Graphic Idea Notebook
by Jan V. White
While traveling to New York from Fairfield one day, I was offered a lifesaver from a gentle woman in a small knit hat sitting next to me on the train. She was a very enigmatic lady and had a creative sparkle in her mannerism. After conversing for awhile, she introduced herself to me as the proud mother of a graphic designer, Jan V. White, from Westport, CT. At the time I was just starting my career as a free lance medical illustrator/artist and admittedly was having a stressful start. We engaged in a lengthy hour-plus conversation about the differences in technique and the struggles of being a free lance artist. She nodded with understanding (which I felt was pity) and suggested that I meet her son and talk with him. Several days later, I met with him and he challenged me to prove my ability by having me draw a skull in 15 different styles. I readily agreed, primarily because the reward was one of my dreams as a young artist....to be published! "If you can do this, I will publish you Victoria".
Well, I came up with 20 and he did indeed keep his promise to me. The following pictures show the fruits of my labor and my gratitude to Jan. V. White and his wonderful mother.
Little did I know the true significance of the "lifesaver" that was offered to me that day!
While traveling to New York from Fairfield one day, I was offered a lifesaver from a gentle woman in a small knit hat sitting next to me on the train. She was a very enigmatic lady and had a creative sparkle in her mannerism. After conversing for awhile, she introduced herself to me as the proud mother of a graphic designer, Jan V. White, from Westport, CT. At the time I was just starting my career as a free lance medical illustrator/artist and admittedly was having a stressful start. We engaged in a lengthy hour-plus conversation about the differences in technique and the struggles of being a free lance artist. She nodded with understanding (which I felt was pity) and suggested that I meet her son and talk with him. Several days later, I met with him and he challenged me to prove my ability by having me draw a skull in 15 different styles. I readily agreed, primarily because the reward was one of my dreams as a young artist....to be published! "If you can do this, I will publish you Victoria".
Well, I came up with 20 and he did indeed keep his promise to me. The following pictures show the fruits of my labor and my gratitude to Jan. V. White and his wonderful mother.
Little did I know the true significance of the "lifesaver" that was offered to me that day!