An Illustrator's view of the London Book Fair
I ventured to the London Book Fair as a lone illustrator on a first visit last month. I knew it was primarily a place for global rights negotiations in the publishing world, so what use could it be for an illustrator? I was curious to find out.
The Fair took up the whole of the Earls Court Exhibition Centre (such a handy London icon), so the sheer size was overwhelming to begin with. I kept walking around in circles before I got my bearings in the children's publishing section. When I tentatively offered a business postcard to someone at a promising-looking stand, I was told they had their own in-house illustrators. At the next stand they commented there were too many illustrators going around - they didn't want my card either! So maybe not a place to promote yourself as an illustrator.
 |
| Bonnier/Templar stand |
 |
| Polish Ibby Books of the year 2013 |
 |
| Usborne stand |
 |
| Walker stand |
I also got some useful feedback on my portfolio from Advocate Art Agency and attended a fascinating seminar with Mike Jolley (Templar Books), Tom Cole (illustrator/author) and Chris Wormell (illustrator/author).
 |
| Tom Cole |
 |
| Chris Wormell |
So, was the visit any use to an illustrator? I was inspired by the books and came away with a better idea of what's being published this year, where publishers were placed in the market and which publishers would be best to approach with my illustration style.
Would I go again? Earl's Court Exhibition Centre is being redeveloped (big sigh!), so 2014 was the last year for LBF at this venue. Possibly.
Thank you Anna!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the handing out of cards - I went last year to give out our W&P postcards - some people are certainly more welcoming than others.
Great photos and I do like your vision of the sadly soon to be redeveloped Earls Court.
Yes, I guess there's an element of luck, too, depending on who's on the stand at the time. One illustrator i spoke to got feedback on her portfolio at a couple of stands, too.
DeleteA very brave thing to do, and an interesting article. But if you hadn't gone you wouldn't have found out the information.
ReplyDeleteThanks Morag, I'm glad I went.
DeleteThe seminars were the best bit. Well done for handing out Buisness Cards - it's intimidating.
ReplyDeleteYes, there was a good range of seminars on the programme.
DeleteThe one and only time I went to the LBF it was half empty because of the Icelandic volcano grounding all flights, so it was hardly an accurate impression. This is an inspiring write-up Anna, I must go again!
ReplyDeleteWhat bad luck, John! My visit also tied in with the wonderful scbwi evening gathering at the scbwi illustrators showcase exhibition at Timberyard, Covent Garden.
Delete