Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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
Posted on

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
Posted on

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
Posted on

Bumbling Through Borneo named one of Ten Best Books on Borneo

Bumbling Through Borneo by Tom Schmidt ISBN 978-988-18066-5-9

Hong Kong,  18 April 2012 ————– Bumbling Through Borneo — the first volume in the award-winning Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series — has been included as one of the Ten Best Books on Borneo in the the 2012 Summer edition of the Borneo Insider’s Guide.  Travel writer Peter Adkins reviewed and compiled a listing of books written about Borneo, and described Tom Schmidt’s award-winning book as “Part light-hearted travelogue, part graphic-novel, part responsible-travel treatise; this idiosyncratic tale of one man’s calling from his day-job in Hong Kong to the longhouses and rainforest of Sarawak, engages all senses in telling its author’s story.  Packed with witty anecdotes, information on how to stage your own ‘bumble’ and unpretentious environmental advice, by the time you get to the last page you will have been persuaded to quit your own job in favour of a Bornean adventure.” 

Published by Kakibubu Media Limited, the Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.  The highly-acclaimed series has won various Independent Publisher and Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards.  Volume 3 of the series is expected to be released in Summer 2012.

Posted on

Bumbling Through Borneo one of top 30 graphic novels for Earth Day 2012

Bumbling Through Borneo by Tom Schmidt ISBN 978-988-18066-5-9

Hong Kong,  20 March 2012 ————– Bumbling Through Borneo — the first volume in the award-winning Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series — has been selected as one of the Top 30 Graphic Novels for Earth Day 2012 by Library Journal.  Martha Cornog, a longtime reviewer for Library Journal, reviewed and compiled a listing of 30 international graphic novels that have an underlying environmental message, and notes that “Environmental comics are not new but have multiplied owing to recent catastrophes:  the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in 2004, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2009, the Haiti earthquake in 2010, and the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami last year.”

As one of only 16 graphic novels that made Library Journal’s “Teens and Up” category, Tom Schmidt’s Bumbling Through Borneo follows a wayward architect on an uncertain journey into the heart of Borneo with an international group of backpackers.   Library Journal adds that, “River travel, virgin rainforest, runaway logging trucks, and underground caverns await the group as they learn about Borneo’s natural world and looming environmental problems. This combination of introduction for tourists, lighthearted adventure story, and environmental primer is done in black-and-white art interspersed with text and take-away points.”

Published by Kakibubu Media Limited, the Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.  The highly-acclaimed series has won various Independent Publisher and Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards.  Volume 3 of the series is expected to be released in Summer 2012.

Posted on

Bumbling Through Borneo Scores Bronze Medal

Bumbling Through Borneo by Tom Schmidt ISBN 978-988-18066-5-9
Bronze_Moonbeam_HR
Bumbling Through Borneo wins Moonbeam bronze medal

Hong Kong, 26 September 2009 ————– Bumbling through Borneo, written and illustrated by Tom Schmidt, was announced as the Bronze Medal award winner in the Comic / Graphic Novel category of the 3rd Annual 2009 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. Published by Kakibubu Media Limited, this first volume of the Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series took third place in its category in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards – a program intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading.  The top three winners of each category were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals respectively.  The call for entries garnered almost 1000 entries from throughout the English-speaking world.

The Moonbeam Awards ceremony will be held on October 10, 2009 as part of the 9th Annual West Virginia Book Festival in Charleston, WV, USA.  Award-winning author Tom Schmidt expressed his satisfaction by noting “we’re thrilled to have our book well regarded in the Children’s Book market and winning such a prestigious award.”  This award follows on the heels of the book receiving a silver medal in the prestigious 13th Annual 2009 Independent Publishers Book Awards earlier in the year.

With consistently positive reviews, Bumbling Through Borneo is the first volume in the Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series, a book series that seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.  Bumbling Through Borneo is available from bookstores globally, online, and can also be ordered from the publisher, Kakibubu Media Limited (www.kakibubu.com).

Posted on

Bumbling Through Borneo Scores Silver Medal in International Book Awards

Bumbling Through Borneo by Tom Schmidt ISBN 978-988-18066-5-9
ippy_silvermedal
Bumbling Through Borneo wins IPPY silver medal

Hong Kong, 18 May 2009 ————– Bumbling Through Borneo, by Tom Schmidt was announced as the Silver Medal award winner for the Graphic Novel / Drawn Book (Humor) category of the 13th Annual 2009 Independent Publishers Book Awards. With over 4,000 entries from across the world, the first volume of the Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series published by Kakibubu Media Limited, took second place in its category; there were an average of 50 contenders per category.   The top three winners of each category were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals respectively.  Award winners will be announced and recognized on the first evening of BookExpo America on Friday, 29 May 2009 at the 13th Annual IPPY Awards Ceremony and Reception to be held at Providence located at 311 W. 57th St., New York, NY, USA.  Award-winning author Tom Schmidt expressed his satisfaction by noting “we’re absolutely thrilled to have our book so highly regarded in an international event of this caliber.”

Posted on

Bumbling Through Borneo Confirmed as Semi-Finalist at IPPY Book Awards

Bumbling Through Borneo by Tom Schmidt ISBN 978-988-18066-5-9

Hong Kong, 2 May 2009 ————– Kakibubu Media Limited confirmed today that Tom Schmidt’s recent release Bumbling Through Borneo has been confirmed as a Semi-Finalist in the “Graphic Novel/Drawn Book – Humor/Cartoon” category of the prestigious 2009 Independent Publisher Books Awards.  Semi-finalists will be awarded gold, silver, or bronze medals; winners will be announced on 29 May 2009 at the 13th Annual IPPY Awards in New York on the first evening of the 2009  BookExpo America convention.

