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The Bumbling Traveller Wins Travel Book Award

The Bumbling Traveller | ISBN 978-988-18066-4-2

Hong Kong, 7 June 2022 ————– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ARCHITECT’S TRAVEL SKETCH BOOK WINS TRAVEL CATEGORY IN INDIE PUBLISHING AWARDS PROGRAM


The Bumbling Traveller – Sketching the World by Tom Schmidt was declared a winner in the 2022 National Indie Excellence Awards program. The heavily illustrated book, containing Schmidt’s hand-drawn depictions of a variety of destinations around the world, has been awarded the top prize in the Travel category of the awards program.

According to Doug Fogelson, President National Indie Excellence® Awards, “Now in our 16th year, The National Indie Excellence® Awards (NIEA) has evaluated thousands of books across a wide range of diverse genres produced by self-published authors and independent imprints. From this position, we find that our current selection of NIEA award recipients represent the best and brightest talents to be found in contemporary indie publishing and self-published authors today.”

The Bumbling Traveller is filled with over three decades of Schmidt’s highly detailed architectural sketches and analyses of various destinations around the world.   From subjects of architecture and the built environment to local people and handicrafts, readers will experience the age-old tradition of putting pen to paper to remember the world around them, capture moments in time, tell stories and daydream.  With over 250 hand-drawn illustrations in a variety of media, readers will see the genesis of the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series.  Schmidt hopes that the book will inspire younger generations of travellers, artists, and architecture students to sketch the world around them, and better appreciate the places they visit.

The Bumbling Traveller is the fourth installment in the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series, a book series that seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.  The book is available in regional and international bookstores, can also be ordered online from the publisher, Kakibubu Media Limited (www.kakibubu.com), and is available on Amazon.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR / ILLUSTRATOR:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Tom Schmidt is an award-winning architect, writer, illustrator, musician, and part-time stand-up comedian.  Born in the United States, following his studies of Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, his wanderlust has carried him through various bumbling adventures in over 70 countries around the world, across all seven continents. 

Schmidt is a licensed architect in the US and New Zealand, an Accredited Professional in the LEED® and WELL building certification programs, a founding member of the Hong Kong Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and a member of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI).  He has resided in Hong Kong since 1997 and is founder of Sepia Design Consultants Limited (www.sepiadesign.com), an architectural consultancy specializing in sustainable hospitality design.

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The Bumbling Traveller Finalist in Indie Book Awards

The Bumbling Traveller | ISBN 978-988-18066-4-2

Hong Kong, 16 May 2022 ————– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ARCHITECT’S TRAVEL SKETCH BOOK DECLARED FINALIST IN INTERNATIONAL AWARDS PROGRAM


The Bumbling Traveller – Sketching the World by Tom Schmidt has been declared a finalist in the 2022 Next Generation Indie Book Awards program. The heavily illustrated book, containing Schmidt’s hand-drawn depictions of a variety of destinations around the world, finished as a finalist in the “Illustrations” category of the awards program.

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards is the largest International awards program for indie authors and independent publishers. In its sixteenth year of operation, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards was established to recognize and honor the most exceptional independently published books in 80+ different categories, for the year, and is presented by Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group in cooperation with Marilyn Allen of Allen Literary Agency (formerly the Allen O’Shea Literary Agency).

The Bumbling Traveller is filled with over three decades of Schmidt’s highly detailed architectural sketches and analyses of various destinations around the world.   From subjects of architecture and the built environment to local people and handicrafts, readers will experience the age-old tradition of putting pen to paper to remember the world around them, capture moments in time, tell stories and daydream.  With over 250 hand-drawn illustrations in a variety of media, readers will see the genesis of the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series.  Schmidt hopes that the book will inspire younger generations of travellers, artists, and architecture students to sketch the world around them, and better appreciate the places they visit.

The Bumbling Traveller is the fourth installment in the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series, a book series that seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.  The book is available in regional and international bookstores, can also be ordered online from the publisher, Kakibubu Media Limited (www.kakibubu.com), and is available on Amazon.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR / ILLUSTRATOR:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Tom Schmidt is an award-winning architect, writer, illustrator, musician, and part-time stand-up comedian.  Born in the United States, following his studies of Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, his wanderlust has carried him through various bumbling adventures in over 70 countries around the world, across all seven continents. 

