The Newt concept inched forward a bit this week. The Calls have discovered a publisher that supports storylines of their kind and the use of illustrators of their choice. I narrowed down the character look and the flute was replaced by a lute.We’ll be working simultaneously to prepare elements of a package that will be delivered soon. Beyond that I’ll provide more visual updates of actual artwork. Believe in it, folks. Pages are gonna fly.

I also began a phase of profile sketching for Vee, gaiJen‘s character. This work will continue for a couple of weeks before transitioning into full character work-ups. Some work better than others, but my desire is to go digital with this instead of using ink. Show some love for the D.C. tattoo.

Last week left me with a loss in momentum in comic birthing. Making a habit of drawing is a task in itself but there’s something else. Call it a panic in wayfinding. Choosing a direction and voice is not a new dilemma to me. I once had an informal meeting with Marshal Arisman at the School of Visual Arts who was very candid with me about my work at the time. In more or less words, he told me I had some decent work but I needed to find a voice—one style or approach that truly defines me. That doesn’t mean I have to only draw in pencil or only create portraits with a particular stroke. It’s personality, confidence, storytelling, and something that’s an obvious reflection of you in the work. Is it needless to say that I never found it? This also comes into play when we start discussing work outside of a collaboration.

I don’t lead a rich life but I also don’t struggle. Things don’t bother me as much. Problems–local and abroad–seem to speak for themselves and I envision practical solutions. No need to illustrate them. Scenarios don’t transform themselves into artistic productions in my head. Do I have anything important to say or illustrate? Is my future in comics and illustration going to be confined to visualizing someone else’s stories or client requests? Where do the ideas come from? Do I need to “struggle” more in order to gain inspiration?

My brain hasn’t been totally engorged with empty calories. For years, I’ve had a desire to embed my first material possession into some kind of identity, illustration or comic. Shortly after moving to D.C., I thought (briefly) about using Buddy, my stuffed bear, as my graphic design identity or “mascot.” Worried about appearing legitimate, that idea didn’t last long. With the great variety of comics today, I started to brew ideas of representing myself through him in a comic. It’s not a total rip-off of Calvin & Hobbes. Yes, I am personifying an inanimate object that happens to be a stuffed toy animal. This wouldn’t be a coming-of-age series, a reflection on the adventures in youth, or anything remotely clever in comparison to the Watterson masterpiece. There’s something about this bear and its visual presence in my youth. Maybe my attachment to him wasn’t unique of me as a child, but perhaps it’s peculiar he survived the other stuffed animals I systematically organized around my head when I went to bed. Today, it’s here on top of my bookshelf. My youth and passion haven’t left me yet. Some pieces have fallen off in the past 2o-plus years–literally and figuratively–but it’s a reminder to make the most of what’s available.

The visual, again, isn’t the problem. Do I have any stories to tell? For instance, I don’t work in an office where I, the bear, would have quirky interactions with my co-workers (i.e. Bob jams the printer again. Buddy makes clever remark and forgives him momentarily before biting his head off.) Where does this idea go? What’s my voice? What’s really happening around me that translates into some kind of daily, weekly, or annual relevance? Do I need to have an eventful life in order to write a relatable story? Does it need meaning or can I just make shit up?

Another concept that’s been floating about is the unlikely and unnoticed hero in the form of a homeless man. You might have noticed another sketch in my second post and the one here is a step forward. This no-name concept is the result of my Hellboy and Goon envy. He’s almost a cross of those characters while incorporating the rejection and hobo comradery found in Spawn. “Homeless Guy” hasn’t taken a true form yet as I haven’t figured out if the story will (or should) require some field research. It might be a good chance to meet some lost individuals, perhaps help them out a bit in the process. Even though my character wouldn’t be based on anyone, I can’t decide if I’d be exploiting the homeless population or not.

Without any firm answers to these concerns, the wheels are still turning. This week, even though it’s significantly busier and more complicated, I’ve drawn spontaneously with brush pen and pondered this act of writing stories in a visual format. Both the hand and mind need strenuous exercise to get back into shape.

This week I began sketching character styles for Newt the Gnat, the main character of a children’s book by John and Jenny Call. We’re unsure of how or when this will be published, and I could be rejected by the publisher for all I know. Regardless of my uncertain role and the publishing house versus self-publishing battle, it’s been inspiring to research children’s books in the past week. I suppose I never took that genre seriously because, well, they’re books for kids and I don’t read those. When it comes to the art, however, there’s such an unlimited freedom in style and voice. If you get your bearings in place as an illustrator, the possibilities for experimentation across storylines are vast. Afterall, the kids aren’t really going to pick up on the technical stuff, right?