Posted on

Bumbling Through Borneo Debuts in Malaysia

Bumbling Through Borneo by Tom Schmidt ISBN 978-988-18066-5-9

Hong Kong, 17 April 2009 ————– It was announced today that Bumbling Through Borneo, the first volume in the Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series, will be distributed byMPH Distributors Sdn Bhd in the Malaysia and Singapore markets.  MPH Distributors Sdn Bhd (MDM) is the market leader in the book import and distribution as well as magazine distribution industry in Malaysia. 

Author Tom Schmidt commented, “We are thrilled to be working with such a reputable distributor in such key markets for our book.”  Bumbling Through Borneo will be included on MPH’s roster of titles at the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Book Fairfrom 17 – 26 April 2009, and will be distributed to book retailers across Malaysia and Singapore.

Posted on

Bumbling Through Borneo: Hong Kong Book Launch

Bumbling Through Borneo by Tom Schmidt ISBN 978-988-18066-5-9

Hong Kong, 16 April 2009 ————– The first volume of the Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series – Bumbling Through Borneo — was launched last night at Hong Kong’s Fringe Club Gallery.  Over one hundred people were in attendance, including representatives from various media organizations, members of the book trade, and travel industry professionals.

Author Tom Schmidt noted, “This absolutely exceeded my expectations, and I am overwhelmed by the level of support from friends, family, the publishing industry, and the community.”  The event was generously sponsored by ProTrek, Nikko Sports, Teva, and Guinness Beer; sponsor donated gifts were distributed to book launch attendees via lucky draw.

For those who missed this exciting book launch, two very popular promotional videos were screened during the event:

Tom Schmidt Inteview by Rock Legend Nigel Q

Bumbling Through Borneo reviewed on “DD’s Book Review”

Click here for more information and photos

Posted on

Schmidt Promotes New Travel Book on Hong Kong Radio

Bumbling Through Borneo by Tom Schmidt ISBN 978-988-18066-5-9
morning-brew-radio-show-8-april-20092
Author Tom Schmidt promotes Bumbling Through Borneo on RTHK’s “Morning Brew”

Hong Kong, 9 April 2009 ————– Bumbling Through Borneo author Tom Schmidt appeared on Hong Kong’s RTHK3 “Morning Brew” today at 12:10 pm, hosted by Phil Whelan.  Heard by over 250,000 listeners per week, RTHK3 interviewed Schmidt, as he discussed his inspiration behind the creation of the educational illustrated travelogue, as well as the upcoming book launch and future plans for the Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series.

Listen to an archive of this broadcast at RTHK website

Posted on

Bumbling Through Borneo Debuts in International Book Fairs

Bumbling Through Borneo by Tom Schmidt ISBN 978-988-18066-5-9

Hong Kong, 3 April 2009 ————– Kakibubu Media Limited announced today that the first volume of the Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series, entitled Bumbling Through Borneo will be represented at four major international book fairs in 2009 through the Jenkins Group Combined Book Exhibit.  

Author Tom Schmidt noted “These shows are the best ways to get the attention of buyers, librarians, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, other publishers, foreign rights agents, and countless other publishing professionals.”

LONDON BOOK FAIR: 20-22 APRIL 2009

BOOK EXPO AMERICA: 29 – 31 MAY 2009

FRANKFURT BOOK FAIR: 14 – 18 OCT 2009

BEIJING BOOK FAIR: 30 OCT – 2 NOV 2009

Posted on

Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series Launch Announced

Bumbling Through Borneo by Tom Schmidt ISBN 978-988-18066-5-9

Hong Kong, 1 April 2009 ————– Kakibubu Media Limited announced today the official Hong Kong book launch for Tom Schmidt’s new book Bumbling Through Borneo — the first volume in the much anticipated Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series.

DATE:  Wednesday, 15 April 2009

TIME:  19:00 – 22:00

VENUE:  Fringe Club Gallery, 2 Lower Albert Road

Cash bar; light refreshments provided; lucky draw

The upcoming event will be generously sponsored by various travel and outdoor equipment suppliers including Pro-Trek, Nikko, and Teva.

Posted on

Launch of Bumbling Through Borneo Announced

9881806658
Bumbling Through Borneo by Tom Schmidt ISBN 978-988-18066-5-9

Hong Kong, 1 February 2009 ————– 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 WWF-Malaysia.

“Borneo is one of the most important and fascinating places on the planet right now,” asserts architect Tom Schmidt, author of the new book Bumbling Through Borneo. “In today’s era of climate change, the destruction of ancient rainforests around the world is a very serious issue — and Borneo is a case in point.”

Bumbling Through Borneo, an educational yet comical trek through Borneo’s hinterland, takes the reader 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 Malaysian state of Sarawak — including the environmental challenges they currently face.  With over 180 beautifully hand-drawn illustrations, the book’s day-by-day account of the bumbling travellers’ journey through Sarawak seeks to instill the reader with an environmental and cultural awareness of the island’s rapidly changing situation.  WWF-Malaysia calls the book “Interesting!  Recommended reading for backpackers to Borneo.”

Schmidt contends that the unique graphic format of the book 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 Borneo is the first volume in the Bumbling Traveller™ Adventure Series, a book series that seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures.  Bumbling Through Borneo will be launched in Hong Kong on April 15th, 2009.