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April 1, 2014

Announcing The First Ever Illustrators Contest!!!

Whoopeee!  Yahooo!

I'm excited!

Can you tell I'm excited?

It's because I'm about to launch a new hare-brained scheme and you guys are all going to get to be part of it!

(And no, just because it's April 1st and we just had a contest, this is NOT an April Fool.  I just couldn't add this to yesterday's Winner Celebration Post or tomorrow's WYRI!)

I've been thinking for a while that children's authors get all the fun.  Contests and prizes and being able to claim top finishes in Pretty Much World Famous Writing Contests. . .

It isn't entirely fair.

In the world of picture books, authors are only half the story.

We couldn't do what we do without our illustrators!

I think it's high time to let the illustrators have some fun and a contest and prizes and be able to claim top finishes in a Pretty Much World Famous Illustration Contest!

So that's what we're going to do!

Are you ready?

Announcing

The First Ever Pretty-Much-World-Famous Illustration Contest!!!
the fact that this particular illustrator resembles a female
is in no way meant to deter any male illustrators! :)

The Contest: Draw/Paint a children's picture book cover illustration (no text required - art only) for one of the following stories (which you will recognize as the top finishers in the March Madness Fractured Fairy Tale Writing Contest - a little extra surprise for those authors :)):
 - The Three Wiggly Worms Bluff by Wendy Greenley
 - Goldilockup by Mike Allegra
 - Goldibawks And The Three Pairs by Dawn Young
 - The Sweetie Witch by Pen Avey
 - The Princess And The Stinky Cheese by Lauri Meyers
 - Mongoose's Holi Party by Darshana Khiani
 - The "Princess" And The Pete by Jennifer Caritas
 - The Jackrabbit Who Cried Gila Monster by Elliah Terry

Illustrations should be 8x10, horizontal or vertical, any medium, posted in jpg at least 72 px
All stories can be read on the March Madness Finalist Post HERE so you will know what to illustrate :)

Post:  Your entry should be posted on your blog between Thursday April 24 at 5 AM EDT and Monday April 28 at 9 PM EDT, and your post-specific link should be added to the link list on my Thursday April 24 post which will remain up through Tuesday April 29 so that people can come visit and enjoy your gorgeous artwork!  (No PPBF on Friday April 25, no new post on Monday April 28, but there will be a brief interruption for WYRI on Wednesday April 30 because I forgot to leave it open for the contest :)).  If you don't have a blog but would like to enter, please copy and paste your entry into the comments of my April 24 post.  (If anyone has trouble commenting, which unfortunately happens, you may email me and I'll post your entry for you!  Also, since this is the first time we've done an illustration contest, I'm not sure if you actually CAN paste your entry into the comments.  If this turns out to be the case, email them to me and I'll add them directly to my April 24 post.)

Judging:  entries will be judged by multi-talented, award-winning author/illustrators Iza Trapani, author and illustrator of over 20 gorgeous picture books, and Lisa Thiesing, author and illustrator of at least 16 beautiful and fun picture books and early readers!   Judging criteria to include:

 - is the picture readable to a young audience,
 - how well does it show the character(s) and
 - is the character(s) appealing (character development),
 - does it make you want to read the story,
 - originality
 - skill.

 They will narrow down the entrants to 6 finalists (or possibly a couple more or less depending on the number of entries :)) which will be posted here on Thursday May 1 for you to vote on for a winner.  The vote will be closed at 5PM EST on Sunday May 4 and the winner will be announced on Monday May 5.  (No PPBF on Friday May 2.)

The Prizes!:  There will definitely be a 1st prize.  Whether we give prizes for 1st only, 1st-3rd, or 1st-6th will depend on how many entries we get.

 First Prize is absolutely amazing!  A portfolio critique by celebrated author/illustrator Michael Garland, who has over 20 picture books to his credit!!!

 - Second Prize - a $50 gift certificate to Dick Blick Art Materials
 - Third, Fourth & Fifth Prize will be winner's choice of one of the following books:
      - Writing With Pictures by Uri Shulevitz
      - 2014 Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market by Chuck Sambuchino

 - Sixth Prize - sketch pads/pencils

Illustrators, we can't wait to see what you've got in store for us!

Everyone else (authors, parents, teachers, librarians, farm equipment retailers, etc. :)) think how much fun it's going to be so see what the illustrators come up with!

You've got three weeks, illustrators!

On your mark, get set, GO!!! :)


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63 comments:

  1. Iza TrapaniApril 1, 2014 at 7:33 AM

    An illustrators contest? Let me be the judge of that :-) Oh wait- I am one of the judges! Have fun and good luck, all you wonderful artists!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Heather DentApril 1, 2014 at 8:02 AM

    Is this for real?!!! YIPEEEE! I am super excited! I'm definitely participating in this contest. Thanks for giving us illustrators a chance to shine.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cheryl SecombApril 1, 2014 at 8:33 AM

    This will be so much fun! I'm looking forward to seeing all the entries!

