Illustration Friday: Routine

Everyone needs a bedtime routine--milk and cookies and a good book...

Illustration Friday: Detached

Okay, admittedly, this one's a bit of a stretch.  But here goes...

I bet that water buffalo would love to detach himself from that cart he's pulling around.

SCBWI Summer Conference...Short Review

I know this is coming late, but just about two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the big SCBWI Summer Conference here in Los Angeles for the second time.  It was all at once extremely energizing and extremely exhausting (in a good way).  

This was my second time attending full-time.  Last year, I attended full-time as well and though I came away with a ton of information, I felt as though I hadn't made the most of the weekend.   So this year, I decided I was going to be more proactive.  I promised myself that I would make more of an effort to mingle, meet new people and hand out lots of business cards--quite the task for someone who is usually on the "quiet" end of the spectrum.  I actually ended up accomplishing all those things and ended up making a bunch of new friends.  I also met and exchanged business cards with a few "giants" in the children's book world: award-winning writers, illustrators, agents, editors and art directors.  It was a blast. 

I also decided that I need to broaden my horizons and learn more about the ins-and-outs of the industry, so I attended some workshops held by agents, editors and art directors. I'm realizing now that I really need to read those Publisher Weekly's and Horn Books on a regular basis to become more aware of the going's on in the Children's Book World.

Of course, I did attend some workshops geared only toward illustration...I just had to see what one of my all-time favorite illustrators Mark Teague had to offer up.  He was so generous in sharing his tricks of the trade and answering tons of questions.  Among others, I also went to John Rocco's workshop on self-promotion and Yuyi Morales' presentation Magic Tricks and Secret Potions: An Illustrator's Palette of Techniques--both so inspiring!  I left feeling ready to paint and get my name out there even more!

The single biggest thing I took away from the weekend though, was a common thread I picked up at almost every workshop, presentation and keynote speech: create from your heart.  I know that may sound corny and trite--even obvious.  But in retrospect, I don't feel I've painted for myself or trusted my artistic instincts for a long time...and to me, it shows in my work.  I'm excited to begin painting again with a new sense of freedom and fun.

So, I met the goals I set for myself at this year's conference.  So, what are some goals I'm setting for next year's conference (and the 12 months in between)?  

1. PAINT, DRAW, PAINT, DRAW!  I want to have a whole new portfolio by next year...

2.  As my knowledgeable, encouraging friend (and awesome artist) Mac McCool tells me: keep on the radar of the industry people I met this year.  Send postcards regularly...

3.  Read more books (children's books, y.a. novels, etc.).  There are so many great y.a. books out there I want to read...

4. Read more industry magazines (Publisher's Weekly, Horn Book, etc.)...

5.  Keep in touch with my new art buddies!

6. Oh yeah, and next year: take pictures of all the cool people I meet and the fun events that go on!

There were so many other great things that happened: a cool illustrator's social, a big gala on Saturday night, a portfolio contest (go Patricia!), great keynotes and just an all around fun environment with fun people!  

But, alas!  There's no more time for blogging, I've got to get to painting!