SCBWI Orlando Mid-Summer Conference 2007

In June 2007, I attended SCBWI Orlando Illustrator Intensive Mid-Year Conference. Award winning illustrators Janeen Mason and Caldecott medalist David Diaz shared their approaches to children’s book making, illustration techniques, self-promotion and other demands from the industry. Part of the afternoon was dedicated to an open group critique to discuss the attendees’ portfolios that included a sequential art assignment. Character designs, color, layout, text placement, and book sizes all contribute to the development of a picture book.

It was a wonderful time to connect with other illustrators from around Florida and encourage one another to follow their dreams.

Linda Rodriquez Bernfeld, our FL Regional Advisor is all smiles with David Diaz and me. Linda has worked very hard to keep our conferences exciting and informative for our members. Many thanks to Linda and those who assist her.

On a personal note, this wasn’t my first time meeting David Diaz. There was the previous summer at SCBWI’s 2006 LA Summer Conference, and also back in 2001 at the MAZZA Summer Institute at Findley University in Ohio were David was one of several speakers at a week-long children’s book conference. The MAZZA art collection of children book illustrations is a must see if you are ever in the area! At the conference, David signed my tote bag. That was 2001; then he signed it again in 2007. Neat!