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September 26, 2020

9/26/2020

Hello!

I hope you all are doing well! Here's a quick update with what's going on with Alpha-Sketch: Art for the Smart as well as a free printable activity. Take care and stay healthy!

Free Printables!

Here's a printable .pdf of a recent piece for these weird Covid times as well as its decoded version. The black and white print is reproducible for classroom use, but not resale or redistribution. The color print is included for display. Students enjoy searching for the letters and the younger ones can have fun coloring as well. If this type of activity is appealing to you or your students, there are three books (1, 2, 3) of 40 illustrations each available.

alpha-sketch_mask_up_printables.pdf
File Size:	3346 kb
File Type:	pdf

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Recent Work!

Here's a look a couple of recent projects. The games have been my primary projects as of late and don't involve the Alpha-Sketch technique. I'm also working on a couple of new Alpha-Sketch books in between custom book fundraisers that should be out in 2021.

Upcoming Appearances!

Shows and fairs, of course, have been off the table recently due to the pandemic. I have no plans to attend indoor shows until 2021 at the earliest. There are two outdoor shows coming up soon. As always, if you would like to purchase something, just get in touch.

November 7, 2020
GCA Fall Festival (Simpsonville, SC)

December 13, 2020
Swamp Rabbit Holiday Flea (Greenville, SC)
tentative

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October 26, 2019

10/26/2019

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Change in Newsletter Frequency!

Hey folks! From here on out the newsletter may no longer be monthly. In addition to working on lots of custom fundraiser books, I'm teaching more these days and doing a lot of design work. As such, my ability to do school-day visits has greatly diminished. I'm still available for school visits, but I'm mainly doing evening events like literacy nights or summer camps. Since I'm not really promoting school visits and the custom book fundraisers are currently full for 2019-20, I'm going to stop publishing the newsletter monthly. It will still come out on the 26th, just not every month.

Thank You, Yadkinville Elementary!

I recently returned from a great school visit in NC. Ms. Poindexter, the Yadkinville Elementary School media specialist, did a fantastic job prepping her students so that they would get the most out of an author visit. There were even Alpha-Sketch bulletin boards! She had read each grade level a different Alpha-Sketch book and had incorporated activities from The Alpha-Sketch Classroom. I loved seeing the wonderful Alpha-Sketch drawings that her students of all ages created. I had a great time working with the students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade as well as presenting at their literacy night to launch their custom book fundraiser. Thanks to Ms. Poindexter and the staff and students of YES for a great event! Here are some photos!

Recent New Art!

Here's a look at some of the recent commissions and drawings for fun I've done. These were all executed in ink and watercolor.

Upcoming Appearances!

Check out the APPEARANCES page for updates. This list does not include school visits. Contact for availability.

November 2, 2019
GCA Fall Festival (Simpsonville, SC)

December 7, 2019
Swamp Flea Holiday Flea (Greenville, SC)

Free Halloween Worksheet!

Here's a free Frankenstein's Monster worksheet that can be photocopied for classroom use. Students can find the letters as well as color. I've also included a "decoded" version that reveals each letter's location. Happy hunting!

frankensteins_monster_worksheet.pdf
File Size:	4597 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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August 26, 2019

8/25/2019

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Custom Books for 2019-20 Are Closed!

The list for custom book school fundraising projects for 2019-20 is now closed. This is first time that has happened before the school year begins. I am scheduling custom books for 2020-21. If you would like to reserve your spot, please get in touch.

Reviews!

If you've read any of my books and have a moment to write a quick sentence or two review on Amazon, I would really appreciate it. Most independent authors like myself gain new readers by word-of-mouth. Any rating helps!

School Visits!

I will not be visiting as many schools this year as I am now also teaching as adjunct faculty at a local college. If you've already scheduled a visit, your date is confirmed. If you haven't scheduled and would like to, please get in touch soon to ensure you get your preference of dates.

Upcoming Appearances!

Check the APPEARANCES page for updates. This list does not include school visits. Contact for availability.

October 12-13, 2019
Upstate Pop Expo (Greenville, SC)

November 2, 2019
GCA Fall Festival (Simpsonville, SC)

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July 26, 2019

7/25/2019

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Custom Book Fundraisers...Only 2 Spots Remain!

If your school is interested in a custom book fundraiser for either fall 2019 or spring 2020, be advised that only 2 spots remain. Once those two spots are filled, interested schools can be added to the 2020-21 schedule.

T-Shirt Closeout!

After a little experimenting and comparing the sales numbers, I will no longer be offering the SC flag t-shirt to South Carolina Schools as part of a fundraiser. This t-shirt option will be replaced with other books. The profit margin for schools will remain the same. For every book sold (your custom one or one of my previously-published works), your school will earn $5.

