Thanks to the encouragement, advice, and inspiration I have received from all of you, I think I’ve finally convinced myself that I am talented enough to pull off calling myself an artist and illustrator and I think I can actually do some real children’s illustration. I still have a ton to learn and I don’t actually feel ready, but I won’t be idle. I plan on taking some classes this fall and I’ll be attending the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators summer conference in L.A. I’ll be there August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (I have to work on the 4th). I’ll be posting here anything I learn so check back. Do any of you have any advice for me on what I should be doing there? And if any of you are going to be there, I’d love to meet you!
My little business cards (often called “moo cards”) are printed by moo.
14 Responses to “SCBWI Summer Conference”
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Great news Mike! I’m so happy for you that you are taking the steps to make your dream a reality. I totally LOVE your illustrations and to me, they already look like they should be in books! Have fun at the conference!!! =)
You will definitely be creating books soon, no doubt about it with your talent! I would looooove to go to the conference in LA, but alas, I am a poor Kindergarten teacher…no extra money to blow on such an extravagant event. *sniff* Remember me when you have published a gazillion books!
are you kidding? i’ve only been a follower of your work very recently so it was a surprise when i read you’re not doing this professionally yet. i think your style is awesome and very rich in detail. i hope you land a nice gig illustrating for a book soon; your art deserves it :P
great cards in this post. what are those? postcards? moo cards? anyway, i love them! :)
I predict the conference will give you a nice big confidence boost about your future!
I’ve heard that the LA conference is the better of the big SCBWI conferences, more relaxed and more focused on creativity. I love SCBWI events, and I always walk away inspired and more informed. I wish I was going too! Bring an open mind and as much energy as you can to absorb it all. Participate in anything you can that will expose you to your peers and any publishers that attend. I got my first children’s illustration work from a conference by putting myself out there. Get a portfolio review, even if it’s extra money! Don’t underestimate the importance of editors, it’s not just art directors that give jobs to illustrators! I could go on and on – google the conference and I bet you’ll find other illustrator’s blog write-ups from previous years.
Oh, and you’re going to have a blast!
Hey Mike! Well I am so glad to hear that you are going to the conference!! Wish I was there too so I can meet you. Perhaps you are interested in going to the one in NY in the winter too :-)
Yeah, word on the street is that the one in LA is better than the one in NY. I had a great time though (I went to the last one in NY). The pre-conference illustrators intensive was great and I agree with Gina that participate in everything you can. You are going to be exhausted but very exhilarating at the same time. I found that meeting like-minded people all in one place really feels like home.
Be sure to report to us about how it all went…and yes you are super talented!
:-)
How exciting Mike! I know you will soar :)
mike, i’m so excited for you to be going! i don’t have any advice since i’ve never been, but i may be asking you as i’ll try to get to the 2009 NY conference! have a wonderful time, and take lotsa pix!! i’m going to see the jim flora exhibit this sunday with kate r., will let you know how it is, i’m looking forward to it!
a : )
Congratulations!
on the conference-
I wish you good things/ lots of success etc
Mike, I don’t know anything about the conference but, you know, since I saw your work for the first time, I was always wondering why you don’t have your work published. I thought you were a VERY rich guy who doesn’t need anyone’s money. I’m kidding, of course, but I really think you were a professional illustrator even since I met you.
Regarding talent, YOU HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH! Good luck and
thank you for your comments on my blog.
I’m so happy for you…this is such great news! I’m glad you have finaly recognized you are talented enough! …you are a great artist and a really nice guy…that’s how i see you ;)
GOOD LUCK!
Oh hooray! I am so glad you’ll be going to the LA conference. I will be there on Sunday, maybe I can meet the very talented you! Your work is truly inspiring and I am very confident you’ll be catching some art director’s and editor’s eyes!
Congratulations Mike. It’s about time. I can’t wait to see your art in books. You’re awesome and such an inspiration. Hopefully one day I’ll be one too.
ok. i’m with jannie. we need to get yer butt to the NYC one, in the winter. we’ll buy you a scarf and some woolie socks and you’ll be just fine! can’t make LALA this time, but i’ll be in NYC as will a host of your other cyber buddies so save those air miles, pal. :)))
you are a complete and obvious NATURAL for cbooks. was SO surprised to learn you weren’t doing it already. oh well…i f you love HVAC so much, i completely understand. :)))
i reeeaallly dig the nekkid elves. really. perfectly depicted.
it looks like you have a really diverse and fun collection of samples to show, good luck with it. I have browsed on the moo site before but haven’t done anything through them, it sounds like you are happy with what they produce so maybe I will give them a try. thanks for sharing.