The Rocketeer
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Reviving the Pulps: From Sketch to Story
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Reviving the Pulps: From Sketch to Story

Episode 2: My Journey as a Pulp Illustrator — and Why You Should Keep Creating
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This is the Rocketeer coming at you with Podcast #69. In Episode 2 of Reviving the Pulps: From Sketch to Story, I invite you into my studio for a behind-the-scenes look at how new pulp art is made—from inspiration to finished illustration.

I break down the traditional and hybrid techniques I use to capture the high-drama pulp style: everything from tool choices like ink, paint, and markers, to layout and reference materials. You’ll hear how I reverse-engineer the visual logic of 1930s and 1940s covers and adapt it to modern indie publishing, while staying true to the original spirit.

But this episode isn’t just about art supplies and technique. It’s also about the creative journey—mine and yours. I talk honestly about what it means to keep going in a time when social media rewards the algorithm over authenticity. If you’ve ever felt like your work doesn’t measure up, or wondered whether to keep creating in a world full of polished images, this episode is for you.

An excellent example of pulp cover art by Tom Lovell from November, 1934. Notice the blocky handling of the colors on the face.
One of my many pulp copies (right) as I tried to reverse engineer design, color palettes, and the way a pulp cover painting was approached. The cover on the left is by Earle Bergey.

Developmental drawing (left) to finished pen and ink illustration (right) for my book, “Incorruptible.” Artwork copyright, Sara Light-Waller, 2025. All rights reserved.
Book cover development for “Incorruptible” with final design on the far right. Copyright Sara Light-Waller, 2025. All rights reserved.

“Anchor: A Strangle Tale of Time” second edition cover from sketch (left) to finished cover (right). The final piece was created using alcohol markers and colored pencils. Copyright Sara Light-Waller, 2025. All rights reserved.

The illustration for “Mrs. Bellweather Inquired of Lucy” mentioned in this podcast. Copyright Sara Light-Waller, 2025. All rights reserved.

See you next week when I’ll talk about the nuts and bolts of writing pulp stories, including finding the right mood and inspiration.

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