So......
The big "networking" event happened. I was shy and awkward. Almost left the place.
But then in the sea of people i saw an art director, Lauren Panepinto, whose blog post, titled: Approaching art directors on MuddyColors.com i just recently read. I had a conversation starter! And so i just dived into the waters... very awkwardly. Boy, did i feel like a high school girl approaching the cool kid! Lauren was very supportive and helpful, and after a chat and exchange of business cards, i felt a little better.
Walking in circles in the crowd, i have spotted an illustrator, Oksana Badrak, who was one this year's judges for the Society of Illustrators Annual Competition. I got myself together and approached her as well. The conversation with Oksana went above and beyond anything i could have hoped for. She asked me for my card and when she saw the image on it( my girlfriend grandmas which got me in the AI Annual and which i almost didn't submit to the Society of Illustrators Competition!), she recognized the image from the judging. From that point on i was under her wing and she took me around, introducing me to the artists, art directors and editors she knew. To say i felt like a Cinderella who have found her god mother is to say nothing. I can not thank her enough for being so kind.
I also met on of my favorite illustrators, Chris, the creator of Red Nose Studio, whose work i really admire.
This event was a good lesson for me... Social events are a tough cookie but i have to learn, it is a part of the game.
On other note....
One of my oil paintings, part of Colombia travels series, will be featured in the 5th Annual Armstrong Competition Exhibition in Savannah, GA. Hopefully i will be able to attend the reception on January 22nd!
It is good to know that all the competition submissions and applications sometimes pay off. :)
I wish for everyone to harvest the fruits of their dedication and hard work.
Happy Sunday!
