Book Birthdays, Halloween Costumes and Book Covers
Earlier this month was the official launch date of a pretty cool project I did a crap ton of work for about this time last year.
Not to use Substack as a promo for this thing, but I will kinda brag a bit, then move on.
I’ve never done more drawing for a job than I did for this book. Something like 400 illustrations, some small some incredibly complex, but all done in a timespan of somewhere around 2.5 months.
No, that ain’t normal.
A lot of all-nighters were involved in the completion of this book. Because of that, there’s literally drawings in here I don’t remember doing. But, the end result is really pretty cool. 25 Rube Goldberg Machines, designed, constructed, tested (and filmed**) by master machine builder Zach Umperovitch, that kids can build at home using stuff you can generally find around the house.
Zip ties, paper towel rolls, clothes baskets, etc etc. This book is so thorough, there’s even a glossary in the back with a list of items needed for each machine, and a list of alternate items, if something is missing. It’s mind boggling how much work went into this thing. I spent just a few months on it, but this thing was 3 years in the making.
So this thing came out earlier in November. As of this writing, it’s currently ranking #1 on two Amazon lists (that I know of). So that’s cool!
**When I said ‘Filmed’, I meant just that. Every machine in this book was built and filmed by Zach, and each machine has a QR code attached so the reader can follow a link to see that machine in action, while Zach explains the process, where you might get stuck, while offering encouragement and insights. It does not get more thorough than that.
I’ve got a few copies of this thing I’m selling on my site. Want a signed copy with a fun drawing in it? I’ve got a few left….
Here’s a Halloween treat…
Speaking of Rube Goldberg, I was sent a video of a kid dressed up as my Rube character from the books I illustrated. I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t something I always hoped would happen. I don’t know who this kid is, but I like the cut of his jib.
Super cool. I wish he had the Rube hair, but the hat is part of the costume. Well done, kid!
Coming up next….
In a day or two I’ll be posting a long video of a drawing I’m currently on- a book cover job involving caricatures of three long dead presidents. It’s a fun one- the video will be behind the paywall, but oh so totally worth it. Hopefully.
One more quick plug…
Ed, as a long-time practicing patent illustrator, I greatly appreciate inventors' minds. However, 99% of the stuff I draw is mundane, unglamorous, and decidedly unfunny. I know a bunch of patent attorneys who'd probably get a kick out of this book. I'll be sure to let them know about it.
Good job! You have definitely inspired this guy!!