Just Say NOPE to Plastic, is the newest, freshest book in my collection. This book informs readers about the many helpful and ridiculous ways people use plastic, and the magnitude of environmental problems associated with plastics.
The shopping and lifestyle guide helps people make sustainable, plastic-free choices that fit their own lifestyle. This 135 page graphic guide is packed with information delivered by hilarious animal characters, to inform and entertain, and it just might help save the world.
One Fine Day
What happens when these two very different characters literally bump into each other on the same path? One Fine Day brings the viewer into the small world inhabited by two archetypal characters; bombastic and impulsive Raf, and shy, studious Lyn. These characters are instantly relatable, and though they are complete opposites, they learn to understand and appreciate each other. By their example, we can all learn healthy conflict resolution and solidarity, despite our differences. I wanted to create a semi-wordless book, in an effort to tell a simple story through the actions, and interactions of two highly relatable characters. In the interest of relatability, I chose to focus heavily on character traits while leaning away from gender norms. Raf and Lyn are intentionally non-binary animal friends, whose polarity does not get in the way of friendship.
Know Your Isms
So, do you know what socialism means? How about capitalism? Do you really know? Huh, punk? You could grab a dictionary, or you could consult Know Your Isms.
This lil' pocket guide explores the common ideologies that people throw around in casual conversation. Illustrated with full color images of iconic animal characters displaying the characteristics of each ism, this guide just might enlighten a conversation or two.
If You Can't Beat it Eat it!
If You Can't Beat it, Eat it! A comic pocket guide for wild harvesting, and eating all those pesky weeds. This little book covers the basic edible wild plants common throughout the United States, gives tips on best harvesting practices, and how to prepare a wild harvest.
Animal Shorts
Animal shorts is a weird and hilarious collaboration with my husband, Brent Gonyea. Brent has been writing short stories about the oddities and idiosyncrasies of human behavior, using animal characters, for over thirty years. His collection ranges from the absurd, to the heartfelt.
It was a fun process illustrating each two page story, and bringing the characters to life. This project was part of my Masters studies at the University of Wisconsin - Stout, where I received my MFA in Design in 2024.
Achieving Catness
Ever look at your cat and think "how are you so cool?" Well, I do. While studying the Tao Te Ching I observed my adorable cats, just chillin', loafing on the windowsill, and I realized that catness is basically enlightenment!
Cat owners, you know this: "The cat is a master of not-doing. They do not need to prove anything to anyone. The cat does nothing, yet all things are done."