The BBC launched a popular Sherlock Holmes television series, and as an illustrator, I've had all sorts of requests for “fan art” which I am happy to share. He has played an important role in the development of modern day forensics, but not without a controversial book banning. All of which adds to his appeal so I thought it would be a perfect topic for discussion.
This month I sold a beautiful, old copy of Jane Eyre which is about a courageous young woman who falls in love. The timing was auspicious, so I thought I'd also discuss a client's book series whose covers I designed. “Child of the Mountain Gods” is a modern take on Charlotte Bronte's feminist heroine and trailblazer writing style.
On March 14th we celebrate International Pi Day. “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel tells the story of a young Indian who is lost at sea in a lifeboat with an orangutan, a zebra, a hyena, and a tiger. A reviewer wrote that “Life of Pi” was about God, survival, and tiger training. I showed my fine art at a Big Cat Rescue Fundraiser in Tampa which rescues exotic cats and rehabilitates injured or orphaned native wild cats. Big Cat Rescue was the subject of Netflix's “Tiger King” not long after the fundraiser.
“Where the Red Fern Grows” is one of the most popular children's stories ever written. Throughout the novel, we see how love, and not just loyalty, enables the boy and his dogs to persist and overcome. “Where the Red Fern Grows” has been banned for its content dealing with violence and death. Eileen, my friend who was a dog trainer, was also a licensed massage therapist and treated both new mothers and their babies. She saw in her practice that our lives, from beginning to end, resemble a complete, full circle.
I've been a commercial illustrator for 25+ years and I recently finished a watercolor character sketch of two super heros for a small business. I thought I'd write about what it takes to become a comic book illustrator, and why you might never get the chance if you're trying to learn while in prison.