Schmidt is a licensed architect in the US and New Zealand, an Accredited Professional in the LEED® and WELL building certification programs, a founding member of the Hong Kong Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and a member of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI).  He has resided in Hong Kong since 1997 and is founder of Sepia Design Consultants Limited (www.sepiadesign.com), an architectural consultancy specializing in sustainable hospitality design.

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The Bumbling Traveller Snags Silver!

The Bumbling Traveller | ISBN 978-988-18066-4-2

Hong Kong, 16 May 2022 ————– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ARCHITECT’S TRAVEL SKETCH BOOK SCOOPS SILVER MEDAL IN INTERNATIONAL AWARDS PROGRAM


The Bumbling Traveller – Sketching the World by Tom Schmidt has been awarded a silver medal in the 2022 Nautilus Book Awards program. The heavily illustrated book, containing Schmidt’s hand-drawn depictions of a variety of destinations around the world, was awarded a silver medal in the “Multicultural & Indigenous” category of the awards program.

With a 23-year history, The Nautilus Awards represent Better Books for a Better World. The core mission of the Nautilus Awards is to celebrate and honor books that support conscious living & green values, high-level wellness, positive social change & social justice, and spiritual growth.

The Bumbling Traveller is filled with over three decades of Schmidt’s highly detailed architectural sketches and analyses of various destinations around the world.   From subjects of architecture and the built environment to local people and handicrafts, readers will experience the age-old tradition of putting pen to paper to remember the world around them, capture moments in time, tell stories and daydream.  With over 250 hand-drawn illustrations in a variety of media, readers will see the genesis of the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series.  Schmidt hopes that the book will inspire younger generations of travellers, artists, and architecture students to sketch the world around them, and better appreciate the places they visit.

The Bumbling Traveller is the fourth installment in the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series, a book series that seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.  The book is available in regional and international bookstores, can also be ordered online from the publisher, Kakibubu Media Limited (www.kakibubu.com), and is available on Amazon.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR / ILLUSTRATOR:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Tom Schmidt is an award-winning architect, writer, illustrator, musician, and part-time stand-up comedian.  Born in the United States, following his studies of Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, his wanderlust has carried him through various bumbling adventures in over 70 countries around the world, across all seven continents. 

Schmidt is a licensed architect in the US and New Zealand, an Accredited Professional in the LEED® and WELL building certification programs, a founding member of the Hong Kong Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and a member of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI).  He has resided in Hong Kong since 1997 and is founder of Sepia Design Consultants Limited (www.sepiadesign.com), an architectural consultancy specializing in sustainable hospitality design.

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The Bumbling Traveller Scoops Gold!

The Bumbling Traveller | ISBN 978-988-18066-4-2

Hong Kong, 11 May 2022 ————– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ARCHITECT’S TRAVEL SKETCH BOOK SCOOPS GOLD MEDAL IN INTERNATIONAL AWARDS PROGRAM


The Bumbling Traveller – Sketching the World by Tom Schmidt has been awarded a prestigious gold medal in the 2022 Independent Publishers Book Awards program. The heavily illustrated book, containing Schmidt’s hand-drawn depictions of a variety of destinations around the world, placed first in “Category 77: Travel – Essay”.

The Independent Publisher Book Awards were conceived in 1996 as a broad-based, unaffiliated awards program open to all members of the independent publishing industry. The program is open to independent authors and publishers worldwide who produce books intended for an English speaking audience.

The Bumbling Traveller is filled with over three decades of Schmidt’s highly detailed architectural sketches and analyses of various destinations around the world.   From subjects of architecture and the built environment to local people and handicrafts, readers will experience the age-old tradition of putting pen to paper to remember the world around them, capture moments in time, tell stories and daydream.  With over 250 hand-drawn illustrations in a variety of media, readers will see the genesis of the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series.  Schmidt hopes that the book will inspire younger generations of travellers, artists, and architecture students to sketch the world around them, and better appreciate the places they visit.

The Bumbling Traveller is the fourth installment in the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series, a book series that seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.  The book is available in regional and international bookstores, can also be ordered online from the publisher, Kakibubu Media Limited (www.kakibubu.com), and is available on Amazon.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR / ILLUSTRATOR:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Tom Schmidt is an award-winning architect, writer, illustrator, musician, and part-time stand-up comedian.  Born in the United States, following his studies of Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, his wanderlust has carried him through various bumbling adventures in over 70 countries around the world, across all seven continents. 

