We recently returned from a very informative and inspiring weekend conference put on by the SCBWI (Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) where we had the opportunity to attend keynote addresses by a number of industry professionals. I had the great fortune to meet almost everyone I wanted to, including a very nice designer from Hyperion, a (VERY talented) top children's book illustrator (and sometimes writer) G. Brian Karas, and an EXTREMELY kind editor from one of the major publishing houses. They were all very giving of their time and info, and I was lucky enough to be able to sit and chat with the latter gentleman for almost an hour while everyone else was attending another keynote address. The tips and kind words he offered really made my weekend and boosted my already inspired noggin. As Laini has said on her blog, conferences like these are invaluable for making contacts. Thankfully, all of these new contacts were amazing people to boot!
So, with the helpful input given and a bit of direction offered, I'm working on revising my children's book dummy as well as focusing on several oil paintings to help supplement my portfolio in a more children's book-type style.
6 comments:
Ooh, lucky you - I am a big fan of G. Brian karas! Sounds like you had an exciting and inspiring few days, looking forward to seeing your children's book stuff:)
Really looking forward to see what new work you dream up for your portfolio, and what your new book dummy will be! It's so much fun watching your whimsical art claim its place amidst your manly art!
I Second Laini! You are one of the most talented (and goofy) people out there and I can't wait to see your books filling children's book shelves everywhere across the world. I look super forward to seeing what you create next!!!!
p.s. I have found the black bat this morning on my car window and you can be sure as I'm Pedro Gucci that you will be seeing it again shortly in the very near future.
Hey, I was at that SCBWI conference and I'm willing to bet I know which editor you got to chat with for so long. It was my first conference and he was the highlight for me. I'd love to know what extra words of wisdom he dropped on you.
Thanks everybody! And Roz, I wish we'd known you were there, Laini and I would have enjoyed meeting you! :) And as to the words of wisdom the editor gave me, they ended like this: "...and lastly, don't ever pass along these key, secret, invaluable bits of advice to another artist!"
HA! Sorry, I couldn't resist. Seriously, what he told me mainly applied to my art specifically and to the book dummy I'd brought with me, so no real "broad scope" sort of advice was passed on. Sorry! :) But I'm sure you'd agree there was a TON of great "broad scope" advice touched on in the "Breakout Sessions" and main speeches. What an inspiring conference!
J
Och! Dastardly humor!
Yes! It would have been super to have known you two were there. Had I had this picture handy, I might have been able to identify you as the one with the oddly bony hand....
I wish you the best of luck on your picture book (I'm assuming the dummy you showed was of a picture book) and very much look forward to seeing it in print.
Thanks for the heads up on the Juxtapoz site. I had no idea it was up there until you commented!
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