SCBWI membership...worth it/thoughts?

Katt

Hi everybody,
I've known about scbwi for several years, but have never joined. When I lived in San Diego, I went to writer's events, and briefly joined the critique group, but now I am looking at it more from an illustrator's perspective.
For those of you who have been members for a while, or past members, can you discuss what you feel has been worthwhile and helpful? ANd maybe even things that you don't feel are worth it?

I'm working on making my portfolio look great before I join, but I have payed to be a member of other organizations in the past, and some of the benefits have been lack luster, so I would love to hear firsthand accounts before I head that way.

Thanks so much

StudioLooong

@Katt For me, the membership is well worth $80 a year.

What exactly is/isn't worthwhile is likely going to be very specific to your region. You get a discount for the national events (NY and LA conferences) and the national team puts on the occasional webinar but there's much more going on at a regional level for you to take advantage of and it's likely all included with your membership fee.

When I was living in a more rural area with a smaller chapter (only 4 people regularly showed up to our meetings) I didn't get as much out of it. There was less programming and since regional budgets depend on membership, our chapter wasn't able to bring in many speakers or plan higher cost outings. I ended up driving a few hours away to attend another larger region's monthly meetings.

Since moving to a larger city with a more active regional chapter, I've been able to get a lot more out of it. My chapter has multiple opportunities to meet every month, both virtually and in-person. They put on their own smaller regional conference and they bring in a handful of guest speakers each year at low- or no-cost to our region's members. My region also does a great job of ensuring that they offer a mix of opportunities for both writers and illustrators - but that may not be the case with every region.

I've always found one of the most valuable benefits to be the networking opportunity. I've met some very kind and talented people through SCBWI. We keep in touch and root for each other. It's been great seeing their growth over the years and celebrating each other's books as the come out.

Your region may have an illustration-focused critique group you could join. Mine does. Forums like this are great for getting feedback but meeting with the same group of people week after week offers a unique benefit that online forums can't quite replicate.

As a member you can attend any region's virtual events. Many of them are free or low-cost. As you work to improve your portfolio you might find a lot of these virtual events helpful.

Once you're ready to start querying, SCBWI offers "the book" with advice and a list of agents and publishers you can submit to. They often offer exclusive opportunities to submit to or get critiques from the agents, editors, and art directors at the smaller regional events. They also have an online gallery where you can upload your work. Some people use their illustrator gallery in place of a personal website a(which has its limitations but is better than nothing). SCBWI has also recently improved their website to make the illustrator galleries a more useful tool for art directors looking for new illustrators.

You can apply for their national awards and grants. Some regions offer their own awards and grants as well.

Katt

@StudioLooong Thanks so much, this is helpful.
I think my local branch has several things going on, so that looks promising. I wish I could see where/when the closest critique group is, but I can't until I am a member.

I do love the idea of meeting in person with people, I'm just a little hesitant, because as a writer, I have been to a few different critique groups, and depending on how they are run, sometimes there is clear leadership, but sometimes it is just a bunch of people who don't know what they are doing either. lol. But I am hoping (and thinking) that this organization is a little more tightly run than that.

Let me know if you think of anything else thanks so much.

Nyrryl Cadiz

@Katt I agree with @StudioLooong. Highly recommend

ArtistErin

I highly recommend! I have developed so many great relationships, found a great critique group, attended events and got to meet some heavy hitters in the industry. I am glad they just updated their website for easier navigation, there is always an opportunity to level up your skills through scholarships, mentorships, and contests. Visibility is nice too, as I've gotten a few contracts by having my portfolio posted there. Even better, their reach is worldwide, and the network is broad... hoping to attend the NY conference in person someday. So yes, I definitely think SCBWI is worth it.

Then only thing I have found to be misunderstood is the portfolio review. I think money better spent in this aspect was the Pro Critique here through SVS, as they provide a rubric, the full video consult, a deep dive into website and portfolio, with a total review. My critique through SCBWI was ok, just not thorough enough to really address technical points and what to do to fix my art... I feel SVS does a much better job on that front.

Jason Crowley

It depends where you live I think. I live in New Zealand and there are hardly any illustrators signed up for SCBWI here. I asked about illustration critiques in the Facebook group and they're going to be doing an illustrator virtual meetup soon, but that'll be a first for the group.

I think it pays to join the Facebook group of your local SCBWI chapter and see how active they are, or just ask a question there.

I've joined for a year recently, so I'll wait and see if there are any benefits after the one year. It's not super expensive so worth a try. I mean, Dan Santat was once a member so if it was good enough for him...

ArtistErin

@Jason-Crowley Yes... I love the story about Dan Santat signing with an agent at his first SCBWI conference! So inspiring