The Making of Winnie-the-Pooh: The Graphic Novel with Joe Sutphin
Episode #325
Joe Sutphin is back on the podcast, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of Winnie-the-Pooh: The Graphic Novel, coming this October! Join Jake Parker and Anthony Wheeler to see what it takes to bring a classic story to the next generation of readers.
SHOW LINKS
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JOE SUTPHIN: joesutphin.com, @joesutphin
PREORDER Winnie-the-Pooh: The Graphic Novel
Watership Down
All Books
Risking It All for Art with Joe Sutphin
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Longform comics change you. Your characters will evolve over the course of the project, and that’s ok.
In comics, clarity and economy beat cool.
Learn to bring the joy of your sketchbooks into your finished art.
Don’t let your fear prevent you from starting and developing new skills.
Do the hard thing, take risks, and experience character-building growth.
SUMMARY
Adapting one of the most beloved children’s stories for a graphic novel is both an honor and an overwhelming feat. How do you stay true to the original that generations know and love while honoring your own voice? This is a balance Joe Sutphin has struck with incredible skill.
Joe, an award-winning illustrator and cartoonist, has illustrated such classics as A Christmas Carol, Little Pilgrim’s Progress, Watership Down, and most recently, Winnie-the-Pooh: The Graphic Novel. With the impending release of Winnie-the-Pooh (October 13, 2026), Joe took us behind the curtain, sharing sketchbooks, revealing the technicalities of layouts, and explaining how he and Kevan Chandler developed the story for this new format.
Long and intense projects such as this change you, both as a person and as an artist. Joe talks about watching his art style develop over the course of the project as he switched his mindset from “illustrator” to “cartoonist,” adopting a more economical approach. From studying the original illustrations to designing maquettes and finding his own version of Pooh, Joe reveals all the secrets of his latest masterpiece. His parting encouragement? Take on the daunting projects and experience the growth that refines your artistry and builds your character.
Preorder Winnie-the-Pooh: The Graphic Novel HERE.