Ready for the next evening of children's book illustration critique? Maybe your illustration?
Join us around the review table...
Group critiques – in the studio classroom or around a cafe table with friends – have been training artists for centuries.
Be part of the conversation.
A smart critique makes the difference
Denise Fleming received the Caldecott Honor for In the Small, Small Pond (Henry Holt and Company.) Her colorful concept books for very young children, distinguished by great language and rambunctiously beautiful art are a staple in children's libraries and elementary school libraries across the country.
Author, teacher and literary agent Jodell Sadler directs KidLit College, which offers online classes on how to craft musical language, irresistible comic timing and "Wow" pacing for picture books and other professional children's writing topics.
In December's live critique Jodell and Denise examined and talked about 30 illustration submissions. Catch their replay and participate in new live critique sessions with KidLit professionals every month!
Regular monthly group critiques are 'perfect practice'
They tell you...
What isn't working
When to push harder
When to just stop
They help you...
Get a fresh perspective
Our guest critiquers – illustrators, painters, agents, art directors, maybe an editor or two – examine your final in a spirit of teaching and mentoring.
Think more like a pro
Watch up close and personal how full-time creatives evaluate and troubleshoot their own and others’ pieces.
Prepare for that thing
That upcoming kidlit (or illustrators’) conference, important promotional mailing, post or sit-down with a client.
Sharpen your discernment powers
Remind you of those bedrock principles of draftsmanship, design and communication. (Funny how they keep bringing you back to those.)
Meet your tribe
Your colleagues and the expert practioners. Who share their What I Wish I Knew Then stories and become your contacts in ‘the biz.’ (It’s called networking.)
Get better at getting better
Practice with critiques helps you understand the hierarchy of feedback and how to navigate it wisely – knowing what’s valid for you now, vs. what to set aside for later.
Don't feel left alone with your work...
With a subscription you can participate in all of our live programs and access all replays ...including of the critiques we enjoyed last year by these top illustrators (and teachers):
Click on the photos to see their websites!
Mira Reisberg
Karien Naude
Chris Schechner
Jeff Crosby
Marsha Riti
Christy Stallop
C.S. Jennings
Annette Simon
Mark Mitchell, moderator
Denise Fleming
Wendy Martin
Mary Sullivan
Jodell Sadler
We're keeping it real by limiting enrollment.
Secure your spot at the table while it's available.
30 Day Money Back Guarantee!
Try out the subscription and see what you think of the next Marks and Splashes Guest Group Critiques session. If you find it not hugely helpful or just not your cup of tea, write me (c/o the How To Be A Children’s Book Illustrator blog) and I’ll refund you same day, no questions asked, no worries and we’re still friends. The replays of all of last year’s Guest Critiques are on us until then.
Also, remember that you can easily cancel your subscription anytime through PayPal (or write me, c/o the blog and I’ll help with that — Mark Mitchell.)