Here are my best guesses for projects in 2024.
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Things-Could-Be-Worse Bowls: It’s time to replace the nearly famous Omnivore Bowl with a new design. I’ve been working on a design that features a calamity landscape wrapped around the inside so you can contemplate potential troubles as you eat your breakfast. I already have a prototype I like, so this could be a Kickstarter project early in the new year.
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Cat Collection: I filled several sketchbooks with cat drawings in 2023. Been working on several projects (book, puzzle, cards, textiles, etc.) There’s been talk of making all these one big giant Kickstarter project. The timing could be complicated, but it might make a bigger splash if all the cats arrived simultaneously, right?
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Letterpress Prints: I feel that every year should include a few prints. Just need to decide which topics will be best.
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Throw: I’d love to do another cozy throw blanket this year. I have some delightful and silly patterns that could work. Still think something in dusty sage green could be a hit. Possibilities include sleepy kittens, sea monsters, carnivorous plants, and, the ever popular, cephalopods.
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Dinner Plate(s): Even though we already have 12 dinner plate designs, it seems like there are additional calamities that deserve to be addressed. Wouldn’t it be fun to discover demon mosquitoes (etc.) under your lasagna?
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Return of Krampus: I had so much fun with the Krampus cards, coasters, print, and t-shirt this year. Makes me want to revisit Krampus. Perhaps see more of his family life, pets, and hobbies. Wonder what happens in the Krampus kitchen?
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Cuties: If you grew up with siblings, or live with roommates, you know how important it is to protect your snacks from pirates. My answer is the Ghastly Guardians, a band of adorable but vicious characters who can discourage poaching of your treats by the inconsiderate people you live and work with. Perhaps a series of stickers, security containers, tableware, tokens, and scary dolls will remind rapacious marauders to keep their hands off your goodies?
Fuzzy The Merciless is the first of these characters. Fuzzy was introduced on one of the porcelain bowls in the Vexations Series introduced in 2023. But there are many more in my sketchbooks. Maybe this is the year to let them out?
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Evil Career Guide. I’ve got a first draft and some excellent sketches I’d still like to turn into a career guide for super villains. But I think I might have had this idea on my bucket list in previous years. Will it finally happen? Probably be easier and result in a better book if I skip the notion of iambic pentameter.
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That’s not all. I’m sure some other unanticipated projects will jump into the line-up. There has been talk of pillows, towels, butter dishes, gravy boats, coloring books, socks, and much more. Watch for email updates as the year advances.
You might feel tempted to write and tell me which products you want me to work on. Go ahead. But don’t expect an individual reply and don’t expect me to actually shift my priorities just because you want me to draw Martians, warrior Chihuahuas, owls, or opossums wearing poke bonnets.
I draw every day. I’m exploring the zone where products are beautiful, utilitarian, and funny. I hope you’ll find something I’m doing worthy of your support. But I plan to keep up the effort, whether anyone is behind me or not.
Don—Pittsburgh, December 28, 2023
Copyright 2023. Don't duplicate without permission.
Amy
February 05, 2024
As a Southerner, I love the giant mosquito idea! I also would love more trolls and their lawyers. Also, a farm series. Imagine spaceships abducting cows, pigs flying, etc. lol. I am a new customer, I just received my first order and I am hooked!!!