SCBWI Summer Conference Portfolio Showcase: Open For Viewing!

The SCBWI Summer Conference Portfolio Showcase is now open for public viewing! According to TeMika Grooms, this year there are 154 portfolios from around the globe, and a "variety of styles and media used to create stellar pieces of art."

Even if you aren't an illustrator, I encourage you to 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. When you do, be sure to use the conference hashtag #scbwiSummer24. Gentle reminder: Never scoop and share an illustrator's art in social media unless you have their permission, especially if the image you're sharing does not have their info included.

Speaking of illustrators, isn't Francesca Mahaney's conference art fantastic? Feel free to check out the pre-conference interview with this talented young illustrator about how she was invited to be the official conference illustrator, her creative process, and what kind of illustration work she's currently seeking.

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, the SCBWI keeps a record of the illustrators who participate in Showcases and refers to the list throughout the year when they are looking for members to do SCBWI-commissioned work.

Curious about the history of the SCBWI Portfolio Showcase? Read this behind-the-scenes post.

As much fun as it is to browse portfolios in person, there are advantages to browsing a virtual portfolio showcase. Here are just a few:

1. You can take your time and enjoy the art from the comfort of your own home.

2. You can search by name or keyword.

3. It's easy to click through and find out more about the illustrator.

After you click on "full submission", click on the Member name to be taking to their SCBWI page.

Have fun browsing! I have a special fondness for the SCBWI Summer Conference Portfolio Showcase because it's the event that jumpstarted my career in children's book illustration.

The Portfolio Showcase Winners will be announced on Saturday.

Related: Index of 2024 SCBWI Summer Conference Posts, Portfolio Showcase Awards.

Pre-Conference Interview with Frances Mahaney, SCBWI Summer Conference Artist

Francesca Mahaney is an illustrator who works in educational publishing. She received her BFA in Communication Design from Pratt Institute and recently finished illustrating her first early reader series, Inside Scouts. When she isn’t drawing, Francesca enjoys relaxing with her cats, watching musicals, and trying new restaurants. 

You can find out more about Francesca on her website, Instagram, and X/Twitter.

Q. I love the banner art you created for this year's SCBWI Summer Conference! How were you selected to be the illustrator?

Frances: Good question! I don’t know the exact reason, but I’ve been a member of SCBWI, attended conferences, and participated in the showcase in the past. Each conference I’ve loved seeing the banner art, so being asked to create a piece for the Summer Conference was amazing!

Here's what TeMika Grooms, SCBWI's Manager, Illustration and Design, had to say about the choice of Francesca as the artist for this year's Summer Conference:

"When selecting an artist to promote a conference, we often start by reviewing those who were recognized in past Portfolio Showcases. We consider the quality of work, appropriateness for the children’s book market, and an ability to create memorable art. We take great joy in spotlighting the artist to be seen by fellow members and professionals in children's book publishing.

"As we combed through portfolios, Francesca Mahaney’s work stood out because of the angular lines, color palette, and the way she plays with planes within her work. Her website includes really interesting illustrations. Francesca was very professional and provided several sketches and final art files that could be easily used in our visual assets. She was a perfect choice to be this year's Summer Conference artist!"

Q. How did you create the art? What guidance did the SCBWI provide, if any? What was your process?

Frances: Since there was no specific theme for this conference, the brief was open-ended, which is always exciting! 

I wanted to illustrate something related to reading and summer, and my mind kept thinking about the reading programs where volunteers read to animals in shelters. In my experience, animals make great reading buddies, so I was excited about this concept! 

The SCBWI provided me with several mockups with text layouts so I could picture how the work would look on various platforms. From there, I used my iPad to sketch out the piece and then moved into color. Then I sent the file to the talented TeMika Grooms for the finishing touches. I’m so happy with the way it all turned out!

Q. What do you enjoy most when you're creating art?

Frances: The blend of creativity and problem-solving, bringing a character’s personality to life, and communicating with more than words alone are all incredibly fulfilling. But my all-time favorite is adding movement to a piece. Conveying a sense of energy and motion in a still image is the best feeling. For me, it’s just as fun and energizing as performing on a stage or dancing around your room.

Q. What kind of illustration work are you looking for?

Frances: I’m always open to new picture book projects! I love working with stories that give me the opportunity to research and learn about new topics (the more niche, the better). I am especially drawn to STEAM-centered stories. 

My favorite projects are ones that combine STEM learning with the visual arts, music, and/or theater.