Sadee Schilling
@sadeeschilling.bsky.social
artist, teacher & #kidlit illustrator 🎨 neurodivergent 📚grounded by books, fairy lights & tea 🏕 Colorado ☀️ https://www.sadeeschilling.com
Pinned
I’ve been regulating my nervous system this week and warming up for a commission with this new great-horned owl cut paper #collage. It’s likely one of the only #calmtober prompts I’ll get to, though I’m still enjoying everyone else’s illustrations! #watercolor #cutpaper #owl #calmtober25
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
i spent my entire comics career thinking i was slow as mud for taking 2-3 years to finish each book, until my french editor called me "fast" and when i asked what he meant by that he said that on average french artists are taking 5-10 years to finish a book
I wish I'd thought sooner to explain to tradpub editors that illustrating a graphic novel is not like writing a prose novel or illustrating a picture book, a 250-page GN is actually like illustrating eight picture books.
January 7, 2026 at 6:29 AM
i spent my entire comics career thinking i was slow as mud for taking 2-3 years to finish each book, until my french editor called me "fast" and when i asked what he meant by that he said that on average french artists are taking 5-10 years to finish a book
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
Happy Book Birthday to our book! Available for order wherever books are sold.
Also, pl. request for your school or public library!
Stop by @booksofwonder.bsky.social in NYC to see me & Alexandra share all things tundra in NYC on Jan 11, 11:30 am.
@zandramims.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
Also, pl. request for your school or public library!
Stop by @booksofwonder.bsky.social in NYC to see me & Alexandra share all things tundra in NYC on Jan 11, 11:30 am.
@zandramims.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
January 6, 2026 at 5:17 PM
Happy Book Birthday to our book! Available for order wherever books are sold.
Also, pl. request for your school or public library!
Stop by @booksofwonder.bsky.social in NYC to see me & Alexandra share all things tundra in NYC on Jan 11, 11:30 am.
@zandramims.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
Also, pl. request for your school or public library!
Stop by @booksofwonder.bsky.social in NYC to see me & Alexandra share all things tundra in NYC on Jan 11, 11:30 am.
@zandramims.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
This is why I wish we had a Cartoonist's Guild. Not a collective. Not a union (legally not possible). But a guild with collective bargaining (and insurance omg).
But who of us has the time to maintain one??? We are kept so damn busy bleeding our fingers dry for publishers who have NO CLUE.
But who of us has the time to maintain one??? We are kept so damn busy bleeding our fingers dry for publishers who have NO CLUE.
I wish I'd thought sooner to explain to tradpub editors that illustrating a graphic novel is not like writing a prose novel or illustrating a picture book, a 250-page GN is actually like illustrating eight picture books.
January 6, 2026 at 2:47 PM
This is why I wish we had a Cartoonist's Guild. Not a collective. Not a union (legally not possible). But a guild with collective bargaining (and insurance omg).
But who of us has the time to maintain one??? We are kept so damn busy bleeding our fingers dry for publishers who have NO CLUE.
But who of us has the time to maintain one??? We are kept so damn busy bleeding our fingers dry for publishers who have NO CLUE.
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
This. Read books. Join a choir. Invite your friends over for dinner. Paint a mural on your neighbor's garage with a bunch of kids and use it as a backdrop for the play your other neighbor wrote. Take up knitting. Give a sweater to someone asking for change. Socks too. Plant a garden. Spread beauty.
The most effective way to resist this modern brand of fascism isn't to completely immerse yourself in its propaganda. You're actually helping their message spread. Go and make art or read a book or spend time with offline people. You can't marinate in the horror and emerge unscathed.
January 4, 2026 at 3:18 PM
This. Read books. Join a choir. Invite your friends over for dinner. Paint a mural on your neighbor's garage with a bunch of kids and use it as a backdrop for the play your other neighbor wrote. Take up knitting. Give a sweater to someone asking for change. Socks too. Plant a garden. Spread beauty.
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
Activist Mollie Davis unfurled a scroll of all the school shootings in the US
In 2019.
I deliberately showed the end of the scroll in this illustration, with the hope & belief that there will be an end someday.
How much longer until we act??
Illo from No Brain the Same (June 2026 (c)me)
In 2019.
I deliberately showed the end of the scroll in this illustration, with the hope & belief that there will be an end someday.
How much longer until we act??
Illo from No Brain the Same (June 2026 (c)me)
December 15, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Activist Mollie Davis unfurled a scroll of all the school shootings in the US
In 2019.
I deliberately showed the end of the scroll in this illustration, with the hope & belief that there will be an end someday.
How much longer until we act??
Illo from No Brain the Same (June 2026 (c)me)
In 2019.
I deliberately showed the end of the scroll in this illustration, with the hope & belief that there will be an end someday.
How much longer until we act??