There are not a lot of t-shirts remaining, but I am offering what I have left for $12 each shipped. If you are interested in a SC flag shirt, please send me a message to see if your size is still available. The shirts are short-sleeved, 100% cotton, and available in adult and children's sizes.

Product Spotlight: Alpha-Sketch Greeting Cards!

Do you need a unique greeting card? Something that you can't get in stores? Check out the Alpha-Sketch greeting cards that are available in my online store. Each illustration is "decoded" on the back of every card. All cards include an envelope as well as a color Alpha-Sketch seal.

Upcoming Appearances!

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June 26, 2019

6/26/2019

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This Saturday (June 29th)!

Do you like games? In 2017, I published LOOK-C, the Alpha-Sketch card game. This project is one of my favorite things I've done. It also got me excited about making games. I have a new game that I'm ready to share. It's a casual card game that centers on set collection, but with unique strategic choices. While I created the illustrations, it is not in the Alpha-Sketch style. If you're in the Greenville, SC area, I will be demonstrating MONSTER MASHED POTATOES this Saturday (June 29) at Boardwalk, the fantastic game shop behind Haywood Mall. I'll be there from 1 until 5.

Commissions!

Want something that's one-of-a-kind? Original art commissions are open! Commissions are available in either traditional (ink/watercolor/pencil) or digital (a one-off print in the style of most of my books). The sizes available include sketch card (2.5" x 3.5"), 8" x 10", 8.5" x 11", 9" x 12", 11" x 17", and 16" x 20". If you are a fan of pop culture and comics, I also do original sketch covers on comic books. You can provide the book or I have a selection of blanks from Marvel, DC, and more. Prices vary based on size and media. Send me a message if you'd like to set something up. Turnaround time is currently 2 weeks max from receipt of payment. Here are a few samples.

Literacy Camps!

School may be out for the summer, but I'm really looking forward to working with students at several more literacy events in July. If you are interested in having a guest author at your event, please get in touch. As always, my presentations can be customized to meet the needs of your students.

Upcoming Appearances!

Check the APPEARANCES page for updates. This list does not include school visits. Contact for availability.

June 29, 2019
Playtest Day at Boardwalk (Greenville, SC)

October 12-13, 2019
Upstate Pop Expo (Greenville, SC)

November 2, 2019
GCA Fall Festival (Simpsonville, SC)

Custom Books...Filling Fast!

As I mentioned last month, I will be limiting the number of custom book fundraisers I create next year. If you would like to schedule your school, please get in touch soon.

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May 26, 2019

5/26/2019

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Happy Summer!

Given that a lot of the subscribers to this newsletter are in the education field, I just want to take a moment and wish all the teachers, media specialists, administrators, and students a happy summer. I'll see some of you in the coming months at the literacy camps that are on the horizon. I'm looking forward to them all!

Custom Book Fundraisers!

If you're interested in a custom book fundraiser for 2019-2020, please get in touch soon to reserve your spot. Space will be limited this year. If you've sent in your deposit and agreement, you should have received an e-mail questionnaire. This document is what helps me write the book. If you have received your questionnaire, please return it soon so that production can begin.

In the past, schools have had the option of coupling their book with either a t-shirt or my other pre-published books. When comparing the sales of various schools, a pattern emerged. Schools that sold books only tended to raise more money than schools that sold books and shirts. As a result, the t-shirt option will no longer be available in future sales.

Contest Winner!

What was I drawing in last month's contest?

There were a lot of entries - most of them correct - for our last contest. The correct answer was: Harry Potter!

All of the correct entries were entered into a drawing for an exclusive magnet pack. The winner is...Jeremy S. of SC! Your magnets are on their way.

Artfields!

Artfields 2019 has come to a close! I wrote a brief blog entry about my new, featured piece, 26 LEAD SOLDIERS. It's an animation that interprets one of my favorite historical quotations. I hope you enjoy checking out the animation!

Upcoming Appearances!

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April 26, 2019

4/23/2019

1 Comment

B is for Busy!

Hi! I hope everyone is doing well. I'm having a great time finishing up the last few custom books for this year, visiting schools, as well as lining up summer sessions for literacy camps. If you're looking for someone to help at your summer camp, get in touch. On with the newsletter...

Behind the Scenes!

One of the most challenging illustrations to create for each custom book is the image of the school building. Limiting the art to only using the 26 letters once makes most architecture difficult. As we wrap up this school year, I thought I would share a few of the buildings I drew this year that were included in custom books. If your school wasn't included, please don't be offended. This is just a highlight of the schools that were the most challenging to draw.

Custom Book Fundraisers for 2019-20!

