bio

I grew up on a farm on the outskirts of a village with three bars, a post office, and the world’s greatest junk parade. Installing electric at small-town county fairs, wiring trailer parks, and using photocopy machines formed the way I make things and view the world. I work on multiple projects at once, each distinct but informing the others. I always show the means of production. The process, the fingerprints, the screwups.

I have two young kids; my world is now small. I have gained confidence out of necessity; I no longer have room for aimlessness or indecision. When I steal time, storytelling, anxiousness, research, and humor are used to make things that solve problems or to make things about the idea of solving problems.

CV

Total Essential Knowledge courses, supply list

I teach Total Essential Knowledge Courses, often online. For these online courses, I have a list of optional supplies below. If you purchase from these links I receive a small percentage of the sale. Thanks.

Blackwing Matte Pencils are my favorite. They go down dark and unforgiving. Check out the other Blackwing pencils for more finesse.

Speedball Mapping Pen Set. I like the bigger sturdier bottom two nibs best.

My favorite of all black inks, Yasutomo Black Sumi Ink.

Pentel Arts Color Brush. It comes with ink in the handle, so you can draw anywhere. I often don’t use it for that, I still dip the brush into my Sumi Ink, but I love the feel and durability of this one. The thicker handle (for holding ink) helps eliminate hand cramping from hours of use. I rarely clean it, you can just put the cap on when finished and throw it in your bag until next time. Super portable and easy to use with no setup or cleanup.

The Lamy AL-Star Fountain Pen is my go-to when traveling, in the car, etc. Highly portable version of the pen and ink dip nibs above. I also recommend getting a Lamy Refill Converter, so you can refill with your favorite inks.

Noodler’s Heart of Darkness is my favorite black ink to put in my Lamy Fountain pen with the Refill Converter.

Strathmore 400 Series Heavyweight Drawing Paper is formidable. 18 x 24 in pad is great for these drawings, if you want to go big.

Another good option includes:

Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Paper, 18 x 24 in. More inexpensive than the heavyweight.

If you want to work smaller try:

Strathmore 400 Series Heavyweight Drawing Paper . 11 x 14 in pad.

Strathmore 300 Series Bristol. 11 x 14 in pad

If you like to add color, this is what I use in my drawings, the Sennelier L’Aquarelle French Watercolor Paint Set. I find paying for good watercolors makes a huge difference.