SCBWI Illustrators Day

Friday I attended SCBWI Illustrator Day in Decatur Georgia.

This was the 2nd one I've attended and I'm already looking forward to next year. It's a great way to meet other illustrators and I left the conference with great information, tips and a better understanding of the publishing industry.

We started off the day with illustrator Mike Lowry and writer Laura Murray discussing the entire processes of creating a children's book from writing to final art.

We then heard from Kristen Nobles, Art Director from Candlewick Press and Robert Agis, Editor from Sterling Children's Books. Both came armed with valuable info from what art directors are looking for and what they expect, to the editors role in illustrator selection and thinking beyond the picture book.

The day continued by reviewing art from 12 artist that had taken the opportunity to do a mentorship with illustrator Michael Allen Austin. Michael worked with each artist for about a month to help them improve concept, composition and narrative quailty of their work.

The final part of the day was reserved for each artist to have a 5 minute portfolio review from the panel of speakers and mentor. It was an incredible opportunity to have your work reviewed by the decision makers in the publishing industry. I think all who attended would agree that Illustrator's Day was a huge success and an event that needs to be marked on the calendar for next year.