Hello my friends! Wow, I am blown away right now. In less than 2.5 days, we made funding! Go us!! I say us, because one thing Ive learned about crowdfunding a project, its as much about US as it is about me. It is all DIY to a point but then its up to all of us to continue the grassroots campaign. So if you like what we are doing here, be sure to spread the word about these comics on your social media to other like minded folks who would be into it. I appreciate you spreading the word with me.
This is my 6th Kickstarter effort and I see a few old friends that have come back to be an ADAM COMPLETIST! :) But majority of names I do not recognize and therefore are NEW!! That excites me and I welcome you to our little group of erotic rock star readers! In seeing that, I decided that maybe I needed to expand rewards and include STARSLAM 1 and 2 in physical and digital forms.
Either way, I appreciate the support, my friends. Lets keep rocking and rolling towards some of those stretch goals and get some nice new bonuses for you to enjoy!
Thank you!!
Have not got to check out the Kickstarter yet? The link is right:
HERE
Thanks! ~~~T
Showing posts with label Starslam 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starslam 2. Show all posts
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Thursday, June 23, 2016
STARSLAM 2 NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!
Missed out on the successful Kickstarter? You can now order STARSLAM 2 from my online store right HERE
The cost is $25 and you get 146 pages of action, free sketch with autograph inside, shipped from my hands to yours. AWESOME!
Some interior teases:
Meanwhile: I'm busy filling orders for the Kickstarter and mailing them out. ALL the books get a mini head sketch of Starslam herself. My way of saying thank you. For those that ordered the fully sketched versions, you get a nice drawing of Starslam absolutely doing something naughty. No two sketches are alike and I'll share them at some point for those who want to see them. But a little too NSFW for this blog! But here's what the head sketches look like:
These are basic head sketched versions piling up. Some are going to Australia, Norway, Switzerland and all over the USA!
The full sketch ones will take a bit longer so bare with me as I finish those up. But I'm starting to mail out batches of them now. Thanks for your support and again, if you missed out on it, the book is now available at my online store right HERE
Thanks, T
Friday, June 10, 2016
Behind the Wall of Prints
So this is a going on. Something I feel strongly about so I am emerging from my cave to talk about it. That being: FAN ART/PRINT VENDORS AT COMIC SHOWS.
This past May I was at Motor City Con. I was sandwiched between two large print sellers. I sold prints as well, but at a corner of my booth. Majority of my sales were prints, original art, commissions. The bulk of my table space was my books. Despite my efforts to focus on only the books I own and have self published, I didn't sell one book at the show. Here was my setup:
I never wanted to do prints. But I did it because all my friends were doing it and they were selling. I was coached into it by a good close friend who was doing it, along with his own books. So the next year I went for it. Amazingly, I quadrupled my profits! Like, WOW! This is working! But I made it a policy to not make a huge banner or display behind me with the prints only, but only promote MY comics. And when people would come up, I'd only try to pitch my books and not the prints. But inevitably, people would like my prints more and get those. No problem. At least a part of my art, my "take" on these pop culture characters would be going home with them.
I talked myself into it because it supported my investment in going to the shows. Its expensive anymore! You got $150-450 table costs, banners, printing of the books and things, hotel, gas, food, spending money, coke and whore money... anyway, it all adds up. It was easy to use the excuse. I talked other friends into doing it. I had long conversations with friends that were doing it. They all said the same thing:
"Hey, its what they want. Its my job to provide what they want."
And you know what, they were right. I pitched my books and people only want things they know. Gone are the days where people want to go to artist alley to discover the "next big thing." They prefer the instagram world of fan art mashups. And I did it. I didn't just draw Galactus. I tried to put some of my personality into it. I drew him drinking the world like a slurpee.
But over the last few years I've seen people pop up in artist alley that have these massive backdrop of prints hanging. They put them on the backs too, to get people to come around to the front of their booth, interfering with those behind them. A fuckin' bush league dick move, if you ask me. I've had neighbors extend prints into my real estate behind my table. I tried to be cool about it. Last thing I need to see is my name plastered in a Bleeding Cool article about two fanboy artists get into artist alley fight. My balls are big but not that big.
But who has big balls? An artist known as BUZZ! He's been calling out scam artists. Now he's calling for a real comic book artists and publishers to occupy artist alley and make print vendors buy a dealer booth. Read the story and the reactions right HERE
I also have friends that run comic conventions. Some of them are adopting a "NO PRINT ARTISTS" policy for their alley and are getting shit for it. But I believe they are fighting the good fight.
We live in a world where everyone is fighting for attention. And at a thing like a comic con, a person is bombarded with images. Hundreds of images a second. Its overkill on the brain. Its really hard to stand out! Check it out:
Look at all that image bombardment! And those are just three tables in an alley! Think about a whole alley dedicated to it! A person selling just their books or original works is certainly lost at sea. Literally.
I don't want to call anyone out. Moreover, I understand why they are doing it. Simple: DEMAND. People want these prints. I don't get it, nor do I support it. But I get trying to survive as an artist. You do what you have to do.
But this has opened the door to scam artists, passing other people's work as their own. Unique takes and voices on these pop culture characters give way to "awesome pose" mentality. People at cons go to celebrate their fandom now. They all go in costume. The clientele has changed.
This past Motor City Con, honestly, I didn't enjoy myself. I was overwhelmed by the crowds and none of them paid us COMIC BOOK artists any mind at all. It was a frustrating experience trying to stand out and also deal with the changed mentality of it all. Gone are the reasons I liked going to shows. All my friends seemed tired and cranky with it all. I resigned to the idea that I was "retiring" from comics. That I was just going to do indie comic shows from now on. Also: I was retiring the prints. I sold them off for $5 a piece to just get rid of them. I'm tired of dealing with them. I make BOOKS. I illustrate and write things. That is what makes me happy to do what I do. And I am going to go where the crowds want people like that. What comic cons have become? This celebration of fandom... its not me.
