Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
@polinagortman.bsky.social
Picture book maker • Reader & star gazer
📚SPRING IS FOR STRAWBERRIES ’23
📚WIDE OPEN SPACES ‘26
📑 Rep’d by Lynnette Novak / Seymour Agency
📍PNW🌲
www.gortmanillustration.com
📚SPRING IS FOR STRAWBERRIES ’23
📚WIDE OPEN SPACES ‘26
📑 Rep’d by Lynnette Novak / Seymour Agency
📍PNW🌲
www.gortmanillustration.com
Pinned
Hello #kidlitartpostcard!
🍓I’m interested in quirky fantasy stories for kids
🍓I’m repped by Lynnette Novak at @seymouragency.bsky.social
🍓View more of my work here www.gortmanillustration.com
🍓I’m interested in quirky fantasy stories for kids
🍓I’m repped by Lynnette Novak at @seymouragency.bsky.social
🍓View more of my work here www.gortmanillustration.com
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
I've always tried to be very honest and transparent with my $ and safety situation. My partner pays our monthly bills EXCEPT for my business purchases. I also pay for kiddo's necessaries, household items, AND pay down our mortgage on principal with whatever I have left after taxes each year.
If you’re a working artist talking to other creatives I’m begging you to not hide this. I have a parter who makes more and I don’t hide that and try to be as open as I can especially one on one. It’s cruel to not be honest with your fellow artist and give them any kind of false hope or fear
Many full time creatives have “invisible safety nets” like bread-winning partners, trust funds, external support, etc. No shame on anyone, but it creates a false vision of success. The cost of going to cons alone on top of hoping to eat as a freelancer are untenable, IMO.
November 3, 2025 at 12:09 AM
I've always tried to be very honest and transparent with my $ and safety situation. My partner pays our monthly bills EXCEPT for my business purchases. I also pay for kiddo's necessaries, household items, AND pay down our mortgage on principal with whatever I have left after taxes each year.
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
"Plotter" this and "pantser" that, who cares, I want to know if you start writing from character, plot, or place
October 30, 2025 at 1:17 AM
"Plotter" this and "pantser" that, who cares, I want to know if you start writing from character, plot, or place
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Artists behind some of the most popular films of all time are also forging one of the most powerful organized resistances to AI.
With solidarity, class action lawsuits and strong legislation, they're fighting to protect their livelihoods, and pop culture, from big tech.
My latest:
With solidarity, class action lawsuits and strong legislation, they're fighting to protect their livelihoods, and pop culture, from big tech.
My latest:
How artists behind Marvel, Alien, and the Matrix movies are fighting AI
With solidarity, legislation, class action lawsuits, and a little help from Guillermo del Toro. Plus, the Luddite Renaissance continues, and I open the mailbag.
www.bloodinthemachine.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Artists behind some of the most popular films of all time are also forging one of the most powerful organized resistances to AI.
With solidarity, class action lawsuits and strong legislation, they're fighting to protect their livelihoods, and pop culture, from big tech.
My latest:
With solidarity, class action lawsuits and strong legislation, they're fighting to protect their livelihoods, and pop culture, from big tech.
My latest:
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Happy book birthday to I DANCE! 🎶 🇵🇭
To have Filipino culture be so easily accessible, mixed with dancing, and a book that’s easy to read over and over - what a gift. So happy our book is finally out in the world.
Beautifully written by Diana Rañola, published by Holiday House 📚
To have Filipino culture be so easily accessible, mixed with dancing, and a book that’s easy to read over and over - what a gift. So happy our book is finally out in the world.
Beautifully written by Diana Rañola, published by Holiday House 📚
October 28, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Happy book birthday to I DANCE! 🎶 🇵🇭
To have Filipino culture be so easily accessible, mixed with dancing, and a book that’s easy to read over and over - what a gift. So happy our book is finally out in the world.
Beautifully written by Diana Rañola, published by Holiday House 📚
To have Filipino culture be so easily accessible, mixed with dancing, and a book that’s easy to read over and over - what a gift. So happy our book is finally out in the world.
Beautifully written by Diana Rañola, published by Holiday House 📚
COVER REVEAL!
WIDE OPEN SPACES (written by Robyn McGrath, illustrated by me) is a sunny celebration of road trips, daydreams, and noticing all the little things along the way.
Coming your way May 12, 2026!
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks
WIDE OPEN SPACES (written by Robyn McGrath, illustrated by me) is a sunny celebration of road trips, daydreams, and noticing all the little things along the way.
Coming your way May 12, 2026!
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks
October 28, 2025 at 11:31 PM
COVER REVEAL!
