them.” -Greg Pizzoli (Click to tweet)   --- WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN TODAY'S EPISODE:  How Greg fell in love with illustrating and writing children’s literature  Tips on focusing on brevity in your picture books A look into Greg’s writing process and how his method can help you develop your story ideas The importance of standing out in the publishing market by promoting in a way that authentically shows your personality Getting your artwork noticed in the industry by sending postcards of your illustrations to editors and art directors   Why diversification is the key to earning money while supporting your storytelling dreams  Ways to prepare your portfolio for success at writing conferences What a picture book dummy is and how it can help you showcase your work to editors and publishers  How to approach query letters in the picture book world   Actionable steps to help reach your writing and illustrating goals How Greg creates silkscreen style illustration