Tips for introverted children's book illustrators attending the SCBWI Summer Conference for the first time - by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Who else is hyped about the upcoming SCBWI Summer Conference in LA? (insert hand waving wildly here) I had to miss last year's because I was sick so am EXTRA excited for this year's!

I've been attending regularly since 2009, when I was incredibly nervous about not knowing very many people and being a pre-published author. In 2010, I was chosen for the SCBWI Illustration Mentorship Program as well as winning an Honor Award...and that's also when Simon & Schuster Children's Justin Chanda offered me my very first children's book illustration contract (and why I dedicated my first solo picture book to Justin).

While I am still far from expert, I have learned a few things that I'd like to share here for those attending for the first time. I've shared bits and pieces in various other posts, but have some advice specifically for fellow introverts:

Q. I hate schmoozing! Plus I'm an introvert! Any advice?

First of all, I'd suggest NOT using the word "schmooze." Though not all, many people use this word in a negative context. Using it this way is only going to make you more nervous and more resentful.

Instead of thinking, "I hate schmoozing but it's something I have to learn to do even though it's going to be torture" try "Even though I'm nervous about it, I'm going to try meeting people in the industry. And hey, maybe even make some new friends!"

If you consider yourself an introvert, I strongly recommend you watch this excellent TEDtalk by Susan Cain, "The Power Of Introverts." It really helped me:



I loved the video so much that I ended up buying her book, QUIET: The Power Of Introverts In A World That Can't Stop Talking and just recently discovered (thanks to some of my nErDcamp pals) a version of the book aimed at kids and teens: Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths Of Introverts:

As for meeting people at the convention, try to remember that many of the people probably feel exactly the same way you do.

One thing I found worked for me: instead of aiming to meet as many "important" people as you can, aim to have a few meaningful conversations with like-minded individuals (regardless of whether or not they're an agent, editor or Big Name Author/Illus). If something someone says to me compels me to change the way I approach my craft or business in a positive way that helps my career or mindset (or both) or I meet a potential friend, then the conference is already worth the cost.

A note to those who are experienced and more confident: do remember what it was like to attend your first SCBWI conference, and make it a goal to talk to at least one new person who is looking a wee bit nervous. Always pay it forward.

Q. There are only two weeks left! What kind of prep should I be doing that will make it easier for me at the conference?

Before the event, browse the #LA16SCBWI hashtag on Twitter or other social media to see what people are posting. You can start interacting with people NOW, which will help make it easier for you at the conference. If you see someone say "So who else going to #LA16SCBWI?", speak up! Or talk about how your prep is going, post a photo or two of your postcards or sample from your portfolio (if you post your art, always include your name or URL or other identifying info in your image, in case it gets shared out of context). Make sure you include the hashtag in your tweet. If you need guidance on Twitter, feel free to check out my Twitter Guide For Authors & Illustrators. Also see my "Three Social Media Tips For Children's Book Writer And Illustrators" post.

Research the faculty. If there is anyone you especially want to meet, find out what they're excited about (their social media is a great way to do this), read their books or look through their recent books in the library or bookstore. That way you won't be tongue-tied when you find yourself standing next to them at one of the social events, the elevator or other public venue. Example: Simon & Schuster art director, Laurent Linn, just had his debut YA novel come out recently!

Q. I plan on entering my portfolio in the showcase. Any advice?

There is plenty of specific and practical advice in this blog from portfolio showcase winners like Andrea Offermann, Eliza Wheeler and Juana Martinez-Neale as well as posts in this blog from the Mentees. I also suggest you read this recent post from SCBWI's Insight: "Portfolio Trips From SCBWI Mentorship Winners."

My biggest piece of advice: Think longterm and have realistic expectations. Even if you don't win an award, you will have MANY people in the industry looking through your work. Make sure you have postcards or business cards (I advise postcards because it's easier to include a sample of your art).

DO read over the Portfolio Showcase specifications and rules, to make sure your portfolio won't get rejected. That page also has info about how to sign in, when to drop off your portfolio, etc. The more you research ahead of time, the better prepared you'll feel when you get to the conference.

