Julian Hector, a recent Illustration graduate, has several new projects in progress. “I have two multi-book deals with both Hyperion, and HarperCollins. My books for each publishing house are at various stages of development. My first story, The Little Matador, is about a young matador who belongs to a proud family of bullfighters. Everyday he must practice fighting with his father, but in the evening he gets to do what he really loves-drawing pictures. His parents eventually find out and are very embarrassed. But during his first bullfight something unexpected happens and he wins the town and his parents over. The first book comes out in the fall of 2007.
I owe much of this to my relationship with Pat Cummings, who teaches the children's book elective. She has vast connections in the industry and gave me the contact information to editors at all the major publishing companies. Once I met with a couple of editors it was simply a matter of building relationships and keeping them updated with all my work.
For my long term career plans, I'm hoping Hollywood will call. I would love to be on the preproduction side of an animated feature. I also want to start a toy company where limited edition toys of wood, tin, and folded paper are manufactured and sold.”
