What a weekend!
My trip to NYC started Wednesday and ended Sunday night. I was able to visit friends, have a portfolio review in a publishing house and spend intensive time at the National SCBWI Conference. Every day was packed from early morning until late or even early morning, every night. I seem to have survived on mash potatoes served up in a glass and jamba juice smoothies, with perhaps 23 hours of sleep in total. My body is telling me how it feels today about my weekend choices. However, I am telling my body to suck it up because this Monday does not bring me relief from projects due. That is another story, lets get to the good stuff from the weekend.
Wednesday: I visited with friends, Alison Morris and Gareth Hinds. I got to see the inked pages of Gareth’s latest graphic novel, Romeo & Juliet. They are stunning! He goes all out for every project. I can’t believe the task he has put himself to. For the evening we stayed up watching Jim Gaffigan, talking about the books we love, and postage stamps.
Thursday: I had a portfolio appointment at a publishing house in the afternoon. So, I took my time in the morning making one stop at the Society of Illustrators to see the Illustrators 54: Book & Editorial Show. It was great to see illustrations from Sophie Blackall who I would hear speak over the weekend. During the evening I was able to meet many of the SCBWI Illustrator Coordinators and Regional Advisors. Everyone was extremely welcoming. I am very happy to be a part of the SCBWI family. It is wonderful to be able give back through my position as Illustrator Coordinator of New England.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday were the conference. It was more than incredible as always. As I look back at the faculty there was such great representation for illustrators. The topic I want to showcase is the Book Maker’s Dozen Panel on Sunday. Moderated by Laurent Linn the answers given by the illustrators provided helpful tips about their work, their process, and how they get it done while still having a family. It was inspiring and encouraging to know it is possible to get everything done; you really do just have to give up sleep.
After the panel and wonderful final keynote by Kathryn Erskine it was autograph party time. My search for more Octo-Puss in Boots continued. I failed to bring my book with me but, after a smart suggestion from a friend I realized I should use my current sketchbook. I could secure the pages into the real book with photo corners. They are now safe and sound in the tome.

I love the new entires! With one that is a totally new concept on the idea. Octopus tentacles for whiskers from Roxie Munro. Check out the incredibly creative entries from the illustrators themselves.

Ryan Hipp

Leeza Hernandez

Brett Helquist

Roxie Munro

David Gordon

Aileen Leijten

Sergio Ruzzier

Peter Brown
Thank you to all the illustrators that gave my a sketch!
My weekend ended in calm. I made sure to give myself a few hours between the conference end and my train ride home. I was able to get dinner with friends AJ and Lumi. We discussed what happened over the weekend and talked about the plans for their wedding in Romania.
I had hoped to work on my train ride home but, with so much having happened over the weekend I needed time to reflect. Four hours of quiet to myself was a perfect end to an amazing weekend.
These are my personal views and do not reflect the views or opinions of the SCBWI.