A piece in this weekend’s New York Times Book Review It accompanies a review of “The Great Night”, by Chris Adrian: a retelling (of sorts) of Shakespeare’s “Midsummer’s Night Dream”. AD Nicholas Blechman.

I have been getting a lot of questions lately about consistency of “style”. Which, of course, I interpret to mean, “your work is inconsistent. I thought that was bad?” Har. Anyway, my personal thoughts on the matter:

- a consistent style is definitely beneficial when you’re just starting out as an illustrator. I would recommend a tight portfolio of about 12 quality images.

- there are other things that define and link your work than surface appearance.

- you’re not a machine and you’re allowed to evolve and change. Illustration is such a fad/trend driven industry; that what is popular today will likely be dated sometime down the road. I actually try to see experimentation and change as an investment in my own longevity. Maybe I’m naive, but that’s what I tell myself.

Hey all,
The studio will be CLOSED May 5-13. Why? Toronto and TCAF! I made this year’s poster! I will be on a panel with Adrian Tomine and Lorenzo Mattotti (!?)! TCAF is always great! Come visit! (Details below.)

Here is my TCAF schedule:

SATURDAY, May 7

Signing, Beguiling/D+Q Table: 1:30-3:30

A6: Balancing a Canadian Identity w/ Working in the Mainstream
Panelists: Darwyn Cooke, Ray Fawkes, Kathryn and Stuart Immonen, and Jillian Tamaki
Moderated by Robin McConnell
Location: The Pilot
Time: 3:30 – 4:30

What part does being a Canadian play in a comic creator’s storytelling? With many of the largest comics companies being based in the United States, and publishers and an audience that have a US sensibility, how do Canadian creators retain their sense of self while working on licensed properties, or even graphic novels edited and published by people not from the same country that they are? This panel examines the Canadian identity in terms of the mainstream comics market.

7: Doug Wright Award Ceremony… my book Indoor Voice is nominated!

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Saturday, May 8

U2: Illustration
Panelists: Lorenzo Mattotti, Jillian Tamaki, Adrian Tomine
Moderated by Caitlin McGurk
Location: The Pilot
Time: 12:30 – 1:30

Many cartoonists also have a career in illustration. Come listen to four prestigious comics artists and illustrators discuss the difference between creating in a narrative form (comics) and a static one (illustration).

Signing, Beguiling/D+Q Table: 1:30-3:30

So please come visit me if you’re in Toronto. Indoor Voice and Skim will be available. All info here.

I drew this picture of Dazzler (the character I played with in the Strange Tales II book) at MoCCA party a few weeks ago for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. If you like it, you can buy it.

I was originally going to write some heartfelt lyrics from the song she’s composing, but then I felt tired and didn’t.

Oh yeah! The Strange Tales II book is now out and currently mystifying mainstream comics fans!

Some of you may have already noticed, but I’m making it official: I’m only posting SMMA comics at mutantmagic.com from now on. You can follow the kids’ adventures via tumblr or RSS. There’s just too many of them now and there’s progressively more morbidity and swearing, so I’m trying to make it a separate thing. This blog will focus on the usual illustration and comics topics.

If you haven’t been following, you’re in for a treat. I’ve been posting regularly and you have lot of little comics waiting for you.

I’m honored to have done this year’s Best American Comics cover. The guest editor for this year is Alison Bechdel, the series editors are Jessica Abel and Matt Madden. The book is available for pre-order on Amazon.

Here are some alternate sketches. They’re done completely on the Cintiq. I don’t really use the Cintiq for final art, but I’ve found it a boon to the sketch/planning phase. The embroidered Penguin covers were also completely “sketched” out on a Cintiq. I like the ability to scale, rotate, crop, etc. It can be hard to make those big decisions on paper sometimes. Plus, I mean, CMD+Z.

MoCCA Fest is almost upon us. And with it comes a mini-flurry of signings.

Friday, April 8, 4.30PM: I’m signing with Joe Ollmann at The Strand. Creators will be signing throughout the day.

Saturday, April 9: I’ll be at MoCCA (Lex Ave Armory, check the above link for details), D&Q booth, 12-2.

[NEW!] Saturday, April 9: Marvel Strange Tales II Release Party + Signing, The Mad Hatter, 360 Third Ave (at 26th St.), 7-9

You can pick up a copy of Indoor Voice at The Strand + MoCCA. SKIM may be available in limited quantities too. I’m always happy to meet you and sign a book you’ve already bought, of course.

I can’t tell you how happy I am to finally be able to share this project with you. It pretty much consumed my life for the first 2 months of this year.

Penguin Classics! What a dream project. When I first did my Monster Quilt, I said I wouldn’t take commissions in embroidery… unless Penguin called me for a Penguin Classics cover. Sometimes you get what you wish for (times three).

The covers wraparound, and include french flaps. You can view larger versions here by clicking:

I’ve included a few photos of the works in progress below. There are more “making-of” pics, but we’re saving them for when the books will be released in the Fall. Thanks to Paul Buckley for the amazing gig. Also thanks to Stella Lee for her help with the tiny lettering.

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UPDATE/FAQ:

-”Can I post about these on my blog?” Yes. If you’d like to feature the Penguin Threads project on your blog, that is fine. A linkback is appreciated.

-”When will the books be available?” October, 2011.

-”Will they be limited edition/available in my country?” I believe they will be similar to the other Penguin Deluxe Classics, which are widely available in most major and indie bookstores. They will be available in many International markets, but I can’t speak to your specific country.

-”How will they be printed?” They will NOT be individual embroidered objects. I’m not really sure how that would be possible without making the final product exorbitantly expensive. They will, however, be beautifully produced, printed with a sculptural-embossing technique that will emphasize the stitches. They will be tactile objects.

-”Do you have an Etsy store?” I do not.

Please direct all press inquiries to Sonya at sonya.cheuse@us.penguingroup.com

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