Jerrik, the main character of my ongoing graphic novel Tales of Jerrik, apparently survived his last illustrated encounter with an ogre. Actually, is it fair to assume that their meeting eventually ended up in confrontation, that there was indeed a battle to the death? Couldn’t we just as well assume that the two lads decided to talk it over, sitting by a campfire, sipping some hot fish chowder or drinking something that warms you to the tip of your toes?

I think so, because that is often my approach to storytelling. I like to give the reader (or viewer in the case of pure visual storytelling) the liberty to imagine what is not clearly set in stone. People – and characters in a story – almost always have a choice, and sometimes they do not make the most obvious one. It is with this in mind that I approach these single image projects.

 

Jerrik and the Minotaur

This illustration was meant to have a bit of a rodeo feel. Maybe the idea came from photos of my niece and nephew at the Calgary Stampede – although I’d be terrified at the idea of either one riding a bull in the same manner Jerrik rides this beast! – , I honestly cannot remember. This wild ride is probably more of a meeting than a confrontation. I’d be prepared to think the Minotaur has a shard stuck under one of his hooves. His not its, because I’m also assuming he will be in a position to verbally thank his rider once they both managed to find a way to remove the aforementioned shard. I’m not entirely sure how that will happen but that’s ok, I leave it up to each one of us to find a conclusion to this matter.

Jerrik and the Dragon

It started as a study sketch and I intended to make the final version in the same gigantic size as the ogre encounter. As often happens, I got caught up and started adding details, upon details, upon details. Eventually I decided to keep going and I was happy to not have to work on a larger size. I think I will keep my fiercest dragon for a poster size illustration. Drawing scales can be tedious but also strangely hypnotic and fun.

As with the previous illustrations, I want Jerrik’s actions to reflect his personality. Unlike the Minotaur encounter, which was very much an in the moment snapshot, this depicts the scene seconds before disaster strikes. Or maybe there is a backstory that puts an entirely different twist on the situation, who knows? Maybe you do. And if you don’t that’s ok too, it hasn’t happened yet.

Jerrik rides a… dog… thing

This one was a quick one compared to the other ones. It started as a doodle in my sketchbook and I decided to push it a little further. There is no real setup or backstory for this one, I simply wanted to illustrate that Jerrik doesn’t always ride creature against their will.

This creature could be the leader of his pack and they are being bullied by some intimidating predator. Jerrik might have given him the courage to stand up to their oppressor and rides with him to battle. Or maybe this creature is a docile beast of burden and they are charging to scare some crows off the neighbouring farmer’s land. It could be many things. You decide. You’re in charge of your own interpretation.

 

If you would like to see more of my work involving the mighty Jerrik, check out www.talesofjerrik.com