One wintry afternoon, as I was beeboppin' around the CBC offices N Toronto (where I had lots of friends & clients), I took a "wrong turn" & wound up N the right place.

   I discovered several people standing around a conference table who were all very loudly stressing.  As I apologized 4 bursting N2 their space, one guy stared & yelled: "You're Krystiahn! I need you!"

   Tho he was very handsome, I was not N the mood 4 a quickie affair, so I politely asked: "What R U talking about?"

   He said: "We have a major musical Christmas special coming up soon! The art department just brought us their final designs & they're crap! We need help - FAST! We need you! Do you have time to help us?" 

   Their musical project was The Snow Queen based on Hans Christian Anderson's magical story.  Naturally, I was hooked... & when I looked (tho I am not judgmental) their illustration was brittle, cold, it lacked wit, passion & magic... Hans would have sued from his grave!

   So, of course I agreed 2 get involved. I asked when is your timeline? They said: "3 days!" I said: "Oooooohkay! Then we better get crackin' NOW! Get me the sound track 2 take home 4 inspiration, give me 15 minutes 2 scribble a rough as I already know The Snow Queen Story... & have your accounting department cut me a very healthy advance check... the rest payable on delivery"  They eagerly & instantly agreed.

   N 3 days I created this cam-ready water colour original with acetate overlay 4 copy (No computer). We were on the press N 3 days. I kept my timeline promise, plus the original art & copyright, as usual.

   It was a highly successful project My creation was used 4 posters, TV commercials & multi-media ads. The CBC corporation was thrilled! The musical was glorious, as was the magical music & lyrics written & composed by Kevin Knelman & Leah Peterson.

I hope Hans was happy!