The Friend

This image is published in the March issue of "The Friend" a childrens magazine pubblished by the LDS Church. Its an illustration for a lovely little poem.

SCBWI part 2

Portfolio's For Children's Books

At the conference I learned the importance of book dummies.  In the portfolio review I had the opportunity to include a book dummy.  I did not include one only to find out that they are very important for a children's book portfolio. Art Directors (AD) are not necessarily looking for great writing skills, or even if they are the correct length.  They are looking to see if you can pace a children's book, and break up text in appropriate places.

With Portfolios less is more. Even if it is only 10 images, if you are unsure about a piece don't include it.

It is easier for AD's to sell editors on an illustrator if they display a consistent style. That way the editors know better how illustrations will turn out!  If you have more than one style have them on two different portfolios, perhaps even have a "pen"name (is it a brush name for an illustrator) for your second style.

I hope these posts are useful!

SCBWI winter conference 2013 part 1

This post is to my illustrator friends, in case you are unfamiliar with the acronym SCBWI is stands for society of children’s book writers and illustrators.  I had the opportunity this past weekend to go to their international conference in New York and I just wanted to share some of the things I learned there. And tell you  if it was worth going.

The first theme that I noticed was to keep trying and be optimistic. I heard from many accomplished artists and Illustrators. They shared about their successes and some about their failures hear are some of the things mentioned

Mo Williams once had 90 rejection letters in 90 days and was told to stop drawing.

Barbra  McClintock said that you will be rejected 9 times out of ten, but to just do what it takes and keep going.

Shawn Tan advised every one to set up an environment with encouraging people. Also to avoid discouragement. Always stay in a delusional bubble where you think every thing your doing is awesome!

Also I heard many times to get over your fears and be bold. Don't be afraid to fail.

I will be doing more posts over the next couple days that will cover portfolio's and what art directors look for, mailers and getting over artist block.