Sketchbook of an Addict
Sketchbook of an addict. How I overcame drug addiction to become a professional artist. Over ten years of my most inspired drawings in one book!
Ended
At the age of 30 years old, having just finished a one year program for drug addiction, I made the decision to turn my life around and fully pursue my childhood dream of living my life as a professional artist. Although I was already creating and selling art, I didn't know how to draw the human figure. I knew that if I wanted to have a career as an artist it was essential that I added that skill and understanding to my toolkit.
I AM HUMAN is the sketchbook of an addict that went from destitute to professional artist by learning how to draw the human figure.
This book will connect with aspiring artists, addicts, professional artists, art teachers, art therapists. The market that this book will resonate with is:
- Aspiring and independent artists ages 16-45: (This is a $35B industry with an annual growth rate of 1.8% between 2011-2016. Employment numbers are 864,318)
- Addicts in recovery: Well over 23 million adults in the US.
- Art therapists: 3.78 million
- Art teachers:
This book serves the need of inspiring two segmentst of the population that are constantly in a space of struggle. Addicts and artists are consistently facing challenges that seem insurmountable. Both agents are constantly in search of role models that have walked the path to a successful outcome.
For addicts to become sober is a monumental task but the road to stay that way and to become successful in your life is a lifelong struggle. This segment needs to see, above all, proof that it’s possible. There’s nothing more inspiring than knowing someone that’s walked the path in front of you. It’s important to show that success is possible.
For artists, it’s the same situation. It’s very rare that you see an artist that’s able to break through the starving artist paradigm. It pains me to see the struggle that the artistic community goes through to find pathways to success. Drawing the human figure is by far one of the most difficult challenges that an artist will face in their pursuit to become a professional. Most will never acquire this skill.
It’s important for artists to see proof that the path which lies ahead is achievable. It’s also important to have insights from other artists that have walked the road ahead of you, especially when it comes to drawing the human form. This book offers a glimpse into the path that most aspiring artists seek.
The message of this book is unique because it’s a double barrel shot of overcoming limitations, struggle, and fear to achieve the illusive goal of self-realization and love. Facing down recovery and becoming a professional artist at the age of 30 is not the best place to start, but I’m proof that it’s possible.
To someone that’s younger than 30 that’s encouraging. To those later in life it’s still a testament of what can be done at any age. People need this message of success--It’s a vital part of how we rise each day and tackle this thing called life.
This message is extremely important today. More and more people are struggling to find their way and getting lost in a distracted world. I should have never been able to overcome my limitations but I did and I did it in two very difficult spaces.
The other unique thing about my book is the fact that the reader will essentially own the best drawings from all of my sketchbooks.
Owning an artist’s sketchbook is very rare. This is the raw, behind the scenes material that the general public never really gets to see. This is where the magic of creativity is formed. This is the source of all inspiration for the visual artist.
I created this book to celebrate the journey of success in realizing a dream and the visual path in chronological order that I took to get there. The story and the images are a testimony, and a record, of how a dream is built: slowly, consistently, and persistently. It also documents the self-talk that you’ll find throughout the pages that was instrumental in encouraging and teaching myself along the way. In the end I created this book to show other people that dreams are possible.
Readers can use this book in a number of ways: Artists can use it as a source of inspiration, learning, and encouragement. Teachers can use this means to highlight lessons to their art students. Addicts can keep this as a reminder that their road to a realized life is possible. I see this book as inspiring, educational, and entertaining.
Section 1: Fishing for Figures
In this section I’m presenting a visual journey of my quest to learn how to draw the human figure. I’ve mined the 40+ sketchbooks that I have created within a 12 year period from 2002 - 2014 and pulled the drawings that I felt were the stepping stones in my understanding of drawing the human form.