And other artists are starting to cry foul now. Like Buzz. And honestly, I applaud them for it. However, what will not change is the mentality of the fan. Right now anyway. Once pop culture shifts and the crowds dwindle, you'll see a return to the artists alleys of old. But for now, it is what it is. And I've checked out on it. I've found outlets where people want BOOKS! Like Kickstarter. Or indie comics shows. That is now my focus. Cause that is what I want out of it. I don't want to be a print artist.
To me, its like being in a cover band. You can dress like the popular band, put on a good show and have fun with it. I get it. You're a fan too and you want to share that love with like minded people. But I think I prefer to write my own music that would barely sell because I am a no-name. To me, that is a more fulfilling life. I've made something. I've put it out into the world. I contributed to the big book of humanity. Its that journey in art that gets me off. Whatever this is, the wall of print people... not me.
I don't begrudge anyone who is coming to it HONESTLY and doing it. I have friends that do it. But majority of them also sell their own comics with it. It supplements the income and pays the bills so they can do their real art. They've found a loophole in the system. And good on them for reading the customer base and being smart about it. Cause I think they'd rather be just self publishing. We ALL would, I think! But until the mentality of the consumer changes, we're stuck with what is. So we can either play the game or get out.
Or pave our own way.
Speaking of paving our own way and things that are rewarding:
This arrived in the mail yesterday. The proof copy to my book launched independently, via Kickstarter funding. The highest pre-sold comic I have ever published. A female friendly erotica comic that I am goddamn proud of. No major sales of prints of characters I don't own comes close to the feeling I have when I held this book in my hand yesterday.
Consider that.
And to the folks who search for the true passion to be found in comics/artist alleys: We're out there. If you look beyond the walls, look very closely, you will see us. And no matter what, we'll always be there.
Cause we don't know what else to do with this life.
--T
This past May I was at Motor City Con. I was sandwiched between two large print sellers. I sold prints as well, but at a corner of my booth. Majority of my sales were prints, original art, commissions. The bulk of my table space was my books. Despite my efforts to focus on only the books I own and have self published, I didn't sell one book at the show. Here was my setup:
 |
| As you can see: 3/4ths of my table real estate was dedicated to my books. |
I talked myself into it because it supported my investment in going to the shows. Its expensive anymore! You got $150-450 table costs, banners, printing of the books and things, hotel, gas, food, spending money, coke and whore money... anyway, it all adds up. It was easy to use the excuse. I talked other friends into doing it. I had long conversations with friends that were doing it. They all said the same thing:
"Hey, its what they want. Its my job to provide what they want."
And you know what, they were right. I pitched my books and people only want things they know. Gone are the days where people want to go to artist alley to discover the "next big thing." They prefer the instagram world of fan art mashups. And I did it. I didn't just draw Galactus. I tried to put some of my personality into it. I drew him drinking the world like a slurpee.
But over the last few years I've seen people pop up in artist alley that have these massive backdrop of prints hanging. They put them on the backs too, to get people to come around to the front of their booth, interfering with those behind them. A fuckin' bush league dick move, if you ask me. I've had neighbors extend prints into my real estate behind my table. I tried to be cool about it. Last thing I need to see is my name plastered in a Bleeding Cool article about two fanboy artists get into artist alley fight. My balls are big but not that big.
But who has big balls? An artist known as BUZZ! He's been calling out scam artists. Now he's calling for a real comic book artists and publishers to occupy artist alley and make print vendors buy a dealer booth. Read the story and the reactions right HERE
I also have friends that run comic conventions. Some of them are adopting a "NO PRINT ARTISTS" policy for their alley and are getting shit for it. But I believe they are fighting the good fight.
We live in a world where everyone is fighting for attention. And at a thing like a comic con, a person is bombarded with images. Hundreds of images a second. Its overkill on the brain. Its really hard to stand out! Check it out:
Look at all that image bombardment! And those are just three tables in an alley! Think about a whole alley dedicated to it! A person selling just their books or original works is certainly lost at sea. Literally.
I don't want to call anyone out. Moreover, I understand why they are doing it. Simple: DEMAND. People want these prints. I don't get it, nor do I support it. But I get trying to survive as an artist. You do what you have to do.
But this has opened the door to scam artists, passing other people's work as their own. Unique takes and voices on these pop culture characters give way to "awesome pose" mentality. People at cons go to celebrate their fandom now. They all go in costume. The clientele has changed.
This past Motor City Con, honestly, I didn't enjoy myself. I was overwhelmed by the crowds and none of them paid us COMIC BOOK artists any mind at all. It was a frustrating experience trying to stand out and also deal with the changed mentality of it all. Gone are the reasons I liked going to shows. All my friends seemed tired and cranky with it all. I resigned to the idea that I was "retiring" from comics. That I was just going to do indie comic shows from now on. Also: I was retiring the prints. I sold them off for $5 a piece to just get rid of them. I'm tired of dealing with them. I make BOOKS. I illustrate and write things. That is what makes me happy to do what I do. And I am going to go where the crowds want people like that. What comic cons have become? This celebration of fandom... its not me.
And other artists are starting to cry foul now. Like Buzz. And honestly, I applaud them for it. However, what will not change is the mentality of the fan. Right now anyway. Once pop culture shifts and the crowds dwindle, you'll see a return to the artists alleys of old. But for now, it is what it is. And I've checked out on it. I've found outlets where people want BOOKS! Like Kickstarter. Or indie comics shows. That is now my focus. Cause that is what I want out of it. I don't want to be a print artist.
