New York and something about research

There are times when what I do feels like work - at least what I imagine work to feel like, but mostly I feel almost embarrassed to admit out loud to the fact (out of a weird respect to those who loath their week days) that I love my job. Even that word 'job' feels an inappropriate word to describe what is essentially a hobby that I get paid to do. I get paid to do something that I have done voluntarily since I realised that lipstick could pass as a frightfully convincing crayon alternative. Jobs, are things that people who add-up stuff have. People who tell other people what to do have jobs. People who wear different clothes on week days have jobs - especially people who wear ties - would they really wear a tie if they didn't have to? Geez, where am I going with this....oh yeah, I'm going to New York.

Yep, I've got my flights and accommodation (in East Village) all booked. Heading over in late November/early December for two and a bit weeks to do some 'research' for my new picture book which is set in New York (boy am I glad the characters just happened to live there!) Basically this research will involve a big fat sketchbook, some pencils, a camera and a bunch of beer. Beer will probably come after the sketching bit. Also going to visit some other people who don't have jobs - writer and illustrator types like me. I'm so excited, I decided to put an exclamation mark at the end of this sentence!

Comments

[sarah]

Whooooah there! Easy on those exclamation points.

P.S: shhhh. I've spent a lot of energy this year trying to convince the children of Sydney that being an illustrator sucks, so that they won't grow up and steal my job with all that imagination and talent they have. Don't blow my cover.

[Katrina]

Ooh research trip. If I was you I'd set my next book on a tropical island. Enjoy New York!

[Anna]

Hi Gus,
Just popped over to your blog after sending your email. Cannot believe you are going to NEW YORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Soooo lucky! Have a fabulous time. Looking forward to seeing the very cool New York drawings you do over there. Have a cup cake at Magnolia Bakery, I am sure your book character would like that too. :-)

[Gus Gordon]

Yeah, I got a wee bit excited Sarah. I'm surprised you got out at all this year considering your book work load. Good point, I'll try and play it down in future.

Thanks Katrina. I find the whole idea of a tropical island holiday exciting but for me the reality is, more than often, underwhelming for some reason. I get bored after a very short time. I've never been great at just lying around the place. Having said that, I'll probably feel like just that after visiting New York!

Thanks for coming over Anna. I'm going to post some sketches and photos to the blog along the way. I'll also look out for the bakery. Rosie loves a cupcake or two.

[jen storer]

It's booked! OMG! I am so excited about this NY trip. I feel like i'm going to! Does beer come in bunches over there? Do they grow it with the silverbeet? It sounds mighty fine... Don't eat too many crayons GG. jxx

[Gus Gordon]

Beer does come in bunches there Jen - down along the Hudson river. Remarkable really, but also frightfully convenient. I'll be down by the river on most days I suspect, drinking beer and drawing herons and egrets.