Nathan Pyle wants to help you navigate New York City, on GIF at a time.
The freelance artist behind a series of NYC etiquette GIFs that went viral in March has released a second set of helpful tips on Reddit and Imgur. The new series is just one of the promotions Pyle has planned for his forthcoming book, NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette, due out in April 2014.
The latest series â€" which rose to the top spot on Reddit's front page within hours of first posting â€" offers more useful advice for Big Apple visitors and new residents. Tips include the directions through a semi-secret underground passageway, the acceptable length of time for a public smooch and the best way to avoid chatting with sidewalk solicitors.
Pyle, an Ohio native who moved to the city five years ago, told Mashable that many of the situations he animates result from his own mishaps. As a result, he's built up a lengthy list of advice.
"I also am constantly just watching other people and trying to see what mistakes are fairly common, because that's the kind of thing that you really need when you're first in the city," Pyle said. "What I think is helpful is the conversation that the graphic can start. I post a graphic and it starts a conversation where people share their own tips, which is the best way to learn from those who are living in New York."
His knack for picking up on vital tips has certainly paid off. HarperCollins offered Pyle a book deal just a few days after his first series went viral. Since then, he's completed a 144-page illustrated guide, as well as an e-book featuring the illustrations in their original GIF forms. According to Pyle, the majority of the book will be new, never-before-seen material, with the exception of a few popular GIFs already released. He told Mashable that he had no trouble coming up with new material, adding that he has more than 200 illustrations.
"The hardest part was picking which ones we wanted to put in the book, because there were so many that we liked but there wasn't enough room for all of them," he said.
Pyle said that the appeal he's found with his audience on Reddit, as well as other audiences he has reached, is a sense that it's possible to find success in NYC, a typically intimidating city for newcomers.
"I came to New York to write ... and this is actually my first book deal, and something that I had hoped for. The idea is that you can do it; it's possible," he said. "There are places where you can put yourself, and try and maximize your potential for success in what is a very competitive place."
Now that he's completed the book â€" which is already available for pre-order â€" Pyle said he's looking forward to developing his other projects, including a series of Photoshopped NYC vandalism and a list of 30 common NYC poses. He added that he hopes to develop a character around the wooden mannequin in his poses project.
Check out a few of Pyle's latest NYC tips, and visit his fan page here.
Homepage Image: Flickr, Jim Trodel
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