When I began looking for representation, I wanted to be with an agency that truly cares about the creators they represent, has reputable agents, represents artists that I admired, and has sold books that I want to create. I saw that BookEnds checked all those boxes!
And specifically, I really appreciate how BookEnds is so helpful and generous with the information through all of their social media channels.
What book do you wish you had illustrated, and why?
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson. My heart moved as I immersed myself in the simple yet spot-on dialogue between CJ and his grandmother, and to create the many compelling characters in this story must be a delight!
If you’re not reading or drawing, what would we catch you doing?
Spending hours in nature, exploring recipes, going for an easy run, and watching feel-good movies or series!
Where can readers find you on the web and social media?
If money were no object, what would be your dream drawing location?
The countryside in Provence. I am inspired by the vibrant landscape paintings that Vincent van Gogh created when he lived there!
What’s your favorite quote about reading or writing?
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
What’s your favorite piece of drawing advice you’ve received?
Not a piece of advice that I received personally, but these words from Lenny Wen’s Blog work every time I feel unsure about my art:
“I adore and even envy some art styles, but I don’t have to replicate them in mine. Some styles look special to me because I can’t replicate them. We all can be unique on our own.”
What excites you most about joining the BookEnds family?
Having people who trust in my work and are willing to advocate my career is a wonderful milestone. When I started this journey, I like to think that milestones are like doors that open to other opportunities. I am excited to know where this door might lead me to!
What advice would you give to other illustrators in the query trenches?
What worked for me is to send a handful query at a time and wait for their responses. Use their responses to refine your portfolio. You’ll get better in time. Keep sending, keep refining. I also find professional portfolio review helped big time. Hope it works for you too!
What was the most important question you asked when interviewing agents?
Not exactly a question, but one thing that matters the most to me is whether I can sense the agent’s confidence in my work.
Name:
Abigail Setiadi
What you draw:
Picture Book illustration
Agent:
Tracy Marchini
Why BookEnds?
When I began looking for representation, I wanted to be with an agency that truly cares about the creators they represent, has reputable agents, represents artists that I admired, and has sold books that I want to create. I saw that BookEnds checked all those boxes!
And specifically, I really appreciate how BookEnds is so helpful and generous with the information through all of their social media channels.
What book do you wish you had illustrated, and why?
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson. My heart moved as I immersed myself in the simple yet spot-on dialogue between CJ and his grandmother, and to create the many compelling characters in this story must be a delight!
If you’re not reading or drawing, what would we catch you doing?
Spending hours in nature, exploring recipes, going for an easy run, and watching feel-good movies or series!
Where can readers find you on the web and social media?
My website: www.abigailtan.com
My Instagram: @by.abigailsetiadi
What’s the last book you read?
Everything is Beautiful by Eleanor Ray.
If money were no object, what would be your dream drawing location?
The countryside in Provence. I am inspired by the vibrant landscape paintings that Vincent van Gogh created when he lived there!
What’s your favorite quote about reading or writing?
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
What’s your favorite piece of drawing advice you’ve received?
Not a piece of advice that I received personally, but these words from Lenny Wen’s Blog work every time I feel unsure about my art:
“I adore and even envy some art styles, but I don’t have to replicate them in mine. Some styles look special to me because I can’t replicate them. We all can be unique on our own.”
What excites you most about joining the BookEnds family?
Having people who trust in my work and are willing to advocate my career is a wonderful milestone. When I started this journey, I like to think that milestones are like doors that open to other opportunities. I am excited to know where this door might lead me to!
What advice would you give to other illustrators in the query trenches?
What worked for me is to send a handful query at a time and wait for their responses. Use their responses to refine your portfolio. You’ll get better in time. Keep sending, keep refining. I also find professional portfolio review helped big time. Hope it works for you too!
What was the most important question you asked when interviewing agents?
Not exactly a question, but one thing that matters the most to me is whether I can sense the agent’s confidence in my work.
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