Wow, still coming to terms with this, but super excited to announce that as of last week, I am one of the winners of the Australian Society of Authors Mentorship awards! This will mean the opportunity to work with another successful Australian illustrator - what a privilege! Thanks so much to the judges, looking forward to getting started.
SCBWI 2019!
Wow! I’m still getting my head around the excitement that was SCBWI 2019! I thought I would do a little write up while the experience is fresh to those interested in hearing all about it.
On Sunday 24th February 2019 the conference began with a trip to the Children’s Bookshop at Beecroft. It was an exciting event as we saw the launch of any new Australian picture books. What a lovely time catching up with friends in the kid lit community. Anticipation was building for the conference.
Monday morning arrived and by 6.30 I was on the bus clutching my portfolio on my way to the illustrators showcase in the Novotel Sydney city. I made the journey in one and a half hours and walked through the doors about 8.01. Phew!
Upstairs in a dedicated room, illustrators were doing the set up for the Showcase. Portfolios, business cards and postcards were being lined up. Anticipation filled the air! I set up in haste as did the other illustrators, with a final glance back at my portfolio, I walked out the door. The room was then only accessed by publishers for the entire day.
After an introduction by the amazing Susanne Gervay, the day was full of day was full of wonderful workshops by leaders in the Kid lit industry.
At the end of the day we were able to wander through the showcase. I was amazed at the variety of styles and the high standard that was set. It was an honour to be included!
The day ended with a dinner dance and a chance to let down our hair after such a big day!
The next days conference took place at the Mitchell library section of the State Library. I attended two workshops that added to the wealth of knowledge I was gleaning.
I also had the privilege of having a portfolio done by the super talented and super lovely Sarah Davis. Her encouragement meant the world and her guidance will continue to assist me into the future.
Bring on 2019!
What a lovely break I have had over the school holidays. There has been time with family and friends. Lots of precious memories to revisit!
I’ve also been working diligently, preparing for the Sydney SCBWI Conference at the end of February. This has involved the planning, sketching and finally painting a portfolio of works for the Illustrators Portfolio. It has really kept me very busy but ‘fun’ busy! Along with the physical issues of finding time there has also been those nagging questions that creatives sometimes find themselves pondering- Will anyone like my style? What will I include in my portfolio? What will 2019 hold for my illustration? Time will tell..
First Picture Book!!!!
I am very excited to announce that I haven super busy behind the scenes illustrating my first picture book. The book ‘Everybody Can Dance” is written by Kara Navolio and will be published by Brandylane Press in May 2019.