WIDE OPEN SPACES (written by Robyn McGrath, illustrated by me) is a sunny celebration of road trips, daydreams, and noticing all the little things along the way.
Coming your way May 12, 2026!
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks
WIDE OPEN SPACES (written by Robyn McGrath, illustrated by me) is a sunny celebration of road trips, daydreams, and noticing all the little things along the way.
Coming your way May 12, 2026!
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Meet Count Broccula, dark lord of the cruciferae, vlad the inhaler (of CO2), bringer of veggie viciousness. #vampireveggie #cutpaper #kidlitart #spookyvegtables #spookystories
October 24, 2025 at 3:51 AM
Meet Count Broccula, dark lord of the cruciferae, vlad the inhaler (of CO2), bringer of veggie viciousness. #vampireveggie #cutpaper #kidlitart #spookyvegtables #spookystories
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Still good.
When I began using social media in the modern era (ca. 2010) I tried to use three filters for whatever I posted:
1. Is it useful? Will it help anyone in any way?
2. Is it interesting? Will someone learn anything?
3. Is it fun, without being too offensive?
If it checked any, my post was good to go.
1. Is it useful? Will it help anyone in any way?
2. Is it interesting? Will someone learn anything?
3. Is it fun, without being too offensive?
If it checked any, my post was good to go.
October 18, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Still good.
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
“Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm” — Winston Churchill, and every person who works in publishing at happy hour
October 16, 2025 at 10:05 PM
“Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm” — Winston Churchill, and every person who works in publishing at happy hour
Imagine the abject frustration of pasting a picture into a Word document with the help of AI 😅
This is the future of Windows. Microsoft wants to rewrite Windows to turn computers into AI PCs that you talk to. It's now bringing AI features to all Windows 11 PCs today, in a bid to convince you to talk to your PC and let AI control it. Full details 👇 www.theverge.com/news/799768/...
Microsoft wants you to talk to your PC and let AI control it
Copilot Voice and Vision are now rolling out.
www.theverge.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Imagine the abject frustration of pasting a picture into a Word document with the help of AI 😅
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Hi I'm Amanda, I am a children's book illustrator on the lookout for more picture book projects. I thrive in narrative-based illustrations where I can play with texture and color.
💼www.amandamorrowart.com
🖍Rep'd by The Bright Agency
#portfolioday #kidlitart #childrensbooks
💼www.amandamorrowart.com
🖍Rep'd by The Bright Agency
#portfolioday #kidlitart #childrensbooks
October 14, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Hi I'm Amanda, I am a children's book illustrator on the lookout for more picture book projects. I thrive in narrative-based illustrations where I can play with texture and color.
💼www.amandamorrowart.com
🖍Rep'd by The Bright Agency
#portfolioday #kidlitart #childrensbooks
💼www.amandamorrowart.com
🖍Rep'd by The Bright Agency
#portfolioday #kidlitart #childrensbooks
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Popping into #portfolioday on behalf of art directors to say thank you for sharing your work. It makes our job easier. We appreciate you.
💙❤️
Also, FWIW, I made a starter pack of hiring art-, creative-, design-directors who actively use Bluesky.
go.bsky.app/Hxoz9KX
💙❤️
Also, FWIW, I made a starter pack of hiring art-, creative-, design-directors who actively use Bluesky.
go.bsky.app/Hxoz9KX
October 14, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Popping into #portfolioday on behalf of art directors to say thank you for sharing your work. It makes our job easier. We appreciate you.
💙❤️
Also, FWIW, I made a starter pack of hiring art-, creative-, design-directors who actively use Bluesky.
go.bsky.app/Hxoz9KX
💙❤️
Also, FWIW, I made a starter pack of hiring art-, creative-, design-directors who actively use Bluesky.
go.bsky.app/Hxoz9KX
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Get cozy and read a book you love this weekend! You've earned it! And even if you haven't, you have.
a drawing of a woman sitting in a window seat with a skull on the ceiling
ALT: a drawing of a woman sitting in a window seat with a skull on the ceiling
media.tenor.com
October 10, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Get cozy and read a book you love this weekend! You've earned it! And even if you haven't, you have.
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
FYI for illustrators about yet, another scam. #kidlit
An illustrator alerted me to the attached email. Someone is impersonating me! Offering #kidlit illustrators fake deals!
This is not me! The deal-structure/schedule is insane. The deadline is quite friendly?! 10 picture books in 3 years?!
Please let me know if you receive an email like this!
This is not me! The deal-structure/schedule is insane. The deadline is quite friendly?! 10 picture books in 3 years?!
Please let me know if you receive an email like this!
