Episodios

  • "From horror to children's books"

    "From horror to children's books"
    Feb 23 2026

    Friends With Pens is back with Series 2! Elissa and Jo chat about what they’ve been watching, reading and creating. And they share details of the new developments in their illustration careers.

    Elissa talks about the leap into writing and illustrating her first graphic novels and Jo shares what it’s been like designing a children’s art trail for Morriston Hospital in Swansea.

    Inspired by the animated series The Amazing World of Gumball, they also discuss the joy of rehoming old characters that have been stashed away for years.


    Books discussed in this episode:

    Blankets by Craig Thompson

    Wands Away! by Emma Farrarons

    Claude by Alex T Smith

    King Coo by Adam Stower

    Bird and Bear by Jarvis

    The Gumdrops: Quest for Bravery by Elissa Elwick

    Izzy the Inventor (books 6 & 7) by Zanna Davidson and Elissa Elwick

    The Beaver Who Saved Christmas by Will Millard and Jo Lindley

    The Squirrel Who Lost Her Nuts by Will Millard and Jo Lindley

    Chi Chi the Panda by Maisie Chan and Jo Lindley
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    27 m
  • "It's all character-building"

    "It's all character-building"
    Mar 22 2024
    Elissa and Jo discuss their favourite reference books that they turn to when in need of some inspiration, and the unique prizes their drawings got them as kids! It’s the last episode of series 1 and they really hope you’ve enjoyed listening in on their chats. They'll be back for series 2 soon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    34 m
  • "How did you become and illustrator?"

    "How did you become and illustrator?"
    Mar 15 2024
    On World Book Day, Elissa and Jo compared notes on how they marked the day, discussed their illustration 'origin stories' and answered some intriguing questions put to them by some fellow friends with pens. As it was also International Women's Day last week, Elissa and Jo discussed two books featuring feminists in this episode’s Library Hunt.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    39 m
  • “Gremlins? No, cats!”

    “Gremlins? No, cats!”
    Mar 8 2024
    Elissa and Jo chat about their character design processes, favourite cat books as recommended by listeners and…well, cats (you’ll find out why).

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    36 m
  • "Have you got anything in your brain right now?"

    "Have you got anything in your brain right now?"
    Mar 1 2024
    Elissa and Jo discuss how they stay motivated midway through a long project, what they listen to while they work, company perks when you’re your own boss, a recent film watch (one we’re sure you’ve all seen), showcases, portfolios and the usual nonsense!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    37 m
  • “Reader beware you’re in for a scare”

    “Reader beware you’re in for a scare”
    Feb 23 2024
    Elissa and Jo are back, this time chatting about spooky things, from Goosebumps, favourite villains, the daunting parts of being an illustrator, the pull of drawing scary forests and the things that dwell in them, to ghosts and other childhood fears.

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    31 m
  • “Did you have a favourite book when you were a kid?”

    “Did you have a favourite book when you were a kid?”
    Feb 16 2024
    Elissa and Jo chat about some of their early influences, from favourite childhood books to animations and comics. Featuring a Very Serious round of quickfire questions and a new game that sounds like something straight out of daytime telly…oh wait!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    22 m