Year in Review so Far

"When it rains, it pours."

This saying has been on my mind most of this year. Even though we're only a third of the way through 2015, so many changes and good things are happening already. I'm not saying that change isn't always happening, and maybe I'm only scrutinizing the past few months since I'll be hitting a landmark birthday this November. But it's worth to look into.

So what happened these past few months? As I've mentioned, I've begun a new partnership with Rodeen Literary, which was great news all by itself! My picture books are out there in the ether being considered as of this moment. The other big news that I received the past month is that I got a new job! For those that didn't know, I've been working at the same global coffee shop these past six years (not mentioning any names here). What started out as a temporary job right after school turned into my day job for a long time. It was a mixed bag of good and bad.

I won't bore anyone with details, but my tenure forced me to confront many hardships and frustrations. I felt that I was finally starting a new life that I should have started when I left school.

However, upon reflection (even in the last 1-2 years), I've realized that maybe I was here for a reason. Who knows what would've happened to my freelance career or to me as a person had I not had my first job? From my previous employment, I probably learned a lot more that I care to admit. I didn't just learn how to sling coffee. I probably learned more about my myself than any other point in my life. These past six years have molded will be my experience of my 20's, but they will shape me in the years to come.

As I begin my new job and search for a new apartment (another big change!), I continue turning a new page in what is proving to be a year full of personal change.

Lastly, a comic page from my work-in-progress graphic novel, Artie and Merlo!

New Sketches

New sketches on Ben and Leon. I really like the textures added to the shrubbery in the Leon sketch, but I feel that the other background shrubbery is too much. Some editing is required. Good things are always happening!

Now Represented by Paul Rodeen!!!

I've been wanting to share for quite some time the exciting news online. Last month, I had the chance to meet Paul Rodeen of Rodeen Literary at the New York SCBWI winter conference.

Long story short, he likes my work! I was stunned! I was elated! He wants to represent my work!

The events leading up to our meeting seems by chance too. Three weeks before the conference, I sent him a couple picture book dummies for consideration. Then at the conference, I noticed that he was there as well! Things snowballed from that moment.

You can't even plan these things sometimes, but my dad has a saying for these moments that occur. Luck is when hard work meets opportunity.

Wolfie the Bunny

I have been looking forward to seeing friend Ame Dyckman's new picture book for quite some time, Wolfie the Bunny! I have yet to get a copy, but the story follows a bunny family that receives a new addition to the family. The daughter, Dot, is the only one who sees what evil lurks behind having a wolf for a brother.

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast was able to get a sneak peek at all the artwork including dummies, sketches, and final spreads. I included only a couple final spreads beneath. The particular things that sing out to me with OHora's work is his balance of shapes and black line. I love how he does buildings. I love the design choices in the bed scene. Who knows what our shadows do when we're not looking?

Cowboy

Playing with texture.

Super Bowl Fun Time

My thoughts about liquid masking fluid for watercolor. It can save a lot of headache getting the background right. Rather than painting around foreground objects, you can just do a simple wash. BOOM. Done.

Oh yes, there are side effects. The texture of the paper gets messed up, the actual ink drawing gets lifted and if you miss an area, then you'll have random splotches. Then it messes up your brushes. Oy. Lots of things can go wrong, but that is what practice is for. 

Also, watching the Super Bowl, and this was the highlight of the game.

New Year's Bash!

Hello world! Happy new year! My blog has been quiet the past couple months because of me keeping really busy as always. I think it's time to share all the new work that I've been cooking up. Enjoy.

Solocom 2014

A couple weeks ago, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to see many hilarious and touching shows at the Solocom comedy festival at the PIT. All the performances were great, hilarious, and amazing. I think that the ability to put yourself in front of a group of people and not only perform, but share your story with strangers is amazing. 

That's what I love about art, comedy, and performance. The ability to share stories and celebrate life in some capacity. Each performer I thank for their amazing show.

Happy Halloween!

Orange is a great fall color.

Thoughts on Creating Art

Writer's block. From the outside, it probably looks like you're sitting there and doing nothing, but every person who's ever experienced writer's block knows that it's the complete opposite. It's the continuous struggle to eek something out of your conscience and put it out there into the world.

I like to compare this struggle to having a conversation with yourself. When you face that blank paper, you come face-to-face with yourself, and ask, "What am I thinking?" Then your conscience tells you, "I want ice cream." Then you tell yourself, "Okay, ice cream is good. Let's get some." Then ice cream is consumed. "Okay, what are you thinking now?" "I don't know. Bears are funny. Draw a bear." "Okay, why are bears funny?" "I don't know. This is tough."

More often than not, this is writing. Dealing with your stubborn self. But as you dig deeper, you begin to unravel what you truly think about life. Through this process, you begin to understand the world and yourself a little better.

So, to those out there interested, I recommend to create something. Maybe a story, or a picture. And if it becomes too hard, have some ice cream.

Lastly, from my labor this week, a doodle of my family.