GOALS so far...

Well its a 1/4th into 2012 and I wanted to check on my 2012 goals I stated and see how we are doing.

1-I will go to more conventions and sell well. -- Well, this one got slightly changed because I am only doing one convention. But I got plans and I am coming loaded for bare. Or is it Bear? I don't know. Either way, I am going there and gonna rock out. Heroes Con. Get my name on it!

2-I will get out of Debt. -- The wife and I set out a plan and so far, its working. The first quarter of the year was really tight. But we got her bonus coming on Monday hopefully, and a couple major bills will be gone as a result. Then the rest will fall in line. It will really free us up! So its happening! Feels good to be in control once again.

3-I will finish all projects. -- Working on it! So far, so good! Just gotta get caught up more on Anna 2 I say. The rest is all in motion.

4-I will stay on a schedule of exercise and artwork creation. -- This one could use some work. I say every week I have two solid days of artworking. The rest is catching up on sleep or being a daddy. And then the day job comes into the mix. We're short handed at work and thus I am getting more hours. I don't mind so much because it helps control the debt thing. So this one, will be in flux of course. Exercise? Outside of walking once and doing some light stuff around the house has been non-existant.

and the big one...

5-I will lose at least 60 pounds. -- Obviously, I haven't done this at all. Again, the first quarter was a financially tight one, and "diet foods" are certainly not a help price-wise. Plus I also felt that there's a lot in my head that is keeping me from starting it. I am exploring my options as to what to do about it. Therapy? Counseling? a trainer? Psycotropic experience? Whatever I need, I gotta get going on it. I tracked the possibility of 2 pounds a week and if I started this monday, I could be down almost 40 pounds by Heroes Con. Man it would feel great to get the comments there! Really boost my ego and my confidence. It would be hard work and constant daily routine change. Like hit the wall, do or die time. It should be. Cause I have been treading water so far all year. But the sun is out, the air is flowing, spring and change is in the air. Time to get moving I say.

Remember I stated that if I fail in any of these things that I would retire from comics for good. Its time for my Rocky montage to get rolling on a couple of these things. I can't help but think if I had stuck to my plan of starting on January first, I would be minus 25-35 pounds right now and well on my way! But I cannot beat myself up over that. I just gotta get going.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Interesting Week.

I've had an interesting week. Not super productive so far, but interesting nonetheless. All week I saw a few more freelance gigs get offered to me, which I totally accepted. Its gonna keep me busy all till May or June. So it is a good thing I was passed up for promotion at the day job and that I decided to not go to Motor City Con in May. Its gonna be too busy a time for me. And its gonna get even more hectic as time goes on. Gotta keep my head in the game.

I worked on adult webcomic strips and I wrote out some thumbnails for the next 10 Anna 2 pages. I hope to get some pencilling done in the next two days. If I can, I hope to go out to a diner and get some quiet privacy, home distraction free, of getting pencilling done like I used to in the old days. I gotta get ANNA 2 in the can before July! Cause any closer to that is baby time and its gonna be insane as it is already. Plus with all this freelance stuff increasing, its gonna get nutty. So I gotta get rocking on it and kicking ass. Maybe after the wife gets a nap today, I can roll out for a bit. We'll see.

I had some great conversation with an old friend yesterday. I cannot go into what I saw and where I went right here publicly, but it was a really cool experience. One for the personal journals, I will say. I learned a lot and have some interesting experiences and thoughts for the future on certain things. Expanding my horizons and opening my mind type of experiences. Personal journey type of stuff. Best left unsaid. But still, it was great to see him and his life. I hope we see more of each other. I also took a nice walk to enjoy the weather. Felt good.

I can start to announce some of the cool things coming. I signed the contract yesterday and I can announce I am doing sketch cards for the WALKING DEAD comic book trading card set coming from Cryptozoic! Its a small amount of cards, but I am beyond excited about the set. I am a HUGE fan of the comic, as some of you know. I did cards for the TV series set and once again Cryptozoic is allowing me to come aboard. I'm looking forward to getting started. I got a couple other gigs too, but I don't want to say those yet until the contracts are signed. Procedure. But they are equally cool gigs and with great companies! Its gonna be awesome.