To me, its like being in a cover band. You can dress like the popular band, put on a good show and have fun with it. I get it. You're a fan too and you want to share that love with like minded people. But I think I prefer to write my own music that would barely sell because I am a no-name. To me, that is a more fulfilling life. I've made something. I've put it out into the world. I contributed to the big book of humanity. Its that journey in art that gets me off. Whatever this is, the wall of print people... not me.
I don't begrudge anyone who is coming to it HONESTLY and doing it. I have friends that do it. But majority of them also sell their own comics with it. It supplements the income and pays the bills so they can do their real art. They've found a loophole in the system. And good on them for reading the customer base and being smart about it. Cause I think they'd rather be just self publishing. We ALL would, I think! But until the mentality of the consumer changes, we're stuck with what is. So we can either play the game or get out.
Or pave our own way.
Speaking of paving our own way and things that are rewarding:
This arrived in the mail yesterday. The proof copy to my book launched independently, via Kickstarter funding. The highest pre-sold comic I have ever published. A female friendly erotica comic that I am goddamn proud of. No major sales of prints of characters I don't own comes close to the feeling I have when I held this book in my hand yesterday.
Consider that.
And to the folks who search for the true passion to be found in comics/artist alleys: We're out there. If you look beyond the walls, look very closely, you will see us. And no matter what, we'll always be there.
Cause we don't know what else to do with this life.
--T
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
BIG BLOG! My weekend, Life Goals, Preacher review and a HIATUS!
Lots to get to folks. Let's get to it!
First of all, had a relaxing weekend. Took my girl shopping and we spent time on the lake, taking in the smells and relaxing in nature. Much needed. Saw my boys on Sunday. I plan to have them for three days this coming Memorial Day. I'm looking forward to it. I'm letting life sort of drift along at its own pace since the smoke from STARSLAM 2 is clearing. Its kind of nice.
However with this relaxation comes some stress! Tried to leave work last night and my car was dead! I think it is the starter. Its at the shop now. Hopefully I can get it in and fixed before I have to work today! So it goes.
_______
I was able to watch the pilot episode of PREACHER. My favorite comic series of all time finally comes to TV! Overall, I'd say I really liked it. Some departures from the comic but I like what they are doing. I think the guys who play Arseface and Cassidy really steal the show. We'll see how it all unfolds. Been waiting YEARS for this show to happen. I'm gonna enjoy the ride.
_______
Let's get personal:
I find myself in a unique position lately. Now that I sort of rebuilt my life, finished Starslam 2 and bested myself in all these things, I find I'm standing here saying: "What next?" But also: "WHY?"
I got other comics and novels I want to finish very soon, but I find myself looking beyond that. Beyond the work. Into my day to day life and how I want it to change. I've been busy "nesting" for my new apartment I am moving into this August. I've got a lot of new posters, prints and photos all in new frames and ready to hang up. I've been getting lots of dvds, video games and vinyl to entertain myself with. Next I'm looking at furniture and just saving for it all. The day in August when I move cannot come fast enough! I'm itching for the change.
But beyond that, I have been thinking a lot about life goals and where I want to be in say, three years. Some things are for sure:
1- Anna 2, Pleasant Life 2 and Starslam 3 all will be done.
2- I will publish at least two of my written novels I have almost completed.
3- I will be down 100 pounds.
4- I will keep earning higher pay at the day job and saving. (401k and personal savings)
But #5 would be that I want to own my own home around then. My coworkers are all younger than me and are home owners. I find myself yearning for my own yard to mow and a place to plant flowers and a vegetable garden. I think I've earned that. I dream of what it will be like and how I can make it happen. What it will look like. WHEN it can happen, etc. I need space in the future for the kids to stay and play in. For me to play in. A big backyard to play in, cook out and have a bonfire. A place to really relax and feel sane. My own private Xanadu.
It will take a while to get to that point because my credit is shot. And I'm under the shadow of this bankruptsy thing I went through a couple years ago. It takes time to build. I've built a lot since last year. And it continues. My mission is life is to beat and succeed myself. I've done great so far.
Starslam 2 is now the highest pre-ordered book I have ever done. I am doing well and my work now and things are rolling smooth. My art goals are shifting to stay in the indie crowd and back away from trying to please the pop culture driven aspects of it. The work evolves, as do I.
But doing these things is not easy. Especially with so much anger and noise in the world. I am addicted to it. I find it hard to unplug from it all. But unplug I must. So I announce the following:
And lastly, I
want to let you know that no, I'm not in a depression state and this is
not a cry for help. This is me making a mature decision for my sanity.
Maybe, an experiment to make sure I can police myself and just focus on
the things I need to focus on. Close the noise off because it does not
serve me.
First of all, had a relaxing weekend. Took my girl shopping and we spent time on the lake, taking in the smells and relaxing in nature. Much needed. Saw my boys on Sunday. I plan to have them for three days this coming Memorial Day. I'm looking forward to it. I'm letting life sort of drift along at its own pace since the smoke from STARSLAM 2 is clearing. Its kind of nice.
However with this relaxation comes some stress! Tried to leave work last night and my car was dead! I think it is the starter. Its at the shop now. Hopefully I can get it in and fixed before I have to work today! So it goes.
_______
I was able to watch the pilot episode of PREACHER. My favorite comic series of all time finally comes to TV! Overall, I'd say I really liked it. Some departures from the comic but I like what they are doing. I think the guys who play Arseface and Cassidy really steal the show. We'll see how it all unfolds. Been waiting YEARS for this show to happen. I'm gonna enjoy the ride.
