Long, Exciting, Girthy, Veiny Week!

Lots of exciting things happening this week. First of all, my parents are coming up early Tuesday morning to help watch the kids during this busy week. Then Tuesday night, I get a break and going to go see Black Sabbath at DTE Music Center in Clarkston with my pal Matt. Wednesday, I plan to spend all day with my parents. Wanna either cook a big dinner or go out to dinner together. then that night last minute pack for Chicago. Thursday, I leave early in the morning to head to Chicago, about a 3 hour drive for me. I gotta check into hotel, check in at the show, set up and be ready for a 3-8pm shift at the table. Then I am going back to the hotel for a nice quiet night (I think). Friday, the show runs from 10-7 or something. Somewhere I gotta meet up with Brian Maze, who will be landing sometime that morning. Then I guess we're going out after the show to do something. Not sure what. He's also going to that horror con that same weekend nearby. then Saturday its all business. Then Sunday the same. Brian has photo shoots to do, so we'll likely just part ways then and He's staying an extra night I think. And I am heading home after the show on Sunday. Should get back home Sunday around 8-9pm.

Busy week eh?

Meanwhile for those that will not be going to Chicago but are in the Lansing area, my wife's new store FIVE BELOW will be opening Friday the 9th. Its located right off I96, exit 93. Marketplace blvd, next to the Walmart. She's been working 12 hours a day all week to set up the store. She's dead tired coming home, but I've never seen her happier.  She's excited for this new opportunity and its a grand one! I'm very proud of her.

If you've never been to a Five Below, I liken it to a "Spencers for Teenagers." Its got everything you need. I think anyone of any age group can find something they would like in it. Definitely check one out. And if you are in the area, stop by and support her store. The more it thrives, the better WE thrive! I want her store to kick ass, cause she worked hard putting it together and earning the position of Store Manager. Walgreens treated her like dogshit. But she bid her time and she won the chance and job of a lifetime. Its awesome! Seems we're both finally having great things happen for us professionally. Its a great life, isn't it?

Speaking of my profession, I cannot express once again how excited I am for Wizard World Chicago. I haven't done a show, or had a vacation for well over a year now. In fact, I was a bit jaded on comic con experiences lately. But I've got the fever again. I think the constant freelance work has got me interested in getting my head in the game. and now that I am a blip on the radar of some people with the sketch cards, and I am getting offered things like free tables and guest status, it really means a lot to me. So I am coming on strong and hoping I don't dissapoint. I know things are different now because usually I do a pre-sale on commissions before every comic con and I got a couple bites. this time, I got quite a few! So something is in the air. The excitement is back. And I cannot wait to deliver on it in person! Plus, I'm hoping to make some cash and spend it on silly convention stuff for the house. Toys, comics, etc. I deserve a bit of a treat! I got a TO GET list, and a few people there I wanna meet in person. I might even score Brandon Routh's autograph to help with my Superman collection. We'll see. First, BUSINESS!

Anyway, here's a new BOBA FETT piece I made for the show. I hope to complete a few others this week to sell in my original art pile:

Lastly, at the show a special card set is coming out that I haven't talked about yet. It is called the Contemporary Pinup Puzzle Jam set. Its where one artist does 1/2 a card, then another does the other 1/2. This time, my pal Jay Durden and I jammed on the cards and I gotta say they came out quite nice! Here's a safe for work peek at the cards with all the naughty bits blocked out:

You can get these cards from KEN GALEN at the show this next weekend, as they premiere there. He also graciously printed me 100 promo cards of a pinup girl I drew from the set. Pic here:

I will share more pics of prints and other art pieces shortly before the show this next week. I got a TON of art to get done before that. More sherlock holmes cards and things. and I got lots of family stuff to juggle. Its gonna be a long, exciting week!

I thank you for continuing to check back. More to come! Keep coming back for more.

Cheers, T