The SCBWI-Michigan Illustrators' Network

A bit of history:
This informal network began in 1998 to better serve our illustrators, who represented approximately 15% of our Michigan membership. Debbie Stewart volunteered to act as SCBWI-Michigan's first Illustrator Coordinator and oversee this network, and to serve on our Advisory Committee to represent illustrators' interests.

Debbie set these goals as Illustrator Coordinator

• To encourage SCBWI-MI to hold three events a year (not in the same geographic location) which included programming for illustrators.
• To provide a responsive, supportive network for illustrators.
• To organize a portfolio review using the NY chapter as a model.

Debbie succeeded. Since 1999, SCBWI MI has included programming for illustrators at each of their events. In 2000, SCBWI-MI held the first SCBWI-Michigan event to include a Juried Children's Illustration Exhibit for unpublished illustrators and a Professional Portfolio Display for published members. Illustrators from four states attended. In 2003, our Michigan Mentorship Program was opened to –and exclusively for illustrators.

We commend the great strides that Debbie made and thank her for her many years of service to our organization. Debbie served as SCBWI Michigan's Illustrator Coordinator and on the Advisory Committee through December of 2001. She is still an illustrator activist in our chapter.

Fast Forward to 2006:

Illustrators now represent about 20% of our membership; their interests remain represented on our Advisory Committee; articles for illustrators are included in our Newletter; programming for illustrators is included at each SCBWI-MI event and our 2006 Mentorship Program is again offered exclusively to illustrators.

What additionally can you expect from the Illustrators' Network?

• response to questions
• name/s of others trying to put together critique groups in your area
• information on How to assemble a Children's Book Illustrator's Portfolio, how to make a dummy, and a Resource Guide for Illustrators.

The Illustrators' Network is open to ways illustrators can work together to meet needs. To become involved, subscribe to our chapter's newsletter, listserv, and attend SCBWI-MI events. If you are a professional illustrator and have ideas on how to best meet the needs of other professionals; if you are a member of SCBWI and would like to participate in this network and have ideas that you feel would be helpful – especially if you are willing to help, please contact SCBWI-Michigan Illustrator Coordinator, Leslie Helakoski at lelhel@hotmail.com.

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