Act 3 Thumbnail Layouts for Badin and the Secret of the Saami

23 layout pages in about 2 weeks

I went through lead and built up piles of eraser bits like a mad man for the third act of Badin and the Secret of the Saami. I have neglected household chores, slacked off on seeking new work for my "day" job, regular sleep hours—again—and have gotten poorer for it.

However, I do not believe in being poor forever! So that is why I really want to finish this stage of the graphic novel's production. Moreover, I feel the world needs to know this story and its main character, Badin.

Act 3 is a major shift of events in the story: The antagonist is fully revealed and the conflict between good and evil becomes clear. It is also the act where the action ramps up substantially.

One thing I like about Act 3 is all the attention I give to Swedish folklore and the connections between Saami shamanism, humanity and nature. Artistically, this one is also full of challenges: Nature scenes, animals and some strange lighting effects will push my abilities beyond the limits of my experience. This proves the importance of creating "loose gestures" with pencil. To agonize over details at such an early stage can be quite frustrating.

For obvious reasons, you can barely see anything of detail in the picture above. However, I just wanted to share with the world that I am moving along at a decent pace.

Act 2 Thumbnail Layouts for Badin and the Secret of the Saami

Act 2 all laid out

This is proof I am still working hard. At left is an grainy photo of Act 2 layout thumbnails for Badin and the Secret of the Saami that someone made while in my secret hideout the other week.

I am really having fun experimenting with composition and making the story flow. As of this writing, I'm almost finished with Act 3. After that, it will be Act 4 and then I can finally start inking the graphic novel.

As I make more progress, expect to see more. I am also collaborating with another writer to create some more vignettes. I completely finished the first vignette this week and shared it with a handful of advisers. With the exception of including it in the Special Edition, I do not have any plans to release it.

Stumbling Block Removed for Badin and the Secret of the Saami

After almost a month of agonizing and nail-biting when I first shared the stumbling block, I am happy to declare that the problems with Act 2 of Badin and the Secret of the Saami have been resolved! This part of the story is critical to making Badin's motivations real. You'll see it when it's published next year.

This is an exciting moment because I can return to creating thumbnail layouts for the rest of Act 2 and move more swiftly with Acts 3 and 4.

While doing this, I also created 3 more posters to promote the graphic novel. You will see them in coming months. I really would appreciate your help in using them on your websites and send to friends. I have a great story to tell and you will be inspired from it.

The bad part is that the time is 12:15 in the morning and I'm supposed to be in bed. I also cancelled the automatic shutdown of my computer. The good thing is, if I had not written this blog entry, I would have been in bed. So I did stop working before it started to shut-down.

The picture at left is an abstract from the first vignette (not yet released). I hope you find it interesting and inspiring.

The Secret is Out: Poster #1 Badin and the Secret of the Saami

A brave child.
A people on the brink of extinction.
A dangerous discovery.

You are about to partake in a fascinating historical fiction adventure located in one of 18th century Europe's mightiest kingdoms. I guarantee a thrilling and enlightening ride! Release date is Fall 2016.

Today I am officially releasing the first promotional item for Badin and the Secret of the Saami. After many hours of research, I have selected a typeface for the titles. I would like all my friends, co-workers and family to use these posters in your digital avatars, wallpaper and anywhere else you want to promote it.

Download a low-resolution poster (for your website, Facebook page, avatar, wallpaper).

Download a Facebook Cover Page (sized perfectly for your page cover photo slot)

Download a high-resolution poster (for printing and displaying on a real wall).

Download an avatar (for your website, favicon other other small symbol that represents your persona online).

Download another avatar (for your website, favicon other other small symbol that represents your persona online).