Interview with 2015 Caldecott Medal Winner Dan Santat

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Hello Storytellers! I just arrived in Singapore about two hours ago– I love how efficient their public transportation is!

Today’s episode marks the 25th episode for 88 CUPS OF TEA— Happy 25th Episode, storytellers! 88 CUPS OF TEA wouldn’t be here without you amazing listeners. Thank you so much for listening in each week and making the storyteller tribe what it is today.

We have part 2 of Dan Santat’s interview today! Please listen to Part 1 of Dan’s interview if you haven’t yet. In Part 1, you get an idea of how his creative mind works through examples of how and why he created Caldecott Medal winning book “THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE: THE UNIMAGINARY FRIEND”. (According to a Variety article published in May, “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend” has been adapted into a DreamWorks Animation movie that will be directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Jason Reitman.)

I’m so excited about today’s Part 2 episode with Dan because you really get an idea of the values that guides Dan’s choices with his career, family, and life overall. He is an incredible example of what it means to be an artist, a storyteller, and a human being. Aside from a ton of actionable advice he generously shares, we dive pretty deep into Dan’s personal life and what drives him to be the father and husband that his family can always count on, all while managing and balancing a wildly successful career as an illustrator and author.

In today’s episode, Dan is going to take us through examples of how social media, like Facebook, allows him to network in a genuine and authentic way. Listeners will also learn how social media can act like a portfolio to land jobs for artists and storytellers.

This is a super special interview I saved to celebrate my 25th episode on 88 CUPS OF TEA so please soak in every word Dan says and take them to heart!

“If you can reveal everything about yourself, then you can write about anything.”

What You’ll Learn From This Episode:

How social media became an authentic and genuine way for Dan to network and how you can use social media as a portfolio to land a job
The importance of marketing your writing towards librarians and teachers
Why it’s crucial that writers should not search for a dollar value during their writing process
The importance of surrounding yourself with friends that can provide you with constructive criticism
How setting small goals for himself allowed Dan to achieve great success
Why Dan believes that you should never put aside your happiness for financial stability
How being open and honest can allow you to write about anything

Say ‘Hi!’ to Dan

FACEBOOK
TWITTER

Learn More About Dan Santat

Dan Santat is the author/illustrator of SIDEKICKS and the winner of the Silver Medal from the Society of Illustrators for OH NO! (Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World) by Mac Barnett. He is also the creator of the Disney animated hit, THE REPLACEMENTS. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and various pets.

“I control my own destiny.”

Dan’s Recommended Books:

Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market 2016: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published by Chuck Sambuchino
Work for Money, Design for Love: Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Starting and Running a Successful Design Business (Voices That Matter) by David Airey
Transcript of Dan’s Caldecott Medal Acceptance Speech
Video of Dan’s Caldecott Medal Acceptance Speech

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It means so much to me to be able to share my interviews with you. Ratings and reviews on my podcast’s iTunes page helps a LOT in helping me to spread the word about the podcast. The more ratings and reviews I receive, the more you’re helping with the ranking of my show. That means there’s a higher chance of my podcast being found and subscribed to. Please leave me honest feedback as I read every single one and want to know how I can make improvements and continue delivering awesome content. Click here to leave a review for 88 CUPS OF TEA.

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