Stories Unbound

The DIY Animation Show – our new podcast for animators who want to make their own animated series, shorts or features – launches Tuesday, November 15th! …and we need your help! To meet the hosts, get a sneak peek at our new show and learn how you can help us get the word out, check out our special announcement via the audio player below… UPDATE: iTunes outages have delayed the release of the podcast. We have done everything possible on our side and we are doing everything we can to hasten a solution from our RSS provider (Feedblitz) and, of course, iTunes.  As soon as we have any new information, we will share it.  Check Out The Teaser: http://traffic.libsyn.com/oatley/DIYAnimationShow-ArtCastAnnouncement.mp3 [ download the mp3 ] [ subscribe in iTunes ] Help Us Launch ‘The DIY Animation Show’: When we announce the launch on Tuesday, November 15th, it would be uhMAYzing if you could you please: Subscribe to the show in iTunes. Download all of the episodes. Tell a friend. …and if you have time to give us a star-rating or write a review, that would also be sUUUper-helpful. If we can create a enough download and review activity on launch day – Tuesday, November 15th – iTunes will take notice and promote the show in their “New and Noteworthy” section. That, as you might imagine, would be significant. Of course, on launch day, we’ll post reminders in our podcast feeds, on our various social media platforms and via email. Thank you, in advance for helping us to make this new podcast launch a success! The post ‘The DIY Animation Show’ Launches November 15th! appeared first on The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.          Commentswhen is this show going to be available? I am not sure if I am ... by RobinsonI am so excited for this!! the girls are so excited it is ... by RobinsonJust heard the podcast. I honestly can't wait to see this ... by JosueI am super excited about this show I always wanted to do ... by Chuck RaekeHahaha, thanks Reggie!!! XD Yeah, each guest has dropped so ... by Lauren MorsePlus 5 more... 

Samantha Kallis is an Art Director at Dreamworks TV Animation Studio, and the illustrator of The Fantastic Frame chapter book series, written by Lin Oliver, Executive Director of SCBWI. Join us today as we talk about: How Social Media (Tumblr and Twitter) landed Sam her first job in animation. Pros and Cons of having different art styles in Animation and Kidlit. How getting a job in Kidlit is different from Animation. Why every Kidlit creator should be on Twitter. How Sam became a Tumblr celebrity overnight – true story! Listen to ‘Stories Unbound’ Episode 14: http://traffic.libsyn.com/oatley/SU014_SamKallis.mp3 [download the mp3] [subscribe in iTunes] Do You Want To Make Children’s Books? The Stories Unbound team is cooking up something new here at The Oatley Academy. …something special, made just for children’s book creators. Join the early notification list to get sneak peeks and a special price when we launch… Awesome Links: Sam Kallis The Fantastic Frame Series Lin Oliver The True Meaning Of Smekday by Adam Rex (Shawna’s Amazon Affiliate Link) Frankenstein Takes The Cake by Adam Rex (Shawna’s Amazon Affiliate Link) Learn More: Interview with Art Director for Penguin Random House Giuseppe Castellano (Part 1) Interview with Art Director for Penguin Random House Giuseppe Castellano (Part 2) Launching Your Kidlit Career (Part 1): Conferences Launching Your Kidlit Career (Part 2): Critique Groups What Do You Think? Many artists struggle with the idea of choosing their one career path. Today, Sam showed us it’s ok to try new things, even if you’ve been working in a certain industry for a while. Have you ever changed gears after pursuing a specific artistic path? Share your stories in the comments below! The post Interview with DreamWorks Animation Art Director and Children’s Book Illustrator Samantha Kallis :: Stories Unbound #14 appeared first on The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.          CommentsThis episode was incredible!!! As always… and the art of Sam ... by Micsy Vargaswoot! I finally was able to listen to this. Thanks so much ... by CartoonCatalystGreat interview! I hear Sam about the journey to find your own ... by Corey lansdellHAHAHAH! OMGOSH! I just listened to the part where Sam talks ... by Erica De ChavezHa ha! You guys sound like revolutionaries! ???? Great ... by NeruPlus 5 more... 