Well, I got two shifts this weekend at the Den of Sin, so for those in the Lansing area, come see me tonight and tomorrow. You know where. But I hope to report next week on more coolness going on. Great things are happening! Its time. Now go out and rock out with your balls and ovaries out! Cheers everyone!

NEWSIES, UPDATES, TRAMPS, THIEVES.

Been doing warm up sketches before I start pages lately. Here's an ANNA I did yesterday in copic:



I then did three pages of the adult webcomic strip. A Lesbian Scene. Oh yes. The ink flowed out nicely on those. I can't wait to show you all. In time, in time...

Some good news all around. The wife's job restructured her position and thus she will likely get better hours and a bit better pay. And possibly a better chance at the inevitable promotion to Store Manager! In time.. in time...

Me? I got two doses of great news. First of all two awesome freelance sketch card gigs. I will say what they are once I get the contract and its all signed. But its two properties I LOVE and a company I love even more! Plus, those NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD cards are still supposed to be coming at some point. So there's all that. But the wife found out we are getting part of her work bonus a bit early. So we are gonna pay off some bills with it. Things are starting to look better and better around here. One of the 2012 goals I said I wanted to do was "GET OUT OF DEBT" and its working folks. Its working. Yay!

Another 2012 goal I said I wanted to do is "Go to more conventions and sell well." Well, the idea was strong at the time but as we go into 2012, I realize that my goals in that area should be a tad different. I got a kid on the way and I am more focused on getting MYSELF and my HOME in order for that. Myself, being health, mental blocks and other stuff. Home, meaning cleaning, debt control, Scotts education and development, etc. Also with all these paying gigs happening to me, I need to keep focused on production and not so much going to shows that will not have much of an impact on me and my work at the moment. So I decided to cut way back on shows this year. The only one I am 100% on is HEROES CON in NC. "Possibly" one in the fall after baby is born. We'll see. But right now I got too much to focus on. So sorry Motor City Con, I gotta sit this one out another year. :( At least it wasn't a money issue this time. It was "I'm too busy to do it" reason. A GREAT THING!!!

Progress on things:

CHEESECAKE SKETCHBOOK - At the printer. I'm waiting for the invoice to pay and then they will be shipped. I am hoping no later than late March. We'll see. Comixpress tends to wait till the last minute to get back to me on things. I am also getting them to reprint ANNA 1 and Pleasant Life trades too. So a large order of books, but I am waiting for the invoice.

ANNA 2 - Progress is going. I did four pages last week and have thumbnailed out more to do tonight and tomorrow.

ADULT WEBSTRIP - Did six strips this week so far for the main strip and a side strip. Going quite well. I am going to have a lot of comics in the bank when we finally launch. No ETA on that, but I gotta find a webmaster to help me start the site. Anyone interested? I gotta search out some of the legality of it too cause it will be an adult site. I want to make sure I am covered legally.

So that's where we are at. I work late night at the den of sin Friday and Saturday. Gonna stay productive till then.

Cheers!

The Issues

Okay, a tad political today, but not intended so. Just want to post my thoughts on a couple social issues and my stance on them. First up, Marijuana.

I've probably smoked pot about less than 20 times in my life. If I had to take a drug test today, I'd pass with flying colors. No problem. I am not a "pot head" and likely never will be. I've done it with friends, recreationally, and it had its place and time. The jokes and culture around it is something I enjoy. From the jokes about "getting jazz music" cause you lit up. Or watching Cheech and Chong or Harold and Kumar. That kind of stuff. I dig it. But a hardcore smoker, I am not.

