Tuesday, February 23, 2010

From the Vault: Maddie & the Monster


Maddy and the Monster:
Years ago, after seeing some of the mini books Jon Morris was doing, I started hand making books for family members as gifts (I still owe one to my youngest niece and don't know when I'll find the time to make it for her). This book was for Julia's cousin's daughter Maddy. With a smile on her face she would call me 'monster' when I came to gatherings with the sole expectation that I'd chase her.





Ink & Stein:
This month's Ink & Stein (Saturday the 27th) is at a new location!
Based on the huge success of the gatherings (we have been getting 15-20+ people per month) we felt the need to move the event. The Corner Brewery, our former home, seemed like the ideal location. But they refused to accommodate us. They wouldn't reserve us space without a charge, they treated us like we were in the way, and ultimately were rude to our group. "Sorry we brought a group in monthly willing to buy food and drink Corner Brewery, we will annoy someone else with our spending."

After Katie Cook scoured the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area for a new location she found the MARRIOTT at Eagle Crest! The space is full of tables and chairs that are spread out in a well lit area. This may make it easier for Ink & Stein-ers to socialize and not be locked into one seat as they were at the Brewery. The only drawback is the Bar closes at 11pm. However, it looks like we can hang out after that, but just not order any more.

So if you are an artist (or writer) in the Southeastern MI area, come join other like-minded folks the last Saturday of every month at the Ypsilanti Marriott at Eagle Crest from 7-11pm



Fan Art:
Jason Bradley sent this to me. His inspiration for the two panel strip was Steinbeck (obviously) and the Bugs Bunny Cartoons with Gossamer. Thanks Jason!


Upcoming Appearances:*
----2010----
Alaska Library Conference: March 4-7
CGS Supershow: March 27-28
C2E2 (Archaia Booth): April 16-18
Motor City Con: May 14-16
San Diego (Artist Alley): July 22-25
Baltimore Comic Con: August 28-29
*more 2010 dates may be added

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest!! The kitchen closes at 11:00pm, but the bar will stay open til 2:00am if guests are hanging out after 11:00pm!

RM Ygona said...

Thanks for making Ypsi Ink & Stein happen!

I've been looking forward to meeting other local artists when my wife and I move to Ann Arbor this fall. Sad to hear about the Brewery situation, but happy to know that it was because the group is growing.

TwiceBorn said...

I wish you could publish that little monster book. I would love to have it.

katie cook said...

oooooooove the little monster book! it's so cute!

Mayhem said...

Indeed, the monster book is a great idea :)

DPetersen said...

Anonymous: From what the bartender told us, the bar closes at 11pm. If you are correct though, that would be even cooler!

R. Mark: We are glad you are going to try us out. Unfortunately I don't know how much of the corner Brewery's lack of service was due to our growth...seemed more like they didn't understand us and were not willing to find out.

Re: Monster Book: I do like this character. I even designed a plush of him once that would have a weighted bottom so he stood upright.

Unfortunately, I think Monsters INC covered much of the ground I would have used with a bigger version of this book.

Doc Shaner said...

The new venue for the Drink n' Draw looks great, could not be more jealous.

Love the monster book too, lots of fun.

Jason Bradley said...

Thanks for posting the fan art.

I did it all in flash using vectors. Took awhile. But the process was very educational for me. I was glad I did it. I never knew how hard or how long it took to do panels like that. The process greatly increased my respect for you and what you do!

I still don't like the dialogue for the poor little mouse. It really didn't need any. But Kenzie turned out too small in the first panel. Dialogue is probably harder to do than the artwork. sheesh.

The background is from a reference picture of the Salinas River in California which is where the start of, Of Mice and Men starts out. I enjoyed that small bit of authenticity, even though it's not really important in the long run.

Thanks David. You're a sweet heart!

Anonymous said...

Was Rand originally suposed to die in winter 1152? In Landra's bio it says somthing about her taking over Rand's job after he was wounded and fell in the winter of 1152...

(sorry about the spelling, i'm danish so...)

DPetersen said...

Anonymous: I had forgotten I wrote that into her bio! I did go back and forth on if he would survive. I knew I had some other things I wanted him to do after Winter, but liked the emotional gravity of having his death a direct result of Abagail's love of Midnight and his ideals.

Ultimately I went with him living. I'll change Landra's bio soon

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