Why getting involved is so important!

Sarah LuAnn · 22 Feb 2016, 18:34

I wish there were a local SCBWI illustrators group I could go to. I've been going to the local SCBWI writers meetings (I do want to write and illustrate my own stories, so its still relevant) but I feel kind of weird being the only illustrator. I feel like with every picture book manuscript I read I tell them the same thing, "You know you could cut half of this and put it in the illustration notes, don't you?" haha.

bharris · 22 Feb 2016, 19:03

This sounds so wonderful! What a great day and a positive experience! I'm a member, but sadly no meetings near me and I'm unable to start a chapter in the area... Though it would be interesting!

Lydia M · 4 Mar 2016, 20:51

I would love to go to this since it's so close to where I live but $300? And I'm not a member so I'd have to pay the $85 membership fee on top of that. Why is it so much money for these? I could have gotten a ticket to see Adele for less than that!

https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1807035

Rich Green · 4 Mar 2016, 22:23

@gimmehummus A few things:

First the next SCBWI Illustrators Network (Chicago area) meeting info is as follows:

Saturday, March 26th, 9:30 - noon at the Des Plaines Public Library, Des Plaines IL.

"Guest Speaker – Jacob Grant, illustrator/author of Scaredy Kate and Little Bird’s Bad Word, was recently recognized with an Honorable Mention for his portfolio at the SCBWI NY 2016 conference. Join us as he shares his journey from picture book development to publication as both a writer and illustrator."

A Link to Jacobs Work

As a reminder these monthly Illustrator meetings are FREE and open to the public (meaning you do not have to be a member of SCBWI to attend).

In regards to the Wild Midwest event - it is a 3 day event full of breakout sessions, optional intensives and portfolio reviews as well as an illustration first look type contest among other things. So it should be full of all kinds of learning and info, a great chance to network with all different folks from the industry and just maybe get your art seen by those folks who could impact your career in the future.

As for the cost - its all relative I suppose but with it being so close to where I live and this being a career I so badly want to gain momentum in, I think it is well worth it and I signed up the day it went on sale. After all we are freelancers and therefore we are our own business so you do have to put some money into your business at times as well as yourself.

Sarah LuAnn · 4 Mar 2016, 22:31

I agree Rich--I'm going to a slightly shorter/smaller conference close to where I am. I'll still have to stay at a hotel (it's not THAT close--and, oh yeah, I'll also be hugely pregnant) but I think it's really worth it. I enjoyed the National conference in NYC but I feel there is an advantage to these regional conferences since they're smaller and you won't get as lost in the crowd--which, since many artists are introverts, is rather a good thing ;-). The editors and art directors speaking at the national conference said multiple times, "You're doing the right thing and you're in the right place. Conferences like this are where we look for our new talent."

Lydia M · 4 Mar 2016, 23:26

I know I know I know. I can take part of the payment I'm getting for a book and put it towards the conference. I'm just wary of spending that amount of money and then maybe only walking with with something I could have heard online. I'm horrible at approaching people I don't know to ask for things. If it's all unstructured mingling I'll run for the door! I really want to go but I don't know what I'm in for.

Lydia M · 16 Apr 2016, 18:53

I registered for the midwest event a couple weeks ago and I'm really looking forward to it. I also signed up for a portfolio review. This will be my first time at one of these things so I'm not sure what I should bring with me. Do any veterans have advice? Would it be best to bring a printed portfolio and postcards?

Rich Green · 16 Apr 2016, 19:22

@gimmehummus Hi Lydia - per the info they sent out they recommend you bring the following:

WHAT TO BRING: Costume (if you are attending the costume party), Art Show piece (postcards, easel), portfolio if you signed up for a review or want to show it to friends, business cards and/or brochures, paper and pen, cash/check/credit card for bookstore.

They included more info if you plan on participating in the art show it says:

ART SHOW: SCBWI member illustrators attending the conference are invited to exhibit one unpublished illustration suitable for children’s books on their own small tabletop easel (or book stand) along with postcards (we recommend bringing 75 - 100) or business cards. Each illustrator is limited to a tabletop space 18” wide. The displayed illustrations will be judged by the faculty and a winner will be announced at 8:30 pm during the Art Show on Saturday and again during lunch on Sunday. The winner receives an onsite face-to-face portfolio review by the two art directors at the conference.

And then since you have also signed up for the portfolio review, yes you will need to bring your printed portfolio with you to your review as well. For any portfolio review I have read it is wise to have some specific questions you would like more info on to ask the reviewer. They will provide you with overall feedback but if you want to know something specific about your work, feel free to ask them so they can give you their point of view on your areas of concern.

Lydia M · 16 Apr 2016, 19:29

Oh duh. Thanks Rich. I think I read all of that last month and then forgot. I had been wondering if I could bring my portfolio on my tablet so I'd have less to carry around but the printed versions would look better.

Rich Green · 16 Apr 2016, 19:37

@gimmehummus You are quite welcome! I am glad to see that you decided to attend - I know you will get some great info out of it, even though it can feel a bit nerve wracking your first time around. I have found people to be so nice and helpful at these types of events, so I know you will be just fine!