_______
Let's get personal:
I find myself in a unique position lately. Now that I sort of rebuilt my life, finished Starslam 2 and bested myself in all these things, I find I'm standing here saying: "What next?" But also: "WHY?"
I got other comics and novels I want to finish very soon, but I find myself looking beyond that. Beyond the work. Into my day to day life and how I want it to change. I've been busy "nesting" for my new apartment I am moving into this August. I've got a lot of new posters, prints and photos all in new frames and ready to hang up. I've been getting lots of dvds, video games and vinyl to entertain myself with. Next I'm looking at furniture and just saving for it all. The day in August when I move cannot come fast enough! I'm itching for the change.
But beyond that, I have been thinking a lot about life goals and where I want to be in say, three years. Some things are for sure:
1- Anna 2, Pleasant Life 2 and Starslam 3 all will be done.
2- I will publish at least two of my written novels I have almost completed.
3- I will be down 100 pounds.
4- I will keep earning higher pay at the day job and saving. (401k and personal savings)
But #5 would be that I want to own my own home around then. My coworkers are all younger than me and are home owners. I find myself yearning for my own yard to mow and a place to plant flowers and a vegetable garden. I think I've earned that. I dream of what it will be like and how I can make it happen. What it will look like. WHEN it can happen, etc. I need space in the future for the kids to stay and play in. For me to play in. A big backyard to play in, cook out and have a bonfire. A place to really relax and feel sane. My own private Xanadu.
It will take a while to get to that point because my credit is shot. And I'm under the shadow of this bankruptsy thing I went through a couple years ago. It takes time to build. I've built a lot since last year. And it continues. My mission is life is to beat and succeed myself. I've done great so far.
Starslam 2 is now the highest pre-ordered book I have ever done. I am doing well and my work now and things are rolling smooth. My art goals are shifting to stay in the indie crowd and back away from trying to please the pop culture driven aspects of it. The work evolves, as do I.
But doing these things is not easy. Especially with so much anger and noise in the world. I am addicted to it. I find it hard to unplug from it all. But unplug I must. So I announce the following:
I’m taking a self-imposed hiatus from the internet. All
social media will cease for a little while. I’m unplugging. No Facebook or
Twitter. I may post a blog or a podcast every now and then, but mostly, I’m just going to
stay away. I will not be checking in, either. I am handing over all my Facebook
and Twitter stuff to my girlfriend. She is changing the passwords and locking
me out. I cannot be trusted to disconnect on my own. So really, I will not be
checking in. I will not get your messages.
It will be longer than a month. Probably a few months. If
not maybe even a year. I cannot honestly say. But it will be a while.
Why and why announce it like this? Well, simple: Its time
for me to unplug a bit and take a vacation. There’s a lot of noise in the world
and I let it seep in. I let it effect me. I’m stressed and I am just tired.
I’ve worked very very hard over the last couple years to sort of reestablish my
life and get on solid ground. I’ve also worked very hard to get Starslam 2 done
and get back out on the road doing comic conventions and appearances. I’ve
achieved extreme success in all of these things. I’m very proud of what we’ve
done. Starslam 2’s sales and numbers beat everything I have ever done before. I got my home life stable and happy.
I won.
I made it.
Now, I promised myself some ME time. Some sanity. I need
time to back away from it all.
Maybe I will be working on another project. Maybe I will
take a day to watch a flick, play video games, write music or lounge around
reading a book. Maybe I’ll spend time with my loved ones. But one thing is certain:
I’m not going to drive myself as hard. I’m going to take the time to unplug and
chase the whimsies and find some sanity. I’m going to work on my health (mental
and physical) and just work on my happiness without worrying about staying
public with every step I take, and trying to stay in the public eye.
I think I’ve earned a break.
I say all this publicly not to be all “LOOK AT ME!” I do it
to let you all know why I’m not replying or being active. I also know it will be a challenge. I
will miss
all of you. And I know that I am addicted to the noise. It will be weird
to not
be as connected and plugged in. But I think of how I was back in the day
before
all these things and how I was just fine even then. I will be alright, I
assure. It is a demonstration of extreme discipline of myself and that
is something I need to do. I need to focus on myself, happiness, work,
etc.
If you need to reach me, email me at phymns@yahoo.com - That’s the best way. I
will not have access to anything else.
Also: you are welcome to keep up with my blog here at
idiothead.com – I will try to post every now and then to let you know I’m still
alive and how I am doing. And there will be links on the FB, but nothing beyond that, letting you know a new one is up. But the posts will be irregular and you’ll just have
to check in when you think of me. The Podcast will also be as irregular.
Maybe I’ll do one, maybe not. Just depends. But for now, all I know is that I
need a break. And with as much anger and fighting as there is about pop culture
things, political things… its not a moment too soon! Maybe we ALL could use a
decompression from the noise!
I urge all of you to pursue happiness and sanity in your own
lives and make some space for you to be happy. Take some time to smell the
flowers. Read a book. Look at the moon at night. Just… LIVE. Cause that’s what
I am going to do.
When the smoke clears I assure I will be well rested, calmer
and ready to show A LOT of new shit to the world. I just had one of the most
successful years in my professional writing/illustration career. And You ain’t
seen nothing yet!
Let me go dream it all up again.
See you soon.
Hailing frequencies closed… for now.
--T
Friday, May 20, 2016
Post Kickstarter stuff and GHOST Concert!!
Well friends, the world winds down for me now that the Kickstarter for Starslam 2 is over... for the moment! I have to wait until the funds are in my account before I can order the books and fulfill the orders. Should go smoothly though. Meanwhile I'm finishing up the bonuses for the Kickstarter reward winners. Also cleaning house and just trying to calm shit down.
