The Magic Flute - 1980

In 1979 or early '80, still in my "wilderness" years, An author in Victoria, Australia, using the pen name, "Anne Peters" contacted me and sent me the script for her children's book, "The Magic Flute." I must have done a character sketch or two as samples, because she followed up with a publisher's contract for me to co-sign. I assumed the publisher was experienced and gave no thought to possible challenges he may face. We were to share 50/50 the amount the publisher deemed he could afford. It was my first book job, it looked like fun and seemed a fair deal.
When all was agreed, I got the word that the publisher needed the drawings urgently to suit his schedule, so I knocked off the 30 colourful drawings in quick time, using felt pens, mailing them directly to the publisher. They were received enthusiastically although Anne would have preferred to have seen them first.
In due course, in 1980, Anne phoned with the bad news that the Hong Kong printer had made an error with the printing, so that all the text was printed in upper case, considered quite unsuitable to be read by children who were being taught to read in upper and lower cases. Methinks the error was on the part of the publisher rather than the printer, because it was not corrected and the publisher was not about to print it again. Shortly after, the publisher pulled up sticks and discontinued business, at least in that business name.

We were offered the print run of 4,000 @ $1.00 per book. Our option was to buy and distribute them ourselves. I told Anne I was not interested and was prepared to put the exercise down to experience. I advised her to do the same but she finished up buying them herself and sending me a few hundred as payment for my drawings.
Over the following few years I managed to man Sunday market stalls and sold them all for low prices but that involved outlaying more project time. 'Just as well I drew the pages quickly in the first place,hey?!

They were very well received and there were few parents concerned about the CAPITAL letters throughout. Future book illustrations were invoiced to authors @ "per drawing" rates, avoiding contracting risks, regardless of "potential royalties" carrots.

JOHN RYAN and Panel By Panel. 1978

In 1977 or '78, working towards a full-time career in cartooning, I placed an ad looking for a gag writer in the Australian Journalists' magazine ("of all places," Someone quipped). Ideas were my great challenge at that point. 

As a result of that press ad, a couple of contacts with writers were made. Although not resulting in publication of any joint efforts, both of them provided development of my drawing skills!  

Sol Shifrin, syndicate owner, was engaged by us, the writers and me, in 1979 to interest some Australian newspapers in a series of single panel gags, "The Punter's Glossary" and, in 1980, a daily and weekly strip, "Slattery Creek," both to no avail. Forthcoming posts will provide samples and background on both of those projects and their fate.

Another person who responded to that ad was John Ryan, author of  "Panel by Panel - an illustrated history of Australian comics."  John was not offering to provide ideas but offered encouragement to a newcomer to the pro comics field. His book was with the publisher and had not yet been distributed for sale. I also accepted John's invitation to see his comics collection - very impressive and inspiring. 

He thought enough of my work to commission a caricature of himself in the act of typing, for the intro and flyleaf of his book. I treasure my copy of his book, complete with my sketch. It was a sad day when I learned of John's death only days after his book was published. 

Have you noticed in your own life how your own career's development has been influenced by people drawn into your life? John Ryan was another significant one of those in my case.