Sunday, January 5, 2014

Getting ready for the Next Challenge

I have, with great trepidation, signed up and paid for a conference in NYC for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.  I want to see what that world is like, I know I'll be overwhelmed with the talent that is out there, but I want to see it all. Plus it's a chance to go to NYC for a few days, see some old friends and have an egg-cream if nothing else.

But, part of what I am doing involves have a critique of my (non-existant) portfolio.   I don't think cobbling together little sketches will make for a great portfolio.  So I am trying to beef it up (past two pages!) and have something that can be meaningfully critiqued.

To that end, I am working on one or two sketches for a few stories.    I'm starting with Peter and the Wolf.  I always loved that story and music, the first time I heard it was at the Children's Symphony at the Brooklyn Academy of Music conducted by none other than Leonard Bernstein.   And he explained to so beautifully to the kids, I just adored it and him.  So I decided to start there.

I'll add some Water Lily Girl pics, and "Dad and his Pizza" and some other stuff.  I don't know what to expect, so I'll just bring what I can.

Pencil sketches below.  I plan to show the sketches and some finished work from each series. (oohh, I just noticed how small the head is in the first shot, gotta go work on that)




(I really think I need a new scanner ) 

If anyone has any experience with this type of conference or critique  - let me know! 

Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year to all!!!


8 comments:

Cris, Oregon Artist said...

What fun this will be. Love the kitty and the bird sketch. When is all this going to take place?

Robin said...

Brava Mim! I think attending this conference will give you the courage to go forward! Your Art IS different and will ultimately stand out and say *Publish Me*!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

Amanda Summer said...

Good for you, Mim. I was considering going to this conference but it probably won't work out for my schedule. I have heard that it's good to practice your elevator pitch if you plan to meet with agents and/or editors about your work - sounds like a sort of speed dating session where you go from person to person pitching your work and they give you 3-5 minutes per person.

Either way, good luck and will look forward to hearing how it goes!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I think Ms Em should be in your portfolio. She is the best. She deserves a book of her own. I am sure she could deal with children as well as adults.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

P.S. Good luck at the conference. I hope you get lots of inspiration and advise.

A good way to start the year. Happy New Year to you too.

kj said...

When is this? Can we break bread before you go to ny and I go to Florida?

Plus, I heard Emily rabbit wants to talk to you

love
kj

Teri said...

It will be a great experience. I agree with Lisa....ms em should be a part of your portfolio.
Best of luck.

soulbrush said...

No experience, all I know is that you are going to be amazed- not only at the talent out there- but the talent you yourself have too. If they saw your Chanukah drawings, they would all faint! Have a wonderful time, can't wait to hear all about it. xx