Diving Deep: Exploring Your Depths to Tap into Your Mer-Magic: MerMay Entry #2

We're back with our second installment of the MerMay fun!

Today's entry:

Diving Deep: Exploring Your Depths to Tap into Your Mer-Magic

In an industry with so many creators, stories, genres, etc, it is essential that you find your voice—your song that will help guide you through the dark depths as you discover treasure (golden nuggets of connection), conquer krakens (imposter syndrome and burn out), and discover the stories from deep within.

I've always said that dance was my first language and as a dancer, I know how to communicate my emotions, thoughts and story through my body. That expression is so clear to me but when I stepped out onto the children's publishing "stage," I felt lost, and honestly, couldn't fathom how I would even begin to contribute to the massive ocean of publishing "creatures." When there are so many voices, how do you connect to your own authentic voice. Your siren song. I've always felt an overwhelming need to create but what did I have to offer? What do I have to say that wasn't already said by someone else?

A song I always go back to is "Move On" from Sunday in the Park with George, performed by Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin. A gorgeous duet between George Seurat and his muse/lover, Dot, it is a beautiful song about making your art and moving on. Making decisions and then, moving on. Loving, living, making mistakes, being scared. And moving on.

"Anything you do, Let it come from you, Then it will be new, Give us more to see..."

It is your job to create and not judge. It is your job to tell your story, because if it "comes from you, then it will be new." This has been an anthem for me and as I've pivoted throughout life, I think back to seventeen year old Justin who was embarking on his adventure and listened to this song ad nauseam and continues to when I need to be reminded of my voice. 

Here are some of the things I do to keep the spirit of creativity, learning, and play alive. These tips help me stay connected to my authentic self and allow me to swim with confidence as I explore the deep blue sea. 

1. Journaling

I try to journal every single day. 

Whether it is one question in my 5 Year Q&A book (I just finished it this year), my leather bound notebook (she's gorgeous and practical) or my current obsession, comic journaling, I am always trying to center my thoughts and feeling to ground myself. 

Check out Drewscape, who introduced me to his Diary Comics, HERE. He breaks it down and shows you an easy way to begin which now has been my favorite way of journaling when I don't want to write.

Yes...

I have a lot of feelings. 

And yes, they need a place to go. So into the journal they go. I document anything that stood out to me, or made me laugh, cry—feel alive. I frequently revisit my entries to remind myself of how rich, complex, beautiful and full of life—well—my life is. Whether I am dreaming of the future, reconciling the past or just appreciating the present, journaling is an essential way to keep tabs and tap into your voice.

Cause your life is magical, baby, no matter how you slice it. 

2. Solo Dates/ Art Outings
SO-LOW-DATES! I am such a fan of these. I love being by myself. As they say, "I am alone, not lonely." I love adventuring on my own, exploring new places, experiencing new things. I mean—how are you to know what your taste is, what you like and dislike, if you don't go out and discover it. I visit museums, galleries, bookshops, libraries. I go to the movies to see something new, sometimes something old. I am a huge theater goer! I try to see everything! Last year alone I saw every nominated Broadway show. First time ever!And I don't mind doing it myself. 

Don't be afraid to explore those uncharted waters; that deep blue expansiveness, the dark trench. Prioritize filling your cup.  You never know what you'll find. Once you find that courage, you will start to see a shift in your spirit and you may start to dive deeper internally as well. Art is a reflection of what it means to be human, so as a merperson, it will help you discover the humanity in you!

3. Build your Artistic Library 
This is a no brainer and I know if you're reading this, then I'm probably preaching to the choir but I try to read as much as I can. I also am a big advocate on finding those books that help you really grow into the person you wish to be. Find those books that you keep within arm's reach. Surround yourself with stories that resonate with you because like an echo in the ocean, sometimes we need something solid out there in the wilderness to have our voices reflected back at us.  Here are some of my book recommendations as an artist and part-time human/merman:

Life Lessons: Two Experts on Death and Dying Teach Us About the Mysteries of Life and Living by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler

Shoutout to my theater teacher and mentor, Joseph Farina, who introduced all of his students to this wonderful book. Broken down into a plethora of themes on life, we read this book in acting class before we dove into any theatrical work because Mr. Farina used to say "I must teach you how to live first, before I can teach you how to act." I revisit this book when I need to be reminded of how wonderful, complex and rich live is. As storytellers, we are tapping into what it means to live, to be human, to feel so we can help little humans discover it for themselves and understand how to navigate their big feelings.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Another Farina recommendation, this book has gotten me through some major rough patches as an artist, creator, and honestly, a "mer"person. Pressfield frames all things that keep you from your work as "Resistance" and this book is a guide to pushing pass all that to realize what you've been trying to achieve on the other side of the hurricane storm.

I always revisit this when I am starting a new process to remind myself of the literal war we sometimes face when pursuing anything we are passionate about—not just art. 

Highly recommended! Just writing this is reminding me that a reread is overdue.

Book Club, anyone? 

"Writing and Illustrating Children's Books For Publication: Two Perspectives" by Berthe Amoss & Eric Suben.

Recommended to me by my friend and another amazing mentor, Erica Rand Silverman, I keep this book on my art table whenever I need some keep navigating my creativity. Walking you from start to finish, this book has helped me mine, cultivate, and explore the little treasures of my life and my particular perspective in order to create and shape my voice and my work. It also has exercises at the end and throughout each chapter, guiding you through techniques and examples of ways to make your story come to life. 

I've rediscovered wonderful moments and perspectives of childhood thanks to this book. If you feel stuck and need a little mini workshop of your own, I recommend this book, hands down. 

Honorable Mention:

Picture This: How Pictures Work

by Molly Bang

Wonderbook (Revised and Expanded): The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction

by Jeff VanderMeer

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art

by Scott McCloud

Welp, kelp, we've come to the end of entry #2 but I hope this helped inspire and guide you a little closer to your personal magic. Remember you are not alone in this vast ocean of publishing, and that there are buoys to keep you a float when you get tired of swimming against the current. 

That's all for now! See you next Thursday for entry #3. Till then, just keep swimming!

Embarking on Your Own Adventure: MerMay Entry #1

So as you might know...I love mermaids.

And I mean—I love mermaids, and every May, there is a celebration of mermaids through art and creativity called MerMay, where there are official prompts for each day in May. I've participated once upon a time, and every once in a while, I'll pop in on the party but this year, since this is my first May as the Official SCBWI Chief Blogger, I wanted to do MerMay in my own style. 

What I love about mermaids, and merfolk in general, is that everyone belongs—no matter who you are, what you look like and where you are from, much like children's publishing.

So this month, I want to "dive deep" and explore the depths of what it is to be a part of the kidlit community, through the lens of MERMAIDS! What it means to navigate the deep sea of resources, publication, story making and community building!

Let's dive in!

EMBARKING ON YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

The ocean is a vast place. As deep as it is wide. Brimming with stunning and incredible creatures, full of numerous possibilities. And you, my little merling, are amongst this tapestry of wonder. With a simple map in your hands, and the depths before you, you start flipping your fins. But in what direction? You don't really know. 

As a self-proclaimed merman myself, I knew I wanted to embark on this adventure to explore the "seven seas," but without a compass, a comprehensive map or prior knowledge/experience, I was a bit overwhelmed. Thankfully, I had the deep seated feeling that I had to take this journey so I followed the strongest current, and was on my merry way.

This audacity to take the dive resulted in me discovering resources out in the wild, which led me here, to SCBWI which in turn, introduced me to so many others spaces, humans (with legs) and endless possibilities. Joining the SCBWI community has been life-changing, and starting out as a solo merman, I now have a kaleidoscope of creators in this vast ocean we call children's publishing.  

When you join as a member to SCBWI, you gain access to loads of treasures. Highlighted in SCBWI monthly INSIGHT, SCWBI keeps you tapped in to the current of it all!

A great resource that I've found and have put in my personal grotto has been the Essential Guide to Publishing for Children. Updated yearly, it is full of "new and essential" articles that ranges from "maximizing your social media" and "creating book trailers" to "best practices in independent publishing, and grassroots promotion." Full of directories like The International Market Survey, and The Agents Directory, the Essential Guide is a great treasure map to lead you in the right direction. 