If you have scheduled a custom book fundraiser for the 2019-20 school year, you should have already received a link to the brief form that provides me with the background information and reference photos to make your book. If you are considering a custom book fundraiser for next year, get in touch soon to secure a spot as the number of participating schools will be limited this year. Thank you!

Contest!

It's time for another contest! Here's a partially-completed Alpha-Sketch. Only 13 letters are used. Can you guess what famous fictional character is being drawn? If so, send your guess via an email (not a comment) by May 13. All correct guesses will be entered for a prize pack of 2 exclusive magnets. The remaining letters, the character's identity, and the contest winner will be revealed next month. Good luck!

Upcoming Appearances!

Check the APPEARANCES page for updates. This list does not include school visits. Contact for availability.

April 26 - May 4, 2019
Artfields (new animation displayed in competition; Lake City, SC)

October 12-13, 2019
Upstate Pop Expo (Greenville, SC)

November 2, 2019
GCA Fall Festival (Simpsonville, SC)

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March 26, 2019

3/26/2019

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Schedule Soon!

I hope that everyone is doing well. Thanks to the folks that have recently signed up for the newsletter at SCASL and other events. It will arrive on the 26th each month.

Spring has sprung and it's pretty busy! There are lots of custom books in production and being delivered. School visits are in full swing as well. There's lots to do, but lots of fun!

I've started scheduling custom book fundraisers for next year. I will probably be limiting the number of projects I work on next year so if you're with a school and would like for me to write and illustrate a custom book that you can use as a fundraiser, get in touch soon. There's a big project coming up for me that I hope to be able to talk about soon. It's art-based, but not Alpha-Sketch actually. I'm very excited about it and can't wait to make an announcement hopefully soon!

The cover of a custom book for Congaree Elementary (West Columbia, SC). Their mascot/logo is the first monochromatic one I've encountered. It's also the first one I've drawn that has a word in it by design. I'm pretty pleased with how the cover turned out.

Book Reviews!

Have you read any of my new books? NO SHOES FOR BIGFOOT? NEEDLES? THE LETTERS VISIT THE OCEAN? If you have and have a moment, I would really appreciate a quick review posted at Amazon. Reviews don't have to be long...even one word counts! Whether it's "great!" or "terrible!," a review really helps an independent author's work be seen more by raising its position in search results as well as allowing it to pop up in other people's suggested titles they may enjoy. If there's an author that you enjoy - independent or otherwise - a short review is big help. Thanks!

Contest Results!

Last month we had a guess what-I'm-drawing contest. I posted the incomplete Alpha-Sketch seen below which uses only 13 letters.

There were lots of correct guesses and even more entries. All of the correct guesses were placed into a drawing for a magnet prize pack. The correct answer was an owl, as seen below in the completed Alpha-Sketch. Thanks to everyone that entered, and our winner is....Matt H. from Georgia! Your prize pack is on its way! There will be another contest next month!

This design is also available as a 3" vinyl sticker suitable for outdoor use. It can be ordered here.

Upcoming Appearances!

Check the APPEARANCES page for updates. This list does not include school visits. Contact for availability.

April 13, 2019
Swamp Rabbit Cafe Spring Flea (Greenville, SC)

April 26 - May 4, 2019
Artfields (new animation displayed in competition; Lake City, SC)

April 27 - 28, 2019
Artfields Makers Market (Lake City, SC)

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February 26, 2019

2/26/2019

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Thank You!

I want to take just a moment and thank everyone for the positive reception that NO SHOES FOR BIGFOOT has received. Writing and illustrating a book is a pretty solitary process and then involves a lot of waiting to share the final product. I really appreciate all the folks that stopped by the debut signing at Richard's Comics in Greenville, SC earlier this month. It was so supportive of you to come and check it out. I enjoyed speaking with everyone. If were unable to make the signing and would like a copy, NO SHOES FOR BIGFOOT is now available at Amazon.com and will be in my online store at Alpha-Sketch.com in the near future. As with all of my books, please free to leave a review at Amazon. Reviews help authors' work show up higher in searches as well as appear in suggested titles for other readers. Each review helps even if it's just a word long! Brody Bigfoot and I thank you!

SCASL!

It's almost time for one of my favorite annual conferences - SCASL! If you're not familiar with this fine group, SCASL is the South Carolina Association of School Librarians. Last year was my first time attending, and I had a great experience. This year, I'll be presenting a concurrent session entitled "Alpha-Sketch Fun-Raising" on Friday, March 8 from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. in the "Carolina A" room. If you're at the conference, please stop by and say hello! If you'd like to learn more about school visits and especially the custom book project, make plans to attend the session. As with most of my sessions, there will be a game at the end where you can guess what is being drawn one letter at a time. There will be prizes (books, shirts, prints, etc.)! Looking forward to seeing all my librarian friends and making some new ones!

Contest!

