PURPOSE: The society is a professional organization that promotes the interests of illustrators by creating programs and activities for educational growth, by providing social interaction for people who share similar experiences and concerns in the field of illustration and by assisting in self-promotion.

PROGRAMS: Each year SISD provides a forum for guest speakers. Illustrators who have achieved a national reputation are invited to show their work, talk about their experiences and give a demonstration of their style and technique. In the past, SISD has hosted artists such as Gary Kelly, Drew Struzan, Thomas Blackshear and C.F. Payne. Accomplished local artists have also been featured, such as Jennifer Hewitson and Bob Watts. In 1992 SISD began a tradition of inviting a non-illustrator to address topics concerning the business side of illustration. For instance, Barbara Gordon, artist's rep and author writing on the subject of freelancing, discussed ways to set up a selling portfolio.

EDUCATION: Sunday afternoon life drawing classes are sponsored by SISD at Palomar College in Spring, Summer and Fall

MEMBER PROMOTIONS: The society publishes materials, such as posters, promoting members' illustration. These materials are sent to over 1,000 art buyers to raise the profile of the organization and to solicit work for the membership. The Society also maintains this website, which features member samples and contact information. Any interested person or agency may review our membership portfolio. Job referrals through SISD are free.

OTHER BENEFITS: Members are notified of all events sponsored by SISD and receive a discount on activity fees. As a chapter of Society of Illustrators Los Angeles, SISD has access to a mailing list of reps and art buyers at a reasonable cost. There is a discount for the Illustration West Show.

 

TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP

 

PROFESSIONAL: Any artist, freelance or company-employed, whose primary source of income is derived from creating illustration. New applicants must submit ten samples of work in the form of original art, tearsheets, slides, transparencies or any combination of the above. Send the application, your samples and an introductory letter to the SISD office. They will be reviewed at the next general meeting. Professional members have the added benefit of showing their work on the web site. Go to the web site submission guidelines to see what information is needed to have work featured on the web site.

ASSOCIATE: One who is in a related profession but not an illustrator. Associates do not have to submit samples of work but must submit out an application. Associates are entitled to all the benefits of membership except serving as President of the Board of Directors or advertising in SISD promotional materials.

INTERMEDIATE: The illustrator who is out of school but not yet an established professional. The maximum period allowed for intermediate membership is two years. You do not have to submit samples until the third year, at which time you should be ready to apply for professional membership status. Intermediate members who submit an application are entitled to all the benefits of membership except voting, holding elective office and advertising in promotional materials.

STUDENT: A student in art school, college or university. Fill out the application, obtain the signature of an instructor or your department head and send it with your membership fee to the SISD office. No samples need be submitted