October 10, 2025 at 4:33 PM
FYI for illustrators about yet, another scam. #kidlit
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
working on an immortality spell just to get through my to-be-read pile
October 9, 2025 at 3:30 AM
working on an immortality spell just to get through my to-be-read pile
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
At the Voyager’s Workshop, I specialize in handcrafted custom maps and fantasy storytelling art. To find out more about what services I offer and how I go about helping you tell meaningful stories, visit me at thevoyagersworkshop.com !
#ttrpg #mapmaking #handmade #cartography #fantasyart #noai
#ttrpg #mapmaking #handmade #cartography #fantasyart #noai
October 5, 2025 at 5:25 PM
At the Voyager’s Workshop, I specialize in handcrafted custom maps and fantasy storytelling art. To find out more about what services I offer and how I go about helping you tell meaningful stories, visit me at thevoyagersworkshop.com !
#ttrpg #mapmaking #handmade #cartography #fantasyart #noai
#ttrpg #mapmaking #handmade #cartography #fantasyart #noai
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
New video! I talk about my process of writing my novels, check it out! youtu.be/NrK-wktDv5A?...
My Writing Process for Comics and Prose
YouTube video by Ethan M. Aldridge
youtu.be
October 5, 2025 at 4:03 PM
New video! I talk about my process of writing my novels, check it out! youtu.be/NrK-wktDv5A?...
Fascinating ✨
A 2024 study found that ants best humans at tests of collective intelligence.
Learn more on #WorldAnimalDay: https://scim.ag/42nMvQJ
Learn more on #WorldAnimalDay: https://scim.ag/42nMvQJ
October 4, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Fascinating ✨
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
"AI features are crowding into Google search, Gmail, iPhones, Windows laptops, and other products. If you're suffering from AI overload, these settings can help."
October 4, 2025 at 10:41 AM
"AI features are crowding into Google search, Gmail, iPhones, Windows laptops, and other products. If you're suffering from AI overload, these settings can help."
Hey #kidlitartpostcard!
🍁I’m interested in picture books, early reader books
🍁I’m repped by Lynnette Novak at @seymouragency.bsky.social
🍁View more of my work here www.gortmanillustration.com
🍁I’m interested in picture books, early reader books
🍁I’m repped by Lynnette Novak at @seymouragency.bsky.social
🍁View more of my work here www.gortmanillustration.com
October 3, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Hey #kidlitartpostcard!
🍁I’m interested in picture books, early reader books
🍁I’m repped by Lynnette Novak at @seymouragency.bsky.social
🍁View more of my work here www.gortmanillustration.com
🍁I’m interested in picture books, early reader books
🍁I’m repped by Lynnette Novak at @seymouragency.bsky.social
🍁View more of my work here www.gortmanillustration.com
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Unapologetically read what gives you joy and strength and ignites a fire inside. Arm yourself with facts, with stories, with possibilities. There are those who don’t want you to know all you can be. Who want to imprison you with woe. They want you small. Devour words and build to dizzying heights.
September 27, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Unapologetically read what gives you joy and strength and ignites a fire inside. Arm yourself with facts, with stories, with possibilities. There are those who don’t want you to know all you can be. Who want to imprison you with woe. They want you small. Devour words and build to dizzying heights.
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Good thread on how publishing payments are structured. Brace yourself.
on publication payment 🙌 going to treat myself to paying some bills
September 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Good thread on how publishing payments are structured. Brace yourself.
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
If you're not reading picture books, you're doing it wrong.
September 25, 2025 at 7:46 PM
If you're not reading picture books, you're doing it wrong.
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Super exciting news from Cincinnati Children's about a new approach to treat allergic diseases, including #foodallergies, by reshaping the immune system with mRNA.
snacksafely.com/2025/09/nano...
snacksafely.com/2025/09/nano...
Nanoparticle Based Vaccines to Treat, Prevent Severe Allergic Reactions
Novel approach could apply to multiple types of allergy, including food allergies
snacksafely.com
September 23, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Super exciting news from Cincinnati Children's about a new approach to treat allergic diseases, including #foodallergies, by reshaping the immune system with mRNA.
snacksafely.com/2025/09/nano...
snacksafely.com/2025/09/nano...
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Today is #HobbitDay because both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins were born on September 22nd. Normally we'd shire a hobbit pun or two but it might just feel like a tolkien gesture and we don't want to embarrass our elves. Anyway come and boromir #Tolkien books.
September 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Today is #HobbitDay because both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins were born on September 22nd. Normally we'd shire a hobbit pun or two but it might just feel like a tolkien gesture and we don't want to embarrass our elves. Anyway come and boromir #Tolkien books.