Michel Rabagliati’s Paul A Quebec

What an honor! Michel Rabagliati, who’s is now a very established cartoonist has recently launched his 6th book called Paul A Quebec. In this book Michel decided to immortalized “me” as one of his characters, Brenda Steinberg.

Brenda, a fun out going, quick talking agent with her hair blowing in the wind as she talks on her cell phone in the car, securing contracts for “Paul Baby” on the way.

This series of comic books have been documenting the life of Paul (actually Michel from his early and humble beginnings growing up in Montreal). Each book deals with a different aspects of Paul’s life and experiences and I was lucky enough to have worked with him when he was at his peak of his illustration career.

Michel is a Canadian cartoonist born and based in Montreal. He is published by Drawn and Quarterly in English, and La Pastèque in French. Michel has written and illustrated several semi-autobiographical comic books each furthering the life story of his protagonist Paul. The series includes Paul in the Country, Paul Has a Summer Job, Paul Moves Out, and Paul Goes Fishing. In addition; Rabagliati has published shorter stories featuring Paul including “Paul in the Metro.” Michel started drawing comics in his 40′s, after working as a graphic designer and illustrator for many years. It was then that we met or should I say when I went after him.

I had the pleasure of representing Michel Rabagliati as he was slowing moving up the comic ladder. He eventually decided to stop illustrating all together and concentrate on his comic books. As sad as I was to see him go, I knew that he made the right decision. There is nothing more important in life than to follow your dreams and that is exactly what I told him. At the same time, Michel was doing really well with his illustration career and we were keeping him busier then I think he expected or wanted to be for that matter. All I can say is, that I was really thrilled to see that Michel thought highly enough of me and our relationship to portray me in his book.

Although I was really sad to see Michel leave Anna Goodson Management several years ago I never doubted for a minute that he would not succeed. I guess I always knew that he would triumph because drawing his comics is what made him happy. And when you are happy at what you do, you always come out on top.

To learn more about Michel Rabagliati and his comic books about Paul, Go to drawnandquarterly.com

In times like these, we all need to stay positive

Yes, times are tough and the business of illustration is no exception. Rather than crawl under a rock and give up, I have decided to work that much harder and stay that much more positive. As an agent, its kind of my responsibility or at least it is my philosophy.

So here at AGM, we have rolled up our sleeves and are treating this “Recession” as just another big challenge and god knows, I love challenges. I know that so many people are affected out there and often illustrators are at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to work. Rather than complain about no jobs coming in or worrying about it, why not take control over the things you can take control of.

Obama, has promised to do something about the recession so all we need to do is take care of what we have control over.

For me, I am sending out way more emails, updating my website regularly and surfing the net to find new ways to market my gang. I have recently produced a beautiful new promo that will be shipped out to clients this week. I am going after other markets and generating interested in the illustrators of AGM as never before. Basically I am doing all that I can and not worrying about what is out of my control. There is so much that I can do that I barely have time to write this blog. That said, maybe this is a great time for you to update your site, perfect your style, take a class or join Facebook. Its also probably a good time to realize that times are changing and that maybe you should have other backup plans for when times are slow. I know many illustrators that teach, work as designers, paint.

All this to say that now is probably a great time to get busy, that is if you have the time.

New 2009 AGM Website!

Forever keeping ahead of the current trend! We have launched a new website for 2009!

Click here to visit our new site.. Or click here to have our RSS feed emailed to your inbox! We also have a new look newsletter, which you can check out here or subscribe to it for free here.

ISH Magazine Interview

Recent I was interviewed by ISH Magazine… ISH is one of Asia’s top Design magazines featuring the best in Architecture, Interiors, design & Life in the City. Click here to download or read the PDF of the interview.

ISH Front Cover