Campaign worth supporting-They Call Me Mix (kids book)

Hey folks! Ok all my children's book lovers, authors, illustrators, librarians, bk sellers, advocates....come closer. This book is at 202 backers. We need to get it to 250. Doesn't matter if you donate $1 or $500. Let's get this book by a two POC authors made. Not only is it written and illustrated by them, it focuses on gender and what it means-especially for young students preschool to elementary school age. Put this on your networks and follow the page  and 

here is a link to the kickstarter

Author: Lourdes

Illustrator: Breena Nunez

Furqan's First Flat Top UPDATE 4

Peace everyone, this is for folks who supported my kickstarter campaign for "Furqan's Furst Flat Top" back in the summer of 2014. If you check your kickstarter emails regularly you already know I got the proofs back from the printer, but if you have not received the messages here is a quick update. I just got the actual book (YES, the real book) in the mail and it looks incredible. The printer will let me know shortly when they arrive from Singapore to Oakland. I'm estimating 5 weeks but I will return with a definite date so you know when to expect yours in the mail. For now, thank you for your patience and support. This process has taken a lot longer than I thought it would and I can't wait to share the book with you and the little ones in your life.

To purchase a copy before the shipment arrives GO HERE

Character collage (4) 2014-2015

Here is a collection of character designs from this past year. Although the year is not yet finished, it has been one year since last years collage, and the year before that. I started to practice character design to improve my ability four years ago and it is now an integral part of my practice when attempting to tell a story. To date my work has benefited my skills and has lead to work in children's books, game design, animation, and more.

One thing I focus on greatly is freedom of expression and diversity. The representation of children who are mixed like me or come from some of the various backgrounds in my family is getting better, but we still have along way to go. That is why the characters you see are diverse in their race, size, and gender. I attempted to create a character that is transgender, do you see him/her?

If you would like to purchase this collage as a poster, please visit my store: LINK

Here is Character collage 2013-2014

Sausal Creek 4-Reading/ walk through the creek

NomadicPress.org

and heres the link to the East Bay Express article

ALA Conference in San Francisco 2015

The entrance where you need a badge

Ok, I’ve been meaning to write about the ALA (American Library Association) since I went recently. I’ll try to keep this short. On a sunny but brisk weekend in Frisco I went to the ALA and visited my TYS Crew and friends painting a mural near by at the Ybca.

My crew mates and friends painting murals

 Awareness: Ok, first of all to even go to something like this I had to be in the right state of mind. I mean it helps greatly that this was near my city (Oakland) this year, because it travels to a different city every year. But when I say awareness, I mean that it took me a while to even see the value of going to any kind of conference. Especially one thrown by librarians. But, now that I’m aware I want to share it with you in case storytelling in books is of interest to you.

Getting IN: This is a barrier. Not as big of a wall as the SCBWI, but its still a wall that some people cannot get through. I’m lucky that I am doing well enough as a freelancer that I could afford to go. But more importantly I understand the type of investment going is. So I paid. But, not before trying to find a hook up. I mean, come on. Wouldn’t you try to get in free if you could? No dice. But while asking about getting in from the women selling tickets at the front kiosk, a brother from Georgia basically broke it down to me. Pay for the minimum price. There are two types of attendance fees that I knew of, probably more. 1- Get into the area where they sell shit-tons of shit, mostly books, but a bunch of other shit. I’ll get to that. 2-Attend the panels and discussions. This was important because some of the people you want to meet are specifically at those.

Corporate central

Networking: This is important. I know, I know. Its not easy to just go up to someone you don’t know and talk to them. But, if you want to learn everything there is to know about any chosen field, or just know all the tools in the box networking helps.

-And I honestly try to talk only to people who I actually have a connection to. As it relates to children’s books, that could be an author or illustrator who’s work I actually like. Not just a name, but someone who I actively read, follow, or know something about. That way if I do talk to them, I have something to actually talk about.

-Another important thing about networking. You never know who you’ll meet, what you’ll learn, or who you’ll stumble upon. Case in point, I was walking through what ALA calls “artist alley” a place where indie and established illustrators/authors sell their book and talk to people face to face. In the alley that day I met several people who I’d been following like Gene Luen Yang, Nathan Hale, John Hendrix, Erika Alexander and her husband TonyPuryear, and many more.

-Homework. Because I am learning about the field still (3 books in) I am constantly studying artists and writers who are doing stuff that I like visually or creatively with the writing. I can’t stress how important it is to do the work, look for the work, and ultimately improve your work.

-Connection, homework, and stumble! Now combine all three of those. I just happen to see John Hendrix. Didn’t know he’d be there at all. Love his illustrations for “John Brown” and immediately walked up to him ask him about his work. Guess what? He wasn’t a jerk, he was quite nice and because I was familiar with his work it made the conversation free of creepy or awkwardness. We talked about technique, I showed him my work (not because I expected anything, just because I dig his work) and Howard Reeves  comes up to talk to me about my work. I talk to him just like I was talking to John (natural). Turns out this guy is an editor at a press I’m familiar with. Why? Because a fellow classmate from college Duncan Tonatiuh is published his company. I ask him if he knows him. Of course! He’s his editor. Wow, connection however small made.

It was a always a rush of people

The enormity of the big 5 companies

 Knowledge/Learning: Although I am now 3 books into the children’s book game, it is a lifelong journey and I will forever be a student. On the one hand I’m quick to say #$%& the industry! Do it yourself! Some days I’m like I need to begetting that Scholastic money, I’m trying to own a house, lol. But to be real with you as an artist, as an entrepreneur, and as a human I am learning and pulling from many sources. I believe the big companies have some things to teach. I believe that to really learn how to be a children’s book creator I must investigate whoever is out there creating dope shit. By that I mean beautiful artwork, good quality printing, and stories that are from the heart that represent some of the cultures I come from. I believe that there is no waiting for larger companies to “find you” or for a company or person to validate you. It’s really about doing it.

panel on diversity

Innosanto Nagarra talking with Cory Silverberg

Don Tomas Moniz reading from a zine

Nia King reading from a zine

Future: In conclusion, if you are an illustrator or writer interested in children’s books and the ALA is in your city. I’d say go. Check it out, see what they’re talking about at least. The ALA did a way better job at promoting diversity and bringing not only a wide array of speakers/companies in-they had a much more diverse in attendance than I expected. I could have dealt with out all the corporate companies selling sinks, book shelves, filing systems, etc but hey I went and found what I was looking for.

PS:

Zines: They had an awesome zine pavilion where I got to see artists like Breena Nuñez, Avy Jetter, Liz Mayorga, and of course my Rad Dadfamilia. Lots of lefties there and anarchy in the corner which is just what they need in my opinion.

The zine pavillion

 Friends: Aww man, 10 years ago, shit maybe even 5 years ago I probably would not have known anyone there. But I was happy to see Amy Sonnie(Oakland librarian/Co-author of HillBilly NationalistsUrban Race Rebels, and Black Power ), Innosanto Nagarra (author/illustrator of A is for Activist),  Duncan Tonatiuh ( Diego Rivera, Separate is never equal ). I met some people from Chronicle who recognized me after doing a talk with one of their illustrators on Latin@s for Kid Lit, I saw John Jennings (Black Comix, Black Kirby), Nia King (Queer artists of color), and I met Cory Silverberg. I’m sure I’m forgetting some body else but it was nice to see familiar faces.

ALA: Please include an intentional artists alley for more independent publishers of color who are from the cities you are being hosted in. You missed Reflection Press, Blood Orange Press and Marcus Books! But good job on including folks from #WeNeedDiverseBooks , i caught the tail end of the talk, but was glad they were there.

Whaleheart-Reflection Press Anthology

Yo , anyone who is checking for childrens books with an eye for diveristy, inclusive, or pro lgbtq stories needs to check this Anthology out. Its a book of short stories featuring work by new writers and illustrators from diverse backgrounds. These are folks you’ll want to keep your eye on. 


LINK

Little Black Books Give away-Young, Black, Nappy

Hey all, please check out YOUNG BLACK & NAPPY! I ran into these folks at the Oakland Indie Fest and was delighted to find out that they were a family of naturals (afros, locks, etc). We got to talking and realized Furqans First would be a great fit for a contest they are running to give away children's books featuring African American children. So please  go to their site and check them out. Even if you already got a copy coming through the kickstarter campaign, please check out the other books they'll be giving away.

LINK

I am Sausal Creek-Post 1 (PubSlush Launch)

Hello everybody, I have been working on this book since the beginning of the fall last year. I met Melissa Reyes through some mutual friends and family many years ago and I was immensely excited and inspired to begin work on this project when my TYS crew mate Cece recommended me to the to illustrate it. To my great surprise Melissa checked out my work and wanted me to work on the book! Tiiight! Immediately after reading the story I knew I wanted to work on it because unlike so many other kids books, it was not only informative but a smooth read (not too much, not too little)!

