In those days, the 1970s, publishers would see you in person. That class taught me that, sometimes, it is wise to jump ship. Did I really want to be a rocket scientist? No.īut illustrating? I was finding enough clients coming out of school…between theatre, magazines, and ad agencies…to know that what I loved doing could also pay the rent, so I just kept working and pursuing publishers periodically. That attitude led me to sit through an entire semester of Calculus waiting for enlightenment, despite concept after concept zinging over my head, never once landing. I was in my twenties and convinced that I could do whatever I wanted to do, largely because my parents had always made it clear that my sisters and brother and I were expected to follow through on whatever we set out to do. That advice could have been the first and potentially large bump in the road for me, but their comments barely registered. At the dedication of John Lewis Steptoe Place in Brooklyn with author-illustrator Javaka Steptoe, author Jerdine Nolen and author-publisher Wade Hudson.
One professor even told me to forget about illustration altogether. That imagery plus my love for storytelling made children’s books seem like a logical pursuit…until I talked to my professors.Įvery last one of them insisted it was absolutely, completely impossible to break into the industry. I’d freelanced for a couple of years before graduating from college, filling my portfolio with posters and flyers from children’s theaters. Reflecting on your personal journey (creatively, career-wise, and your writer-artist’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?
In children’s-YA writing and illustration, maintaining an active publishing career is arguably an even bigger challenge than breaking into the field. Pat Cummings is a successful children’s author-illustrator with a long, distinguished career.
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