FINAL DAYS to relive the SCBWI Summer Virtual Conference 2026!

Happy Labor Day! As the summer slowly comes to a close, we are in the final days of the conference replays! I've been revisiting some awesome workshops like Artivism: Changing the Narrative through Creative Empathy with Nikkolas Smith and Feeling Stories: Creating Picture Books that Pack an Emotional Punch with Kelly Starling Lyons. 

To revisit, access your AIRMEET link provided by SCWBI. That link will take you to the HOME PAGE where you can relive all the fun!

 In the top right corner, you will find the SCHEDULE button. CLICK that and the entire conference archives will appear! 

And remember, you can watch the REPLAYS until September 13th!

KEEPING A SKETCHBOOK CHANGED MY LIFE: How to start and keep a daily drawing habit

WEEK ONE.

Hello SCBWI folks!

I’m Mike Lowery, and I will be taking over the blog here for a few weeks. Before you get too worried, I was ASKED to take it over. I didn’t hack my way into it or anything. There won’t be any ads for supplements. Probably.

Over the next few weeks, I am going to talk about my favorite topic: sketchbooks. I’m going to be discussing how I keep a sketchbook and why I’ve been keeping one for almost 30 years.

Here’s my bold, but totally true statement:

KEEPING A SKETCHBOOK CHANGED MY LIFE.

It’s true. Keeping a daily drawing habit has had so many incredible effects on my life that every time I get asked to speak (or write) about anything art-related, I bring it up.

So, here’s my next bold, but totally true statement:

I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD KEEP A SKETCHBOOK.

(Though I do think the word “sketchbook” might mean something different to different people. Seems like a good thing to explore a little later in this series. I’ll make a note. Scribble scribble. Note made!) 

Let’s get started. 

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Well, first things first. Let me tell you a tiny bit about myself. This is an opportunity for me to add a little, you know, validity to what I’m saying.

Primarily, I make picture books and graphic novels for kids.

I am a NYT-Bestselling Illustrator and author who has worked on more than 100 books, mostly for kids. I’ve illustrated books for some really incredible authors like Mac Barnett, Max Greenfield (Schmidt from the show New Girl), Jeopardy champion Ken Jennings, Drew Daywalt, Laura Murray, and others. I have also written my own books, including the Everything Awesome series, BUG SCOUTS, and Random Illustrated Facts, and I have a new series coming out very soon from HarperCollins called UNICORNDOG.

But! I’ve also illustrated a bunch of cards for Hallmark, American Greetings, and other card companies, and now I travel all over the world talking to schools and organizations about creativity and making books.

(Oh! I also teach a class every year about the business side of illustration. It’s called Getting Paid to Draw.) 

I’m saying all of that stuff about me as a setup for this statement: 

Everything I’ve ever achieved professionally is because I keep a sketchbook.

So many big, bold statements in this series of blog posts! And we are still only on week one!

So, now that you know a little about me, let me jump into the big “WHY” part of this series. 

BENEFITS OF KEEPING A DAILY DRAWING HABIT 

When I started keeping a sketchbook, my primary goal was to get better at making art.

Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s great for a few big things.

1. Keeping a sketchbook is the ultimate way to find your VOICE and STYLE.

Drawing, like anything else, is not just something you are naturally able to do. It takes PRACTICE. 

I’ve heard the analogy that a basketball player doesn’t wake up one day able to slam dunk a ball. It takes a lot of training. 

However! The big problem with this analogy is that there are actually some physical aspects that you need to be able to reach this goal, right? Toddlers can’t slam dunk because they aren’t tall enough.

Drawing isn’t like that. There’s not one singular goal or result. It’s just constant building and growing! I have been drawing in my sketchbook every day for most of my life.

2. KEEPING A SKETCHBOOK IS THE BEST WAY TO GET IDEAS!

All of the books that I’ve written start like this.

a) draw a little something in my sketchbook

b) Oops! I accidentally drew something I liked. Maybe it’s a shark wearing an ugly holiday sweater or a grumpy spider.

c) start to ask lots of questions about that drawing. Like, “Why is this shark wearing a sweater?” or “Why is this bug looking so grumpy? What made her so mad? What would make her happy?!”

d) Answer those questions until a story starts to form. Sometimes it works; more often it doesn’t. But when it works, oh boy, it feels like magic. And that’s how I make a picture book.