Since moving to Lansing, I saw a ton of Medical MJ dispenseries open and are now closed thanks to new legislation banning the private use of sale. Hell, I was amazed Medical MJ became legal in this state in the first place. And likely will get put back into limbo thanks to the new folks in charge. It is what it is. Here's my stance on it:

I am not against pot at all. I think if you privately use it (for medical or other reasons) in the privacy of your own home, then that should be fine. I do not think however that you should be able to drive a vehicle or be on the job under the influence of it. There's a time and place for everything. I think it should be fully legalized and TAXED. Balance the budget. Decriminalize and let people who want it, have it. Regulate it, sure. It just amazes me the type of "legal" drugs that are out there, synthetically made and stuffed full of all these chemicals and addictive additives and are proven to be harmful, but something that just grows is illegal. If you watch the history of MJ, especially in a documentary I watched called THE UNION, it really makes no sense why it is illegal. Alcohol, is legal... and VERY destructive. I know people who have died thanks to drunk drivers or alcohol poisoning. I don't know folks. I think more research is needed into the benefits of smoking it and the THC that is in it and what it can do for us. And the uses of hemp as paper, rope and other things should be creating jobs. Its a plant, it has grown here since the dawn of time. Seems like someone wanted it accessible to humans, eh? Just a thought.

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ABORTION - I used to be hardcore pro-choice. But ever since becoming a father, I have a hard time really thinking that anymore. Definitely shouldn't be used as a means of consistant birth control. I heard about this new idea, where before you can get it done, you have to go to an ultrasound and hear the heartbeat. Believe me, that is a magical moment and it "feels real" in that moment. then maybe a week of contemplation and acceptance will make you realize that you actually do want that baby. Now certainly if it will cause harm to the mother, or in the case of rape, I am pro-abortion. But I am finding it harder to stay on the pro-choice side of things. I guess it still should be. But I don't have to like it. We can still get stem cells from penis circumcisions. But I still feel it is a woman's right to choose. If they can live with that decision. I am not sure I could.

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GAY MARRIAGE - Now this one I have been and whole heartedly continue to be supportive of. I cannot think of any single sane reason why it hasn't been legalized in this country. Sanctity of marriage hasn't meant shit to a lot of people out there, so don't give me that. The under God stuff? I don't fall into that way of thinking. So thats out. I just don't get it. Its simple descrimination and it bums me out to no end. I will be a hardcore supporter of Gay Marriage until one day we evolve and wake up.

Again, these are all social issues and not the MAIN ISSUES that should be talked about in the coming election. But you can bet they will talk about them. You should research on both sides of the coins and see where you fall into thinking. And please, DON'T start emailing or messaging me on how I am wrong on this or that. These things are how I feel after researching and judging for myself. You can think I am wrong, and thats fine. Go blog about it. This is my platform and I just used it. You are welcome to use yours. But research it all first, please.

T

Productive!!!

This is why you gotta watch my TWITTER cause I post pics of what I work on late at night! Well, okay then. Here's some from tonight. (Including some ANNA 2 pages already in the can as a bonus!!!!!!!!!!)

The (NON) Gambler

I've often thought what it would be like to wake up one day and be a millionaire. It happens to a few folks every now and then. How would MY life be changed if it were me? Where would I go? What would I do? What would I become? It is not out of the realm of "possibility" that maybe someday I could wake up a millionaire. My parents gamble literally EVERY WEEK. For the last 25 years or so, my dad has bought lottery tickets. He finds it fun. Now him and Gloria spend a ton each week on tickets now that they are in their late 60s. Why? Good question. Something to do I guess. But maybe the chance that their twilight years can be happy ones and they can help out the rest of us with a surprise win. My in laws play as well. So BOTH sides of my family play.

Me? I don't. I've joined lottery pools maybe a total of five times at work pools in the past. But never won a dime. When my parents would visit, they would want to go to the local casino here in Michigan. I'd go, spend maybe $5-10 in a slot machine but then go to the Arcade and play the games there and win a fuzzy troll pencil topper. Gambling, is just not in my blood. (Good thing too. I got enough vices!) I have no desire to go to Vegas for anything, outside of seeing a live UFC fight or if that Star Trek the Experience re-opens. So no Vegas, no Atlantic City. Don't need it. But still, the idea remains. What if tomorrow I woke up and was a millionaire? And maybe its not from the lottery win from my parents. What if I made a property and some movie studio wanted to buy it? What would I do? "Sell out?" ABSOLUTELY! But what then? Here's what I'd do...