I started thumbnails, sketches, etc for this book many months ago and have gone through every phase except painting, which I'm doing now literally. Melissa has an incredible, beautiful, well written story that will be invaluable to children, educators, and parents once it is completed. Not only does it help educate about environment and history, but it also tells of a rich local history here in Oakland California. The creek that the book is about is still flowing and still supporting life and laughter. Not only that but it is supported by an awesome team called Nomadic Press, and is translated by a local organizer/parent by the name Cinthya Muñoz. 

I can't wait to see this book in schools and on shelves everywhere, please check out the video and see some sneak peaks at some of the drawing and painting for the book "I am Sausal Creek/ Yo soy El Arroyo Sausal".

LINK to support

Furqan's First Flat-Top Campaign launch

Peace,

This is it. I'm finally doing it. I'm launching a Kickstarter campaign for my first ever self-published children's / picture book called Furqan's First Flat Top. Over the next 30 days I will not only be doing a major push for this campaign on all the social networks, but I'll be doing a series of posts related to the campaign talking about my mentors and influences in the field, how and why I went back to school, my short stories series, libraries, and more. For those of you who have been with me on this artistic journey for months, days, or years already, from Oakland to LA, Texas to New York, France to London, Mexico to Chile, Canada, India, Philippines and South Africa: you understand where I'm coming from. But for those who have never seen my work before, I need to break it down for them and I need your to help spread the word wherever you think it will resonate clearly. That can be in traditional newspapers, radio shows, cable access, artsy blogs, podcasts, bookstores, emails, re-tweets, re-blogs, however you want to help.

Thank you, Muchas Gracias, and Kamsamnida in advance. With this story I am manifesting many years of practice and dreams. It is the beginning of much more storytelling to come. Most of the necessary information is on the campaign page but if you need to get some specific information from me, a press kit, images, links, please contact me directly at info@robdontstop.com.

Visit the Kickstarter page, give if you are in the position to, and let's get Furqan's First Flat Top onto bookshelves here in the states and abroad.

Short Story 18 -Spool of thread

Spool of thread
Kite spool thread
Run with it
See the clouds roll in, I feel it 

Spool of thread
Just hold it
Run with it
See the world change as we run 

Spool of thread
I get it
Running fast
Dad I wish that you were here

Spool of thread
Kite spool thread
Roll back time
I miss him

Spool of thread
Spool of thread
Just hold it
Spool of thread

Spool of thread
Kite spool thread
Just hold it
Wind blow softly as I think of you

Wind blow softly as I think of you
Momma cries sometimes
She misses you

And I do too

I love you

Shen's Books/ Videos

The site is pretty awesome, a wealth of childrens books about the many many cultures from Asia and a video series on a multitude of multicultural books, authors, and supporters in the publishing world. Check out this video focusing on childrens books on immigration, the arrival is one of my favorites too. peep these kids books about food!!

Short Story 16- The Mail Lady

Short Story 15- Ramen Shop

On 41st. and Broadway in Oaktown California several people visited the new Ramen shop. "How was it?" Ms Huan Le asked, smiling. "Incredible! Oh my god sis, the best I've ever tasted!" With his hands up the man said "I'm so glad I brought my niece here. She's been talking about going to eat some ramen noodles for the last two weeks." As Mr Washington turned to Ms Huan Le, Macy a precocious 6 year old raised her hand in agreement. She slurped and continued to slurp, for she could eat an entire adult sized bowl her self and didnt say a word.

Yo, took quite a while to finish this short. Not because of how difficult, just because of so many things going at once. I did it in watercolor first, but decided to redo it digitally. Check out some of the process shots as I experimented with brushes, texture, and a Wacom tablet (thank u Boo). It's rough, but Im done with it for now. Let me know what you think. This image is based on a real idea, real people, and something to come very soon.

Short Story 14- Purple Dreams

Purple dreams
and hot dish water steam
the walk to the corner store
its mean

The way I see it aint the way it is
a world of positive reflection
for me, ronnie, and her kids

We got feelings too 
and sometimes I'll just spray it 
I look for it hard everytime at the billboards 
but they dont ever say it 

Our voice is missing
So we decide to put it in
bet Rapunzel and Kareem from down the block will be inspired
let the 7 train imagination begin

Childrens Portrait #3-Maria

This is Maria, she's a cute little girl from Richmond California, I'm not sure how old she is now but I'm guessing 5 or 6. She is Polish, Irish, and English and her favorite colors are red, green, and white. Big thanks to her momma Joanna for letting me paint her. If you are just catching this new series, this is going to be an on going series of small paintings; portraits of children from all ages and many backgrounds. If you know a little one or a parent with a cute little one, hit me up and I'll paint them!

