We Went to SCBWI: Here’s How it Went

Written By Lisa F
illustration of svslearn at scbwi

Episode #295 | Art by Lee White

Back from the SCBWI conference in New York, Sam Cotterill and Lee White recap the trip, from funny stories to biggest takeaways (plus tips on how to make the most of conferences like these). 

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • If you’re doing the work, you can claim the identity. If you make art, you’re an artist. Drop the “aspiring”.

  • Don’t let gatekeepers stand in your way. If there’s a project on your heart, create a way to make it, even if you have to do so alone. 

  • When attending educational conferences, don’t try to retain everything; look for the three “gold nuggets” that are most impactful to you in the moment.

  • If the art doesn’t make you feel something, what’s the point?

  • There’s always time to create if you keep supplies handy and devices turned off.

SUMMARY

Just back from New York, Sam and Lee attended the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators conference and have plenty to say! In addition to their first in-person meeting, they hosted an SVS community meetup and connected with some of you—a highlight of the trip. One of the beauties of attending these types of events is the personal relationships that emerge; from veteran illustrators to bright-eyed young creatives, everyone is accessible and excited about making and sharing their art. If you find yourself at a conference like this, get to know people and make connections. You might encounter new permanent members of your creative community. 

Chatting with other participants allowed Lee and Sam to hear some common experiences from illustrators, especially those just starting out. Sam noticed how many active creators refer to themselves as “aspiring”. She encourages artists to claim their identity: if you’re doing the work, you can call yourself an illustrator. If you make art, you’re an artist. Don’t hide behind softening adjectives.

Lee recalls chatting with an artist at the threshold of his career: making solid work, getting positive feedback and interest, and yet nothing has come to fruition, and he’s understandably frustrated. Jake’s advice is simple: self-publish. Crowdfund. Don’t wait for gatekeepers to choose you; show them you’re worth choosing by making your project, even if you have to do it alone. This allows you to both make the work you’re excited about and prove to art directors that you’re a good choice for future projects because you can execute effectively. SCBWI allows illustrators to submit their portfolios for display, giving opportunities to be discovered by agents and art directors. If you’re wondering if you should submit yours, the answer is yes. Don’t wait until you have the “perfect” portfolio. The earlier you share your work, the sooner you can receive helpful feedback (and perhaps some positive connections as well). 

Conferences like these can be overwhelming, so plan a few extra days before and after to give yourself time to prepare, experience the location, and decompress afterward. Throughout the conference, take “time outs” to regulate your nervous system if you’re prone to overstimulation. You won’t be able to retain every connection or piece of information, so don’t try. Instead, attend with an open mind and look for three takeaways that are impactful to you in the moment. Reflect on what you’ll take from the experience, and use what you learned to guide the next season of your career.

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Lisa F

DirectorofSunshineandRainbows

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