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  4. Tracey CoxApril 1, 2014 at 9:40 AM

    Oh what fun!

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  5. Teresa RobesonApril 1, 2014 at 10:16 AM

    LOL, Iza!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cecilia ClarkApril 1, 2014 at 10:56 AM

    oh I am soooooo going to do this :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cecilia ClarkApril 1, 2014 at 10:57 AM

    chuckle

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mike Allegra writerApril 1, 2014 at 11:16 AM

    Oh, wow! Awesomesauce!


    *raises hand and waves it frantically to get the illustrators' attention*


    Ooh! ooh! Pick my story. Pick me! I'll be your best friend!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 11:18 AM

    I'm just hoping we GET some illustrators to think this is a good idea! Maybe why I think is fun isn't what everyone else thinks is fun! But you draw, Mike.... (hint hint) :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 11:18 AM

    Yay! That makes potentially 3 contestants! Woo-hoo!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 11:19 AM

    Gee whiz, Teresa! I don't want you to feel coerced! It's supposed to be fun! (And I haven't even taken the ECP out of the closet!) :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 11:19 AM

    I hope some illustrators will think so! :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 11:19 AM

    Me too - if we can just get some illustrators interested...!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 11:20 AM

    You're the best, Iza! And Lisa too! Couldn't do it without you! So far it looks like you may have as many as 2 entries to judge! :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Teresa RobesonApril 1, 2014 at 11:32 AM

    I live in deep fear of your ECP! But mostly, I love to tease you. ;D

    ReplyDelete
  16. Mike Allegra writerApril 1, 2014 at 11:34 AM

    Oh, no you don't! I'm out on this one!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 11:53 AM

    But Mike! The Jackrabbit Who Cried Gila Monster has your name written all over it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 11:57 AM

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 11:58 AM

    Oh YAY! I'm so excited, Heather! I think you make potentially 3 contestants!!! Woo hoo! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Mike Allegra writerApril 1, 2014 at 12:41 PM

    But I could just phone it in with my Goldie doodle!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 12:46 PM

    You could... but you have too much professional pride for that :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Catherine JohnsonApril 1, 2014 at 12:47 PM

    Fabulous fun! Thanks Susanna

    ReplyDelete
  23. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 12:54 PM

    I'll be expecting an entry from you, Catherine! No pressure... :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Lisa ThiesingApril 1, 2014 at 1:07 PM

    This will be fun! Can't wait to see what people come up with!

    ReplyDelete
  25. RosiApril 1, 2014 at 1:23 PM

    This will be fun to watch. I can't draw anything and am always in awe of people who can.

    ReplyDelete
  26. animalauthorApril 1, 2014 at 1:48 PM

    What fun! And two of my favorite illustrators as judges! Too bad stick figures (crookedly drawn) don't count:-) I'll stick to writing, but will look forward to seeing all those creative submissions.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 1:53 PM

    I know! Me too! I just hope we get some entries! Thanks again so much for judging :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 1:54 PM

    You and me both, Rosi! :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 1:55 PM

    I know! We have the world's best judges :) And I'm with you in crooked stick figure land :) I hope we get lots of great entries!

    ReplyDelete
  30. S ByerApril 1, 2014 at 2:01 PM

    Yayyy! What a great contest! :D

    ReplyDelete
  31. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 2:03 PM

    So glad you like it, Stacey! :) Will you be joining us? (hint hint :))

    ReplyDelete
  32. Lisa ThiesingApril 1, 2014 at 2:24 PM

    If you post it, they will come!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Vivian KirkfieldApril 1, 2014 at 2:37 PM

    I've sent word to my other crit group...two of them are illustrators and might not see your post. I'll be cheering and commenting...but not creating...maybe one day.:) Sounds like a fantastic opportunity and a fun chance for illustrators!

    ReplyDelete
  34. This_Kid_Reviews_Books_ErikApril 1, 2014 at 5:29 PM

    I'll tell Josie! :D YAYYYYYYYYYY!!! (Kermit the Frog style)

    ReplyDelete
  35. pennyklostermannApril 1, 2014 at 6:22 PM

    How fun is this???? Why, it's more fun than a barrel of monkeys...which is a LOT of fun! I can't wait to see the entries! I'll spread the news!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 7:45 PM

    I hope it will be fun! I hope illustrators will want to do it! Thanks for spreading the word, Penny :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 7:45 PM

    Thanks, Jarm :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Susanna Leonard HillApril 1, 2014 at 7:46 PM

    Great! I hope she'll want to do one!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Pen AveyApril 2, 2014 at 4:17 AM

    Eek! Really excited to see if anyone picks Sweetie Witch :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Heather DentApril 2, 2014 at 8:42 AM