It's time for another contest! The winner of this contest will receive a magnet two-pack that is not for sale and only available as a prize. Below is an incomplete Alpha-Sketch that uses 13 letters. If you have guess for what is being drawn, send it as a message or e-mail, not a comment. All correct guesses will be entered into a drawing for the prize pack. Entries are accepted through March 20. Good luck!

School Visits!

February and March always seem to be some of the busiest months for school visits, and I'm having a great time meeting so many wonderful students and teachers. I'm not going to list all of the schools in fear of leaving someone out (follow on Instagram for that), but I honestly appreciate each and every school that has invited me. Some dates are still available for this year, so if you'd like a visit, please get in touch.

Custom Books Fundraisers!

Here's a look at some recent book covers. If you'd like a custom book about what makes your school great, more information can be found here. Your school earns $5 per book sold! There's still time for a custom book for this year, but schools are already scheduling both visits and custom books for next year as well. I love working with new schools!

Schedule of Public Appearances

Check the APPEARANCES page for updates as invitations are received.
This list does not include school visits. Contact for availability.

March 7-9, 2019
SCASL (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) Conference (Columbia, SC)

April 26 - May 4, 2019
Artfields (new animation displayed in competition; Lake City, SC)

April 27 - 28, 2019
Artfields Makers Martket (Lake City, SC)

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January 26, 2019

1/25/2019

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New Book!

NO SHOES FOR BIGFOOT - my new picture book - releases this February! To celebrate I'm having a debut signing at Richard's Comics and Collectables in Greenville, SC on Saturday, February 9 from 2 - 5 p.m. At the signing I'll be selling copies of the new book as well as NEEDLES, I AM NOT A CAT PERSON!, O, SAY CAN U C?, and more. I'll also have an exclusive print of the book's main character - Brody Bigfoot - only available that day and limited to a run of 10. Richard's is a great shop with a wide variety of comics, toys, and pop culture items. There's also two fantastic restaurants right down the street - India Palace and Pita House - if you're into international foods like I am. I would love to see you at the signing! Here's a sneak peek at the first page of NO SHOES FOR BIGFOOT:

School Visit Schedule!

It's a busy time of year for school visits, and I love it! Thanks for the hospitality to all of the schools that have been kind enough to invite me to present. From Charleston to Fayetteville, there are a lot of miles being put on the 'ol Prius. If you would like to schedule a visit for your school, please get in touch. There are still a few open dates, but the schedule is filling up.

Tantrum Con!

Besides my books and prints I ventured into the tabletop game world in 2017 with LOOK-C, the Alpha-Sketch card game. To help promote the game, I'll be setting up at Tantrum Con - a three-day board gaming convention - in Spartanburg, SC. The con runs February 15-17, and I will only be there for the last day (Sunday). I'll have an artist table in the hall and will be doing demos of the game as well as selling copies, books, and prints.

Free Worksheet!

I hope that you enjoy this free coloring sheet of a dragon! Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use, but not resale.

dragon_worksheet___coloring_page.pdf
File Size:	9680 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Schedule of Public Appearances

Check the APPEARANCES page for updates.
This list does not include school visits. Contact for availability.

February 9, 2019
Book Debut/Signing at Richard's Comics and Collectables (Greenville, SC)

February 17, 2019
Tantrum Con (Spartanburg, SC)

March 7-9, 2019
SCASL (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) Conference (Columbia, SC)

April 26 - May 4, 2019
Artfields (new animation displayed in competition; Lake City, SC)

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<<Previous

Hello!

Free Printables!

Recent Work!

Upcoming Appearances!

Change in Newsletter Frequency!

Thank You, Yadkinville Elementary!

Recent New Art!

Upcoming Appearances!

Free Halloween Worksheet!

Custom Books for 2019-20 Are Closed!

Reviews!

School Visits!

Upcoming Appearances!

Custom Book Fundraisers...Only 2 Spots Remain!

T-Shirt Closeout!

Product Spotlight: Alpha-Sketch Greeting Cards!

Upcoming Appearances!

This Saturday (June 29th)!

Commissions!

Literacy Camps!

Upcoming Appearances!

Custom Books...Filling Fast!

Happy Summer!

Custom Book Fundraisers!

Contest Winner!

Artfields!

Upcoming Appearances!

B is for Busy!

Behind the Scenes!

Custom Book Fundraisers for 2019-20!

Contest!

Upcoming Appearances!

Schedule Soon!

Book Reviews!

Contest Results!

Upcoming Appearances!

Thank You!

SCASL!

Contest!

School Visits!

Custom Books Fundraisers!

Schedule of Public Appearances

New Book!

School Visit Schedule!

Tantrum Con!

Free Worksheet!

Schedule of Public Appearances

Bradd Parton

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