The Bean in color – really?? Can it happen?

Yes I am going to color the Bean. Patreon.com is a way that can make it possible. It allows you to help fund the coloring and get some cool rewards in return for your support.  It’s new way to help fans become patrons of the arts and little costs, help creators finish projects and be part of the entire process.

“The Bean” (all 590+ pages and growing) has been published as a black and white comic since its beginning. It was nominated for an Eisner in 2011. I have published 3 volumes of the comics in black and white but have come to realize, that my readers would have a greater visual experience and the story could become more powerful if “The Bean” was to be produced in color, the way I originally envisioned it.

This has been a labor of love for many years. Unfortunately, it has been a hobby and I have not been able to focus on more than one page a week. There are bills to be paid and mouths to be fed. Yet I still believe in the dream and even in the tough times, I have always updated and given Bean’s story to the world for free.

I want to finish Bean’s story and have it be read and loved. I want people to be able to imagine themselves there with Bean in his adventures in full color, just how I first envisioned it. A full color epic story about the transformation of a young boy in to someone more than he ever imagined himself to be.

So why am I here on Patreon?
All through the ages, people with vision have supported the arts. These are people who know what it takes to produce excellent work and to help the artists be able to produce great works of lasting beauty that everyone can enjoy. These are people who want to make a difference in the lives of others, not just in the artists they support, but a difference in the whole world as they contribute what they can so that the artist has time and money to create works that will benefit and change the world for the better. I know that out there somewhere, there are extraordinary people with vision and means who would be willing to contribute a little each month to help see that “The Bean” gets finished in a timely manner in full color. I know that the story of Bean will change hearts and change what people think is possible, just as Bean changes with the help of those he comes into contact with throughout his journey into a greater individual.

The more money contributed to this campaign, the more this will allow me to finish this incredible package and offer you more in return. It will allow me to dedicate more time to finish “The Bean” books and go back and produce color versions that will inspire and delight the readers. Your part in this journey, starts with the first step to become involved with Patreon. You can help make a difference in the world with your generous support.

At this time of my life, I am committed to dedicating my time to making this world a better place for all to enjoy. I am committed to telling the stories of inspiration and hope, illustrating them with imaginative artwork, and helping people to find their own happiness and joy through service and imagination.

What and When are the updates?
With the help of flattener Darne Lang, we will update the color pages from the beginning of Book 1 twice a week. I will continue to add 1 new inked pages to Bean’s current story every week.  There will now be weekly comic updates 3 times a week. The more money that is contributed, the more pages will be completed. My ultimate goal would be to update Bean’s story with both color and b/w pages 5 times a week.

Bean will always be free to read online, but those special people who become a patrons, in addition to helping complete this project, will also have special access to the parteon blog where there will be original sketches you can print out to enjoy, preview art, special contests and opportunities to comment, chat and be the first to preview the story pages before everyone else get to see them. Your feedback, as a patron of the arts, is very important to me and many times the story has incorporated the ideas that you have shared with me. As you contribute, there will be opportunities for you to be able to receive a copy of each new book as it is printed, depending on your level of contribution.

Thank you so much for your support in Bean’s story over the years. I have appreciated that you have shared his story, contributed to the funding and strengthened me to keep moving forward. I am very excited to finally be able to see Bean move in such a positive and incredible direction. I could never have come this far without your help, your encouragement, your financial support, and your belief in the power of changing the world through following your dreams. I promise to continue to make this adventure of a humble dishwasher an incredible ride. Please commit your financial support today to keep this dream alive. As little as one dollar can get you started as a Patron of the Arts.

Keep creating, keep dreaming and keep believing.
Travis Hanson