Note sull'episodio
On Episode 2, Mark Miller chats with kids book illustrator Michael Vallado about a bevy of his projects—most enticingly, the epic retelling of Santa’s origin story.
But before we get to Santa taking on a monstrous mythical beast, we discuss:
• What it was like illustrating a series of “The Bad Guys” chapter books for Scholastic and DreamWorks.
• Michael's experience turning a true story into artwork for an early-reader audience.
• The journey of becoming a better storyteller and freelancer.
• The lost art of creating re-enchanted tales—and more.
Leave a comment or question below, and join in the conversation!
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GUEST BIO:
Michael Vallado is an illustrator and character designer located in Southern California. He loves creating characters and worlds that are vibrant and full of adventure. When Michael isn't drawing, you can find him reading Tolkien, going for walks, or hanging out with his cat.
• Substack: https://substack.com/@michaelvallado
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/michael_learns_art/
• Website, Books & Merch: https://www.michaellearnsart.com/shop-fzlp5
• “The Bad Guys” Books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G3VXSHZT?binding=paperback&ref_
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Thanks for joining this episode of Bookmarked Conversations!
– Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0347IAUwroFtXeugYNzKGd?si=c12f75361d734eff
– Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bookmarked-conversations/id6801888129
– Discover more books: https://www.bookmarkedpages.com
00:00 BMC Intro
00:17 Meet Michael Vallado
01:48 The cliffhanger question
02:34 Diving into “Hannah and the Lost Jelly Shoe”
06:54 Owning your projects as a freelancer
09:54 Collaborating on “Galifkadori”
15:10 Finding the gold in your projects
18:06 Inside scoop on “The Bad Guys” books
23:55 Why is Santa fighting a dragon?
24:40 Rediscovering Santa’s origin story
37:32 Re-enchanting modern stories
45:45 Flipping subverted stories on their head
49:02 Taking the MSG out of our culture
51:35 Upcoming launch of the graphic novel
53:48 Final thoughts