The Kickstarter success is slowly sinking in. I filmed some stuff for an eventual future project involving it. But more on that much much later. Suffice to say, I watched the countdown live, and so will you... eventually.
But things go with a bit of celebration. After work today I went and saw an old friend from my Mcdays and we had some quick dinner together. I like that I can still keep in touch with people I knew well over 20 years ago. Sabrina and I go back a long way. She took me to my first concert. Rented me my first porno... so its all her fault! HA!
After that, I saw the band GHOST tonight in Grand Rapids. Been a fan for years now and I'm glad I finally got to see them! They put on a fucking KILLER show! I was front row, VIP. Some pics:
For now, I'm taking it a bit easy to gear up for the major work of sketching, signing all the books and shipping them out. Whats next: who knows.
I will make some formal announcements soon. But I anticipate a break from it all while I regroup for a while. Perhaps a break from all social media and TRULY take some time for myself. Its been a long time coming.
But that is to come later. For now, I remain yours...
T
The Kickstarter success is slowly sinking in. I filmed some stuff for an eventual future project involving it. But more on that much much later. Suffice to say, I watched the countdown live, and so will you... eventually.
But things go with a bit of celebration. After work today I went and saw an old friend from my Mcdays and we had some quick dinner together. I like that I can still keep in touch with people I knew well over 20 years ago. Sabrina and I go back a long way. She took me to my first concert. Rented me my first porno... so its all her fault! HA!
After that, I saw the band GHOST tonight in Grand Rapids. Been a fan for years now and I'm glad I finally got to see them! They put on a fucking KILLER show! I was front row, VIP. Some pics:
 |
| PAPA III! |
 |
| Killer stage show! |
 |
| "Pinnacle to the Pit" |
 |
| Alpha. |
 |
| The band played all the best songs and rocked out hard. GREAT fucking show. Check em out if you can. |
I will make some formal announcements soon. But I anticipate a break from it all while I regroup for a while. Perhaps a break from all social media and TRULY take some time for myself. Its been a long time coming.
But that is to come later. For now, I remain yours...
T
Thursday, May 19, 2016
STARSLAM 2 KICKSTARTER IS OVER!!!
Hey friends! Today is the day! We crossed the finish line at $3,850... Almost a grand over what Starslam 1 made in its first Kickstarter run!
I cannot thank everyone enough! Let's go to a video update!
Cheers, T
I cannot thank everyone enough! Let's go to a video update!
Cheers, T
Thursday, May 12, 2016
MOTOR CITY COMIC CON THIS WEEKEND!
Well its that time of year again! And its my triumphant return to the show of my birth. 21 years ago I first went to this show as a fan. I started exhibiting there in 2002. Fourteen years later, I'm back again and I'm proud to say that I will be bringing my best display, comics and work to the table! I will be at Motor City Comic Con May 13-15th all weekend. Details on the show HERE
I will be in Artist Alley, table K-6. About the middle of the show floor. Some pics to start the excitement....
 |
| As you can see, I'm all packed and ready to load up in the morning! |
 |
| I'll be showing off my new giant banner featuring all my characters and my name in lights, baby! Hard to miss! |
A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
I let it out over social media but I got a surprise for Motor City Comic Con goers! My first adult coloring book will premiere at the show! Its ten pages, all ages. MCCC exclusive, signed, head-sketched, hand lettered. Only 25 of them exist and will be gone quick. Price is $10. Score them at my table quick or they will be gone for good! All new images, never before seen! Surprise!!! ;)
Also celebrate STARSLAM 2's Kickstarter! Only a few days left to go! Pledge/Preorder and join the movement of my most successful pre-ordered comic to date right HERE
See you all at Motor City Con! Table K-6! Pics, video and audio to come!
T
Sunday, May 08, 2016
UPDATES GALORE! Pics, Videos, FCBD Recap and Sneak Peeks!
Hey friends! Man, we got a lot to get to, so let's have at it!
First - A Video update!!
You can pledge/preorder STARSLAM 2 by going to my Kickstarter campaign page right HERE
I will be manning a table at the Motor City Comic Con this coming weekend, May 13-15th. I will have all my books (sans Starslam 2), original art (clean and dirty), pop culture prints and more! I will also have a show exclusive I will announce later this week. Something I've been cooking up for a while... a nice little show exclusive suprise. Hint: Its not a print! Stay tuned!
It is likely that I will not be taking commissions at the show. I'm just focusing on moving books and meeting people. I don't want to have my head down drawing all weekend. So come on out and see me! Lots to see and talk about. Speaking of which.....
Yeah... I think I've said too much already. TONS going on. More than you know!
Anyway, thanks for coming back. Make sure you check out the Kickstarter above! We're in the last 10 days of it! Keep it rolling!! See ya at Motor City.
Cheers, T
First - A Video update!!
You can pledge/preorder STARSLAM 2 by going to my Kickstarter campaign page right HERE
----- FREE COMIC BOOK DAY RECAP!!! -----
Wow! What a day! Summit Comics in Downtown Lansing had me back as a guest this year at Free Comic Book Day and of course, it was insane! I sold some stuff and people walked away very happy. I hope the kids enjoyed their books and we got some new blood coming up in the future! Here's some pics! |
| Hey! A new BANNER! I ordered one quick and it arrived the next day!! esigns.com - AWESOME!!! |
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| I'm all set up. On 5 hours of sleep. We're both tired! |
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| FCBD is all about the kids. I did lots of sketches of characters all morning! |
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| Here's some of the artists who were on the morning shift. Who is that arsehole in the middle? |
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| Not just Adam Talley, but THE Adam Talley! |
----- MOTOR CITY CON NEXT WEEKEND!!!! -----
It is likely that I will not be taking commissions at the show. I'm just focusing on moving books and meeting people. I don't want to have my head down drawing all weekend. So come on out and see me! Lots to see and talk about. Speaking of which.....
