So I haven’t told you about my great day on Saturday yet. Last week I got an email from a local favorite illustrators was going to be signing his new book on Saturday, November 20 at 2pm. With no other plans that day, and Andrew in school that afternoon, I was free to go and spend some time picking the brain of Charles Santore.
In addition to Mr. Santore, there was another illustrator and author team signing their new book. I picked one up and browsed through it, and fell in love. Gorgeous, soft, realistic, historically accurate illustrations of Philadelphia in 1777 by Robert Papp. Accompanying Robert was his friendly wife Lisa Papp, also an illustrator new to children’s publishing. My hands were clammy, my pulse was throbbing and my brow was sweating (it was really, really hot in there) as I went up to their table with a bundle of their books to have signed. As Mr. Santore got to work, I asked Robert where he got his reference for his paintings. He seemed a little surprised at the question, so I mentioned that “I’m an illustrator too.” It was kind of neat including myself in the same category. Instantly they all looked up at me, faces lit up and smiling. “Oh, really? That’s great!” they each beamed. I beamed back and then felt even more nervous, because I had questions to ask. Much to my relief, they were each very open to my questions and some interesting conversations were spawned.
Some highlights:
Mr. Santore lamented at how much publishing has changed since he first illustrated a book, how the publishers used to send limousines to his home to bring him to book signings “back in the day,” and now he has to book his own signings or else nothing gets done. Nothing is promoted or marketed unless it is already selling. This is coming from someone who has made many publishers many dollars over the years, and who used to command $100,000 advances 10 and 20 years ago.
He also talked about the difficulties that illustrators have getting work–even established artists like himself. He said he has to call up his contacts and bug them regularly, where in the past his phone was always ringing. Lisa and I were both surprised that even he has been affected by the new corporate conglomerate nature of publishing.
They asked what kind of work I do, and I told them that I was just offered my first children’s book contract. Again they all lit up. They asked about the story, the publisher, the writer. I was excited to say that the writer was also my friend. They all agreed that such a situation is a rarity, as is a publisher that allows creative freedom, a generous royalty percentage and reasonable deadlines.
Robert had some original art from his book with him and I practically drooled right on the paintings. But I handled them with care (I was still very clammy). As I carefully studied his soft strokes and brilliant use of light and shadow, other less sensitive customers would come up, grab a painting with both hands, hold it up to their face, then wave it around for their fellow fur-coated ladies to come see. “Um, be careful with that, that’s an original,” I murmured to the woman on my right, and I took a hold of it by an unpainted corner. She gave me half a glance that said, “So? I’m wearing a fur coat! Who are you to tell me?” and proceeded to run her fingers right over the paint. I was embarrassed for Robert, who could only sit back and watch in discomfort. (Side note: this bookstore is located smack-dab in the middle of very, very wealthy area called the Main Line. Main Line ladies are a breed unto themselves and a force not to be reckonned with.)
Before I left I asked if I could give them each one of my bookmark cards and they all said, “yes, please!” and instantly said with a hint of pleasant surprise, “Oh! This is really good!” I also asked if Robert and Lisa would mind if I interviewed them for future issues of the SCBWI EPA Newsletter and they said, “yes, sure!” and gave me their cards.
It was a happy illustration Saturday for me. And the best part (besides the booster shot to my creative self-esteem)? I have all these great new inspiring books, all signed, and some great Christmas gifts for nieces and nephews (and me):
Illustrated by Charles Santore
Illustrated by Robert Papp and Lisa Papp (respectively)
In other news…
I am busily working away at my new storefront where I’ll sell my prints–stay tuned early next week for more info.
This month marks one year since I started my blog. And may I say that I am very happy that I did. I’m so glad to have met you. Thanks for visiting and supporting me, commenters and lurkers alike. Gobble gobble!
