Back in 2005, I met Neil Gaiman at a Forbidden Planet signing for his latest book Anansi Boys. The day before I did a sketch of one of my most favourite Neil Gaiman creations - The Sandman. As well as getting my signed copy of Anansi Boys, I also wanted to get my sketch signed by Neil himself. After waiting outside in the queue till I had a runny nose, I finally met the man himself!
At first Neil to me looked quite tired (to be fair I would be too if I were signing things all day) but when I actually talked to him, he was really down-to-earth and so friendly! After signing my copy of Anansi Boys, it was time to get my sketch signed! As I handed my visual interpretation of Morpheus, Neil seemed genuinely surprised by the sketch and then asked me "Wow, did you do this!?" of which I replied in a nonchalant manner "Yea!". As Neil carefully looked for the right place to apply his ink, it was interesting to see how Neil was gently handling my sketch by the edges of the page, like it was something precious! Finally when he found the right spot, Neil scribed his signature in sepia!
On a whole it was such a rewarding day and definitely one that will stay with me!