Creative community is vital for kidlit illustrators and authors. In this episode, guest co-host Manelle Oliphant and I talk about: How to get the most helpful feedback from your Critique Group. Keeping criticism positive with the “Critique Sandwich” technique. Digital vs. physical meetups. How Critique Groups deepened our understanding of the children’s publishing industry. How your Critique Group can help you stay focused on your goals. Listen to ‘Stories Unbound’ Episode 13: http://traffic.libsyn.com/oatley/SU013_CritiqueGroups.mp3 [download the mp3] [subscribe in iTunes] Do You Want To Make Children’s Books? The Stories Unbound team is cooking up something new here at The Oatley Academy. …something special, made just for children’s book creators. Join the early notification list to get sneak peeks and a special price when we launch… Awesome Links: Manelle Oliphant Jennifer Eichelberger Kimberli Johnson Nasan Hardcastle  #BrunhildasBlogTour How to Gather Heathly Critique Groups and Colaborators :: PWP #22 What Do You Think? For most professional artists, leaving college means leaving the security of their creative community. Have you found ways to stay connected to other artists? If so, how? Share your thoughts in the comments below! The post Launching Your Kidlit Career (Part 2): Critique Groups :: Stories Unbound #13 appeared first on The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.          CommentsI loved this week's episode! It certainly took me maybe about ... by Erica De ChavezThank you Shawna, I appreciate your words!!! You're right ... by Micsy VargasShawna- I feel the same. It would be great to hang out with you ... by Mark MackayMark- For some reason, every time I see you online, it seems ... by Shawna TenneyHi Miscy! I'm so glad to hear that this episode has inspired ... by Shawna TenneyPlus 5 more... 

If you’re a children’s book creator feeling daunted by the industry and disconnected from your community, conferences could be your solution! Join me (Shawna) and our guest co-host Manelle Oliphant for a conversation about: Why ?Conferences are crucial for newbies and offer new opportunities for seasoned pros. How Conferences can help you find your niche in publishing. What not to expect from Conferences. Specific guidelines for kidlit portfolios. Why school librarians should be your new best friends. When your postcards and mailers aren’t being ignored (even if it seems that way). How we started our own Conference! (You can DO THAT?!?!) Listen to ‘Stories Unbound’ Episode 12: http://traffic.libsyn.com/oatley/SU012_Conferences.mp3 [ download the mp3 ] [ subscribe in iTunes ] Do You Want To Make Children’s Books? The Stories Unbound team is cooking up something new here at The Oatley Academy. …something special, made just for children’s book creators. Join the early notification list to get sneak peeks and a special price when we launch… Awesome Links: Manelle Oliphant Tales Fantastic Diandra Mae SCBWI Highlights Foundation How To Gather Healthy Critique Groups & Collaborators :: PWP #22 Music by Ryan Keith and Wes Cepin  What Do You Think? For me and Manelle, our “Circle of Trust” began when we met at a regional SCBWI conference. What relationships have you built, and what learning experiences have you gained from attending kidlit conferences? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And please join us for our next episode about building your “Circle of Trust” through critique groups! The post Launching Your Kidlit Career (Part 1): Conferences :: Stories Unbound #12 appeared first on The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.          CommentsHi Erica, That is so wonderful that you met some of your best ... by Shawna TenneyI am planning on attending the Summer 2017 LA SCBWI conference ... by Erica De ChavezThank you Manelle and Shawna!!! Also thank you for the link, I ... by Micsy VargasHi Micsy, For sure, like Manelle said, there are SCBWI ... by Shawna TenneyHi Micsy, I hope you find some good conferences near you, or ... by ManellePlus 5 more... 

In this special episode, our host Shawna JC Tenney takes the guest seat to teach us how she wrote, illustrated and sold her first picture book Brunhilda’s Backwards Day. Chris Oatley, our Executive Producer, interviews Shawna about: The amazing, emotional power of picture books. Why you might turn down paid work for time on your personal project. How Shawna’s book inspired more artistic growth than years of professional work. How she draws story ideas from her hilarious childhood (Shawna actually sings during this part!) Why grown-up kids make great picture book creators. Listen to ‘Stories Unbound’ Episode 11: http://traffic.libsyn.com/oatley/SU011_HowIWroteAndSoldMyFirstPictureBook.mp3 [download the mp3] [ subscribe in iTunes ] Awesome Links: Shawna’s Website Brunhilda’s Backwards Day (Shawna’s Affiliate Link) Will Terry Cory Godbey Blythe Russo Sleeping Beauty by Mercer Mayer  (Shawna’s Affiliate Link) John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith  (Shawna’s Affiliate Link) Music by Ryan Keith and Wes Cepin  Learn More: Interview with Noah Klocek Interview with Jake Parker What To Do When Your Dream Seems Far Away :: Paper Wings #10 Portfolio Review: Values, Edges and Staging with Shawna JC Tenney The Showcase: Will Your Personal Project Make Money? (Part 4) Painting Drama It’s Party Time!!! The release of Shawna’s book is something to be celebrated. Please post an encouraging message for her in the comments below! Tell her how happy you are for her, how much you appreciate the tremendous effort she puts into this awesome show – Stories Unbound, and if you bought Brunhilda, please post your Amazon review or a photo of you holding the book! The post How I Wrote And Sold My First Picture Book: A Conversation With Shawna JC Tenney :: Stories Unbound #11 appeared first on The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.          CommentsShawna, thank you for sharing your journey! Many congrats on ... by Luanne MNat! It was inspiring to hear about your new agent! Many ... by Shawna TenneyPascal- Thank you so very much for you kind compliments and ... by Shawna TenneyAline! Look who's late. That would be me, replying to your ... by Shawna TenneyRebecca- Sorry I know you left your comments ages ago! I read ... by Shawna TenneyPlus 5 more... 