Schmidt is a licensed architect in the US and New Zealand, an Accredited Professional in the LEED® and WELL building certification programs, a founding member of the Hong Kong Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and a member of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI).  He has resided in Hong Kong since 1997 and is founder of Sepia Design Consultants Limited (www.sepiadesign.com), an architectural consultancy specializing in sustainable hospitality design.

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Schmidt Moderates Hong Kong Literary Festival

Thomas Schmidt moderates a session at the 2021 Hong Kong International Literary Festival

Hong Kong, 13 November 2021 ————– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SCHMIDT MODERATES AT HONG KONG LITERARY FESTIVAL 2021

Award-winning architect Tom Schmidt, author and illustrator of The Bumbling Traveller – Sketching the World, was invited to moderate two sessions at the 2021 Hong Kong International Literary Festival on Saturday, 13 November 2021 at The Fringe Club’s Jockey Club Studio Theatre in Hong Kong.

In one of the first sessions of the day, Schmidt interviewed Geoff Manaugh and Nicola Twilley, authors of Until Proven Safe: The History and Future of Quarantine. As a hybrid event, the moderated online discussion was simultaneously live streamed in front of an live audience. Schmidt covered topics revolving around the architecture of quarantine centers throughout history and the political impacts of quarantine around the world. The discussion pivoted to aspects of agricultural quarantine, the need for quarantine relative to future space exploration, and the potentially dystopian future of quarantine around the world. A brief question and answer segment concluded the presentation.

Schmidt’s second moderated session, Make Independent Publishing Work For You, featured a panel of three prolific independent publishers. Schmidt was joined by authors Larry Feign, Chris Maden, and Jordan Rivet who shared their personal journeys into independent publishing within a constantly evolving landscape of book publishing. The moderated discussion started with the business and financial aspects of independent publishing, followed by the production and process of bringing a book to market. The latter portion of the well-attended 90-minute panel discussion concentrated on book promotion and the future of independent publishing. The session concluded with a brief question and answer session from live and virtual audience members.

The annual Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) features established and emerging writers from around the world in a program that includes panel discussions, book talks, literary lunches and dinners, readings, workshops, and performance.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR / ILLUSTRATOR:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Tom Schmidt is an award-winning architect, writer, illustrator, musician, and part-time stand-up comedian.  Born in the United States, following his studies of Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, his wanderlust has carried him through various bumbling adventures in over 70 countries around the world, across all seven continents. 

Schmidt is a licensed architect in the US and New Zealand, an Accredited Professional in the LEED® and WELL building certification programs, a founding member of the Hong Kong Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and a member of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI).  He has resided in Hong Kong since 1997 and is founder of Sepia Design Consultants Limited (www.sepiadesign.com), an architectural consultancy specializing in sustainable hospitality design.

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RGS Book Talk: The Bumbling Traveller

The Bumbling Traveller | ISBN 978-988-18066-4-2

Hong Kong, 18 October 2021 ————– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ILLUSTRATION AND TRAVEL: ARCHITECT ADDRESSES ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY

Award-winning architect, author and illustrator Tom Schmidt discussed his new book, The Bumbling Traveller – Sketching the World, in an event hosted by the Royal Geographical Society Hong Kong (RGS-HK) at 7:30 pm on Thursday, 28 October 2021. With over thirty RGS-HK members and guests in attendance, the book discussion was held at the Pacific Place Galleries of Bonhams (Hong Kong) Limited.

Schmidt’s discussion of his global travel sketches was prefaced by a brief overview of the role in-situ illustration has played throughout history. This included the documentation of expeditions before the advent of photography, the development of plein air painting, and the continuing evolution of urban sketching. The artist elaborated on his various techniques for creating select sketches, shared humorous anecdotes associated with the creation of some images, and conveyed the emotional connection with a place when sketching a subject on location. Schmidt remarked, “Every sketch is a grand experiment,” relative to pushing the boundaries of media when sketching outdoors under uncertain lighting and weather conditions.

The presentation discussed how travel journals and sketches can be effectively used to document the journey, as well as various destinations and environments. In addition to how sketches can become “visual notes” during a trip, Schmidt explained how travel experiences could also be made into storyboards — a technique that he used in the creation of his award-winning Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series of educational graphic novels. The one-hour presentation concluded with a period of questions and answers.

