End of the Year Checklist: How to Finish the Year Off Strong—and Healthy! [Part 1]

End of the Year Checklist:

How to Finish the Year Off Strong and Healthy!

Part 1

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate! As we come to the end of another year, I always like to reflect on what this year entailed but more importantly, how I can bridge the gap to usher in a the healthy transition into the New Year. Never was a resolutions kind-of-guy, but want I do like to practice is the continuation of positive habits and ways of being. Here are some of my personal tips!

1. Warm Ups

Physical warm ups, mental warm ups, artistic warm ups, they all count! I'm an early riser so before I start my day, I do a nice stretch and then, with coffee in hand, I sit at my art table with all the items for my daily routine. I do my tarot and journal for my mental health "warm up." I'm coming to the end of my 5 Year Q&A journal, and it is wild to see you I've become over these past few years. Then, if a question sparks something in me, I expand in my journal journal, mapping out my thoughts, feelings, etc. Then, I sketch randomly, warming up my artistic brain. 

Whether I'm creating that day or not, the warms ups, all around, keep me feeling healthy and ready to go. Plus, being able to see where I've been and where I'm going is a great boost!

2. Get Your Energy Moving: 

Get your energy moving! 

Do mundane things, like chores, walks, organizing. Quiet and simple movement helps your brain shut down and reevaluate, rejuvenate and reset. 

Even have a dance party, by yourself, in your room. Celebrate a year full of ups and downs, victories and failures by taking a step back from productivity and a step forward to resetting your energy. Shake it out and let the mind relax and the body take over! 

3. Write What You've Accomplished and Scratch that Baby Off

I am the king of To-Do lists. 

My To-Do list has a To-Do list, and I love to fill them up and scratch off what I've accomplished. I even have a system where different types of scribbles mean different things. Yeah, it's a bit extra but hey! It gets me to the work and keeps me going. 

But this year, write a list of what you've accomplished. It could be artistically, or even just in life! Goals that you'd been working toward, things that happen to come to fruition naturally, little victories that brought you joy, comfort and a sense of productivity and relief. Write them all down and scratch them babies off! I have a yearly planner specifically for keeping track of what I've done and whenever I feel like I haven't done anything with my life, I look back at my scribbles and remember, the engine was healthy (enough) and keep me moving forward. 

4. Hydrate

Plain and simple. 

Hydrate. 

No worries, I'm not judging. You can drink while you read this. But I can't tell you how many times I was on the brink of a meltdown and all I needed was to drink some water. 

It is the element of life and a simple solution to help balance the body. Being a dancer, I love me some water, and I have sooooo many cute water bottles so there are "water stations" everywhere in my home. So grab that cup and let's toast our water together. 

Stay tuned for more "End of the Year Checklists!" Let's end this year with flying colors, together!

2026 Illustrators' Intensive: Interview with Laurent Linn

 

Here to round out our interview series for the upcoming Illustrators' Intensive, is the multi-faceted, and talented, Laurent Linn, artist and art director of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. I'm so excited to have him on the blog so I'll let Laurent introduce himself! Check it out!

1. It feels very full circle, as you were one of the first people I met when I attended my first SCBWI virtual conference, so I'm super excited to have you here on the blog! Though many of the readers know how talented, insightful and giving you are to the children's publishing world, in your own words, tell us about yourself and your role within SCBWI!

I’m so happy to be speaking with you for the wonderful SCBWI Blog! I wear different hats in the children’s book world and, by day, I’m an art director at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, where I work with wonderfully talented illustrators, authors, and colleagues on picture books, middle grade novels, and teen novels. (And many of the illustrators I work with are SCBWI success stories!)

With SCBWI, I am the President of the SCBWI Board of Directors, having been elected to this role at the end of 2024. It’s a true honor and also full-circle for me. I’ve been involved with SCBWI for over 20 years— attending and speaking at conferences around the US and globally, serving on the Advisory Council, and doing what I can to help support, encourage, and celebrate our incredible members. I first came to SCBWI as an attendee myself and knew right away I’d found my community. It soon became a deeply important part of my life and helped shape my career in children’s publishing as well as an illustrator and author myself.

As President of the Board of Directors, I am very grateful that I get to be able to look at the big picture of where the organization is now and where we want to grow it in the future. Our SCBWI community is so important and needed— especially now when, not only do children need our transformative stories more than ever, but we also need this caring and supportive creative community for ourselves.


