Parisians vs. New Yorkers Live Illustration Event (SLIDESHOW)

Last Thursday, Untapped Cities hosted “Parisians vs. New Yorkers” a live illustration session with our columnists David Cessac, Kit Mills (The Art of Style) and the Downtown Doodler at the beautiful French Embassy on 79th Street and 5th Avenue. The event was moderated by Becky Cooper, author of Mapping Manhattan: a Love (and Sometimes Hate) Story in Maps by 75 New Yorkers.

After an opening by Antonin Baudry, Cultural Council for the French Embassy, and Untapped Cities founder, Michelle Young, Becky opened the discussion up to the audience members, who shared anecdotes and impressions about Paris and New York City, from feeling like New Yorkers are always in a rush to noticing that Parisians wear a lot of black. Some humorously noted that Parisians don’t like to hug while Americans smile incessantly, others commented on the relative size of coffee. I Heart NY vs. “J’aime Rien. Je Suis Parisien,” drew David Cessac.

While live drawing, the illustrators fielded questions and shared their own observations of each city. Ultimately, Parisians and New Yorkers have a lot more in common than people typically think, and this cross-cultural event highlighted our appreciation of both cultures. Thank you to the French Embassy for graciously hosting and to Palais des Thes for providing refreshments. Check out the slideshow of David and Kit’s illustrations from the event:

Check out our Society6 shop for prints, iPhone cases, t-shirts, tote bags and more featuring illustrations by David, Kit and the Downtown Doodler.