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Artwork for The Good Ship Illustration

The Good Ship Illustration

The Good Ship Illustration
Illustration
Picture Books
Creativity
Creative Process
Instagram
Children's Books
Mental Health
Illustration Industry
Productivity
Working From Home
Walk To See
Burnout
Creative Voice
Publishing
Publishing Industry
Find Your Creative Voice
Licensing
Live Illustration
Self-Publishing
Illustration Techniques

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 cup... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes114Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsDesign

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Artwork for The Good Ship Illustration

Latest Episodes

It's all fun and games until someone mentions FINAL ARTWORK. (Arghhhh)

Sound familiar? Thought so.

So we get stuck into Inky's question: how do you get out of your own way and switch off the overthinking brains? 

All three of us wrestle with this ... more

YouTube

Ooft, this is a good one. This week we're discussing illustration scams

We've all had them land in our inboxes, we see 'em in the Good Ship community (too) regularly, and TBH you need to know what to look out for. 👀

Plus: Salty Dog is in actual bo... more

YouTube

This week we're answering a brilliant voice message from @shanaramadesigns.

Shana asks about Russian illustrator Victoria Semikina: how does someone learn to draw in that gloriously exaggerated, expressive way? And why, when she does it, does everyo... more

YouTube

This week, our Katie's chatting with Helen and Tania about her favouritest thing and specialism/niche: live illustration. 

What's it like to arrive at a fancy corporate event with an iPad (or a board and some paint), when someone says "ok, draw ever... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Shana Rama
Illustration enthusiast who sent a question via voice message
Episode: 'They keep asking me to tone it down.' Flying your freak flag in their faces 🚩
Nicola Allan
Illustrator, astrologer, and creator of The Wild Way decks
Self-employed; The Wild Way
Episode: You don't have to pick just one thing - an interview with illustrator-astrologer Nicola Allan
Lauren Cox
Good Shipper, Picture Book Course alumna
Good Ship Illustration / Picture Book Course
Episode: This illustrator got a book deal lead on DAY ONE of Bologna… 😳 (part 2)
Lorna Burt
Illustrator, Freak Flag course collaborator
Freak Flag / Good Ship Illustration
Episode: Brave Good Shippers at Bologna - we shoved a microphone in these illustrators faces 😆 (part 1!)
Martin Salisbury
Founder Cambridge School of Art, MA in Illustrating for Children
Cambridge School of Art
Episode: Helen Stephens chats to Prof. Martin Salisbury - Is your illustration style really yours? When influence turns into imitation 👀✏️
Carys Wright
Illustrator
Self-employed illustrator; collaborated with Tottenham Hotspur FC, Lord Mayor of London's office, etc.
Episode: It’s not too late, you’re not behind, and yessss, you should still start - an interview with illustrator Carys Wright
Kira Matthews
Illustrator and pitching coach, founder of Pitch School
Kira the Bold / Pitch School
Episode: The 7 email rule: Pitching your work to illustration clients - Kira Matthews
Jill Calder
Multi-award-winning illustrator with over 30 years of experience.
JillCalder.com
Episode: How illustrator Jill Calder built a long-lasting creative career (without losing her voice)
Sandi Hester
Professional artist and YouTuber, known for her channel 'Bits of an Artist's Life'
Episode: 'If you keep showing up, you can't NOT get better' - an interview with Sandi Hester

Hosts

Helen Stephens
Host of The Good Ship Illustration; co-host with Katie and Tania; experienced illustrator.
Katie Chappell
Co-host; experienced illustrator.
Tania Willis
Co-host; experienced illustrator.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 395 ratings
  • One of my favourites

    As a kids book illustrator, I love this podcast . I have taken a couple of courses with the Good Ship and learned so much from each one. Having the podcast to tune into as well , and get some regular advice from Helen , Tania and Katie is so helpful . Their friendly style really makes it feel like you’re sitting around having a cuppa together .

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sarah Lovell Art
    Canada20 days ago
  • Love these podcasts !

    I listen to these over and over - I know I’ll pick up some nugget I missed first time round!What a friendly trio of illustrators sharing so much advice. I highly recommend listening while you’re working !

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    pinkpig10
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Good vibes, good advice, good company!

