Design Matters with Debbie Millman: Best of Design Matters – Carson Ellis

Release Date: May 19, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Design Matters with Debbie Millman, Carson Ellis, renowned illustrator and picture book author, shares her artistic journey, creative processes, and the profound inspirations behind her work. The conversation delves deep into Carson's childhood, educational experiences, early career struggles, collaborations with her husband Colin Malloy, and her evolution into a celebrated author-illustrator.

Early Life and Influences

Carson Ellis recounts her unconventional upbringing in Vancouver, British Columbia, living in her parents' decorated bakery van before moving to New York and eventually settling in Mount Kisco, Westchester. Living in a former Vanderbilt carriage house, Carson describes her "wild childhood" spent exploring acres of woods and pastures. This environment fostered her love for drawing and storytelling from a young age.

"I did a lot of drawing and a lot of exploring in the woods and stuff," Carson shares (08:13), highlighting how nature and solitude were integral to her creative development.

Educational Journey and Artistic Development

Despite her passion for illustration, Carson attended the University of Montana, where she majored in fine art due to the absence of an illustration program. She reflects on the challenges of transitioning from painting to illustration without formal training in the latter. Her time in college also included formative friendships and collaborations, notably with Colin Malloy, who would later become her husband and artistic partner.

"I studied fine art, and I got a painting degree, and had no idea how to be an illustrator," she admits (20:08), emphasizing the steep learning curve she faced in her early career.

Early Career and Collaborations

After college, Carson moved through various cities, balancing jobs as a bartender and cocktail waitress with her burgeoning art practice. Her move to Portland marked a significant turning point, providing her with a supportive creative community. Collaborations with Colin Malloy, especially for his band The Decemberists, allowed her to hone her illustration skills through projects like designing posters and album covers.

*"In Portland, people were like, 'I'm having an art show. Be in my art show,'" * Carson notes (25:23), illustrating the welcoming artistic environment she found there.

Breaking into Children's Book Illustration

Carson’s career in children's book illustration began earnestly after meeting Steve Malk, her literary agent. His guidance was pivotal in securing book deals and navigating the publishing landscape. She discusses her early works, including illustrations for Trenton Lee Stewart's The Mysterious Benedict Society and collaborations with Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket).

"I'm not the best at narrative storytelling, but I excel at combining text and imagery in novel ways," Carson explains (33:28), underscoring her unique approach to storytelling through illustrations.

Transition to Author-Illustrator: "Home" and "Do Is Talk"

Driven by a desire to create her own narratives, Carson ventured into authoring illustrated books. Her first book, Home (2015), is a poetic exploration of various homes around the world, blending her love for environments and interactive storytelling. She emphasizes the importance of visual details and "Easter eggs" that engage readers and stimulate their imaginations.

"If you can make a book that's engaging for kids, one of them is just to fill it with details so they can be pointing things out and wondering about them," she states (46:02), highlighting her intent to create immersive and interactive experiences for young readers.

Her subsequent work, Do Is Talk (2016), showcases her inventive use of language. Inspired by the claymation show Pingu, Carson created an entirely new language for the book, allowing the story to be told through visuals and context rather than traditional narrative dialogue.

"I wanted to make sure that it worked, whether or not you knew what they were saying," Carson reflects (47:34), illustrating her commitment to visual storytelling.

"One Week in January: New Paintings for an Old Diary"

Carson's latest work, One Week in January: New Paintings for an Old Diary, marks her first foray into adult literature. The book transforms a meticulously kept journal from 2001, detailing the week she moved to Portland, into a visually rich narrative. Through her detailed paintings, Carson conveys the emotional undercurrents of that pivotal week without relying heavily on text.

"There is something moving about being taken back to that period and also to that period in my own life," she shares (62:11), emphasizing the book's personal and historical significance.

Carson discusses the challenges of integrating text and illustration to convey complex emotions subtly. The book serves as a time capsule, capturing the transition into a digital age and the personal transformations that accompanied it.

"I do think of it as a pretty stoic account of that week. But there is something to that," she explains (56:01), highlighting the nuanced emotional layers present in the work.

Creative Process and Artistic Philosophy

Throughout the interview, Carson emphasizes her preference for visual storytelling over traditional narrative forms. She enjoys creating worlds where the illustrations carry the weight of the story, allowing readers to interpret emotions and narratives through imagery.

"My favorite books are books where we're not hearing from a narrative voice what the characters are going through. We're witnessing it," Carson states (58:09), reflecting her dedication to showing rather than telling.

Conclusion

Carson Ellis's journey from a young illustrator to an accomplished author-illustrator is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering passion for art. Her ability to blend detailed illustrations with innovative storytelling continues to inspire aspiring artists and readers alike. This episode of Design Matters offers an intimate glimpse into Carson's creative mind, showcasing the intricate balance between memory, emotion, and visual art that defines her work.

Notable Quotes

• "I think being able to start fresh... Montana is so beautiful... it just felt good on all fronts." (18:47)

• "If you can make a book that's engaging for kids, one of them is just to fill it with details so they can be pointing things out and wondering about them." (46:02)

• "I think the biggest part was just being able to start somewhere new where I didn't know anyone and where nobody knew me." (18:47)

• "I was moved when I read it. I think it's such a time capsule both of my life and the shift into a digital age." (59:58)

Final Thoughts

For those interested in exploring the intersection of illustration, storytelling, and personal narrative, Carson Ellis's work offers a compelling blend of artistry and emotion. Her dedication to creating immersive, detail-rich books makes her a standout figure in the world of children's literature and beyond.

For more information about Carson Ellis and her work, visit carsonellis.com.