----- SNEAK PEEKS!!! -----
And of course, the work never ends! Here's a sneek peek at what's on my table.... (I ain't sayin' NUTHIN!)
Anyway, thanks for coming back. Make sure you check out the Kickstarter above! We're in the last 10 days of it! Keep it rolling!! See ya at Motor City.
Cheers, T
Sunday, May 01, 2016
Milestones and Happiness
Hey my friends! Crazy weekend. Lots of ups. A few downs, but who cares about those? Life is going too well!
First of all, the major one: I surpassed a personal goal. The first STARSLAM Kickstarter raised $2,896. And now with Starslam 2, this Saturday, we passed that goal and are fast approaching $3K!!! That means Starslam 2 is now the highest grossing pre-order of any comic book I have ever done. I'm humbled and greatly thankful for the love and support this book has got so far. And we've still got 18 days left in the campaign!!!!!!!! What this book and the support as got so far means to me, I cannot begin to describe. Its a long, long story and full of little meanings and feelings for me. I am beyond thrilled that the work is appreciated that much! Thank you!!!
With that, comes this:
Yes, I was able to sling some lead on pages for more Starslam to come! So yeah, exciting! I also had my boys this weekend:
On Sunday I took the kids around town for shopping. Scotty got a new disc (natch) and James got a Paw Patrol car and figure, which he's WAY into right now. I dropped them off and then went to my co-workers house. He introduced me to a ton of old NES games I have never played but finally got to sample!
Long weekend. Its gonna be an even longer week this week. I'm doing some different hours at the dayjob for some new training and I gotta get my kids one morning on almost no sleep. Its really gonna mess me up, but its part of the gig I guess. Then somehow I gotta squeeze in the time to get things together for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY at Summit Comics in downtown Lansing. I'll literally be there all day from 8am onward into the later hours. Then Sunday I'll have the kids again. No rest for me! Oh well.
Lastly, I wanted to share these thoughts. This is from my pal Jim who had the grand opportunity to reboot his life a while back. And these words hit home with me because I know that is what I have been trying to do in my life too. And I think its working....
Honestly, I have no regrets. The universe unfolded as it was supposed to. And we all survived so far, didn't we? That's something. So don't let the barking dogs get to you. Its just noise. Drown it out and live the life you are worth. Reclaim who you are and what you want. It's all about YOU!
Peace and Love,
T
First of all, the major one: I surpassed a personal goal. The first STARSLAM Kickstarter raised $2,896. And now with Starslam 2, this Saturday, we passed that goal and are fast approaching $3K!!! That means Starslam 2 is now the highest grossing pre-order of any comic book I have ever done. I'm humbled and greatly thankful for the love and support this book has got so far. And we've still got 18 days left in the campaign!!!!!!!! What this book and the support as got so far means to me, I cannot begin to describe. Its a long, long story and full of little meanings and feelings for me. I am beyond thrilled that the work is appreciated that much! Thank you!!!
With that, comes this:
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| The work never stops in STARSLAM world! |
Yes, I was able to sling some lead on pages for more Starslam to come! So yeah, exciting! I also had my boys this weekend:
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| James being crazy like his dad! |
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| New friends! |
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| James reading Danielle a bedtime story. So cute! |
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| I stole her glasses! I always look great in glasses! |
On Sunday I took the kids around town for shopping. Scotty got a new disc (natch) and James got a Paw Patrol car and figure, which he's WAY into right now. I dropped them off and then went to my co-workers house. He introduced me to a ton of old NES games I have never played but finally got to sample!
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| The lovely Snow Bros! Brings me back to working at the Broadway Theater in Mt. Pleasant... |
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| One of his cats had VERY familiar markings.. looks like my old beloved JAKE! Man I miss that cat. I almost stole this one, they looked so similar. Of course, Jake was way fatter. I think about him a lot. Best cat ever. RIP. |
Long weekend. Its gonna be an even longer week this week. I'm doing some different hours at the dayjob for some new training and I gotta get my kids one morning on almost no sleep. Its really gonna mess me up, but its part of the gig I guess. Then somehow I gotta squeeze in the time to get things together for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY at Summit Comics in downtown Lansing. I'll literally be there all day from 8am onward into the later hours. Then Sunday I'll have the kids again. No rest for me! Oh well.
Lastly, I wanted to share these thoughts. This is from my pal Jim who had the grand opportunity to reboot his life a while back. And these words hit home with me because I know that is what I have been trying to do in my life too. And I think its working....
Peace and Love,
T
Thursday, April 28, 2016
It's done! STARSLAM 2 is done!!!
Tonight, I finished STARSLAM 2... well, most of it. This week I finished the final word balloons and realized I had room for ONE MORE PAGE to add on. So I went for it. I penciled, inked colored and lettered it in a day. I did touch ups all week and final PDF'd it tonight. So I did what I hadn't done before until now: Sat down and read it. Sure, I took notes and things I need to fix it before it goes to the printer, but I got to sit and read it as if I didn't make it.
You read the work a lot while you are working on it. You write it in your head, then full script, then change scenes while drawing it, add panels, subtract... hoping you got it right. Then ballooning it, hoping it all makes sense together. Then finally you sit and read it as a whole and wow! It makes sense. It works. And you walk away from it with a big smile on your face.
Of course, you got the editor eye on. "Man I'd go back and redraw this," etc. But at some point you have to say "ENOUGH! ITS FINE AS IT IS" and move on.
