Interview with Teddy Stevens
FOUNDATION
Kyle: Teddy, let’s start at the beginning—how did you first fall in love with art?
Teddy: Like all kids, I always had a love for art! But unlike most, I never let it go. Even through all the frustration of learning new skills, I never really wanted to do anything else. It’s what brings me the most joy—and somehow, my family always encouraged that. No pushback at all. I think they could tell it wasn’t just a hobby; it was ambition. And that’s what made them believe I’d find a way to make it work.
Kyle: And what led you specifically toward illustrating children's books?
Teddy: I’ve always loved them. Even before pursuing this as a career, my shelves were packed with books from my childhood that I just couldn’t part with. But it didn’t become a serious direction until after college—I’d studied animation, and my first studio job introduced me to Alexandra Badiu, who really encouraged me to explore the kidlit world. When layoffs happened, I finally gave myself permission to go all in. I spent months building a portfolio, studying books and videos, and eventually started applying to agencies. And now, nearly a year later, I’m agented and honestly happier than I’ve ever been.
Kyle: How would you describe your style in three words?
Teddy: Warm, silly, and playful.
PROCESS
Kyle: Walk me through your creative process—how does an idea become a finished piece?
Teddy: It always starts with a spark—an idea from a book, a piece of art, even something I see while people-watching from my balcony. From there, I usually build a moodboard and do some thumbnails in my sketchbook to capture the vibe. Then I take it into Procreate and flesh out a few sketch iterations. I get impatient, so I’ll often block in color right underneath the sketch to get it feeling just right. After that, I’ll move into cleanup and polish—sometimes using a hundred-plus layers, depending on how detailed I’m getting!
Kyle: Any little rituals or habits you rely on when working?
Teddy: Oh definitely. I pace a lot when I’m thinking—which my downstairs neighbors probably hate! But once the ideas start flowing, I’ll make blueberry tea with honey, put on a podcast or art vlog, and just dive in. If I need deep focus, I’ll even lock my phone in another room and turn on my art playlist.
Kyle: And when you're sketching, do you start from life, memory, or emotion?
Teddy: Most often, from emotion. Sometimes a feeling just needs to come out and get on the page. But I’m also making space for more life drawing lately—to keep that creative muscle strong.
EMOTIONAL CORE
Kyle: Are there any emotions or themes you find yourself returning to again and again in your work?
Teddy: Always magic. Wonder. Even when a drawing is simple, I want it to have that spark—something playful, joyful, or a little enchanted. That’s the feeling I chase in all the media I consume too.
Kyle: What do you hope kids feel when they see your illustrations?
Teddy: I hope they feel what I felt looking at my favorite illustrators’ work—that warmth, that joy, and that urge to keep staring at the page just a little longer. I want them to laugh, feel cozy, and fall in love with art too.
Kyle: Is there a particular piece that feels especially personal to you?
Teddy: Yes! “The Food We Love” was a gift I made for my Mama. It was a Christmas present at first—illustrated recipes she taught me growing up—but it ended up becoming a portfolio piece. She loved it, and I love that it exists.
SYMBOLISM + STORY
Kyle: Are there recurring motifs or symbols in your work?
Teddy: Lots of food—especially fruits and veggies! Oh, and unibrows and sparkles. Always sparkles.
Kyle: Who would you say shaped your visual language most?
Teddy: My work is very shape-driven, and I trace that back to artists like Craig McCracken, Mary Blair, and Genndy Tartakovsky. Their bold shape language really lit the spark for me.
Kyle: If your illustrations had a soundtrack, what would it be?
Teddy: I’d say Once There Was a Hushpuppy from Beasts of the Southern Wild—or anything from Where the Wild Things Are (2009). Those soundtracks are pure magic and have stayed with me for years.
Kyle: What’s your approach when designing a new character?
Teddy: Character design is my favorite part! I always start by asking: who is this character? Then I play with shapes and proportions to build a unique silhouette that matches their personality. Color comes next—something that reflects both the character and the story. Once I love the design, I’ll explore expressions, poses, and turnarounds for reference.
Kyle: And when it comes to story preferences—what draws you in?
Teddy: I have a wide range. I love horror (hello Goosebumps), but also soft, quiet stories like Stellaluna or Moonlight Parade. That said, my heart always gravitates toward the magical—books like Abiyoyo, Where the Wild Things Are, and Strega Nona were everything to me growing up.
REFLECTION
Kyle: What’s something you’ve learned about making art for children?
Teddy: That diversity is essential—non-negotiable. Kids deserve to see themselves reflected in the stories and characters around them. I always tell people: your work should be as diverse as the world you live in. And above all—create with intention.
Kyle: How has your art changed over time?
Teddy: It’s shifted so many times—new interests, reversals, detours. But one big thing I’ve learned is that art doesn’t have an endpoint. There’s no finish line. My work is always evolving because I’m always evolving.
Kyle: Last question: why do you believe stories and picture books matter?
Teddy: Especially in a time when AI is rising fast, I find myself coming back to this again and again. Stories and art matter because they’re deeply human. They help us connect, relate, learn, and grow. They shape who we are—and who we can be.