Q. Any other tips?

Bring business cards and/or postcards, even if you are pre-published. Too often I meet new people and have a great conversation, but they don't have a card with them. SCBWI-LA attendees tend to meet a lot of new people over the conference, so having a card or postcard after the event helps remind them of how wonderful it was for them to meet you. :-) I also sometimes take photos and use social media (adding people to a private "met at xxx conference" list, for example).

And try to have FUN. Sounds clichéd, but it makes all the difference and should be one of your goals. If you're an introvert, I strongly advise you set specific, achievable goals like "I'm going to meet at least one kindred spirit and have a fun conversation with them" than "I'm going to get a book contract!" or "I'm going to get business cards from at least 100 people!"

And if you see me around, please DO come up and say hi!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi wrote and illustrated WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? (Simon & Schuster Children's).  Her illustrations also appear in books by Michael Ian Black, Judy Blume, Lauren McLaughlin and Rob Sanders. Her next book: SEA MONKEY AND BOB written by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Debbie, coming out from Simon & Schuster in April 2017. She blogs about reading, writing and illustrating books for young people at Inkygirl.com. Twitter: @inkyelbows.

Are You Entering The SCBWI-LA Illustration Portfolio Showcase? Here Are Tips For Before and During the Conference - by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Only a month and a half until the SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles! I can't wait. Not only is it the conference that kickstarted my book illustration career, but I always come away super-inspired by the talks, sessions and chatting with other writers and illustrators.

For those of you entering the Illustrator Portfolio Showcase, here are a few tips from past SCBWI Illustration Mentees who have since gone on to win top prize in the overall Portfolio Showcase:

BEFORE THE CONFERENCE:

A Few Thoughts On Editing Your Portfolio - by Andrea Offermann (2013 SCBWI Portfolio Showcase winner)

Mentee Portfolio vs Grand Prize Winner Portfolio - by Juana Martinez-Neal (2012 SCBWI Portfolio Showcase winner)

Portfolio Comparison: What Made An SCBWI Winner - by Eliza Wheeler (2011 SCBWI Portfolio Showcase winner). Eliza is also doing a portfolio workshop on the Friday 4-5 pm in the Pacific Room; check your schedule for details!

Mentees Roundup: SCBWI Portfolio Showcase Tips - compiled by Eliza Wheeler

For more great advice, do browse other portfolio-related posts on KidLitArtists.com and find out what Mentees have been learning about improving their portfolios.

And here are some of my own tips about what to do AT the conference...

AT THE CONFERENCE:

Once you've handed in your portfolio, stop obsessing about it. Don't start making excuses for it, how you weren't quite sure about some of the pieces but put them in anyway, how you wish you had more time to work on it.

Learn how to take compliments gracefully. If someone says something nice about your work, learn how to say "thank you" instead of immediately lobbing back a "I wish I was as good as xxx" or "I totally suck at xxx." See above.

Do make the time to look at other illustrators' work. Not only is this a sign of professional courtesy, but you can also turn it into a learning opportunity. Some portfolios and postcards will immediately stand out for you; ask yourself why.

Try very, very hard to be inspired and NOT discouraged as you browse other illustrators' portfolios. As illustrator Heather Powers says, don't forget that everyone is at a different place in their creative journey. "Get excited - you are just starting out and have a fun path ahead of you! Learn from the best, they will be all around you during the conference!"

Don't be discouraged if you don't win an award. While winning awards is nice, of course, there are so many other benefits to being in the Showcase. Industry people are looking at your work. I have heard of illustrators getting work many months after an event because an art director or editor liked their work enough to pick up a postcard.

Remember the quote that "80 percent of success is showing up". Persistence is essential in this industry. I have heard art directors comment on how they could tell a particular illustrator was working on his or her craft because of the changes in their portfolio from a previous Showcase. The fact that you're at the conference and entering the Showcase already puts you far ahead of many others.

