Sketchbook outtake 6-30-16, more fun with brand new ink pen

Another, brand new pen, doodle....

New brush pen...testing, one, two, testing

Character study.  Rough sketch of a slug.  I'll call him Slug-o.  

Rough sketch, rough idea, brain storming...

Hello Friday.

Sketch of a 6 year old child.  I'll call him, "Robert".  Sure, why not :-)

Climbing Mt. Character Design is crazy difficult.  Most days, I'm at the basin banging my head against unfeeling rock!  I love the adventure, don't get me wrong, but jeez!!!  I'm envious of those Disney artist making it look sooooo easy!  With that said, I took a break from my book project, and came up with the character sketch below.  ( Harry Potter like )

Daily sketch

Color study...thinking, I'm just thinking....hmmm.....

Page 22....

Today, sick with a nasty cold. There's no way I could smell these killer pancakes! My dummy book is coming together.  It's a little rough going, but well worth it.  I have to revisit those pesky "rogue" pages that don't look right.  Rome wasn't built in a day!

Quick sketch 06-13-2016

After playing with Adobe Draw on the iPhone over the weekend, I decided to apply my online method with a traditional paper/pencil approach. 

Great news! I've received promising feedback and advice from two publishers. The fact that I got an email, let alone advice, is a huge boost to my self-esteem. Now, if I could just draw faster, all will be good :-) I'm very lucky, regardless! I have goals and a great family! Life is good!

I've discovered the art of creating a picture book is insanely complicated!   It's NOT at all about creating whimsical "cute" art all day long.  There's so much to think about, moving parts galore.  Here's my "to do list" so far:

1.) Master drawing / painting / color theory / composition.  ( I have 1 hour!  I have kids:- )

2.) Think like a film maker: find the right players, cast the scene, adjust the lighting, mood, etc, etc.

3.) Think like a marketeer: who is my audience and what do they need from me?

4.) Google search like crazy, "storytelling principles".

5.) Embrace social media, be a responsible digital citizen and if I build it, they will come. ( I hope )

I'm not getting a lot of attention for my work, so far, and that's ok.  I'll be myself and let the rest follow.  

With that said, I was very fortunate to have a mini conversation online with David Litchfield yesterday.  He's very down to earth and an amazing talent.  I'm a big fan.  His work is honest and beautiful!  Check out his video, "How doing a drawing a day changed my life: David Litchfield at TEDxBedford" http://davidsdrawingaday.tumblr.com

Book project, rough sketch.  Page 20 something.  Relax, chill, no school today!  Is that an alien crawling on the floor????

Gavin has an idea! Book project, sketching away...

Sketching feet, the left and right. 

I really want to see this!!  He's such an amazing talent!!

http://www.cartoonbrew.com/documentary-2/floyd-norman-teaser-115732.html

I like this drawing.  That's all.

I'm on my way to drawing 100 heads.  Something to do while taking a break from my book project.  Just for fun!