SCBWI Winter Conference

There is just so much that has happened this past weekend it's difficult to narrow down everything I have learned. I guess I'll start by saying you should join/read the SCBWI Blog. They wrote about every day, every class and every visiting illustrator and author. They also have interviews and book reviews that are really fun to watch. So let me start by talking about the marketing Intensive for Illustrators and showcase. The day was full of inspiring speeches and lectures. We got to hear from John Rocco, Dan Santat, Sophia Blackall (look into missed connections!), and Dan Yaccarino. Of coarse there were others along with a agent panel. Later in the night we had the showcase. It was 3 hours of over 300 professionals looking through our portfolios but sadly we could not be there. If you want a critique the LA Conference will offer it. (which I will attend one day!)

During the next few days I met some amazing and very talented people, collected a bag full of post cards and made some great friends. One thing I would strongly recommend is bringing an extra tote bag, bag of candy to help make friends, notepad, energy drinks or protein bars, anything to keep you awake. For anyone who has ever had a college art survey that is how the conference felt but in three days time instead of three hours. It was fun and inspiring but at the same time you feel like your head is going to explode from all the information. Again check out the SCBWI blog, join there website, they explain a lot about what a conference is and what you can do to prepare for one.

Also feel free to follow me on twitter, facebook, linkedin, and my blog. I'll try to share as much about my own personal journey in becoming a book illustrator and hopefully help people along the way with their own goals. Starting today I will be posting every Tuesday.