Illustrators Q&A with the Illustrator's Committee of the SCBWI Advisory Council #scbwiSummer22

The Illustrators Q&A panelists featured Priscilla Burris, Pat Cummings, Dana Carey, TeMika Grooms, Laurent Linn, & Paul Zelinsky. Thanks to ASL interpreters: Genaere and Corinna for their help!

Just a few of the questions covered:

Q. Any advice about changing styles? Or changing media?

Paul: Don't be afraid of changing styles, but do the best for the story that is in front of you. Ask for feedback along the way.

Laurent: As Paul says, keep communication lines open.

Priscilla: Be careful what you put in your portfolio - consider it a promise. If you include a sample of oils in your portfolio, for example, be prepared to do an entire picture book in oils if asked. 

Q. How do I improve as an artist?

Priscilla: Find ways to relax while you're making art. Also, challenge yourself to draw things you find difficult. Use a pen, not a pencil...that way you can't erase. Don't be afraid of trying different styles.

Pat: Be willing to try new things. That's how you grow!

Q. How do I get illustration opportunities?

Laurent: Put it on your website. Include the "best of the best." For illustration techniques you're not yet comfortable with, don't include those yet. Include cover mock-ups if you're interested in cover illustration.

Q. How do I get my art noticed? How do I connect with others?

Laurent: If you're on social media, post your art there. Become part of the community. Support other creators and they will be more likely to support you. 

TeMika: SCBWI has prompts every month (e.g. "Draw This"). If you submit your work, it is a chance to be seen within SCBWI.

Pat: Make a list of books that you love. Then do your research: who are the people behind these books?

Q. How do inspire myself to draw more frequently?

Paul: Read through art books and think about the art is made. Go to figure drawing workshops.

Priscilla: Keep a pen handy, draw all the time, whatever comes to mind, don't think too much about it. Play music that brings back memories. "It's fun! And it keeps me inspired."

TeMika: Try doing your drawing (even just for a few minutes) first thing in the morning, before anything else.

Pat: Have a SIAM (Stuck In A Meeting) file and use it to store your doodles. 😄

Laurent: Don't feel pressured to sketch every day. Sometimes you need to fill the well.

Q. What final words of wisdom do you have for illustrators?

Priscilla: Connect with fellow book creators. Discuss, critique. Enjoy media that is geared toward kids. Play. Learn.

Paul: Look around, look everywhere. Don't be overly influenced by what is in publisher's catalogs, etc.

TeMika: Embrace the world of children's books. Focus on specific goals (e.g. work on hands for six months, etc.), give yourself time to improve. Learn to love it.

Dana: Learn how to recognize burnout, especially if you have a day job. Take care of yourself. Do things that are completely unrelated to work. 

Paul: Find a way to love drawing.

Pat: If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right. Be willing to self-critique. This includes knowing whether a piece of work should or shouldn't be included in your portfolio.

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!