    Haha! I will let some of my illustrator friends from the Midsouth SCBWI group to know about this. You are offering such wonderful prizes I'm sure there will be more takers.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Mary FlynnApril 2, 2014 at 4:55 PM

    Very excited can't wait to get started

    ReplyDelete
  42. Tracy CampbellApril 2, 2014 at 6:55 PM

    Ah, the talented Iza will be a judge. And the prizes, hoot! I love your enthusiasm, Susanna. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  43. Susanna Leonard HillApril 2, 2014 at 8:05 PM

    I'm especially enthusiastic because this time I don't have to judge :) I hope you're going to enter, Tracy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Susanna Leonard HillApril 2, 2014 at 8:05 PM

    Yay! I'm so excited someone wants to enter! Go for it, Mary! :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Susanna Leonard HillApril 2, 2014 at 8:05 PM

    Wouldn't that me SO MUCH FUN?! I hope someone does :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Lauri MeyersApril 2, 2014 at 9:49 PM

    Oh cool cool cool! Susanna, you must have been bubbling like a pot trying to hold in your plans for this contest! Can't wait to see what Julie R-Z draws:)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Susanna Leonard HillApril 2, 2014 at 9:52 PM

    I'm glad you think so! :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Susanna Leonard HillApril 2, 2014 at 9:53 PM

    I know! She already did a beautiful illustration for her story! I hope she joins the contest - although I think she's already had a portfolio critique from Michael, so she might not want that...

    ReplyDelete
  49. Iza TrapaniApril 5, 2014 at 6:46 AM

    Haha, Lisa!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Lovable LoboApril 13, 2014 at 2:10 PM

    I'm in! I've come back to this post 10 or more times and finally decided to take the plunge! Played around with a few ideas this weekend and have one I'm going with. I love a lil' competition, just hope I don't embarrass myself. ; ) Cheers to trying!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Jackie WellingtonApril 16, 2014 at 7:56 PM

    I hope Nata DonnaArtista enters. I am such a fan of her illustrations she posts on FB. This will be perfect for her. I also can't wait to see the other illustrators' works as well. I hate to say it, but I have to be honest. The illustrations is my favorite part of the picture books. Watching the story come alive through the drawing is amazing. :D

    ReplyDelete
  52. Susanna Leonard HillApril 16, 2014 at 8:10 PM

    She said she would, although she'll have to draw left-handed - which apparently she can do being extremely versatile and multi-talented :) I love the illustrations too, and I think it will be very interesting if a few people do the same title to see how different or similar their interpretations are!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Jackie WellingtonApril 16, 2014 at 8:22 PM

    I agree...I always like the writing exercises I give the students with a starter prompt, an love the different directions each child took. That would be amazing if the artists does this as well.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Dani DuckApril 17, 2014 at 2:13 AM

    I don't know if I'll have time but it sounds fantastic! Maybe I'll have time for a sketch if nothing else. I'll be sure to post and make sure you have the link to it if I do!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Susanna Leonard HillApril 17, 2014 at 3:02 PM

    Oh, I hope you'll have time, Dani! I'd love to see what you come up with!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. Catherine ConstanceApril 21, 2014 at 9:42 AM

    Fantastic idea, I'm definitely in. Hope you all like what I illustrate... :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. Susanna Leonard HillApril 21, 2014 at 7:27 PM

    Yay! I'm so excited! Can't wait to see your illustration, Catherine!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Wizmaya Design StudioApril 23, 2014 at 4:42 PM

    Hello, I want to enter this fun contest and you can check my illustration at http://bit.ly/1f7kmC3. (I hope I'm doing this right, linking it here).

    Hope you guys like it. Thank you for the opportunity!

    = Louie =

    ReplyDelete
  59. Susanna Leonard HillApril 23, 2014 at 4:54 PM

    Thrilled you're entering, Louie! The contest opens tomorrow, and you should post your entry on tomorrow's post so it will be with all the others in one place! Thanks so much! (and Wendy will be so excited! :))

    ReplyDelete
  60. Wizmaya Design StudioApril 23, 2014 at 9:32 PM

    Oh sorry, feel free to delete this post then. I totally forgot about time difference (it's already April 24 here), and I couldn't find any other post mentioning about the contest. :)

    ReplyDelete
  61. Susanna Leonard HillApril 23, 2014 at 9:43 PM

    No problem at all! Just no one's likely to see it here so be sure it gets on tomorrow's post :)

    ReplyDelete
  62. Loni EdwardsApril 27, 2014 at 9:08 AM

    Oooh, I have been out of the loop and just saw this! I will try to do something today to enter. What fun and a good way to get my creative juices going! :D Thanks, Susanna!!!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Susanna Leonard HillApril 27, 2014 at 3:41 PM

    Hi Loni!!! So glad to see you! Oh, gosh I hope you can get something together to enter! That would be so fun! :)

    ReplyDelete

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