2. What makes the Illustrators' Intensive unique compared to some other art intensives and workshops?

The Illustrator’s Intensive that we create for the in-person Winter Conference is always a special event. It’s a rare opportunity to dive deep into important aspects of specifically illustrating for children’s books. Other intensives or classes often cover broader territory and don’t bring in the rich variety of speakers that we have in-store for our intensive. We always choose a very specific topic and invite top experts in the field to show us how they bring their stories to life in singular ways. And, also unlike other sessions some may have seen, we present the intensive as peer-to-peer, professional to professional, not teacher to student. We recognize that attendees are serious about their craft.

Cecilia Yung, Pat Cummings, and I are on the SCBWI Advisory Council together and each year the three of us plan and host the Winter Illustrators Intensive with the intent of focusing in on a specific theme that is essential to creating successful children’s book illustration.

3. What inspired the creation of this year’s theme or curriculum?

For this year, we wanted to take advantage of being in-person and bring movement and action itself into the room. And this year's theme, ACTION! Harnessing the Visual Energy of Movement, is something we’ve been wanting to dive into for quite a while. We’ll start off with a hands-on figure drawing workshop led by the inspirational Eugenia Mello, then explore how to weave rhythm into your art with the legendary Rudy Guttierez, learn how emotion and motion work together with Jensine Eckwall, and end with a bang with celebrated comics and graphic novel illustrator Shawn Martinbrough.


4. How does the Illustrators' Intensive support artists who may be beginners or intermediate, and advanced?

The Illustrator's Intensive is specifically designed to be meaningful for all illustrators, no matter where they are in their craft or career. We'll dive deep into techniques, approaches, and specifics of movement and energy in narrative illustration—there will be new ideas for all. Published and professional children's book illustrators can experience new approaches to your craft as well as gain insights into new ways of thinking about your own work. For experienced illustrators who are pre-published but are well-versed in this field, it’s an opportunity to learn from industry professionals and learn how they make their art stand out. And those just starting out will gain a rich understanding of an aspect of illustration you may not have considered before, with tips and tricks and insights.


5. What message would you give to someone who is unsure about joining the program?

This intensive is an exceedingly rare opportunity to explore an aspect of children’s book illustration that is essential yet rarely focused on. It’s a special opportunity to invest in your own art in rich ways that could help shape how you tell your needed stories so they stand out.

Laurent Linn

Art Director, Author, Illustrator

About
As Art Director at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Laurent collaborates on picture books, middle grade, and teen novels with both celebrated and new illustrators. He is also the author/illustrator of the YA novel, Draw the Line.

Laurent is the President of the SCBWI Board of Directors and is Co-chair of the SCBWI Advisory Council. He is also Artistic Advisor for the Original Art exhibit at New York’s Society of Illustrators. Laurent began his career as a puppet designer/builder in Jim Henson’s Muppet Workshop for shows including the Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island films, eventually becoming Creative Director for the Sesame Street Muppets, winning an Emmy Award.

laurentlinn.com

2026 Illustrators' Intensive: Interview with Cecilia Yung

For our next blog post, I'm so pleased that we are joined by the fantastic, Cecilia Yung, the former Executive Art Director and Vice President at Penguin Random House, who will be answering some of your questions about the upcoming 2026 Illustrators' Intensive! 

When I attended my first In-Person Conference in 2021, I took part of Cecilia's session, and I still revisit those notes today! I'm so thankful to Cecilia for joining us here on the Official SCBWI blog, and am excited to share her insights!

1. Though you do not need any introduction, being a brilliant leader and advocate for children's literature and art, would you please tell us a little about yourself and your role within SCBWI.

I’ve been working in children’s book publishing since 1980 and I recently retired after working as art director at Penguin Random House for 30 years. I’ve been on the Advisory Council of SCBWI since 2004 and I’m still working with the Illustrator Committee to plan programs for illustrators.


2. What make the SCBWI Illustrators' Intensive different/ unique compared to other intensives and workshops?

Many workshops target entry level illustrators and introduce picture book illustration as a template. SCBWI Illustrators’ Intensives address the needs of working early and mid-career illustrators, and our programs deconstruct the multi-faceted craft of visual storytelling by deep diving into specific issues, one topic at a time. At every Intensive, we invite a number of distinguished illustrators with distinctly different styles to contrast their process and solutions. The multiple viewpoints give an illustrator a range of tips and tools, but also provide a context for their own work and encourage them to fine-tune their true voice using their personal set of tools in a real world setting.


