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Illustration in the Big Apple: Trenton McBeth

By: Noelle Beans
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Trenton McBeth

In the picture book, Stegothesaurus, readers get to follow the adventures of a young, word-loving stegothesaurus as he fights with his brothers, meets new friends, and is reminded of the never ending love of family.

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) alumnus and current New York City (NYC) resident, T. L. McBeth, illustrated this successful book with author, Bridget Heos.

McBeth found himself at IWU after seeing that, in comparison to other schools, their art program was the most well-rounded and extensive.

He enjoyed his busy time as a student, graduating in three years, and is thankful for many of his professors who taught him and helped him make connections that would eventually allow him to move to New York to start his career after his 2015 graduation.

At the start of his burgeoning illustration career in NYC, McBeth was an extra in television shows and movies, including Daredevil (Netflix), Elementary (CBS) and Crashing (HBO).

As he has continues living in New York, McBeth has produced another children’s book, Big Words Small Stories: The Missing Donut, which is just recently published.

His first self-authored and illustrated book, Robot in Love, is set to go on sale December 25th of this year.

A sequel to the beloved Stegothesaurus is even in the works!

Amidst living in NYC, McBeth keeps his wits about him and his faith at the forefront: “New York can be kind of a cutthroat place, especially if you work in a creative field, and everybody has a lot on their plate,” he said. “Taking the time to have empathy and be kind to someone can really make a difference.”

Stegothesaurus

You can learn more about McBeth’s upcoming projects and get the latest updates on his website: http://www.TLMcBeth.com.

You can also connect with him on Instagram: @t.l.mcbeth and Twitter: @T_L_Mcbeth.

 

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Written by Noelle Beans, a writer for the IWU Alumni Center. Noelle is a sophomore Nursing and Honors Humanities double major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College from Greenville, Illinois.

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Burdens of Draco: Charissa Beukema & Micah Metz

By: Dezaray Barr

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Metz and Beukema at the book signing in Marion

Charissa Beukema graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in illustration. Micah Metz graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2010 with a leadership degree.

Beukema is a freelancer at the moment, but since February, her and Metz have been working a special project. “Micah approached me about illustrating a comic book he wrote. In all honesty, I was terrified to say yes,” Beukema shared. “I had never done anything like this before. Comic books, science fiction, space—it was all new to me. But God pushed on my heart and made it clear accepting the project was the right thing to do. I told Micah as much, saying that, if he would have me, I was all in. We began working together the following day. In an absolute blessing of a journey, Micah and I made this comic book, start to finish, in about 6 months. We had our first signing together at Abbey Coffee Co. in October. Marion is a place special to us both, and we wanted to do a signing here for sure.”

Metz has been working on the comic, Burdens of Draco, for six years. “I have been writing and re-writing, editing and tweaking, making sure the story has an impact on the reader- making sure that it is a story that not only excites the reader but moves them emotionally. With help from a few sample readers and my editor, A.J. Ellis, the story is now complete. The rough page count for the story is 280 pages, which makes for a pretty hefty graphic novel. That is why we are splitting it into 20ish page issues. I am most excited to see how reader reacts to the twists and turns placed throughout the book and the interesting characters that they will meet,” Metz shared.

Beukema said her time at IWU was amazing. “My time at IWU was so much bigger and more rewarding than I ever imagined. Of course, it was a struggle at first,” she shared. “I came from hundreds of miles away, to a place where I had no friends. But I had made the right choice in my college selection. I spent my first week on campus holed up in the Williams Prayer Chapel fervently praying that God would make it clear IWU was where I was supposed to be.”

Book signing in Marion

“While at IWU, I went through a time of spiritual exploration,” Metz shared about his time at IWU. “I researched other religions and looked at what they believed and why. My Dad was a part-time pastor, and growing up in the church was something that gave me good roots in Christianity, but I wanted to make it my own. IWU is where I found the foundations of biblical truth and Christ’s relationship that has made me so solid in my faith today.”

If Beukema could encourage IWU students, she’d say, “Utilize every second you have in Marion. Make it your home, but be prepared to leave. You will not be in this environment forever, and you need to learn how to live outside a supportive and secure Christian environment.” Metz would encourage students, ‘The best is yet to come, but without determination and hustle you will only find mediocre service to God. Find what He has called you to and then relentlessly pursue despite what others are doing around you.”

 

 

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Written by Dezaray Barr, PR Specialist for the Alumni Office. Dezaray is a junior Strategic Communication and Honors Humanities double major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College. At IWU, Dezaray runs both the JWHC Blog and her own blog. Visit Dez’s website at www.dezaraybarr.weebly.com.