Today is Todd’s birthday. Todd has been sick but he’s off work recuperating and resting after a couple of very long nights working. We are planning on having some old friends with a new(ish) baby over tonight.
I’m very proud of my birthday gift to Todd this year. I tracked down one of his favorite graphic artists (Michael Kupperman–http://mkupperman2.wordpress.com/) and bought some original pen and ink drawings. His humor style is a little off-beat and his style includes a lot of detailed line-work and shading. He must be a patient man with a steady hand. The fun part was that I got to meet him in person for the purchase since he lives in New York. We had a drink together and had a nice conversation–I was a little star-struck at first but he also has a baby son so we had that ice-breaker. We talked for quite a while, then it ended up we were headed in the same direction so we walked together for a while as well. I was glad to have the drawings, but the experience of hanging out with the illustrator and author whose books we have on our shelves was a little surreal. He seemed like a really sincere, nice guy in addition to being a great artist. I wish I could have had Todd meet me for that drink, but he was working hard to meet a deadline. At least he gets the take-home prize of two illustrations.
Posted by Kate
Nice gift idea Kate, it makes me wish I had gotten him something cooler than the festive pot holders I just sent your way…Happy B-day Todd!
That is fantastic! I can only imagine the stupid Chris Farley Show type-things I would have uttered out of fan appreciation. It’s a very good story to go with the gift.
It started out pretty awkward and I was giddy and flustered about meeting him, but he’s a really mellow, personable guy. I don’t remember saying anything too embarrassing….
I probably would have blurted out “I, King Champignon, know nothing of art, but you are a fraud and a great fool. Ahumph!” He probably appreciated you not saying that.
Happy Birthday, Todd, from all of us. What a thoughtful gift, Kate. I’m sure Todd was thrilled.
Can’t help thinking of that City Slickers movie where the Mom calls and relives the whole birth scene. Wish we could all be there with you.
Awsome brush with greatness! And a very thoughtful gift. I just gave Mike all the gifts he purchased for himself on the day after Thanksgiving. Remember when I worked for Kalbach Publishing, and Mandy Patinkin called about his Classic Toy Trains subscription? I could barely talk to him, I was so starstruck. I managed to get him his missing issue, and no one else in my department had ever heard of him.