Another fin-tastic way to maximize your adventure and make some waves in the children's book space is through SCBWI's Awards and Grants! Built to help support "emerging authors, illustrators, and translators" who are both published and pre-published, members have access to a slew of amazing opportunities to help when your fins can't get you as far as and you need a boost. 

Also, have I mentioned that SCBWI offers discounts to Publisher's Weekly, so keep a look out for those specials throughout the year. Publisher's Weekly is a sure way to keep a thumb on the pulse of the industry and help you discover seas you've never even heard of. There is a lot to learn, to know and to experience so adding this to your grotto is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the cool, cool waters of all things publishing. 

Here are some other online resources I have used in the past:

- Writer’s Market: I still have my copy from many moons ago, but this is a great publication and partner when you begin to query and search for agents and publishers. Also, a great resource for information about the industry.

- The Official Manuscript Wishlist: A directory to make agents "more accessible" and "research more convenient." Used for query, this is a definitely a bookmark-able website for all those who will be seeking out agents and their wishlists.   

So as you embark on this journey, no matter where you are in it, there are always ways to engage with the kidlit community to further you on this incredible tidal wave of possibilities!

Alright, merfolk, that's all for today! See you next Thursday with the next installment to our MerMay celebration! Till then, keep flipping your fins!

xo Justin 

Start of Year Checklist: How to START the Year Off Strong—and Healthy! [Part 3]

End Start of Year Checklist:

How to START the Year Off Strong and Healthy!

Part 3

Happy New Year!

Let's ring in 2026 with the last installment/the first of the new year! With the new year here, and last year behind us, I know we are all excited to jump right into our "new selves." But my philosophy is to ease your way into new habits through healthy and sustainable routines, and practices. Here are some pointers on how to start off your year, just right!

1. Not Spring Cleaning, but a Winter Cleanse

Spring isn't here yet, believe me, I know. But you don't need spring to be here to cleanse your space. 

If you know me, you know I love a whosit and a whatsit, with more than twenty thingabobs lying about the house—What??? They were on sale! With so many things in my small space, it can feel cramped, physically...and mentally, too. 

Start the year with a gentle cleanse. Look through old clothes, old papers, things you stored away because "you were going to use it for something" and get rid of it. Donate, sell, trash—cleanse your space now so you can invite the new into your life. I love donating books that I've read to the Community Library outside of the fire department in my neighborhood. As they say, one man's trash is another man's whatsit-galore!

You can wait until spring to go "full out" on the cleaning, but for now, cleanse your space this winter!

2. Brain Dumps

The year has ended, and the rush to finish everything has come and gone. 

You didn't complete everything you set out to complete. I know I didn't and that's okay. And it's okay if you didn't as well. I say, throw it in a brain dump! Write it down, save it and look at it in a few weeks. Celebrate that you made it through the year. Celebrate all that you've accomplished. Throw everything else in a brain dump. You have another 365 days to get it done, but for now, you don't have to crystalize what those things are just yet. 

Brain dumps are a great way to keep track of those thoughts that come around your mind without having to worry about remember it. With the revitalized energy of the new year, we can feel overwhelmed with new, new, new but breathe. You don't have to do it all at once. Grab a steno pad, construction paper, anything you can get your hands on, and write it down. Things you wanted to accomplished but didn't, things you might want to do. No need to organize them just yet. Just get it down!

3. Creative Play

Find the joy again. Yes, you have deadlines. I have deadlines. We ALL have deadlines! But you deserve to play when it comes to your creativity. Here are a few tips:

- Crack open that sketchbook, and draw the first thing that comes to mind. Doesn't have to be pretty.

-Look up some writing prompts and write a one page short story. Character build. As my roommate and I say, grab your barbies and make them do stuff. Play with your writing. 

-Same thing with drawing prompts. If you can't think of something off the top of your head, no worries. There are tons of drawing prompts out there. Hey, maybe you'll discover something new that you love to draw.

-Use materials you've been wanting to experiment with. Experiment on scrap paper. Throw it away, rip it up if you have to. Don't be precious. Create with abandon! You'll never know what mistake will become a new personal technique or process.

