Breaking in: Creating the Dream Illustration Portfolio and Making Connections for illustrators and authors.
This is for people creating work in their home studio who are submitting samples to get work in children’s publishing. Joann will discuss how to edit to show your best work, use social media to best advantage, research picture books published this year and going forward to learn about the industry. This talk is from an art director's perspective, but will include useful tips for authors too! All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Winner will also be interviewed for our chapter blog.
First and 2nd runners up will receive gift cards.
All participants will be included in our digital catalog that will be on our website and emailed to art directors this fall. We’ll be making a list of your dream publishers at the event so they can be included on the mailer.
Guidelines for contest:
Joann Hill's Bio:
Over her decades-long career in publishing, Joann Hill has art directed illustrators and designed children’s books for Random House, Clarion Books, and now Disney Hyperion, where she is the Creative Director. Disney Hyperion publishes a wide range of books for children, from picture books to illustrated chapter books to middle grade, YA, and graphic novels. Joann enjoys discovering new talent, encouraging artists to do their best work, and mentoring the five designers on her staff. She has a history of collaborating on award-winning and best-selling books and has been fortunate to work with such amazing illustrators as Victo Ngai, John Rocco, Marla Frazee, Dan Santat, Matthew Cordell, LeUyen Pham, David Wiesner, and Lorena Alvarez Gómez. Joann has been a regular speaker at high schools and universities, such as Parsons School of Design, MICA, and SCAD; and trade organizations such as SCBWI and the Society of Illustrators.
For over 50 years, SCBWI has encouraged and celebrated the creativity, dedication, and lived experiences of our members. This is a bedrock principle of our organization. Therefore, we are opposed to any use of text-prompted generative AI in writing, illustrating or other aspects of creating children’s books until fair policies and regulations are established to protect the work of all human creators. Currently, generative AI developers train their systems on human-made work, unethically using and copying this work without regard for copyright, credit, or compensation. Our position on AI goes beyond these immediate issues. While generative AI is an intriguing technology, we don’t believe it produces unique and meaningful creations. As a community, we craft and cherish transformative books brought to life through imagination and talent, human heart and soul. The power and joys of children’s literature originate from a creator’s inventiveness, talents, and hard-earned skills. We have a responsibility to young readers everywhere to make the immersive books they need and deserve. The stories and art we create have the power to change lives. We make books to share ourselves and inspire others. It is long, difficult, and immensely personal work, and it cannot be any other way. No technology can ever replace your labors, your vision, and your urge to create. Our community wants to see the world through your eyes, and hear your voice. Young people need books as singular and original as you.