A sequel sketchbook journal following Theodore Axel Bengtsoon's return to Hallador. His sketchbook is filled with hundreds of drawings of the dragons he meets, the characters he makes friends with, and the world of Dragons and Humans as one civilization.
RETURN TO HALLADOR: Theo's second sketchbook journal
Return to Hallador
Theo returns to Hallador! Sorry to spoil the cliffhanger from his first sketchbook journal, but he made his way back to Hallador. You’ll have to get the book to find out how, and if he ever got that scholarship he applied for. I’ll save those details for his sketchbook journal. All you need to know is that he has another semester at the Lund Academy. But now he is familiar with the city, he has friends and acquaintances, and he has a long list of places he wants to visit. Follow him as he explores the city, drawing the events he sees, the characters he meets and journals his experiences discovering the city built by dragons and humans.
Sketchbook Sample Pages
Now that Theo is fully enrolled in a semester at the Lund Academy instead of a simple summer program, he has a whole new set of professors, projects and aspirations. Professors that will push him to draw more than just portraits, but to capture moments. Professors that will push his abilities challenging him to draw more than what he is comfortable with, including architecture and environments. Professors that teach him more than art, but how to truly cease the day.
Sketchbook Sample Pages
Theo’s sketchbook journal captures the mind of an artist experiencing the ups and downs of finding himself while living in a city full of wonder and awe, giving you a window into the expansive world building of The Dragon Story.
Sketchbook Sample Pages
What do you want to see? I still have a bundle of illustration to create. So, I wanted to hear from backers of the project where they want Theo to go, or what they would like to see. I’ll be conducting several polls to gather insight into what you all want to see in Hallador.
Even though my drawings are very detailed, it’s important to know that I create my fantasy worlds for a Middle Grade audience. I love to create media that can be enjoyed through many ages. A 5-year-old can flip through my books and enjoy the adventurous and quirky dragon moments. Or if you are older, you can read through Theo’s journaling and enjoy the book on a deeper level. And if you want an advanced deep dive, try to find the secret bits of story lore.
Hi, I’m Travis Deming, creator, author and illustrator of The Dragon Story, an immersive story world where readers can get lost in the awe and wonder of fantasy. I created Theo’s Sketchbook journal series as a way for me to showcase my art, while introducing readers to my lush and expansive world building. I published my first Art Book, “Welcome to Hallador” as Theo’s very first experience visiting Hallador, and my debut novel Journey into the Valley of Myrr launches the core storyline with a new cast of characters.
Only a sample selection of my Daily Dragon Challenge from 2024
In 2024 I challenged myself to sketch a dragon a day to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. It was not easy, but I learned so much, and it pushed me to expand my dragon species and designs. These dragons deserve a book. I’ll select the favorites to refine with more details, but I’ll incorporate as many sketches as possible. When I create a book full of dragons, I’m going to fill it full of dragons.
Frustrated with the simplicity of the literary industry, I set out to create a literary world rich with media, stories and endless worlds to explore, which I call immersive media publishing. Story artifacts are items from my story world that I create, and bring to life through print and crafting. While Theo explores the vast city of Hallador, he collects memories, info pamphlets and collectibles to always remember he experiences in Hallador. Just one more window into the world building of The Dragon Story
City Adventure Pages
These are items that Theodore collected and added to his sketchbook while discovering the many ins and outs of the big city. Items include:
Transit Map – Dragon flight throughout the city can get complex. Finally warming up to dragon flight as a transportation option, Theo decides to embrace the system.
Transit Pass – After his transit pass expired, he kept the card in his sketchbook.
Quote Bookmark – Theo scripted a quote that inspired his time as a student. He keeps it in his sketchbook as a reminder.
Elanor’s Card – Theo’s relationship with Elanor evolves, but not without ups and downs. This is a card from her to Theo that he keeps with him at all times.
3 Additional Information pamphlets – To be determined! This is the exciting part. I want to find out from you all where Theo should explore. Check out the Poll section to vote on places in Hallador you want him to see, and the memory he collects from there. Although I want to create it all, I must select the top 3 favorites. Here are several places he could visit:
Dragon Flight Games / The Grand Arena
The Old Towne Palace
Dragon Riders Guild
City Observatory
City Hatchery
Dragon flight school and academy
Museum of History in Hallador
City Government campus
Fighters Guild
Museum of Wildlife and Aquatics
(PLEASE NOTE: due to some production timelines, I had to use some stock imagery to create a mockup of these items. Specifically, the Transit map. But final products, will be my illustrations. I use stock designs for borders and design flourishes, but all art and illustrative content will be created by me. I will be posting creation progress and works in progress during the production cycle.)
