Guidelines
The Portfolio Showcase is a fantastic juried opportunity to have your work seen by conference faculty and peers.
Price with Membership: $40
Standard Price: $50
Registration:
Pre-registration is required to participate.
Judging:
Saturday, May 2. Winners will be announced at the end of the day.
Awards & Recognition:
Judges will award prizes to two illustrators based on the excellence of their portfolios; a people's choice award will also be given.
Portfolio Requirements:
Your portfolio is a curated collection of your best work for the children's market. Please adhere to the following specifications:
Content:
10–15 images of your own, original artwork.
No AI-generated artwork will be considered for awards.
Use high-quality copies or prints only. Do not bring original art.
Format & Size:
Must be a standard "book format" portfolio (e.g., 3-ring binder, plastic sleeve portfolio). No loose pages.
Maximum size when closed: 15" wide by 15" tall.
Maximum size when open: 30" wide.
Required Information:
Your full name and contact information must be clearly visible in or on your portfolio.
Please indicate if you are represented by an agent.
Promotional Cards (Optional):
Quantity: Bring one stack of no more than 50 promotional cards or postcards (a single design is recommended).
Size: Up to 5" x 7".
Packaging: Please bring your stack secured with a rubber band or in a disposable plastic bag. Cardholders are not permitted.
Book Dummy (Optional):
Quantity: You may include one book dummy.
Attachment: The dummy must be securely attached to your portfolio with string, ribbon, or similar. Please arrive with it already attached.
Content: The dummy cannot be a previously published book. If you use text from another author, please provide proper credit.
Please Do NOT Bring:
Portfolios larger than the specified dimensions.
Original artwork, framed pieces, or 3D art.
Easels, stands, props, or cardholders.
Published books.
Portfolios in novelty formats (e.g., boxes).
Portfolio Critique Opportunity:
Illustrators who take part in the conference portfolio showcase are also eligible for a written, day-of-show portfolio critique from one of the award-winning illustrators serving as showcase judges. Critiques will be available at the conclusion of our conference day.
Price with Membership $85
Standard Price: $95
Portfolio Showcase Judges and Portfolio Critique Faculty
Anait Semirdzhyan
Anait Semirdzhyan is an illustrator based near Seattle, Washington. Born in Kazakhstan and raised in Armenia, she brings a unique cultural perspective to her work. Represented by Christy Ewers at The CAT Agency, she has illustrated award-winning children’s books, including The Arabic Quilt by Aya Khalil, Just Us by Molly Beth Griffin, and the board book edition of Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White. This year marks her 10th year as a member of SCBWI.
Ellie Peterson
Ellie Peterson is an author and illustrator living in Kirkland. Her work is inspired by more than 20 years as a classroom teacher and by her upbringing as a biracial Army brat. How to Hug a Pufferfish won the 2023 Washington State Picture Book Award, and Home Is Calling, which she illustrated, received the inaugural Charlotte & Wilbur Award. Her next PB, How to Crash a Kite (Norton Young Readers, 2027), is on the way. She’s rep'd by Adria Goetz of KT Literary.
Kevan Atteberry
A writer/illustrator of award-winning children's books, including the 2019 Crystal Kite Award winner, Ghost Cat. Kevan has been on the Advisory Committee of the SCBWI Western Washington for 26 of the last 32 years. After decades in the graphic design business, he moved into creating picture books, a love he's had for most of his life. Along with Ghost Cat his books include: Bunnies!!!, Puddles!!!, and I Love You More than the Smell of Swamp Gas.
Portfolio Showcase Coordinator
Rob Albanese
Rob is an author and illustrator living in the Pacific Northwest. His debut picture book, The Birders, came out in 2022. Rob is an active member of the local kidlit community where he participates in several critique groups and organizes illustrator meet-ups. When not working on his stories at home, Rob can be found in a local coffee shop working on his stories. And if he isn't there, he is out on a mountain or seaside trail.