“I was asked by Hermès (Paris) to illustrate its spring/summer line of fashion accessories. Brushed-line drawings are reproduced on heavy paper folios, folded and tucked one inside another, unbound. My hand-painted calligraphy alone identifies each item. The dossier was sent to a prestigious group of fashion editors, with an invitation to a special event. My agent, Philippe Arnaud, showed Hermès art director Éric Jouzeau my hand-painted books. He liked what he saw and gave me the job. Further, he gave me the luxury of drawing during the month of August—while everyone in France is on vacation—a generous lead-time for someone used to tight American deadlines. I love working for the French because they are equally appreciative of a lush brushed line and a severe black-and-white, pen-and-ink drawing. And of course, I loved drawing such elegant items. My only problem was—you guessed it—envy.”