Hello my friends- there is a lot going on right now. It has been 10 weeks since I found myself completely on my own as a professional illustrator. I have found that this has really been a test of faith, a test of skill, and a test of discipline.  To see what I am involved with and working on. I have several shows that will finish off the year, I might add one or two if I find the right ones. I am also running an incredible patreon campaign to color the bean comic. It is truly an epic undertaking and the support is growing.

Also my commissions are in full gear. I am always open to helping others follow their dreams. I want people to dream big, to see their dreams become reality and to enjoy the grand adventure. If I can help them create their books, design their characters and worlds, or just do art for them, than I too am accomplishing things.

Well keep creating and dreaming big.

When I first started putting together my Art Book for my Kickstarter project I thought it would be rather easy because I had a large selection of prints. Yet since they were all over the map in sense of style, story and feeling I struggled with a way on how to connect them. I really didn’t know how, until as I watched my kids play, I realized that even though I was following my own dream I still needed to include them and leave them a note to remember how important it is to follow a dream.

So I started to write and pretty soon my art book “Adventures for a Lazy Afternoon” became an open letter to them and any other dreamer out there. I wanted it to be personal and something special for their own kids. When this became my focus, writing the prose for the book became more personal.  I started to think if I was not around what message could I leave for them. What way could I talk to them from afar, when life brings us apart. It was through the book. Mind you I am not going anywhere – but you never know when you will be called on another adventure… so what message do you leave to those around you.

For me it was the gift of following a dream. It is the magic of adventuring, playing and the great power of imagination. That is part of my legacy – that they would be allowed to dream big.  There are other messages I want to leave them, but right now this is the most powerful, that they control their destinies – not I. I am just an old guide, giving them a little council to find a path, whatever it might be.

So what is your legacy? Your message? Do you have one? I hope so. I hope you take the time to create a message, using the talents that are hidden inside you waiting to be discovered. They are powerful gifts. Be willing to share them. Follow your dreams and look for the adventures life can offer and not dwell on the negative. It is up to you and you might be surprised at what your open letter to the world might be.  I am.

Everyone has something to offer – Everyone has a gift. Just people choose not to look for those gifts by using the phrase “I am not talented” or “I am too old” or “I don’t have time”.  You choose your path and if you start looking a little… gifts appear, talents become realized and the incredible power of those gifts become a message to someone else. You can and you should look to find ways to inspire other do something amazing.

Now that my project is done, the books shipped and things are settling down, I’ve realized my message has not changed. My open letter to my family is stronger than ever, and evolving a little. That makes me excited. There are many more stories to tell, many more adventures to follow and many more dreams to be realized. I hope they see that message as well and find ways to make their dreams powerful realities.

Keep creating. Keep finding ways to make things happen and never give up.

trav-

The Explorers 11×14

Sometimes the only thing we needed growing up was a couple of card board boxes. Those boxes could take us anywhere and many times those adventures were pretty dang fantastic. I know there is a little of me in here, especially with the need to have a realistic working cockpit. It was adventures like these that allowed our imaginations to soar. It’s our imaginations that let us explore new places, solve complex problems and even bring  a little peace in a very mixed up world. So remember don’t be afraid to play a little and keep creating.

trav-

As promised I am trying really hard to bring a little more love to my site here. Give you art while we wait for comic page updates. Hopefully there will be something everyday here to take you away.

]]> https://www.beanleafpress.com/comic/the-bean-400/ Mon, 13 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.beanleafpress.com/?p=4139

Well I now have 8 pages to add to book 3.  I am looking forward to it. I am really excited. Our next stretch goal will be a new book- though i am thinking of adding one at the 15,000 mark.

Thanks again for helping get the word out and supporting this tale. The more support means the more I can do with it.

Also It’s good to see bean again. I tell you the book format is soooo much better to enjoy. Updates dont seem as long.

Time is running out on the kickstarter project!

]]>

Island Watching 17×22

Just needed a peaceful moment of island watching…. especially with your best friends.

Also we are 1500 shy of the 10000 mark- which means 8 more pages to the book.

Keep creating.

The Mermaid’s Gift 17×22

My mom tells me that my grandpa tanner loved to fish. He would fish all the time and take her with him. (grandma didn’t mind, but hated cleaning the fish and would make him do it)

Just thought i could see him as a little boy fishing and if his imagination was anything like mind… well you get the picture.

Keep creating.

“Collecting Fuel”

So if you are not familiar with the comic- please go read it and find out how these relate to the epic adventure of a disgruntled dishwasher.

The relationship between Bean and Groggle is pretty special. Groggle always seemed to take time to help the Bean find his place in the Inn.

Groggle also made sure the Bean understood Herb lore and how to survive in the forest. Hopefully one day Bean will be able to put those skills to good use.

As we found out in the comics, Bean has run away from the inn several times, and it always seems to be Siv the Barkeep who brings him back. I can only imagine the conversation between the two, as Bean in his frustrations, vents to the Forest Walker on his desire not to return and the Forest Walker convincing him to come back.

I wanted to show Fencer as he was before the events of our story. Captain of a Velumni House in the southern states of Isabelle’s Sorrow and White Cove. He was promoted at a young age to the captain and held that position with great honor.

Typical afternoon between Gort and Ravna. It is truly a love hate relationship.

One of my favorite pieces that shows a quiet moment between the mistress of the inn and her champion the Barkeep. I think it fits them rather nicely.

That does it for this update. I am going to do some more. I really like exploring my world through some simple pictures. I hope you do as well. I think this will make for some different styles of story-telling.

well keep creating.

trav

I might offer these original inks up after ace. We shall see.

As usual I am sketching for FREE all weekend long. Plus there is an exclusive print that you can only pick up at con. I do one each year for them. They are first come, first serve. This years print is the image at the top.

The Bean Leaf Press booth is 401-403

There are always moments when one gets excited about finishing a piece. Last night was one of them, though let me tell you there were a few moments in there, that the frustration ran pretty high, as I tried to finish this. I am though pleased how it came out and it will be my submission to the Spectrum 18 book. Cross your fingers. Here’s the inks once again. Just click to see the original larger version.

Also no color update, due to Ben being ill. Let’s all wish him better. I have appreciated his unique color work on the comic. A fantastic job.

I am also getting ready to start a few more prints. I figure I need to get a coffee table book done soon:) maybe next year. Any thoughts?

Well back to the grind and to the adventures.

trav