4. Growth Check

Now that you've unplugged, rested, replenished and reviewed your year, it's time to have a "growth check." See where you were a year ago. What have you learned? What challenges did you have then that are no longer a problem today? Most of the time, we grow gradually so we don't feel the full extent of our growth. I know there was a moment in time when I had a meltdown about color palettes, and now, though still working at it, I feel so much more capable—a gradual growth that I had to recognize within myself. 

Growth isn't linear, but when we take the time to reflect on where we were and where we are now, it can really inspire us to keep going.

* * *

Again! Happy New Year to you all! Thanks for tuning in and cheers to a strong and healthy year ahead!

End of Year Checklist: How to Finish the Year Off Strong—and Healthy! [Part 2]

End of Year Checklist:

How to Finish the Year Off Strong and Healthy!

Part 2

With all the presents having been opened and all the holiday food baked, stewed, and roasted, I hope you've enjoyed the holiday festivities. As the year comes to a close, and the post-holiday week is upon us, here are a few more points on our "End of Year Checklist" that will help us end the year with energy, excitement, and purpose!

5. Review Your Work

This is a new one for me. To be honest...in the past, I wouldn't review my work. I made it —now what's next? Maybe I didn't like what I made or I have a "vision" of where I want to be. I've always been about forward momentum but lately, I've been presented with the idea of truly sitting with my work. See what worked. See what didn't. Moving ahead in the career is definitely on all of our minds, but it is wise to take in your previous work. And by take in, I mean, really focusing in on the work, almost like it's new.

What I've discovered in doing this is that my voice is quietly hidden amongst the work. Themes, and ideas and techniques present themselves to me, and it has helped me shape and sharpen my particular voice as an artist. Some of these older ideas connect to what I'm creating now and sometimes, I remember ideas that I may have forgotten along on the way. 

Review your work, and appreciate it all, good or not, for it was a part of the journey to bring you to this point.

6. Unplug

Unplug, my friends. From social media, from television, from the phone, the inter-webs. Unplug from it all. Not forever, but long enough to where you can reset your brain and decompress. Especially from social media. My goodness! The dopamine hits that we get from scrolling is fine in short spans but in the long run, it isn't the healthiest. 

Turn your phone off. Put your phone in the other room. Go analog for half a day. Take a walk—don't forget to bundle up — or even stare out the window. I like to join my cat Edward as he keeps up with his soap opera stories, "What the Neighbors are Doing Today!" It's free of subscription and pretty interesting, if you ask him. 

Whether you are engaged in something else, or just staring off into a daydream, unplug from the fast-paced world, and catch up with yourself. 

7. Refill your Inspiration Cup

The Little Mermaid. Princess and the Frog. Gravity Falls. Absolutely Fabulous. Studio Ghibli. Lemony Snicket Books. Steven Universe...

These are the things, the media, I've consumed lately. These are my absolute favorite things. These are the movies, books, shows, etc that inspire me, that make me tick creatively. 

After a year of a lot of creating, which I am so grateful for, I know I have to refill my cup. Reconnecting with these inspirations of mine help me get back on track, redirecting me back to my creative compass. Just yesterday, I rewatched the finale of Steven Universe and cried like a baby. Mind you, I've seen it tons of times, but it resonates deeply and reminds me of the work I want to create, the type of stories I want to tell and reflects my creative sensibilities back at me as I grow as an artist. 

Make a list of what inspires you. From childhood to now, rediscover and reconnect with some of them. You'll be surprised how it can reveal parts of your inner self and get you back into your artistic spirit.

8. Sleep

Amidst all the activity, parties, get togethers, potlucks, dance offs, make sure that you are getting adequate rest. And I mean, actual rest. Take naps! Sleep in! Go to bed early! Just this week I took a nap from 4:30pm to 9pm, moved over to my bed and then slept from 11pm to 8am after playing Pokemon on my Nintendo 3DS. I was committed to being horizontal, no matter what!

