updates
Pearls Before Swine
So, I have been meaning to tackle a subject from my FAQ section in more detail, and it is usually on my mind after returning from conferences. One of the most common conversations I have with people who talk to me for the first time regarding the authoring world is their declaration:
1."I have an idea for a kids book" [aka the Dreamer]
2. "I (wrote / am writing) a children's book too", [aka the Hobbyist]
3. "My child is an amazing (writer / artist) and we think (he / she) should be published", [aka the Proud Parents]
Despite being presented these over and over, I never really know what to say, other than "that's great". I never know what they are hoping I will say. Sometimes they come right out and ask, "How can I get published?", as if there is one single answer for that one very simple question. I usually cringe a little every time. I cringe because I just don't know what to say.
My mom often uses the phrase, "casting pearls before swine", which I always interpreted, in nutshell, as meaning, "you can try to give something valuable to someone that doesn't understand or appreciate it, but they will not utilize its worth, so don't bother". As much as I want to offer advice to hopeful, eager people, I often don't. Its not that I feel it would be a waste. There are just tell-tale signs they are not ready for advice. I literally can't give them advice. My answers for them are to questions they are not even ready to ask, ("whoa, really?"), Its true, Grasshoppah.
- Read the rest of Pearls Before Swine.
Lynda Barry Lecture
"An image is not alive or dead...it is something inbetween"
- Lynda Barry
Last night the GRcomics group was lucky enough to attend a lecture at GVSU by Lynda Barry - a mainstay in indie autobio comics for the past 20 years. Lynda was a delight to watch on the stage; as her presentation was part comedy act, and part heartfelt inspiration about the meaning of ideas, (transitional) images, stories, and art. Breaking down misconceptions of how to live a creative life, Lynda shared an important message that "everyone has the right to create, and ideas are worthwhile to share". Her newest book, the Eisner Award-winning "What It IS" delves into her early awakenings from a creatively stunted childhood, and into her uncertain adulthood. "What it IS" is a phenominal work of graphic literature and is available through Canada's premiere indie comics publisher Drawn & Quarterly.
Recommended for all those that want to see just how far you can push the envelope of art and literature.
SCBWI-MI 2009
Wow, I just got back from an amazing and inspiring conference at the Yarrow Golf and Conference Center in Augusta, MI...a beautiful, scenic wooded lodge was just the place to begin a brisk Autumn weekend.
The conference - in a word - was fantastic. I met some wonderful contacts, heard some terrific speakers, met new friends, and reconnected with old ones. Another great connection was meeting people I sort of know - people I know only from the SCBWI-MI ListServ, and was great to put faces to names and turn imaginary friends into real friends.
I had a manuscript critique with an industry giant editor - the author of "the Complete Idiot's Guide to Children's Book Publishing", Harold Underdown. In short, he told me exactly what I needed to hear to make my writing better, and I am going to make all of his suggestions happen. Editing and revision is the most important part of any manuscript.
My favorite session? Was definitely meeting, interacting, and making a new friend in author-illustrator Matt Faulkner. Matt was a down-to-earth guy and gave a session on the ins-and-outs of puting together a picture book (extremely helpful) as well as cautionary experiences with protecting your rights in a bunny-eat-bunny business of kids book publishing.
I also met a slew of industry art directors, editors, and agents, who all shared the same message of encouragement and hope.
Awesome weekend.
Next: I will be speaking at MAME 2009 in Traverse City.
Come Get an Original Watercolor! #Artprize
Weekend Schedule
This Saturday from 10am - Noon, and then at 2pm-3pm I will be on-site at the Grand Rapids Public Museum painting watercolors for my visitors at my ArtPrize exhibit! Come see my ArtPrize entry and bring home an original one-of-a-kind watercolor painting made especially for you by Ryan! My books and music will also be on sale in the gift shop. I will also be hanging around informally on Friday night and part of the day Sunday.
Slipping Down the Charts...
"Don't get cocky, it's gonna get rocky..." - Chop Chop Master Onion
A wise onion karate master once told me that. So the TOP 25 ArtPrize went right to my head, then I was holding steadily at TOP 50 for 48 hours, and now down to TOP 100... This weekend will be very important! I am honestly just grateful for all the great feedback I've seen. It is a great reminder that I am just happy and honored that Grand Rapids is receiving my work so well! Thanks Grand Rapids for all your support! So if you have not made it down to ArtPrize yet, stop by to see my work. Say "hi" this weekend, and don't forget to vote!
Vote 26041 for Ryan Hipp in ArtPrize at GR Public Museum
Ryan's in Top 25 in ArtPrize on Day 1!
The top 25 of ArtPrize on day 1! I can't believe it either! Every vote matters now more than ever to stay in the top bracket! Help me out by registering at any ArtPrize voter registration site, or at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, then vote online at artprize.org, or text vote26041 to 878787. My work is a whimsical reflection of my very favorite permanent Museum exhibits! Bring the family! Have fun in amazing downtown Grand Rapids, MI! Thanks for your support!
Ryan's ArtPrize Sneak Peek
"Museum by Sky" by Ryan Hipp for ArtPrize. You saw it here first! This is the first of SIX gigantic pieces that will be on display at the Grand Rapids Public Museum from September 23 thru October 10, all showcasing Ryan's very favorite Grand Rapids Public Museum exhibits! More info here
Voting begins on September 23rd, and I will be on location at the Grand Rapids Public Museum on that first Wednesday for opening night. Come down and say hello; I will be answering questions and doing sketches on location. You can register to vote in ArtPrize at the GRPM because it is an official registration point! Please help spread the word! thanks for your support!
ArtPrize Voting & Fan Preview
My big ArtPrize unveil is coming soon! The actual instalation will be viewable at the Grand Rapids Public Library close to the opening date of ArtPrize - the week of September 23rd. However, the "Ryan Hipp ArtPrize Preview" will be coming soon on this website (and artprize.org profile page) in the next week or so. Stay tuned!
I will be holding a fan preview to help get the images out there to potential voters. Stay tuned! Its going to be cool.
How do you vote? Once you register on September 23, you can vote for me (and send love to the Grand Rapids Public Museum at the same time) by sending your vote of vote26041 by phone to this number, 878787. You can also send your vote via computer or the special ArtPrize iPhone app
Wish me luck!
Vacation!
Hey friends. Summer is speeding by, and I took a little bit of a break this past week in sunny Florida. It involved lots of swimming, a trip to the Ford & Edison Winter Estates, watching tons of Animal Planet in the hotel, and playing lots and lots of "Rock Band". Now I am back home in the studio and working hard on my upcoming ArtPrize entry. Stay tuned for my video diary posts of the ArtPrize production process!
Website Construction Update
The "Books & Music" and "Presentations" sections will be finished very soon. Thanks for all your patience as we overhauled the website! I'm pretty happy with all the great improvements. I am going to have a great CONTEST for the upcoming launch party! Stay tuned!
