Too Quiet, is this weeks new unBook that will never be at a store near you.

Have you ever noticed that when the kids are quiet, it is a blessing, but if they are too quiet, there is a big problem.

Well the other day my favorite publisher passed on a new story that I sent them. It was a nice letter and so I know I should be grateful, but I have really been in the dumps. The publishing business is like playing the board game Sorry. Just when you think you are making progress you get sent back to the beginning. I know, I know that this is how the game is played but right now it isn’t fun. So today I am rummaging through my idea stash and trying to pick my next bet. I feel pretty good about some of the ideas but they just are not ready yet. So today I need to move one of the ideas a step closer to “ready”. Best wishes to anyone else out there playing the game.

The Most Valuable information I picked up at the 2006 SCBWI Conference, is a portfolio review form from Cecilia Young, art director. It covers what an art director for children’s books is looking for in an illustration portfolio. The categories are Basic skills, Pictorial legibility, Casting skills, Acting skills, Communication skills. Narrative skills, Narrative instincts, & Originality.

Cecilia said that the conversation about your portfolio should begin long before your work appears in front of an art director. Start the conversation now by reviewing your portfolio based the needs of a art director.

Thank you Cecilia for the information.

Download a pdf copy of the form here
Analyze Yourself

More basic information about illustrating children’s books
Children’s Picture Book Design 101

I have added a new exhibit to my online gallery. You are invited to come and visit.

Scott E Franson: Gallery

Here is another publication that I did not write. But it is based on my real life phobia. I hated to go to the freezer when I was young because of the fish. Fish that my father caught, froze and never seemed to eat. Have you noticed that fish never close their eyes?

Remember, If you have to go to the freezer, always open and shut the door quickly.

Scott E. Franson: Gallery
Come and visit my online gallery for more books that I didn’t write, one book I did write, and more.

I didn’t write this publication and I am not going to change the baby:)

You can see other books that I didn’t write here. More Covers

You can see one book that is written & illustrated by Scott E Franson here. Unbrella

This is a study for a project that is in the preliminary stages. The story is finished and now is the time to discover what the setting of the story will look like. It is fun to experiment. The story takes place under the sea. I am designing the plants and animals to populate the story.

Announcing another publication that I didn’t write and will never be at a local store near you.

I had fun making the image. I hope that you enjoy it.

SAFE—As before this book is not available and was not written by Scott E Franson. What is different about this new book is that it happened by accident as I was working on a different project. It is also based on a serious theme.

When we go to school, what do we do to feel safe? We fit in. Then we feel safe. If we don’t stand out we won’t have problems. But safe is not as it would appear because “the group” is always willing to sacrifice someone so that the group can continue to live. Students in every school are being sacrificed so that the group can live on. The individuals in a group mentality would say, “If there is someone else to pick on then it won’t be me.”

I just wish that we would allow each person to be an individual and that the idea of success meant being the best you can be and not that I have more than someone else. Couldn’t we all be just a little more kind and tolerant.

SNOUT is a bedtime story in the great tradition of JAWS. This book was not written or illustrated by Scott E Franson and will never be at a bookstore near you.