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Saturday, March 22, 2014

1) Helen Chamberlin, My Great Publisher/Mentor 2) Bologna Children's Book Fair

My publisher/mentor Helen Chamberlin is an Australia legend who has revolutionised Australian publishing industry. This shy lady has created so many awarded Australian picture books that have become classic. Helen was awarded 2001, Pheme Tanner Award for her outstanding personal contribution to children's literature. This depiction of Helen is really spot on. 
"Helen epitomises the best of editorship, a quiet voice standing in the shadows behind the public faces, shaping, guiding, challenging and demanding."  
Furthermore, 2009 Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) = The APA Pixie O’Harris Award for her distinguished and dedicated service to the development and reputation of Australian Children’s Books. (*APA = Australian Publishers Association)
Other awards are, 
2009, George Robertson Awards for her distinguished service to the Australian publishing industry.

How many people on earth could get all those incredible awards in life? Helen did it. 

In Hachette / Lothian Books (1990  2008), Helen nurtured soooo many brilliant Australian illustrators that have become big names such as Gregory RogersAnne SpudvilasPeter Gouldthorpe, Neil Curtis, Narelle Oliver and Shaun Tan. Too many to write up all though, "Shaun Tan" is best known and anyone knows their beautiful working relation. So, no surprise that Helen got those amazing national awards mentioned above.
After retiring, Helen was welcomed by Windy Hollow Books in 2009. She has been working there to the present. Helen is a trainee editor, too. 

Very generous Shaun signed my "graffiti" at his book launch of "Arrival." 
 He gave me his "graffiti", too. A great bonus

Now, you've got how great my Editor/Publisher Helen is! You have no wonder Helen and Ann got me Shaun Tan signed "Rules of Summer" for my birthday present last year. My Publisher/Editor and Mentor are such accomplished key persons in Australian publishing industry!


Study of a central character for "Moon," my first trade picture book 
to be published  by Windy Hollow in Augst 2015
Yes, publisher/editor Helen is one of the most highly respected persons in Australian publishing industry. She entered the publishing industry in 1971 as a trainee editor at Heinemann Educational Australia (= Pearson)She has worked in both education and trade picture book publishing. Originally, Helen was a secondary teacher of English and languages : German and French. Helen's language assets is astonishing. She also employs Italian. Helen and I have the same interest, "linguistics"! Also, I've started my illustrator career from education picture books. Coincidence. I did my first illustrated work "Stuck!" written by Janeen Brian divided from Pearson/Harcort. Last year, I finished up an ACER's commissioned work (*ACER=Australian Council Research Project), whilst working on a trade picture book "Moon" under Helen's supervision. She very well understood my situations and kindly supported busy me. So sweet! Helen always inspires and supports me.  

Helen's working history is full of prize-winning picture books and significantly glorious. Today, any big names in our industry celebrate me, "You're lucky. Helen is your editor! She's great. I look forward to your picture book." Helen has assisted many of those Australian "star" illustrators and authors. I'm certain illustrators and writers are dreaming to work with Helen. So, I've been extremely happy and very blessed that I have had the superb Editor and the wonderful Mentor Ann
My picture book illustration is at the final stage. In my ongoing colour for "Moon," a double spread rough (A2) is done = a half way through. WOW... amazing... from these (see below) tiny dummies to this final stage, we've climbed up to. How many story boards did I ever try? Plus so many roughs for each dummy. Quite demanding work. Always Helen has encouraged me to HAVE FUN in work at the tough time. She has tried to maximise my strengths! 

Now, other topics! 
2) "Quotable Winston Churchill" becomes "e books" as well as print. 
From Running Press (USA Publisher) 
This tiny tome is filled with Winston Churchill's biography, his most inspirational quotes, and excerpts from some of his most famous speeches. 
My work is at the title page!

3) Human Rights Organisation, "Right Now in Australia" and I have been working for a publishing project (*soon will be published).
My images are included for their homeless issue. Honoured and very happy. I hope my work will call public awareness on human rights issues.  


4)Bologna Children's Book Fair (Sunday March 23 - Thursday March 27) 

Friends, it's time for the world biggest and prestigious kids' book fair!  My publisher and editor Helen Chamberlin and I sent best wishes to my mentor Ann James leaving for Bologna. 
You can check your own country's information here, Exhibitors List 2014
My mentor Ann James (Book Illustrated) is heading for Bologna. She's leading an Australian team. Here's our section! YEY!!!
Ann James/Book Illustrated is updating LIVE news by face book!  Exciting!
If you are near to Bologna, say hello to our Australia team!!


Another study of the central character for "Moon"

With my good news, I've popped up at local libraries. Librarians celebrate the ongoing illustration and other publications. So nice to share my joy with others, especially, who have encouraged me at a tough time. Librarians will HAPPILY give a further support, when I do book launch = Libraries and I will enjoy "author talks" and "exhibitions" in 2015! Wow! Exciting!

I'll take a break for blogging and concentrate on the projects, taking care of the hands. I really appreciate your warm cheers. 
I'll post on the personality of editor/publisher Helen Chamberlin later and how she helps me, an illustrator. Look forward to a post!
Friends, you, too, make your dreams come true. 
Thank you for a great support and patience. 
Good news, my hands are improving. 
Happy Painting!!

