Writer, illustrator and musician Morgan Davis formed his creativity into the shape of a strawberry for his newest project, and he’s dishing it out just in time to celebrate the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Davis illustrated 12 strawberry-themed comics for an original calendar, “Strawberry Short Stories,” inspired by the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World’s cash crop. From a farmer with a flat and wrestling shortcakes, to powdered-sugar berries at the Queen Competition and a hilarious scene at the festival, the comics serve as a loving tribute and commentary on his hometown and the traditions behind its agricultural heritage.
Originally, he came up with his witty strawberry characters a couple of years ago. And now that they’ve come to fruition, Davis will be selling the calendars at a booth outside the festival Feb. 28 and March 2. They will also be for sale at local downtown businesses, incuding Blue Thumb Computers.
But even before the idea for the calendar took root, Davis’ girlfriend, Raiannah Zazulia, recognized the talent and potential in the lighthearted comics. She planted the seed in his head to compile them into some kind of showcase. After the calendar concept grew, his brother, graphic designer Jesse Starr, helped to polish the comics by taking them from the pages of a sketchbook and transforming them into digital art.
Zazulia, the business manager of the two, continued to encouraged Davis to get business sponsors and advertisers to cover the printing costs and show their hometown spirit.
“Most people were willing to help support, because it’s local art being supported by local businesses, and vice-versa,” Davis said.
There are two sponsorships for each month and 18 coupons for businesses, such as Nick’s Pizza, Blue Thumb Computer Repair, RAOK Boutique and Focus 4 Beauty.
“They’re really like three-in-one, because they’re a comic book, a calendar and they have coupons inside,” Davis said.
Part of the goal of the calendars was to involve local businesses. But there’s another aim for the project. Davis is looking to go on another cross country trip to help promote his “Prescribed Life” book series and music.
From May to October 2014, Davis traveled around the country by bus, hitting 44 states and trading his book series or musical performances for food, laundry, transportation and other needs. He enjoyed the trip so much that he decided to do something similar this year, but this time, in a camper van that he will soon be purchasing.
“I needed something to do when I came home, so this was my project,” Davis said.
Zazulia, also a musician, will be joining in on the trip, planned to start in June.
Sales from the calendars, which are $10 each, have helped Davis and Zazulia work toward their fundraising goal. They also raised about $1,000 from the local businesses who advertised within the calendar.
The calendars have already proven to be popular, and Davis’ first shipment sold out within two weeks of its arrival. He has ordered another shipment just for the festival, which includes about 300 calendars. They could sell out quickly, so be sure to stop by the booth early.
Anyone who buys a calendar at the booth will also be entitled to free coffee and cookies, and face painting for children who accompany them.
“Whenever you leave, just catch us on your way out,” Davis said.
And if Strawberry Festival lovers take the bite, Davis has plans to make more “Strawberry Short Stories” comics for a 2016 calendar.
TO GET YOURS
Visit illustrator Morgan Davis’ booth outside the festival gates at the corner of Lemon and Reynolds streets near Taco Loco, Feb. 28, and March 2, after the Grand Parade. Or visit Blue Thumb Computers, 116 W. Reynolds St., March 2 before or during the parade. It’s also available at some Historic Downtown stores.