Throughout the year, especially during the latter part, I know that we try to cram everything in and sleep is one of the first things to be "slept on"—see what I did there? But during this time, if you have the opportunity to as I know we all lead different lives, try to find restful, replenishing sleep. Your body and mind will thank you. 

*  *  *

I hope this list helps you garner some inspiration, healing and rest as the year wraps up. You deserve it! Here is part one of the "End of the Year Checklist" series, in case you've missed it! 

Stay tuned for the third, and final installment of this series, to round off our checklist. Till then, take care!

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

End of 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.

The US Open AND Art Making?!

 This past Saturday, I attended the 2025 US Open in Queens, NY, where thousands of fans congregated to watch the object of my latest obsession: TENNIS! Shout out to my girl, Gia, for the invitation!

In recent years, I've grown to love tennis and lately, it has been a respite for me in such a noisy world. Midday, I'll walk to the park by my apartment and I'll find myself playing wall tennis for two to three hours. There, sweat in my eyes and Beyoncé in my ears, I work out my emotions, my schedule, conversations to be had and interpersonal conflicts, all the while being driven by the monotone, and almost hypnotic lullaby of the ball popping off the wall. Spurred on by that eruptive and percussive connection; the sinewy channels of my physical, emotional and mental health, all come together with the help of a ratchet, a neon ball and a cement wall. 

I've never been a sports guy really, though I swam for a season at fourteen years old until I transferred to a school with no pool. Whomp. I was forced to run track and hated it; double whomp (sorry to all my runners) Because of this, I never though I would ever be a sports guy. But shout out to my friend, David, who invited me to play some tennis in Upper Manhattan a few years ago on a beautiful spring day. It was exciting, and athletic, and as a dancer, I felt a similar mind and body connection. 

After all these years, I never knew I would get excited about a sport. But here I am, cheering along to a game that I actually know the rules of, not just because people around me are cheering. "You can't hit a touchdown!" I, now, have a perspective, I have players I love, and the newness of it all is exhilarating. 

As I walked home, with a US Open hat and new tennis balls in my bag, I began to think: why do I love tennis so much and how does it apply to my craft? The discipline, and skill shown on the court was brilliant and in the spirit of excellence, I wanted to see how it might reflect the goals I have for myself. I've officially been in the publishing world as a professional for five years now, and I get the same giddy feeling I get when I am watching a great game of tennis.

Here is what my new obsession with tennis is teaching me about myself and my art making:

1. It's Never Too Late: It's never to late to jump in. Considered one of the healthiest sports, you can play tennis for many years (I have a good friend who played up into his 60s). I began my art journey later in life and I plan on continuing late into my life, not unlike a Quentin Blake, and Tomie dePaola. Like tennis, whether professional or recreational, you can play for many years to come. It's never too late so never stop playing! Find healthy habits and stay sharp.

2. Patience is Key: You have to let the ball bounce before you decide where to send it next. This is a lesson that I really took to heart. In a world that moves extremely fast, it is a good reminder to have patience. Don't rush it. See where the "ball" is going, and move in power. In tennis, you have to be light on your feet, and ready to go, but you have to let. the. ball. bounce. Sometimes you have to think quickly and send the ball back over the net without it but when you can, let the ball come to you and then release your powerful swing. 

3. Tennis is a Silent Game: One thing that tickles me pink is that the referee is allowed to shush the audience. "Thank you. Ssshhhhhh. Sit down." The audience isn't even allowed to move in the bleachers behind a player when it is a major point to be had. The serve is in silence. The volleys are in silence, amid a grunt or two. So... it's okay to move in silence. Sometimes the strongest move is done in the quietest of ways. Even if tons of people are watching, you stay focused and do the work. Shut out the noise, and move in silence to your victory. 

4. Unexpected Brilliance: Brilliance can come in the most unexpected ways. I saw some amazing plays this weekend, and some of them came from unexpected serves, or volleys. The ball was hit in short range or it went a little too high, or a behind the back shot wins you the set. It was exciting to witness and even more so to see a player do their best work under pressure. Don't overthink your work, and be open to the unexpected. You might discover new things about yourself, your craft and your creativity. Keep fighting, keep stretching, keep diving for that ball. 15, 30, 40, set. You have countless opportunities to make your move, so make it brilliant and surprise yourself. 