3. How does the Illustrators' Intensive help develop the artistic voice and professional readiness of the participating illustrators? 

Outside of an academic setting, there are few places for a professional to continue to develop and grow. The Intensive is an information gathering opportunity for a working illustrator looking to up their game. They will be surprised and inspired to see that established professionals also need to find ways to challenge themselves regularly and find exciting solutions. The Intensive might show them new ways to use the skills and tools they already have, but they might be prompted to experiment with ideas they had not previously considered. The goal is for everyone to personalize the new-found information and insights to create artwork that serves their story but is also true to their own vision.


4. What aspects of this intensive do you think will challenge the participants the most...in a good way?

In the process of creating a picture book, even the most experienced illustrator is likely to get stumped by some aspects of it, and it’s not unusual for that to happen in an intensive as well. An illustrator seeing their own work in this setting may be intimidated by their peers, or feel overwhelmed by the options, or realize that their skills may not be adequate for the task. It's helpful to know that self-doubt is ever-present in a lifetime of creative work, and is a necessary engine of growth. The best way to deal with doubt is to find the right place to ask questions, explore answers, and find a way through. The Intensive is such a place.


5. What message would you give to an artist who maybe unsure about attending the Illustrator's Intensive?

Come join us for the information and inspiration, and stay for the community. You will need all of it in your illustration career.

Cecilia Yung

Art Director, Illustrator

About

Cecilia Yung is the former Executive Art Director and Vice President at Penguin Random House where she was responsible for illustration and design for two imprints, G. P. Putnam's Sons and Nancy Paulsen Books. Over four decades in the industry, she is fortunate to have worked with some of the major illustrators of children’s books, but the highlight of her work is to discover and develop new talent. She is on the Advisory Council of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) as well as a member of its Illustrators Committee.

ACTION! Harnessing the Visual Energy of Movement

An Intensive for Illustrators, Friday, January 16th

Movement is the key that unlocks the themes, narratives, and emotions of an illustrated book. Visual stories rely on movement to bring characters to life, introduce change in static scenes, drive the engine of the narrative, and propel the reader to the visual climax. In individual scenes, motion can reveal characters’ personalities, articulate body language, and fuel the energy of the moment. But how do we achieve that in a two-dimensional medium like a book? Four noted illustrators will show us their unique ways of harnessing motion effectively and dramatically without the benefit of animation, sound, or dimension. Join us to learn how they bring their stories to life and make it look effortless.

2026 Illustrators' Intensive: Interview with Pat Cummings

I'm sure you know that SCBWI offers so many incredible panels, keynotes, sessions throughout the conference and this year, I want to shine the spotlight on one particular offering, the Illustrators' Intensive. Here to help me do so is the incomparable, Pat Cummings! Always a warm smile, and an encouraging word, Pat has been a wonderful presence in the children's publishing world, and I feel honored to have her here on the blog!


1. Thank you so much for joining us here on the Official SCBWI blog! A prolific creator, mentor and children's publishing icon, in your own word, would you tell us about yourself and your role within SCBWI.

Hi Justin,

I’ve been on SCBWI’s Illustrators’ Committee for about 360 years, ever since Cecilia Yung and Tomie DePaola invited me to join them. 

I got my first children’s book to illustrate shortly after graduating. I had NO idea what I was doing but I did know someone who knew someone who had once dated Tom Feelings. So, I called him up cold and he walked me step by step through illustrating a book. When I thanked him for his generous guidance, Tom said that he hoped I would help others when they needed it.

At SCBWI, I found people who shared that attitude. Members tend to be generous with advice and support. As a member of the Illustrators’ Committee on the Advisory Council, I help plan the Intensives and help with our Mentorship and Narrative Art Award programs.

2. What makes the SCBWI Illustrators' Intensive different/ unique compared to other intensives and workshops?

The Intensives always focus on one critical aspect of illustrating picture books. The faculty is chosen to include masters of the chosen topic who know how to break down their techniques into teachable lessons. Hands-on exercises at the Intensives hone in on the topics so specifically that participants will be exposed to techniques and concepts that can take their work to a new level.

3. What advice would you give an illustrator on how they can make the most of the Illustrators' Intensive?

Come with an open mind. Be open to experimenting, to playing, to surprising yourself. Be rested. And definitely take note of what materials to bring so that you’ll have everything you need.

