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Episode 5




Step by Step
with Leon Edler
In this episode, I chat with illustrator and cartoonist, Leon Edler. Leon’s bright and cleverly simple hand drawn illustrations are a delight to look at. It’s no wonder he’s worked with a host of impressive clients such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, CNN, Warby Parker, The Guardian, Vanity Fair, and more.

Leon is really funny, insightful and generous with his story. We discuss how a creative career is a process, and you just have to take it step by step. How we were both pretty miserable at the beginning of our careers because we based our self-worth on getting commissions, and how we both wish we had relaxed and enjoyed the process more.

Leon also gives some excellent advice on what to do if you’re feeling like your career is taking a while to get started and you’re not sure what to do in the mean time.

Leon is also a co-founder of Room Fifty, the amazing art print site that curates artwork from today’s top illustrators. Some of my favorite artists have work on there, so if you’re in the market for beautiful artwork to hang in your home or gift to a friend, definitely check out roomfifty.com.

In this episode I reference a blog post that Leon wrote in response to emails he receives from illustrators who are starting out and seeking advice for their career. I really loved what Leon wrote and I wish I had read this when I was beginning my career and feeling like everyone else was getting jobs and I felt totally alone and full of self doubt, wondering if it was ever going to happen for me. You can find the post on Leon’s website here.

You can find out more about Leon by checking him out on instagram here or on his website here.

Resources mentioned:
The Friendly Unknown by Allison Filice, copyright 2021