SoCal Fall Harvest: Opportunities for Illustrators

We offer written critiques, one-on-one consults, contests and live portfolio first impressions.

WRITTEN CRITIQUE: PORTFOLIO REVIEW, Due: August 24, 2025, 10:00 PM

Get a detailed written critique of your illustrations by an Art Director! After registering for our event, you can also sign up for a Written Portfolio Critique.  

Formatting:

You may submit up to 10 art pieces for written critique. There are two ways to submit:

  • Save your 10 art pieces as multiple pages in a PDF file (max 25MB) and name your file “PortfolioCritique_LastName-FirstName”
  • OR, share your website address.  She will write comments on the first ten pieces plus provide an overall impression. 
  • Please only submit ONE option - PDF or website.

Your written critique will be emailed to you on Sunday, Oct. 5.

Submitting:

After registering for a Portfolio Written Critique, upload your submission into THIS FORM by August 24, 2025, 10:00 PM. If you have any questions, contact Su Moon [email protected].

Your written critique will be emailed to you on Sunday, Oct. 5. 

WRITTEN CRITIQUE: PICTURE BOOK DUMMY; Due: August 24, 2025, 10:00 PM

Get a written critique of your Picture Book dummy.

Formatting:

Must be a completed dummy (finished b&w sketches) with at least one colored example that represents the final artwork. (cover is optional)

Must include full color completed illustration. Full color completed illustration(s) must be placed where they belong in the story.

Must be 1 PDF (max 25MB)

Name your file “PBDummyCritique_LastName_FirstName”

For tips on how to craft your PB Dummy, read this

Submitting:

After registering for a PB Dummy Critique, upload your submission into THIS FORM by August 24, 2025, 10:00 PM. If you have any questions, contact Su Moon [email protected].

Your written critique will be emailed to you on Sunday, Oct. 5.

WRITTEN CRITIQUE: GRAPHIC NOVEL DUMMY, Due: August 24, 2025, 10:00 PM

Get a written critique of your Graphic Novel dummy.

Formatting:

Must be 1 PDF (max 25 MB)

Must include 10 to 20 sample pages - no more than that

Must include a short word summary (up to 500 words)

Name your file “GNDummyCritique_LastName_FirstName”

Submitting:

After registering for a GN Dummy Critique, upload your submission into THIS FORM by August 24, 2025, 10:00 PM. If you have any questions, contact Su Moon [email protected].

Your written critique will be emailed to you on Sunday, Oct. 5.

ONE-ON-ONE with Art Director

You can sign up to talk to an Art Director privately for 10-minutes! Available to in-person attendees only. Only 5 spots total available so sign up today.

How you use your 10 minutes is up to you. You can bring your dummy book, portfolio and/or promotional materials.

CONTEST: PICTURE BOOK DUMMY, Due: August 24, 2023, 10:00 PM

Enter for FREE! The submission must be written and illustrated by the same person, and the submission must be an original story by the author/illustrator.

Formatting:

Must be a completed dummy (finished b&w sketches) with at least one colored example that represents the final artwork. (cover is optional)

Must include full color completed illustration examples placed where they belong in the story

Must be 1 PDF file (max 25 MB)

Name your file “PBDummyContest_Title.” 

Submitting:

Registered attendees (virtual or in person) may submit by uploading your pdf using THIS FORM by August 24, 2025, 10:00 PM. 

Winners will be announced at the end of our Oct. 4th event.

CONTEST: PORTFOLIO SHOWCASE, Due: October 4th 2023, 8:00am (day of the conference)

Display your physical portfolios the day of the event AND enter portfolio showcase competition for FREE. Available to in-person attendees only.

Formatting:

Physical portfolio size must not exceed 32" across and 15" high

You can attach or bring your promo materials

You can attach 1 dummy book

Submitting:

Please bring it by 8:00 AM on the day of the event. Volunteers will be at the table to receive your portfolio and display it for you. If you have any questions, please contact Su Moon at [email protected].

Winners will be announced at the end of our Oct. 4th event.

LIVE PORTFOLIO REVIEW - Due: September 24, 2025, 10:00 PM

Would you like feedback from faculty on a one-page sample of your illustrations? ALL attendees are welcome to submit a one-page PDF free of charge, whether you sign up for in-person OR zoom. Your artwork will be emailed to the faculty one week prior to the conference. On the day of the event, we'll hand them a hard copy and project your artwork on the large screen for all attendees to see. The panel of experts will share their first impressions. Submissions may be anonymous.

Formatting:

Arrange your illustrations that best represent you into one 8.5” x 11” landscape sheet

You can arrange it however you like but we suggest 3 to 5 illustrations

Must be 1 PDF (10MB max)

You do NOT need to include your name on the PDF.

Name your file “LivePortfolioReview-LastName-FirstName”

Submitting:

Upload your one-page pdf using THIS FORM by Sept. 24, 2025, 10:00 PM.

We will try to include as many entries as possible during our Oct. 4th event.

If you have any questions, please email Su Moon: [email protected]