4. How do you hope the attendees will grow creatively, as well as technically?

The wonderful thing about SCBWI is that everyone seems to learn from everyone else. I have yet to meet anyone at a conference, beginner or pro, who doesn’t want to further develop their skills. Hopefully, attendees will find that the techniques and concepts they learn will enhance what they already love doing when creating illustrations.


5. What message would you give to an artist’s who maybe unsure about attending the Illustrators' Intensive?

Attending is an investment in yourself. Not only can you expect to discover new techniques but you’re sure to leave brimming with ideas for new projects. What’s really cool is that I’ve seen people find new friends who are on a similar path, friends who continue to inspire and support them.

Pat Cummings

Author, Illustrator

About
Pat Cummings is the author/illustrator of over forty books for young readers. She also edited the award-winning series, Talking With Artists, which profiles prominent children's book illustrators. She teaches at Parsons and Pratt, and her children's book illustration class has a growing number of notable illustrator/authors among its graduates. Pat serves on the SCBWI Board of Advisors as well as on the boards of the Authors Guild, the Authors League Fund, The Authors Guild Foundation and The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. She is a member of the Writers Guild of America, East. Her annual Children’s Book Boot Camp brings writers and illustrators together with agents and top editors and art directors from major publishing houses.

ACTION! Harnessing the Visual Energy of Movement

An Intensive for Illustrators, Friday, January 16th

Movement is the key that unlocks the themes, narratives, and emotions of an illustrated book. Visual stories rely on movement to bring characters to life, introduce change in static scenes, drive the engine of the narrative, and propel the reader to the visual climax. In individual scenes, motion can reveal characters’ personalities, articulate body language, and fuel the energy of the moment. But how do we achieve that in a two-dimensional medium like a book? Four noted illustrators will show us their unique ways of harnessing motion effectively and dramatically without the benefit of animation, sound, or dimension. Join us to learn how they bring their stories to life and make it look effortless.

Big Opportunities for Illustrators at the In-Person Winter Conference!

Big Opportunities for Illustrators at the In-Person Winter Conference!

There’s still time to reserve your spot for these can’t-miss, high-impact events at the SCBWI Winter Conference. Jump in and make the most of every opportunity.

Action! Harnessing the Visual Energy of Movement

A half-day Illustrator's Intensive

Friday, January 16 from 8:00am to 12:30pm

Movement is the key that unlocks the themes, narratives, and emotions of an illustrated book. Visual stories rely on movement to bring characters to life, introduce change in static scenes, drive the engine of the narrative, and propel the reader to the visual climax. In individual scenes, motion can reveal characters’ personalities, articulate body language, and fuel the energy of the moment. But how do we achieve that in a two-dimensional medium like a book? Four noted illustrators will show us their unique ways of harnessing motion effectively and dramatically without the benefit of animation, sound, or dimension. Join us to learn how they bring their stories to life and make it look effortless. Click HERE for more info.

Go to the conference landing page and click on the green “Register for Event” button to add to your registration.

Behind the Scenes Look at MacMillan Publishing

Friday, January 16, 10am - 12pm

Exclusive opportunity for twenty five people to visit a New York Publishing house and mingle with editors at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. A tour of the offices will follow a presentation by esteemed editors that will include what they publish and what they are looking for. You will also be allowed to submit a pitch for your manuscript BEFORE the conference so that the team can review it, and if it fits their wish list, they will contact you! 

Click HERE for more info.

Behind the Scenes Look at Delacorte Press

Friday, January 16, 2pm-4pm

Exclusive opportunity for twenty five people to visit a New York Publishing house and mingle with editors at Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House. A tour of the offices will follow a presentation by esteemed editors that will include what they publish and what they are looking for. (NOTE: Delacorte dioes NOT publish picture books). You will also be allowed to submit a pitch for your manuscript BEFORE the conference so that the Delacorte team can review it, and if it fits their wish list, they will contact you! 

Click HERE for more info.

The Society of Illustrator’s Original Art Exhibition

A Private Viewing of the Society of Illustrators’s Original Art Exhibition

Saturday, January 17 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Now in its 45th year, the Original Art Show is a premier annual exhibit celebrating illustrations from the year’s best children’s books published in the U.S. It’s a standout chance to connect with the people shaping the field. Spend the evening viewing more than 200 original paintings, drawings, prints, and collages from current titles selected by a jury of children’s book illustration professionals, then take advantage of the intimate setting to network with industry leaders and conference faculty, including art directors, editors, and agents, alongside fellow creators. 

