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Juana Martinez-Neal

A Cover for SCBWI Bulletin

I was asked to work on the cover of SCBWI Bulletin for their September-October 2013 issue.

The only requirement was to include a kite on the illustration. I wanted to illustrate the kite as a main element in the composition instead of it just being… well, a kite.

Latest Project

SCBWI Bulletin September-October 2013

The thought process behind the illustration was pretty simple: Why not wear the kite? Doable… What else do I want? Piggies… and also that piggies can fly! And with those ideas in mind, I started sketching and Simon showed up.

This is the first version of Simon. It was good but Simon was not flying. He was just happy to wear his kite.

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Initial sketch of Simon.

There were 2 other cover layouts before the final sketch felt right. Simon had to be full of innocence, hope and wonder, almost ready to take off, and with his friends there with him. Here is the final art.

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Final art of Simon Will Fly

Curious to see the cover? Want to read all those great articles in this issue? Want to read the interview? SCBWI Members can download the issue here. Mailed Bulletin copies should arrive to your mailbox the first week of September.

If you are a children’s writer or illustrator and are not a SCBWI member yet, join! I am very grateful for everything I have learned and got thanks to SCBWI. Thanks again SCBWI for the assignment!

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Final sketch and art for SCBWI September-October 2013 Bulletin.

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Details of Cover art for SCBWI September-October 2013 Bulletin

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Details of Cover art for SCBWI September-October 2013 Bulletin

Latest Project

Details of Cover art for SCBWI September-October 2013 Bulletin

Latest Project

Details of Cover art for SCBWI September-October 2013 Bulletin

Latest Project

Details of Cover art for SCBWI September-October 2013 Bulletin

Latest Project

About the Cover in the SCBWI Bulletin September-October 2013

How do you receive your copies of the SCBWI Bulletin? Mail or Digital? What do you think of the cover? You can let me know in the comments.

Thanks again for reading and see you soon!

 

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Children's book author and illustrator, mami of three, wife, sun aficionado, amateur singer and Margarita lover born in Lima, Peru and living in sunny AZ.

Comments

  • August 22, 2013
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    Way to go, Juana!
    It is a very lovely illustration.

  • August 22, 2013
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    This is absolutely adorable, Juana! I love the texture. What kind of paint and paper did you use?

  • August 22, 2013
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    I love it! I always look forward to seeing the newest SCBWI cover, who the illustrator was, and read all about them. I’ve opted for the electronic version, because the paper one always seems to get recycled too soon by well meaning husband. Best wishes to you!
    Amanda Sorenson
    Bits n’ Baubles Studio

  • August 22, 2013
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    Diana

    lindo Juanita!!!

  • August 22, 2013
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    Maria Salas

    ¡Bellísimo, Juana!! la primera versión de Simon también está maravillosa ^^ ¡Felicidades por la portada!

  • August 22, 2013
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    Ana

    Absolutely adorable, Juana! – Esta lindisima!

  • August 22, 2013
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    Incredibly beautiful. There’s so much of detail. Look forward to more of your work.

  • August 23, 2013
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    Alia

    Beautiful! Soft lovely colors.

  • August 23, 2013
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    Zach Roush

    Very Fun! I’m also curious for what type of paint paper you used. Love the little details.

    I know it’s better to go with digital for “green” purposes but I just love holding books and magazines in my hands so I still go with the print form. Looking forward to holding your cover copy :)

  • August 23, 2013
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    Simply stunning, Juana! Simon is adorable and I love that you posted your sketches as well as thoughts behind the final piece. Does Simon have the “keys to fly”? The details are gorgeous. Congratulations on such a well deserved win and wonderful highlight and mark on the SCBWI Bulletin. Awesome, Juana!!

  • August 23, 2013
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    This is amazing! Congrats! Being from Canada, I only have it digitally…

  • August 23, 2013
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    Virginia Rinkel

    Love your imagination in this creation. Congratulations.

  • August 23, 2013
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    Lovely! I can’t wait to get my copy in the mail!

  • August 24, 2013
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    Juana, this is great! What makes it stand out (for me) is the focus on the character and your colour palette.
    Complimenti, félicitations, enhorabuena, high five!

  • August 24, 2013
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    Beautiful, Juana! I’m a sucker for mixed media and all of the added texture.

  • August 25, 2013
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    Sharalyn Edgeberg

    Very nice! I get my SCBWI bulletin by mail.

  • August 27, 2013
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    BEAUTIFUL! Lovely illustration (and that pigs can fly… of course!) and great to see a bit of your process. Congrats :)

  • September 6, 2013
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    I get it in the old fashioned mail. I knew it was your work right away! So lovely, I love it!

  • September 9, 2013
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    Just lovely! Thank you for this post.

  • October 18, 2013
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    Huge congrats on the cover, it is amazing! So glad to have found your blog, I am starting out on my journey illustrating childrens books, represented by Prospect Agency. Look forward to visiting again, catherine x

  • October 20, 2013
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    Alex MArk

    What a pleasure to see your work.

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