Illo from No Brain the Same (June 2026 (c)me)
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
“Do not deny yourself the delights of this life. Instead make a feast of all that you are given.”
December 12, 2025 at 9:21 PM
“Do not deny yourself the delights of this life. Instead make a feast of all that you are given.”
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
The best thing
is when
I feel down about my writing,
but then open
a manuscript anyway
only to fall in love
with it
all over again.
You know what I mean🫶💪
is when
I feel down about my writing,
but then open
a manuscript anyway
only to fall in love
with it
all over again.
You know what I mean🫶💪
December 12, 2025 at 5:53 PM
The best thing
is when
I feel down about my writing,
but then open
a manuscript anyway
only to fall in love
with it
all over again.
You know what I mean🫶💪
is when
I feel down about my writing,
but then open
a manuscript anyway
only to fall in love
with it
all over again.
You know what I mean🫶💪
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
Also, congratulations everyone who made something this year. A comic, a song, a film, a novel, a painting, a poem, a short story, a sculpture, crochet, embroidery, whatever it is. In this era of slop and theft, if you *make* something you are a shining jewel and I am so grateful for you.
December 11, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Also, congratulations everyone who made something this year. A comic, a song, a film, a novel, a painting, a poem, a short story, a sculpture, crochet, embroidery, whatever it is. In this era of slop and theft, if you *make* something you are a shining jewel and I am so grateful for you.
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
Zach Rabiroff, as always, pulling back the curtain behind the people who make the comics-selling market tick. SO MUCH nitty-gritty behind-the-scenes info in this interview with Books With Pictures' Katie Pryde.
New at @comicsjournal.bsky.social: A decade ago, Katie Pryde and her shop BOOKS WITH PICTURES began championing diversity in comics retail with the motto "Comics for Everyone." Now, she talks her near-miss with financial crisis, what she's learned, and what the future the holds.
Books With Pictures' Katie Pryde on her store and comics retail: 'I don’t think comics are going anywhere' - The Comics Journal
Zach Rabiroff talks with Katie Pryde of Portland’s Books With Pictures about surviving debt, navigating comics, and what it takes for a diverse retailer to survive.
www.tcj.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Zach Rabiroff, as always, pulling back the curtain behind the people who make the comics-selling market tick. SO MUCH nitty-gritty behind-the-scenes info in this interview with Books With Pictures' Katie Pryde.
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
"I don't always know the ending or the beginning or the middle. I start wherever I can and wherever I must." - Me
Daily Writing Quote:
"I always know the ending; that's where I start."
- Toni Morrison
#dailywritingquote
"I always know the ending; that's where I start."
- Toni Morrison
#dailywritingquote
December 10, 2025 at 8:49 PM
"I don't always know the ending or the beginning or the middle. I start wherever I can and wherever I must." - Me
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
Hi, #KidLitArtPostcard Day!
I'm Mayumi, #kidlit illustrator. Excited to take on new projects! Picture books, board books, and book covers are my favorite things to work on✨ #kidlitart
Rep'd by lovely @essiewhite.bsky.social
at @stormliterary.bsky.social
🌐 mayumi-sasage.com
I'm Mayumi, #kidlit illustrator. Excited to take on new projects! Picture books, board books, and book covers are my favorite things to work on✨ #kidlitart
Rep'd by lovely @essiewhite.bsky.social
at @stormliterary.bsky.social
🌐 mayumi-sasage.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Hi, #KidLitArtPostcard Day!
I'm Mayumi, #kidlit illustrator. Excited to take on new projects! Picture books, board books, and book covers are my favorite things to work on✨ #kidlitart
Rep'd by lovely @essiewhite.bsky.social
at @stormliterary.bsky.social
🌐 mayumi-sasage.com
I'm Mayumi, #kidlit illustrator. Excited to take on new projects! Picture books, board books, and book covers are my favorite things to work on✨ #kidlitart
Rep'd by lovely @essiewhite.bsky.social
at @stormliterary.bsky.social
🌐 mayumi-sasage.com
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
Happy #kidlitartpostcard Day and Season’s Greetings!
I'm Stacey & I’m always on the lookout for colourful, magical & sweet #pb projects!
Portfolio - staceybyer.com
Rep'd -
@christaheschke.bsky.social
@danieledhunter.bsky.social
@bookhive25.bsky.social
Email: stacebyer@gmail.com
I'm Stacey & I’m always on the lookout for colourful, magical & sweet #pb projects!
Portfolio - staceybyer.com
Rep'd -
@christaheschke.bsky.social
@danieledhunter.bsky.social
@bookhive25.bsky.social
Email: stacebyer@gmail.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Happy #kidlitartpostcard Day and Season’s Greetings!
I'm Stacey & I’m always on the lookout for colourful, magical & sweet #pb projects!