When I ventured out to B&N last weekend, it was intimidating to flip through the old and new. It’s similar to finding new music or being critical of art in a museum—of course it’s all good on some level or it wouldn’t be there. The talent is obvious, some just speak to you more than others. That being said, I spent 2 hours reviewing eye-catching books– making art the priority. If the story reached new heights, then the book made the list. I’m not requesting gifts or anything, but here’s an easy way to check out the books that made the cut. Gabriel’s Children’s Books Wishlist

Rita, Dog #2
(also known as “the last dog we’re getting until one of them dies”)

Rita, Rita Pita, Pita Pit, Lovely Rita Meter Maid, damn dog. Those are just a few of the names that I’ve used to address our new puppy/dog. Last week my wife found a litter of three puppies that looked exactly like our first dog, Rosie–a lab/shepherd mix. They were perfectly cute, probably whiny, with razor-sharp teeth and uncontrollable bowels and bladders. We made our way out to the FLAG farm and met the last available puppy, Shannon. Meh. No connection, barked too much, and a bit mangy. Ready to leave and lying to ourselves by claiming, “we’ll sleep on it,” we said our goodbyes to the manager while eyeing this beautifully red-coated puppy that greeted us in the first kennel. She was the same size as Rosie and had the requisite cuteness to become a member of our family. Penny set her loose to give us a closer look and the little hound/lab mix threw herself into our arms. Rosie and Rita got along famously and looked like a pair ready for trouble.

Look into our eyes. You WILL feed us now.

At that moment, we felt ready to leave with her but we again said, “we’ll sleep on it.”

When it comes to dogs and the money they seem to siphon from my wallet, I must confess that I tend to be a little cheap if I can help it. I got cold feet the next day. I even resorted to asking for second opinions from people with two dogs, as if they could determine what would be best for us. The general feeling I had was that I, personally, didn’t feel the need for a second dog but that it would be good to provide a companion for Rosie. That and dogs are expensive and a pain in the ass to take on trips. I slept on it another night.

The second opinions did help because it reminded me of the thrill and love that I have for dogs. They’re like kids that don’t talk, which is awesome. (Sorry to any parents out there.) I stared at the photos and eventually gave in. Rita has been with us since Sunday afternoon. The only unfortunate issue is that she has heartworms for which she’s being admitted next Monday for intensive treatment. Other than that, it’s as if she’s been with us since she was born. Dogs and parents roll up together on the couch with just enough space.

If I reflect even further into the past, the illustrations I did in high school always spurred the same question from my peers, “Are you going to draw comic books when you grow up?” My response was “no,” but bear in mind that comic books and graphic novels had not made their way into movies (and classrooms!) in a mainstream way. I would have been embarrassed to admit that I did want to draw comics. I’m still recovering from the loss of the comics my parents threw away when I was a kid.

So, after years of pondering, bookmarking artists, attending my first comic convention, and falling in love with comics again, the beast is awake. I started drawing again a few weeks ago. It comes along with a few positive changes I’ve made in my life along with my wife. There was also that looming guilt of talking and not acting upon the conversation that I had with Mrs. Jennifer Burt, also known as gaiJen, just over a year ago in regards to starting a comic. The intention was there and the excitement of pursuing a great passion made it seem all too easy at the time. My brain nearly exploded when I also found out that this friend of over four years liked comics, too. What also makes this team-up interesting is that we have different tastes in styles, culture, and genre. I’m more into the American styles and Batman, of course. GaiJen loves Manga and indie comics.

Lucky for all you readers and unsuspecting future fans that the wheels of that comic are turning. I’m thankful to be in talks with gaiJen and helping her visualize HER stories. We’re in the first conceptual stage and tossing ideas back and forth. The character studies you see here are quick renderings of ideas that Jen produced a year ago, along with one or two from recent discussions.

Of course, I’ll keep you updated here on the progress and proclaim the web site address when it launches. Where this all goes, no one knows. I can say this: better get your autographs now or you’ll have to buy tickets to a comic-con and push through a crowd of mouth-breathing nerds to get to us.

This site is my best attempt to-date at integrating bits of social media and providing more personal information about me as a designer and individual. I suppose I’ve come to the realization (late) that even when it is business, it’s always personal. You can dress it up, be on your best behavior, and speak/write eloquently at all times but somehow the real you is going to be revealed at some point. Might as well be honest about it from day one. The revelation of the “real you” or “real me” isn’t a suggestion of something sinister, but merely to break down the anxiety that we have when we’re working together. There’s simply no point in putting on a show. If anything that just creates more problems. We’re either good employees and good people, or we’re not. For the record, I use my powers for good and not evil.

As for this blog, don’t expect something on design every time. What you see here will be my voice, and I’ll do my best to keep it mature within my definition of mature, of course.