Molly Idle is the Author and Illustrator of many acclaimed picture books. In 2014, she won a Caldecott Honor Award for her book Flora and the Flamingo. Today we talk about the discoveries and challenges revealed along her journey from animation to a career in kidlit: The transition from Dreamworks to picture books. The importance of creative community. The unique advantages of traditional media. Making the most of your relationship with publishers. How struggles are actually opportunities… Listen to ‘Stories Unbound’ Episode 10: http://traffic.libsyn.com/oatley/SU010_MollyIdle.mp3 [ download the mp3 ] [ subscribe in iTunes ] Awesome Links: Molly’s Website Flora and the Flamingo (Shawna’s Amazon Affiliate Link) Zombelina (Shawna’s Amazon Affiliate Link) 2014 Caldecott Medal and Honor Books Interview with Kristyn Crow, author of Zombelina Brunhilda’s Backwards Day (Shawna’s Amazon Affiliate Link) Music by Ryan Keith and Wes Cepin  What Do You Think? Molly spent years learning the mechanics of picture books before becoming a kidlit author/illustrator herself. As a picture book-maker in training, she read and analyzed hundreds of titles to understand what made them work. What kind of research do you do in order to better understand the mechanics of your craft? Share your thoughts in the comments below! The post Interview With Caldecott Honor Winner and Kidlit Author/Illustrator Molly Idle :: Stories Unbound #10 appeared first on The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.          CommentsDear Shawna, This was a wonderful interview with Ms. Idle; ... by Janet OliverThanks for replying Shawna. Ohh so that's how you do it, well ... by Rebecca WeisHi Shawna!!! Thank you for answer me. Yes, I was talking ... by Micsy VargasHi Rebecca, I really loved reading your comment. I loved how ... by Shawna TenneyHi Neru, My kids think that one day our house is going to be ... by Shawna TenneyPlus 5 more... 

LeUyen Pham‘s versatile illustrations can be found in over 80 books, including picture books, graphic novels, and middle grade novels. In this episode, Uyen talks about leaving her high-paying animation job for full-time freelance, how and when to say “No” to potential clients and how she finds the kind of work she wants… Plus: Uncommon versatility and working with celebrities! Listen to ‘Stories Unbound’ Episode 9: http://traffic.libsyn.com/oatley/SU009_LeUyenPham.mp3 [ download the mp3 ] [ subscribe in iTunes ] Awesome Links: LeUyen’s Website LeUyen’s Facebook Page The Princess In Black Freckleface The Musical Vampirina Ballerina TV Show Music by Ryan Keith and Wes Cepin What Do You Think? Uyen tells us how she shares her own thoughts, emotions and stories through the characters she draws. What are some ways you tell your own story in the characters and illustrations you create? Share your thoughts in the comments below! The post Interview with Kidlit Author and Illustrator LeUyen Pham :: Stories Unbound #9 appeared first on The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.          CommentsHey Miscy! It's great to see you here again! I'm so glad you ... by Shawna TenneyHi Pat, Yes, isn't that interesting that publishers want you ... by Shawna TenneyHi Gunja, Thanks so much for listening, and sorry for the ... by Shawna TenneyHi Reka, So sorry for the delayed response. I'm so glad the ... by Shawna TenneyDutz! I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to respond to your ... by Shawna TenneyPlus 5 more... 

Jake Parker, the creator of Inktober and World Art Drop Day, has worked on everything from animated films to comic books to picture books. In today’s episode we talk about Jake’s forthcoming picture book, Little Bot and Sparrow, and the many forms it took on it’s long road to publication. We also discuss the difference between self publishing and traditional publishing, and one important key to succeeding in either market… Listen to ‘Stories Unbound’ Episode 8: http://traffic.libsyn.com/oatley/SU008_JakeParker.mp3 [ download the mp3 ] [ subscribe in iTunes ]  Awesome Links: Jake Parker’s Website Little Bot and Sparrow Inktober World Art Drop Day SkyHeart Kickstarter Society of Visual Storytelling Music by Ryan Keith and Wes Cepin What Do You Think? Jake explains how he trained to climb the tallest mountain in Utah by going on many short hikes. He compares these short hikes to the small projects we need to do that will eventually shape our larger career goals. What are the “mini hikes” you’ve taken on your creative journey? The post Interview with Jake Parker :: Stories Unbound #8 appeared first on The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.          CommentsYeah, I agree. And you never really know what field you'll land ... by Manny TamarezManny- I really like your idea of using post-it notes or any ... by Shawna TenneyI got really busy in the first half of this year which really ... by Manny TamarezBrianne- Inktober is great, isn't it? I'm so glad you're ... by Shawna TenneyThanks for the interview Jake and Shawna!!! I love the small ... by Brianne VanPuttePlus 5 more... 

