Robert N Johnston

2nd Printing is upon us

Robb N. Johnston — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 07:30:00 +0000

Against all odds, I have sold all 1000 books from the first print run of The Woodcutter and The Most Beautiful Tree. My deepest, most heartfelt thanks to everyone who took a chance on a small, independently published picture book. With your help and support, I was finally able to clear the shipping pallet that had been occupying valuable real estate in my parents' garage.

And of course, now there's a new pallet to take its place! (sorry dad)

The second printing is nearly identical to the first, with some small, cosmetic changes here and there. One big change, however, is the book material itself. I've been keenly aware of the contradiction inherent in having written a book about the beauty of trees and the need to preserve them...while at the same time using traditional printing/manufacturing practices that put less of a premium on sound environmental practices.

But no more, I say!

Lemme drop some knowledge on you regarding this second run:

- The paper is 10% post-consumer recycled fiber.

- The stock is "Tri-Certified" (Certification from: Forest Stewardship Council, Sustainable Forest Initiative, and Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification).

- Book parts meet or exceed all CPSIA guidelines for Phthalate Lead content.

- Soy-based inks. BOOM!

Now, you can rest assured knowing that the book you're holding in your gnarled, granola-stained hands adheres to the highest environmental standards.

No beautiful trees were harmed in the making of this book. Only ugly ones.

Ecology by Design

Robb N. Johnston — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 01:40:00 +0000

A good friend and former co-worker of mine recently started his own business right here in Ann Arbor. William "Billy" Kirst started his business "Ecology by Design" in order to make sustainable, edible, biologically diverse, and environmentally friendly landscapes available to everyone in the area. He specializes in planning and installing native and edible plants for homeowners.

He asked me to work with him on some concept art that he can show to homeowners after they've made some preliminary decisions regarding their landscape. Billy and I went on-site and I took some pictures of a house in town owned by some of his new clients:

Use your imagination

Clearly, they are going to want some landscaping done to compliment their new renovations...so why not go about it in a way that maximizes the benefits for them AND the local environment? Billy had some rough plans drawn up and explained his vision for this particular installation:

Looks Pretty Legit!

So, I had a couple visual points-of-reference, a list of native plants to be used in the installation, a laptop to research said plants, and a newly acquired drawing desk. Time to get drrty.

After much sketching (I've never been very good with spatial or architectural elements), I was finally confident enough to work on the piece Billy had asked for. And here it is:

From moonscape to landscape.

It's awesome to be able to combine my interests (ecological restoration/biodiversity) with my passion (art). If you find yourself curious about the work Billy is doing or why it is so important, please "Like" his page on the Facebooks (Ecology by Design).

My second-ever image manipulation

Robb N. Johnston — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:45:00 +0000

The original.

ROUGH draft. So rough...but, you really get
a sense of the fluttering.

''A Flock of Swönghúls''

*EDIT*

My first-ever image manipulation.

Robb N. Johnston — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:52:00 +0000

I just altered an image in GIMP!!!

...or DID I????

Can you believe this only took me 2 hours???/

My first-ever image manipulation.

Robb N. Johnston — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:52:00 +0000

I just altered an image in GIMP!!!

...or DID I????

Can you believe this only took me 2 hours???/

Welcome Home ii

Robb N. Johnston — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:05:00 +0000

I've started using GIMP to alter my photographs. To get high-resolution images of my art, in the past I've had to get them scanned at FedEx. But now, I can simply take my crappy digital photos and touch-up the levels to get the colors back to true.

craptastic.

GIMP is a free graphics manipulation program that I have been having a lot of fun getting acquainted with. I never really got into Photoshop and watching other people use it was dizzying. GIMP has been a less intimidating introduction to the world of digital graphics and I'm pretty excited to learn more.

thaaaaaaaat's more like it.

Artistically, I haven't had much "professional" development since high school AP Art. Mostly I've just worked on my skills and techniques on my own or have taken cues and inspiration from others. But learning this new program has really rekindled my interest in seriously studying art. Hm.

Second Piece of 2012

Robb N. Johnston — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:25:00 +0000

From bad to worse

After such a long period of inactivity, I'm pleasantly surprised by the events of the past week. I've started and finished two watercolor pieces and am thinking about starting a third today. I am REALLY enjoying these studies in iconography. I've been experimenting with borders and patterns, color, and technique. Lately, I've rekindled my appreciation for the works of Ivan Bilibin. The richness of his compositions, his bold use of color, and painstaking attention to detail have given me a lot of inspiration.

I'm thinking of developing a story surrounding these icons...but I don't have anything worth sharing yet.

More soon (I hope).

First piece of 2012

Robb N. Johnston — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:03:00 +0000

I like where this is going

With all the writing and art I'd planed to do during winter break (which is now half over), I thought I'd have more to show by this point. OMGMOTIVATION WHERE R U?!?//1/

(One of the 50) Best of 2011?!

Robb N. Johnston — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 01:40:00 +0000

Got some good news from the undeniably astute folks over at kirkusreviews.com...The Woodcutter and The Most Beautiful Tree has been named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2011! It's one of 50 or so independently published books to make the list, so that feels pretty good.

Damn. I guess it's been about a year now since that pallet of 1000 books was delivered to my parents' house. I'm so happy to report that, thanks to my generous, supportive, and all-around kickass network of friends and family, and an incredibly supportive community in Rockford and Grand Rapids, I've exceeded all my expectations for this first printing.

To date, I have sold, given away, or lost track of 900+ copies of TWaTMBT (not the most flattering acronym, I know). I still have some copies on hand for people I run into that are interested in picking one up; but, for the most part, I tend to recommend people get their books from the local shops. These small operations in A2, GR, and Rockford have been so incredible in their support of such a small fish in such a big, terrifying pond. A big thank you going out to:

Aunt Candy's Toy Company (Rockford)
Karen's Candy and Gifts (Rockford)
Hop Scotch Children's Store (GR)
Plaza Essentials Gift Shop - in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel (GR)
Muddpuddles (A2)
Fun 4 All (A2)
Vault of Midnight (A2)
Crazy Wisdom (A2)
Tree Town Toys (A2)

Please check these places out! And if you're wanting to get a copy of the book, they might have some to sell. Or, you can get it on amazon. And if you missed the Kirkus review, check 'er out HERE.

I'm still pretty bad at getting interviewed, further evidence of which can be seen HERE.

Couple of thangs.

Robb N. Johnston — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:33:00 +0000

1.) You can now purchase copies of the The Woodcutter and The Most Beautiful Tree at Karen's Candy and Gifts in Rockford, MI. Karen's a nice lady and she makes some neat stuff. You can scope her website here: Karen's Candy and Gifts.

2.) I'll be signing books in downtown Rockford at Aunt Candy's Toy Company this evening from 5ish - 9ish. Stop by and get a signed copy of the book!

I guess...that's it? New art coming soon, I promise. <3