Leap of Faith: My Thoughts on “DRAWN IN” and How it Got Started


To be totally honest, these videos have been a complete leap of faith for me. When I started, I had NO IDEA if kids would even like them or if they would even be beneficial.  And yet by choosing to take on this endeavor, I was committing myself to 4 years of my life to be completely consumed with making these un-tested/un-tried videos.  Kinda scary, kinda exciting, kinda BOTH.

And where did the idea for DRAWN IN even come from in the first place?

Well, It all started last summer with a thought that hit me, “Hey, Dave, what if you filmed yourself drawing some Book of Mormon pictures (in your Who’s Your Hero books style), maybe tell a story with the pictures, and put those on the internet?”  I had NO idea how to make this possible (I have ZERO video production experience) or what these videos would actually look.   It was just an idea that felt good… which I have come to learn is how the Holy Ghost gives personal revelation.

Since then, it has been a step by step, trial/error learning process with everything --- Sound, lighting, How to use a video camera hooked to my ceiling to record the drawing segments, how to put all the segments together into a professional looking video.  And let me tell you--- finding a talented local video editor was a HUGE blessing!  Jeff (me editor) does an amazing job at making these videos into what they are, complete with some really great music.  And, of course,  I’ll always remember that fateful moment in September, while examining my hand in front of the camera, that the thought struck me, “Hey!  My hand looks pretty cool in this camera.  I wonder how a little drawn on, hand puppet would look on video?”  And that was that!  The beginning of Mister _______ Hand.  (Again, as I’m sure you have seen in your own life, I don’t believe these are just my own ideas.  They come from a higher source)

It has been so rewarding to watch the evolution of the DRAWN IN series… to feel God inspiring you with thoughts and ideas for the episodes, for the purpose of helping draw kids closer to Christ.  I truly feel as if my strengths and talents (God-given, not my own) over the course of my life --- my love of drawing, my love of teaching (I spent several years teaching full-time seminary back in the day), my love of acting/staging/different voices, my goofy sense of humor, my love of kids --- have been in preparation for this endeavor.  I feel so blessed to get to use ALL of these strengths wrapped up in ONE project --- the DRAWN IN series.

So, a HUGE thank you for all of your support and your most gracious feedback on how the series has been making a difference in your family.  It is so rewarding to know that the videos/print outs are actually resonating with your kids. 

Dave


20 comments


  • Andreita Uribe

    Hi David Bowman
    My name is Andrea and I am 9 years old I am from Lima Peru
    I love Drawn In
    I love your videos , I am learning more English because off Drawn in
    Thank you 🤗


  • David Uribe

    Hi David Bowman
    I am David Uribe from Peru Lima
    I am 7 years old. I speak English and Spanish. I love the song of Mousie and I love and like your videos and Colton and your other kids.My mom and dad got the Drawn In for my sister Andreita and me 😆
    Thank you


  • Erin Wiggins

    We LOVE your Drawn In Series!! It has been the best thing for our family to follow Come Follow Me and all of your lessons are totally relevant for all of our kids! Please keep them coming, they are fabulous!


  • Stephanie

    We love your videos! I’m grateful you took that leap of faith to try something out of your normal (& already amazing) range and expand your talents that you share with us! My kids ask to watch Drawn In often and really remember what was taught! It enhances our Come Follow Me discussions and your “that was then, now it’s my turn” really brings it home! Many thanks!
    The Brown’s


  • Kristine

    Dear Dave!

    Wow! It was such a blessing to hear about your Drawn In series! I am a mother of three children (6 year old boy, 5 & 2 year old girls). On February 24th we watched your intro video and then the video covering 2 Nephi 9, “Why the Atonement???” Wow! After watching those two videos I signed up for the yearly subscription on the spot! The VALUE you provide is incredible. The stories you share, the analogies, the examples…are so wonderful, simple and best of all—-EASY to remember! As Sunday’s approached in the past, I always had this little thought, “Oh, I didn’t do enough Come Follow Me this week with the kids…” (I didn’t beat myself up, but just knew I could do a little better the next week.) But after watching your videos for the week (Feb 24-Feb 29) and talking about the principles throughout the week with them I felt such peace as Sunday approached! My husband even used your AMAZING examples/simple way to talk about the Book of Mormon and the Bible with someone not of our faith that very week after watching your video! I taught Sunday School that Sunday (to the 13-14 year olds) and utilized your examples and stories as well! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
    We love your Mr. ______ Hand! As we begin a new video my kids always squeal, “I wonder who the hand is going to be today!?” When it comes time for the “Power Verse” or “Principle of Power” they always yell out those words along with the video. :) I can’t stop telling everyone about your videos! Thank you for following the Spirit’s gentle promptings. Thank you for using your talents to bless so many. Thank you for making the gospel simple and easy to explain (especially the props!! I made my own “TRUTH” sign for my Sunday School class to illustrate the “two witnesses” principle. My kids even started cutting out their own TRUTH signs out of cardboard too.) I could go on and on and we’ve only watched two weeks worth of videos. May God continue to bless you in your efforts! We are excited to follow you on this journey!
    All our love,
    Kristine + Perry Family


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