From a boy who has never seen falling snow...

Living in a tropical country all my life, I have always dreamed of spending Christmas in a snowy country. I have always imagined how cool it would be to watch snowflakes fall (instead of rain!), play in the snow, skate in a real frozen lake, do winter sports, and crash sleds into snowmen. I hope my art takes me there someday. In the meantime, I'm letting my furry friends enjoy it.

From a boy who has never experienced these...Merry Christmas to all!

My Children's book publications of 2013

As the year is about to end, I thought it'd be nice to look back at all the books I did for the year. It was a blast working with everyone in the industry this year. To the writers and publishers, thank you!

Ma-Me- Mi- Mumu! 

written and illustrated by Jomike Tejido (Ilaw ng Tahanan 2013)

My first horror book that is fit for young readers' non-commercial, non-dental-threatening halloween delight! View its trailer in my youtube channel, Jomike Tejido. Or click this link: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZt18LLNhq8&feature=c4-overview&list=UUIef4HBYIvTg1BgciVEXVuw

Foldabots Toybook Vol.6 
written and illustrated by Jomike Tejido (Summit Media 2013)

Now on its 6th awesome papercrafting year! If you are between 7-12 years old and haven't heard of this series, then head over to my website: http://www.jmtejido.com/foldabots.html to learn more about my Foldabots universe. Better yet, start your Foldabots cardboard robot collection now by grabbing a copy of K-Zone Magazine (Philippines) , to get the latest robot for this month! (www.kzone.com.ph)

I Am A Good Filipino
Written and sung  by Noel Cabangon
Painted on mats by Jomike Tejido (Lampara Books 2013)

It was an honor to work with this living Filipino folk singer -songwriter - legend. Aside from its timeless appeal, it is also a hardbound limited- edition book. Not a common production practice here in Manila. Also available in paperback. More about my mat paintings at www.jmtejido.com

Paolo's Magic
Written by Glenda "Bong" Oris
Illustrated by  Jomike Tejido (Lampara Books 2013)

A story about a toddler's adventure in a barbershop. Something most kids and parents can relate to. Happy to do my anthropomorphic characters for the first time to surprise both publisher and writer. I am glad both parties agreed with my dog characters!

My Daddy, My One and Only
Written by Zarah Gagatiga (www.lovealibrarian.blogspot.com)
Illustrated by  Jomike Tejido (Lampara Books 2013)

A touching story about a kid's good relationship with his dad. This is what happy childhoods are made of. Happy to do my anthropomorphic characters for the second (literally, consecutive) time to surprise both publisher and writer. I am glad both parties agreed with my ellies! (i love ellies!)

Gideon and God's 300
Written by Jojie Wong
Illustrated by  Jomike Tejido (Hiyas Books 2013)

My first old testament-themed book, which was reminiscent of my high school religion classes. It was nice to draw war scenes for a change.

I Know Where My Heart Is
Written by Joaquin De Guzman
Illustrated by  Jomike Tejido (Bookmark Inc. 2013)

Set in the mid 90's, this is a heroic story of a selfless Filipino priest who died to save an entire class of students. The story was written by a high school student from the Ateneo De Manila. More info in the school's website: http://www.admu.edu.ph/tags/i-know-where-my-heart

My Father, The Shape Shifter
Written by Ma. Cecilia Sevilla
Illustrated by  Jomike Tejido (Lampara Books 2013)

A reality-based story of a father working away from home as a seaman.

Last Batch of School Visits for Children's book month 2013

As Children's book month came to a close, I did my last round of two schools in Manila. First stop was with the Jr. and Sr. kinder levels at Poveda College, where the kids were dressed up as their favorite children's book character. Amidst all the Disney princesses, i was glad to see one of them dressed as Mia of my book, The Amazing Hat (Adarna House 2003):

Special thanks to Powerbooks for setting up an awesome display of my books for the past 13 years in the industry. Signed over a hundred books in this school!

Next stop was at Xavier School, San Juan. With an older age range of grades 5 to 6, the topic was Foldabots and how I am inspired to create the characters. (More info on Foldabots at www.jmtejido.com/foldabots.htm)

Thank you to Powerbooks, Xavier school and Poveda College for the fun day. 

My first young adult book

Creating a map for the entire book's setting is a pretty tough task considering i havent immeresed myself too much on all 42 chapters. Heres what was supposed to be a final map. But after some contemplation i will have to revise it.

Looking at a lot of rpg and concept art for video games these days. Seems like a fun job as well. If i werent into book making i think id delve into concept art.
:)

The weeks have been so hectic. Being in school visits due to book month and also feeling the crunch of year-end deadlines. Still looking forward to monday though :)

Posted via Blogaway

Posted via Blogaway

A post halloween school visit for kindergarteners!

