Paintbrush In My Coffee Cup

Welcome to Paintbrush in My Coffee Cup, a podcast where book illustrators talk about their craft, their life, and the messy places where life and craft overlap.

10 Episodes

Ep. 9: Seo Kim Draws The Big Picture
8/28/2026
1:35:49
Keep up with updates about the podcast online:Sign up for our newsletter on Substack: ⁠https://pbimccpod.substack.com/⁠Instagram ⁠@paintbrushinmycoffeecuppodcast⁠Thoughts, questions, concerns about the pod? Email us at [email protected] host Elizabeth Lilly:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.elizabeth-lilly.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Substack: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Bluesky: ⁠@elizabethlilly⁠Follow host Amelia Grace Gossman:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.amelia-grace-illustration.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration⁠Substack: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration ⁠Bluesky: ⁠@illustrationamy⁠Edited by Elizabeth Lilly. Graphics by Amelia Grace Gossman. Music by Roy Edwin Williams.
Ep. 8: Brigitta Blair Draws The Art of Connection
8/21/2026
1:32:34
This week on the show, Elizabeth and Amelia welcome Brigitta Blair, a storyteller whose artwork blends her expertise in tech, illustration, and writing, with themes of community. Brigitta studied interactive design at American University in Washington, DC and at Niigata College of Art and Design in Japan. Her expressive characters leap off the page through bursts of bright color and bold, confident lines. Her upcoming middle-grade graphic novel, Cramming, draws on her experiences with scoliosis, mental health, and identity.In this episode, we discuss the overlap between creativity and technology, discovering personal style and design, learning abroad in Japan, bridging cultural gaps through art, and tips and tricks for digital drawing tools.Follow Brigitta's work:Portfolio: Brigitta Blair | Tech UX/UI Designer and Author-IllustratorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brigittablair/X: ʙʀɪɢɪᴛᴛᴀ ✨️ (@BrigittaBlair) / XBlueSky: @brigittablair.bsky.social on BlueskyBrigitta’s Newsletter: https://substack.com/@brigittablairKeep up with updates about the podcast online:Sign up for our newsletter on Substack: ⁠https://pbimccpod.substack.com/⁠Instagram ⁠@paintbrushinmycoffeecuppodcast⁠Thoughts, questions, concerns about the pod? Email us at [email protected] host Elizabeth Lilly:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.elizabeth-lilly.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Substack: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Bluesky: ⁠@elizabethlilly⁠Follow host Amelia Grace Gossman:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.amelia-grace-illustration.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration⁠Substack: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration ⁠Bluesky: ⁠@illustrationamy⁠Edited by Elizabeth Lilly. Graphics by Amelia Grace Gossman. Music by Roy Edwin Williams.
Don't miss an episode of “Paintbrush In My Coffee Cup” and subscribe to it in the GetPodcast app.
Ep. 7: Amelia & Elizabeth Go Back to the Drawing Board
8/14/2026
55:32
This week on the show, Elizabeth and Amelia sit down for a long-overdue catch-up episode. Since our last release, life has been busy, unpredictable, and full of changes. We share personal and professional updates, reflect on what we've been working on behind the scenes, and talk honestly about the challenges of balancing creative work, day jobs, relationships, and everything else life throws our way.We discuss work-life balance, managing overwhelm when life gives you far more lemons than you need for lemonade, recognizing when it's time to step back and rest, and learning how to show up for yourself with compassion during demanding seasons. Whether you're navigating a busy schedule, creative burnout, or simply trying to find your footing, we hope this conversation reminds you that you're not alone.Keep up with updates about the podcast online:Sign up for our newsletter on Substack: ⁠https://pbimccpod.substack.com/⁠Instagram ⁠@paintbrushinmycoffeecuppodcast⁠Thoughts, questions, concerns about the pod? Email us at [email protected] host Elizabeth Lilly:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.elizabeth-lilly.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Substack: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Bluesky: ⁠@elizabethlilly⁠Follow host Amelia Grace Gossman:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.amelia-grace-illustration.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration⁠Substack: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration ⁠Bluesky: ⁠@illustrationamy⁠Edited by Elizabeth Lilly. Graphics by Amelia Grace Gossman. Music by Roy Edwin Williams
Ep. 6: Avani Dwivedi Draws Her Illustration Dreams
9/17/2025
1:44:20
