IRA Convention

Part of what we want to do here as a group is expose the vast number of resources that are available to those wishing to break into the Children's Market. There are a number of events and organizations that seek to do this and open up opportunities for not only exposure to the greater intricacies of the community but also great networking opportunities. One such group is the IRA (International Reading Association).

 
Since 1956, IRA has been a nonprofit, global network of individuals and institutions committed to worldwide literacy. More than 70,000 members strong, the Association supports literacy professionals through a wide range of resources, advocacy efforts, volunteerism, and professional development activities. Our members promote high levels of literacy for all by:

* Improving the quality of reading instruction
* Disseminating research and information about reading
* Encouraging the lifetime reading habit

They have annual conventions as well that feature multiple authors/illustrators from the Childrens Educational Market. Please go their site and consider membership and research what they have to offer to you as an author/illustrator within the Children's Market. This year the International Reading Association 56th Annual Convention will be in Orlando, Fl. from May 8-11th. Publishers represented include but are not limited to; Scholastic, Mcgraw Hill, Pearson and Simon and Schuster.

Visit their site for more information about the IRA in general.

Visit this site for more information regarding the convention.

How Are Things Looking For Children's Books

The Sun May Still Shine On the Children's Book Market! Check out this article from the Publisher's Weekly called, "Don't Write the Obit for Children's Books Yet." Check it out!

"Children's book publishers are still reeling from the New York Times front-page story back in October called "Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children." Was the venerable newspaper right? Or do publishers consider the article and its alarming title the kid-lit equivalent of "Dewey Defeats Truman"?"

Holli Conger-Holiday Gift of Advice!

Image is © Holli Conger 2011

All this month, Childrens Illustrator Holli Conger is writing numerous articles about various aspects of getting started in the Industry. For this month she'll be posting a question everyday and then she'll answer further questions about that post over on her Facebook Fan page! We're already 6 days in so get on over there and catch up and soak in all the great information!

Day One Post-How do you find clients??
Day Two-Balancing Work and Family
Day Three-Find Your Style
Day Four-Process-Working Start to Finish
Day Five-Paying Your Dues
Day Six-Going Out On Your Own

Inside Illustration Competitions E-Book

A friend of mine suggested that I start participating in more contests as an alternative form of self promotion. Granted, the promotion works best if you win! But what a good idea and what a great vehicle for promotion that could be!

Most Illustrators that I am aware of are from seeing them in Society of Illustrators Annuals, Communication Arts, Spectrum and so on. The first time I saw Kadir Nelson's work, he was being awarded in the Student portion of The Society of Illustrators Annual. I'm sure that's how a lot of AD's saw him for the first time as well.

So when I saw Thomas James of Escape from Illustration Island, promoting his latest e-book, Inside Illustration Competitions. It seemed right up my alley! So I think there is a good chance that I may splurge and pick this puppy up! If I do, I'll give a review afterwards to let you guys know what I think!!

"The 4th book by Thomas James of Escape from Illustration Island features a behind-the-scenes look at the way Illustration competitions are run, with the help of contest organizers and jurors such as Charles Hively, Mark Heflin, Luke Stoffel, Scott Hull, SooJin Buzelli, Stephanie Glaros, Edel Rodriguez, Anita Kunz, and others.

If you’re curious about how the jury is selected, what criteria they use for choosing the best of the best, how the winners are promoted, and a lot more, be sure to pick up your copy right here on Monday, Dec. 13th!"

Questions/Answers with Art Rep Nicole Tugeau

Recently Nicole Tugeau of Team Tugeau2 Art Representatives answered a series of questions from some of her followers on Facebook and Twitter.

Nicole is a Children's Art Rep who represents such great talents as Don Tate, Dani Jones and Orlando Ramirez. Nicole is the wife of Jeremy Tugeau, an accomplished Illustrator. Jeremy happens to be the son of Chris Tugeau, who is also a Children's Art Rep(CATugeau Art Representative). Talk about keeping it in the family!

I was lucky enough to have two of my questions answered. Lots of great information for those who may be interested in getting an agent at some point in the future! It's great to know how they think, feel and approach their craft! Follow this link to the article!

Nicole also offers a Portfolio critique service. It costs $65 for a portfolio of up to 24 images. Check out her site for info!