Episode 427 of the CMP, a Creativity Matters Podcast — a look at an inspiring children’s book illustrated in pen and ink

In this episode of the CMP, I finally go and locate Who Needs Donuts by Mark Alan Stamaty on the shelves. The book has been on my mind for some reason, and the “on my mind” vibe got so strong that I finally went to search for it. This isn’t a book I knew as a child, and it isn’t a book I knew about when my kids were younger. This was gifted to me (and them) several years ago, and I love it. I remember so clearly being so blown away by the illustration back when I first saw it.

Luckily, I was able to find it on the shelves in the boys’ room. I know a lot more about pen and ink (maybe) now than I did a few years ago, but once again, I was blown away by Stamaty’s pen and ink, by the amazing level of detail in the pages, the backgrounds that overflowing with information and alive with story, and, always, the patterns on clothing, on buildings, and throughout the city scenes.

After deciding to talk about this book, I located several interviews with Stamaty and information about two other books that you might want to check out, too. There are a bunch of links below.

This book is an unusual story, but the illustration is amazing, and there’s a lot to take in here about what’s important.

In the draw along section, I drew a box of donuts…. it seemed appropriate!

Two images from Who Needs Donuts by Mark Alan Stamaty:

Mentioned in this Episode (or Related)

• Episode 426 (more about #Inktoportraits and the dip pen conversation)
• Who Needs Donuts? by Mark Alan Stamaty
• MacDoodle St. by Mark Alan Stamaty (note: I made a comment about this maybe having color — and that’s probably not the case; the cover has color. I haven’t seen this book in person, but I’ve seen some pages in other interviews, and everything has been black and white.)
• Yellow Yellow by Frank Asch and illustrated by Mark Alan Stamaty
• Probably anything I’ve recorded about Lynda Barry would be a good companion to today’s show, too, like: The Monster Under the Desk (377)
• Making Comics (Lynda Barry)
• Syllabus (Lynda Barry)
• My Favorite Thing is Monsters
• Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened
• Episode 259: Dear Diary
• Episode 411: Between the Lines

Referenced (or Related)

• Cartoonist Mark Alan Stamaty – Bullseye with Jesse Thorn
• Joy In Excess: The Overflowing Art of Mark Alan Stamaty
• Counterculture Cartoonist Mark Alan Stamaty Returns to MacDoodle St. after 40 Years
• Virtual Memories Show 314: Mark Alan Stamaty
• SOUND & VISION: MARK ALAN STAMATY
• Interview With Mark Alan Stamaty

Tools

• • Notes on large format sketchbooks
  • Uni-Gel Alpha Shaker pencil (mine is listed as “slightly firm” – but it’s super cushy; they do come in other softness/hardness ratings. I really do love this shaker!)
  • Pentel Hi-Polymer Block Eraser, Large, White (these things disappear like socks; you can never have too many white erasers lying around)
  • Moleskine Art Sketchbook (what I’m using for regular drawing)
  • Moleskine Art Sketchbook — the REALLY big one —  A3 (11.75″ x 16.5″)
  • Sktchy app for inspiration photos
  • Zebra Fudes (good for filling in)
  • Pentel Fudes
  • Micron 08 (larger nib good for thicker lines or filling in small-medium spaces)
  • Micron 01 (favorite for drawing)
  • Micron Sampler (6 count)

Show Information:

• Patreon page – support the CMP and get access to some special things
• Buy me a Coffee with Ko-Fi
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• Creativity Matters Group at Facebook
• oamyoamy at Instagram
• Try Creative Bug with the Living a More Creative Life: 30 Ways in 30 Days class
• Try Trello
• Guitar music: Nicholai Heidlas on SoundCloud

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