Q&A with SCBWI Illustrators' Advisory Committee

 

In this session, the members of the SCBWI Advisory Council's Illustrator Committee answered questions from attendees. The Committee reminded everyone of all the opportunities for illustrators (and writer-illustrators) through the SCBWI, including: Regional events, regional webinars, illustrator galleries, Awards & Grants For Illustrators, and other challenges.

They expressed huge appreciation to SCBWI Illustrator Coordinators.

Just a few takeaways:

Cecilia Yung relies on websites rather than social media to find illustrators because she wants to see how illustrators curate their own work. She prefers embedded images rather than links ("links can come with their issues, as you all know"). Do your homework before submitting your art to an art director, don't waste their time. She is seeking art with a narrative, that tells a story. One-off images are not useful. Can you draw a character in perspective? Can you draw a full body rather than just a head? Convey setting, mood, emotions?

When Paul O. Zelinsky feels stuck, he says he makes his hand do something it doesn't do. Try copying something (not for work, but to get your creative juices flowing again). Priscilla Burris adds that it doesn't matter where you are in your career, we all get stuck sometimes. She finds putting on music helps her. She says do what you need to free yourself, take off the pressure. Take time to have fun and play. Dana Carey says when she feels stuck, she plays around with different types of media.

Physical health tips: Take frequent breaks (not just your body but also your eyes). Keep moving. Do stretches. Priscilla Burris says that even if you're under a tight deadline, sometimes taking a break away from your studio will help refresh you. Dana Carey says there are 5- and 10-min exercises on YouTube that can help.

Do you want to present yourself as being professional? Meet deadlines, says Priscilla. Cecilia says to keep in touch, keep your art director in the loop, don't ghost them. If you have a problem, let your art director know. She also points out that art directors and editors talk to each other. if you get a reputation of always being late, then that will have repercussions.

Always keep learning, Cecilia advises. Stay humble. Learn to LISTEN. Never assume you have all the answers or know everything. Cecilia says she still takes notes at conferences.

Lots more great info and advice shared in this session, not just from the panel but also in the (very) active text chat!

More about the panelists:

Priscilla Burris, Illustrator Programs Consultant. Website: PriscillaBurris.com.

Dana Carey, International Illustrator Coordinator. Website: DanaCareyArt.com.

Laurent Linn, Art Director at Simon & Schuster, Author/Illustrator. Website: LaurentLinn.com.

Cecilia Yung, Art Director at Penguin Random House. 

Paul O. Zelinsky, Illustrator and Author. Website: PaulOZelinsky.com.

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If you want to view this session to hear the full content, along with the rest of the conference, register at https://www.scbwi.org/events/summer-conference-2023. Replays of the conferences will be available until September 10th, 2023.

Also be sure to check out the Faculty Conference Bookshop and the Portfolio Showcase!

Q&A With SCBWI Illustrator Advisory Committee

Last event of today: Q&A with the SCBWI Illustrator Advisory Committee: Peter Brown, Priscilla Burris, Pat Cummings, Laurent Linn, Cecilia Yung and Paul O. Zelinsky. They also invited two Illustrator Coordinators to join in: Dana Carey (Global Illustrator Coordinator) and TeMika Grooms (U.S. Illustrator Coordinator).

One of the frequently asked questions was to how illustrators could submit their work to Laurent and Cecilia, and Laurent gave specifics during the session as well as posting info in the chat.

Some of the other topics discussed:

Topic: Is it ok to submit a picture book as an author-illustrator team rather than separately?

Cecilia said that while most art directors and editors prefer finding their own illustrators, she says it's fine to submit as a team. However, she points out that if they don't like either the art OR the writing, you're more likely to get a rejection. Also, be wary of coming across as too controlling, which may turn off potential publishers.

Topic: Is it ok if I post multiple art styles on my website?

Priscilla says it's ok to show multiple styles on your website as long as it's well organized.

Cecilia says she only wants to see things "that you're really really good at." Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses re: techniques and styles. She points out that if you're unable do this, then an art director may wonder if this would affect your work while illustrating a picture book.

Laurent advises illustrators against trying to emulate styles that you think others want to see. "You be you." Paul Zelinsky strongly agrees. He says that if you try to be like everyone else, you're less likely to be satisfied in your career down the road.

Topic: How do I find out which specific people at a publisher who might like my work?

Pat advises looking at current books that you LOVE, then you have a better chance of finding an editor and art director who might have the same tastes. Pat says  The Original Art catalog may help track down this info.

Topic: If a publisher is closed to unsolicited submissions, does that also apply to art?

Laurent says not necessarily. He points out that he welcomes postcard samples at any time, for example. 

Topic: Where can I find critique groups?

TeMika Grooms encourages illustrators to reach out to their regional groups and get involved with their local critique groups. She also says to check The Book (mentioned in next paragraph) for useful info as well.

Other takeaways:

Dana Carey strongly recommends illustrators check out The Book: The Essential Guide To Publisher For Children, available as a free PDF (for members) on the SCBWI website. The Book has a TON of essential info covered in the Q&A, critique groups, publishers, etc.