Portfolio - staceybyer.com
Rep'd -
@christaheschke.bsky.social
@danieledhunter.bsky.social
@bookhive25.bsky.social
Email: stacebyer@gmail.com
I'm Stacey & I’m always on the lookout for colourful, magical & sweet #pb projects!
Portfolio - staceybyer.com
Rep'd -
@christaheschke.bsky.social
@danieledhunter.bsky.social
@bookhive25.bsky.social
Email: stacebyer@gmail.com
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
It’s #kidlitartpostcard day!
Hi editors and art directors—
I’m Serineh, a children’s book author-illustrator, open to working on picture books, non-fiction, chapter books, magazines, and games.
If you’d like to create some magic together, you can reach me through my website!
www.serineheliasian.com
Hi editors and art directors—
I’m Serineh, a children’s book author-illustrator, open to working on picture books, non-fiction, chapter books, magazines, and games.
If you’d like to create some magic together, you can reach me through my website!
www.serineheliasian.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:20 PM
It’s #kidlitartpostcard day!
Hi editors and art directors—
I’m Serineh, a children’s book author-illustrator, open to working on picture books, non-fiction, chapter books, magazines, and games.
If you’d like to create some magic together, you can reach me through my website!
www.serineheliasian.com
Hi editors and art directors—
I’m Serineh, a children’s book author-illustrator, open to working on picture books, non-fiction, chapter books, magazines, and games.
If you’d like to create some magic together, you can reach me through my website!
www.serineheliasian.com
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
Happy December #kidlitartpostcard day! I love this time of year. There’s so much magic, wonder, and excitement in the air. I’m currently busy working on projects I’d love to announce soon, but in the meantime, I’d be delighted to take on a picture book about an animal character!
#kidlit#kidlitart
#kidlit#kidlitart
December 4, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Happy December #kidlitartpostcard day! I love this time of year. There’s so much magic, wonder, and excitement in the air. I’m currently busy working on projects I’d love to announce soon, but in the meantime, I’d be delighted to take on a picture book about an animal character!
#kidlit#kidlitart
#kidlit#kidlitart
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I’m Evie, and author and illustrator looking for agent representation and picture book, cover, or black and white illustration work!
#kidlit #kidlitart
#kidlit #kidlitart
December 4, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I’m Evie, and author and illustrator looking for agent representation and picture book, cover, or black and white illustration work!
#kidlit #kidlitart
#kidlit #kidlitart
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
Time again for #kidlitartpostcard! I'm Ginger, an author-illustrator based in Vancouver, Canada.
I love funny stories and warm moments that make people remember what it was really like to be kids.
gingerngo.com
Rep'd by @soyadriana.bsky.social
at ACM Kids & Illustration
I love funny stories and warm moments that make people remember what it was really like to be kids.
gingerngo.com
Rep'd by @soyadriana.bsky.social
at ACM Kids & Illustration
December 4, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Time again for #kidlitartpostcard! I'm Ginger, an author-illustrator based in Vancouver, Canada.
I love funny stories and warm moments that make people remember what it was really like to be kids.
gingerngo.com
Rep'd by @soyadriana.bsky.social
at ACM Kids & Illustration
I love funny stories and warm moments that make people remember what it was really like to be kids.
gingerngo.com
Rep'd by @soyadriana.bsky.social
at ACM Kids & Illustration
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
Good morning! It’s #kidlitartpostcard day and I’m happy to share my new work with you. I’m Sarah Holden, a picture book writer and illustrator, living in Minneapolis,MN. I’m looking for an agent, as well is picture book and chapter book projects.
December 4, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Good morning! It’s #kidlitartpostcard day and I’m happy to share my new work with you. I’m Sarah Holden, a picture book writer and illustrator, living in Minneapolis,MN. I’m looking for an agent, as well is picture book and chapter book projects.
Happy holiday festive time! For #kidlitartpostcard I drew the main characters from my tween graphic novel project in crafty “ugly sweaters.” They’re both collectors, so I imagined them laughing in a corner of the secondhand shop where she works, sifting through old buttons.
SadeeSchilling.com
SadeeSchilling.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Happy holiday festive time! For #kidlitartpostcard I drew the main characters from my tween graphic novel project in crafty “ugly sweaters.” They’re both collectors, so I imagined them laughing in a corner of the secondhand shop where she works, sifting through old buttons.
