Behind The Scenes

Far Gone is a project that has been lying dormant since 2017. Like many graphic stories and comics, it all started with a pencil sketch tossed in a sketchbook that would later be filled and set down on a shelf. Then another. Then another. The further time went on, our main character became a re-occurring sketch that I hadn't let leave my mind. I was drawing it on occasion for the sake of not letting the character gather rust. As a result, Glenn went through many iterations and many different styles. He grew with me through my years in the Graphic Design program, just as I grew as both an artist and a designer.

It was always a matter of time and place, but this comic and its universe were set to be explored as soon as the opportunity came to light. As I started my senior thesis, I knew I had already started on it from early on in my college career. Now, it was time to execute. The result can be seen all over this site, but the process is here.

"What about a desert fox? With big ears?

What if rabbits had no bones or legs? ...Huh."

1. Humble Beginnings.

Glenn was originally a character design attempt when I found myself settling down into illustration as a possibility. His design showcased my struggles at drawing anything two-legged and an inherent fear of drawing arms and legs (Ohh, just give him a poncho). After drawing him once or twice there was the notion of "Hmm, I could do something with this guy." Glenn resembles the variety of styles I was mixing and matching as I tried to find my own over the last three year span.

2. Let's Talk Sidekicks.

Smidge went through considerably less character changes due to how little they were drawn early on. The same nervous and naive persona seemed to come through all the way to 2018 where the first drawings of Glenn and Smidge together were done in a prototype panel (shown below).

3. Ridiculous Bunnies

Porabs are the symbolic wildlife in the Far Gone series. These virtually boneless buns are spectators to what goes on and seemingly do no harm. Taking about 4-5 strokes of a pen to draw, these round little creatures have shown up on sketchbook pages, whiteboards, and bar napkins alike.

4. Grand Plans.

In the original 10x10 booth plan for the 2020 Senior show, an immersive space was to be created that would bring the visitor into the comic itself.

Two walls would feature canvas draped with scenery alike to the comic depicted. Plush versions of the porabs created by @eshuisart were commissioned to be interacted with while in the display. Alongside the comics (originally planned to be printed), mini cornbread muffins would be offered on the table for those that wandered in.