Substacks recommended by Helen Stephens

Recommended by Helen Stephens

Hello, I’m Alice Wood and I run The Little Toy Dog Company. I’m also an illustrator and here in my workshop I chat about toy making, sewing and drawing (with guest appearances from my dog Franki and my old Morris Minor van.) Come on in!

Alice keeps us ship shape at the Good Ship Illustration, you will meet her in the emails. She makes beautiful hand made toys.

- Helen Stephens

mocculere's letters

Picture book illustrator & cartoonist of Mojčica ✶ Sharing my journey as an illustrator & comic strips about childhood memories.

Bob's Shea-nanigans!

By Bob Shea

Stories, drawings and friendship from America's favorite author.

Katiedraws (and writes)

By Katie Chappell (katiedraws)

Here's ma blog for fellow illustrators. I'm sharing the usefulest bits of my notes on being a full-time illustrator & human. Also sometimes just drawings. Also sometimes just words.

Katie is my co-captain at The Good Ship Illustration, along with our mate Tania.

- Helen Stephens

The Light on the Sea

By Gillian Eilidh O'Mara

A newsletter from Gillian Eilidh O'Mara, Scottish artist, writer and children's book creator. Thoughts on the beauty in uncertainty.

The Wobbly Line

By Julia Bethan

An insight into my nonsensical creative process, and my thoughts from an Art Psychotherapy student perspective.

Rock and Roll Art School

By Alan C. Martin

Writing, Tank Girl, comics, stories, DIY publishing, tea making, vintage aircraft, slot car racing. Alan C. Martin's lovely Newsletter.

Terrible at Titles

By Katie Clapham is Terrible

My weekly post - Receipt from the Bookshop - is written in real time from my award-winning independent bookshop in St. Annes-on-Sea, UK. Paid subscribers also get an additional weekly essay/book review and access to my book club.

Katie shares all the small details of running her bookshop: where she bought her coffee, what time the first customer arrived, what books she sold today, how much money she made. I worked in bookshops before I was an illustrator and this is a familiar world.

- Helen Stephens

News from a messy desk

By Charlotte Durance with News

Insights into my illustration from a messy desk to your inbox: sketchbooks, process, inspiration and picture books.

The ReposiTORy

By Tor Freeman

Sketches, ideas and works-in-progress.

Rules to Create

By Emma Carlisle

Sharing advice and tips for creating your own art

Emma is full of excellent advice for artists and illustrators and is very generous with her knowledge.

- Helen Stephens

Introvert Drawing Club

By Beth Spencer

Learn to draw WITHOUT coming out of your shell. 🐢 Live sessions, art lessons, and workshops with visiting artists. 🌻 Cameras optional.

Beth shares her advice on illustration, making everything fun and easy. So much happiness from Beth!

- Helen Stephens

Entre Nous

By Sara Tasker

Slow living, online business and personal growth - for creative souls and dreamers.

My pal Sara gives truly excellent advice for people running a creative business. I know because I am always picking her excellent brain.

- Helen Stephens

The Ladybird Purse • Opening up about money

By Keris

Open and honest conversations about money for women, creatives, freelancers and more.

I love this honest chat about money

- Helen Stephens

One Word

By Taegan MacLean

Every word is a universe. Let's explore them together.

These are monthly posts based on one simple word. Beautiful and thought provoking.

- Helen Stephens

Ten Minute Artist with Adam Ming

Startup cofounder turned picture book illustrator. 📚 11 book deals in 2 years with top publishers. I write about Strategies and steps to help you: Make art daily, Break into Children’s Publishing and keep going without burning out.

Out to See

By Louise Gouet

A peek into the life and sketchbook of a freelance illustrator.

Making It (with Marloes De Vries)

By Marloes De Vries

After burning out massively, I started writing about what helps me get back to my creative core. Join me on my journey in becoming the artist I've dreamed about since I was 4.

Marloes is so generous with her knowledge around working as an illustrator

- Helen Stephens