Wuzz Its
Here's a project that I completely enjoyed. WuzzIts is a monster themed card game created by Blue Orange Games. My job was to create thirty characters that would be printed on their game cards. The characters were a nice mix of goofy, scary, gross, slimy, bizarre and weird. I submitted many sketches and we picked the ones that worked best for their game. Stephanie Elliott (AD) was on the ball and kept the WuzzIts machine chugging along. These are the fun jobs that make me glad I do this for a living.
Mrs. Lane Is A Pain!
This funny little book hit the bookstores this week. It was a gas to work on. Dan writes 'em and I draw 'em.
It's time for the annual Ella Mentry Talent Show! And this year they're bringing in a professional talent coach (that would be Mrs. Lane) to do it right. What surprise guest might show up? Will Andrea sing selections from "Annie" for the hundred millionth time? Do armpit farts qualify as a talent? Who will win the grand prize (pork sausages)?
These are the hard hitting questions that are answered in the last book in the My Weirder School series. Next up: My Weirdest School #1- Mr. Cooper Is Super!
My Weird School Halloween
Because it's mid August, it's hard to imagine a month of pumpkins, ghosts and goblins. But it's easy to imagine candy. Candy, the one thing that makes us all brothers so we can join hands for the common good - which is to eat more candy. Last week, HarperCollins released a 3 book set of Halloween themed My Weird School books. My favorite of the trio is the holiday special - It's Halloween, I'm Turning Green!
Italian summer
The family and I recently spent a little time in Italy. Here's a sketch based on our meandering ways. We loved the architecture! (...and food, and people, and music, and...)
Canyon Journey
Sometimes it's just nice to get away and smell some fresh air. In April we did just that and hiked and camped in Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. That's in southeast Arizona. Lot's of river crossings, wildlife and good times.
Mr. Jack is A Maniac!
Yesterday, this funny little book hit the bookstores. The story- Mr. Jack has been hired by the school to teach the kids self defense. It's pretty funny. Oh, and the kids fight a bear. Finally! I can't tell you how it all turns out. But I think the real winner is me. Because I got to draw kids fighting a bear!
Work in Progress
Here's a little guy I am having a great time creating. He's one of 30 characters for a game that will come out this spring.
Klink and Klank
Klink and Klink spend a lot of time together. But Klank decides to try some new things. Will the buddies continue to be friends or will they go separate ways? I had assumed, with my background in robot war technology and buddy sitcoms, that only one friend would survive to see the end of the story. But I was wrong. Warning: Do not read this story if you have a problem with whole civilizations consisting of lovable machinery and/or 9-5 working hours. This nice little book comes out in January, 2014.
Today's page from ye olde sketchbook
The morning fog has drifted inland to reveal a quiet seaside village. The smell of salt air and warm biscuits usher in a wave of sweet nostalgia. In a secret location, the Norwegian Fighting Clams are restless and struggling to free themselves from their reinforced harnesses. Today they even the score.
So, this funny little book hit the bookstores today. Ms. Sue is a parent "helper". Things get crazy in a hurry. There's a school carnival, games, a goldfish and someone gets duct taped to a wall. I love duct tape. Also, the kids fight a bear! Ok, just kidding about the bear. The bear fight happens in the My Weird School book I just completed the sketches for - "Mr. Jack Is A Maniac!".
Shifting Into Low Gear
After a crazy, hectic summer it was time to recharge the batteries and take a break. The family and I chose to explore the coast of maine. It was just what we needed. Sketching near Rockport (above), shopping in Camden, walking the rocky beaches - it was all so perfect.
Is it Halloween already?!
This funny book hit the bookstores today. My motto- "Every day is a good day to go door to door begging for candy" isn't catching on like I had hoped. But if you are in a Halloweeny kind of mood this summer you can get a head start and catch up with A.J. and his pals as they get themselves in hot water -- again!
Today's Page From the Sketchbook
I am always fascinated by what happens when nature reclaims lost ground. A sketch for the fun of it.
Bedtime Math
Laura Overdeck's fun book, Bedtime Math comes out today. As a kid, I had math issues. But over the years numbers and I have come to an uneasy truce. This book would have helped me so much. Lots of kooky problems to solve for all learning levels. Laura wrote it and I did the art.
Grand Canyon Hike
It's been a crazy busy spring! Our son (right) and I and two friends hiked and camped in the Grand Canyon. We spent a few days exploring and swimming and generally rummaging around before we climbed back up and out. My batteries were recharged and it's back to the drawing table.