1. Pay off ALL debt - Student loans? Bye! All credit cards, car payment, rent, all gone. First thing.

2. Take my parents and family on Vacation - I'd likely give my parents and my in-laws some money if they wanted it. Things would be okay from this point on. I'd go somewhere great. I couldn't get my dad on a plane though. So it would have to be something special. I'd love to rent an ocean-side condo and spend a week looking out over the ocean in quiet. That would be wonderful. Spend one whole day of my life on a beach chair watching the sun rise to sunset. Never moving. Just hearing the waves. Taking in the air. One whole day. No phone, no computer. Just me and nature.

3. Buy a SENSIBLE home and car - Nah, no mansion. I'd never be able to keep it dusted and cleaned. But I would buy a sensible around 4 bedroom home with a nice finished basement. And car, SENSIBLE. Nothing sporty. I don't want a Lambo or a Porsche. I've never been a "car guy" anyway. Although I do like Ford Mustangs. But I can never own one while my dad is still alive. I'd never hear the end of it.

4. Pick some to help - I have close friends who are in need. I know who they are. And privately, I would help them out and expect nothing in return. Because I want them to get a great chance at getting and staying out of debt forever and living a good life. I wouldn't tell many people about my millions I have earned or won. Cause money does change people. Friends long gone or relatives you never see come out and start being nice only when they want something. So I would be very, very guarded when it comes to this. But I have people in mind that if I had the chance, I would help them.

5. Set up college fund for kids - And they only get the money if they choose to go to college. Its so important. Not to get a degree to get a job, but for the life experience. The people they will meet, the way their lives will be changed. The rest, is up to them. No silver platters. They gotta earn their place on their own.

And finally with these steps, my ducks are all in a row. So what is left? Do I just take trips to Europe all my life and live on a yacht? Do I build my own private Xanadu and never come out till I die a bitter old man? No, I got one more step in my million dollar process.

6. I would invest money into my company. Build a studio and get other artists to set up residence there. I would go to every comic show and buy space to sell our works together under my banner. I would continue to create and make comics till the day I die.

And that right there proves my dedication to who and what I am. If you were to win millions, what you would do with the rest of your life is what you should pursue. And pursue it without the desire of success or the fear of failure. Just go for it. Keep your ducks in a row, sure. You might have to work a day job and take care of your family. But after that, do what you love. Life is soooo short. Its not worth it to not pursue what you want to do in it. And don't let anyone tell you not to pursue your dream, whatever it is. Don't let nothing stop you. And quit saying "I never have time!" Well, MAKE THE TIME. I do. I get certain windows of time here and there to do what I want to do. If something is important enough to you, you will make the time to do it. Cause one day, without warning, you will have NO TIME LEFT AT ALL. Forget the desire of winning. Forget the fear of failure. Just do what you want to do. Dance with it and yourself. Pursue the whimsies. Surround yourself with "Yes you cans" and "why the hell not, lets do it" people. Forget the cynics, the critics, the haters, the whiners. Forget the drama, the past failures, the odds and the logic. Pursue what you want and WHO YOU WANT TO BE. Find the one thing in life that makes you happy and go do it. Right now. And anything that makes you unhappy, you can change it. Today. Right now.

Millions have done this before and millions will after you, now its your turn. It is no gamble to pursue happiness, folks. Its a sure thing. No dice to roll, no cards to count. Just get in the game and play.

"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish."

T

Baby is A-OK

Went to doc today and got ultrasound. Baby heartbeat was 154 or so and doing good. Wife is better, but still needs to take it easy a bit. She's got another week off so that is good. Thanks for the well wishes and thoughts everyone. We're continuing as planned. My seed is strong! The House of Talley grows!

T

Goings on

Hey all. Sorry for lack of updates over the weekend. I had a few blog writing ideas, but most of them were political type of rants and I am trying my damnedest to stear clear of those. I think with all the anti-women stuff of Rush Limbaugh and his big mouth, the passing of HR 347 law (look that one up. We're not allowed to protest certain buildings anymore. 1st Amendment anyone? Why isn't no one covering this???), and the campaign crap going on, my head is completely spinning. And I don't want to bore you all with another "we need to get our shit together" blog from me. You guys know how I feel. What more needs to be said?