This week on the show, Elizabeth and Amelia interview Avani Dwivedi, a picture book author-illustrator who has illustrated five picture books and one early reader. In 2023, she published her first book as both author and illustrator, Bollywood Dreams, which earned starred reviews and was named one of School Library Journal’s Best Books of the Year. Avani graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2019 and is now based in New Jersey where she continues to create sweet, expressive stories. In this episode, we discuss watercolor magic, creating characters that glow with confidence, and collecting memories that turn into stories. Follow Avani's work:Portfolio: https://www.avanidwivedi.com/ Instagram: @avanidwivediiAvani’s Newsletter: https://avanidwivedi.substack.com/ Keep up with updates about the podcast online:Sign up for our newsletter on Substack: ⁠https://pbimccpod.substack.com/⁠Instagram ⁠@paintbrushinmycoffeecuppodcast⁠Thoughts, questions, concerns about the pod? Email us at [email protected] host Elizabeth Lilly:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.elizabeth-lilly.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Substack: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Bluesky: ⁠@elizabethlilly⁠Follow host Amelia Grace Gossman:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.amelia-grace-illustration.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration⁠Substack: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration ⁠Bluesky: ⁠@illustrationamy⁠Edited by Elizabeth Lilly. Graphics by Amelia Grace Gossman. Music by Roy Edwin Williams.
Ep. 5: Sarah Hwang Draws Upon Authenticity
8/25/2025
1:24:15
In this week's episode Elizabeth and Amelia interview Sarah Hwang, a picture book author-illustrator with a sweet, colorful and hilarious artistic voice. She has written and illustrated Toasty (2021) and Bunny Hop, coming in 2025, as well as illustrated illustrator of Nom Nom Nom by Jeffrey Burton. She graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2017 and has been living in New Jersey ever since. In this episode, we discuss being true to yourself, creating work in your own authentic style, and creating to make yourself happy.Follow Sarah Hwang’s work:Portfolio: https://www.sarah-hwang.com/ Instagram: ⁠@sarah_s_hwangEtsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/floofyliltoast/Keep up with updates about the podcast online:Sign up for our newsletter on Substack: ⁠https://pbimccpod.substack.com/⁠Instagram ⁠@paintbrushinmycoffeecuppodcast⁠Thoughts, questions, concerns about the pod? Email us at [email protected] host Elizabeth Lilly:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.elizabeth-lilly.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Substack: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Bluesky: ⁠@elizabethlilly⁠Follow host Amelia Grace Gossman:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.amelia-grace-illustration.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration⁠Substack: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration ⁠Bluesky: ⁠@illustrationamy⁠Edited by Elizabeth Lilly. Graphics by Amelia Grace Gossman. Music by Roy Edwin Williams.
Ep. 4: Janna Morton Draws Every Day Whimsy
8/8/2025
1:15:44
In this week's episode Elizabeth and Amelia interview Janna Morton, an award-winning illustrator from Baltimore, Maryland. Janna Morton is known for her vibrant and captivating artwork that explores themes of nature, inclusivity, overlooked beauty, grief, and joy. We discuss slowing down, reconnecting with whimsy, and drawing from personal experience to create deeper stories.Janna's Portfolio Website: https://www.jannamorton.com/ Follow Janna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janmort3000/Follow Janna on Substack: https://substack.com/@jannamortonKeep up with updates about the podcast online:Sign up for our newsletter on Substack: ⁠https://pbimccpod.substack.com/⁠Instagram ⁠@paintbrushinmycoffeecuppodcast⁠Thoughts, questions, concerns about the pod? Email us at [email protected] host Elizabeth Lilly:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.elizabeth-lilly.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Substack: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Bluesky: ⁠@elizabethlilly⁠Follow host Amelia Grace Gossman:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.amelia-grace-illustration.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration⁠Substack: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration ⁠Bluesky: ⁠@illustrationamy⁠Edited by Elizabeth Lilly. Graphics by Amelia Grace Gossman. Music by Roy Edwin Williams.
Ep. 3: Abigail Rajunov Draws Through the Transition from Student to Pro
7/21/2025
2:12:11
