ArtsVisual Arts

Illo Chat: Illustration Podcast

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

Play

Open in

20 episodes
Avg 47 min
English

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

S2 · E54
June 9 · 33 min
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.
S2 · E53
April 27 · 56 min
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.
S2 · E52
March 24 · 53 min
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.
S2 · E51
February 15 · 13 min
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.
S2 · E50
Dec 2, 2025 · 18 min
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.
S2 · E48
Oct 30, 2025 · 42 min
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.
S2 · E1
Oct 22, 2025 · 3 min
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.
S1 · E49
Mar 2, 2025 · 55 min
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 Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/423218296121427⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠illochat.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sunnyduran.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olga Herrera: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠olgaherrera.me
S1 · E48
Dec 22, 2024 · 1 hr
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): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/423218296121427⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠illochat.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sunnyduran.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olga Herrera: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠olgaherrera.me
S1 · E47
Nov 26, 2024 · 1 hr 7 min
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 (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/423218296121427⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠illochat.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sunnyduran.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olga Herrera: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠olgaherrera.me
S1 · E46
Oct 27, 2024 · 1 hr 6 min
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 Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/423218296121427⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠illochat.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sunnyduran.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olga Herrera: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠olgaherrera.me
S1 · E45
Sep 22, 2024 · 1 hr 6 min
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 production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/423218296121427⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠illochat.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sunnyduran.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olga Herrera: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠olgaherrera.me
S1 · E44
Aug 25, 2024 · 52 min
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 GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sunnyduran.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olga Herrera ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.olgaherrera.me/
S1 · E43
Jul 14, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
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): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sunnyduran.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olga Herrera ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.olgaherrera.me/
S1 · E42
Jun 19, 2024 · 38 min
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): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sunnyduran.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olga Herrera ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.olgaherrera.me/
S1 · E42
May 19, 2024 · 44 min
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 production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sunnyduran.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olga Herrera ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.olgaherrera.me/
S1 · E41
Apr 24, 2024 · 49 min
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): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sunnyduran.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olga Herrera ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.olgaherrera.me/
S1 · E40
Mar 17, 2024 · 50 min
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 COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sunnyduran.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olga Herrera ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.olgaherrera.me/
S1 · E39
Feb 18, 2024 · 51 min
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 ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sunnyduran.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olga Herrera ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.olgaherrera.me/
S1 · E38
Dec 24, 2023 · 54 min
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 Herrera Podcast and video production by Sunny Duran ILLO CHAT ILLUSTRATION COMMUNITY (JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/423218296121427 OUR WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.illochat.com/⁠⁠⁠ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QKQCEhcVxpE ▼YOUR HOSTS ▼ Sunny Duran ⁠⁠⁠https://www.sunnyduran.com/⁠⁠⁠ Olga Herrera ⁠⁠⁠https://www.olgaherrera.me/

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes