Laundry Day

On Tom's recommendation, zipping over here from Facebook TAG.

So here's the sketch for my new book with Clarion -- I just got the news yesterday that they bought it! This is the first book I've sold based on one spread (sketch) and the manuscript. Wow, that's a lot less work than doing the whole dummy before I show it to the publisher. So, I think this is pretty unique -- very much a graphic novel format in a 32 page picture book for little kids. I'm inspired by artists from Sendak (everything) to Shaun Tan (The Arrival) to Brian Selznick (The Invention of Hugo Cabret) and hope I've got my own little take on the idea.

Long time no seee

I feel terrible popping in after being gone so long. I need to go back and look at all the posts I've missed. I am so glad to see you all being as talented and prolific as usual!

I dunno how long ago it was -- way far back, when I posted a quick sketch of a couple dancing from the book I was writing -- KITCHEN DANCE. Here it is all finished, on the cover of the Clarion/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Fall '08 Catalogue. (The book isn't actually out until October.) Now I'm working on a second book for Clarion which is going to be sort of like a 32 page graphic novel for preschoolers. Will probably be asking for all your expert comics advice on that.

I see there's been some Cintiq talk -- I got mine in January and am loving it. I don't know if I'd honestly say I draw better, or draw more quickly, or that the ergonomics are better than the Wacom tablet, but in addition to the thrill of drawing directly on the screen, it makes an excellent primary monitor. (You can see my setup on my blog: http://www.thedigitalpencil.blogspot.com/ )

Maurie