Had a blast last wednesday in visiting the kindergarten classes of Colegio San Agustin , Makati. Awesome bunch of kids who were very receptive.

Congratulations to the kids who got free mamemi mumu books for drawing their own monsters up on stage with me!

Special thanks to my publisher tahanan books, and especially to powerbooks for organizing the event. Bookfair stocks were all sold out..awesome! :)

Posted via Blogaway

Happy Ma-Me-Mi-Mumu! Halloween 2013

With my plans working out for my latest book release in time for the fright season, I am happy to share the site where Ma-Me-Mi-Mumu! has been featured within the past month:

1. SMART PARENTING Magazine (Philippines)
http://www.smartparenting.com.ph/parenting/parent-child-fun-activities/read-fright-5-halloween-themed-children-s-books-by-pinoy-authors

2. Bookmarked! by Blogger Blooey Singson.
http://sumthinblue.com/filipino-fright/

3. Manila Speak:
http://www.manilaspeak.com/ma-helena-reginaldo/theres-a-ghost-in-your-house-yell-ma-me-mi-mumu/?fb_source=pubv1

4. Kalatas:
http://kalatasliteraryezine.wordpress.com/2013/10/07/review-ma-me-mi-mumu/

And in celebration of this season, I've done a storytelling event in Manila's most historic areas, Intramuros, where a fairly new gift shop just opened called The Manila Collectible (https://www.facebook.com/manilacollectible‎). 

Special Thanks to Fran from my publisher, Tahanan Books for these event photos! 

And also to Van Melle Philippines for sponsoring the Chupa Chups, Mentos and other treats!

'til the next Happy Halloween!

Ma-Me-Mi-Mumu! TRAILER (FILIPINO)

Live Reference for my new book

My daughter, Sophia as a live reference material on a toddler intently using her coloring materials proved to be very helpful. Catch this illustration in my upcoming book, Magkakulay (Of the same color), starring mostly crayon characters. The human kid only appears at the end :)

Illustration Friday: Robot!

When I was a kid , I loved taking my toys apart, especially those that were battery operated and had lights. I taught myself simple electronics by doing so, even if I didn't really put them back the way they were. My dad played an important part in this since he exposed me to a lot of RC hype of the early 90's. I'd have my own mini RC's powered by two AA batteries that I'd transform into other stuff, like a ghostbusters zapper gun that actually spun by itself (the original ones were hand propelled and i wasn't quite satisfied with that!) after I've seen every little thing the RC does.

This week's illustration friday topic also happens to be robot. Hope you enjoyed this one! Here's the illo from my recently launched book, and a sneak peek at its spread. :)

My book giveaway for National Children's Book Day!

My newest children's book published by Lampara books is up for grabs in this facebook art contest!
How to join: 
1. Like my page: @jomike tejido illustration. 
2. Draw you and your dad or mom doing your favorite thing together!
3. Post it in your own timeline. You must write your name and age.
4. Copy and paste the link to this thread below. Only the replies in this thread will be considered.
5. Deadline of entries is on july31, 2013.
6. There are two categories:
Category A: ages 7 and below
Category B: ages 8 to 12
7. Each winner gets a free copy of the book, "my daddy my one and only!" Signed by author zarah gagatiga and me. Book will be couriered to your address via xend.
8. Open to all philippine residents only in the age brackets above.
9. Parents/guardians can use their FB account to enter the works of the kids. pls indicate their name and age.
10. The 2 winners will be notified via private message on aug.2, 2013.

Happy drawing! And happy national childrens book day!

Illustration Friday: Travel!

One of the exciting images i used to develop my style is this set of illos for a catalog. Timmy's birthday is coming and his imagination is taking him places. Also chack my facebook page for the sketch stage  at  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=377505055659696&set=a.377330515677150.88474.376904142386454&type=1&theater

Incoming! Gideon's 300

Gideon and God's 300 is one of my upcoming books to be launched in the upcoming Manila International Book fair. It took some time to make these since there were supposed to be thousands of soldiers in each spread, which according to the Old Testament story, dwindled down to 300 as they fought their sword-less war.

I had a lot of fun with the night sky, fires, and how I got to do characters in an actual serious war, as opposed to my usual children's books.

Surveillance also happens to be this week's illustration Friday topic, and it reminded me on how fun it was to color the sneaky scene where Gideon spied on their enemies. I colored these the usual way and then photoshopped a layer of dark aqua tint to drench everything in a cool tone. When i erased the reflected light areas on their faces, that created the magic.

Gideon's 300 is soon to be published by OMF Literature (Manila) in the 3rd qtr. of 2013.

Halloween preparation (O_O)

I just noticed that this previous post from my smartphone didn't get thru. I am currently preparing for my halloween picture book. This project has been shelved for many years. Just realized that when i dug up my old manuscripts dated years ago. 

