The colorful, optimistic vibe of Andy J. Miller’s work and the smart, thoughtful tone of his Creative Pep Talk podcast make him a dream Scout Books collaborator. We were stoked to connect more with Andy through sponsoring his weekly podcast and working together on a collaborative release!
For the collab, Andy suggested a pocket-sized book with a focus on goals and got to work illustrating prompts on that theme, along with a cover design. He opted for red and purple inks, and red staples, and we used the inside cover as a place to share info about the project. As a companion to the notebook, Andy launched an episode of Creative Pep Talk on the same subject: goals!
We asked Andy a few questions about his process, the podcast, and his ideal pizza:
What kind of tools do you use? Do your illustrations start on paper, or do you go straight to the computer?
I start my work in the bath tub or on the bike trail. No I’m not sketching in the tub. Most of my work starts in my head. Sometimes that’s a concept I came up with while in the bath, sometimes it’s a feeling I had while running on the bike trail. Then it goes into the sketchbook where I thumbnail it out. Next a tighter sketch, then scan and ink digitally in Photoshop. Lately I’ve been using the Astropad app that turns my iPad Pro into a graphics tablet.
What was unique or challenging about designing for print and collaborating with Scout Books?
I love designing for print. It’s my thing. I literally became an illustrator / designer to work in print. I love the way fresh print SMELLS. BREATHE IT IN.
This collaboration has been fantastic. I truly love working with a brand that’s historically been so invested in my industry, my favorite people and so many of my creative friends.
What’s your dream project?
I’d love to illustrate a really esoteric spiritual book. Something Krista Tippett might write. I love trying to turn the invisible realms into visible illustrations.
I also just really want to do a t-shirt for Nike. 🙂
What inspired you to launch a podcast?
Back around 2010 I started diving into business and marketing books, podcasts and magazines and they dramatically helped me grow my creative career. At the time that I started the podcast there wasn’t really anyone in my niche helping creative folks with these things. My inspiration really was to just pass on these lessons in hopes that it might help someone else.
I also had done a small random talk locally and it just felt so right to me, and I wanted to do more of that thing.
Who would you love to bring on as a guest?
I don’t want to give away future guests, so I’ll stick with dream celebrity guests!
It would be folks like Judd Apatow, Mindy Kaling, Chance the Rapper, Mike Birbiglia, Rashida Jones, Jason Segel, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), Joanna Newsom, Jermaine Clement… these folks are craftsmen. They got to where they are by blood sweat and tears and I think they have a ton of insight to share.
Describe your perfect slice of pizza.
DEEEEP dish. Garlic, Spinach, Pepperoni, Goat Cheese, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Olives and a Pesto base! PURE DECADENCE! MMMMMMMM.
Big thanks to Andy for all his work on this collaboration. Pick one up in our shop!