SadeeSchilling.com
SadeeSchilling.com
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
This is your December reminder that it's absolutely acceptable to try and get to a set annual book goal by cramming in as many novellas and cookbooks as you can find before Christmas swallows you up! #booksky 💙📚
December 2, 2025 at 7:16 PM
This is your December reminder that it's absolutely acceptable to try and get to a set annual book goal by cramming in as many novellas and cookbooks as you can find before Christmas swallows you up! #booksky 💙📚
I’m getting to know these characters from my tween GN project and decided to have them get crafty to decorate some “ugly sweaters” together. Of course, they had to use lots of #buttons for this month’s #SCBWIdrawthis prompt! #scbwiillustrators #kidlitart
November 30, 2025 at 11:43 PM
I’m getting to know these characters from my tween GN project and decided to have them get crafty to decorate some “ugly sweaters” together. Of course, they had to use lots of #buttons for this month’s #SCBWIdrawthis prompt! #scbwiillustrators #kidlitart
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
Adding on:
Even big advances you see people get for their comic/GN deal contracts are split between 2-4 paid installments, over the course of 2 or 3 years (unless you draw really fast).
So a $70k advance, split 3x over 3 years, is $23k/yr not including fees and taxes. It’s not a livable wage.
Even big advances you see people get for their comic/GN deal contracts are split between 2-4 paid installments, over the course of 2 or 3 years (unless you draw really fast).
So a $70k advance, split 3x over 3 years, is $23k/yr not including fees and taxes. It’s not a livable wage.
Remember: Comic creators make far less than you think. Generally page rates haven't gone up in about 40 years, and in some cases have literally gone DOWN. Plus way more comic creators have day jobs (hi)/family support/etc than you think. Nothing wrong with that! But no one is doing this to get rich.
June 3, 2023 at 6:44 PM
Adding on:
Even big advances you see people get for their comic/GN deal contracts are split between 2-4 paid installments, over the course of 2 or 3 years (unless you draw really fast).
So a $70k advance, split 3x over 3 years, is $23k/yr not including fees and taxes. It’s not a livable wage.
Even big advances you see people get for their comic/GN deal contracts are split between 2-4 paid installments, over the course of 2 or 3 years (unless you draw really fast).
So a $70k advance, split 3x over 3 years, is $23k/yr not including fees and taxes. It’s not a livable wage.
Couldn’t resist updating this favorite with an elusive white rabbit to celebrate the fluffy tail-end of fall! I have lots of ideas brewing & this time of the year is my fav time to cozy up & dream of making magical kidlit projects with an agent/AD/editor team. #kidlitartpostcard
SadeeSchilling.com
SadeeSchilling.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Couldn’t resist updating this favorite with an elusive white rabbit to celebrate the fluffy tail-end of fall! I have lots of ideas brewing & this time of the year is my fav time to cozy up & dream of making magical kidlit projects with an agent/AD/editor team. #kidlitartpostcard
SadeeSchilling.com
SadeeSchilling.com
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
My whole heart goes out to anyone who is putting *their whole heart* into making things that matter to them and trying with all their might to share those things with other people. Expressing the truth is worthy fight. The true value gain is knowledge of self.
This too is an act of resistance.
This too is an act of resistance.
October 30, 2025 at 1:08 PM
My whole heart goes out to anyone who is putting *their whole heart* into making things that matter to them and trying with all their might to share those things with other people. Expressing the truth is worthy fight. The true value gain is knowledge of self.
This too is an act of resistance.
This too is an act of resistance.
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
Anyone can become disabled.
Anyone can lose their job.
Anyone can become homeless.
Anyone can go hungry.
These are not moral failings. They can happen in an instant.
Most people are far closer to living in poverty than they realize.
We must fight for one another & for the most vulnerable.
Anyone can lose their job.
Anyone can become homeless.
Anyone can go hungry.
These are not moral failings. They can happen in an instant.
Most people are far closer to living in poverty than they realize.
We must fight for one another & for the most vulnerable.
October 25, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Anyone can become disabled.
Anyone can lose their job.
Anyone can become homeless.
Anyone can go hungry.
These are not moral failings. They can happen in an instant.
Most people are far closer to living in poverty than they realize.
We must fight for one another & for the most vulnerable.
Anyone can lose their job.
Anyone can become homeless.
Anyone can go hungry.
These are not moral failings. They can happen in an instant.
Most people are far closer to living in poverty than they realize.
We must fight for one another & for the most vulnerable.
Reposted by Sadee Schilling
It's #OCDAwarenessWeek so I'll share poet and author Jordan Scott's very kind blurb about I THINK I THINK A LOT. It's inspired by my own #OCD.
@joseebisaillon.bsky.social @freespiritbooks.bsky.social @esckeyes.bsky.social
@joseebisaillon.bsky.social @freespiritbooks.bsky.social @esckeyes.bsky.social
October 15, 2025 at 3:01 PM
It's #OCDAwarenessWeek so I'll share poet and author Jordan Scott's very kind blurb about I THINK I THINK A LOT. It's inspired by my own #OCD.
@joseebisaillon.bsky.social @freespiritbooks.bsky.social @esckeyes.bsky.social
@joseebisaillon.bsky.social @freespiritbooks.bsky.social @esckeyes.bsky.social