Incidentally, in the time span that this is taking place, i met an old friend from gradeschool who is now connected with a candy company, and is keen on doing events. I hope we really get to pull it off in creating a halloween launch party with books, candy and costumes. That's something I've never had in my other books! 

In case you have an android app that uploads effectively, do let me know so i can update easier without being in front of the mac! 

Happy Father's day!

Here's an excerpt from my upcoming book, and also a glimpse of my childhood. I grew up in a home-office and it was inevitable that I'd build one myself, too.

Cheers to all the dads who inspire their kids !

Illustration Friday: Tension

This week's illustration Friday topic is TENSION. Here's an excerpt from one of my upcoming books, Paolo's Magic (written by Glenda Oris and published by Lampara Books). This book excited me for it was my first take on depicting a manuscript using anthropomorphic characters which was never mentioned by the publisher or writer. Glad to know they were keen on it as well after i submitted the sketches.

I don't really know why I chose hounds for my characters, but I enjoy how they played out as my main actors. My process involved decisions on rabbits (but was awkward in the haircut scenes for their ears might be snipped off!), hedgehogs (but being hairy IS their thing!) and these dogs. Due to the wide array of canines, I chose one of my favorites for the supporting character, a fox for Regor the barber (who later disguises himself as a magician, justifying how sly foxes are).

Here is the cover of the book:

  Main text is in Filipino, with english parallel text.

Coming this 2013 :)

My New Book and Illustration Friday: Liquid

Back cover

Front cover

Presenting one of my new books for this year, My Daddy! My One and Only! to be published by Lampara Books (Manila).

Incidentally, the working period of this book fell under my own father's last few months on planet earth. Aside from the books I wrote, this may have been the only personal one since it dealt a lot with looking back at me and my dad's moments together when I was a child.

The cover of this book shows a lot of how imagination played a great deal in our bonding moments. Though the writer, Zarah Gagatiga (http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com) never mentioned about pirates, the back cover makes sense of it all.

Though I grew up in the 80's and early 90's, my dad, who under Tejido tradition was called Pop was not the stereotypical father. He acted more like a brother and friend, the type who you could splash water with in pools and he'd make it into a silly game.

A week after I drew this pool scene we bought our daughter an adult-sized portable pool that is now taking up the garage space.

My one and only Pop, Poch Tejido will be missed, but his happy memories shall live on.


 

 

Happy Mother's Day (and illustration Friday)!

This Week's Illustration Friday theme is "Tribute", hence a tribute to moms for mothers' day.

This illustration is another sneak peek of one of my upcoming books this year, "My Daddy! My One and Only!" written by Zarah Gagatiga (http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com). 

Going Home

Here's a sneak peek at my upcoming picture book written by librarian Zarah Gagatiga (http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com) . It's my first time partnering with her as an author and I am super glad I got to play around with the characters and the much-loved free space made possible by her light text content. A dilemma I face in my book design process is the amount of text in a page, considering that most of our country's books are bilingual (Filipino and English) for marketability reasons.

It was coincidental that this week we visited a new school location for our daughter and we kinda fell in love with the homey little play-school we ended up in. If there is one character in this image that i can relate to, is the two-tone dog waiting for a long time. I remember waiting for so long for my parents to pick me up in kindergarten.  :)

Illustration friday: Farewell

Today's illustration friday topic is farewell. "Walking backwards" is one of the pages of my whimsical illustration set that aided my discovery of this illo style. Visualizing one of my unpublished stories about a kid doing everything backwards, we see here how she goes to the school bus. I remember trying this when i was young, but only for indoor / household activities which was part of the secret things you do as a kid to discover how things work.

It has been a rough 2 weeks for me and also why i missed last week's entry. Having my father in the hospital and in critical condition is not very contributory to creative output. yet ive managed to slip in an A5 sketchpad to his ward to make up for lost time, and finished thumbnail studies for my halloween book. It was the worst place to work in having your only art mentor in a bed beside you , but that's life. I think drawing has kept me sane depite the inevitable truth (coincidentally related to this week's topic) coming our way soon. Anyway, life goes on.  

My new T-rex figure

As promised, I am sharing my latest toy acquisition, a Schleich Tyrannosaurus, beautifully painted and detailed, with its articulated jaw which is a first in this line of figurines (http://www.schleich-s.com).

Happy to have this cheer me up especially in this period when my Father's in the hospital battling his cancer. Though i still force myself to illustrate while i am there, work has not been very easy for the past week. Dino toys were our (me and my dad's) steadily growing collection, and we already had a decent set of carnivores and herbivores from the Carnegie collection in the 90's. We kinda stopped doing that when i grew up, and just got back into it last week when i saw how Schleich is doing an awesome job with this series. It made my dad happy when i brought him this carnosaur in the hospital today.