Creative Calamities

I’ve read that slow times for freelancers are the perfect time to work on self-promotion or learn something new. It’s a bit of advice that I am glad I heeded from Freelance Switch.

I was mulling around some ideas to promote my illustration during a slow work period when I noticed on the NY JET Alumni Association’s website that they were accepting entries for Japan Day in Central Park poster contest.

So I hunkered down for two days, hoping no paying work would come in and derail my plans.

A month later, to my surprise I received a phone call explaining that I had won the contest. It was a bit of a whirlwind. Within the New York City Japanese community I had my 15 minutes of fame.

I was interview on Japanese language TV and newspapers, interviewed on stage with at Japan Day this past Sunday, May 13. It was quite exciting to see posters of my work on display and people buying t-shirts for charity with my art work. It was also humbling to see the high quality of the honorable mention awards by Chris Dina, Keri Dodge, Ardith Ibanez Nishii, Ken Sheldon and my favorite entry being Sara Woolley’s Lady Japan.

Everything was capped off by attending a reception at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence.

The people at Gorgeous Entertainment who sponsor Japan Day held a wonderful event (as usual) and made me feel quite special. And thank you Megumi Sato-Shelly the designer who skillfully and somewhat anymously re-worked my art for the posters, flyers and multiple t-shirt designs while I received all of the credit.

Dear Japan Day 2012,

Arigatou Gozaimashita!

April 11, at a Cherry Tree planting ceremony in Central Park. The Japan Day 2012 poster contest winner was announced Pictured, left to right, Commissioner of the Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Adrian Benepe, Aaron Porter (poster contest winner), Kumiko Yoshii, Owner of Gorgeous Entertainment Inc., Japanese Ambassador Shigeyuki Hiroki and Central Park Conservancy President, Doug Blonsky. Photo by GION

Japan Day at Central Park 2012 Poster