Urban Explorer Pages
During his first visit to Hallador, several friends convinced Theo to go with them to see the underground tunnels beneath Hallador. As an illegal urban adventure, Theo did not bring his sketchbook but instead mapped and noted their adventure on several loose pages. When he returns to Hallador he grows fascinated by the underground tunnels motivating him to explore them further. The Urban Explorer pages document his continued research and his sketch notes and maps as he and his friends explore the tunnels once again.
Discovery Storytelling
The reason I create so much content is to build a discovery storytelling experience. Everything in my world connects. Especially when the characters of my novel will be traveling to Hallador in book 2. Every illustration, every observation, every story artifact contains hints and bits of lore for the reader to discover as the story unfolds.
Fine Art Prints
As an illustrator, Fine Art Prints are a big part of the world I’m creating. I love offering fine art prints to fans of my work, a way to collect your favorite moments, and hang them on the wall. My art prints are printed on a textured fine art paper to capture a vintage tactile feel. I also stamp each print with a hand inked stamp to indicate the art print is authentically from me. I believe authenticity in art and creation is going to be a valuable commodity in the future, and I want to provide as much of that for my fans as possible.
Story + Art = Story Art. As an author, I’m always dreaming up stories with the art I create. I started writing short stories to go along with selected art pieces. Some are filled with action and adventure, others are simple conversations, and simple moments. But all stories are designed to create a world rich with discovery. Each story art comes with a Story Art Card with a QR code link to the story. I designed the card separately so that owners can always hang the art on their wall with access to the story.
The book Return to Hallador, with the Explore Hallador story artifacts, and selections of your favorite art as well as my special Secret Signature series art. An art trailer for the upcoming book. Plus the unique opportunity to work with me on a commissioned piece. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
For the Love of Art Collectors Bundle
For those who love the art, this bundle includes my art book “Return to Hallador” paired with a collection of Fine Art Prints. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
Fine Art Collectors Bundle w/ Secret Art
The book Return to Hallador, with the Explore Hallador story artifacts, and selections of your favorite art as well as my special Secret Signature series art. An art trailer for the upcoming novel. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
Fine Art Collectors Bundle
The book Return to Hallador, with the Explore Hallador story artifacts, and selections of your favorite art. The perfect collectors bundle to get a little bit of everything. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
Explore Hallador
Signed Hardcover copy of Return to Hallador with the City Adventure Pages and the Urban Explorer pages. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
Book and Story Art Print
Signed hardcover copy of Return to Hallador paired with an 8X10 story art print of your choice. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
The City Adventure
Signed hardcover copy of Return to Hallador bundled with the City Adventure pages, story artifacts Theo collected while visiting different landmarks and special events. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
The Urban Explorer
Signed hardcover copy of Return to Hallador bundled with the Urban Explorer pages, a collection of loose pages Theo used to document his continuing fascination and exploration of the tunnels beneath Hallador. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
Book and Fine Art Print
Signed hardcover copy of Return to Hallador paired with an 8X10 fine art print of your choice. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
Return to Hallador
Theo’s journey continues in this sequel companion sketchbook journal featuring hundreds of my dragon drawings and curious story elements. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
Just now joining the journey?
Select a bundle with previously published books.
The Citizen 3 Book Bundle
An epic bundle with the opportunity to commission an illustration of a dragon or person to be featured in the book. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
Immersive Media Collectors Bundle XL
This bundle includes all books, all immersive media items, with a healthy dose of Fine Art Prints, and my Secret Signature series Art Print, but all art prints are 11X14. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
Immersive Media Collectors Bundle
This bundle includes all books, all immersive media items, with a healthy dose of Fine Art Prints, and my Secret Signature series Art Print. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
Immersive Media Fine Art 3 Book Bundle
This bundle includes all books, all immersive media items, with a healthy dose of Fine Art Prints. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
Immersive Media 3 Book Bundle
This bundle includes all story elements, along with all immersive media content I have created. Everything you need to immersive yourself into the world of The Dragon Story. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
The Story Collectors Bundle
The quintessential starter pack to dive into the rich and expansive story world of The Dragon Story. Includes the requisite story elements connecting directly to the core story line. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
Explore Hallador 2 Book Bundle
For those just discovering my work, this is the perfect bundle to dive into my art book series. Includes volume 1 “Welcome to Hallador” and volume 2 “Return to Hallador”. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
3 Book Bundle
The beginners guide to The Dragon Story. Includes the art book, Welcome to Hallador, the sequel art book Return to Hallador, and Volume 1 of the novel series, Journey into the Valley of Myrr. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
2 Book Bundle
Volumes 1 and 2 of Theo’s sketchbook journal exploring the city of Hallador. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
Return to Hallador E-Book
Theo’s journey continues in this sequel companion sketchbook journal featuring hundreds of my dragon drawings and curious story elements. Delivered in E-book and KPF formats.
Dragon Species Sticker Pack
A pack of 8 durable vinyl stickers representing the core dragon species in my story world. Shipping fees collected post-campaign in Pledge Manager.
