Valley artist publishes book packing a punch

By concept, message and design, North Las Vegas artist Kenneth Lamug thought outside the box for "A Box Story."

His recently self-published illustrated picture book caters to kids but packs a mighty message, he said.

The book "invites the reader to look at things in a different way" with the use of hand-drawn images of a box ready to be filled with imagination, Lamug said.

"The box doesn't change; it's the same perspective, angle and shape," he said. "It's what we want it to be. It's like a blank canvas."

A web designer by day and writer, illustrator and photographer by hobby, Lamug said he is fueled by creativity.

"I always have to be doing something creative," he said. "It's some kind of a curse, in a way. It takes time from my family."

His wife and three children supported him through the six months it took him to finish "A Box Story" and are fond of the tale, Lamug said.

Before settling down, Lamug was a street photographer bent on capturing documentary-style moments around town. As a child, he created his own comic books and took to computer artistry for a profession.

Having kids got Lamug interested in telling stories of his own, he said.

He sought out local children's book authors and found a small community off which to bounce ideas. Though their feedback and professional guidance, Lamug decided to publish and market "A Box Story" himself.

Enter unbounded creativity again.

Lamug created a book video trailer and interactive websites to accompany the book. He also visited elementary schools and had the youngsters create their own box illustrations. Lamug said he has about 50 illustrations he plans to display in a gallery show.

Lamug is also working on multifaceted workshops centered around the book's concept and message.

The book is available online and is available for those 3 or older. It has received positive reviews since its Jan. 1 launch, Lamug said.

"I just want people to read it and get something out of it," he said.

"It makes you think. It's simple, but it has a deeper meaning. Hopefully it will be a chance for parents to explain it."

For more information, visit aboxstory.com or rabbleboy.com/aboxstory.

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.