TeMika Grooms: Stay the course. Make sure you keep work on improving your craft. Remember self-care. Take breaks, but don't let the breaks go too long.

Paul Zelinsky: When you feel stopped or discouraged, try some new art material. Even if you're not planning to use it for your book illustration work, it can help jumpstart your creativity again.

Pat Cummings: Find your community. She also encourages illustrators to attend regional conferences, which could be a great way to meet people in the industry you want to work with. Do what you love, put it out there, and believe in yourself. 

Priscilla Burris: If you're blocked, try putting on some music you loved from your early teen years (or earlier!); sometimes this can help bring out a different part of you that you've forgotten. Don't be predictable. Be you. Let the characters speak to you as you sketch daily. Let them move you.

Peter Brown: Don't be too precious about your work. Remember that publishing is a business. Be able to take constructive criticism. Be an idea factory. It won't be as painful if you're rejected if you have lots of ideas.

Cecilia Yung: Remember that the eyes are the windows to your soul. Eyes, eyebrows, eyelids, directionality. Squeeze as much emotion as you can from the eyes. If you're having a challenge, then you should rethink how you draw eyes.

Laurent Linn: It all comes down to purpose. What do you have to say, and why do you want to say it? That is what is going to make your art stand out. 

And that's a wrap on today's programming!

SCBWI Winter Conference Portfolio Showcase: Behind The Scenes (with input from Priscilla Burris and Sarah Baker)

The SCBWI Winter Conference Portfolio Showcase is now open for viewing! Even if you're not an illustrator, I encourage you to go browse some of the amazing art. You can also show your support for your fellow creators by helping to promote this showcase in your social media! Be sure to use the conference hashtag #scbwiWinter22. Gentle reminder: Never share an illustrator's art online unless you have their permission, especially if the image you're sharing does not have their info included.

And speaking of illustrators, isn't Claudia Ravalli's art for the conference header fabulous?

If you're participating in this year's Showcase: CONGRATS for putting yourself out there, whether or not you end up winning a prize. Putting together a portfolio can be a valuable learning experience. Find inspiration from other creatives as you browse portfolios. Many, MANY publishing professionals will be seeing your work. Also, Sarah Baker keeps a record of the illustrators who participate in Showcases and refers to the list throughout the year when she's looking for members to do SCBWI-commissioned work.

As much as we all miss seeing each other in person, there are silver linings of a virtual Portfolio Showcase, including:

-  More illustrators have been able to participate from around the globe. 15 countries are represented in the Showcase this year, with 241 portfolios!

- One of the silver linings of a virtual conference: more time to browse attendee art between sessions! Agents, art directors and editors are already doing this, but I also encourage the rest of you to check out the fantastic art in the SCBWI Virtual Portfolio Showcase.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Curious about what goes on behind the scenes at the Portfolio Showcase? I recently found out more from Priscilla Burris, who is SCBWI's Illustrator Programs Consultant, Portfolio Showcase Director, and Advisory Council Member, and Sarah Baker, SCBWI Executive Director.

Q. Who are the people behind the Portfolio Showcase?

Priscilla Burris told me she is just one of several who work on the Portfolio Showcase. From Priscilla: "My role is to invite/gather the Portfolio Judges, and once they are confirmed, there is the process of providing time for them to privately view the portfolios in the showcase.  Virtually, Sarah [Baker] and I meet with the Judges as they discuss and select the Award Winners." 

From Sarah Baker: "I’m involved with planning and decision making with Priscilla. Kim Turrisi is involved as Director of Programming, and Laurie Miller with logistics as Conference Coordinator. Josh Smith does the programming, Avery Silverberg, our new Social Media Manager, promotes the showcase online, and Chelsea Kimiko Hall answers lots of questions! It’s a team effort!"

Priscilla adds, “In-person Portfolio Showcases involve many to help with all the physical prepping, setting up, overseeing, and post-Showcase responsibilities. Our hard-working Regional Team members fill these vital roles.”

"Every Portfolio Showcase sees a different group of diverse judges, never the same group. This provides a variety of perspectives and experiences."

Photo above, from 2011 - Front: Sarah Baker and Chelsea Mooser. L to R behind them: Names and Regions (all roles have changed since this pic!) Dawn Dixon (AZ), Michelle Parker-Rock (AZ), Priscilla Burris (CA), Teresa Fanin (NC), Patricia Wiles (KY), Cherie Stihler (AK). Photo courtesy Priscilla Burris.

Comment from Sarah Baker about the photo above: "My children’s book education started years before that photo when I started coming to conferences and helping Priscilla and the RTs set up the portfolio showcase. Then in 2011 I actually started working for SCBWI, and it was incredible to feel so welcomed by everyone. Getting to work with Priscilla on the showcases is one of the absolutely most fun and rewarding parts of working at SCBWI."

Q. What is the history behind the SCBWI Portfolio Showcase? 

Photo from 2005 - Portfolio judges Arthur Levine, Hudson Talbott, Barbara Bottner, Robert Sabuda. Photo courtesy Priscilla Burris.