In other news, here is a five minute warm up sketch of Bill Murray:



I'm trying to do more warm up sketches in my day so I can maybe collect them someday. We'll see. I got four new ANNA pages done, including the cover and then pencils on a double splash page featuring some total destruction and rotting corpses and cars in a pile. Very fun. The book is getting to the good stuff. Some nice fights and then the BIG fight is coming. That will have many double splash pages and tons of gore in it. I just got the Invincible Hardcover #6, the one with the first fight between Mark and Conquest. And that fight was bloooooody! Thats sorta whats inspiring me to keep my game up. I love Ryan Ottley's work. So awesome.

I got a new gig offer over the weekend. I think I teased it to you all before now that I think of it, so I wont verbally masterbate again. But I will say I went out and got some reference for the gig. I'm reading them now on the can and getting my chops in the game so I can do a good job on it. More later.

On the adult webcomics front: I am still plugging away. Almost 45 completed strips in the can. Just some coloring and lettering to do. The next few pages is a lesbian scene. That should be boring to draw, right? heh.

The wife's health is okay. Its been fun having her here at home. We snip at each other sometimes, but its what you do after ten years of marriage. I'm sure she's sick of my shit. So I try to keep her happy and keep her blinded to what a douche I can be. Hopefully she never wakes to that fact! I'm sure her work misses her. Me? I got a couple late night shifts this week. Should prove interesting as always.

Been watching a lot of newer movies too. I watched Hangover 2 (crap), Harold and Kumar 3 (not as great as I wanted it to be. Quite forgettable actually), Bridesmaids (Didn't care for it at all) and then I showed the wife the first Harold and Kumars, which were great. Lastly, I watched 48 Hours (still good, but loving those meat slammers foley effects) and some UFC fights on disc. I'm falling in love with watching UFC for some reason. It takes two sports I used to watch as a kid and put them together in a no BS type of way. I like it.

Anyway, I hope to continue on this productive streak I got going. We got doctors appointments today, work tonight and Saturday and other than that, stay clean. Can do! You folks stay hungry, stay foolish!

T

$10 Commission Weekend Drive and AP Card Sale!!!

Hey folks! I'm trying to generate some quick funds for printing and conventions for 2012. And It so happens I got all weekend free to get some work done. So lets have a sale!! First up, I want to get rid of these four AVENGERS AP cards I have here. They are pre-approved and ready to ship now. I'm asking $25 each. MUST GO! Act quick. Email me at phymns@yahoo.com or message ADAMTALLEY on the scoundrel boards for availability. These will go quick!!



After that, I am offering a $10 commission sale!!!! You'll get An 8x11 bristol piece, one character, inked with some minor copic markering for only $10!!! Sale ends this Sunday at 10pm Eastern. Simply email me at phymns@yahoo.com and we'll get it rolling. Here are some examples of what you would get if you order one:





Now the legal: Commissions are $10 plus $2.00 shipping to USA. International is extra. Cards are $25 each, plus $2.00 shipping to USA. International extra. Ask if interested. If ordering commissions, best to clear the idea through me via email (phymns@yahoo.com) before ordering. Artwork is mailed flat with protective cardboard to prevent bending and sealed in a plastic sleeve. Not responsible for mishandling due to post office or shipping error once it leaves the artists' hands. Statement of age is required for any ADULTS ONLY subject matter. The artist reserves the right to terminate the commission agreement at any time and the purchaser is entitled to a full refund at that point. The rates on this page is for single image ONLY! It is not considered my "Comic page rate" for sequential work. If interested in sequential artwork, email for a quote. To get any clarification on anything or if you have any questions, email me: phymns@yahoo.com - Expect 2 weeks for delivery.

okay. Thats that. Give me your stuff! Lets rock this. Only three days to go!! Cheapest deal you will ever get. Help me out and I'll help you out! Cheers!