Researching for Badin and the Secret of the Saami

Furniture, clothing, vehicles. These seem so unimportant. However, for an American artist illustrating a graphic novel that takes place in Sweden during the 1760s, an intense amount of time must be invested in researching how these things appeared. Having some basic knowledge of Swedish and some Swedish friends is also crucial to finding the best sources on the internet.

Now that the full script is complete (with some continuous editing here and there), I am creating the model sheets of the characters and locations. I find this kind of work to be more enjoyable on my drawing table with pencil. Sitting at this computer is nice for gathering and organizing the information. Although I draw with the computer for much of the week, this project is a very different from my typical illustration work. By the way, I have been using Scrivener for organizing. It is an amazing writing tool.

While my script is in the hands of two unnamed individuals with whom I require a quick to read to see if the story is accomplishing what I want, I have been dabbling in thumbnail creation on the script. However, I think I was getting ahead of myself. The model sheets are very important to create first. Duran Textiles in Sweden has a site with amazing pictures of clothing from 18th century Sweden that will make clothing creation for my characters much easier.

I wish I could share with you the model sheets—especially of our hero, Badin. However, that would be spoiling things. Maybe I'll share an abstract of a cropped portion as a teaser when I am done with the model sheets. Suffice it to say, I think you will be pleased with what you see in the graphic novel.

Badin and the Secret of the Sámi script finished

Almost 2 months after finishing the outline, I have before me 100 pages of the full script of Badin and the Secret of the Sámi. For those who do not know who Badin is, read this excellent article by Madubuko A. Diakité. Those unfamiliar with the Sámi people, browse the many articles at the University of Texas.

As I write this, I am going through the first edit. There are quite a few holes that need patching in the story. However, according to my assistants, it is fun, action-packed and heart-wrenching. While we're going through the first edit, I have begun sketching thumbnail panels on each script page—fleshing out angles and placement of various elements.

I am also beginning to organize my source materials and sketching concepts of the characters and scenes. A new program I purchased calle Scrivener should help me with the process. The challenge to finish this within the next few months is daunting. However, I believe I can do it with the help of the Creator and a few sleepless nights.

In addition to the graphic novel portion, I plan to include lots of extra features with behind-the-scenes information, real history and concept art. That too is being organized.

Through this historical fiction of real people, I want to make the world proud of Sweden and its diversity. Skål!

Ambitious Graphic Novel Project

I am engaged in a project unlike anything I have done in the past. Making two children's picture books, Swedish Girl of Motala and Knös the Giant were grueling and heart-wrenching in more ways than one. However, this new one is testing all of my will. It is a historical fiction graphic novel called Badin and the Secret of the Sámi.

First, I am proceeding with a strict method and process. This means writing first and illustrating second. I did this with my other books, but not with so many steps. This time, I started with a huge outline, full of detail, art direction and dialogue. The next step is to complete a full script. This helps shake out all the unnecessary stuff and turn the focus toward art direction, to form a concise blueprint for the illustrations.

Second, I plan to create it using a new program called Manga Studio 5EX. Currently, I use Manga Studio 4EX to do most of my illustrations on sale as royalty-free stock images. The new program requires extra training. It is more than likely I will produce my rough draft of the graphic novel on real paper so I can mentally place script elements in a satisfactory manner.

Third, there are many, many elements of the story that require a great deal of research. Suffice it to say, I have been busy checking out various library books about Sweden, its royal family during the 1700's and Sámi culture.

I hope to share more about this project as I progress. Right now I'm still writing the full script.

Comic Book Short: Mission to Titan

Comic created with Manga Studio 4EX

Article about life features my game show cartoon

I was pleasantly surprised to see "Nervous Game Show Contestants" featured in a blog article by Dr. Bart Barrett. He writes about religion and medicine. It's quite a good article too. Thanks Dr. Barrett!

New Book: The Swedish Girl of Motala

In this second children's book, I describe how a Swedish child of African immigrants becomes a leader in her city. This story illustrates a serious social problem in Sweden, while presenting solutions within a story of hope and inspiration. Ages 4-8.

The Swedish Girl of Motala is available for purchase at Lulu.com.

New Book: Knös, the Giant

If a giant born from an egg can save a king's daughter from a 10-headed troll, you can do anything. However, you need a few swords and a couple of good friends to get you through it.

This little book is my adaptation of a famous Swedish fairy tale of the same name. There are only a few differences between my version and the classical story. The most obvious difference is the hero has dark brown skin and curly black hair. Also, one of his friends is Asian. Other than that, it's really no different from the original.

Sweden is a beautiful land with beautiful people. However, it is suffering from problems related to skin color and religion. I hope this book helps Swedes learn to live with and tolerate each other.

Knös the Giant is available for purchase from Lulu.com.

You may preview a few pages from the book below.