Illustrator George Ford Part Three

In hearing George recall the "old days" of illustration, I couldnt help but be thankful for the computer age I live in and how it streamlines jobs that are non existent now. "In the old days, we did paste up with type using literal tweezers, peices of cut out paper and rubber cement!" I also became sort of wistful that many of the jobs available to illustrators back then are not as available now. Photography was expensive, and companies used illustrators to help them advertize their products in print and tv, recalled George. There were also, a couple of "B List" companies, that artists starting out could cut their teeth on. " I did greeting card work for Hawthorne Summerfield, and Williamsburg Publishing, which no longer exist"." In those days, Hallmark Geetings was the best, and one of the first companies that really used the power of branding. They KNEW they were the best, and used it in their tag line, "Hallmark, when you care to send the very best". Ford also considered his illustration work with Harper's Magazine to be his first major illustration job. " It was an article on African American author, Ralph Ellison".
While on the subject of illustration, George took care to point out that illustrators need NOT fear art directors/editors when interviewing for a freelance position.
"believe it or not, they are NOT looking to eliminate you, on the contrary, art directors/editors WANT you to succeed, to be "good" because they want someone who is capapble to help illustrate their product or idea"."Frequently after having your work reviewed you may hear the comment, "this is not what we're looking for, right now". "dont take this PERSONALLY" "It's not a reflection on your talent or work, it's just that it doesnt fit the companies niche at that time""It's important that every artist find their OWN niche".
Having said that, I showed him work that I'd done recently for The Wave Newspaper, and other caricature work I'd done for Rocketshark Ringtones a while back. He commented on loving the line quality of the work, being reminiscent of Hirschfield, to which I smiled, Hirschfield being an influsence. "The rest, of course, is YOU" he added, with a smile, before going on to instruct me of how caricature could be used in publishing.
"Caricature CAN be used, he began, but It's important, HOW subjects are depicted. The caricature must be used to enhance what is being spoken about and not used simply as an object of out and out ridicule." In Ford's view, the caricature should show just enough visual information to indentify the subject whichout making them look ridiculous for it's own sake. I was happy for the critique, and looked up to see that three hours had passed and I really had taken up much of his time. I thanked him for an interesting afternoon, and we left out table much to the delight of a stranded yuppie desperately looking for a place to sit.

There's such a wealth of information the man had that I didnt even manage to scratch the surface with. I encouraged him to start his OWN blog just so that the information he obtained in over 50 years in business would not be lost. He assured me that he had been newly inspired to do so and would get started on it immediately. I smiled in anticipation. I cant wait to see what he writes down.