A new book release...and some R&R

Happy MLK day! Are you off or are you working?

I have been away and I'm catching up in the studio, but thought I would pop in to post a couple of things...

First, I wanted to mention a book that I enjoyed working on this past year: Good Habits, Bad Habits - which was recently released. The author, Wendy Wood is Provost Professor of Psychology at The University of Southern California.

From the publisher: "She has written for The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, Time magazine, and USA Today, and on NPR."

I was interviewed and hired directly by Wendy (rather than the publisher) prior to the book going to final editing at MacMillan This was a little different than straight book illustration, in that each piece needed to have a written element to it: a concept to communicate the author's point and to make the grab the reader's attention with something funny. Slow down, stop skimming, this is a key point, etc. (This is what I do for corporate clients regularly, but not that often in book illustration.)

Wendy initially hired me for a test-run, to write a concept to explain and depict a sample theme. After doing one piece for her and making her laugh, I signed a contract to do the rest. 

I chatted with Wendy over the phone about some of the themes in her book, and then I wrote some more concepts, which were later turned into cartoons and chapter-leading illustrations for the book. An example below...

I enjoyed reading the author's manuscript even more than usual, as the subject matter is interesting to me. I am fascinated by the process of establishing habits, and had previously read other books in this genre, (including Charles Duhigg's now classic "The Power of Habit" as well as "Grit" by Angela Duckworth, who wrote the review blurb on this book's front cover).

I was recently notified that Good Habits, Bad Habits is off to a healthy start, with positive reviews and strong sales.

Several other jobs have been on the board, but I don't really want to type much more here, or risk boring you.

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Lastly, as I alluded to above, my family and I were out of town for two weeks, and we're now back home from a 3-generation family jaunt. After a long period of work, it was time to unwind.

We began by skiing right before Christmas...lots of early season snow has made the resorts and folks like me in Colorado quite happy. I snuck up for some runs with Julia before the crowds - and celebrations - descended.

Shortly afterward, we embarked into a different climate, on a tremendously enjoyable trip to the Caribbean. I'm not a big beach vacation guy. I saw the Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands years ago,  and though I appreciate warm climates, that sort of trip is not my first choice. You're more likely to see me skiing, biking, hiking, riding motorcycles, rock climbing or exploring - rather than sitting on a beach.

Also, my wife and I have never wanted to take a cruise. It just sounded too "prearranged" with little freedom to explore. But after my Mom and Brother implored us, we decided to try it. Wow, what a pleasant surprise.

My wife daughter and I joined my brother and his family along with my mother in San Juan Puerto Rico, and then boarded a ship that visited several island areas.  But this trip added a few elements that made it more active.

We started in Barbados where we ended up doing some diving near a shipwreck off the coast of Bridgetown. My daughter Julia was amazed at the clear blue waters, allowing one to see well into the depths.

                                                     Exploring the reefs in Barbados

Next was Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis...snorkeling and swimming in shallow waters, with some friendly stingrays and sea turtles.

                                                                   St. Kitts



After that, Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Climbing through the stunning "Baths" rock formations was challenging and fun...The formations are closely related to those at Red Rocks amphitheater here in Colorado. It was my second time here, however the first visit allowed much less time for exploring...as it was just a quick boat drop for snorkeling.

The Baths rock formations at Virgin Gorda/Tortola 

The last stop was St. Thomas and nearby National park known as St. John. (Also our second visit here) We took in breathtaking beaches and snorkeled, swimming with brightly colored fish dancing beneath the waters along the reefs. After 9 days, Beth, Julia and I were less 'winter pale', a bit blonder, and despite all the activity, I hate to say it, a little less lean...it is hard to avoid when eating out continually.

This was a perfect family trip for three generations...lots to see, many beaches, activities for the kids and opportunities to choose among them for my Mom.

I'm happy to be back in the studio, refreshed and ready to go...(but first must empty sand from my shoes, and a desire to sit out in the sun from my mind.)

I hope your year is off to a fantastic start!