As those of you know who’ve been reading this blog regularly, I’m working on a graphic novel called Spam and the Sasquatch, written specifically for this project by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough. I have a firm deadline — the book will be out by the first week in June, so I am working very, very hard right now!

I’m deep into the third stage of making this graphic novel — first came the thumbnail sketches, then the full-sized pencil drawings, and now I am inking for what seems every moment of my waking day (actually, I am doing a few other things, like eating, drinking tea, talking to other human beings occasionally, and doing enough exercise to keep myself from fossilizing at my drawing table). For the next few days (until I finish the inking!), I’m going to post some of what I do each day, and I hope it gets everyone as excited about this project as I am!

It was hard to pick a few panels that wouldn’t give away the story, but would show the inking “feel” I am going for; however, I managed three out of what i’ve done so far. I’m keeping the ink kind of sparse, because I want to add a lot of textural details with the final stage of colouring, which will be done in watercolour, with some gouache and coloured pencil. You can get an idea of what that will look like here and here. I’m using Pigma Micron pens, sizes 08, 05, and 03, with an occasional 005 thrown in when I need really fine lines. They’re permanent, lightfast, and waterproof, so I can paint right over them. (I described my process in more depth a few days ago, if you’d like to know more.)

Spam the Cat Detective’s favourite place to beg a bit of ice cream.

Renfrew the Raccoon attempts to mug a hiker for her cell phone or anything else shiny. Her partner doesn’t think this is a good idea, and Spam is just embarrassed.

Spam and Renfrew meet the deer, Nelda and Buck. If you want to find out what’s going on in the town, ask a deer, because they are knowledgable gossips.