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Blog
Bologna in Review: Lucie Luddington
last updated 07 March 2023
Arriving in Bologna always gives me goose bumps, this year was no exception!
With a Masterclass, Folio Reviews and various client and artist meetings booked, I was raring to go. A blessing was that my one pair of “fair” high heels didn’t survive the journey over here - so armed with my trainers, I hot footed it to the fair. A negative became a positive!
Lucie delivering her masterclass. Photo by Bright Artist Tania Rex
“Just got back from the Bologna Children’s Book Fair , where I had the pleasure of hearing Lucie Luddington, my Bright agent, speak about her work. And it was like a shot of espresso for my creative soul! Lots of great advice, lots of tips and tricks for how to succeed as an illustrator” - Tania Rex, via LinkedIn
My first meeting was with a client with whom Bright has worked with for years. The lady commented on the eclectic and wonderful mix of creatives we rep and how refreshing it was to see that even those artists that have been on our books were being developed. This is what we do and how we do it - we nurture and empower our creatives from day one. This opening comment by this trusted client set the tone for the rest of the fair. During the Masterclass on ‘What to expect from an Agent and what Agents look for’, I saw that my audience were smiling throughout so I had a strong sense it was going well. Imparting my knowledge and being honest about what we do and how we do it also promoted some great questions. This showed me this year’s Bologna attendees were fully engaged! Rounded off with an applause by the audience, I think I had won a few hearts. This was confirmed as I was followed through the halls and asked if they could have five minutes with my team.
The wonder of Bright was clearly evident as I passed stands which show cased an array of our artists, everything from educational, to trade and non-fiction, we had it covered! Testament to what Vicki, our founder, had set up over 20 years ago was also the energy that came from the team of Bright Agents as they traversed the halls and, as they did, met new artists, new clients and made new connections. Agents “running the halls” for sure.
Bright is a way of life for all involved. The Bright party on the Tuesday evening was such a joy to be part of. Watching artists, agents and clients all enjoy a moment away from the fair to eat, drink and merry together highlighted this.
Irina Mileo, represented by Bright Agent Susan Penny.
As ice cream was consumed, stories swapped, and smiles exchanged, my Bologna came to an end. I felt this was Bright’s best fair yet.
The combination of an amazing list of artists to showcase, a wonderful array of agents, beautiful weather and a few proseccos meant all the right ingredients resulted in success.
As Agents we do what we do best, get back to it, get on it, follow up and do deals that create work and opportunity for our magical list of illustrators.
See Bright Children Illustration’s Portfolio sheets here.
To work with Lucie, get in contact here.