Portfolio Showcase
PORTFOLIO SHOWCASE:
Illustrators are invited, free of charge, to bring portfolios for display along with business cards, postcards and book dummies. There will be private viewings of all the portfolios by our faculty–an amazing opportunity for your art to be noticed. All attendees who bring their portfolio for the display tables will be considered for the Golden Gate Portfolio Award and People’s Choice Award.
ILLUSTRATION PORTFOLIO INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATION
Includes a 15-minute illustration portfolio critique with our art director, illustrators, or agent.
- Please bring your portfolio to the conference. Please do not bring original art.
- Only one portfolio consultation is available per person.
- Spots are limited and are first come first served.
Portfolio:
One (1) permitted
Size: (Measure while open)
Maximum width: 32” max.
Maximum height: 12” max.
Closed Portfolio: 3” tall max.
10 – 15 images suggested.
Copies or prints only; no original art. Please note which art pieces are published by labeling them with the book title and publisher.
Name: your name and contact information must be in or on your portfolio.
* Please Note: Portfolios that do not follow requirements will be disqualified from judging, and may be placed at a back table.
Business or Promotional Cards—50-100 suggested.
Size: Up to 5”x 7” horizontal or vertical.
Only one design required. (One stack will be placed by portfolio).
No card holders permitted.
***AWARDS UPDATED!
Golden Gate Portfolio Award
The Golden Gate Portfolio Award is presented at the SF/South Illustrator Day. Portfolios will be viewed privately by a jury of art directors, editors, agents, and award-winning illustrators who will select this year’s recipient.
Eligibility:
- Open to all registered attendees who display a portfolio that meets the specified size and format requirements.
- Both published and unpublished illustrators are eligible.
- Winners of the Golden Gate Portfolio Award, are ineligible to win it again for the next two years, to allow more members the opportunity to be recognized. They remain eligible for awards at other SCBWI events, including other SFSouth regional events.
Recognition:
- Complimentary registration to the 2026 Golden Gate Day Conference.
- A paid commission of $500 to create two illustrations for the 2026 Golden Gate Day Conference program cover (for digital, print and related conference marketing materials).
- Recognition on our region’s website as Featured Illustrator.
People’s Choice Award
The People's Choice Award is presented at the SF/South Illustrator Day. During the Portfolio Showcase, attendees can view all the portfolios and vote for their favorite one. The People’s Choice Award is given to the portfolio that receives the most votes, unless it is the same as the Golden Gate Portfolio Award in which case it will be given to the person who received the second highest number of votes.
Eligibility:
- Open to all registered attendees who display a portfolio that meets the specified size and format requirements.
- Both published and unpublished illustrators are eligible.
- Winners of the People Choice Award, are ineligible to win it again for the next two years, to allow more members the opportunity to be recognized. They remain eligible for awards at other SCBWI events, including other SF/South regional events.
Recognition:
- Recognition on our region’s website as Illustrator Day People’s Choice Award winner.
- A gift certificate to a local bookstore or art supply store of the winner’s choice.
Emerging Artist Award (NEW in 2025)
The Emerging Artist Award is designed to recognize and encourage illustrators who are not yet traditionally published, ensuring that new voices have an opportunity to be seen and celebrated.
Eligibility:
- Open to illustrators who have not yet been published in trade or educational books.
- Magazine credits (such as Cricket, Highlights, etc,) self-published work, classroom projects, or personal zines do not affect eligibility.
- If an illustrator wins Golden Gate or People’s Choice, the Emerging Artist Award will go to the next eligible illustrator.
- Winners of the Emerging Artist Award are ineligible to win it again.
Recognition:
- The winner will be featured on our region’s website as an Emerging Artist to Watch.
- This award ensures that pre-published illustrators are celebrated alongside the Golden Gate Portfolio Award and the People's Choice Award, while published illustrators continue to have full eligibility for those categories.
- One-year membership to SCBWI
PORTFOLIO GUIDELINES: