Lynnor Bontigao: The Kidlitwomen* Scholarship
Kidlit friends told Lynnor about Highlights but she knew she couldn’t afford it. She shared with us: “To me, it was a luxury. I’ve seen people in my circle announce getting a scholarship, so I checked it out online and found out that Highlights offers so many different scholarships! It was a hard time then financially when I applied, so I just thought why not? I didn’t realize how generous this scholarship would be.”
“The Summer Camp in Illustration is the workshop I’ve been eyeing for years, but it was one of the most expensive ones. Getting the scholarship gave me an excellent view into the experience, and now I would like to save up enough for another workshop in the future. This scholarship is more than just a generous gift of learning, it is also a gift to encourage creative folks to continue their journey, wherever they may be.”
“I learned how to go back to creating work using traditional art materials, and to play and have fun again in my work. Having a mentor also helped me plan the story that I am going to write and show my agent.”
About Lynnor
Lynnor Bontigao was born and raised in Manila and is now living in New Jersey, USA. Her debut as an author-illustrator, SARI-SARI SUMMERS, is a nostalgic love letter to the Philippines, her homeland, and to grandmothers, and it includes a bonus sweet recipe. She also illustrated one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Picture Books of 2023, THE WORLD’S BEST CLASS PLANT by award-winning authors Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick. Lynnor is also the illustrator of several other books. She loves stories where family relationships, culture, and food are intertwined.
Lynnor Bontigao picking up a word from word garden
Kristina Bejar: The Steve Light Scholarship
Before the summer camp, I was quite close to quitting and stopped contacting agents and art directors about illustrating for picture books. I did not have many connections, and my experiences were not positive. My scholarship was meaningful because it inspired me to keep going and make art for children, no matter how difficult or hopeless it may seem.
Kristina also shared that, “Without my scholarship, I would not have had the financial means to go to the retreat and meet so many amazing, supportive people with the same dreams and ambitions as me.” That community, plus a focus on craft, gave her fuel:
“I learned different art techniques when it comes to creating picture books, and seeing narratives from different perspectives to add more depth and variation to a story. I learned what art directors are looking for when it comes to portfolios, and how to form a picture book dummy. But most importantly, I realized that everyone gets into children’s publishing at different times of their life, that age is no matter, and that a sense of child-like wonder is the main force that keeps us going.”
About Kristina
Kristina Bejar is a Filipino artist currently based in Arizona. She attended the University of Arizona and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2020 with a BFA in Design and Illustration. Her art is generally inspired by fantasy and Japanese “kawaii” pop art along with warm, soft colors in which she strives to create heartwarming feelings. She loves creating pieces that tell a story or simply cute illustrations that pull heartstrings.
A special moment shared by Summer Camp in Illustration attendees: a double rainbow at the end of the workshop.
