First 4 Pages Done - Badin and the Secret of the Saami

Abstract close up from a panel on page 4

Badin and the Secret of the Saami is a grueling project. I have never worked so hard on a daily basis in my life. In addition to my regular photo retouching and illustration businesses, there is this mountain of a graphic novel that I am slowly climbing.

I am working daily and am fueled only by the vision of seeing it completed. So far, with 4 pages complete—ink, color and lettering—I only have 76 to go. That's easier said than done. However, as I work, I am becoming better and faster at drawing and using Manga Studio 5EX. During this entire process—which started in May, 2015—I have immersed myself in art books, videos and various drawing exercises. One of the recent books I am finishing up is called Extreme Perspective for Artists by David Chelsea. I have never read anything more technical and fun about art like this book. I have been trying to employ some of the concepts from this book into Badin and the Secret of the Saami. But it is a highly specialized book. To get more into the history of King Gustav III, I have also been reading Drottningholm, Palace by the Lakeside.

The most exciting part of this project so far is seeing the main characters come alive: Badin, King Gustav III, Princess Sofia Albertina and the Queen Mother Lovisa Ulrika. It is very emotional, in fact. As I said to my wife with tears welling up in my eyes, I wish Badin was still alive to see what I am doing. I have also grown to adore the Queen Mother, Princess Sofia and King Gustav III during my research. All of them walk and talk to me in my imagination.

I truly hope you will purchase and enjoy Badin and the Secret of the Saami when it is finished. I certainly am enjoying working on it.