SCBWI? Worth Joining?

Rowan Ferguson · 26 Sept 2015, 12:28

I joined about 18 months ago. I thought I'd push my art but since have decided maybe I'll stick to drawing just for fun (for 'me' not a client) for now. I recently renewed my membership incase I change my mind again but I'm not sure my situation warrants it. The news mailouts seem to be quite writer focussed too. I attended an "anyone welcome" cafe meeting intro before I joined and I think I was about the only bloke. Being honest I probably felt a bit out of place because of that. Having said that, I think if I really wanted to get into the industry as a paid artist it would certainly be worth joining. I'm claiming my membership as a tax deduction against my freelance web business too.

Kasey Snow · 26 Sept 2015, 17:28

I was also thinking of joining. The attend-a-meeting-before-paying thing sounds like a good idea. Most of the meet ups in my area seem to be very writer-focused, but maybe if I reach out to contact someone they can tell me where all of the illustrators are hiding.

Naroth Kean · 27 Sept 2015, 04:01

This is informative, thanks. Maybe I should give it a try.

Ben J Hutchison · 27 Sept 2015, 13:41

I would also check to see if there are any informal groups in the city where you live. Here in Cincinnati we have a collaborative illustrators blog that we can all add to. They have weekly lunch meetings to get to know local illustrators. I haven't gotten to go yet, but there are other options for meeting other illustrators in your area. But I still think I'd like to go to one of the SCWBI summer or winter conferences.

Steve Young · 28 Sept 2015, 20:03

This course is worth every penny no matter what skill level you are. because the courses go through a step to step process. The tutorials range from beginner to advanced. There is plenty to keep the novice busy. I hope you join, as this course is really good.

Lauren M. · 30 Sept 2015, 17:22

@Rich-Green said:

I have been more than thrilled what what I have gotten out of it - but I also dove in and put myself out there to take in everything I could as well.

I super agree with Rich. I heard about SCBWI 2 years ago, pursued other art projects during that time, then this past summer decided to pay for membership. Since July it's been a great experience but like @rich-green, you gotta put yourself out there and participate.

I recently attended the SCBWI LA Illustrator's Day on Sept 26 and left super inspired and met new friends. Plus, I won 30 minute critiques with senior designers from Random House and Scholastic. Totally unexpected! But it never would have happened if I hadn't stay up till 1am the night before printing and binding my portfolio. Talking to the designers also gave me outside feedback that helped me decide where to go next.

Check to see if there are upcoming smaller workshops or 1 day events since non-members are welcome. I hear the 4 day summer conference is intense and amazing! I plan on going next year.

I think the main point is to participate in some type of group/community that inspires you to keep forging ahead.

Rich Green · 30 Sept 2015, 17:53

@Lauren-M. Congrats on winning that critique that sounds like a fantastic opportunity!

smceccarelli · 11 Jun 2016, 07:05

Old discussion here - just wanted to mention that I have just joined SCWBI, although the Swiss chapter seems very small...But, the advantages of size: I got a personal welcome note from both the chapter coordinator and the illustrator coordinator, which I sort of found really nice and unexpected! Maybe it is because the chapter is really small, but it does indicate a certain level of engagement nonetheless!

Dulcie · 11 Jun 2016, 19:12

@smceccarelli I also just joined SCBWI - it was @natiwata's post last week about his successful conference that pushed me to finally do it.... Hoping that there will be similar opportunities at the UK events. Nice that you got a personal welcome note

11 Jun 2016, 21:28

Hey @Dulcie I just joined UK SCBWI in the last weeks too, and also because of @natiwata 's post!

I did join a year ago, but let my membership lapse, as I wasn't sure I was getting enough out of it, but as others have said you need to put yourself out there to get anything back and I wasn't putting myself forward. Nate's post made me think I should rejoin and be more pro-active.

Dulcie · 11 Jun 2016, 21:42

@Nanette Hey that's great! Glad you are making the decision to be pro-active about it. It is great to actually get out and meet people for real, too.

I've joined thinking that I'd like to have a consistent portfolio ready by the time conference comes round in November...even if I don't go, having a target/deadline is helpful.