Section 2: Moving Mannikins
This section marks an important step in the evolution of me being able to draw the human figure. At this point I had been drawing from the live model for a long time. It’s currently the beginning of 2012 and I’ve decided to study anatomy for artists. I was looking to take my understanding of the human form to the next level. I chose an online anatomy class by Scott Eaton which was an incredible learning experience, but the thing that influenced me the most at this point was a recommendation from Scott. He suggested that, in order to draw the figure effectively, it’s important to be able to construct it from your imagination. He referenced a book by Andrew Loomis called “Figure Drawing for all it’s Worth”. In this book I found a chapter called “Moving Mannikins” and it’s a fairly simple exercise. Construct a slightly advanced stick-figure-like mannikin and learn how to pose it in as many ways as you can from your imagination.
Section 3: Creating Characters
This section marks a place in my development where I’m looking to further my ability to draw the human figure. I’ve decided to take an online course called The Fundamentals of Character design offered through CGMA (Computer Graphics Masters Academy). Although I had the tendency to make characters out of my drawings up to this point, I had never actually studied the craft of character design. Some of the characters that appear on the last eight pages of the section before this were drawn while I was taking this class as well. The pages that follow comprise, in chronological order, one entire sketchbook dedicated to this course.
Primary Target Market:
- Aspiring and mid-career artists: This book is relevant to them because they always need inspiration, reference, and insights into the creative process of other artists. They are either starting out as artists or on their way to becoming professionals. They always keep reference books around them and love looking at other artists’ sketchbooks. They would keep this book close by because it’s informative, inspiring, and a great design reference for them. This book will be an indispensable tool to the developing artist.
- Aspiring and independent artists ages 16-45: (This is a $35B industry with an annual growth rate of 1.8% between 2011-2016. Employment numbers are 864,318)
Secondary Target Market:
- Addicts in recovery: Well over 23 million adults in the US.
- Art therapists: 3.78 million
Strategic Marketing :
Mailing list: 375 - Facebook 2,600 - Instagram 1,010 - Linkedin 499
- Social media posts - Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
- Live streaming - I host a live streaming show on Facebook
- Blog posts and influencers. I plan to publish teaser blog posts and reach out to top bloggers for interview opportunities.
- Webinars - I will be holding webinar previews to answer questions and give a sneak peek into the book. I'll also be doing live drawing demos.
- The sketchbook project (https://www.sketchbookproject.com) is the only place that I can find that has done anything similar to this. Their incredible success was a key factor in determining the market desire for accessing an artist’s actual sketchbook.
- Nico Marlet has a sketchbook on the market but it's a shell of a book and utterly disappointing. You can find it here - https://www.amazon.com/Sketchb...
Although Nico is one of the leading character designers working today, his sketchbook is limited and essentially boring. It's not his best work by far. Whereas, my book is a fully -unedited look at what my real sketchbook is all about--with all of my best work placed into this volume. It will surely be a treasured part of anyone’s collection.
- James Gurney just released "The Living Sketchbook App"--This is a very interesting project where he's using the ebook or app format to offer insights into the locations where he sketched the images in the book. http://gurneyjourney.blogspot....
I could potentially do the same type of thing as Gurney with insights into drawing the human figure and teaching moments throughout the ebook. There could also be words of encouragement and added story between the pages. That would make the ebook a viable project on it's own above and beyond the physical book. This would incentivize people to own both...
At the age of 30, I almost lost everything to drug addiction. This book chronicles my pursuit to achieve my childhood dream of becoming an artist.
250 copies • Partial manuscript.
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The History
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I AM HUMAN books have shipped and I'm happy to say that they've been well received. So many messages have been pouring in about the book and I'm more …
The final printed books have finally arrived and they look awesome. Shipping supplies, stickers, and packing materials are on their way as we speak. It …
Last time I sent you a message I was waiting for printed proofs to arrive before I could make the final approval. The good news is that the …
Hey there, the final proofs are in the mail on their way to me which means I'm about to make the final approval on the book... and that brings …
Dropping in for a quick message to let you know that the final approval on the book has completed. Endorsement quotes are in the book …
We're certainly down to the wire on getting this book published. July 14th is the official date! Here's where we are in the process:
- I …
Looks like I was mistaken about being able to leave a review on Amazon prior to the publish date of the book. Once the book …
EXCITING NEWS: The book just went on pre-sale on Amazon - All purchases during the pre-sale period will ship on the publish date of July 14th. …
My friend,
Hoping this message finds you well. I have some updates to share with you. I'll make a list to keep this easy reading... …
The last update I sent you I said I would report back as soon as I knew more details about the timeline for publishing I …
Hey there,
It's been some time since I last wrote about the publishing deal that was on the table...
