People I Think Are Cool

It's a Lizzie Special! This episode I sit down with my Cuddles and Rage co-creator Jimmy Reed to share the soundtracks we listened to while writing Bites of Terror, our new graphic novel with Quirk Books. It was hard narrowing our list down to just five movies each. Although we wanted to have Romero, Carpenter, and John Harrison in every slot, we also wanted to bring some new, strange sounds to your ears for writing inspiration. Check out our show notes for Bites of Terror playlists on YouTube & Spotify and more fun links behind our horror graphic novel.  SHOW NOTES:  Spotify Playlist YouTube Playlist Buy the Book Bites of Terror Behind the Scenes Peter Cushing's Miniatures

Michelle Gish is the creator of We Are Here Forever, a webcomic about an adorable apocalypse where purple creatures explore the world we left behind. Quirk Books recently released a We Are Here Forever graphic novel with all new stories. In this episode, we chat Small Press Expo, indie comics landing book deals, and hints to how Michelle's sweet saga will end. You can follow Michelle on Twitter (@MichelleGish) and Instagram (@michellegish).    Story Notes:  Buy We Are Here Forever We Are Here Forever Website Michelle's Portfolio We Are here Forever Gifs Patreon Small Press Expo MoCCA Fest      

David Plunkert is an illustrator, poster artist, graphic designer, and co-founder of Spur Design in Baltimore. He's created tons of iconic images for over 500 companies, including The New Yorker and Criterion. In this episode, Dave and I discuss the evolution of graphic design plus where it is going, working with Criterion, and advice for new artists. You can follow Dave on Twitter (@plunkert) & Instagram (@davidplunkert).    Show Notes:  Website Spur Design Patton Oswalt Posters Criterion work Criterion  

Meredith Borders is the managing editor for Fangoria magazine and a freelance film critic. I first met Meredith at Fantastic Fest a few years ago. As an avid reader of Fangoria, her articles always speak to me. In this episode we explore why she loves managing creatives, hot editing & writing tips, the craft beer industry, and best reads for artists (full book list in show notes). You can follow Meredith on Twitter @xymarla.   Show Notes:  Fangoria Twitter (@xymarla) Instagram (@xymarla) City Acre Brewing Fantastic Fest Slash Film Bloody Disgusting BOOK Recommendations The Artist Way Horror Movie a Day Indistractable

Faye Guerra is the host of the genre film group Psycho Cinema. The club may take place at the Alamo Drafthouse Winchester, but don't let that deter you from joining the fun genre talk on the Psycho Cinema Facebook group and Instagram (@psychocinema540). In this episode, Faye and I talk exploitation films, the fine line between offensive vs fascinating, and hanging out with Shudder's Joe Bob Briggs.   Show notes:  Website Instagram Twitter Facebook About Faye Film School Rejects piece on Psycho Cinema Alamo Drafthouse Winchester  

Leonard and Jessie Maltin are the father/daughter duo behind the Maltin on Movies podcast. The Maltin movie empire started over fifty years ago when Leonard wrote his first article at fifteen and has grown into a family business. In this episode, we chat growing up Maltin, movies that could scar your children for life, film curation, and selling books in a world where bookstores are fading. You can follow Jessie (@jessiemaltin) and Leonard (@leonardmaltin) on Twitter.   Show Notes:  Maltin on Movies MaltinFest Website Leonard and Jessie on Magnificent Obsession podcast  Leonard's books (must owns for all movie lovers!) Maltin Merch    

April Wolfe is the host of Switchblade Sisters, a podcast featuring female creators examining their favorite genre flicks, and the co-writer of the new Black Christmas in theaters Dec. 13. In this episode, we talk about reimaging Black Christmas, women in film, and the logistics behind every episode of Switchblade Sisters. You can follow April on Twitter (@Awolfeful).    Show Notes:  Switchblade Sisters Podcast Black Christmas (2019)

  Emily S. Whitten is back with her new graphic novel The Underfoot: The Mighty Deep. You might remember Emily from episode 80 where we chatted about writing for the popular site ComicMix. The Underfoot is a magical book full of science, friendship, and hamsters. In this episode, Emily and I cover her writing process, hamster expertise, and upcoming plans for the series.    Show Notes:  Buy the book! Instagram (@theforesthouse) Twitter (@theemilyesse) YouTube  

  Andrea Tsurumi is back with her new picture book Crab Cake! The last time we had Andrea on the show (episode 124), this book was top secret. Now that the book is out, we can officially talk about Andrea's masterful skills at using her humor and illustrations to bring awareness to some serious and urgent environmental issues. This isn't your average book about the ocean or your average talk about picture books! Follow Andrea on Twitter (@AndreaTsurumi) & Instagram(@atsurumi).   Show Notes Crab Cake Website Twitter Instagram Books  

Eric Vespe is an entertainment writer based in Austin, TX. He started writing professionally at sixteen for Ain't It Cool News under the name "Quint." Since then, he's gone on to write for other major online publications, including Rooster Teeth, SlashFilm, Collider, and more. In this interview we talk about how film criticism has changed over the past two decades, interviewing George Carlin, and the best way to jumpstart your way into a creative career. You can follow Eric on Twitter (@EricVespe) and Instagram (@ericvespe).     

