The covers to almost the comics I have done so far.  Intermezzo 1-12. Dyslexic Cosmic 1 &2, The Journey of Brave Ulysses.

All available on Indyplanet.com

downtime

So, I haven't been to a comic book convention in a couple of weeks.  Been drawing , got QuirkyWorks off to the Printer.  That's a new comic, in a totally different direction.

To anyone who remembers the old Harvey Comics for kids, this is a parody/ updating/ reimagining of that genre.  Its at the printer now. 

I think the humor is pretty accessible to anyone, especially kids.  It's features Vlad the Vegan Vampire, Zoe the Sensitive Zombie and others.  Just to try something completely different (and make room in my head by getting those ideas out there).

DJs at comic book conventions

I was at a comic book convention yesterday (What?  Really?  Who would've thought?).  This was a relatively small show in Greensboro, not that big of a space and not too many people there, but no big deal.  The issue I had with the show, was the DJ.

As everyone was setting up, the music was at a good level and everyone could talk.  But after the show started the room started to get louder (as they do when you get people talking and having a good time).  Then the DJ made the music louder so it could be heard over the crowd... so the crowd has to scream at each other to be heard... so the music had to go louder for it to be heard.

My wife and I were set next to the DJ, so we had to scream in each other's ear or text to communicate most of the day.  We had a comic collection to sell and that was pretty self explanatory, we had signs with the prices listed and price tags on anything special.  I couldn't explain my comic book to anyone, so while we did ok with the comics, I sold next to nothing from my artist stuff and I imagine it was no better for other artists.

Artists have to be able to speak to con-goers.  Answer questions, explain our work.  I was at the opposite side of the room and couldn't have a conversation because the music was so loud.  I personally do not see the need for DJs at a con, but they like for it to be a party atmosphere, so I understand why they do.  But the day will (hopefully) get to the point where the music will be overpowered by the noise of the convention.

It brings about a question that needs to be addressed before the show.  Do you want a comic book convention or a performance for your DJ?

I guess the third option is for me to be "that guy" who complains about it and get told I'm too old or no fun.  But I can listen to music anytime, I am at your event to promote my comic and artwork.

Oak City Comicon

I was in Raleigh for the Oak City Comicon yesterday with my good friend from Leather Mischief.  We both had really a good day, but never got much of a rest.  Big crowds, a lot of people looking at our stuff and a lot of people who liked it enough to make a purchase.  In a comicon, there is a lot of things for you to spend your money, so when people spend it on my art and comics I feel very grateful.

This was my best 1 day show yet.  In the past year I keep going to shows that set a new personal record.  I still have shows that I don't do well, but that is just part of the deal. 

Next week I have another show that set a new record last year, Winston Salem Comicon.  So time to try for a new personal best.

Issue 13 is at Ka-blam being printed.  I should get it back by the middle of May.

Issue 13 (and my sanity)

Issue 13 is completed (for the second time) and successfully sent to Ka-Blam, the printer (for the first time).  I somewhat learned how to use the GIMP program and completed it today.  I doublechecked it all a couple of times and then sent it.

So, issue 13 is hopefully going to be printed soon and shipped to me mid-May.  I have a lot of other projects in mind, that I can move on to now.

blah blah funk blah blah blah

Making some progress with a new software called GIMP instead of Photoshop.  We could find the case for our photoshop disc and get it installed, so I am trying a new one.  Its taking a long time, but I am making headway.  With any luck I may finish issue 13 this week and get it ordered.

Saturday I will be in Lexington, my hometown for their third annual Lexing-con.  Really want to tell people the new issue is ordered.

Deep Blue Funk

Its been a while since I wrote anything, and honestly I don't feel like it now.  I completed issue 13, the files were ready to send to the printer, but I had an errand to run.  Loading the file and placing the order can take an hour so I left to do it when I got back.

When I got back the computer was trying to restart itself, it does that a lot.  It will take a few hours and then you can use it again.  But this time it never stopped, it tried to restart for days and then we took it in to get looked at.  Geek Squad reset the computer to factory settings, everything was lost.

We have a backup system, but I hadn't saved Issue 13 to the backup, only to the computer itself.  So Issue 13 is now gone.  I have to start over fixing the scans and prepping it.  Instead of moving on to the next project, I have to start this one over.

Not holding together well on this.  I also lost Photoshop and we can't get it reloaded.  I am trying a program called GIMP instead, but it is a lot different.  And I am not good with learning new programs (or programs I've used for a long time, or much of anything anymore).

I'm stumped.  I am trying, but it is taking a lot of effort to even try.