This summer, we hosted a fun challenge for our illustrators! The challenge:

Draw one of our new 12 x 12 characters in your own style. The character can be doing anything reading, writing, or drawing-related. Bonus points for putting them in a summer location/background.

And, boy, did they deliver! Today we get to show you all the submissions as we celebrate the last fleeting days of summer. Each of the illustrators shared what they love about 12 x 12! Thank you to everyone who participated. You are truly a talented bunch!

Be sure to show some love in the comments for our resident artists!

ALLISON STRICK

“12 x 12 provides enough inspiration, motivation, and camaraderie to keep me creating all year long!”

AMY CORY

“12 x 12 has been a huge source of inspiration and motivation for me. It’s a group of encouraging, creative, and talented people!”

BEVERLY WARREN

“Through 12 x 12 I discovered how to critique manuscripts, found support for my debut book, and I’ve learned much about the children’s book industry in general.”

BROOKE SPERRY

“It has given me the encouragement and accountability to continue to develop my craft in both writing and illustrating.”

CARRIE SCHNEIDER

“12 x 12 has been amazing for improving my craft, finding a wonderful critique group, and best of all, connecting with an encouraging, inspiring community!”

CLAIRE KRONSER

“I’m beginning my author/illustrator journey. 12 x 12 has so many resources and knowledgeable mentors to answer all my questions.”

DONNA WICKER

“The talks have been amazing with a broad number of topic areas and perspectives.”

ELIZABETH METZ

“Community. Encouragement. Many kicks in the proverbial pants. But mostly knowledge! Everything I know about the publishing industry I’ve learned from 12 x 12.”

GABRIELLE SLIVOSKI

“12 x 12 has helped push me to begin, revise and complete more picture books more often.”

JODI MOORE

“The talent and passion housed within this creative community is a constant source of guidance, information, inspiration, empowerment, support, connection, friendship, and yes, hugs. :)”

KEELEY L’ESPERANCE

“I have learned so much about the world of picture books directly from authors and illustrators!”

LARISSA ELLIOTT

“12 x 12 is inspiring and educational. Not to mention the many friends I’ve found!”

LISA FURNESS

“Wonderful webinars, an encouraging community, and great submission opportunities are what keep me coming back!”

MERRY MILLER-GASS

“12 x 12 has helped me improve my storytelling skills as both a writer and an illustrator. So happy to have found this supportive community!”

MOLLY CRANCH

“The content of the webinars is informative and interesting and I appreciate connecting with the community!”

NICOLE ALLIN

“Great informative videos and articles that get me to really consider what I’m writing and illustrating!”

POLLY RENNER

“12 x 12 has been vital to my writing/drawing life. It is how I found my first critique group, and I continue to learn through the webinars. ”

SOPHIE FURMAN

“12 x 12 has given me an amazing reserve of manuscripts as I start to query. The community is also beyond supportive and strong!”

STELLA GARDNER

“Getting critiques from peers and professionals. Also the webinars are great!”

SUE COTTRILL

“12 x 12 has been a treasure chest of information: speaker webinars and community support. It helps me stay connected & informed. heart emoji!!!”

Wow! The talent and creativity displayed by these creators is inspiring! Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

The creativity doesn’t stop here! If you haven’t written your September draft yet, why not use one of these illustrations as a jumping off point?

You’ve got this!