Clawrence, One Tiny Crab Who Refused to Stay Small

Clawrence began as just a pet for Buzzbee. A friend. He's not a bird, obviously, so I never planned on him having a starring role.

But, he's Clawrence. He just kept being. I can't honestly remember how he and Buzzbee started a summer camp. Or how he managed to buy a domain for it!!

Bauble Bay and the stories are for those who just are. Come as you are. Be who you are. So, you're not a bird. We don't care. You want to wear disco boots? Cool. Hustle on. You're a camp direckter? Yeah, we should maybe give you spelling lessons one day but sure, direct away, little crab. Be all you can be!!

I sketched Clawrence, refined him and painted him. A few times. Because he was a pet, he didn't get my usual photos of the process. Once he informed me that he was going on a cruise, I had to create a Cruise Clawrence. This is where I will have an idea in my head and use AI to give it details my limited artistic skills can't. I can see it, I know the expression, the colors, just how he should look. I bring him to life by painting him. So, yes, AI is used but as a tool.

And tools can go wonky sometimes. I wanted Clawrence to have a "cruise" vibe. But I forgot to type out exactly what my brain meant. I ended up with this ridiculous character.

Poor Clawrence is hollering, "You made my claw a suite with a balcony, LauraBird!" And..........I did. Oops. I have apologized to Clawrence and have set a plan to actually paint a version of Cruising Clawrence, minus the built-in ship cabins.