Boy, a lot has happened since I sketched this concept of catching the tech wave! The technology keeps getting faster, smaller, and cheaper. But are we any better for it? If we are continually connected to our devices, is it a good thing?
Technology is changing everything, including surfing. Apparently, it has changed surfing in dramatic ways; from surf forecasting to shark mitigation. I found this in my sketchbook. It was about surfers using GPS devices to find the best waves back in 2012.
Writing & drawing your own book involves so many things. It requires that you put on many hats. Writer, Artist, Letterer, Colorist, Editor, Designer and so on. You’re constantly making decisions and later changing those decisions and all to try and put out the best you can give
— Eric Merced (@eric_merced) February 26, 2020
In his tweet, Eric Merced reminded me how much of a challenge it can be to write and illustrate a book. When it’s a one-man show, you have to make so many decisions and switch your work mode so many times during the process.
It is so much more challenging than just writing. Now I realize that may offend some authors. If that’s the case, I understand, but I think you would agree that switching from writing, to drawing, to designing and putting it all together would take so much more than just the writing.
I suppose that is why I have such a soft spot for authors/illustrators. It has confounded me that picture books and graphic novels may be looked down on by the literary elite. The effort that goes into these books continue to amaze me.
So hats off to the solo writers, illustrators and designers that wear so many hats as they create outstanding work!
Is there a book you love that is written and illustrated by the same person? Let us know in the comments.
This year, I had an opportunity to create this coloring book for Community Hospital Anderson in Anderson, Indiana. I loved this project because for me, it was an experiment using technology in a new way and it is designed to help children who may be in an emergency or a health crisis.
Eighteen years ago, I drew a birth announcement. It was very risky since a cartoon version of a family member can come back to haunt you.
And that is exactly what happened last week! My mother-in-law printed some pictures to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. One of the prints was the birth announcement I drew to announce the big day. My daughter appeared amused. I had to clarify that no cartoon could ever be as cute as the real thing. To prove it, here is a photo of the two of us. We both looked much younger then than now!
Heaven knows I’ve made my share of mistakes with my kids. Drawing cartoon versions of them is probably one of the least mistakes I’ve made. One of the worse mistakes was when I struggled between getting my freelance work done and spending time with my kids. As much as I loved illustrating for books and magazines, it all seems to trivial now compared to the time I had with my them.
My dear daughter, you are now a young lady. You have brightened my world. And I have cherished every moment with you. Happy eighteenth birthday!
