The KSMO SCBWI Illustrator Mentorship for 2027 is with illustrator and local Kansas/Missouri SCBWI PAL member Elizabeth Baddeley!
Unlock the next level of your illustration career! The Kansas/Missouri SCBWI Chapter is thrilled to announce that acclaimed illustrator and local PAL member Elizabeth Baddeley will serve as our mentor for the upcoming Illustration Portfolio Review Mentorship.
Whether you are just starting out or working to refine your professional body of work, this opportunity is open to artists at any stage of their journey. Elizabeth is excited to work with emerging illustrators to help them develop their portfolio, picture book dummy or graphic novel pitch. While this review does not guarantee a market-ready or sell-able portfolio, dummy, or pitch, our goal is to offer clear direction for your ongoing path along with a friendly, supportive voice in your artistic corner!
Eligibility Requirements
- Who: Open to all current KSMO SCBWI Premium Members who have two or fewer books published/under contract, and have not previously won a KSMO SCBWI mentorship. (Please note, if you are a preview user or preview plan user, you will not be eligible for this mentorship program.)
- Application Window: October 1–31, 2026
What You Win The selected mentee will receive tailored feedback and direction directly from Elizabeth Baddeley throughout the 2027 calendar year:
- Customized Mentorship Structure: In January 2027, Elizabeth will coordinate directly with the chosen mentee to set a personalized schedule, based on the mutually determined goals of the mentee. At this time meeting formats (online, in-person, email, or phone) will also be determined.
- Comprehensive Portfolio, Picture Book Dummy or Graphic Novel Pitch Direction: You will receive actionable, targeted feedback on:
- Direction: Evaluating if your portfolio, dummy or pitch is focused and sell-able or needs stronger thematic clarity.
- Presentation: Optimizing your layouts and identifying where supplemental work (such as character sheets or process art) can strengthen a core piece.
- Curation: Clear guidance on which strong concepts to expand upon.
What to Submit Please read and follow these submission guidelines carefully. Failure to meet formatting requirements will result in disqualification.
Prepare two attachments:
- Attachment 1 (Illustration Samples): A single file containing 3–5 illustrations from your portfolio, dummy, or graphic novel proposal, saved at 72 dpi as a JPG.
- Attachment 2 (Cover Letter): A 1-page Word document or PDF including a brief artist statement (5–10 sentences max) highlighting:
- Where you currently are in your artistic journey and your goals for your mentorship.
- The inspiration behind one of your submitted illustrations.
- Any personal perspective or expertise that influences your work.
How to Apply (Blind Submission Guidelines) To ensure a fair evaluation, all submissions are judged anonymously.
- File Naming: Save your illustration JPG using your initials (e.g., AEK_2027mentorship.jpg). Save your cover letter using the same initials (e.g., AEK_CoverLetter.docx). Do NOT include your full name on the artwork or cover letter document.
- Email Submission: Send your email with both attachments to [email protected]
- Identify Yourself in the Body Only: Include your full name, contact information, and initials exclusively in the body of the email.
About the Mentor: Elizabeth Baddeley is an Illustrator and author based in Kansas City. She is the illustrator of The New York Times best selling picture book I Dissent , the author and illustrator of the forthcoming young adult graphic novel Swimmer Girls (Random House Graphics, S28), and over a dozen other non-fiction picture books. She earned her MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay from The School of Visual Arts and BFA in Visual Communications from The University of Kansas. Elizabeth is excited to work with emerging illustrators who have stories to tell--particularly those who are interested in graphic novels, non-fiction or making the transition to author/illustrator.