    This has become one of my comfy, favorite illustration podcasts (and I have only 2!). The energy and mood the Good Ship captains bring to the table has no price. I will forever be grateful! Ahoy!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NoaSauer
    Spain4 months ago
  • So glad to discover this show!

    I enjoy everything about this show, the hosts are all the perfect combo of friendliness, advice and experience, and wondering and being curious together. Love it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    >kat.Lea<
    United States5 months ago
  • The Great CMYK & RGB Debate

    I love how these guys break down massive topics such as CMYK v RGB into bite sized chunks and always start out with different views but tie up all the loose ends. Very satisfying. Always wish the episodes were longer.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Debe51
    Australia10 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

These listener reviews highlight warmth, practical advice, and a strong sense of community around illustration.
Listeners frequently cite three-host dynamics as approachable, friendly, and insightful for both new and experienced illustrators.
Audiences praise the show for motivational tone, industry tips, and supportive conversations, though some note sound quality variability in episodes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#41
United States/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#4
United Kingdom/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#49
Canada/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#125
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#4
Germany/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#30
Australia/Arts/Design

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

You don't have to pick just one thing - an interview with illustrator-astrologer Nicola Allan
Q: How does Nicola approach crowdfunding platforms and audience-building for different projects?
Nicola emphasizes building on existing audiences for later projects, using platforms like Kickstarter for larger campaigns where the product has broad appeal, and using smaller, targeted platforms like BackerKit for items with a ready-made fan base. The key is to rely on email lists for launch momentum and to tailor platform choice to the project's scale and backer behavior.
You don't have to pick just one thing - an interview with illustrator-astrologer Nicola Allan
Q: What are Nicola's top tips for someone considering self-publishing or crowdfunding?
Start early with a launch date and build excitement over time, primarily through an owned email list rather than relying on social media. Collect emails, set a realistic but focused campaign scope, avoid overly complex add-ons, and keep the process enjoyable even if the campaign doesn't soar immediately. Be prepared to do a lot yourself or bring in professionals for design and layout, and test demand before fully committing to production.
Helen Stephens chats to Prof. Martin Salisbury - Is your illustration style really yours? When influence turns into imitation 👀✏️
Q: Is it possible to make a living with a borrowed style, and what happens long-term?
Yes, in the short term it may yield work, but long-term sustainability depends on authenticity and personal drive, otherwise the work becomes repetitive and less fulfilling as trends change.
Helen Stephens chats to Prof. Martin Salisbury - Is your illustration style really yours? When influence turns into imitation 👀✏️
Q: What role do sketchbooks and drawing from life play in resisting imitation?
Sketchbooks and life drawing help artists observe movement, behavior, and nuance, enabling a personal approach that cannot be easily replicated, which in turn supports a distinct, enduring style.
Helen Stephens chats to Prof. Martin Salisbury - Is your illustration style really yours? When influence turns into imitation 👀✏️
Q: How has the internet and social media changed the way illustrators find their voice?
It has amplified both access to visual inspiration and the pressure to imitate; yet true staying power comes from developing an authentic voice grounded in life experience and personal drawing practice.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Good Ship Illustration

What is The Good Ship Illustration about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Three full-time illustrators share friendly, practical conversations about the realities of building a career in illustration. Episodes cover identity as an artist, navigating clients, pricing, developing a portfolio and multiple income streams, and staying motivated through creative blocks. The show leans into community-building, career resilience, and the evolving role of social media, workshops, and courses in shaping a sustainable creative practice. Notable strengths include a warm trio dynamic, down-to-earth advice, and a willingness to address evolving industry shifts with optimism and humor. This makes it especially appealing for illustrators, designers, and visual creatives seeking peer support, actionable tips, and a sense of share... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Good Ship Illustration?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Good Ship Illustration:

1. 3 Point Perspective: The Illustration Podcast
2. Windowsill Chats
3. Creative Pep Talk
4. The Illustration Department Podcast
5. Thoughts on Illustration

How many episodes of The Good Ship Illustration are there?

The Good Ship Illustration launched 6 years ago and published 114 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Good Ship Illustration?

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What guests have appeared on The Good Ship Illustration?

Recent guests on The Good Ship Illustration include:

1. Shana Rama
2. Nicola Allan
3. Lauren Cox
4. Lorna Burt
5. Martin Salisbury
6. Carys Wright
7. Kira Matthews
8. Jill Calder

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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