Gina DeDomenico Flanagan is an award-winning costume concept artist. She's worked on tons of blockbuster films, including Django Unchained, Malcom X, and The Hateful Eight. In this episode, we talk about working with Quentin Tarantino, new technology, and being female in a male dominated industry. You can follow Gina on Instagram @illustratedbygina.   SHOW NOTES IMDB Link LinkedIn UCLA Profile Instagram Costume Designers Guild HOW Design Live

Frenemy is a freelance illustrator and graffiti/street artist from Austin, Texas currently based in Kuala Lumpur. In this episode, we talk about how different countries view street art, connecting with other artists, and his journey into becoming a self-taught, full-time artist. You can follow Frenemy on Instagram (@frenemylife) and Twitter (@frenemylife).   Show notes:  Website Society6 profile Store Converse Sneaker Design

  Cat Rabbit is a textile artist and designer based in Melbourne. In this episode, we talk about her stop motion collaborations with artist Isobel Knowles, leaning into what you love, and how research can actually hinder your creative process at times. You can follow Cat on Instagram and Twitter (@cat_rabbit).   Show Notes:  Website Soft Stories Shop Instagram Twitter Cat's Awesome Newsletter (it is seriously amazing)  

Sunna Wehrmeijer is an Emmy-nominated composer based in Los Angeles. Her music credits include Prometheus, Nightcrawler, The Hunger Games and most recently Netflix's She-Ra and the Princess of Power. In this episode, Sunna talks about creating She-Ra's transformation theme, mixing synths with live instruments, and working with some of the best composers in the world.  You can follow Sunna on Twitter @sunnamusic.  Photo credit: Timmy Vatterott Show Notes:  Website Twitter She-Ra James Newton Howard  

  Lindsey Phillips is a documentarian based in New York. I first came across her work this past year at Fantastic Fest and fell in love with her short documentary My Name is Marc. Her 13-minute documentary profiles the legendary owner of Cleveland's Norton Furniture and his wacky and often infamous commercials. In this episode, Lindsey and I chat about the history behind Marc's commercials, covering controversy, and her upcoming projects. She is a talent to watch! You can follow Lindsey on Facebook.  **ADD IN MARC INTRO!   Show Notes:  Website (Hayward Films) Facebook Vimeo Fantastic Fest My Name is Marc  

Jessica Leski is the director of I Used to Be Normal, a documentary following four women who are obsessed with their boyband of choice. I Used to Be Normal was my number one film at Fantastic Fest. Leski and her producer Rita Walsh take you deep into the world of boyband fandom, and they don't stop there! This documentary is full of surprises that will make you reflect on your own passions afterwards. In this interview, Jessica and I talk about the inspiration for the film, deleted scenes, and documenting the featured girls for over five years. You can follow Jessica on Twitter. You can also follow I Used to Be Normal the documentary on Twitter (@boybandfangirl_), Facebook, and Instagram (@boybandfangirl).  Show Notes:  I Used to Be Normal Website Jessica's website Trailer Fantastic Fest Kickstarter Bay City Rollers

Anna Hrachovec is the creator of Mochimochiland, a miniature knitted world full of cuteness. Not only does Anna knit beautiful miniatures, she also brings them to life through animated gifts. Anna's innovation with the craft has led to some major collaborations, including Nickelodeon and Penguin Random House. In this episode, we chat about storytelling with gifs, simple stop motion techniques, and her new Vogue Knitting Live project. Follow Anna on Twitter (@mochimochiland), Facebook, and Instagram (@mochimochiworld).    Show Notes:  Website Shop Tutorials Sesame Street segment Nickelodeon Bumpers Gnome Gif Books Vogue Knitting Live Pop Mom Podcast  

Michelle Romo is the creative genius behind Crowded Teeth. She's collaborated with a wide variety of artists and companies, including The Flaming Lips, Disney, Abrams Kids, and Sanrio. Michelle also has a successful product line at Crate and Barrel through Land of Nod. In this episode, we chat about getting into licensing, her upcoming gallery show, and learning how to tell stories for kids. You can follow Michelle on Instagram (@monstromo). crowdedteeth.com   Website Instagram Facebook Crate and Barrel Shop Frankie's Magical Day Gallery Nucleus Show  

In this Lizzie Special, I talk about dealing with being a workaholic. It's something I've been address since the start of 2018. I'm finally at a spot where I feel like I've grown enough to share my story. I'd love to hear your take on workaholics—being one, living with one or all of the above! Send me a note on Twitter @cuddlesandrage. 

Josie Rhodes is the co-owner of the Red Canoe Cafe & Children's Bookstore located in Baltimore. Josie has a sharp eye for art and storytelling. When you browse her highly curated offering of children's literature at Red Canoe, you can feel her passion for books leap off the shelf. In this episode, we talk about wild, sexist kid books from the fifties, what draws her to specific books, and her take on the future of brick and mortar bookstores. If you're ever in Baltimore, the Red Canoe is a must stop for book and coffee lovers of all ages. You can follow the latest happenings at Red Canoe's Instagram @redcanoe4337 and Facebook page.    Show Notes: Red Canoe Website Brain Pickings Bees: A Honeyed Story The Crows Pearblossom Harriett Gets Carried Away The Rabbit Listened Cry, Heart, But Never Break Orphan Island Magical Do Nothing Day The House That Once Was Godine Publishing Flying Eye Books Omnibus Publishing