FCBD 2010

It's that time again kids! Free Comic Book Day! Come down to Vigilante Press tomorrow May 1st and get some free comics.

I will be there along with local comic artists Andrew Kudelka, John Ashton Golden, Pat Doran and illustrator Alan Close. We'll be doing sketches, chatting with comic loving folks and hanging out with the Vigilante folks sharing our love for comics.

One Man Show

I recently finished compiling my first two self-published books, "Pipin' Hot Sampler" and "Obsessive Hearts:Preludes" Into one snazzy package. Also included in the book is some previously unpublished work and a sketchbook section. A 80 page collection of b&w work.

The book is work from the last three years as I've been bold (or crazy enough) to try selling comics I've made at conventions and local comic shops. I did this edition to compile the work in a nicer, more professional book. The previous two books suffered because of my lack of design skills (I'm a painter and illustrator and haven't done much in the way of design). I had hoped to correct this with the collection and am for the most part pleased with the end result. i thank my friend Eric Adams for helping with some tips and design ideas.

The book is available here for sale, just click on "store" button.

Why do I self-publish?

I have asked myself countless times, "why do I self-publish comics?" Sometimes it's not so easy to answer. I've only done small print runs selling them in local comic shops and setting up shop in artist alleys at various comic conventions. Lost amongst aisles of colorful comics and banners and dreamers like myself , as seemingly endless droves of people drift by without a second glance at my work. It's because I have no choice. As an artist I am compelled to create and put myself out there for the world to see.

I have never sent a sample to a big comic company. At times I've lacked the confidence to do so. I also don't see my personal vision in line with what they are selling. So given that lack of a choice, I figured I do it myself. So in the last 3 years I have put together work, printed it up and joined the artist alley fray.

I've made my mistakes with the first two books, the choice of covers was lacking and the printing not up to the quality that would grab attention. Or do my work justice.

This time out, I was deadset on taking both old and new work and putting it into a better package. I have taken advice from other creators with presentation and bumped it up a notch.

Today I got my new book from the printer, and for the first time since I started this crazy adventure, I looked at my printed work and felt a little pride.

I look forward to getting out there and sharing my work with the world. Even if only a few people stop and check it out at the conventions, it will be with pride that I share it with them. I have stories to create, and to share. That's why I self-publish.

Upcoming Conventions/C2e2/S.P.A.C.E

April is a busy month! I will be in artist alley at C2E2 in Chicago and at S.P.A.C.E. in Columbus Ohio.

For those who are unaware of C2E2, it's a comic and entertainment convention that is premiering in Chicago this year. It is put on by the folks that are behind the New York Comic Con. All the big names in comics will be there along with a great representation of the Chicago comic scene.

This is also the first year that I've ventured to S.P.A.C.E., and I'm really looking forward to mixing with folks that are self-publishing their own work and share a passion for work that is outside the mainstream.

I have spent the last few months putting together a compilation book entitled " One Man Show" The book includes my previous two self-published comics " Pipin' Hot Sampler" and " "Obsessive Heart:Preludes". Also collected in 1MS are fifteen pages of previously unprinted comic stories and a twenty page sketch book section. A whopping 80 page book! I will be unveiling the book at C2E2.

I will have original sketchcards, watercolor paintings and a bunch of sketches available.

Also, I will be sharing table space with my wife, Cherilynn. She will have original artwork, sketchcards along with her "Animal Kingdom" sketchbook.

C2E2 is April 16-18 at McCormick Place in downtown Chicago. Check their website for show info. http://www.c2e2.com/

S.P.A.C.E (Small Press &Alternative Comics Expo) is in Columbus, Oh. April 24-25. Check their website www.backporchcomics.com/space for show and creator info.

My table assignment for C2E2 is E1 and for S.P.A.C.E. table 86.

Hope to see you there!