Friday, May 04, 2007

Comic Artists Roll Deep and Ride Dirty... or some shit...

So, FINALLY, I have internet at home at the new place. YAY! I live in 2007 again! I felt like I was living in a cave! and to treat me, Yahoo News pops up with PARIS HILTON SENTENCED TO JAIL! YAY!!! A nice treat for me. A "welcome home" if you like.

Okay, I got some big news to announce but first, an editorial on how stupid I am.

---I worked at McDonalds from 1994 to 1999. I was a crew trainer and a manager for a long time. It felt great to be the "Captain" and in charge of the ship. Albiet I felt like I was needed. Like the place would fall apart if I weren't there. Like DANTE in Clerks. I never stood up for myself, I just took any critcism I got whether it was right or wrong. And McDonalds always tells you how much you are wrong. But still, I enjoyed the chance to be in charge and feel useful. Well, I was up for a promotion I totally think I deserved and I didn't get it. The person who did was dating another store manager at the time, so she got the position instead (NOTE: Before that she was transferred from 3 different restaurants for attitude problems and such. And later was fired from McDonalds for STEALING! But I digress). Those series of events made me realize that I was wasting my life in the fast food pit and I decided to quit and go to college. BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE!!! I focused back on my art and met lifelong friends and no longer feel like my soul is being crushed.

Now at a few other jobs I did get some promotions and seniority status, but I never let it get to me. I tried to stay focused on my ultimate goal of finishing college... which I did. I even worked a job as a graphic artist for five years, not getting noticed at all. After that quiet period, I wanted to stand up again.

I got the job down here post move at the porn shop (I won't say where). And it came time that a STORE MANAGER position was opened. I got excited and felt that I could do it. So I changed and really tried for it. I thought the money would get me out of debt and I would find happiness. But after I interviewed for the position, I realized what a mistake I was making. I would be working 60 hours on a salaried position. when would I draw or see my family again?

Well, Luckily, I didn't get the promotion and they hired someone else. In reality, at first I was upset. But I felt instantly relieved. I realized that I let myself start caring again about things that I REALLY didn't want. I wanted to go back to mattering at a crap job like McDonalds was. Well, I didn't get the promotion and I went to Pittsburgh Comic Con. there I was greeted warmly by my REAL calling and I got offered lots of opportunities for a future. I realized that Comics, is indeed my home. My TRUE calling.

I promise you dear reader: I will never lose my focus again. Money be damned. I will always draw comics. Always. Fuck money. :)

----Okay... ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!

I've been hired as artist on writer Ryan McLelland's book: WISE INTELLIGENCE. Its a college humor/drama book about frat guys in Jersey. (sounds like a familiar realm don't it?) Well, thats part of the reason I think I was picked. I've read the scripts of the first 3 issues and its full of fun, laughs and heart. Its a good good story. Great wordplay and lots of opportunity for me to shine on some killer visuals. Its gonna be fuckin' killer! I'm happy to have been asked to do it. Ryan is a great guy and a very talented writer. Of all the cats he could have asked to jump onboard this project and he picks me? I'm honered and I hope I can live up to the hype. The plans he has for this project (of which there are many) are big and hearty. I'm on top of my game right now, so its the perfect time for me to do it. I'm excited and ready to go. I start work on the book this weekend! Wish me luck.

QUESTIONS: Does this delay Pleasant Life? No. I'm already done with up to issue #3 of P.L., and #4 is 3/4ths done already. I'm well ahead of my game.

---Other project: Writer Robert Keck and I have been discussing doing this Graphic Novel based on a story he wrote. Its called THE RUINS OF GEMSHIRE. Its a midevil story. I'm drawing it all in tone pencil! Its gonna have a completely different look and feel to anything else I have done. I will start that after WISE INTELLIGENCE is complete.

---Other project: I am working with another writer to do a book that we've discussed. Nothing is completely fleshed out and I haven't seen a script yet, but I committed to the project. Its exciting stuff. I'll announce it soon.

-----------

Okay, I think thats all. We're fully moved in, and everything is great. My art studio room is set up and its killer. I've been busting with creativity! I got the 11 commissions done and two Pleasant Life posters I wanted to do. One involving tribbles and the other Mortin/James Bond! Hopefully I can post some pics soon. Gotta save up for a scanner!

Anyway, back to your lives my little droogies! Take care!

T

No comments: