A little while back, author friend of mine (and New York Times Best-Seller!) Dan Gemeinhart and his Gonzaga University classmate Jabez LaBret, had the idea to publish a kid's book specifically for their alma matter alumni. Potentially... this could even grow to an audience of other colleges and universities, but the idea was to create a book with a targeted appeal and also to leverage a percentage proceeds going back to the university or the university alumni association(s). Bright Dog Studio was born and I signed on to illustrate their first book!
After a false start or two and working out a few of the kinks in any new venture, we are excited to say that Spike's Zagtastic Day is off to print and ready for holiday orders :)
The full-spread cover wrap is shown above and a little bit of Gonzaga marketing should be heading out soon. While this little project was slightly unconventional in its origins, it is a full-fledged hard-cover picture book and the 28th of my career!
Missing my xc coaching days (2011-2023) for sure, but the last two seasons of free weekends and just a little less "scramble" to practices and meets and all of the stuff have enabled some additional art time that I was also craving. This book marks my second "return" effort to the kids book world (see If I Were a Fox) and I look forward to getting more stories and artwork out n' about in the years to come!
With much gratitude to all involved... and a few more Spike preview images below.
- Erik
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