Oktoberfest 2025

We encourage illustrators to submit portfolios to the Portfolio Showcase! The showcase has a nominal $5 fee to enter and is open to all attendees. It’s a wonderful way to show off your work to conference faculty and fellow kid lit creators. Please see below for all details and awards. If you have any questions after reading through, please reach out to SF North & East Bay IC (Illustration Coordinator), Zu Gong, [email protected].

What is the portfolio showcase?

All portfolios need to be placed at the display tables (signage will be provided) by 8am on the day of the conference. Plan on arriving early!

Showcases are a way for illustrators to share their work and for us as a region to celebrate the artistry in our community. Portfolios will be out on tables for all conference attendees and faculty to check out. Each portfolio has about 10 - 15 pieces, showcasing the illustrator’s best work. We will have comment cards out for attendees to write encouraging notes about the portfolios! The showcase is open for viewing throughout Oktoberfest.

Why participate? 

It’s a great opportunity for people in the industry to see your work in person. There are prizes, including a People’s Choice Award voted on by attendees during the day! And it is also a great experience to show your work alongside your fellow illustrators.

Am I ready?

That’s a familiar question for illustrators! It’s definitely OK to attend the conference and not submit a portfolio. On the other hand, if you are close to being ready to share your work, this just might provide the extra push for you to get it done!

If you don’t feel ready, that’s ok! There are plenty of illustrators who attend the conference and do not submit a portfolio. However, we’d like to encourage you to take this step! You should have at least 6 pieces that work together in a portfolio to show at the showcase. If this is the first time you’re showing your work, know that this conference is where many of us also showed our work for the first time. 

What should I show?

Pieces that are relevant to the children’s market, ranging from board books to YA book covers. You should have at minimum 6 pieces, with the sweet spot of 10 - 12 of your best pieces. Please try to not have more than 16 pieces. Less is always more! 

Is there an award connected to the showcase?

Yes! In addition to other recognitions, a People’s Choice Award will be given out on the day of the conference. All attendees will have the chance to vote for their favorite portfolio, and the winner will be announced before the conference closes.

Details and qualifications:

• Your images must be displayed in an actual “portfolio” - this can be as simple as a 3 ring binder or a basic plastic sleeve portfolio. No loose pages please. 
• Portfolios are dropped off Saturday morning anytime BY 8am. You will be notified as to where in the conference center closer to the date, and there will be signage and volunteers to guide you. 
• Portfolios can be no wider than 30” open (a portfolio that is 15” wide when closed) and no taller than 15”. A reminder that most picture books are not larger than 14x14, and it’s best to show your work in a size that says “picture book”.
• If you have a book dummy, you may include one along with your portfolio. Please make sure the dummy is attached to your portfolio in some way. 
• Your portfolio (and optional dummy) must include your full name and your contact info. 
• We recommend you have some sort of promotional materials to place along with your portfolio - items like 4x6 postcards, small stickers, or business cards to put out with your work. (These are great to trade as well!) Please limit yourself to 2 types of promotional materials. 
• Your portfolio and materials must be picked up at the end of conference day Saturday. We are not responsible for any portfolios or materials left at the end of the day. 

When can I sign up?

You may sign up during registration or if you decide after you have registered you will need to update your registration.