Cheeky's Tales: The Cover

Though the cover of Cheeky's Security Blanket is the first thing a reader will see, it was the last illustration I worked on for the book. Lindsay's suggestion was that the illustration show Cheeky trying her best to retrieve her collar from the mud room hook where it hangs. I wanted something with a dramatic, eye-catching perspective that would pull a viewer into the image, and also wanted to make sure that Cheeky was fully visible and looking toward the viewer.

Though I still like the design of this one, we eventually (and with some of the publisher's feedback) decided that the perspective might be too extreme or jarring for younger readers.

Lindsay suggested something from a more standard perspective, such as a view of Cheeky in the same position, just from behind her. I was still hoping for something more eye-catching that also managed to show Cheeky's face and help the viewer to connect with her--inherently a bit of a challenge when the character is facing toward a wall!

This thumbnail managed to retain all the essential information, while keeping a more conventional perspective. We were all happy with this one, but it was decided that Cheeky's expression should be less forlorn and more mischievous--a good change, as it fits better with the overall tone of the book and Cheeky's personality.

Along the way, it was decided that the trash can should be changed to Cheeky's supper dish. The palette also underwent a few revisions from this early state, and a number of adjustments were made to the display text to make it "pop" and look more pleasing.

Above is the final cover as it appears in print. Cheeky's Security Blanket is available from Amazon.com here!

Jack Nicholson

Cheeky's Tales: Cheeky's Security Blanket

My first picture book, Cheeky's Tales: Cheeky's Security blanket is finally available for purchase! Written by Lindsay Lewchuk, Cheeky's Security blanket is the story of a great dane named Cheeky who learns a lesson about identity through the loss of her dog collar. Also featuring 21 pages of lush, full color illustrations by yours truly.

You can view a short preview of the book being read by the author:



Cheeky's Security Blanket is available for purchase from Amazon.com here!

Isaac Klunk: Drawn to Children's Illustrations

Toledo.com has a new feature article about my illustration and caricature work, written by Katie Warchol!

"Picture yourself in a stuffy classroom, the teacher droning on about photosynthesis or sub-atomic particles or Greek architecture. Watching the clock is a fruitless task. You turn instead to the margins of your notebook. First a few lines, then a circle. For many of us, our pen and ink universes never became more than a silent testament to extreme boredom. For Isaac Klunk, his drawings live on in the real world, turning his talent into a career on the verge."

Click here to read the full article.

∞class

One of the classiest dames I've ever had the pleasure of calling a friend. Toledo is going to miss you, Emily.

Hot Town

Cover for the Toledo City Paper's June "Summer in the City" issue. This is the second Summer in the City cover I've done for the TCP, and this year I wanted elements that said "Toledo!" in a very clear and specific way. The Maumee river bridge and Toledo's iconic skyline fit the bill.

Here's the final cover:

Caricatures, 5-15-10

Teenagers are awesome.

Earl, one of the n00bz