Childrens Portraits #1 (Video)

Peace, so this is a first for me, making a vlog. I don't do editing or shooting, but what the hell. I'm am steadily at work on my next short story and several other things; namely my first childrens book. In order to build my audience or the folks who will appreciate what i do outside of immediate family and friends it has taken years. And I will definitely be asking you for help in spreading the word when the time comes again.

 For now, get ready for some cute portraits of children of all ages and backgrounds as I let folks know about the stories I'm telling. Please comment, and or share with like minds. And by all means, share this with anyone you know in the realm of childrens books, YA Novels, shit, animation, any one into storytelling in general. Enjoy.

Peep these shots of the steps of doing a quick painting of my little lion. He loves making faces, but I decided to pick a relatively simple one to paint.

And the final. I like the colors because he has a warm and fiery spirit. I chose several patterns to illustrate the fact that he comes from so many different cultures. If you would like a painting of your child, go HERE

Short Story 13- Lightning

I know I wasnt expecting 
what we saw 
The Levitation was amazin' 
and the brick was raw 

Kiki said 50 more steps
But Listen
as the walls of what's left
crumble like nuclear fission

Maurice just wanted to hang out 
Be damned if he wasn't catty 
If we'd a got stuck 
he would'nt of had enough water til' monday 

What Ms. Butler said was true
It was there and we found it
It had traveled all across our world
We woke it up but it didn't mind it

Short Story 12- Gye Nyame State vs Fantastic Phono Freaks

"Mic check one, two, one two.

On the turntables and phonographs on the right side of the ring we have the terrible, the tenacious turntable titans known as “The Fantastic Phono Freaks”. Live and direct, one time for your mind six tables rocking all at once. The freaks throw all kinds of sounds, hooks, and jabs. They cut with style, passion, finesse, and grace. In a wild display of old and new, the crew cued up records and turned the volume up to 10. With hand held tables, marching decks, an old phonograph, a killer sound system, and two custom 1200's the crew was loud!

Adjust your ears, on the left side of the ring we have the royal, regal, and ready to rock ensemble known as the “Gye Nyame State University” marching band. 1st squadron. With crisp chimes, booming bass, horns that rattle, drums that shred, and leadership that strikes hard the band shows off. Striking, blowin’, and smacking like a wrestling match of robots and animals.

Although both groups came to the ring that day to settle a score, there was no victory that day. Just a warm sunset at the courts where all kinds of people came to sit on the bleachers, hold signs,cheer, and bare witness to an incredible competition of sound, technique, and bass.

Short Story 11-Furqan's 1st Flat Top

Furqan was really nervous about going to get his first flat top. The Barber seemed like a nice old man, but Furqan still asked him to wait until he was ready. Finally the man began, holding the child's hair, moving the chair, and making funny faces. But, when all was said and done, the boy looked in the mirror, then looked turned around with a triumphant look on his face.He threw his fist up and motioned with his hand, emphasizing the "flatness" of his new cut. And that is how Furqan got his first ever "Flat Top", with a little extra gumby.

I went back to the digital medium for this one, to play around with light, texture, and shadow. Digital is different, but it can be fun. I also changed the type mid way through.I wanted to write it like Brazilian Pichação, but felt a more hand drawn look would bring out the "child" in it. Please let me know what you think and check out the snap shots from the process, which I must say is getting faster!

Dig this? This short story is now a book which has sold out two print runs. You can see a trailer for it here and you might be able to find some copies floating around on the internet.

Short Story Year Wrap Up

Here is a collage of all the short stories I created this year. After hitting a slump with a story I was writing and illustrating about me and my son, I decided to take a break from it and to just “play”. These are the results of that play, it was fun, challenging at times, eye opening, and very therapeutic. As you can see in the pieces, some of them ride the line between what is children’s book illustration and what is comics. That was intentional, no borders, no particular medium constraints, just experimentation. This year I’m already working on extending this play and intensifying the focus with “fun” still in mind. If you click the “short story” label below this post you will see the original stories in more detail. And please comment and let me know which resonated with you. You reading this will be a big part of intensifying this process of exploration this year. Peace, love, and light. Happy New Year. -Rob