The Bumbling Traveller is filled with over three decades of Schmidt’s highly detailed architectural sketches and analyses of various destinations around the world.   From subjects of architecture and the built environment to local people and handicrafts, readers will experience the age-old tradition of putting pen to paper to remember the world around them, capture moments in time, tell stories and daydream.  With over 250 hand-drawn illustrations in a variety of media, readers will see the genesis of the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series.  Schmidt hopes that the book will inspire younger generations of travellers, artists, and architecture students to sketch the world around them, and better appreciate the places they visit.

The Bumbling Traveller is the fourth installment in the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series, a book series that seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.  The book is available in regional and international bookstores, can also be ordered online from the publisher, Kakibubu Media Limited (www.kakibubu.com), and is available on Amazon.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR / ILLUSTRATOR:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Tom Schmidt is an award-winning architect, writer, illustrator, musician, and part-time stand-up comedian.  Born in the United States, following his studies of Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, his wanderlust has carried him through various bumbling adventures in over 70 countries around the world, across all seven continents. 

Schmidt is a licensed architect in the US and New Zealand, an Accredited Professional in the LEED® and WELL building certification programs, a founding member of the Hong Kong Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and a member of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI).  He has resided in Hong Kong since 1997 and is founder of Sepia Design Consultants Limited (www.sepiadesign.com), an architectural consultancy specializing in sustainable hospitality design.

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The Bumbling Traveller Hong Kong Book Launch

The Bumbling Traveller – Sketching the World | ISBN 978-988-18066-4-2

Hong Kong, 24 September 2021 ————– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ARCHITECT LAUNCHES BOOK OF SKETCHES FROM HIS WORLD TRAVELS

Award-winning architect Tom Schmidt launched his new book, The Bumbling Traveller, in Hong Kong on Thursday, 23 September 2021 in advance of commemorating World Tourism Day and the book’s international debut on 27 September 2021.

The book launch was held at 7pm at TGIF, located at G/F Wo Fat Building, 539 Queen’s Road West in Shek Tong Tsui. The well attended hybrid in-person and virtual event was live streamed to an international audience around the world. Over 60 book lovers and media representatives attended the in-person event, during which Schmidt provided a brief overview of his book, followed by a live sketching demonstration, and book signing.

Using a photograph for reference, Schmidt spent 20 minutes sketching a 140-year old historic building located at the Hong Kong Observatory, to simulate a scenario of rapid in-situ sketching to capture a subject during deteriorating weather conditions. Schmidt’s black and white demonstration sketch was produced with a 0.6 Faber-Castell Ecco Pigment lightfast permanent marker on sketch paper, generously donated by Hong Kong Faber-Castell. Schmidt narrated his sketching process to the virtual audience while drawing. The completed sketch was given to one winning event attendee by way of a lucky draw.

In addition to a selection of the author’s previous books and other creative products, the event venue featured a montage of projected images from Schmidt’s new book, in addition to large format graphics affixed to the exterior windows to simulate a “sketch view” of Sukhothai, Thailand from the interior of the space.

The event was hosted by Ian McGinlay, live streaming was provided by filmmaker Hayley Rofkind, and catering for the event was provided by Kate Lai with additional culinary contributions from Rebecca Lo. Assistance with venue setup and dismantling was provided by Winston Cheng, Andy Niven, Sherie Tsang, and Michael Lai. Schmidt noted, “I was thrilled with the turnout, and truly appreciate everyone who supported our event.”

The Bumbling Traveller is filled with over three decades of Schmidt’s highly detailed architectural sketches and analyses of various destinations around the world.   According to the highly acclaimed Midwest Book Review, Schmidt’s new book is “Inherently fascinating, impressively informative, uniquely inspired and inspiring, ‘The Bumbling Traveller: Sketching the World’ is a unique, extraordinary, and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library contemporary art instructional reference collections.”

From subjects of architecture and the built environment to local people and handicrafts, readers will experience the age-old tradition of putting pen to paper to remember the world around them, capture moments in time, tell stories and daydream.  With over 250 hand-drawn illustrations in a variety of media, readers will see the genesis of the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series.  Schmidt hopes that the book will inspire younger generations of travellers, artists, and architecture students to sketch the world around them, and better appreciate the places they visit.

The Bumbling Traveller is the fourth installment in the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series, a book series that seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.  The book is currently available in regional and international bookstores, and can also be ordered online from the publisher, Kakibubu Media Limited (www.kakibubu.com).


ABOUT THE AUTHOR / ILLUSTRATOR:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Tom Schmidt is an award-winning architect, writer, illustrator, musician, and part-time stand-up comedian.  Born in the United States, following his studies of Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, his wanderlust has carried him through various bumbling adventures in over 70 countries around the world, across all seven continents. 

