Our Story:

Travis pursued his interest in writing after serving ten years in the US Army. He met illustrator David Buist and they collaborated on their first children’s book, The Knitting Chicken. Later that year, their publisher shut its doors. Travis saw another door open and decided to start his own publishing business! The purpose of Zarfling is the same as what he enjoys about the military: supporting others. Travis has served nine years in the Army National Guard and continues to collaborates with others.

What is a Zarfling?

A zarf is the cardboard sleeve that fits over a paper coffee cup to insulate the drinker’s hands. An Arabic word meaning “container”, a zarf was originally made of a precious metal and even decorated with jewels. Travis spent many late nights in the 24-hour coffee shops of Austin, writing stories while pursuing a sense of purpose that so many veterans seek after service. He and others of Zarfling Platoon create the books, games, and fun you see here!

Travis M. Blair - founder, author

Likes: mustard, yard work, cold brew coffee
Dislikes: raw onions, pennies, mismatched socks

David Buist - Chief Brand Officer, illustrator

Likes: hockey, beer, terrible movies
Dislikes: seafood, coffee, pineapple on pizzas

Miguel Chen - author

Likes: punk rock, yoga, tacos
Dislikes: blueberries, traffic, cockroaches

Paige Connelly - illustrator

Likes: drawing, dogs, playing RPGs
Dislikes: seafood, navigating the subway, wet socks

PJ Day - Chief Lore Officer, designer

Likes: ice cream, creating music, Tasty Kakes cupcakes
Dislikes: squishy foods, laundry, unnecessary drama

Wouter Goedkoop - cartographer, designer

Likes: cooking, beer, cinema
Dislikes: oysters, intolerance, laundry detergent commercials

Dejah Payne - project coordinator

Likes: Archie comics, rats, & pixel art
Dislikes: diet sodas, mayonnaise, mornings before 9

Amy Waeschle - editor

Likes: surfing, reading, mechanical pencils
Dislikes: mushy avocados, centipedes, skiing in the rain