Page 15 Done for Badin and the Secret of the Saami

A forest scene abstract from page 15

I have been so deep into Badin and the Secret of the Saami that I have not been able to take time to create a thoughtful journal entry.

I also have been struggling with family issues and trying to keep my general retouching and illustration business afloat. Life is very hard for me right now and I fight daily with the urge to just give up on any hopes of being a full-time artist along with finishing an 80 page graphic novel.

Talking about Sweden

Nevertheless, the desire to complete this project is growing intensely as time passes—and I continue to invest huge chunks of my time into it (With this project and regular work, I am averaging 50 hours of solid work per week). When I think about the Black pioneers like Badin and the people of Sweden and the friends who want me to finish this, I get the inspiration I need to break the barrier of self-doubt. I was recently inspired by a friend name Donelle who invited me to bring my books and postcards for Badin and the Secret of the Saami and help her represent Sweden for International Day at MCC Academy. When you meet people like that—the type who go out of their way to help you succeed—I remember that there is a Divine Hand involved in all things. We just need to have faith in what we are born to accomplish.

I am still conducting research in the midst of completing the mini-sagas in addition to training myself on drawing certain objects such as trees and animals (You can buy the latest mini-sagas here). Some may think it easy to draw mundane object. It is not. This is especially true when trying to capture the essence of specific flora and fauna. Trees in Sweden are typically not found in Boliva. So the forests will look different. I have to capture that "look" of Sweden.

I think I have some of the general 18th century fashion down. The characters are also coming to life. Page 15 introduces the main Saami character. He will be featured along with Badin in the next promotional poster (Download the previously released posters here).

As of this morning, I have 4 more pages for Act I. With this, I plan to actively pursue an agent—also while finishing the other acts. Thank you for your support!

Vaarvaa - The First Minisaga for Badin and the Secret of the Saami

I have reached an important milestone for Badin and the Secret of the Saami with the release of Vaarvaa. It is the perfect herald for the story. I cannot offer any spoilers. It's short. It's deep. It is the introduction of the forthcoming graphic novel.

I plan to publish 2 or 3 more mini-sagas. These are exclusive online only editions that will not be included in the graphic novel. However, I do intend to include them in the Special Edition of the graphic novel. The Special Edition will be a much more expensive and expansive book with Director's Notes, non-fiction history, behind-the-scenes and concept artwork.

Please buy Vaarvaa at my Lulu store.

I also uploaded a video about the illustration part of the minisaga. Most of it is text. But the art part had alot of planning. Check it out video. Then buy the minisaga.

First Vignette is Almost Finished - Badin and the Secret of the Saami

I just finished the color and lettering for the first introductory vignette for Badin and the Secret of the Saami. It is called "Vaarvaa." These are called vignettes because the are not the story in and of itself. Nor are they teasers because they are not part of the script or main story. However, they focus on aspects of the story to give it an appealing background .

These will be free of charge—for awhile at least.

It should be released within a few days. Since it contains a prologue and—believe it or not—a glossary outlining little historical and historical fiction details, I need to lay it out properly in InDesign.