Schmidt is a licensed architect in the US and New Zealand, an Accredited Professional in the LEED® and WELL building certification programs, a founding member of the Hong Kong Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and a member of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI).  He has resided in Hong Kong since 1997 and is founder of Sepia Design Consultants Limited (www.sepiadesign.com), an architectural consultancy specializing in sustainable hospitality design.

BOOK STATISTICS:

Title:The Bumbling Traveller
Author / Illustrator:Tom Schmidt
ISBN:ISBN 978-988-18066-4-2
Category:Travel / Art / Architecture
Length:156 pages
Retail Price: US$39.95
Binding:11.0″ x 8.5” (28.0 cm x 21.6 cm) softcover
Illustrated:252 Color and B&W illustrations
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BOOK LAUNCH: The Bumbling Traveller

The Bumbling Traveller | ISBN 978-988-18066-4-2

Hong Kong, 3 September 2021 ————– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ARCHITECT LAUNCHES BOOK OF SKETCHES FROM HIS WORLD TRAVELS

Award-winning architect Tom Schmidt will launch his new book, The Bumbling Traveller, in Hong Kong on Thursday, 23 September 2021 in advance of commemorating World Tourism Day on 27 September 2021.

The book launch will be held at 7pm at TGIF, located at G/F Wo Fat Building, 539 Queen’s Road West in Shek Tong Tsui.  Just steps away from Exit C2 of the HKU MTR Station, Schmidt remarked, “We chose this Hong Kong Island venue due to its bright and airy ambiance and proximity to public transport for ease of access.”  Schmidt plans to provide a brief overview of his book, a live sketching demonstration, and a book signing during the free event.  A portion of the event will be live streamed to an international audience across the world.

The Bumbling Traveller is filled with over three decades of Schmidt’s highly detailed architectural sketches and analyses of various destinations around the world.   From subjects of architecture and the built environment to local people and handicrafts, readers will experience the age-old tradition of putting pen to paper to remember the world around them, capture moments in time, tell stories and daydream.  With over 250 hand-drawn illustrations in a variety of media, readers will see the genesis of the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series.  Schmidt hopes that the book will inspire younger generations of travellers, artists, and architecture students to sketch the world around them, and better appreciate the places they visit.

The Bumbling Traveller is the fourth installment in the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series, a book series that seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.  The book will be available in regional and international bookstores beginning in September 2021, and can also be ordered online from the publisher, Kakibubu Media Limited (www.kakibubu.com).

NOTE: This will be a private event and pre-registration is required


ABOUT THE AUTHOR / ILLUSTRATOR:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Tom Schmidt is an award-winning architect, writer, illustrator, musician, and part-time stand-up comedian.  Born in the United States, following his studies of Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, his wanderlust has carried him through various bumbling adventures in over 70 countries around the world, across all seven continents. 

Schmidt is a licensed architect in the US and New Zealand, an Accredited Professional in the LEED® and WELL building certification programs, a founding member of the Hong Kong Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and a member of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI).  He has resided in Hong Kong since 1997 and is founder of Sepia Design Consultants Limited (www.sepiadesign.com), an architectural consultancy specializing in sustainable hospitality design.

BOOK STATISTICS:

Title:The Bumbling Traveller
Author / Illustrator:Tom Schmidt
ISBN:ISBN 978-988-18066-4-2
Category:Travel / Art / Architecture
Length:156 pages
Retail Price: US$39.95
Binding:11.0″ x 8.5” (28.0 cm x 21.6 cm) softcover
Illustrated:252 Color and B&W illustrations
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Release of The Bumbling Traveller Book Announced

The Bumbling Traveller | ISBN 978-988-18066-4-2

Hong Kong, 4 June 2021 ————– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ARCHITECT CREATES BOOK OF SKETCHES FROM HIS WORLD TRAVELS

Tourism is the lifeblood of many global communities. As the fight against the global pandemic continues, it is hoped that travellers can once again explore the world around them, with perhaps a new set of eyes and sense of appreciation.

“Travel sketching is one of the best ways to understand a destination, its architecture and culture,” asserts architect Tom Schmidt, author of the new book The Bumbling Traveller.  “In today’s digital era, many tourists quickly simply snap a photo, post it to social media, and move on to their next destination.”

