Studiomate Steve

Illustrator Steven Lenton chats to fellow illustrator's about their work, career, process, inspirations and life.

Episode 29: Paul Black

Paul is the PR and Brand Director at Andersen Press and chats to me about the role of a publicist within the children's book industry. We delve into brilliant books and also Vanderpump Rules, Love Is Blind and Below Deck - we love a bit of telly! Fun and informative, Paul is an excellent guest!

08-12
01:12:50

Episode 28: Jamie Smart

Comic book creator extraordinaire Jamie, best-known for Bunny V's Monkey and numerous The Phoenix characters, chats about his life/work balance and his earlier career working on The Dandy and a naturist publication amongst others! Also his penchant for gardening and his choice of books for the Studiomate Steve Suggests segment!


08-01
01:00:39

Episode 27: Rachel Morrisroe

Author extraordinaire Rachel talks about her upcoming picture book, young fiction AND middle grade titles plus her opinions on public events and the north/south divide in publishing.

07-21
53:28

Episode 26: Nadia Shireen

Nadia chats about her early career as a magazine sub-editor, her switch to children's books, Grimwood 3 and lemon curd!

03-04
01:20:40

Episode 25: David Roberts

From his early days as a milliner right through to his Emmy award-winning tv show, David chats with warmth and humour about his career so far.

12-18
01:28:15

Episode 24: Katie Clapham

Author and bookseller Katie is a mind full of top tips and experience when it comes to both running a successful bookshop and writing fiction and picture books. A must-listen!

12-04
01:12:34

Episode 23: Penny Neville-Lee

Illustrator of beautiful things and mega Columbo fan Penny chats about her RCA days, her workspace, publishing industry experience so far and juggling kids, cats and creativity!

11-27
01:18:20

Episode 22: Ruby Wright

Ruby may only just be starting out in the picture book world but boy has she already made a big impression! We discuss screen-printing, rejection, answer LOTS of listener questions and have really good giggle in the process!

11-20
01:08:40

Episode 21: Ella Beech

Debut picture book illustrator Ella is a tour de force of talent. We discuss her rise from novelty book designer to her premiere publication by The Folio Society! Hairy flaps, paper engineering, Christmas adverts and much much more is discussed! And we both recommend our current favourite picture books!

11-06
01:06:46

Episode 20: Tracey Corderoy

A special 10 Year Anniversary special episode with author of the Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam children's book series! We talk about where the initial idea came from for the first book and how the beloved, best-selling series has evolved over the years.

08-07
01:05:33

Episode 19: Sharon King Chai

Designer, author, illustrator and all-round amazing cheery talent, Sharon talks to me about her collaborative process with Julia Donaldson, how she copes with flights to Oz and her insights into the children's publishing industry.

08-03
54:12

Episode 18: Harry Woodgate

Harry was a joy to talk to and we discuss pencil roughs, the transition from uni to paid illustration work and loads more!

07-14
55:45

Episode 17: Karl James Mountford

The king of middle grade covers is here! And he chats about rejection, style, his picture books and THE CHICKEN MAN!!!

06-26
01:05:07

Episode 16: Fiona Lumbers

Me and Fiona chat everything from her work with children's laureate Joseph Coelho, quiz shows to acting and traditional work methods. This episode also introduces 'Studiomate Steve Suggests...' the children's book review segment!

06-12
59:51

Episode 15: Jack Noel

Author/illustrator/designer/witty man Jack Noel tells us all about his career, his thoughts and advice on book cover design, his love of Weetabix and being woke.

05-29
01:04:13

Episode 14: Julia Patton

Julia is utterly charming and we have a really eye-opening conversation about her work, process, journey to illustrating hit books in the UK & US and lots of giggles in-between!

05-22
01:04:50

Episode 13: Ben Mantle

Author and illustrator of beautiful and hilarious picture books, including Dick The Delightful Duck (which we discuss extensively!) and many fiction covers and interiors. A super fun and informative episode.

05-14
01:12:43

Episode 12: Sallyanne Sweeney

I talk to literary and illustration agent Sallyanne Sweeney about graphic novel and picture book submission tips, celebrity authors, contracts, meeting room snack faux pas and flash mobs!

05-06
01:06:41

Episode 11: Jarvis

Season 2 kicks off in style with the amazing Jarvis! We discuss sketchbook pressure, Bear and Bird, iPads, we answer listener questions PLUS find out where and why he met MR MOTIVATOR.

05-01
01:04:28

Studiomate Steve Season 2 Trailer

We are back! And in this little ten minute special I list the incredible guests I will be interviewing this season and share a fun little recording with some pals from the Bologna Book Fair!

04-23
10:45

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