In this week's episode, Elizabeth and Amelia interview up-and-coming illustrator Abigail Rajunov from Dallas, Texas. Abigail's first book, Ping-Pong Shabbat, was published by Little Bee Books in September 2024 and has received a Silver Eureka Award for excellence in nonfiction books. Her illustration work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. We discuss drawing and painting techniques, the storyteller's relationship to writing and drawing, and taking the leap from art student to art professional.Follow Abigail Rajunov:Abigail's Website: https://www.abigailrajunov.net/Follow Abigail on Instagram: @abigailrajunovLinks to resources discussed on the show:Max Packs Digital BrushesSketchfabBodyKun Poseable FiguresPureRefVizRefNotionCreator’s Friend PlannersAgendio Custom PlannersKeep up with updates about the podcast online:Sign up for our newsletter on Substack: ⁠https://pbimccpod.substack.com/⁠Instagram ⁠@paintbrushinmycoffeecuppodcast⁠Thoughts, questions, concerns about the pod? Email us at [email protected] host Elizabeth Lilly:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.elizabeth-lilly.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Substack: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Bluesky: ⁠@elizabethlilly⁠Follow host Amelia Grace Gossman:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.amelia-grace-illustration.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration⁠Substack: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration ⁠Bluesky: ⁠@illustrationamy⁠Edited by Elizabeth Lilly. Graphics by Amelia Grace Gossman. Music by Roy Edwin Williams.
Ep. 2: Wallace West Draws from a Queer Perspective
6/30/2025
1:23:56
Welcome back to Paintbrush in My Coffee Cup! In this week's episode, Elizabeth and Amelia interview award-winning picture book author/illustrator Wallace West. Wallace has written and illustrated Mighty Red Riding Hood, which won a Lambda Literary Award, and illustrated the NY Times Bestselling middle-grade Dogtown series by legendary authors Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko. We discuss storytelling, drawing from personal experiences, and digital versus traditional techniques.----------------------------Keep up with updates about the podcast online:Sign up for our newsletter on Substack: ⁠https://pbimccpod.substack.com/⁠Instagram ⁠@paintbrushinmycoffeecuppodcast⁠Thoughts, questions, concerns about the pod? Email us at [email protected] host Elizabeth Lilly:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.elizabeth-lilly.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Substack: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Bluesky: ⁠@elizabethlilly⁠Follow host Amelia Grace Gossman:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.amelia-grace-illustration.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration⁠Substack: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration ⁠Bluesky: ⁠@illustrationamy⁠Edited by Elizabeth Lilly. Graphics by Amelia Grace Gossman. Music by Roy Edwin Williams.
Ep. 1: Amelia Gossman & Elizabeth Lilly draw the beginning of the podcast
5/30/2025
1:02:59
Hosts Elizabeth Lilly and Amelia Grace Gossman interview each other. We get into why we started this podcast in the first place, how we each got into book illustration, how we make our artwork and stories, and of course FOUNTAIN PENS! ----------------------------------Keep up with updates about the podcast online:Sign up for our newsletter on Substack: ⁠https://pbimccpod.substack.com/⁠Instagram ⁠@paintbrushinmycoffeecuppodcast⁠Thoughts, questions, concerns about the pod? Email us at paintbrushinmycoffeecup@gmail.com-------------------------------------------Follow host Elizabeth Lilly:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.elizabeth-lilly.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Substack: ⁠@elizabethlillystudio⁠Bluesky: ⁠@elizabethlilly⁠Follow host Amelia Grace Gossman:Portfolio: ⁠https://www.amelia-grace-illustration.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration⁠Substack: ⁠@ameliagraceillustration ⁠Bluesky: @illustrationamy---------------------------------------Audio editing: Elizabeth LillyGraphics: Amelia Grace GossmanMusic: Roy Edwin Williams
Introducing Paintbrush In My Coffee Cup: Trailer
2/28/2025
8:05
Welcome to Paintbrush in My Coffee Cup, a podcast where book illustrators talk about their craft, their life, and the messy places where life and craft overlap. Paintbrush in My Coffee Cup will be debuting this spring. Keep up with updates about the podcast online: Sign up for our newsletter on Substack: https://pbimccpod.substack.com/ Instagram @paintbrushinmycoffeecuppodcast Thoughts, questions, concerns about the pod? Email us at [email protected] host Elizabeth Lilly: Portfolio: https://www.elizabeth-lilly.com/ Instagram: @elizabethlillystudio Substack: @elizabethlillystudio Bluesky: @elizabethlillyFollow host Amelia Grace Gossman: Portfolio: https://www.amelia-grace-illustration.com/ Instagram: @ameliagraceillustration Substack: @ameliagraceillustration Bluesky: @illustrationamy

Get the whole world of podcasts with the free GetPodcast app.

Subscribe to your favorite podcasts, listen to episodes offline and get thrilling recommendations.

A company from

Paintbrush In My Coffee Cup

Paintbrush In My Coffee Cup

10 Episodes

Ep. 9: Seo Kim Draws The Big Picture

Ep. 8: Brigitta Blair Draws The Art of Connection

Ep. 7: Amelia & Elizabeth Go Back to the Drawing Board

Ep. 6: Avani Dwivedi Draws Her Illustration Dreams

Ep. 5: Sarah Hwang Draws Upon Authenticity

Ep. 4: Janna Morton Draws Every Day Whimsy

Ep. 3: Abigail Rajunov Draws Through the Transition from Student to Pro

Ep. 2: Wallace West Draws from a Queer Perspective

Ep. 1: Amelia Gossman & Elizabeth Lilly draw the beginning of the podcast

Introducing Paintbrush In My Coffee Cup: Trailer