The Bumbling Traveller is filled with over three decades of Schmidt’s highly detailed architectural sketches and analyses of various destinations around the world.   From subjects of architecture and the built environment to local people and handicrafts, readers will experience the age-old tradition of putting pen to paper to remember the world around them, capture moments in time, tell stories and daydream.

With over 250 hand-drawn illustrations in a variety of media, readers will see the genesis of the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series.  Schmidt hopes that the book will inspire younger generations of travellers, artists, and architecture students to sketch the world around them, and better appreciate the place they are visiting.

The Bumbling Traveller is the fourth installment in the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series, a book series that seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures. 

The Bumbling Traveller will be launched on 27 September 2021 in Hong Kong in commemoration of World Tourism Day. The book will be available in regional and international bookstores beginning in September 2021, and can also be ordered from the publisher, Kakibubu Media Limited.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR / ILLUSTRATOR:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Tom Schmidt is an award-winning architect, writer, illustrator, musician, and part-time stand-up comedian.  Born in the United States, following his studies of Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, his wanderlust has carried him through various bumbling adventures in over 70 countries around the world, across all seven continents. 

Schmidt is a licensed architect in the US and New Zealand, an Accredited Professional in the LEED® and WELL building certification programs, a founding member of the Hong Kong Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and a member of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI).  He has resided in Hong Kong since 1997 and is founder of Sepia Design Consultants Limited (www.sepiadesign.com), an architectural consultancy specializing in sustainable hospitality design.

BOOK STATISTICS:

Title:The Bumbling Traveller
Author / Illustrator:Tom Schmidt
ISBN:ISBN 978-988-18066-4-2
Category:Travel / Art / Architecture
Length:156 pages
Retail Price: US$39.95
Binding:11.0″ x 8.5” (28.0 cm x 21.6 cm) softcover
Illustrated:252 Color and B&W illustrations
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Hotel Architect Launches Sumatra Travel Book

Award-winning graphic novel travel series educates and entertains both children and adults

Bumbling Through Sumatra by Tom Schmidt (ISBN 978-988-18066-6-6)

Hong Kong, 20 May 2010 ————– Architect, entertainer and author Tom Schmidt launched Volume Two of the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series last night at Hong Kong’s historic Fringe Club.  With close to 100 people in attendance, the book launch included book signings by the author in addition to lucky draw giveaways of travel-related prizes donated by ProTrek and Teva, the two sponsors of the event.  Guests from various creative and travel industries were in attendance, as well as various media representatives including the South China Morning Post, Asia Literary Review, and Bloomberg.

Entitled Bumbling Through Sumatra, this educational graphic novel follows on the heels of award-winning Bumbling Through Borneo, the first volume in a book series that seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.

Book author and illustrator Schmidt contends, “Sumatra is one of the most important and fascinating places on the planet right now.  In today’s era of climate change, the destruction of ancient rainforests, loss of marine and terrestrial habitats, and erosion of traditional cultures around the world is a very serious issue – and Sumatra is a case in point.”

Recently selected as a bronze medal winner in the 2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards, Bumbling Through Sumatra is an educational yet comical adventure through the Strait of Malacca, various ports in Malaysia, and across the Indonesian island of Sumatra.  The reader is taken on an entertaining journey of discovery by following the misadventures of a fictitious cast of bumbling characters on a shoestring budget as they stumble across the natural treasures and indigenous cultures of the Indonesian island of Sumatra – including the environmental challenges they currently face.

With over 200 intricately hand-drawn illustrations, UNESCO’s ecologist Robert Lee notes, “It is refreshing to see Schmidt travel the way travel ought to be done — with arms, eyes, and mind wide open.” WWF – Indonesia views Bumbling Through Sumatra as “a very educational and informative book while providing an entertaining way of telling various conservation messages through adventurous stories.”  Legendary American architectural illustrator Frank Costantino agrees with the universal appeal of the book by noting, “For readers of any age and culture, Bumbling Through Sumatra is a uniquely conceived, very entertaining book –– and sheer fun!”

The Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series is published by Kakibubu Media Limited and is distributed throughout Asia by Foreign Press Distributors and MPH Distributors Sdn Bhd.  The series is available for international purchase through Amazon.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tom Schmidt is an architect, award-winning writer, illustrator, musician, and part-time stand-up comedian.  Born in the United States, following his studies of Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, his wanderlust has carried him through various bumbling adventures in over 70 countries around the world, while based in the Asia-Pacific region.  Schmidt is a licensed US architect, a LEED® Accredited Professional, a founding member of the Hong Kong Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and a member of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI).  He has resided in Hong Kong since 1997, and is founder of Sepia Design Consultants Limited, an architectural consultancy specializing in sustainable hospitality design.