NOTE
*Helen has been awarded, "Dromkeen Medal" on 23rd in October, 2014. One of the highest honours in children picture book publishing industry. I was invited to her ceremony. 
** I also wrote about her personality from my sweet experiences with her. My blog post is here, "Helen Chamberlin, mastery of editorship dedicated for children's and young adult literature." 
***A "publisher" choses what to publish, commissions authors and illustrators etc.
    An "editor" works on the book with an author and an illustrator. 






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40 comments:

  1. Good day Sadami, my it sounds like you are extremely busy and that is good. Hope you take time to rest while your hands are healing. Good thoughts and prayers for you. I am always blessed when I visit your blog.

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    1. thank u!!!!yes, busy, but happy.
      xx sadami

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  2. Me alegra que te encuentres mejor, Sadami. Se echan de menos tus trabajos y comentarios...
    Un abrazo.

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    1. Gracias, Onera!!!!!! Abrazo!!!
      XXX sadami

      thank you, Onera!!!! BIG HUGs!!!
      xxx sadami
      >>>>>>onera said...
      I am glad to find you best, Sadami. Your work and reviews Miss...
      A hug.

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  3. No sabes lo feliz que nos haces con tus noticias. Un abrazo y sigue cuidandote!

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  4. Delighted to see you in good health and with such good news. Kisses.

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    1. oh, thank u, lydie!!! kisses, xxxxxxx sadami

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  5. I'm happy to read that. I wish your work with Helen will be succesfuly. Tt's great to work with good people.

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    1. thank u!! yes, i hope this project will go well. indeed, i'm lucky to work with good people.
      xxx sadami

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  6. I'm very glad to read that your hands are improving and about all the exciting events in your professional life. There's nothing better than working with people who share your enthusiasm and appreciate each-other's work. Have a very successful blog holiday, Sadami!

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    1. oh, thank u, sweet Blaga!! really, Helen is a highly respected editor in australian publishing industry. today, people have begun to ask me to 'keep in touch' or 'update me your news' & many big names say, 'hey, sadami, invite me to your book launch!' i'll do my best.
      April, i'l c the hand surgery. before it, i'm doing a given hand exercise. i wan2 get well.
      xxx Sadami

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  7. Was lovely to see you pop up here again and loved your 'Happy' Post. Take good care and see you next time

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    1. oh, thank u, caring Polly!! April, i'l c the hand surgery. before it, i'm doing a given hand exercise. i wan2 get well. one spread & cover to go, also, i wan2 review all my illos. making a picture book requirs vry much time & huge energy.
      xxx sadami

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  8. Hi Sadami! Glad to know you're doing well and happy!

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    1. thank u, sweet Dora! u, 2, enjoy drawing!! xxx sadami

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  9. Good to read about your progress - your book and your hand! Love your illustrations:) take care and all the best.

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    1. oh, so sweet Meera, thank u! u, 2, plse take care & enjoy drawing more & more! xxx sadami

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  10. Hi, Sadami!
    Congratulations for your work. Your colors are flying and flying around the world and this is wonderful.
    Take care much, please.
    A big hug!!

    J.Paz

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    1. oh, sweet J.Paz, thank u so much! yes, hope i'll bloom out as an artist & a picture buk illustrator. today, market is becoming more international and global. u, 2, plse take care & enjoy drawing!!
      xxx big hugs, sadami

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  11. Saw your latest character on Rita's side bar and had To stop by to see how you're doing. AND YOU ARE DOING GREAT. Your drawings are as lively as you are and drawing well deserved attention. Congratulations Sadami's on your success. Also good to read your hand is improving. Happy drawing. It sounds so good to say, "my publisher." You must be thrilled.

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    1. hi, sweet L.W.Roth! thank u so much. yes, this year will be vry excting for me. i'v been working with Helen for these yrs. She's so lovely. u,2, enjoy drawing & plse take care.
      best wishes, sadami

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  12. Congratulations!!! It will be fun to see the final product! You have worked so hard on this, so happily, and it has been fun to follow you and your enthusiasm!

    Wonderful to have a mentor. Just the other day a colleague of mine and I were talking about how mentors are so hard to find. Many will give orders, but very few are willing to take the time to guide and teach. You are lucky to have Helen, but I am so very confident that she feels that she is lucky to have you. And I am sure it's true!

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    1. hi, Dan, thank u!!! really i'm enjoying illustration. I know Dan, u'r dreaming of picture buk illustration. In Australia, there r famous mentoship programs. I wrote about my own case. if u like, click the label, 'mentoship' @ the right side of my blog. Mentor Ann has never given me any order. Neither, Helen. They really want me to demonstrate 'my view.' (*I feel as if I were a fledging bird.) In response to their luv & support, I want to do my best for the work.
      u, 2, find a qualified mentor & crack into illustration industry. It always search for new talents. Go, DAN! I know, u hav wonderful talents!!!!
      best wishes, Sadami

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  13. Hello Sadami, How wonderful you have become so successful. It was lovely to hear from you. Pig's Wings Bookshop has now closed its' doors after 35 years but if you need any books do let me know and I will try and source them for you. Your illustrations are a delight and I really am thrilled for you. Good luck with future ventures and I do hope your health improves. Regards, Jean Stewart Heath.

