NJ SCBWI Children's Book Conference & Licensing Expo June 13, 2010 22:41

What a crazy week! I attended the NJ SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) 2010 Conference last weekend in Princeton then flew off to Las Vegas for a few days to check out the Licensing Expo! My head is buzzing with new ideas about books, licensing, and design.

 

Check out my recap of the conference as a guest writer on children's book author Tara Lazar's blog.

 

Here's a picture of me hanging out with Bumblebee at the Licensing Show!

 

The Licensing Show was overwhelming and slightly intimidating! I exhibited last year but decided to just walk the show this year. I'm in the process of finding a licensing agency who will help me to procure licensing opportunities while I focus on my core business. I decided this after much soul searching and coming to the realization that I really can't handle everything with wanart, publishing, licensing and designing! Although I don't have any qualms about making my own deals, and have done so up until now, I figured that I should really focus on what I do and love best which is art!

 

Walking the show enabled me to see what types of agencies were out there, how they represented themselves, what kind of clients they have and how would I fit in. Strangely, I thought it was less intimidating when you had your own booth. When you have your own booth you're kind of in your own little world unaware of what you're up against. Walking the show made me realize that I have a long road ahead of me if I want to break into the licensing biz, though, I think I am up for the challenge!