Click HERE for more info.

Holiday Shopping? Check out the SCBWI Bookshop!

I have to admit...I'm not a big Christmas—or holiday fan, in general. I know right?! Me? What I do love is watching people spread a bit more joy than usual, and you got to love the streets lit up with fairy lights! But another part I've come to enjoy is walking through those little holiday villages that pop up all over the city. Being able to engage with local artists as well as small companies is a highlight, and even though I wish I could buy something from every stand, getting to interact and hear the seller's story is lovely.

Photo Credit: nbcnewyork.com

Shopping locally, especially this year, has been super important to me, and purchasing gifts straight from the seller not only makes the item that more special but it supports the creator directly.

Well, SCBWI BookStop is a bit like those little brightly decorated, holiday houses, except it is VIRTUAL! You can create, curate and champion your book(s) as well as check out books of other SCBWI members! So if you are looking for the perfect gift, look no further!

"This annual event showcases an incredible selection of books from our talented authors and illustrators. Whether you’re craving heart-pounding action, swoon-worthy romance, compelling drama, captivating non-fiction, or delightful adventures for young readers, SCBWI BookStop has it all! Dive into new stories and uncover your next favorite book for yourself or as a thoughtful holiday gift. Don’t miss out on this treasure trove of literary gems!" 

Curated and categorized by genre, BookStop carries: Picture Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade Books, Young Adult Books, Graphic Novels, Novelty/Board Books. A mix of traditionally published, and independently/self published, it is pretty cool to see the stories that our peers are writing, illustrating, and creating! 

If you interested in showcasing your own book, check out my previous post on BookStop, with directions on how to get started or visit the FAQ!

2026 Virtual Winter Conference

 

With the In-Person Conference gearing up, don't forget that SCBWI offers a Virtual Winter Conference as well! February 6-7, you can join in the fun with exclusive industry panels, hands-on sessions on writing and illustrating, as well as networking opportunities to meet other creators. 

My very first conference was a virtual conference, and it was perfect for me! I was new to the community and being able to Zoom in from the comfort of my home allowed me to easy my way into children's publishing. That is where I met some of my long time creator friends, it allowed me to connect with people all over the world. 

So whether it is expenses or distance that is your obstacle, don't let that stop you from experiencing the chance to boost your children's book career!

"Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, gain insider knowledge, or connect with other talented authors and illustrators, this event is for you! If you can't make it to the live sessions, video replays will be available to view through March 15th."

Register HERE for the 2026 Virtual Winter Conference! 

SCBWI 2026 In-Person Winter Conference | Giving Tuesday

It's December, so you know what that means! The holiday spirit is in full effect and with that, the gift of giving! Yassss! Why not gift yourself or someone you love with the gift of children's book magic!

Registration for the SCBWI 2026 In-Person Winter Conference in New York is open!

My mother actually was the one who purchased my very first conference admission fee! Thanks, mama! And it was the conference that changed the trajectory of my career and life! I found community, purpose and so much joy, and that is what I hope for all those who attend!

Register HERE and join the SCBWI community this January!

ALSO! Today is officially GIVING TUESDAY!

Consider donating this year to one of the many causes below!

Impact and Legacy Fund

The SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund, launched in 2022, is a division of SCBWI created to support the charitable activities and community purposes of SCBWI. Its programs and initiatives are not limited to SCBWI members but are available to the entire children’s book community.

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Impact and Legacy Fund is committed to creating, implementing, and supporting programs that center children’s books and their creators as a driving force behind equity, literacy, and freedom of expression for readers and storytellers alike.

Amber Brown Grant

The Amber Brown Grant commemorates author and beloved school speaker Paula Danziger. One school is awarded each year with an author or illustrator visit and new books to continue Paula’s love of connecting children with creative influences.

Disability Fund Application

The SCBWI Disability Fund gives grants to disabled members for anything that would help them create children’s literature. For nonmembers with disabilities, the funds may support memberships and/or registration to events.

Emergency Fund

The SCBWI Emergency Fund provides a grant of up to $1,500 to a member for anything that would help them create children’s literature. For nonmembers with disabilities, the funds may support memberships and/or registration to events.