Charles Schulz PEANUTS Artist's Edition

Cover

Title Page

About This Edition Page

Contents Page

Chapter Divider Page

I know it's been awhile since I posted anything, but it wasn't because I had nothing to post, but instead, because I've been very busy. I'll try to get back on track and start posting more images from books I've completed. 

It's been so amazing to me, to be able to work on so many projects that have had special meaning to me. The book above certainly falls into that category. As a youngster growing up, I remember having such strong feelings towards the Peanuts gang. I had collections of the strips, a Snoopy plush, a Snoopy 3-ring binder, a Snoopy toy as an astronaut, all kinds of things. I even owned a book called, "The Gospel According to PEANUTS." I'm not sure what it was about, but I knew PEANUTS was in the title. I actually wrote my first ever fan letter to Mr. Schulz. I received back a pre-printed reply on PEANUTS stationery, along with a printed drawing of Snoopy. I wish I still had those things. About 12 years ago, I was in contact with the cartoonist Seth (Palookaville). He knew I lived in Minnesota, and asked if I could go to the St. Paul Public Library, go into their micro film archives and make photocopies of all of the Lil Folks strips I could find. This consisted of going several Saturday over many months. It was like a treasure hunt. Seeing the early pre-PEANUTS artwork was quite an education. Seth being very fair-minded, because of my efforts, sent me a very large piece of original art that had been originally used for the cover of the Comics Journal. 

The whole idea that Sparky (Charles Schulz) grew up in Minnesota, made me feel more connected to him. The scenes in the comic strip, could have taken place in my neighborhood. I always appreciated his depiction of winter, those felt the most authentic to me. The piles of snow, the big bulky coats, the hats and mittens, yep, no doubt about it, the PEANUTS adventures took place right here in Minnesota! 

The chance to work on this book, helped me to reconnect to my joys of childhood. I got a chance to look back at the strips and remember what it was that pulled me in, in the first place. Like all of the books I work on, I challenge myself to do something unique in the design. How can I do this so it doesn't appear I'm repeating myself. It was a bigger challenge because there have been a lot of new books printed on PEANUTS lately.

This book brought me joy, and makes me smile every time I look at it. You know, I'm very lucky and very blessed to be able to do what I love!