Get Your Portfolio Critiqued!
(Looking for the Writer Manuscript Critique Page? Click here.)
There are a limited number of portfolio critiques available for illustrator attendees at an additional fee of $70 at the time you register for the conference.
Register for Portfolio Critique Add-On now, and then upload your digital portfolio during the Submission Window: September 1st - September 16th
Details for how each review will provide feedback will be posted soon. These may be written or may be by zoom.
CANCELLATIONS — The critique fee is NOT refundable. If you cancel your conference registration OR miss the September 16th electronic submission deadline, you will not receive a critique.
Portfolio Submission Guidelines
Read the guidelines and follow them exactly or your portfolio will not be accepted. All submissions must be received between September 1st - September 16th.
1. Register for Oktoberfest. During registration (because these limited slots will sell out quickly!) …
2. During registration, select ADD-ON: ILLUSTRATOR PORTFOLIO CRITIQUE; select your reviewer
3. Curate your portfolio for submission. You may submit between 10-12 images.
4. Format:
— The images must all be saved as JPG files.
— The max pixel size is 1400 x 1400. No larger.
— We highly recommend 300 DPI format.
— Each image should include the illustrator’s first and last name, email address, and website if they have one.
— The file names must be formatted as FirstNameLastNameNumber (E.g. JaceSmith1.jpg)
— Your folder name must be formatted as FirstNameLastNamePortfolio (E.g. JaceSmithPortfolio.jpg)
5. By August 25th, you will receive an email with information for either a written feedback or zoom review scheduling and digital portfolio upload. If you have not received instructions by August 25th, please email our Co-Regional Advisor & Portfolio Critique Coordinator Maritza Ruiz-Kim, at this address: [email protected].
In the subject line, put SCBWI Portfolio Critique Submission and your first and last name.
Example: SCBWI Portfolio Critique Submission Jace Smith
6. Between September 1st - September 16th follow portfolio submission instructions. You will upload a folder of your digital portfolio images which will be shared with your reviewer to preview before feedback is provided.
Check back at this event subpage when you are ready to submit your portfolio.
Industry Professionals Offering Critiques
Amelia Mack
Amelia Mack was the art director and designer for a New York Times Best Children's Book of 2024 and Society of Illustrators 2024 Original Art Show Gold Medal winning book, Pepper & Me by Beatrice Alemagna (Hippo Park). Previously a children's art director at Chronicle Books for 14 years, then founding art director of Astra's boutique imprints, Hippo Park and Minerva for two; Amelia is now children's art director at newly rebranded Union Square & Co, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. Collaboration, visions and crazy ideas coming together and being realized, and uncovering the beating, playful, wide-open child's heart of the story are the things Amelia loves most about creating children's books. She also loves all the itty-bitty details of making the "book as object" an experience to hold and read (over and over again).
Shirley Ng-Benitez
Shirley Ng-Benitez is an award-winning author/illustrator who has illustrated over 30 books for children. Her creative journey includes graphic design: GabbyandCo.com, and hand-letttering for American Greetings, Inc. A love for all things handmade, she’s continually experimenting in traditional media including watercolor, gouache, and painted & cut-paper collage. Earth, its creatures, and a deep wish for more compassion and connection in the world, are inspiration for her art and stories. In ’20, she founded the art auction @AWEtober on Instagram which has raised tens of thousands to support victims of the California wildfires, and coral reef restoration efforts around the globe. She lives in the Bay Area with her family and two black cats, and is thrilled to be working on her debut picture book, DOWN, THROUGH, UP by Quill Tree Books releasing Winter ‘25.
