The Tovar | Mari on Thin Ice (2012)
Obscure stories
I’ve previously discussed some work for a series of Graded Readers, which were short, standalone, illustrated stories. It took me awhile to get more or less up-to-speed on digital tools. I generally prefer painting still, and use digital when required by the client, or when the project might be a more budget project, or especially if the deadline is super short.
This was an earlier such project. At this time I was still drawing on a small Wacom tablet without a screen. I spent my first few years doing digital on this. It was a frustrating disconnect to look up while drawing, versus looking down at what you are drawing. Cintiq drawing screens were of course available, but my tiny studio setup through this period didn’t afford me the desk space even for a smaller one—and smaller ones weren’t available for awhile.
The Tovar
This story was a more fantasy-based affair, which takes place in another world, in another time. The Tovar appear as a light phenomenon in the sky, appearing vaguely human. In their culture, some believe they were human. Our teen protagonist dreams of becoming one, and there is a sort of quest one must take for a chance to join them, but most don’t make it so it’s a kind of myth.
When I can, I’ll try to start with a pencil or other traditional media sketch, even if the entirety of the coloring will be digital. Especially with the non-screen drawing tablets, that disconnect made drawing such an awkward experience!
