The book is free!!!

Hey friends! So I have decided to make the book available as a free download. As important as it is to raise the money, it's also important to raise awareness. So please download the book and if you really like it, do at least one of two things:

1) Tweet, Re-blog, post on Facebook, etc about this book and cause.

The buttons are down below by the comments.

AND/OR

2) Buy a book or make a donation to an organization that supports this cause, like Blood: Water Mission

If you don't like the book, do one or both of the above anyway. It's for a good cause!!

So please download the book here or click the image below. 

To buy a book, please use the PayPal button to the right OR donate directly to Blood: Water Mission. I make sure to sign every book and even do a little doodle ;). I should probably add, I don't make any money on the book. I paid for the printing myself and I reimburse myself for the cost of shipping only. All of the rest of the money goes to cleaner water and brighter futures :).

Thanks folks!

Look Mom, I'm Famous!!

Ok, not really. Back in October, Target was putting a show at a local gallery and asked its creative staff if they wanted to join. I was planning on creating and submitting new artwork, but I was right in the thick of moving that I was unable to follow through on that. BUT I was able to submit I NEED YOU BLUE which was really great! Unfortunately I was out of state and wasn't able to attend, but here are a couple of photos of the event. Yay! A big thanks to those who purchased the book and supported the cause!

Mucho Needo Update-o

Hey folks!

Here's a quick and much needed update.

1) The book is now for sale online via Paypal!! The button is to the right.
2) We're (yes, you too) almost at a 100 books sold, BUT we're already over $1000! Some of you have gone above and beyond with your generosity. THANK YOU! Keep popping back in to see how much has been raised.
3) A quick thanks to my sis who's a marketing prodigy so I'm thinking I'll need to be putting in another order of books soon, which was unplanned, but I don't want to run out before Comic Con!
4) Word on the street is broccoli tag is sweeping the nation. (If you read the book, you know exactly what I'm talking 'bout. Buy the book to get the 411)

Thanks again for all of the positive feedback! Ultra word!!!

Definition of Super Awesome

There is no written definition of Super Awesome. Webster's only has the photo below.


What is it, you ask? My good buddy at work, Ted, purchased the book for his sons and one of them, Lucas (who apparently asked for an art desk for Xmas), LOVED the book so much (those are Ted's words!) started illustrating the book. You can tell from the bold, confident strokes of the marker, he's truly capturing the raw emotion, the ups and downs, of the book.

Great job Lucas! It's people like you that make the hard work worthwhile. Since I am making no money on the book, that right there is payment enough. Keep up the awesome...no, SUPER AWESOME work!

What's the Story Again?!

So I've been asked to post a quick synopsis of the story.

It's a story about a boy, Dewey, and his best friend, Blue (a super cool glob of water). They do everything together. Dewey finds out that friendships aren't all about giggles, sometimes tough decisions need to be made.

When I set out to create this book for charity (providing water to those who don't have it), I wanted the story to reflect the nature of the charity so the undertone is the importance of water (Blue).

Also, since you've been asking I'm looking to see what the best solution to sell online. So stay tuned!

Thanks folks!!!

Plush!!

A quick update:

So far things are going far better than expected. In less than a week we've (yes, I'm including you) managed to raise a little over $400. I was expecting maybe $100 or so, but you guys have been AMAZING and super generous...and I love you. Shhhhh. Just follow your heart.

ANYWAYS, here's a tid bit of exclusive info - For Comic Con (Wizard World) I'll be taking some Blue stuffed plush. Here's a sneak peek of the design. Enjoy!!

You can't get any more doner than done!

So after a year of concepting, re-writing, illustrating, re-illustrating, playing video games, proofing, the books are 100% done and delivered!


HUGE thanks to all who've helped along the way either with the story, critiquing, or proofing. I realized I should just stick to drawing, which defeats the purpose of this whole blog thing, huh? The English language is waaaay too complex. I had about 8 folks proofread the book and nobody was consistent. I'm not saying they're not smart, I'm just saying...dang, I'm glad my career doesn't involve too much writing. I'm sure you're glad too.

I'm sure the entire interweb is buzzing about how they can get their hands on this piece of amazing. Unfortunately for right now you have to be at Comic Con in Chicago in August or know me personally. I think choice A is ultimately more rewarding in the long run.

Thanks again to all who've been along the ride this long. Sadly (or fortunately, depending on how you view this blog) this will be one of the last few postings since all of the work is gone, but I will check back in to let you know how much money was raised and if there are any great stories to share. If you are having withdrawals, you can check out my personal blog here: http://idothedirtywork.blogspot.com/ where I'll post stuff I'm working on.

Have an awesome life!!

I'll have a little blood with my water

Ok, I know that sounds a bit disgusting. Well, man up. So after much deliberation, the charity chosen to receive the all of the $$$ from the book is Blood:Water Mission.


I did my research and there were a number of great charities I could've chosen, but in the end it came back to this group (it didn't hurt that graphically we're on the same page. One of their posters has a similar look to something I'm doing for the Chicago Comic Con this August. More on that later). They're fairly small and a little bit of money goes a long way. Their focus is not only providing a sustainable solution to the water crisis in Africa, but also the HIV/AIDS crisis as well. Hospitals sometimes lack CLEAN water to treat patients, so I'm hoping whatever we can give them, will really help out. So I encourage you to check them out and even if you don't get a book, consider what you can do to help them or a similar charity.

Thanks for listening! Word!

Mucho Needed Update!

Ok folks! It's been a while, I know. Here's what's been up:

a) Book is done - 100%. I'm actually waiting for my proofs. I've been working with a great printer my nephew was working with. You may know Shutterfly as the online service that helps you create and print mementos, but they also have a business solution side that they don't advertise too much. I'm not sure why, but I had a great experience and they've been great partners thus far. Always there to answer a question and their awesome staff also helped catch a couple spelling errors (side note - that's why I'm an artist)!
B) Oh yes! Thanks for all who voted (either through the site or via email). THE FINAL book cover will be......................(pause for effect).............Option A! Some of you made great arguments for Option B, so I worked elements of that design into the back cover.

Stay tuned for info on the chosen charity! Thanks again! Word!

Pick your fav

So the book is done and I designed the cover today, but I'm not sure which one I like the best. Here are the 3 I've narrowed it down to. I have my fav, but I wanted to give you guys the opportunity to vote a cover off the island. Thanks! Word!