Come to the Illustrator Social on the Friday from 7:30-9 pm in Olympic I. It's a great place to meet other illustrators as well as some of the faculty. Bring your postcards! Plus do find me and say hello...I'd love to meet you. :-)

Good luck, and don't forget to have fun! And if you're nervous about attending the SCBWI conference for the first-time, these comics might help.

- Debbie

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the author/illustrator of WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, 2015). Her illustrations also appear in books by Judy Blume and Michael Ian Black. She blogs about reading, writing and illustrating children's books at Inkygirl.com. You can find her on Twitter at @inkyelbows and Instagram at @inkygirl.

Mini-interview with Lauren Rille, Associate Art Director at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing - by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

I had so much fun working with Lauren Rille, who designed the new covers for the Judy Blume middle grade and chapter books. The middle grade just came out from Atheneum/Simon & Schuster Children's, and you can read about how I became illustrator for that project.

Lauren has a blog about her design and art direction work at http://laurenrille.blogspot.com, and you can also follow her on Twitter at @ElBoogieSparks.

Lauren designed these new Judy Blume middle grade covers!
Cover illustrator: Yours truly. :-)

Q. What is the biggest mistake or misconception that aspiring children's book illustrators tend to make/have, in your experience?

Lauren Rille's answer:

I think people new to the process have the misconception that being asked to revise means they are doing it "wrong"—that they've somehow missed the mark, when in fact that couldn't be further from the truth!

Several rounds of revision are standard; I consider that part of the expected process, and I think it's actually the fun part, too! At that point, you've got the job—we KNOW you can kill it in a final piece, so it's time to stretch, grow, play, experiment, push.

Sometimes, even if something is working, we'll ask for a revision to see if we can get it working BETTER; the first solution isn't always the best, so we'll push to see what lies beyond.

It's in those revisions that some very pleasant surprises come about, new sparks of ideas that will turn into really amazing pieces.

Chapter books coming out from Atheneum/S&S on
May 27 (paperback) and June 3rd (hardcover).

Q. What upcoming book project or projects are you especially excited about? 

Lauren Rille's answer:

There are so many!

Off the top of my head (and to-do list ;) I can think of "Blue on Blue", by Dianne White, illustrated by Caldecott Winner Beth Krommes—a really beautiful, simple text paired with really stunning art—it feels like a modern classic!

There's also REX FINDS AN EGG by Stephen Weinberg—it's his first book, and its funny, and wry, and fresh and a touch snarky, which is always a great combination.

And then for novels, MOUSEHEART is a middle grade by Lisa Fielder and it's just a great read; dynamic, adventurous, and with absolutely amazing art by Vivienne To.

And finally, THE SECRETS OF EASTCLIFF-BY-THE-SEA by Eileen Beha seems like another sorta modern classic to me—it's got intrigue, precious (and magical?) family heirlooms, some mystery, and tons of sock monkeys, so how can that go wrong? It's illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright and her work on it is wonderful.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi worked with Lauren Rille while creating illustrations for Judy Blume classics being reissued by Atheneum/Simon & Schuster Children's as middle grade and chapter books. Twitter: @inkyelbows.

Lost Weekend With David Diaz (Part 2): More Highlights & Why I Will Always Be A Mentee At Heart - by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Continued from Part 1 of my Lost Weekend report...

Juana Martinez-Neal (who won the overall SCBWI-LA Portfolio
Showcase earlier this year) talks to us about her process.

Just like last year, one of my personal highlights of Lost Weekend was seeing how others work.

Jen Betton gives a demo of her process.

It's one reason I LOVED the Illustrators' Intensive at the 2011 SCBWI Summer Conference, where we got to watch pros like David Small, Paul Zelinsky, Marla Frazee, Richard Jesse Watson, Kadir Nelson, Denise Fleming & Jerry Pinkney doing hands-on demonstrations of how they work.

Karyn Raz talks about her process.

It was so funny to hear so many of us at Lost Weekend say before our demos, "Oh, my process isn't going to be that interesting." Other people's process is always more fascinating than our own. :-)

I still experience imposter syndrome sometimes, mainly because I never went to art school and also have little experience with non-digital art materials. I also know there are some pro artists out there who look down on those who draw digitally.

