Let me introduce you to Kurt Spoopyton, a character close to my heart with an origin story that is both unique and deeply personal. Kurt is based on a tattoo on my hand, a design affectionately named Spoopy. This tattoo is a tribute to my favorite drag queen, Sharon Needles, and also serves as a grounding tool for my mental health as I navigate life with PTSD.
The Birth of Kurt Spoopyton
I’ve cherished this little tattoo design for years. When I started thinking about creating a character that I could replicate and enjoy seeing in various situations, Spoopy was a natural choice. The name Kurt is inspired by Curt the bear from Animal Crossing, my husband’s favorite villager. I loved the blunt sound of the name, and its short, straightforward nature felt like a fun contrast to Kurt’s cute and whimsical appearance.
The Creation of Feesh
As I brainstormed drawing themes for a coloring book, I realized Kurt needed a companion, someone incredibly silly to balance out his character. The idea of a goldfish named Feesh, who Kurt takes everywhere, popped into my head. This quirky sidekick added an extra layer of charm to Kurt’s adventures.
Developing the Story
With Kurt and Feesh’s dynamic established, I started jotting down a list of drawings and themes. Gradually, the idea of Kurt’s mission to make his world cuter and bring cheer to his town took shape. The concept was heartwarming and offered a cohesive theme for the coloring book.
However, as any moody artist knows, the drive to create can ebb and flow. I completed the first ten pages of drawings, then set the project aside for several months. This spring, feeling inspired, I decided it was time to hunker down and finish the planned pages. What began as a small project intended for family and friends grew into something more substantial.
From Personal Project to Professional Publication
Initially, I planned to self-print the coloring book using my home printer. But as I continued working on it, I realized it had the potential to reach a wider audience. The journey from a personal project to a professionally printed book was challenging, but incredibly rewarding. I am proud to say I now own two ISBNs and have both a coloring book and a fully illustrated storybook version of Kurt Spoopyton’s adventures.
Kurt Spoopyton’s Adventures: Now Available
Kurt Spoopyton and Feesh’s story is now available at major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. What started as a deeply personal design has transformed into a character loved by many, spreading cheer and cuteness far beyond Spookiopolis. Thank you for joining Kurt and Feesh on their delightful adventures!