So tonight I sat and read STARSLAM 2, for the first time.. AS A FAN.
And I gotta say folks.....
It's good. Damn good.
I'm not byist, okay, well... a little! But its fucking good.
There's the obvious stuff. Sex and action. But there's a lot of subtext about superheroes as freaks and how they are perceived by humans. Its parallel to how "vanilla" people see "deviant" people. Its all there. And man I'm glad it comes through!
This book, is better than the first one. Its good, folks. Seriously. Might be my best so far!
Anyway, I just wanted to share my thoughts on my first reading as a fan. We try so hard to enjoy our work as artists... half the time, we don't! We tear it apart. Its never finished. We're never happy. But for the moment, I can pat myself and say "ya did it." It works. Thank God!
Support the KICKSTARTER! Less than 20 days to go. And we've almost beat the first book's record. My personal goal is to beat it from last time. We're almost there. Preorder/Pledge support for this: my new book. 10th Graphic Novel right HERE -
We did it!
--T
You read the work a lot while you are working on it. You write it in your head, then full script, then change scenes while drawing it, add panels, subtract... hoping you got it right. Then ballooning it, hoping it all makes sense together. Then finally you sit and read it as a whole and wow! It makes sense. It works. And you walk away from it with a big smile on your face.
Of course, you got the editor eye on. "Man I'd go back and redraw this," etc. But at some point you have to say "ENOUGH! ITS FINE AS IT IS" and move on.
So tonight I sat and read STARSLAM 2, for the first time.. AS A FAN.
And I gotta say folks.....
It's good. Damn good.
I'm not byist, okay, well... a little! But its fucking good.
There's the obvious stuff. Sex and action. But there's a lot of subtext about superheroes as freaks and how they are perceived by humans. Its parallel to how "vanilla" people see "deviant" people. Its all there. And man I'm glad it comes through!
This book, is better than the first one. Its good, folks. Seriously. Might be my best so far!
Anyway, I just wanted to share my thoughts on my first reading as a fan. We try so hard to enjoy our work as artists... half the time, we don't! We tear it apart. Its never finished. We're never happy. But for the moment, I can pat myself and say "ya did it." It works. Thank God!
Support the KICKSTARTER! Less than 20 days to go. And we've almost beat the first book's record. My personal goal is to beat it from last time. We're almost there. Preorder/Pledge support for this: my new book. 10th Graphic Novel right HERE -
We did it!
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| Good work, girl! |
Monday, April 25, 2016
Various Updatez
Hey friends! The Kickstarter is still going strong at over $2,200, which is a grand more than I asked for. We've still got 23 days left to raise funds! I just want more eyes on my work. If you know any ways to get more attention on my adults only kickstarter or want to review the book for your podcast or blog, EMAIL ME HERE
Meanwhile here is a video update on how we are doing and how you can help:
Meanwhile, life continues here at Castle Adam. Seems like a TON of things are rolling forward but not much to show yet. Living life, driving myself crazy with workload, sleeping sporatically and of course I fell off the diet for a bit. But I'm moving forward and just getting things done that I can. Here's some visuals:
I got some busy, busy, busy weeks coming up with finishing up Kickstarter business and ordering/sketching in books, packing them, shipping them, commissions, etc. Then getting stuff ready for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY at Summit Comics in downtown Lansing. Then finally MOTOR CITY COMIC CON!! Man is it gonna be crazy! I'm really gonna be absolutely insane by the end of it all. Wish me luck.
Tons to look forward to. Tons of work to do. I better get rolling on it.
Maybe a vacation someday... sometime... somewhere...
But I'm happy, and that's all that counts!
Cheers, T
Meanwhile here is a video update on how we are doing and how you can help:
Meanwhile, life continues here at Castle Adam. Seems like a TON of things are rolling forward but not much to show yet. Living life, driving myself crazy with workload, sleeping sporatically and of course I fell off the diet for a bit. But I'm moving forward and just getting things done that I can. Here's some visuals:
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| Mutha Fuckin' DUCK!!!!! (I helped my pals Dean and Mjit move, and they have a giant duck. Had to rent a truck for it!) |
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| After a long day of moving, booze and CAH is in order. |
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| Dean pretends to be Cousin IT. |
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| And of course, I hit the table for some artworking. What sort of Starslammy goodness is this?? |
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| The kids come visit and bots steals daddy's shirt... and his computer! |
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| James steals daddy's party hat! You're far too young to get yer drink on, kid! |
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| I'm making and editing videos for the Kickstarter and other things. Hmmmm..... |
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| And I FINALLY am working on that personal project of dubbing some VHS tapes I have to burnable DVDs. This was STP Unplugged. |
Tons to look forward to. Tons of work to do. I better get rolling on it.
Maybe a vacation someday... sometime... somewhere...
But I'm happy, and that's all that counts!
Cheers, T
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
WOW! 100% in ONE DAY!
My friends, we hit a major milestone yesterday.
Less than 11 hours after launch, we hit 114% funding on the STARSLAM 2 Kickstarter.
I did that last time. I asked for $300, and had like $460 at the first day end. This time I asked for $1200 and ended up with $1,460. In 11 hours.
Incredible!
I am absolutely floored and humbled by this runaway success by this pre-order. AND ITS ONLY THE FIRST DAY!!!!!!!!
STARSLAM is one of my favorite babies to work on of all my comic properties, but also in many ways its the black sheep. Its not easy to promote or even ADMIT that I do. Because of the nature of the genre of it being a work of pornography, to some people I have to hide it. A lot of folks cannot retweet it or repost about it to their friends and family because of this. But they message me with notes of support and praise. It feels wonderful that they got my back at all!
