We offer contests, written critiques, and one-on-one consults.
CONTEST: PORTFOLIO SHOWCASE, Due: October 3rd 2026, 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. Winners will be announced at the end of our Oct. 3rd event.
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 Heather Soodak at [email protected]
CONTEST: PICTURE BOOK DUMMY, Due: August 20, 2026, 10:00 PM
Enter for FREE! The submission must be written and illustrated by the same person, an original story by the author/illustrator, and not AI generated. Both virtual and in-person attendees are eligible. Winners will be announced at the end of our Oct. 3rd event.
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 20, 2026, 10:00 PM.
WRITTEN CRITIQUE: PORTFOLIO REVIEW, PICTURE BOOK DUMMY or GRAPHIC NOVEL DUMMY, Due: August 20, 2026, 10:00 PM
When registering for our event, you can also sign up for a detailed written critique of your work. Your written critique will be emailed to you on Sunday, Oct. 4.
Portfolio Formatting:
You may submit up to 10 art pieces for a portfolio written critique.
Save your 10 art pieces as multiple pages in a PDF file (max 25MB) and name your file “Grande_Portfolio Critique_YourLastName,FirstName”
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 "FacultyLastName_YourLastName_FirstName_Title_Genre"
For tips on how to craft a PB Dummy, read this.
Submitting:
After registering for a Critique, upload your submission into THIS FORM by August 20, 2026, 10:00 PM. If you have any questions, contact Gina Capaldi [email protected].
ONE-ON-ONE with Art Director
You can sign up to talk to Art Director Karina Grande 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.