Eliza's East Coast Adventures
Some sketchbook drawings, and some random thoughts...
I missed last week's post as I was traveling on the East Coast, and foolishly thought I would have time to create one.
BUTT go eat pie with fun illustrator peers, or write alone in my room...
tough choice.
So I decided to do a post with some memories of my travels of the past week, and a half!
I try to make a trip out to the East Coast once a year to connect with my agent, editors, art directors, and illustration/author peers! There's something magical about meeting people face to face, and seeing the workplaces where my books have homes. PLUS, I am super lucky to have family that live in the NYC area to stay with, as well as friends throughout the East Coast! Which is definitely a children’s book artist haven, ever since children’s books became a thing! Makes sense with NYC being the hub of publishing forever, but also so nice that people can now work remote!
First I started off running around the Connecticut, and Massachusetts area...
Of course, I visited multiple bakeries, and discovered the BEST COOKIE EVER!
I went to MICE in Boston for the first time, and met so many amazing creators, cartoonists, and artists!!
The Tamaki cousins gave an amazing presentation there, and I was so excited to get their latest graphic novel. PLUS got a copy of my fave book by Jillian signed as well!
Here are some random notes as I’m a constant note-taker with my sketchbook as there is never room enough in my head.
OH AND I MADE MY FIRST RISOGRAPH!!
And a random sketchbook page!
Then I was in NYC for a few days visiting peers, publishing amigues, and doing some promotion for Papa’s Magical Water-Jug clock which my awesome publicist at Astra kindly set up.
I drank and ate so much good food…
Speaking of..I met my Agent up for breakfast, and chatted about future books. I felt a LOT better afterwards as sometimes I tend to fall hopelessly in LOVE with an idea. Where I want to stop all ideas from coming in,
but talking with him was a good reminder to just be open to other books when I pitch my second author book.
Actually, I always think of my stories like I’m tending a garden.
Sometimes one needs more care, and other times another does instead. Sometimes they are ready to be picked right away, and other times they need many years of growth. But I definitely have my favorites that I’m currently loving on.
Speaking of loving…check out this awesome mural!
TRICKED YOU! You thought it was a Butt, didn’t you?!
That’s what I did too when I was stuck in traffic, and couldn’t see the whole thing.
Finally visited Yoseka Stationary, and next time I’m definitely going to spend a few hours there trying all their inks…
Some very wonderful illustrator amigas treated me to a visit to MOMA where I got to see the new Picasso exhibit!
Oooh my favorite is really looking up close at paintings, and seeing how Artists brush strokes went. Or what order they painted everything, and what is possibly an after thought addition…
Also, saw some amazing kid’s Art, and found it just as inspiring as a trip to MOMA!
So inspired by all this art..and some of my favorite kids…that this happened in my sketchbook afterwards!
My publisher set up a story time at The Bookmark Shoppe who were so lovely, and welcoming to me!
ALSO, I did my first school visits with the new book!
In ENGLISH….
AND ESPAÑOL!!
AND CHECK OUT this old Raina Telgemeier drawing on the School’s Sketchpad from a long-ago visit of hers!
I’ll talk more about school visits on a future post, but want to give a huge shout-out to Ben Clanton on being so kind with sharing all his school presentation secrets!!
Also check out this sweet stick I was gifted to fight off scary things.
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY…
WHAT IS IN THE ROOM AT THIS SANDWICH PLACE!?!?
I must know…..as I now have the stick to protect me.
Finally. this was also my overall favorite photo as it’s such a good reminder for life in general, and not to take anything too seriously. As yes I have some stressful deadlines headed my way,
BUT REMEMBER it’s just A CHILDREN’S BOOK.
And with that, I’m now knee deep in final art for the sequel to Papa's Magical Water-Jug Clock! Wheeeeeeee!
Send me happy thoughts, and espresso!
Next time you are in New York I will take the train up so we can hang!!
Well I'm completely inspired by you and everything you do and please never stop this newsletter and I am OBSESSED with that sandwich shop DOOR NOW!! Why is it no admittance??? What tall human/creature IS BANNED from that room!! Also so cool you went to MICE :)