Welcome with Sarah Baker, SCBWI Executive Director

 Welcome and welcome back! 

Sarah Baker, SCBWI Executive Director kicks off the conference with a WONDERFUL welcome!

There were hundreds of members smiling back at her as we all came together once again for the SCBWI In-Person Winter Conference.

The Industry party was back and in full effect. The ballroom was packed with so many industry professionals. They were thrilled to be there and were impressed by the portfolios they saw. 

Congratulations to all the illustrators who participated. It takes hard-work and courage to put your work in the showcase and it was the highlight of the Industry party.

Introduce yourself!

People from all over the world are in attendance! We have Council Members from Australia, Taiwan, the UK and Nigeria. SCBWI is an abundant community and there’s a lot of people to meet and a lot of great opportunities to connect with leadership, and staff members at SCBWI.

Don’t forget to introduce yourself to your RT (Regional Team leader). SCBWI has chapters all over the world with a vibrant community near you! They are ROCKSTARS, and are really important people to know in this organization.

There are so many great sessions and opportunities to learn, grow and meet new members this year!

Here is the LINK to the SCHEDULE! Join the socials, come to the Networking party and take LOTS OF NOTES during your Creative Labs!

REMEMBER, you’re in a very supportive and welcoming group. There is no competition here. You are surrounded by people who are rooting for you!

“Take advantage while we are in person. Look to your right, look to left, you might meet your critique partner!” 

Leave everything at the door.

Get completely immerse. 

Turn off and tune in. 

DRINK water and take a stroll when you need a moment to breathe.

And remember, you took a step toward your goals and that is such an amazing accomplishment.

There can NEVER be enough children’s books in the world!

If you post anything during the conference, don’t forget to use the social media hashtag: #scbwiNY24 so we can connect with you!

HAPPY CONFERENCING!

Portfolio Showcase / Industry Party

PORTFOLIO SHOWCASE 2024

The 2024 In-Person Winter Conference is here and we started it off with the Industry Party! With the portfolios as the centerpiece of the party, the excited industry professionals poured over them! And what a SELECTION! 

There were over 100 portfolios submitted. All styles in all genres. As a fellow illustrator who submitted my own portfolio, it was a sight to see and it warmed my heart to see how the work displayed really sparked inspiration, conversation and excitement! My smile grew as the postcards depleted!

To all those who submitted, congratulations! Having prepared a portfolio myself, it is a great feat to finish one and put it out there! Vulnerability is your superpower! I know I was sweating as I handed mine over but what I learned from last year’s Portfolio Showcase to this year’s was:

• Be proud of yourself and work
• Trust the process
• Plan ahead in case you need to revise
• Curate your art space
• Find how your PRACTICE meets DISCIPLINE to facilitate GROWTH
• Be kind
• Lean into your flaws
• Take breaks

I was deeply inspired by what I saw and I can’t wait until we all find a home to tell our stories through our art!

Here are some of my FAVORITE portfolios!

If you post anything during the conference, ESPECIALLY those notebook doodles, don’t forget to use the social media hashtag: #scbwiNY24 so we can connect with you!