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Bumbling Through Sumatra Scoops Bronze Medal

Second volume of graphic novel travel series wins third prize in 2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards

Bumbling Through Sumatra by Tom Schmidt (ISBN 978-988-18066-6-6)

Hong Kong, 14 May 2010 ————– Bumbling Through Sumatra , volume two of the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series by Tom Schmidt, has been selected as a bronze medal winner in the Graphic Novel / Drawn Book category of the 14th Annual 2010 Independent Publisher (IPPY) Book Awards.

Billed as the largest independent book awards program in the world, IPPY Awards Director Jim Barnes announced today that the 2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards garnered a total of 3,980 total book entries from over 2,000 independent authors and publishers across the world.  Of the thousands of entries spanning 67 various categories, only 347 winning books were awarded with medals.

Bumbling Through Sumatra author and illustrator Tom Schmidt noted, “We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected as an award winner in such a competitive and international book awards program.” Coinciding with the opening of BookExpo America in New York City, a gala awards ceremony will be held at Providence NYC at 6:00 pm on May 25, 2010 for award-winning medalists.  The IPPY Awards, launched in 1996, are designed to bring increased recognition to the deserving but often unsung titles published by independent authors and publishers.

Bumbling Through Sumatra is an educational graphic novel that follows on the heels of award-winning Bumbling Through Borneo, the first volume in a book series that seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.  The Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series is published by Kakibubu Media Limited and is distributed throughout Asia by Foreign Press Distributors and MPH Distributors Sdn Bhd.  The series is available for international purchase through Amazon.com.

The book will be officially launched in Hong Kong on May 19, 2010 at Fringe Club from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Tom Schmidt is an architect, award-winning writer, illustrator, musician, and part-time stand-up comedian.  Born in the United States, following his studies of Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, his wanderlust has carried him through various bumbling adventures in over 70 countries around the world, while based in the Asia-Pacific region.  Schmidt is a licensed US architect, a LEED® Accredited Professional, a founding member of the Hong Kong Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and a member of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI).  He has resided in Hong Kong since 1997, and is founder of Sepia Design Consultants Limited, an architectural consultancy specializing in sustainable hospitality design.

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Bumbling Through Sumatra to be released

Sumatra COVER
Bumbling Through Sumatra by Tom Schmidt ISBN 978-988-18066-6-6

Hong Kong, 26 February 2010 ————– In the time it takes you to read this media release, an estimated 13 hectares of the world’s forests will be lost, according to a recent estimate by WWF-Malaysia.

“Sumatra is one of the most important and fascinating places on the planet right now,” asserts architect and LEED® AP Tom Schmidt, author of the new book Bumbling Through Sumatra.  “In today’s era of climate change, the destruction of ancient rainforests, loss of marine and terrestrial habitats, and erosion of traditional cultures around the world is a very serious issue – and Sumatra is a case in point.”

Bumbling Through Sumatra is an educational yet comical adventure through the Strait of Malacca, various ports in Malaysia, and across the Indonesian island of Sumatra.  The reader is taken on an entertaining journey of discovery by following the misadventures of a fictitious cast of bumbling characters as they stumble across the natural treasures and indigenous cultures of the Indonesian island of Sumatra – including the environmental challenges they currently face.  With over 200 beautifully hand-drawn illustrations, the book’s day-by-day account of the bumbling travellers’ journey through Malaysia and Indonesia seeks to instill the reader with an environmental and cultural awareness of the region’s rapidly changing situation.

Schmidt contends that the unique graphic format of the book series appeals to both young adults, already accustomed to comic book formats, as well as more mature audiences in helping to create environmental awareness. 

Bumbling Through Sumatra is the second volume in the award-winning Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series, a book series that seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.  The first volume in the series, Bumbling Through Borneo, was the recipient of a silver medal in the 2009 IPPY Independent Publishers Book Awards, a bronze medal in the 2009 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, numerous positive media reviews, and is now headed into its second printing.

Bumbling Through Sumatra will be launched on May 2010 in Hong Kong; the book will be available in regional bookstores beginning in May 2010, and can also be ordered from the publisher, Kakibubu Media Limited.