I can now finally say, with …
This update is to let you know that there is a publishing deal on the table. I just hung up the phone with a publisher who's been interested in …
Hey there, hope you had a great Labor day weekend.
Quick update to let you know that I'm talking to multiple printers right now about …
Hey there, hope all is well by you.
I'm sending out a quick update to let you know that I'm diligently working behind the scenes …
My friends, I'm reaching out today to give you an update on the happenings over here. It seems that negotiating within the world of publishing …
My Dear Friends,
I want to share this moment of accomplishment with you. I've been working alongside my copywriter/friend Kate to finalize the book and I …
Hey Ya'll,
Here's the next update. I've been working with a Copywriter whom I'd like to introduce to you. Her name is Kate …
Hope everyone is having a great week. I'm chiming in here to give a quick update of where we are in the process...
I'm currently in …
YESSSS!! -The funding phase is complete and we did it TOGETHER - This was an incredible funding campaign and a monumental step into a new and …
Hey all,
Big news. This project was just featured on the ArtsyShark website which reaches artists far and wide across the globe.
Here's the link. …
You guys are Seriously Rock!!
Another Milestone!!
We've reached 25% of our intended funding goal.
In order to reach full funding for an incredible publishing …
Hey there, I'm popping in here to share some amazing news. In just 2 days we've hit the first major milestone in this campaign - …
Thanks Steven!
This is such an inspiring concept! I can’t wait to see how far it goes!
Thank you Anna. I’m super exciting for its possibilities. :)
Can’t wait to read your story!!! Wonderful achievement to be able to share with the workd. I am sure this book is filled with anti g wisdom and lessons for all
I'm excited for this book and you! Great job!
Thank you Lynn! Excited to share the story!!
Thank you Keith. I appreciate you brother!!
Thank you Peter for sharing your journey and congratulations on making this book! I can’t wait to read this and see your work in this format. This is such a great accomplishment and very inspiring! Much love!!
Your devotion and prolificness are inspiring man!
We are so very proud of You Peter. You've always been like a son to both Al & I. And, Very good at keeping secrets that we never knew...Al agrees ! We Love You dearly....So proud of the Man you've Become. You've worked so Hard and deserve so much credit for all that you've accomplished. NEVER give up your Dreams ! xo
Thank you Stephanie!! I appreciate you my friend..
Mark Lange. You're a champion my friend. Much love man...
Thank you Diana and Al. You're both important people in my life. Mi Famiglia!!
Good luck Peter! I can't wait to get my copy! :)
Good luck Pete.
Good luck with the campaign!
Your gallery is so amazing man--I can't wait for this book!
Thank you Deanna!! Can't wait to get it to you..
Thank you John!
Thanks so much Daisy!
I appreciate that Gino. Much love brother..
Your such an inspiration to us! Good luck on your new venture!
<3 so excited to own this sketchbook plus be able to share it with Anna and Frankie also ... love you tons and you always have our support xo <3
So excited to see this project moving forward. I am pleased at the opportunity to support this!
Congrats!! All the best my friend!
Love you brother.
Proud to support you my brother!
looking forward to seeing you amazing drawings
Dear Peter, I truly admire your work - and the fact that you went through a difficult path to get where you are just makes it all more special. Hope you can get funding for your book and looking forward to it! All the best, Gloria Rexer.
God Bless you on your journey! You are not alone Peter many of us are praying for your success ❤️
I wish I had a picture of that sketch painting you had hanging in your room in HB. I could look at that thing and always find something new.
SO much love to you!
Best of Luck, Peter. Stay Well <3
Wishing you all the best and wishes for a continued success as an artist who touches the world.
