Congratulations on the release of Chances Are. Please
tell us more about it.
Chances Are is an alphabet, animal, crazy rhyming
book. It is filled with giggle producing pictures of soccer playing moles, bike
riding peacocks, sports car driving baboons and much, much more.
What medium did you use for illustrating this book? How do
you choose?
Jack: I have been an airbrush artist for 25 years. Several
years ago I learned how to airbrush digitally. I get great results without all
the messy cleanup! I usually sketch with pencil. Then I scan in the sketch and
paint it digitally.
What is your favorite illustration from the book? Why?
Jack: I think it is the pink flamingos sipping cider in the
shade. Because one of the flamingos is looking at the other. He has a strange
look on his face like, “That’s weird. I’ve never seen a flamingo using a straw
before!”
Did you have to do any research for this book?
Jack: Yes, I’m a bit embarrassed to say that the author,
Susan Bangert-Wood, came up with a few animals that I had to look up. First
time I ever drew a lemur.
Is this your first published book?
Jack: No, this is my 19th book for Guardian Angel
Publishing. What a blessing to work for such a wonderful company. I’ve also had
4 more books published by various publishers.
We’d love to hear more about you.
While in grammar school, I was blessed to have some great
teachers. I’m not talking about their teaching skills, I mean their faces! I
would doodle pictures of Mr. Wilkins and his big nose and Mrs. Tanner with her
silver wig and globbed-on mascara. At home I would spend night after happy
night at the kitchen table copying the Sunday comics while the rest of the
family watched “Happy Days.” After high school I attended the American Academy
of Art in Chicago. I spent several years as a political cartoonist for a
suburban newspaper. I spent several
more years airbrushing murals for libraries, churches and kid’s rooms. In 2009
Guardian Angel Publishing took a chance on me. My first book was Poodle and
Doodle. I currently live near Chicago with my wife Aleithia, a dog and a cat. I
have 5 grown children and 10 grandkids.
How can our readers learn more about you and any upcoming Chances
Are events?
Jack: I am on facebook and my blog is jacktoon.blogspot.com
Thank you for stopping in to share Chances Are with
us. Readers can order their copy here. We are proud to add it to the ever-growing
line of quality titles from Guardian Angel
Publishing.