So here's to playing your own match of tennis with your writing, art and creative work. Stay flexible, stay patient, work hard, and play hard. Strengthen your skills through play, and healthy practices. Be the Serena, Venus, Coco, Naomi, Jannick, Carlos, Dustin, etc, etc, etc of your artistic dreams and keep going! The game isn't over until Match Point! 

How a Virtual Summer Conference Changed My Life!

 How a Virtual Conference Changed My Life!

As we approach the Virtual Summer Conference on July 31st, I wanted to share a little story of how a Virtual Conference changed the trajectory of my career and my life.

So as we all know...2020 was a YEAR! 

We all had to isolate and staying indoors in a tiny NYC apartment made it EXTREMELY difficult an a professional dancer with limbs like a giraffe. 

But what was I to do if I couldn't dance?! 

As most of you probably feel and can relate to, making art is like breathing and I needed to MAKE something. Bad! So I dusted off that old sketchbook, and started doodling. 

Doodling morphed into detailed work which evolved into finished works and soon, I was purchasing a drawing tablet, paints, canvas, color pencils, markers- you name it. Thus, the first portfolio was born!

And almost like fate, a friend of mine suggested SCBWI to me at just the right moment as I always had ambitions to write stories, and learning more about publishing interested me. With the lockdown, the winter conference was to be held virtually and after purchasing my membership with SCBWI (thanks, Mom!), I looked into the conference. Being new to the children's publishing world, I was nervous but I took a chance on myself, paid for the conference and dove right in.

And what an adventure it was! I remember being so shy and cautious at first, but that went away almost immediately. The community was so bright and welcoming. From the keynotes to the breakout rooms, I felt like I was in the room with them and I enjoyed being immersed into the KidLit world. 

Plus I met so many people, from ALL OVER THE WORLD. The special thing about the virtual conference is the ACCESS. Access is so important and this made it possible for us to share collective knowledge. Not everyone can attend the In-Person conferences, but being able to connect with the broader community has fostered very meaningful friendships. 

That is when I met the talented, and fabulous Lee Wind, in a virtual LGBTQIA+ social, which lead to the Queer KidLit Creators community that meets once a month, and has been since 2021. In my book, the cost of the conference has paid for itself three, four, five times over , because it gave me the tools, support and community I needed to find my way, create obtainable goals, and share my experiences and joy with others. 

I am now not only a professional dancer, but professional author/illustrator, working on a big project (more on that soon) that I wouldn't have been able to do if I didn't begin my journey during that one virtual winter conference. 

So, if you are on the fence about attending the conference, whether a newcomer or a seasoned author/illustrator, let this be a sign that there might be magic just beyond that screen, waiting for you!

Registration is still OPEN! Read more about the virtual conference at www.scbwi.org

https://www.scbwi.org/events/virtual-summer-conference-2025/register-info

Ready to take your children’s book career to the next level? Wherever you are in your publishing journey, the Virtual Summer Conference provides an opportunity for growth, creativity, and connection. Dive into every aspect of the children’s book world, from writing and illustrating to translating, marketing, and self-publishing. Put your art in front of industry pros in the career-launching Portfolio Showcase. And get inspired by sessions tailored for illustrators, picture book authors, nonfiction writers, graphic novel creators, and more—no matter your path or publishing background. Best of all? You’ll have access to all 50+ sessions until September 14th, so you can learn and grow at your own pace. Join us and invest in your passion. It’s time to bring your stories to life! REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN.

Justin Campbell & Lee Wind: Baton Pass Interview, Part 2

Happy July and HOWDY!

Echoing Lee's previous post, the moment has arrived! I have officially taken up the blogging mantle as Lee passes it on after 14 and a half years! Congratulations, Lee!

Justin Campbell (left) and Lee Wind (right) create two sides of a heart, symbolizing the friendship, love and joy between us as Lee passes the blogging role on to me. 

I am super excited and beyond grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to connect with you all! Lee and I chatted about how we wanted to pass the baton and we landed on a pair of interviews. Last week, Lee answered mine and today, I answer his! 

