We went up to New York City to show our work to art directors, editors and designers.
So on Monday 3/21/2011 I went and visited Steve Charny, the senior art director of Rolling Stone Magazine. It was my first time in New York City....and let me tell you I was overwhelmed, and once I got to the Rolling Stone Building my neck started to hurt from looking all the way up to see the top of the buildings.
O FYI....When walking in NYC, do not look up or down while walking through the city, cause if you do you will knock over a little Italian man and he will start to curse at you and pump his fist.
Once I met up with Steve Charny, he told me to process of how he selects artist for his publication and what he look for when looking at a artist website. All this was very helpful and I learn quite a bit from the 30 minutes I talked with him.
Steve Charny business card!
The next day which was Tuesday 3/22/2011 I went and visited New York Times, and met up with Rodrigo Honeywell and Paul Jean who were two very stand up guys. They both took the time to go over my artwork, see what works and what needed to be improved.
We chatted about self promotion and how they look for Illustrators, and later....Paul Jean tells me to give him a call next week, cause he has a job for me to do! I was so speechless and grateful for the opportunity to work for such a well know publication. And once I got into the elevator I started to dance like no ones business....kinda felt bad for the guy that was in the elevator with me, probably though I was on drugs or something.
This is the pass they gave me to get pass security at the NEW YORK TIMES Building.
Jean Paul business card.
On Wednesday I met up with Sam Viviano from MAD Magazine, This is a guy that would take the time to see someone that is starting out in the field. This man talked to me for over a hour on the history of MAD Magazine, they way they look for in artist and the "MAD LOOK." And after all that he took me on a tour around MAD Magazine...All I can say is WOW...
Everyone that I have met has been truly great to me and could not ask for anything more!
This was my pass to see Sam Viviano.....Nice picture huh?
After that I met up with the artist agent David Goldman who runs David Goldman Agency. This guy took the time to look over my work, he told me what to do for the future and how to improve on it. I had a great time with him and the information he gave to me about the world of illustration, he is a great guy and would work under him and his agency any day!
David Goldman Agency business card
I also dropped off my portfolio at The NEW YORKER.....but did not met anyone. So all I have is this thank you letter they put in my bag...pretty cool.
And Finally I met with Jason Lancaster who is the art director for ESPN Magazine and he was such a down to earth guy and told Chris Westgate and I what we need to improve on our portfolio and how to get our foot in the door.
This all was such a great experience, and totally worth it. I would advise any Illustrator that what to get there foot into the door to visit New York City and meet with art directors, editors and designers. You will learn so much!!!
I will soon post new work up soon!!
Later Days,
Jake Lee
