WEBINAR: Illustrating with Empathy—Composing Characters that Connect
May 20, 2025
Online event
NEW DATE: May 20th
This is an online event, so a Zoom link will be available to all who register.
Illustrating with Empathy—Composing Characters that Connect with Illustrator Jessica Lanan
Discover how thoughtful use of composition, design, and perspective can transform even the most unexpected or unlikable characters into ones that resonate deeply with readers. This presentation explores how visual storytelling techniques can evoke empathy and create connections that go beyond words. Learn how to use pacing, body language, color, and point of view to draw audiences into a character’s world, fostering understanding and emotional engagement no matter how charismatic—or not—they might be.
Jessica Lanan (she/her) is the author and illustrator of the Robert F. Sibert and Golden Kite Honor winning JUMPER: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BACKYARD JUMPING SPIDER and THE FISHERMAN AND THE WHALE, a Colorado Book Award finalist and winner of the Bull-Bransom Award for wildlife art. She has illustrated many other books including IN THE WORLD OF WHALES by Michelle Cusolito, JUST RIGHT: SEARCHING FOR THE GOLDILOCKS PLANET by Curtis Manley and THANK YOU MOON by Melissa Stewart. Jessica is passionate about helping young readers discover the beauty and wonder of their world. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.
The webinar will begin promptly on Zoom at 7:00 pm Central Time on 5/20/25.
You can also get the link by going to the Events section of your member profile. On this event, you will find a meeting information button with attendance instructions there.
By registering and/or attending our event, you agree to abide by the SCBWI Anti-harassment Policy and the Austin SCBWI Refund Policy.
https://www.scbwi.org/regions/austin/events-faq
Event Breakdown
WHEN
NEW DATE -> Tuesday, May 20th, 2025. 7:00-8:30 pm CST
WHERE
This is a Virtual Event. After registering, you will find your registration confirmation under My Events on your Member Home https://www.scbwi.org/home. The Zoom link for the event will be found under the green Meeting Info button.
COST
$30 for Premium Members/$40 for Registered Users
RECORDING
The workshop will be recorded, and the recording will be available for one month following the event. Attendees will receive a link and a password by email the week following the event. By signing up for this event, you agree to receive emails from Austin SCBWI.
REGISTRATION CONFIRMATIONS
Upon completion of payment, you will receive a payment confirmation by email. You will find a registration confirmation on the website that will include event-specific details. Go to your Member Home and click on My Events under the black bar at the top of the page. All events you have registered will be displayed on this page. If there are additional meeting details (i.e. Zoom links for virtual events or materials required for the event), this information will be found under the green Meeting Info button.
What is the SCBWI's Anti-harassment policy?
SCBWI's Anti-harassment policy can be found at http://www.scbwi.org/anti-harassment-statement
If you register or attend any SCBWI events, you agree to abide by this policy.
What is your refund policy?
For events that cost less than $100, we offer full refunds (minus a $5 processing fee) up until 7 days before the event. Less than 7 days from the event, events are non-refundable.
For events costing more than $100, we offer full refunds (minus a $15 processing fee) up until 30 days before the event. We will offer a 50% refunds (minus a $15 processing fee) up until 7 days before the event. Less than 7 days from the event, events are non-refundable.
There are NO refunds for any Critique Consultations/Portfolio Reviews or for Pitches unless the spot can be filled by another participant. If your spot is filled, you will receive a full refund (minus a $5 processing fee per consultation, review, or pitch).
To request a refund, please email: [email protected]