Mick Elliott, Illustrator and Author
I am so grateful to be a past recipient of the SCBWI Picture Book Illustrator Awards for my graphic novel memoir, HYPO. Creating a graphic novel from scratch is a monumental task, requiring years of unpaid work to develop materials to pitch to publishers. HYPO - a personal story of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teenager - is a departure from the style and tone of books I have previously written and illustrated. I was nervous and unsure about the project’s appeal, and whether the time I was spending developing it was worthwhile.
Receiving the SCBWI award was exactly the validation I needed during this early stage of the book’s development. It provided resources to undertake study to develop my illustration skills and facilitated on-going mentorships with experienced illustrators in the industry who have provided invaluable support in my career development. As I continue to work on the book, I am buoyed by the knowledge that the SCBWI judges see the potential in it!
Find out more about the Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards here.