Mark Pett is a former syndicated comics creator and self-proclaimed “Authorstrator” of 5 charming picture books, including his forthcoming title: This Is My Book! In today’s interview, Mark reveals how creating a daily comic strip became his creative boot camp… And how this shaped him into the prolific picture book creator he is today. Listen to ‘Stories Unbound’ Episode 7: http://traffic.libsyn.com/oatley/SU007_MarkPett.mp3 [ download the mp3 ] [ subscribe in iTunes ] Join Us On The Storytellers’ Summit: Whether you write children’s books, screenplays or novels… …or draw storyboards or comics: You are a storyteller. …and every storyteller understands that turning our lofty thoughts into a finished work often feels like an uphill climb… The Storytellers’ Summit – a new online course from The Oatley Academy – will provide guidance from some of the entertainment industry’s best teachers. We’ll help you master fundamental concepts like: Developing your protagonist Building a believable world Constructing a compelling plot Finding your voice Fighting writer’s block Your story is waiting. Join The Storytellers’ Summit today! Awesome Links: Mark Pett’s Website This is My Book! on Amazon (Shawna’s Amazon Affiliate Links) Lizard From The Park on Amazon The War of Art by Steven Pressfield Music by Ryan Keith and Wes Cepin How Do You Maintain Consistency? In his interview, Mark talks about how his syndicated comic taught him how to show up every day, produce better artwork and to publish daily. Consistency is difficult for all of us. When you have achieved consistency in your work or publishing routine, or even in something unrelated to art, how has it made a difference for you? Share with us in the comments below! The post Interview With Mark Pett, Picture Book “Authorstrator” :: Stories Unbound #7 appeared first on The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.          CommentsWow, another truly inspirational and awesome podcast. I am so ... by Jennifer McMylerHi Robyn, I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview. Yes, Mark is ... by Shawna TenneyRene- “Show Your Work” is such a great book! I need to go ... by Shawna TenneyLove this one, Shawna. Mark is excellent. So are you. I put ... by Robyn CampbellI definitely had the idea that work had to be 'finished' before ... by Rene PfitznerPlus 5 more... 

Kristyn Crow is the author of eight delightful picture books, including her soon-to-be released title: Hello, Hippo! Goodbye, Bird! Kristyn is a genius with rhyme and wordplay, and in today’s interview she shares how literary devices such as rhythm,  musical quality, and refrains can make a picture book a joy to read. We also discuss how conferences and workshops are a must for anyone who wants to be published… And the brave chance she herself took at one such a conference! Listen to ‘Stories Unbound’ Episode 6: http://traffic.libsyn.com/oatley/SU006-KristynCrow.mp3 [ download the mp3 ] [ subscribe in iTunes ] Join Us On The Storytellers’ Summit: Whether you write children’s books, screenplays or novels… …or draw storyboards or comics: You are a storyteller. …and every storyteller understands that turning our lofty thoughts into a finished work often feels like an uphill climb… The Storytellers’ Summit – a new online course from The Oatley Academy – will provide guidance from some of the entertainment industry’s best teachers. We’ll help you master fundamental concepts like: Developing your protagonist Building a believable world Constructing a compelling plot Finding your voice Fighting writer’s block Your story is waiting. Join The Storytellers’ Summit today! Awesome Links: Kristyn’s Website Top 10 Things a Writer Should Do To Publish A Children’s Book Hello, Hippo! Good-bye, Bird! On Amazon (Shawna’s Amazon Affiliate Link) Zombelina On Amazon (Shawna’s Amazon Affiliate Link) Music by Ryan Keith and Wes Cepin How Do You Deal With Rejection? Kristyn sees rejection as constructive. …a source of inspiration even. What methods have you used to move on after receiving rejections or tough critiques? Share your thoughts in the comments below! The post Interview With Kristyn Crow, Picture Book Author :: Stories Unbound #6 appeared first on The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.          CommentsHey Shawna, first of all, thanks a ton for bringing such ... by Gunja Bhaidva BhattHi Jennifer, thanks for listening! I'm so glad this episode ... by Shawna TenneyI am way behind on the podcasts but this one was so great and ... by Jennifer McMyler*HUGS* by Ânia MarcosAw Tegan I love you! xD by Ânia MarcosPlus 5 more...