Making Social Media Work For You
From getting work to igniting creativity (Illoguild question #27)
Hey there,
This month, we’re exploring the magic of connectedness—how social media can ignite collaboration, build community, boost creativity, and get you noticed by the right audience.
Here’s some gold from our contributors:
"Promoting yourself on social media is a highly valuable skill, but it's not the only way to succeed as a creative.” - Adam Ming
“I’ve learned that sharing ideas, collaborating and investing in relationships with like-minded individuals can ignite creativity and open doors to learning.” - Noreen Anne
“Follower count matters less than having the right audience” - Carla Hoffenberg
The illoguild live session is on September 17 ‘ILLOGUILD Talks The Art of Connecting on Socials’. Join us for the Live Zoom (register here) or you can sign- up to the illoguild newsletter to watch the replay.
You’re invited to the LIVE ZOOM (It’s free) - Replays available for Paid Subscribers.
We also had a Illoguild Live last month -‘ILLOGUILD Talks Levelling up Our Craft’. You can catch the replay here.
This month we shine a spotlight on the talented Jen Gubicza. She is an author and illustrator. She uses her skills in design, toy making, drawing, and writing to tell stories, create charming characters, and build ridiculous worlds for them to play in.
And lastly, Congrats to Brenda Harris who’s new book ‘Moose on a Mission’ is out this month and to Jen Jamieson and Carla Hoffenberg who have books coming out in 2025 and the covers have just been revealed. 🎉
Don’t forget to read all the way to the ‘Announcements’ to find out more and see the covers.
All about socials and connecting:
Adam delves into transforming our thinking about social media from being a necessary evil to a strategic asset.
Noreen explores the theme of connectedness, focusing on the emotional support, digital networking, and sense of belonging that meaningful connections can provide throughout life's challenges and opportunities.
Brenda discusses getting noticed as an artist - It is a unique and often unpredictable journey, where each artist must carve their own path, leveraging the digital world to share their work, connect with others, and tell their story in ways that resonate with their goals and audience.
Carla explores how social media, particularly Instagram, can serve as a valuable tool for illustrators, even without thousands of followers or daily content creation. It’s about how to get hired, stay inspired and connect with other artists.
Damjana talks about how Social media can be a powerful tool for artists to connect with editors, art directors, and peers in the children's book industry. She delves into creating her #KidLitArtPostcard day—a tradition where illustrators post digital postcards with their contact details, using a familiar hashtag to help editors discover fresh talent and foster new connections.
Katie shares ideas on how to make easy reels. “Remember: don’t worry about spending too much time creating reels. People will see them once and continue scrolling. You’re making them because Instagram promotes them for free. Why not take advantage of that?”
Announcements
ILLOGUILD Talks The Art of Connecting on Socials’ - The illoguild live session is on 19 August ‘. Join us for the FREE live chat (register here). If you miss it, you can catch the replays here.
Last month during the live ‘ILLOGUILD Talks Levelling up Our Craft’ we discussed how growth is like leveling up in a game and why "ugly work" is essential for creative growth and much, much more. You can catch the replays here.
CONGRATULATIONS to Brenda Harris who’s book ‘MOOSE on a Mission’ is out on 10 September. 🎉 It’s the 3rd book in the series. Moose is a C-17 cargo jet who loves really big adventures! She works hard to get the job done and makes friends along the way. It’s written by Teri Weber and Illustrated by Brenda Harris.
We are beyond excited to share the cover of ‘The Painting Puzzle’ illustrated by Jen Jamieson. The book is written by Sufiya Ahmed and brings to life Enid Blyton’s much loved characters. Well done Jen!!! 🎊
We are thrilled to share the cover of Carla Hoffenberg’s new book ‘Boldilocks’ (out in July 2025). It’s written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Carla. Congrats! 🥳
Illoguild Illustrator Spotlight
Q and A with Jen Gubicza
Jen Gubicza is an author and illustrator. She uses her skills in design, toy making, drawing, and writing to tell stories, create charming characters, and build ridiculous worlds for them to play in.
What inspires you?
I'm inspired by myths and fairytales, ghosts and goblins, witches, dinosaurs, weird animals and dark humor. I love making lists of my favorite things and brainstorming what would happen if two or more were combined.
What are you working on?
Stories about all of the things above! I'm about to go on submission with my first picture book about a witch who's pet cat won't stop growing. It's weird, wacky and fun.
What’s your dream project?
After getting my first picture book published, I'd love to work on graphic novels and stories in a longer format for a middle grade audience.
You can see more of her work on Instagram and her Website.
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Links to Illoguild Member Newsletters and Socials
Adam Ming: ‘Ten Minute Artist’ and Adam’s Instagram
Brenda Harris: ‘On The Creative Road’ and Brenda’s Instagram
Carla Hoffenberg: ‘Carla’s Crowd’ and Carla’s Instagram
Chantelle Holt: ‘Chantelle’s Studio’ and Chantelle’s Instagram
Damjana Loddelina: ‘Lemon Tart Bandit’ and Damjana’s Instagram
Jen Gubicza: ‘Rymes with Pizza’ and Jen’s Instagram
Jennifer Jamieson: ‘Jennifer’s Newsletter’ and Jen’s Instagram
Katie Stack: ‘Katie’s Newsletter’ and Katie’s Instagram
Kavita Rajput: ‘Kavita’s Corner’ and Kavita’s Instagram
Noreen Anne: ‘Creative Canvas by Noreen Anne’ and Noreen’s Instagram
Rose Lihou: ‘Studio Tea with Rose Lihou’ and Rose’s Instagram
Tammy Angelis: ‘Tabbykat Chats’ and Tammy’s Instagram
Congrats Brenda, Carla and Jennifer!