I have joined SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators). And I plan to attend the local Illustrator's Day event in a few weeks. In preparation, I have re-done my whole portfolio and made a mock-up book of The Calamari Kid. (Right now, it's only a Kindle book.)

 

  I found some nifty portfolio thingies at a local art supply store. They have clear plastic sleeves to put the pages in. One was 8 1/2 x 11, and I used that one for my book. I even made a full-page sticker to make a book cover. 

  The other one was 9x12 and I thought that would make a good size portfolio. My old portfolio is huge and full of old stuff from the seventies. I was thinking I would be creating a bunch of new art for it. I even bought two 9x12 pads of smooth bristol board.

  But later I realized that what I needed to do was to make prints of my existing art. I have tons of stuff on zip disks, (some of which I can't open with my present computer). And, of course I couldn't find 9x12 computer paper! I started printing on the bristol board, and I was surprised that my printer took it so well. The prints looked great. But soon my portfolio was heavy and wouldn't close. And it was only half full!

   I solved this problem by buying a couple of pads of 9x12 acid free 70 lb. drawing paper.  

  I am pretty nervous about this Illustrator's Day event. It cost me $80 to join SCBWI and another $75 to register for this event. This is a lot of money for me. I'm sure I will be feeling better when it's over. 

Will they like me? Will they like my art? Will everyone else's stuff be a lot better than mine? I feel like a kid going to a new school or something. Social situations make me uncomfortable. Wish me luck!

-----o0O0o-----

 

Animation Art Auction for a Good Cause

Pink Slip Animation recently posted the following on their blog:

"BentoBox storyboard artist, Joey Adams, is experiencing the unimaginable.

To be brief, he nearly lost his twin boys over the Christmas holidays, due to a possible genetic illness. Two years ago, he and his wife Ginger, lost their daughter, under similar circumstances. The boys survived, but baby Ian is currently undergoing grueling chemo, while undergoing extensive genetic testing. He will need a bone marrow transplant, and his brother Henry may need one as well. Needless to say, all of the treatments, missed days of work, etc, have caused a huge financial burden for the Adams family (they do not have Motion Picture insurance yet).

Many in the studio expressed a desire to do something for Joey, which led to the idea of reaching out further into our animation community for help."

They are having an eBay auction of animation art as a fundraiser for this cause. Follow the link and take a look. They have wonderful drawings, cels, autographed posters, and even maquettes (sculptures). There are a lot of very nice pieces available.

Bid soon. Be generous. The auction ends on Monday.