SCBWI Success Story—Alyssa Bermudez

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I've been a member of SCBWI since about 2014 when I was still living in New York and setting new goals to break out in children's publishing. I absorbed a lot of the information on offer, and was working at the time towards a MFA but didn't quite feel like I had enough of a children's style to set myself apart from the amazing illustration community already out there. When I left my job and hometown and moved to Tasmania in January of 2015, I really dove further into creating more work and getting it in front of people. Naturally I uploaded my children's oriented pieces to the SCBWI showcase online and used "The Book" to get in touch with publishers directly. 

In January of 2016 I got an email from POW! Kids Books, an imprint from the art and photography publisher, Powerhouse Books in New York. The editor wrote that they were working on a new book and the author, Cynthia Leonor Garza, had submitted my name as her choice illustrator for it, and magically the editor agreed! She later informed me that she found me through SCBWI searches, and that led them all to my website. 

We held a Skype meeting together from all different parts of the world, and we discussed the look and feel of the story, scene and characters. I spent several months on the artwork which consisted of watercolour and digital painting techniques. Working with a small publisher provides a bit more attention and openness to the design of the book, so I was pleased to be able to do the lettering and design for the cover as well. The team at POW! picked stunningly rich papers and exciting text placement for the inside and it was published and distributed worldwide in March 2017! This book is both Cynthia's and my debut book, and what an amazing first experience it has been! 

It has been reviewed by Kirkus, The School Library Journal, and many other fabulous people. I have SCBWI to thank for putting me in the right place at the right time. 

 

Lucia The Luchadora, written by Cynthia Leonor Garza, published by POW! Kids. 

Available online and in stores. 

 

www.facebook.com/luciatheluchadora

www.alyssabermudezart.com

 

Thank you!!

-Alyssa

SCBWI Success Stories: Renee Treml

Renee Treml

Renee Treml

Here is another SCBWI Success Story—this time involving the Illustrator Showcase and the fabulous illustrator Renee Treml!

"At the 2014 Conference, I displayed my illustrations at the Portfolio Showcase.  A few weeks later I was contacted by Tiffany Malins of Scholastic Australia to illustrate a new Father’s Day Book, Daddy, You’re Awesome!  It was the first book I illustrated that I didn’t also write and it was a fantastic experience.  The team at Scholastic were very supportive and encouraging.  This book led to a second project illustrating Jess Black’s Moon Dance (Scholastic 2015)."

Midpoint of the Story Arc! - Conference Dinner Dance party

A night of fun, celebration, dancing and general hilarity until all hours!

Harry Lane performed his wonderful poem about our fearless leader Susanne to huge appreciation!

Presentation of Harper Collins Illustrated Portfolio Award

Winner gets a personal portfolio critique. Lisa Berryman said there was an outstanding range of entrants. (Donna Rawlins signed up 3 people from it!)

Winner:  Nicky Johnston

 

2016 Penguin Random House Award

Presented by Sarah Davis in lieu of Zoe Walton who was ill:

Winner: Sophie Blackhall–Cain

Andrea Pinkney Award

Judged by Claire Stuckey. She told us one entrant really stood out.

Finalists:

  • Anna McGregor – Haircuts by Hernando
  • Jenny Hale – Princess Cage
  • Reena Balding – Not My Rice
  • Sandy Fussell - Wraith

Winner: Dawn MeredithLetters from the Dead

Book launches:

Terry Whitebeach: When I Was a Boy in Sudan

Author and historian – believes that everyone’s story is important – Australian stories that haven’t been heard. Protagonist refugee Saraphino, but book made for all children everywhere. Group effort to complete the book: everyone did it for their belief in helping Sudanese kids in Australia. Also: When I wasa Girl in Sudan

Also in this range of books:

Pascalina  illustrated by Gay Mackinnon

Young adult novel. Terry realised she had to go to see the Mahdi people . Lots of photos for Gay brought back. Etihad flew 300 kg donated books for free. Local refugees love the book. All donated money goes to South Sudan.

Book launch by Claire Halifax:

Christina Booth, Scholastic, writer and illustrator

Too Many Sheep

We were treated to a highly entertaining puppet show duet by Christina and Claire. The manuscript was first shown to Claire at the last SCBWI conference!!

Christina designed the cover first as part of 52 Week Illustrating Challenge.

Christina gave a highly entertaining reading of her book.

Deb Abela then made the thanks and presentations to Susanne Gervay, Regional Adviser Australia New Zealand. Deb reiterated that Susanne’s the reason we’re all here – she’s organised the amazing fruits of SCBWI. A massive contribution!

A very special card, made by Christina Booth and signed by everyone was given to Susanne. Plus a box of wonderful care essentials eg a ‘No!’ paddle to say no to requests because she’s hopeless at it! Plus slippers, sleep mask, relaxing candle, do not disturb sign, writing notebook etc. Also a beautiful charm bracelet to remind her of all her lovely books. And a pendant with a quote from Elephants Have Wings inside of it.

AND an amazing book engraved with a superb illustration of The Hughenden in the front, signed (and sometimes illustrated) by everyone.

Susanne said that our SCBWI is one of the special writing communities of the world.           

Evening rounded out by a rousing group singalong – a special song for Susanne song to the tune of Rawhide!

Then we danced the night away to the sound ofthe fabulous Beatknickers,  SCBWI’s own band. Thanks to a couple of intrepid ring-ins!

What a party!!!!!!

By Charlotte Calder

#SCBWISyd

Photos Courtesy of Denzo Alker, Leigh Roswen and Dimity Powell Rovers at large

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

 

 

 

 

What a party!!!!!!

 

 By Charlotte Calder

 

#SCBWISyd