SCBWI Prairie Writers & Illustrators Day 2018

Illustration by Kris Easler

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Welcome to my illustration blog!

Last month I had the opportunity to attend my first SCBWI conference, Prairie Writers & Illustrators Day at Harper College in Palatine, IL. I had no idea what to expect, but the schedule was just full of lectures and panels from some really incredible speakers.

As an illustrator, I took advantage of the portfolio critique. It was a great opportunity to get some real constructive feedback on my art. I'm taking all the notes from my critique and working on new pieces to make my portfolio stronger. I need to continue using textures in my work (both traditional and digital), and work on featuring more dynamic angles in my compositions.

Personally I want to work on drawing more animal characters as well. There are a lot of human characters in my portfolio currently.

Kelly Light was the Keynote speaker and a definite highlight of my whole conference. I attended her breakout session as well, where she gave us a candid look at her publishing journey. She encouraged us to ask her any and all questions we had about her picture book process. She talked about work, revisions, contracts, advances, royalties, and anything we could think to ask.

I was thrilled to win a raffle at the end of the event, which included two of Kelly Light's books! I was able to catch her and get them autographed. While the ink was drying on the books Kelly just signed, she gave me some words of encouragement as a working mom trying to make it as an illustrator. It's going to be hard, but I just need to find those moments when I can sketch and come up with ideas.

I absolutely had a great time at Prairie Writers & Illustrators Day! I met so many talented writers and illustrators. I only wish there was more time to chat with everyone and see everyone's portfolios.