Hey everyone,

As promised, this newsletter contains another sneak peek at my forthcoming MUTTS 25th anniversary book The Art of Nothing, which will be published by Abrams this fall.

Today I am sharing several of our early, previous cover ideas. There are a lot of factors as to what makes a good cover, and it’s always fun playing around with different concepts. What do you think?

MUTTS Anniversary Book Cover 1

MUTTS Anniversary Book Cover 2

MUTTS Anniversary Book Cover 3

MUTTS Anniversary Book Cover 4

MUTTS Anniversary Book Cover 5

In other news, this month I will be attending the National Cartoonists Society’s NCS Fest in Huntington Beach, California. For the first time, it’s open to the public. The three-day event, held May 17-19, is a celebration of comics and cartoon art from all over the world!

On Friday, May 17, I’ll be speaking on a panel titled “The Art of George Herriman’s Krazy Kat.” Then on Saturday, May 18, I’ll give a presentation about MUTTS in two separate sessions. You can see my full NCS Fest schedule here — or purchase your passes at the NCS Fest Tickets page.

Last week, on April 27, I had the pleasure of presenting an event titled “A Celebration of Companion Animals,” hosted by the Princeton Public Library in Princeton, New Jersey. I invited Heather Achenbach from SAVE Animal Shelter and Brian Hackett, the N.J. State Director for The Humane Society of the United States, to speak during my talk. It was a treat, as always, to speak with other animal lovers about the bonds we share with our furry friends. Plus, three pets were adopted on the spot. It was a wonderful event and we will share more about it on our blog.

In New Jersey we are blessed with four distinct seasons and I’m enjoying the return of our feathered friends.

Patrick

Comments (38)

I like the third from the bottom for a book cover – uncluttered but nicely conveys the message. Love Mutts and your commitment to animals in shelters. Keep up the good work!

K Cline

Hi Patrick,
My vote is for the third panel, for the wonderful expansive view. It could be called, “The joy of small moments”, because your work reflects so many
tender times. Thanks for sharing your pet-hugging talent with the world for a quarter of a century!
All the best,
Paula

Paula

To me, the first three seem to be poking fun at your comics, but I love the last one, “Taking Notes;” it’s a very peaceful and relaxing message and I’d want to read it in the same kind of environment.

Tara M.

Hi Patrick,
really love the thrid. The pefect Mutts style I love so much!
G

Giovanna Tomaselli

I adore them all, but the very last one “Taking Notes” is my pick. I love all of your creations, admire your generosity, and am envious of your talent! Long Live MUTTS!

Laurel Haynes

I like the one on top. :-)

Sara Clarke

I like the simplicity of #3 … it personifies “the art of nothing”. <3

Judith Salvino

The last one of course! Simple, yet poignant!

joan