Help an Artist Beat the AI Algorithm—One Laugh at a Time

Some of my work for Hollywood studios and commercials can be seen in the image above. As a storyboard artist and illustrator, I’ve worked on shows like NCIS since 2007. But things have changed. Studios are cutting back. Audiences have shifted to TikTok. And artificial intelligence? Yeah... it came for my job faster than I ever expected.

So these days, when I’m not illustrating or storyboarding (which is less and less), I’m hustling on gig apps like Instawork, Quick, and the now-defunct Tend just to get by.

But here's the thing—I’m not giving up.

I’m an artist and a writer. And I’ve created something new. Something funny. Something original. Something that’s AI-proof and doesn't need studio backing to exist. It’s a physical product you can hold in your hands. Share with friends. Laugh about with your kids (well, your teenage kids—there’s some PG-13 humor in here. Parents, you be the judge).

What Is It?

It’s a coffee table book, packed with hilarious illustrations and short stories in the tradition of Mad Magazine, with a bit of SNL Weekend Update thrown in. Think irreverent, sharp, inclusive humor— Meaning I make fun of everything and it’s not politically correct. Don’t worry though, it’s nothing mean-spirited. My underdogs come out on top by the end of the story and each story is only one page long. An easy read for any one in our fast paced society and meant to give Tick -Tock a run for it’s money.

What’s even better is that this is not just a one-off book. This is the start of a new IP (intellectual property) with legs. I've already mapped out three follow-ups, one of which breaks beyond the book format and into something even bigger.

But to finish it, I need time—not just late nights after gig shifts. Real, focused time.

What People Are Already Saying:

“I was blown away by his pitch, then he showed me the art! All I could say was “stop drilling you’ve struck oil!” And then I optioned one of the stories.”

— Todd Harris, Creator/Director, Eyes of Wakanda

“Patrick has created something wholly unique, while still celebrating a rich tradition of illustration. It's not only original, but brilliantly drawn and very, very funny. A true work of art.”

— Gregg Ostrin, Playwright

Why Now?

I’ve written nearly all the stories (just one left), roughed out sketches for every image, and finished a portion of the artwork. All writing and illustrations are by me, in a variety of styles. Each story stands alone—but together, they form a comedic world where the underdog always wins, and the laugh is always on the powerful.

All I need is time and a little backing to finish this the right way.

Where Your Money Will Go

I’m asking for $4,000, which will let me work full-time on this for four months. That’s enough to:

• Complete the artwork (some of which is already in progress)

• Finalize and proof all the writing

• Build the book in InDesign

• Prepare a print-ready proof for submission or direct publishing

• Pitch the book at Comic-Con or to publishers by Summer 2026

Why I’m Not Sharing the Full Concept (Yet)

Once, a script I wrote was plagiarized. Not a case of “great minds think alike”—I mean lifted. So while I want to show you enough to get excited, I’m holding back the full concept until it’s ready to launch, to protect the IP from being swiped or churned through an AI mill.

Let’s Laugh Together Again

Look—life’s hard. So why not try to see the humor in it so it doesn’t eat us alive. That’s what I’m doing here with this project. It’s human. It's funny. It's tangible. And it’s meant to bring people together to laugh at the absurdity of it all—with each other, not just at each other.

If that sounds like something you want to see more of in the world, please chip in. Whether it’s $5, $25, or just sharing this with someone who gets it, it helps more than you know.

Thanks for reading—and thanks for believing in people-made stories.