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!
❄️If you have a story for me, I'd love to work with you!
❄️I’m repped by Lynnette Novak at @seymouragency.bsky.social
View more of my work here www.gortmanillustration.com
Happy holidays!
❄️If you have a story for me, I'd love to work with you!
❄️I’m repped by Lynnette Novak at @seymouragency.bsky.social
View more of my work here www.gortmanillustration.com
Happy holidays!
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Merry December! It’s the last #kidlitartpostcard of the year, so I thought I’d send the year out in style with this posh little caroling quartet. I’m on the lookout for new projects in both PB and MG. Portfolio kirstenmcgonigal.com
rep’d by: @beccalangton.bsky.social of @da-childrens.bsky.social
rep’d by: @beccalangton.bsky.social of @da-childrens.bsky.social
December 4, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Merry December! It’s the last #kidlitartpostcard of the year, so I thought I’d send the year out in style with this posh little caroling quartet. I’m on the lookout for new projects in both PB and MG. Portfolio kirstenmcgonigal.com
rep’d by: @beccalangton.bsky.social of @da-childrens.bsky.social
rep’d by: @beccalangton.bsky.social of @da-childrens.bsky.social
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Hi #kidlitartpostcard I’m Amanda, I have a love illustrating adorable children and stylized animals, I pour heart and imagination to story-driven illustrations and thrive when I can play with color and texture in my work.
#illustration #childrensbook
#illustration #childrensbook
December 4, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Hi #kidlitartpostcard I’m Amanda, I have a love illustrating adorable children and stylized animals, I pour heart and imagination to story-driven illustrations and thrive when I can play with color and texture in my work.
#illustration #childrensbook
#illustration #childrensbook
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Last #KidLitArtPostcard of the year! 🎄
Hello Art Directors, I’m DeAndra and I’m looking for work in picture books, chapter books, YA covers and general illustration projects!
Find more of my work at www.deandrahodge.com
Rep’d by Christy Tugeau Ewers at The CAT Agency, Inc.
Hello Art Directors, I’m DeAndra and I’m looking for work in picture books, chapter books, YA covers and general illustration projects!
Find more of my work at www.deandrahodge.com
Rep’d by Christy Tugeau Ewers at The CAT Agency, Inc.
December 4, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Last #KidLitArtPostcard of the year! 🎄
Hello Art Directors, I’m DeAndra and I’m looking for work in picture books, chapter books, YA covers and general illustration projects!
Find more of my work at www.deandrahodge.com
Rep’d by Christy Tugeau Ewers at The CAT Agency, Inc.
Hello Art Directors, I’m DeAndra and I’m looking for work in picture books, chapter books, YA covers and general illustration projects!
Find more of my work at www.deandrahodge.com
Rep’d by Christy Tugeau Ewers at The CAT Agency, Inc.
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
THIS.
gentle reminder that just because something you made didn't make a "best of" "year end" list doesn't mean you didn't make anything important in 2025
December 4, 2025 at 7:17 PM
THIS.
Hello #kidlitartpostcard!
❄️If you have a story for me, I'd love to work with you!
❄️I’m repped by Lynnette Novak at @seymouragency.bsky.social
View more of my work here www.gortmanillustration.com
Happy holidays!
❄️If you have a story for me, I'd love to work with you!
❄️I’m repped by Lynnette Novak at @seymouragency.bsky.social
View more of my work here www.gortmanillustration.com
Happy holidays!
December 4, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Hello #kidlitartpostcard!
❄️If you have a story for me, I'd love to work with you!
❄️I’m repped by Lynnette Novak at @seymouragency.bsky.social
View more of my work here www.gortmanillustration.com
Happy holidays!
❄️If you have a story for me, I'd love to work with you!
❄️I’m repped by Lynnette Novak at @seymouragency.bsky.social
View more of my work here www.gortmanillustration.com
Happy holidays!
Yay! 🎉
PRH Announces ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Publishing Program
PRH Announces ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Publishing Program
In partnership with Netflix, Penguin Random House has announced a multi-book program based on the hit family film in a range of formats, including activity books and manhwa, to be published across…
buff.ly
December 4, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Yay! 🎉
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
Your friendly neighborhood reminder:
Shop small, shop local and family-owned, support human artists and creators. 🤍
Shop small, shop local and family-owned, support human artists and creators. 🤍
November 28, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Your friendly neighborhood reminder:
Shop small, shop local and family-owned, support human artists and creators. 🤍
Shop small, shop local and family-owned, support human artists and creators. 🤍
Reposted by Polina Gortman 🎨 | Illustrator
We invited you to share acts of kindness. The topics include new shoes, a basket of berries that aren't very tasty and an unexpected twist for someone treating the person behind them in line. n.pr/4iqqWWw
Our readers' tales of kindness will surprise you, warm your heart and make you smile
We invited you to share acts of kindness. The topics include new shoes, a basket of berries that aren't very tasty and an unexpected twist for someone treating the person behind them in line.
n.pr
November 26, 2025 at 2:45 PM
We invited you to share acts of kindness. The topics include new shoes, a basket of berries that aren't very tasty and an unexpected twist for someone treating the person behind them in line. n.pr/4iqqWWw
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?...