Will Hillenbrand gave me a heads up about this and I thought some might be interested:
Advanced Illustrators Workshop
While your artwork is accomplished alone, it is only with guidance that an illustrator can begin to understand how to make it in today’s picture-book world. Let one of today’s top children’s book illustrators be your guide. Explore the children’s book market with them, learn new techniques, and enjoy the camaraderie of artists who understand your passion.
During this intensive, five-day workshop you’ll immerse yourself in illustration—oil wash on board, printmaking, pen and ink, watercolors, and more. Daily hands-on workshops will challenge you to sharpen your illustration skills, all under the support and guidance of our highly talented mentors.
In addition to illustration techniques, you’ll also explore
• dummy preparation;
• storyboarding;
• continuity;
• portfolio expectations;
• character development;
• self-promotion; and
• finding a market.
The Brilliant Dummy
Creating A Picture Book Dummy For Submission Illustrators write with pictures as much as authors do with words. To create an impeccably drawn and brilliantly written picture book, the author-illustrator—the one who wears both hats—must find the right balance of art and words.
Judy Byron Schachner, #1 New York Times best-selling author and illustrator and first-ever winner of the E.B. White Read Aloud award, and Lindsay Barrett George, author/illustrator and winner of the prestigious One Book for Every Child award, will share with you the ins and outs of writing and illustrating your own picture book. They will break down 32 pages of picture-book content into what really belongs on the half-title page and full-title page; what is “front matter”; and what pages are best for tension, release, and the all-important happy ending. They will even take you into the belly of the dreaded gutter. Additionally, you will work with Judy and Lindsay to finalize a picture-book dummy. You will have individual attention that helps you refine your story and decide what images you plan to illustrate. Careful attention will be paid to text placement and page breaks, and whether to design double spreads, spot illustrations, or full bleeds. Your leaders will also share how to send your completed dummy to an editor or agent.
From Prose to Picture Book
Whether a picture book be rhyming or traditional prose, one of the key components to success is weaving in lyrical, expressive language. Join workshop leaders Candace Flemming (Muncha-Muncha-Muncha!) and Rebecca Kai Dotlich (Over in the Pink House) as they guide you through the process of creating a sellable picture book. Your facilitators will share mentor picture books with you; critique works in progress; discuss style, plot, and structure; and lead you to a better understanding of today’s picture-book market. Through one-on-ones, group critiques, hands-on workshops, and private writing time, you can expect to leave with a completed dummy, ready for submission, and a clear understanding of what makes a picture book sell. Special Guests Caldecott-winning illustrator Eric Rohmann and MFA professor and illustrator Melanie Hall will discuss the illustrator-author relationship in creating a picture book.