I’m expanding the taxonomy of the dragon species in my world. With each milestone, I’ll introduce you to each one as we work towards a golden upgrade for Theo’s sketchbook series. The Avian Dragon species sticker unlocked! We are on our way. Like the feathers of the Avian dragons, let's give this project flight. Cervidae Dragon Species sticker unlocked! Often smaller, long and lean body builds, these dragons have the most ornate and intricate horn patterns. Freshwater Dragon Species unlocked! Freshwater dragons are a smaller species biologically designed for life in and out of the water.
We did it! All books will be upgraded to the PU leather hard cover! This is going to be an amazing book.
SPECIAL NOTE: I am thinking about changing up the design of the cover. I'm thinking of an emboss effect on the cover, and move all the title information to the inside. One way to help the sketchbook feel more authentic. The concept image above was create while I was figuring out some printing realities so as the notes always say, final product may vary from the concept image.
Sample images from similar book. Not actual Product
The Bone Dragon species unlocked! These dragons have a long broad head and snout with shorter horns and wide powerful jaws. These are smaller, but very strong and powerful dragons.
I am never done pushing the boundaries with the quality of my products and ways to create authentic products. I want my books to FEEL a certain way when you pick them up. I finally found an option to print books with a softly textured paper. This will give Theo’s sketchbook a truly tactile authentic feel when you flip through the pages. If we can hit this goal, we can upgrade the paper stock of the book, and give you an elevated authentic product.
With the collection of Story Artifacts that I created to go with my stories, a slip case is an obvious solution. Together we have the chance to make this art book something truly special and a new standard of quality for my Art Book Series.
If we can hit this goal, each copy of Return to Hallador will be shipped with a slip case at no additional cost. This included add-on will only be available to those supporting the crowdfunding campaign. Just my way to show you all my appreciation for supporting me early on. After the campaign ends, the slip case will be a separate add-on with an additional cost.
With my previous art book, I offered a leather cover to add authenticity, and to hold all the bonus materials. But I found that the leather slipcover did not sit well on a bookshelf. With a custom designed slip case, you can keep all your content in one place, and it looks great on a bookshelf.
A slipcase will also give me more flexibility in my design. I can push the authenticity of Theo’s sketchbook to another level, reducing how much “book title” information is on the book itself, preserving an authentic sketchbook experience.
(Please note, all images are concept pieces. There will be slight refinements in the final product.)
Unlock the next Dragon species sticker to be included with your pledge.
Unlock the next Dragon species sticker to be included with your pledge.
*Shipping will be calculated and Charged later in the Pledge Manager
Ah yes, the joys of shipping. If you have backed my projects before, I’m managing the shipping a bit differently than I have with my Kickstarter campaigns. Shipping will be charged later when products are ready for shipment.
This will help create a more accurate shipping estimate to avoid being overcharged for shipping as well as protecting my shipping costs if prices change during production (which has happened before). So please remember, shipping costs will come later.
I use USPS (mostly for domestic shipping) and UPS (mostly for international shipping). All shipments will provide a tracking number which will be emailed to you.
Though shipping costs vary per location, this is generally what I would expect for shipping costs (in USD):
United States - $10 - $15
Canada - $35 - $40
Europe - $45 - $50
Australia - $55 - $75
If you have questions or need shipping estimates for your specific location, please let me know. I can get a rough estimate.
As required by law, the importer (customer / backer) will be required to pay any relevant taxes due to custom agencies of their country. This is only for non-USA backers. We are not responsible for any custom agency seizure or holds and cannot communicate directly to custom agencies on behalf of the customer due to responsibility legally belonging to importer of note.
IMPORTANT! I want to be completely transparent about the timeline of this project, as I am estimating a longer production cycle than typical. I am estimating a late Q3 2026 shipping. This is based on my upgraded efforts to accurately estimate my time as well as accounting for some preparation delays I had going into this campaign.
Sparing all the details of my preparation challenges this year, I basically have more finished art I want to create for this book. In 2024, I drew 365 dragon designs which I will lean on for a lot of the content in my art book, so I’m still in a good place. But I want to include plenty of my detailed finished art. Plus my personal hope for this art book is capturing the environment of the city, with architecture and wider scenes of the city or landscapes, drawings I worked on earlier this year, but just didn’t get as far as hoped before launch
This offers an exciting opportunity to grow and improve. In past projects I tend to retreat into this void of creativity feeling like I can only show finalized perfection. Part of overcoming this is sharing my progress with all of you as I make it.
More details to come on how I will track and share progress, but I will be posting weekly updates to track any and all progress.
This project is participating in the BackerKit event Printopia 2025 📚 A celebration of books, comics, and graphic novels featuring an all-star lineup of creators crowdfunding together from September 9–30, 2025.
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