Illustrating books takes many different forms and many different paths lead to that career. A panel of book illustrators including Sarah Becan, Rowam MacColl and Gregg Schigiel will discuss their journeys, their art and the publishing world with moderator Kerstin Rao.
If you missed the event, you can watch the recording here.
Sarah Becan
has been drawing comics since she was very small. Her food-based autobiographical webcomic “I Think You’re Sauceome” sparked a love of food and culinary illustration, and her work has since appeared in various publications, including Saveur, Eater.com, Chicago Magazine, and the Chicago Reader. Her first graphic novel, The Complete Ouija Interviews, was a recipient of a Xeric award, and she illustrated Let's Make Dumplings!, Let's Make Ramen!, and The Adventures of Fat Rice. Currently residing in Chicago, she would be very happy to do nothing but draw food all day.
Rowan MacColl is a queer New York based comic artist and illustrator who is fascinated by horror, history, and romance. She lives off of ink and coffee, sometimes mixing the two up.
Gregg Schigiel (Schigiel rhymes with beagle) fell in love with superheroes, animated cartoons, and comic books at an early age. He loved to draw, create characters, and make up stories. Now, Gregg is the creator, author and illustrator of the Kids’ Comics Award–winning PIX graphic novel series, and the chapter book hybrid graphic novel series, ZOOPERHERO UNIVERSE. In 
addition, he’s drawn for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Disney, and Nickelodeon, and wrote and drew many stories for SPONGEBOB COMICS. Gregg has baked prizewinning cookies, enjoys comedy, and makes sure he drinks plenty of water.
Kerstin Rao's mission is to spread creativity and joy, whether through her art and stationery business, CuppaCards, or through her coaching service, Curate Your Mate. For 22 years, Kerstin was a teacher with the Westport Schools and is forever proud of all her former students. She and her husband Vijay live in a cozy cape in Westport, nurturing a garden of native plants and loads of local friendships.