3. DRAWING IS GOOD FOR YOUR BRAIN.

Drawing has huge benefits for your wonderful head.

• It activates the reward center of our brain.

• It lowers stress

• It lets you focus deeply.

Drawing has become my daily way to practice mindfulness. If I had known way back in my 20s that I would one day do something like that, I would’ve been shocked, but it’s true. There’s so much going on all the time that forcing myself to sit for just a little bit each day and mindlessly (or mindfully?) doodle, draw, and make notes really helps calm my brain and focus on the more important tasks of the day.

Are you convinced yet? 

I hope so! Because next week I’m going to talk about some great ways to get your sketchbook started and begin to make it a daily habit. 

DRAWING EXERCISE NUMBER ONE (OF FOUR)

This is a two-part exercise.

Part one. 

Your “Like List”

Set a timer for 6 minutes and make a list of things that you like. Try not to edit yourself or overthink it. Just write down anything that pops into your head. If you have a slow start, set a timer and do it again. 

Part two.

Set a timer for another 6 minutes and try to draw as many items from your list as you can, as quickly as possible. Again, don’t overthink it. Don’t picture posting your drawings anywhere. Just draw for you! If you finish your six minutes and still feel good, why not try again? 

Thanks for reading! See you again next week.

Mike

GETTING PAID TO DRAW

Want to know more about the illustration world?

Every year, Mike holds a class for illustrators called “Getting Paid to Draw.” He and his incredible guests break down the business of illustration. They go deep into topics like building a portfolio, submitting a children’s book, working with agents, beating creative block, and so much more. Registration is starting soon; sign up for more information.

See his graphic novel series, UNICORNDOG, here and be sure to follow Mike on Instagram at @mikelowerystudio.

SCBWI University: The Journey of The Picture Book

The Journey of The Picture Book

Even more goodies for this Fall's SCBWI University! SCBWI will be offering even more classes with another Three-Part Series, this time focusing in on "The Picture Book," learning how to generate, shape and create picture books. Check out the offerings below!

Letting Your Stories Flow: Tips for Generating New Story Ideas with JaNay Brown-Wood

September 10, 2026: 1-2:30pm Pacific/ 4-5:30pm Eastern

Inspiration for story can emerge from a variety of sources and finding kernels of ideas that are molded into compelling stories is something writers do best! But what do you do when you cannot think of what to write next? How do you proceed when your ideas stop flowing? This workshop will introduce ways to find story ideas that can be refined into compelling and emotionally resonant books for children.

From Spark to Story: Shaping a Picture Book Idea Into a Book with Jashar Awan

September 17, 2026: 1-2:30pm Pacific/ 4-5:30pm Eastern

Learn how to develop your idea into a picture book with Caldecott and Geisel honoree Jashar Awan! He will discuss the variety of approaches he uses to develop his books, as well as share his journey to becoming a published author.

Ready. Set. Revise.: A practical roadmap from draft to publication with Andrea Davis Pinkney

September 24, 2026: 1-2:30pm Pacific/ 4-5:30pm Eastern

Learn the strategies needed to refine and strengthen your work without losing the spark that inspired it. You’ll leave this practical workshop knowing how to: assess your work objectively; identify what’s working and what’s not; distinguish meaningful revision from simple polishing; strengthen character, pacing, structure, language, and emotional impact; decide what to cut, what to keep; develop a practical revision plan—and know when the work is ready to submit.

What is SCBWI University?

The world of children’s books is constantly evolving, and staying ahead can be a challenge. SCBWI University is your gateway to mastering the latest industry trends, refining your creative skills, and advancing your career. Whether you're a writer, illustrator, or translator—published or just starting out—SCBWI University provides the expert guidance you need to thrive.

Led by renowned industry professionals, award-winning authors, and celebrated illustrators, our dynamic program empowers you to hone your craft, build meaningful connections, and gain the confidence to bring your stories to life.

Join SCBWI University and take your creative journey to the next level.

How It Works

Each 3-session University course costs $199 for SCBWI Premium Members. University courses will dive deep into an element of the craft of illustrating or writing children’s books. If you can't attend live, video replays of all classes will be available to view until 30 days after the final session. Click on the links below for more information on each course. All courses consist of three consecutive classes taught by high-level children’s book writers, illustrators, editors, agents or art directors.