SCBWI BI Conference: One-to-Ones - Portfolio Reviews for Illustrators

Calling all you illustrators out there! 

As you’re busily booking your place at this year’s awesome conference, please take a few moments to read through these notes if you are considering having a portfolio review. 

It is your chance to meet an industry professional, who will review and feedback and discuss your portfolio, sketchbooks and mock-up picture books. The Illustrator One-to-Ones, will be with Illustration Agents, Art-Directors Commission Editors, or experienced Illustrators, and to make your meeting the most positive and constructive, we will ask you provide examples of your work in advance (two PDF images) so we can match you with the professional who will be able to provide you with the best feedback for your work. This is a unique opportunity to meet the industry professionals who shape the industry and have their expertise and knowledge that can help you to further improve your work and portfolio at whatever stage in your career, whether you are published or pre-published. 

Photograph: Jane Heinrichs 

1. You may sign up for a pre-paid review of 20 minutes of individual feedback from an appropriate agent, art director, commissioning editor, or an experienced illustrator. 

2. Deadline for booking is 1st November. 

3. Please bring to the conference a maximum of two of the following* that you would like reviewed: 

• A portfolio of up to 15 printed samples of your work
• One book dummy with rough illustrations plus text 
• One developed storyboard with thumbnail illustrations plus text up to 5 pages (maximum 50 frames) of a graphic novel or comic book project 
• A digital test or storyboard for one ebook or app 

4. A SCBWI Gold form will be supplied to help you keep track of the feedback you receive. We will do our best to provide a review to all who apply. 

5. If we cannot secure a reviewer for you, we will offer you a refund. 

The 20 minute review will cost £30 

Photograph: Jane Heinrichs 

To help us provide you with the most appropriate reviewer for your work, we will contact you once your conference application is confirmed and may ask you to provide PDF samples of your submission in addition to a short bio or web link. 

However I'm sure that you’re eager to get your portfolio polished and looking as professional as possible, and to start planning to get the most out of your time with the Industry Professional. 

Please note your portfolio needs to be compact, less is more. Pick the best 15 representational pieces to make an impression. Be sure to bring business cards, post cards or A4 takeaways to leave with your reviewer. 

Photograph: Jane Heinrichs 

The industry professionals attending this years conference and opting to provide reviews are ... 

Will Steele (senior designer Children’s Books) 
Sarah Frost (commissioning editor) 
Gemma Cooper (agent) 


For more advice on putting together your portfolio please check out:

 •  John Shelley’s recent article in Words & Pictures 

 •  Portfolio Advice 

 •  Portfolio advice from an agent  

•  Surviving your first portfolio review by Jane Heinrichs from Words &Pictures 

 •  Why booking a portfolio review is a great idea from Alex Wilson from Words & Pictures  

 •  Portfolio intensive feedback by Trish Philips  

For further information and to book your place at the conference, click here.