Lee: Tell us about yourself and your journey in KidLit.

Justin: My journey to KidLit has been a real roundabout one, but I feel like it’s always been on the horizon for me. 

Growing up in Staten Island, NY, I always loved storytelling. Like most kids, I was obsessed with Disney and would carry my Disney picture books everywhere. I remember drawing from an early age, drawing mermaids in those pictures books before anything else but at that time, I wasn’t a huge reader. Resources were limited and I didn’t have many books as a kid. Not until I was about ten years old or so did I begin reading reading. There was this one book about a dragon on a mountain that I fell in love with. Though I can’t remember the name of it, I can sort of see the cover in my mind’s eye. But that was one of my first library books. Shoutout to the librarians! But before that time, I would just draw characters and torture my family with the stories of whatever protagonist I created that day. When I discovered the expansiveness of novels, I began reading, creating and drawing stories of my own. 

In high school, I participated in a collegiate program for Math and Sciences to pursue my first dream of being a Marine Biologist, but I immediately disliked my classes and started doodling in the margins of my notebook. Eventually the doodles in my notes became a WHOLE section in the back of my binder solely for drawing on hole-punched computer paper. Soon my ambition to become an animator/illustrator grew but as life would have it, things don’t always work out the way you plan it. With a life altering experience turning my world upside down, I pivoted into performance, another passion of mine, which was my gateway out of a difficult situation. 

Fast forward one hundred years, I’d perform all over the world as a professional dancer with the hobby of drawing and writing. I still had stories in my heart that I’d carried with me from childhood but they were more there as a form of escapism. Until the pandemic, where all performance halted and living in a tiny NYC apartment was not compatible with a lanky dancer like me. So I started to pursue my visual art more. With the guidance of my good friend, Erica Rand Silverman, I was introduced to the SCBWI community which has changed the trajectory of my life, career and creative expression. 

Five years ago, I made a commitment to myself to stay open, and meet change/opportunity as it presented itself. So I feel excited and humbled becoming a student again which has allowed me to grow within this community, and find a new and profound way back to the storyteller I was as a kid. 

Lee: What are you most excited about within your creativity?

Justin: What I am most excited about within my creativity or what excites me the most is how I can combine all of my interests and sensibilities into one single art form. I love dance, theater, film, nature, cultural histories, cultural expressionism and I love experimenting on how I can filter all of these beautiful things in my life through my lens and share it with others. 

Bringing color and life to my many thoughts and ideas is magic. And to know that this career will be a life-long journey, full of constant growth, excites me and presents me with the beautiful challenge of change, evolution and artistic expression. 

Yeah, that's what brings me so much excitement. What a gift it is. And to be able to create stories for kids like me, to make reading fun and accessible feels so purposeful and full circle. 

Lee: What are you looking forward to bringing to the SCBWI Blog?

Justin: What I hope to bring to SCBWI is my perspective as a newer author/illustrator. I have always had ambitions to be a author/artist but not until I took the leap was I able to start the journey that I felt I was always meant to traverse. To become the person I was meant to be.

Being at the start of this journey has proven to be both challenging and amazing, and I’m excited to learn alongside those who consider themselves novices and learn from those who are more seasoned. I would love to continue building a community out there that holds each other, supports each other in our ups and downs, and shares collective knowledge to strengthen one another. 

**

Once again, thank you so much for the beautiful work you've put into the blog all these years, Lee. You will be missed but I can't wait to see what the future holds for you! All the luck! 

From your biggest fan and good friend,

Justin 

Lee Wind & Justin Campbell: Baton Pass Interview, Part 1

The moment has arrived! After 14 and a half years of blogging for SCBWI, I'll be passing the blogging baton to the wonderful Justin Campbell who starts next week!

Through the magic of online video conferencing, Justin Campbell (left) and me (Lee Wind, at right) make a heart. The perfect metaphor for passing the SCBWI blogging role from me to him!

Justin and I chatted about how a fun way to finale me and debut him as official SCBWI blogger would be a pair of interviews... And so, today are my answers to Justin's questions.

On Tuesday July 1, Justin will answer my questions, and then this blog and the official blogging duties for SCBWI will be in his capable hands! Here we go...