I give a demo of how I draw (using a travel-size Intuos tablet).
Thanks to Jessica Lanan for the photo!

One of things I love about our Mentee group (and I'm talking about all the Mentees, not just the Mentees from my own year) is that everyone is open and interested in different techniques, different approaches.

Maple Lam gives a demo of how she works.

What I found during Lost Weekend: that it didn't matter whether some of us worked digitally, some non-digitally, or with a mix of both -- I learned something new or found inspiration in every single Mentee's demo/talk. Even seasoned pro David Diaz said he had learned some new things. :-)

Jessica Lanan gives a demo of her process one evening by the fireplace.

I was chosen for the SCBWI Illustrator Mentorship Program in 2010. Back then, I was total newbie in terms of professional illustration. Since then, I've been learning more about the craft and industry through working on I'M BORED (written by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by yours truly, published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers) as well as from other illustrators.

Lisa Anchin gives a demo of her process.

I know I still have SO much to learn. Which brings me to the title of Part 1 of my Lost Weekend report, where I call myself a "veteran Mentee."

Brian Won gives a demo of how he works.

I will always be a Mentee at heart, no matter how many books I publish in the future, because:

1) I always want to be learning, to be experimenting and stepping outside of my creative comfort zone. 

2) I love being part of the mini-community created as a result of the SCBWI Illustration Mentorship Program, with the opportunities (both official and unofficial) to get to know and learn from other illustrators.

Portfolio display on Saturday night, during the party. I forgot to
bring mine, but enjoyed browsing everyone else's.

Another highlight: seeing Jen Rofé and Rubin Pfeffer again.

Jen, who is a literary agent with Andrea Brown Literary Agency, was the one who nominated my YA novel for the Sue Alexander "Most Promising For Publication" Award last year. Although it didn't win, Jen's encouragement reminded NOT to forget about my dream of having my middle grade and YA novels published someday. I love Jen's enthusiasm and energy.

Eliza Wheeler & her agent,  Jen Rofé

Plus Jen signed Eliza on as a client after she and Eliza had a chance to chat at last year's Lost Weekend...so it was great to see this come full circle when she and Eliza chatted about some of Eliza's current projects during the Saturday night party.

Brian Won, Rubin Pfeffer, David Diaz and Christina Forshay.

As for Rubin Pfeffer...well, I adore Rubin. I remember being so intimidated by him just before our first meeting in 2010, when he was one of our Mentors. But then I saw him with an iPad (they were brand new back then) at the table as I approached for my consultation, and I knew it was going to be okay. We shared our iPadgeek excitement, and Rubin gave me some excellent career advice.

Andrea Offermann talks about her process.

So many more highlights, but I've already been rambling on too long. In case you missed it, do read Part 1 of my Lost Weekend report.

You can also read what other attendees have posted about the event:

Lisa Anchin (Class of 2012) - Lost Weekend
Jen Betton (Class of 2012) - Lost Weekend 2012: A Kidlit Hobnob
Maple Lam (Class of 2012) - Lost Weekend 2012
Jessica Lanan (Class of 2011) - Lost (and Found) Weekend

Alice Ratteree gives a demo of her process.

Huge thanks to David Diaz for his generosity in sharing his knowledge, his time and his home. It was a wonderful event that none of us will ever forget.

David Diaz gives us a demo of his process.

LOST WEEKEND ATTENDEES 2012:

TOP ROW (L to R): Brian Won, Arree Chung, Lisa Anchin, Jessica Lanan, Karyn Raz, Jen Betton, Erin O'Shea, Lorraine, Bonnie Adamson, David Diaz, Alice Tillotson Ratterree, Andrea Zuill, Heidi Sheffield

 BOTTOM ROW (L to R): Eliza Wheeler, Christina Forshay, Maple Lam, Andrea Offermann, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Juana Martinez-Neal

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi illustrated I'M BORED, a new picture book written by Michael Ian Black and published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (just found out that the book was picked as a Notable Children's Book Of 2012 by The New York Times Sunday Book Review, yay!). She is currently writing and illustrating more books for S&S, and tweets from @inkyelbows. Her blog about writing & illustrating for young people: Inkygirl.com.

