by JONATHAN CHA
When Brian Won gave readings at bookstores and schools to promote his very first children’s book, Hooray for Hat, the No. 1 question kids asked him was: “Why is the elephant in your book so grumpy to begin with?”
The author’s answer: “When you get older, there will be more reasons to wake up grumpy.”
The 37-year-old Korean American could be describing his former self, when he was running a production company that specialized in design, animation and live action for commercial and broadcast clients. Though the company’s clientele included such star power as Nike, ESPN, Disney and Gwen Stefani, he and his two partners decided to close up shop after nine years of long hours and too many late nights. In the end, the commercials they worked so hard to produce carried an incredibly brief shelf life and lacked the complete personal satisfaction he desired.
That’s when the Southern California native shifted his creative focus from branding and pitching products to promoting imagination and literacy. Won’s debut book, Hooray For Hat, is an inspiring romp about a grumpy elephant that turns a gift of hats into a perpetual parade to cheer up his equally grumpy animal friends. KoreAm took to the phone lines to talk with Won about the joys of drawing and the rewards of sharing while pursuing your dreams.
What prompted you to step into the world of children’s literature?
I think there was this itch inside telling me I really want to do something that has a lasting significance. My son, Charlie, was born in 2010 and [my wife Leny and I] started reading to him. He really took to children’s books. Leny is a great out-loud reader. As we read the books to him, I thought that these are some amazing stories. You see the impact that it has on your child. I had this thought that I would like to do a children’s book.
How did you transition into the field?
In 2012, I went to my first conference, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, in L.A. During the conference, illustrators can submit their portfolios for review. I was chosen to receive a mentorship. I had access to some seasoned pros, people who have been in the children’s book industry for a long time, and previous mentees, like an alumni association. It was an awesome opportunity to receive at the age of 35. It’s been great to have these mentors that I can contact for advice. Through the program, I met my agent, Rubin Pfeffer. He asked if I had any ideas for a story. I was working on Hooray For Hat. He felt that this editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt would like it. They have Curious George and Island of the Blue Dolphins. I love [Island of the Blue Dolphins]—it’s such a good book. They accepted it, and from there it was just getting the book published.
How did you come up with the story?
My son was running around the house and yelling, “Hooray for hat!” Of course, it should be plural, like, “Hooray for hats.” Why wouldn’t you celebrate all of them? That spurred the idea for the story. I also wanted to emphasize sharing. I sat down and thought, “What are the real benefits of sharing outside of it being the right thing to do?” Sharing can be fun, and, ultimately, it makes you a happier person. You are putting the focus off of your own needs and thinking of others.
What kind of feedback have you received from your readers?
A schoolteacher with a 5-year-old daughter sent me this really amazing note. Hooray For Hat was the first book that her daughter could read out loud. It was the most rewarding thing I could ever receive. I sent her a certificate, something that looked official, with the elephant on the cover saying that she was a reading superstar. I had all of the different animals sign the diploma. I wanted to celebrate that with her, even though I’m sure her parents will do all of the heavy lifting of helping her read more. That’s the part of making a children’s book that I didn’t realize would be there, but it is definitely the most rewarding part of it.
There was another message that I got from a friend’s parent. His 2-year-old has a learning disability and is speech-delayed. This is the one book that resonates with him and that he responds to really well. They are going to throw him a Hooray For Hat-themed birthday party. That’s so crazy. I have been receiving letters from teachers saying, “I can’t wait to read it to my students come September.” I try to send out stickers or little things here and there. It’s really cool. I am starting to realize that it is going to be around for a while. I am so used to commercial projects where if you don’t hear anything after two weeks, then it’s a flop or the job is done. Great stuff!
When did you start drawing?
Drawing was the only thing that I was good at. I eventually got into USC, and the only class that I was really into was this one drawing class. The instructor said, “If this is something that you really want to pursue, you ought to really go to an art college.” I am really thankful that he pointed me in that direction, so I transferred to the Pasadena Art Center. I was probably one of the worst drawers in the class. Then, I got into this car accident. It wasn’t major, but I only had liability [insurance] at the time. It got to a point where my dad was dropping me off at school at 7 in the morning and then picking me up at midnight from campus. It was one of those things that forced me to focus on what I was doing. It was a blessing in disguise to be kind of trapped at school. Then, I got a job at the school library, which was another great experience. It was awesome to be in the library, shelving books. I came across all of these great children’s books that I wasn’t exposed to as a kid.
Which books?
Two books that really stood out were illustrated by Lane Smith and written by John Sheska, The Stinky Cheese Man and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. It is told from the wolf’s point of view. It’s kind of twisted, but a great take on a classic story! I came across a cardboard artist, Katsuhiko Hibino. His work is really playful. He made these things out of cardboard, like a huge leather jacket made completely out of cardboard, and a baseball glove out of cardboard. Really awesome.
You also created album cover art for Korean American singer Bobby Choy, aka Big Phony. Was it your idea to put the bag over his head?
My wife actually came up with the designs of the bag over the person’s head. She’s the innovator behind that, which is kind of totally fits Bobby’s persona. I met Bobby at church in 2006. People were saying, oh, there is this Korean dude that plays music. I had this idea in my mind about what kind of music could this be. I quickly realized that it came from the heart. It is really heartfelt. I immediately fell in love with his music. His voice teeters on like that balance and imbalance of, is he going to hit the note or not? It’s just so raw and perfect. I have wanted to support this music that I felt really strongly about and I still do. The best way that I could do it is to use my strength, which is illustration and art design. His albums didn’t need a photo of him on the cover. It felt like there should be more storytelling involved, just like his lyrics. It’s been an honor helping out with what his album art. It’s been to fun to grow with him as his music has changed over the years, too. He’s been such an awesome friend.
How would you compare the ad game to children’s books?
The commercial industry feels like a young man’s game. With such high turnaround, you don’t really see older people celebrated. That kind of concerned me being in that industry. It felt like it’s a dead end pursuing this. With children’s books, older people are totally celebrated, and they are still effectively writing amazing books to this day. That gave me a lot of hope that, as time passes, I can become an even better children’s book writer and illustrator.
Also, the people are so sweet and kind. They don’t feel threatened as much in the children’s book community. If your story is good enough, it’s going to get made. It’s not like there’s not enough space for your story. It’s the most supportive professional industry that I have ever been a part of. I feel comfortable telling people to go to an SCBWI Conference, knowing that they will be absolutely taken care of.
Everyone’s end goal is to promote literacy, trying to teach children how to read and make it exciting. How can that be bad?
Images courtesy of Brian Won
This article was published in the August/September 2014 issue of KoreAm, under the headline, “Hooray for Literacy.” Subscribe today! To purchase a single issue copy of the August/Sept. issue, click the “Buy Now” button below. (U.S. customers only. Expect delivery in 5-7 business days).