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    1. Oh, sweet Jean, thank u so much!!! Your shop and you have helped me so much. Indeed, it's beyond language. I always thought one day, I'd inform you my good news. Now, time has come & finally, I did it!! I never forget a person like you who helped me at a tough time. Thank you for your warm cheers and so nice backups even after the closing. You, too, please take care and keep in touch with me. Best wishes and special thanks, Sadami

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  14. Well, well, well, things are improving and this is great news. I'm so happy for you, Sadami. You deserve the best. Hugs.

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  15. Sadami - these are super sketches. So glad for your success too. Also happy you have a great editor and mentor. May you have the best week dear. God Bless!

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    1. Hi, Debbie, thank u! Yes, really my dream is coming true, surrounded by wonderful people, of course, Debbie, you are one of them!!!! May God Bless you, too!!! xxx Sadami

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  16. Congratulations, on all the good things that are happening to you, Sadami! So happy your hands are improving. Wonderful sketches too! Take care! xx Judy

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    1. thank u so much, sweet Judy! I'm working on cover. U,2, enjoy drawing & sharing your wonderful work with us. Best wishes, Sadami

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  17. My goodness, Sadami, you amaze me with all the things you've accomplished in the past few weeks! I really like the drawing of the desk top with all the supplies. And what a lovely tribute to your editor!

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    1. Thank u so much, Katherine. Your sensitive work is always beautiful. I luv your subject, "baseball!"
      Regarding my picture buk project, any big names in our picture book industry celebrate my work with Helen. I've done all 32 pages & 'm now working on cover. One more push. Go, Sadami!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  18. glad you are doing well sadami ....so happy to read your good news lots of interesting developments for you... love your sketches take care j

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    1. thank u, sweet Jane! I've nearly done the illustration. Helen and Ann are so happy with the result. Me, too. Ah, so nice! You, too, enjoy drawing more!! Best wishes, Sadami

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  19. Hola Sadami, hacía tiempo que no recibía noticias tuyas y estaba preocupado, pero según lo que me ha parecido entender en este post, dejas el blog durante un tiempo para dedicarte de lleno a tus trabajos de ilustración. Esto, si he entendido bien, me da mucha alegría. Siempre es hermoso, dejar una afición (al blog) por motivos de trabajo y no por una cuestión de salud. También entiendo que tu salud es buena. Es imposible realizar mucho trabajo si no estás bien.
    Sadami, me alegro mucho y te deseo toda la suerte del mundo en este oficio que tanto quieres y amas.
    Ya volverás cuando tengas un poco de descanso. Te espero. Un beso.

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    1. Gracias, dulce Joshemari!!
      Siempre me animan y animarme.Sí, sólo he terminado el proyecto de libro ilustrado. Pronto, Publisher recogerá mi trabajo y un diseñador libro organizará mis ilustraciones en un libro y la impresión. Me ha tomado mucho tiempo para llegar a este nivel. Muchas personas me han ayudado. Por supuesto, tú eres uno de ellos! Además, pronto, voy a ver al especialista de mano. Tus dibujos siempre conseguir mejores y mejor. Sigue así y disfrutar más de dibujo. Cuando mis manos se ponen bien, visitaría a tu blog más a menudo como antes!
      Agradecimiento especial, un beso, Sadami

      Thank you, sweet Joshemari!!
      You always encourage me and cheer me up.Yes, I've just finished the picture book project. Soon, Publisher will pick up my work and a book designer will organise my illustrations into a book and printing. It has taken a lots of time to come to this level. Many people have helped me. Of course, you are one of them! Also, soon, I'll see the hand specialist. Your sketches always get better and better. Keep it up and enjoy drawing more and more. When my hands get well, I'd visit your blog more often like before!
      Special thanks, a kiss, Sadami

      >>>>>Joshemari said...
      Hello Sadami, long time not receiving hearing and I was worried, but according to what I have found understanding in this post, you leave the blog for a while to devote yourself to your illustration work. This, if I have understood correctly, gives me great joy. It is always beautiful, let a hobby (a blog) for business reasons and not as a matter of health. I also understand that your health is good. It is impossible to do lot of work if you're not well.
      Sadami, I am delighted and I wish you all the luck in the world in this profession that you both like and love.
      Already you will return when you have a little rest. You hope. A kiss.

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  20. A few years ago when I saw your your talent here, I KNEW you would be successful. I haven't visited for so long and am thrilled to see that you are doing so well! I'm off to look at more posts but wanted to let you know your characters leap off the page! Fantastic work.

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    1. Dear Margaret, thank u for warm cheers and a kind comment at my blog. Your blogs are very charming (*I really love horses!!! do ye know?) Your drawings are heart warming, which capture a mood well. Keep up wonderful work and make your family, six kids and hubby happy!!
      Best wishes, kind regards, Sadami

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