Once known as the Portfolio Display (early 1990s) held at the annual Summer Conference, it looked quite different than what the Portfolio Showcase is today.  Back then, participating illustrators set up their own portfolios on provided tables and were present during the event. 

Having the illustrators there in person during the viewing, though, often made it awkward for those browsing portfolios. With the goal of showcasing portfolios to the intended audience (editors, art directors, book designers, and agents), Priscilla and other organizers adopted a new strategy by providing a distinctively professional, private setting. "Specific guidelines and directions were created which included dropping off portfolios, which were then set up for a private viewing, without illustrators having to be present. This change was highly beneficial for both our illustrator members as well as publishing professionals seeking new talent."

Priscilla is grateful to both Frieda Gates (NYC) and Francesca Rusackas (RAE SoCal) for the part they each played in helping with this transformation.

Photo above: This was the Portfolio Showcase where Simon & Schuster editor and publisher Justin Chanda saw my portfolio (Debbie Ridpath Ohi) and gave me my very first children's book illustration contract! You can see Justin at the front table. 

Q. How are portfolios judged?

From Priscilla Burris: "Portfolios are judged as a whole and overall for content appropriate for children’s books, and each Portfolio Showcase brings in different Portfolio Judges with a wide range of perspectives which creates interesting discussions when making the Award decisions. That being said, all are looking for fresh artistic voices, authentic and unique characters, narrative quality and storytelling strengths, consistency throughout, great expressions and emotions, compelling and impactful compositions, well thought out details, sometimes hidden elements, and often to consider how the illustrator self-edits each image."

Looking for more tips about SCBWI Portfolio Showcases? See KidLitArtists, an unofficial blog put together by some of SCBWI Illustration Mentees (past and present) which includes portfolio advice from past Showcase winners.

Q. Any final words for those who participate in the SCBWI Portfolio Showcase?

From Priscilla Burris: "Each participant is to be congratulated for taking this professional step forward in their career.  While each group of Portfolio Judges’ task is to select the Award Winning Portfolios, the best part of all is that each and every image in each portfolio is seen by professionals in the children’s book industry."

"The Portfolio Showcase has become the launching pad for many illustrator careers. There have been marvelous successes soon following the Award Winners being announced, as well as new talents discovered at the same event.  Then, there are exciting successes we hear about that have happened months and sometimes years later. Our Portfolio Showcase ‘audience’ takes note of specific portfolio interests purposefully, and when a particular project comes up that is a great match for an illustrator of interest, well, as the saying goes, the rest is history."

"So, whether at an in-person or a virtual conference, having your illustrations showcased in this manner is one of the best ways to progress in your career as a children’s book illustrator."

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Thanks to Priscilla Burris and Sarah Baker for their help with this post.

Illustrator Social at LA17SCBWI! 📷

Last night's Illustrator Social was a blast! But do not miss tonight's Portfolio Showcase and Reception, 5 - 7pm in the Atrium, Plaza rooms I-III

Did anyone else catch this incredible sunset? Photo by our magnificent National Illustraiton Coordinator Priscilla Burris:

Catch more of the conference highlights this year through blog posts tagged #LA17SCBWI or as-it-happens on Twitter.

Priscilla Burris & David Diaz- Illustrator tips: Tools and Techniqes

To begin with, Priscilla Burris gave a shout out to Kelly Light's website, ripplesketches.blogspot.com. Artists donate pieces to the site, and people can buy the art and all of the proceeds go funding for cleaning up the Gulf Coast. Dan Santat donated a piece that will be up for sale tonight, so check it out!

Priscilla mentioned that it's important for us illustrators to attend sessions for writers, too, while we're here at the conference. When she asked the group how many of us consider ourselves writer/illustrators, most of the group raised their hands.

Priscilla gave a bit of her background, which included going to fashion design school, and mentioned that one of her passions is drawing facial expressions. She handed out worksheets which prompted the group to practice drawing facial expressions on faces in different angles, different ages, and even characters showing strong expressions, shown only from the back.

David Diaz talked about his art background, and he's tried many different mediums over the years--everything from pastel, to digital, and at this point he does a lot of painting, typically on masonite.

David did a great demo to show us his current process, which went from a masonite panel with a house paint background, to a face made with charcoal, sprayed with fixative, painted with acrylic paint, covered in clear gesso, dried with a hair dryer, lined with rapidograph ink and a brush, and then back to some drawing with charcoal.

Two very different artists with great tips for the group!

Sunday Kicks Off With Illustrator Awards

Priscilla Burris is presenting portfolio awards. She said there was a beautiful array of beautiful art and all the portfolios were viewed by many art directors and editors. Here are the winners:

This year's winners:

Honor Award: Paulina Cerezo
Honor Award: Patricia Cantor
(both won $100)

Grand Prize Winner: David Ercolini
(David wins a 3-day, 2-night trip to New York--although he lives there!--and appointments with art directors.)