Peter -- I'm so excited to see this book in person! I've always been a fan of your art style! And the personal journey makes this book even cooler! I think my students may find it an inspiration as well! -- Best of luck, brother!
Alright, you're gonna have to excuse the mass thank you post but I can't respond individually to posts on here so I'm going to do this one together. Larissa and Pete, Gina, Sandra, Amanda, Michael and Roxi, Johnny Ferrara, Meryl, Gloria, Norma, Mario, Kristin, Kate, Johanna, and John. I appreciate and love you all. Thank you so much for your support!!
Thank you for publishing this art that represents your healing journey. I'm honored to be able to see it.
I am so proud of you, my friend! I. Any wait to share your work with the children I teach.
Solid work. Excited to see this. Love your exploration with the line and color.
Congrats Peter! This is an inspiring story. Wishing you success with your Publishizer campaign :)
Can't wait to see this man's Journey.
gassho, thank you. keep inspiring and getting inspired! --julia
So excited to see this Pete. CONGRATS!! Big Love brother.
I love you Pete! You got this!
peter...just preordered your fabulous book. can’t wait to enjoy and be inspired by your awesome work. congrats to you and best wishes on this new adventure my friend.
Here's another mass gratitude post - I want to thank Terri Pena, Meagan Flaherty, Robert Jones, Guy Vincent, Chris Silvestre, Julia Brandt, Kate Grasso, Uddit Sachdev, and Louis Lemoine. Each one of you is completely awesome and I'm honored to have you on this journey with me. Thank you, thank you, thank, you, thank you!!!
A beautifully told and important story!
Keep on, keeping on brotha!! Blessings
I am so proud to call you my brother and am in awe of where you have come from and where you are now with your art. You continue to amaze everyone who sees your work and always seem to surprise us with new, amazing, and absolutely beautiful work each and every time. No matter what happens, you deserve the world and I am sure that anyone who is blessed enough to make your acquaintance feels the same and is blown away by your generous, light hearted enlightened nature. You lift everyone's spirits around you and even if you didn't have a pot to piss in, you would make the best of your current situation, and that is all that matters in life. Stay positive, keep doing what you are doing. That door to recognition is right around the corner. You deserve the best. I have faith that these publishers will realize all of this and not be able to pass up this golden opportunity for what you have to offer. Love you bro!
Thank you Steve Martin - I loved you in "Father of the Bride" - HaHa, JK. You're awesome, and thanks for always being there for me...
Thank you Rich Wright!! Much love bro.
John B - Your words touch me deeply and give me incredible strength to carry onward with this crazy creative life. I'm honored to call you my brother..
Love you, brother. Happy to see you continuing to follow your passion. You and your art inspires me. Aho!
Thank you Zachary!. Honored by your feedback!
Can’t wait to see all of the amazing ideas and sketches in this book. The Girls are going to be so excited to have this. Wishing you the best of luck with this incredible opportunity.
looking forward to Iam human
Best of Luck!!!!
Hopeing for the best always....
"What can I say....except I LOVE YOU MY GODSON & HOLD YOU DEAR TO MY HEART ALWAYS. Best of Luck in this new endeavor....and may you NEVER EVER stop DREAMING & CREATING ART!!! Love Aunt Joan :)
I continue to be fascinated by your talents and drawn to your creative energy. Wishing you all of the luck and magic of the universe as you continue your journey.
Carolyn...yoga buddy
So happy to be a part of this exciting journey!
Much love Pete. I wish you great success and am so pleased to see you achieve what is so important to all of us, love and wisdom. thank you.
Dylan & Amanda
Seriously, you guys all rock. I'm completely humbled by the response on this. Marino, Stelios, Christian, Mom, Aunt Joan, Carolyn, Carol, and Dylan and Amanda. So much love to each of you and thank you for the support!!
Good luck!!!
can't wait for the book, ✌️
I believe in all you do and I am encouraged by your strength and gifts and how generously you share them! Looking forward to seeing this book in print!!
Love your work! :)
I look forward to this work.
Peter, I was deeply inspired by your story and of course your artistic journey and breakthrough that you shared through your sketchbook with me. You’ve inspired me to pursue an artistic path once again and to continue striving to fulfill my dreams in the process. Thank you and Godspeed!
