What is CBIG? CBIG, the Children's Book Illustrators Group, was formed in 1987 by a group of Brooklyn children's book illustrators to share publishing information and experiences. Currently, CBIG meetings are held bimonthly at NYC member apartments. Meetings are open to all artists, from neophytes to published pros, interested in the field of children's book illustration. What does CBIG offer? CBIG's guest speakers from the publishing industry include Illustrators, Editors, Art Directors, and Art Reps who give insights to their acquisition needs and critique portfolio/dummies on a lottery basis. The following benefits are available with CBIG membership: Members may take part in networking opportunitites at CBIG events. Members may have access CBIG's meeting minutes archive, events schedule, mailing list, and more. Members may participate in marketing opportunities organized by CBIG, i.e. our annual promotional postcard mailed out to 200+ contacts in the children's publishing market. Members may have a page in the Member Portfolios section of the CBIG website. A member page consists of 1 illustration image plus the member's professional info. Members may also opt for a 5-image portfolio for a one-time portfolio setup fee. Members may submit updates on a quarterly basis. Members are invited to the CBIG November Portfolio and Dummy Review, where 30 members get one-on-one time with two editors / art directors of their choice.* * CBIG limits its membership to 45 artists. Participation in the November Portfolio Review is on a first-come first-serve basis. Two weeks prior to the event, members receive an invitation with instructions for how to participate. The first 30 responses will be registered. The balance will be wait listed. Historically speaking, there is most likely space for all who want to take part in the Review; but there are no guarantees. Want to know more about CBIG membership? CBIG's membership year starts in January and ends in December. Membership must be renewed annually. The $40.00 annual dues fee goes toward an honorarium for our speakers as well as paper, printing, postage, webhosting, and other necessary expenses to run this volunteer organization. Members attend January, March, May, and September meetings for free. There may be an additional fee for attending the November Portfolio Review meeting. Attendees of the November 2007 meeting, for example, paid an additional $10.00 at the door. How do I attend a CBIG meeting if I'm not a member? Meetings typically take place the 2nd Sunday of every other month, starting in January. Non-members pay $12.00 at the door, except for the November meeting. Non-members also may receive the meeting notices for a $5.00 fee. Seats are limited, so reservations should be made in advance. For more info about becoming a CBIG member or attending a meeting, email Diana at dtdelosh@optonline.net.