In Part 1 of this Archaia reunion episode, Mouse Guard creator David Petersen joins hosts Aki Liao, Mark Smylie, and Patrick Banayo to discuss the artistic and creative choices behind the beloved comic series. From the bold decision to publish in a square format (yes, retailers complained!) to building handmade models as architectural references, David shares how he keeps his process creative and fun—even after 20 years of drawing mice.

The group dives deep into tools, drawing techniques, and how to fight burnout as a creator. Mark and David also swap tips on visual storytelling, model-making, and learning from Mr. Rogers, Rod Stewart, and even Steven Spielberg.

Example of David's models on Adam Savage's Tested

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGF9uArH5dI

Keywords: Mouse Guard, David Petersen, square comics, drawing comics, illustration models, artist techniques, Mark Smylie, Archaia Studios, indie comics, comic book design, NoNaMe Storyteller Podcast

Enigma by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠license⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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