Talented and inspiring. I’ve been in awe of Pete’s work since I was a kid and saw the start of these sketches while skating with his younger brother. He’s the most genuine person and it shows in all his art.
Thank you Blair, NIck, Naomi, Gabriella, MIchael, Stevenson, and Christopher. You're all amazing. I so appreciate each of you. Blessings my friend..
So proud of your commitment to growth & Change. I’m inspired as always by your work!
Thank you Dina!!
Really looking forward to what I know will be an exceptional experience with this book!
Good Luck Peter. Hope you hit your quota, you deserve it!
-D. Hanley
Thank you Reno and David, you guys rock!
Good luck Pete! Can’t wait for the release.
<3
Looking forward to it, thanks again
Best of luck buddy! Lets build together.
Peter, you are doing something really beautiful with this project. Its really meaningful and inspiring for me because I'm also trying to publish something that relates to my own battle through mental illness. It takes so much to put yourself out there with not only your work but your personal stuggles. I wish you the best of luck and cant wait to see the book!
Thanks for making this sketchbook available to us Peter!
Peter, we are so amazed at your talent and spirit. We can’t wait to see your book and to see you again! Rock on! Love, cousin Tom and Julie
Kelly, Sam, Anthony, Ian, AJ, Anu, and Julie and Tom. Yes to all of you. I'm honored and humbled by your contributions and support of this project. A million thanks to each of you!
Wishing you all the best!
Can’t wait for this book!
Love you!!
Lol!! Got your number 200. Also!! Who's better than me? Lol
Best of luck Pete, wishing you the best
I’ve been waiting for a book!!! Such an exciting event to be sharing with you!!! So proud!! Can’t wait to receive it!!! Thanks
How wonderful Peter! Congrats and I am so excited and happy for you. And excited to read your book! Your talent is abounding❤
$25
92 readers
Official Sketchbook
Free shipping
Free ebook
$25 Official Sketchbook Owner!
You'll get one copy of my sketchbook - "I AM HUMAN" in print and ebook form, plus you’ll get exclusive access to updates, manuscript revisions. *This bonus is limited to the first 250 readers.
Includes:
$60
20 readers
Acknowledged in the book
Invite to launch party and book signing
Everything in previous bonus
$60 1+2 Bundle
You'll get one copy of my sketchbook - I AM HUMAN, +2 to share with friends at discount, in print and ebook form, plus a HUGE thanks from me in the acknowledgements section. You’ll also get everything in the previous bonus.
Includes:
$100 Sold out
10 readers
VIP Sketchbook + 4 extra copies
Limited print run
Signed with a personalized sketch
Free shipping
Free ebook
$100 VIP Sketchbook Owner!
You'll get one signed and personalized copy of my sketchbook - I AM HUMAN in print and ebook form, plus you’ll get exclusive access to updates, manuscript revisions. *This bonus is limited to the first 10 readers.
Includes:
$200
0 readers
10 Bundle
Video hangout with live drawing and Q & A
$200 Personal Video Chat
You'll get everything in the $25 bonus, plus 9 more copies of my sketchbook - I AM HUMAN to share with your friends.
* You’ll also get a special group video session on "drawing the human form" with me.
Includes:
$500
0 readers
25 Bundle
$500 Champion
You want this book to reach a group of people and contribute to this campaign in a big way! You'll receive 25 copies of my sketchbook - I AM HUMAN, Sponsor
* Get recognized on the first page as a Champion, and get any of the above bonuses you like most.
Includes:
$1000
0 readers
Speaking gig + 50 Bundle 0r
Online course or workshop + 50 Bundle
$1000 - 50 Bundle
Hire me to speak at your event and I'll bring 50 signed copies with me for you and your guests to take home or...
Choose to host an online course or workshop where you can personally invite 50 people who will all get their own signed copy of my sketchbook - I AM HUMAN.
Includes:
on Feb. 3, 2018, 2:03 p.m.
lets go!! can't wait to check this out