STARSLAM may be a black sheep due to how the world views pornographic work, but anyone who has read it knows its much more than just a titty book. It has actual CHARACTERS and a deeper level of theme and substance. There's a reason for the sex scenes and things to be learned from them. I always find the best erotica is where the scenes are put into context and you can believe that they can occur. Fantasy is one thing, but creating a realistic situation.... even in an unrealistic world where superheroes are flying around... its a juggle. But I feel like I make it work. And people recognize that.
Of the people who have joined us this second time around, about 60% are people whose names I recognize from the last time. Majority are people overseas, whom I've never met. Maybe 5% of the Kickstarter folks are people I know, personally. But what is interesting is that so far, about 40% of the people who have pledged are newbies. New blood. People who read the proposal and liked it enough to get BOTH BOOKS! That, is fucking awesome!
STARSLAM 2 was not an easy book to make. I was going through a lot in my personal life while in production of this book and it gave me an anchor to focus on. I go into a lot more detail on episode #416 of my MORNING SHOW PODCAST, which you can listen to right HERE
You can also hear my verbal reaction to getting funded in one day on episode #417 right HERE
My friends, this means more to me than you will ever know.
We as artists spend so much time alone, lost in our heads. And somehow I built it up that I had lost my momentum and somehow because of what happened, I disappointed everyone the last time. Either by the events surrounding it or by design. I had it built up that it was a fluke. That I was a fraud. I don't honestly know where any of that came from, but my head created it. But deep down I knew what I was doing was good, it had potential and NEEDED to get out. So I kept at it because it gnawed at me. It wanted to come out. And here it is. And the universe is giving the vibes back to me. And if you were one of the folks who donated or will donate, you are most welcome to our journey!!
Not bad for a silly little porn book, eh? ;)
OKAY -- Just cause we got funded in one day doesn't mean the work is done. No, NO NO NO! We've still got 29 days of work ahead! We got stretch goals to reach! I'm talking more stories, more art, etc. I want to do these stretch goals so lets make them happen. Keep reposting, retweeting, tell the world about what we're doing here. Hit them with the KICKSTARTER LINK:
STARSLAM 2 KICKSTARTER
Let's keep the momentum rolling!!
Thank you,
ADAM T-Dizzle
Less than 11 hours after launch, we hit 114% funding on the STARSLAM 2 Kickstarter.
I did that last time. I asked for $300, and had like $460 at the first day end. This time I asked for $1200 and ended up with $1,460. In 11 hours.
Incredible!
I am absolutely floored and humbled by this runaway success by this pre-order. AND ITS ONLY THE FIRST DAY!!!!!!!!
STARSLAM is one of my favorite babies to work on of all my comic properties, but also in many ways its the black sheep. Its not easy to promote or even ADMIT that I do. Because of the nature of the genre of it being a work of pornography, to some people I have to hide it. A lot of folks cannot retweet it or repost about it to their friends and family because of this. But they message me with notes of support and praise. It feels wonderful that they got my back at all!
STARSLAM may be a black sheep due to how the world views pornographic work, but anyone who has read it knows its much more than just a titty book. It has actual CHARACTERS and a deeper level of theme and substance. There's a reason for the sex scenes and things to be learned from them. I always find the best erotica is where the scenes are put into context and you can believe that they can occur. Fantasy is one thing, but creating a realistic situation.... even in an unrealistic world where superheroes are flying around... its a juggle. But I feel like I make it work. And people recognize that.
Of the people who have joined us this second time around, about 60% are people whose names I recognize from the last time. Majority are people overseas, whom I've never met. Maybe 5% of the Kickstarter folks are people I know, personally. But what is interesting is that so far, about 40% of the people who have pledged are newbies. New blood. People who read the proposal and liked it enough to get BOTH BOOKS! That, is fucking awesome!
STARSLAM 2 was not an easy book to make. I was going through a lot in my personal life while in production of this book and it gave me an anchor to focus on. I go into a lot more detail on episode #416 of my MORNING SHOW PODCAST, which you can listen to right HERE
You can also hear my verbal reaction to getting funded in one day on episode #417 right HERE
My friends, this means more to me than you will ever know.
We as artists spend so much time alone, lost in our heads. And somehow I built it up that I had lost my momentum and somehow because of what happened, I disappointed everyone the last time. Either by the events surrounding it or by design. I had it built up that it was a fluke. That I was a fraud. I don't honestly know where any of that came from, but my head created it. But deep down I knew what I was doing was good, it had potential and NEEDED to get out. So I kept at it because it gnawed at me. It wanted to come out. And here it is. And the universe is giving the vibes back to me. And if you were one of the folks who donated or will donate, you are most welcome to our journey!!
Not bad for a silly little porn book, eh? ;)
OKAY -- Just cause we got funded in one day doesn't mean the work is done. No, NO NO NO! We've still got 29 days of work ahead! We got stretch goals to reach! I'm talking more stories, more art, etc. I want to do these stretch goals so lets make them happen. Keep reposting, retweeting, tell the world about what we're doing here. Hit them with the KICKSTARTER LINK:
STARSLAM 2 KICKSTARTER
Let's keep the momentum rolling!!
Thank you,
ADAM T-Dizzle
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
STARSLAM 2 KICKSTARTER IS LIVE!!!!!!
HOLY CRAP! It's finally here! You can now pre-order your copy of STARSLAM 2 right now by pledging on our Kickstarter right HERE
Its been a long journey but we made it! Starslam 2 is here! Pledge now and get my 10th graphic novel!!
Thanks for your support.
T
Its been a long journey but we made it! Starslam 2 is here! Pledge now and get my 10th graphic novel!!
Thanks for your support.
T
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