Lost Weekend With David Diaz (Part 1): A Retrospective From A Veteran Mentee - by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Part 1 - Part 2

As Jen Betton mentioned last week, Caldecott-winning children's book illustrator David Diaz was kind enough to host another Lost Weekend this year.

According to David, the idea for Lost Weekend began at the 2011 SCBWI convention when Eliza Wheeler, Kimberly Gee and I joked to David about wanting to snoop through his art studio. I still think it was Eliza & Kimberly's fault; I don't think I would have the nerve (and HAHA, it's my blog post, so E and K can't defend themselves). Anyway, David decided to take us seriously and suggested a Lost Weekend at his place.

Erin O'Shea shows us her process during Lost Weekend.

Last year, David hosted the very first Lost Weekend; you can read my post about it. We attendees were relieved when David announced that he was going to have another in 2012 because it meant that he must have enjoyed himself. Or at least not scared off by all the Mentees invading his house!



Please note that this is not an officially sanctioned SCBWI event, but an invite-only gathering generously hosted by David Diaz. After posting my report last year, I had people asking how they could sign up for this year.

Juana Martinez-Neal, me and Andrea Offermann on a morning walk

The best way to get invited, as far as I know: enter your portfolio in the SCBWI Summer Conference Portfolio Showcase and get picked for the Mentorship Program. Even then, however, it's up to David.



Last year, David invited the 2010 and 2011 SCBWI-LA Mentees (you can find out about the SCBWI Illustrator Mentorship Program here) as well as a couple of his own Mentees. This year, he expanded the invite list to include one of the 2009 Mentees, the new 2012 Mentees and a few others.




I have to admit I was a bit nervous. After all, the first Lost Weekend was such a magical, special event. How could a second event live up to expectations? And how would having twice as many attendees affect the intimacy of the first? And more importantly, would David still make those heavenly POPOVERS?



I needn't have worried.

Yes, this year's Lost Weekend was different from last year's. But that would be true even if exactly the same group had gotten together. Each Lost Weekend is the sum of its attendees and the moments they create together.



We all love SCBWI conventions -- it's how most of us met, through the SCBWI Illustration Mentorship Program. At Lost Weekend, however, there were many more quiet spaces and opportunities for in-depth conversation and getting to know each other.



David supervised all the cooking and did much of it himself, enlisting the rest of us to help chop, stir, clean up etc. There was plenty to eat, and it was all excellent. We had most of our meals at David's house, including breakfast:



I love David's house...it's so full of light and art and fascinating discoveries. Like this baby's head cup:



And the unique decorations on this kitchen statuary:



And of course, David's amazing paintings! I brought a copy of one of David's books for him to sign:



One of my highlights: hearing Rubin Pfeffer talk about what happened when Smoky Nights (illustrated by David, text by Eve Bunting, published by Harcourt) won the Caldecott.



I had no idea that Rubin was the Art Director for that book! Rubin is now a partner at East West Literary Agency.



Another highlight: on our long beach walk (we had to work off all those calories), it was fun to see the ebb and flow of conversation change as the small groups split off, joined other groups, split off again.



Continued in Part 2 of my Lost Weekend report....

Meanwhile, other attendees have also posted about Lost Weekend:

Lisa Anchin (Class of 2012) - Lost Weekend

Jen Betton (Class of 2012) - Lost Weekend 2012: A Kidlit Hobnob

Maple Lam (Class of 2012) - Lost Weekend 2012

Jessica Lanan (Class of 2011) - Lost (and Found) Weekend

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi illustrated I'M BORED, a new picture book written by Michael Ian Black and published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. She is currently writing and illustrating more books for S&S, and tweets from @inkyelbows. Her blog about writing & illustrating for young people: Inkygirl.com.