Thanks to the RMCSCBWI illustration coordinators, Bobbi Collier-Moralles and Karen Windness, regional illustrators had the opportunity to take an Illustrators Intensive with Will Terry (yes, the REAL WILL TERRY!) this past weekend on the RMCAD campus – and the price was right! I missed the opening talk, also open to RMCAD students for free on Friday evening, but was there bright and early Saturday to catch every word and catch up with illustrators I had met at previous regional conferences. (any text in red – click for more info!)
We spent the first part of the day learning about the importance of good composition. Simple but important takeaways: start with very small thumbnails and use the 33 rule – the thumbnail should have an interesting composition at a distance of 3′ and 30′, as should the finished piece. Next, through Photoshop, Will demonstrated the use of underpainting, the importance of emphasizing points of interest, and multiple techniques to achieve a captivating piece – including creating texture brushes. After lunch, Will’s son Aaron gave us the 411 on creating apps: he was very frank about the ‘dark side of digital’ and the learning curve, but also inspiring. Believe me, we were at the edge of our seats! Aaron encouraged us to create products that people will want to turn around share.
Participants could put forward up to two of our own illustrations for an anonymous review, (no, Will did not wear a mask for this, silly!) which was a great method of reinforcing all we had heard earlier in the day. The workshop was invigorating! I just wanted to rush home and work – and that after a full day in a dark room!
On Monday evening I was back with my local SCBWI Schmooze group for a 2hr session on social media and online marketing with Mary Walewski (socialmediaexpress.biz), a former librarian turned marketing consultant. Our Schmooze coordinator, Teresa Funke (teresafunke.com) works hard to bring us great presenters for our bi-monthly meetings. Quick takeaways: Make a plan! Social media profiles are the center of an author/illustrators online marketing strategy, and the proper maintenance of a blog is the best way to get information to your audience. Don’t just make goals, check your progress! ‘Insights’ on facebook pages, your status data on your blogs should help you to determine where you can maximize your efforts.
Tonight, Tuesday, I will meet with my local picture-book writer’s critique group. We all met through a Schmooze or a regional conference organized through – you guessed it – SCBWI!
Before signing off, here is a logo I recently designed for our Schmooze group… “Let’s go fly a kite!”
How lucky that you got to meet Will in person! I always enjoy his online classes. The final logo is awesome. What a great weekend; thanks for sharing.
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Sorry Flat Robyn couldn’t be there. *wink*
Loved seeing you guys and your bright shiny faces! And with THE Will Terry. EGAD MAN! You two look great!
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Wow – it’s all definitely over my head as a non-illustrator. But I am so intrigued by the phrase ‘dark side of digital’ Hmm…
I love the logo you designed and am uber-jealous that you and the divine Stacy Jensen get to hang out!
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Julie, this sounds like a blast! Wish I could go to more events, that’s for sure. SO looking forward to our NJ conference in June 🙂 I’d love to learn Photoshop, too. Someday…
And I can’t say enough about that logo. LOVE it! What a talented lady you are 🙂
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I had seriously considered attending the NJ conference, but maybe next year!
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I may be biased, Julie, but they’re totally worth it. Lots of bang for your buck 😀
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I go to the Denver ones though, just NJ is not far from the ‘rents!
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I love, love, love that logo!! You already know how sad I was not to be able to be there to meet Terry and learn from a master…not to mention hang out with you and Stacy.
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One day will will hang, fo shizzle!
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All right!! 😀
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So glad you are having a fulfilling and inspiring time. You and Stacy look lovely! And super logo!
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Thanks, Iza!
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Love your logo, great work!
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Thanks, Dayne!
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Gave attended one illustrator’s workshop and found it beneficial. Can’t imagine a weekend. Great picture of you and Stacy and Terry. Great logo.
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I would love a week-long retreat, if ever I could afford it!
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I LOVE the logo Julie. It’s perfect. It was great seeing you and hearing Will and Aaron speak. So much to absorb (even with bags under my eyes)!
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Toddler nights? I know I didn’t sleep much! But I never noticed you had any! Is the lighting in the room creating the effect??
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Wow! I so wish I could have been there. And that logo is cool. Awesome weekend.
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🙂
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My goodness you are busy with so many good things, Julie! Sounds like a great few days of learning and fun! Onward and upward 🙂
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And graduation this week too! You too?
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So glad you got to meet those awesome people! 😀 Great logo! 😀
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Thanks!
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Awesome logo, Julie! Very fun to see the photo of you and Stacy! I’m sure the Illustrators Intensive was a wonderful experience. And then a local Schmooze! What fun!
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Thanks, Penny!
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