Monthly Mingles for Michigan Illustrators by Katie Eberts and Jen Boehler

We had no idea what to expect going into our first Monthly Mingle for illustrators on May 8.  We thought they would be helpful - but would other illustrators?  Did we schedule it at an opportune time?  Was the topic interesting enough?  And worst of all - would it just be the TWO of us tuning in?  

Then at 5:30, a trickle started.  One, two, three…eighteen!  Eighteen illustrators from across the state showed up bringing a wealth of knowledge, suggestions, questions, and most importantly, camaraderie.  And that was the goal.

It is common for writers to form critique groups, connecting with and helping each other, but we don’t see it as much with illustrators.  These Mingles were created with the intention of sharing our experiences, learning from one another and creating a supportive community.  The second Monday of each month, we discuss a specific topic and ask that attendees bring their own experiences and questions.  If you don’t have an experience to share yet - that’s okay!  Join us to introduce yourself, listen and learn.  

Our first topic was “Alternative Income Streams”.  The journey into KidLit can sometimes be an arduous process, and even after book deals are (finally) made, income lulls can set in.  That is why it’s important to have other income streams to fall back on during these slower periods.  A few ideas our illustrators shared at the Mingle were:

- Editorial:  There are many magazines seeking to hire illustrators, some even tailored specifically to kids and teens.  Just be sure before querying you check to see each individual magazine’s submission guidelines.  To find a listing of magazines and these guidelines, consult resources such as SCBWI’s The Book, Artist’s Market book and Children’s Writers and Illustrators Market book.     

-

Commissions:  These are generally on a local level and include projects such as murals, posters, brochures and logos.  This will require you to make local connections and get your work seen by area businesses and individuals, so be sure to have a website portfolio set up and business cards to hand out to potential clients!  

- Selling Products Retail:  There are a plethora of avenues to create products featuring your work.  Examples of products include stationery, wrapping paper, notecards, stickers, prints, t-shirts, mugs (etc!).  To sell these products online you can set up a shop on Etsy or your own e-commerce website.  Selling in-person usually takes place at art or craft shows, which are FUN and a great way to connect with potential customers and other illustrators.  

- Selling Products Wholesale:  To sell additional volume (but at about half the revenue per piece), try wholesaling your products.  This is generally done by reaching out directly to shops.  Making a connection in person is almost always best (TIP:  For your best chance at catching the owner working, go on a weekday during off-season when they’re less likely to be paying support staff).  Another option would be to sell at shops on consignment (getting paid only when items sell).

- Passive Income:  Upload your art on websites such as Society 6, Creative Market, minted (and many more), to passively generate income.  These are not generally lucrative unless you focus a sizable amount of energy into them, however it is getting your work seen and you can make a little bit of money in the process.

There were many more items shared, making it a very productive maiden Mingle!  Since we are each traveling on our own unique path in the KidLit journey, there was a wide variety of experiences and perspectives shared.  Our next Mingle will be held on June 12th from 5:30-6:30 and will feature the topic “Presenting Your Work - Websites, Portfolios and Social Media.”  Thank you all for your support! 

So excited to see everyone in June - 

Katie + Jen

Katie Eberts, Michigan Co-Illustrator Coordinator, received her BFA in Art & Design from the University of Michigan with a concentration in watercolor. Her debut picture book, Hush-A-Bye Night written by Thelma Godin, was published by Sleeping Bear Press in March 2023.  She is based in Cedarville, Michigan.

Jen Boehler, Michigan Co-Illustrator Coordinator, is an illustrator, graphic designer and author working on a hobby farm in Saginaw, Michigan. Before pursuing children’s literature, Jen worked as a freelance editorial illustrator, graphic designer, interior/event designer and owned her own line of Michigan travel apparel. She has degrees in both art/graphic design and interior design.