2026 SCBWI SoCal Art Day Story Bloom: A Creative Workshop for Illustrators, Picture Book Writers and Graphic Novelists

Mar 14, 2026

Laguna College of Art & Design, Big Bend Campus, 2825 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

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Spend the day exploring guided art exercises, story-building activities, and collaborative play with fellow creators. Featuring workshop leaders Raissa Figueroa and Joey Spiotto. Registration opens Jan. 5. Early Bird Prices are offered until Jan. 31.

Meet Our Faculty

Introducing our presenters: Raissa Figueroa and Joey Spiotto, and our off-site critiquers Christy Ewers and Melissa Manlove.

Critique and Portfolio Review Submission Guidelines

You can add written critiques of your manuscripts, book dummies and/or illustration portfolios to your registration!

Frequently Asked Questions

Map, lunch options, cancellation policy and more!

Equity and Inclusion Scholarship

Two scholarships are available to writers and/or illustrators whose finances prevent them from attending AND are from underserved communities, including but not limited to BOPIC, LGVTQIA+ and people with disabilities.

Pre-order Books, Get Autographs

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Pre-order through Whale of a Tale by Feb. 28

Buy books by our workshop presenters and get them autographed! If you pre-order through Whale of a Tale Bookstore by Feb. 28, we'll have your books waiting for you at our event. Pre-order HERE.