As an SCBWI illustrator member, you have so many opportunities for recognition and exposure that it can be difficult to keep track of them all. Here is a quick reminder of the different ways you can take advantage of your membership and put yourself in the running for acknowledgment, publicity, and prizes.
Featured Illustrator
All you need to do to be in the running for Featured Illustrator is keep your SCBWI Illustrator Gallery up to date. There is no official application process to become Featured Illustrator, but you must have an up-to-date gallery and the more you participate in other SCBWI opportunities, the better chance you have at being chosen. That includes regional events, portfolio showcases and contests!
https://www.scbwi.org/illustrator-gallery/
Bulletin art/Art Spot
Submitting art to the Bulletin is a wonderful way to gain exposure. The Bulletin reaches not only the SCBWI members but also many industry members who hire illustrators. There is no limit to how many pieces you can submit, and you can submit any time.
https://www.scbwi.org/art-spot/
Draw This
Our monthly art prompt, given in every issue of Insight, is a great way to keep your creative juices flowing and gain exposure at the same time.
Draw This! Submission Guidelines
Vashti Harrison: A Draw This! Success Story
Narrative Art Award
SCBWI is giving the first Narrative Art Award this year. All the submissions have been received and the judging is in progress. The theme and specific assignment will change year-to-year, but the general goal will be to show sequence and narrative. The prize is an all-expense paid trip to the SCBWI New York Winter conference. The winning illustrations will be displayed during the New York Portfolio Showcase (in conjunction with the conference). We will also have an online gallery displaying the submissions to the award for any member who submitted to the award and wants to participate.
https://www.scbwi.org/scbwi-narrative-art-award/
Don Freeman Work in Progress Grant
Two grants of $1,000 each are awarded annually. One grant to a published illustrator and one to a pre-published illustrator. The money may be used in any way to help you complete your project. https://www.scbwi.org/awards/grants/work-in-progress-grants/don-freeman-illustrator-grants/
Portfolio Awards
Coming to the Winter or Summer SCBWI conference? Enter your portfolio into the showcase to gain exposure to industry professionals and be eligible for the Portfolio Award. The grand prize winner receives a trip to New York and meetings with three art directors.
https://www.scbwi.org/awards/grants/portfolio-awards/
Mentorship Awards
If you are coming to the Los Angeles conference and enter your portfolio, you are also eligible for the Mentorship Award, with one on one meetings with five different industry professionals to get feedback about your work. After the conference you are welcomed into a wonderfully supportive group of past Mentorship winners, and get to participate in their fantastic blog.
www.kidlitartists.blogspot.com
Bologna Illustrator Gallery (BIG) Award
Enter the BIG Award to be recognized at the SCBWI Winter Conference and displayed prominently at the SCBWI book at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
https://bologna.scbwi.org/scbwi-bologna-book-fair-2016/bologna-illustration-gallery-2016/
Submissions for the 2018 Fair will be open soon!
And for illustrator members who have already been published, don’t forget about these opportunities:
The Magazine Merit Award
The Golden Kite Award (make sure your publisher is submitting your book!)
The Crystal Kite members choice Award
The Book Launch Award
The Spark Award
For questions about illustrator opportunities for members, write to sarahbaker@scbwi.org.