Justin: How did you initially get involved in KidLit and SCBWI: The Blog?

Lee: I started my own blog (I'm Here. I'm Queer. What the Hell Do I Read?) in September 2007 with a focus on the books for kids and teens that included queer characters and themes. I found myself writing about general KidLit publishing things as I learned the business, including doing interviews with agents and editors.

Alice Pope started SCBWI: The Blog in May 2010 (you can read her first post here), and when she formed the very first SCBWI Team Blog to report on the 2009 Summer Conference in Los Angeles, I was invited to be part of that team (along with Paula Yoo, Jaime Temairik, Jolie Stekly, and Suzanne Young - see us at work here. Wow, was I younger!)

When Alice left KidLit for another industry in October of 2011, I was asked to take over the official blogging duties for SCBWI, which I was thrilled to do! (My very first SCBWI: The Blog post as the official blogger is here.)

It's been an honor, a privilege, and a joy to blog for SCBWI for so many years. I'm especially happy about having shared the spotlight with so many amazing guest bloggers, and extra delighted that you're taking over, Justin!

Justin: What are you looking forward to post-baton pass?

Lee: More time to write! I was pre-published when I started blogging for SCBWI, and I just had my 7th book come out (the picture book Like That Eleanor, illustrated by Kelly Mangan, published by Cardinal Rule Press.) 

My 8th book comes out in November (the picture book Banana Menorah, illustrated by Karl West, published by Apples and Honey Press/Behrman House.)

With a full-time job, I don't often get more than an hour a day to write (and sometimes it's just 12 minutes.) I'm excited to take the time I've used for SCBWI blogging and put it into writing (though I expect some of the time will go into the author-promotion-marketing bucket, too.)

Justin: What will you miss the most?

Lee: I really like being helpful and sharing information, resources, and inspiration about KidLit. I'll be doing a monthly newsletter as an author, and I expect I'll share some of that there. (Folks reading this are welcome to sign up here.)

Otherwise, I was going to say I'll miss getting to be at the big SCBWI conferences (especially in-person in New York City) -- but happily I'll still be attending those as an attendee rather than a blogger, and continuing to host the LGBTQ+ and Allies socials as well. Yay!

So really, Justin, I'm passing the baton to you with joy. You're going to do great!

**

For everyone reading, thank you for coming along with me on the adventure so far, and please continue to support and read the SCBWI blog.

I can't wait to see what Justin (and the new guest bloggers) do!

Illustrate, Translate, and Write On,
Lee

Check out highlights of the goodness and inspiration from the SCBWI Summer Conference

Where to find it?

Well the first place to go is the Official SCBWI Conference Blog - at https://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/

Jolie Stekly, Debbie Ohi, Jaime Temairik, and Justin Campbell have you all set... 

You can also check out your favorite social media channel with the hashtag: #scbwiSummer23

We hope you'll be inspired, too!

Illustrate, Translate, and Write On,
Lee

You Already Know Four People (So the SCBWI Winter 2023 Conference Won't Be So Scary/Unknown/Intimidating)

Conferences can be amazing, but they can also bring up a lot of emotions. 

Am I going to be the only one there like me?

Will I feel alone?

Will anyone talk to me?

Is it going to be scary? unknown? intimidating?

Well, it doesn't have to be!

Part of the reason SCBWI has a team of bloggers cover the conferences is to take off that edge of nervousness.

You can check out previous posts on the Official SCBWI Conference Blog to get a taste of what conferences are like. 

You can read Jolie's post about first timers, and come to the first-timer socials. And learn more about Jolie and her writing and coaching at her website here.

You can check out Justin's post about the power of community, and finding your peeps at the conference and beyond. And discover Justin's illustrations here.

You can laugh with Jaime as she pitches the Piranha Pit - one of many highlights of the in-person conference to come. And see her illustration and books at Jaime's website here.

And you're welcome to learn more about me, Lee, and my books for kids and teens here.

See? You already know four people going to the New York conference. We hope you'll say “hello!”

Get all the details on the in-person #scbwiNY23 conference here.

Illustrate, Translate, and Write On,
Lee