I think I grew a little in New York. At least an inch, even if you can't tell just by looking at me.
This trip was needed for so many reasons. I needed to learn, needed to meet other writers and illustrators and I needed to grow. The SCBWI conference was wonderful, I took a lot of priceless information back home with me to Denver. So much information that I got a headache my first day back trying to figure out where to start and what to do. I can't let all of those gems wither away or die. Have to keep them fresh and use them as soon as possible.
But what I really needed to was to just relax and let everything sink in. That helped.
This was the best packing job ever for a trip but since I needed bulky things like sweaters and hoodies, I was still looking like a pack mule. I had my purse, camera bag for the 40D, one bag of luggage and computer bag sans computer for my portfolio, sketchbook, etc. So one thing that was sacrificed due to time and my sore back was picture taking. I didn't even take that many pictures because by the time the conference was over for the day, it was dark. I love natural light. So there's that. I had my cute little hotel room that was four blocks from the Grand Hyatt where the conference was held. I am glad I brought all of my layers because it was cold walking the streets of NY!
That cold wind cut through me and I've never been cut that deeply by the cold.
Thursday, Day One -
- arrived in NYC
- checked out some stores (H&M wasn't saying much, I was hoping for cute finds!)
- took a cab to Ray's Original Pizza (the pizza was good, not great)
- walked literally 5 steps to Cafe Habana, delicious grilled corn!!
- went back to hotel and called it a night
Friday, Day Two -
- Illustrator's Intensive - listened to talks by Lisa Desimini, Paul Zelinsky and other published illustrators. It was intense but I'm glad I went, we even had to make a piece for the workshop. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves - Birthday Party with a Twist.
- Entered my portfolio into the Portfolio Exhibition
- This was the only day I could see the Tim Burton exhibit at MOMA so I ducked out a little early and went to the museum. Seeing all of these pieces that I had only seen in magazines and books was overwhelming, so many beautiful pieces in person! Took a video of the work by Orozco too.
- The museum closed at 8 p.m. and I had to pick up my portfolio by 9 p.m. So that was perfect! I didn't want to leave the museum and I was starving so I had the most beautiful (and delicious) bowl of chickpea soup. Even the kid's booster seats were designed well. I ♥ MOMA.
- Checked out the MOMA Design store, picked up portfolio and crashed at hotel
Saturday, Day Three
- Bounced from talk to talk during the conference.
- Heard a talk by Peter Sis, he cracked me up! I have always loved the poster art for the movie, Amadeus. Peter Sis illustrated that! I had no idea, so I had to buy a couple of books and get them signed. Plus, his art is just amazing and his life story is incredible.
- Met members from the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI
- Met up with my friend Jessika, we've been friends on the internet forever and now we have met in person.
- She took me on the subway for the first time, checked out another MOMA Design store in SoHo and I bought this Alexander Girard LOVE print half off! Score!
- Finally were starving so we went to Joe Shanghai for soup dumplings and more. So good, I dream about them from time to time. Yum.
- Came back to the hotel and crashed out. Latest night so far in NY.
Sunday, Day Four
- Last day of conference - Jim Benton spoke, peaked my interest in art licensing.
- Autograph party
- Time to run to the airport
One of the girls from my local chapter was on the same flight home as I was so talking made the time go by faster. Which was great since our flight was delayed.
Amazing trip and amazing people. I love NY.
If you lasted this far reading, you should see more pics on flickr.