Your Own Ruler

As an artist, it is easy to beat yourself up and say that you do not matter. You do. You make art? You matter. It is that simple.  No matter how much you hate yourself for not achieving this or that, or being this person or that person, you have to remember that in art there is no standard for success or even being a complete person. The only one you are measuring up against is yourself. If you keep losing, it is because you are reaching too impossibly high and you will always fail against this.

We spend so much time dwelling on the things we have not achieved but never look at what we HAVE achieved. It took a lot for you to get where you are. We need to dwell in that a bit more. Not in a TOOT YOUR OWN HORN/ENJOY MY EGO kind of way, but just acknowledge what you have done to be who you are today. It is important. Do it. Make a list. Because you are your own ruler and you need to know how you measure up to only one thing: Who you WERE and who you are NOW. 

My list:

I have 24 years in self publishing.  

I have published 14 graphic novels, all over 84 pages at its smallest. 550 at its biggest. 

I have published 16 individual one shot comics. 

I have collaborated with a few folks to make their comics come to life... for no pay. Just the satisfaction of helping and making things happen for someone else. 

Over ten years podcasting on Talkshoe.com. Including 505 episodes of my own personal podcast. 

On this blog you are reading now, I have wrote and posted over 17,000 posts. All published online for free. 

I maintain social media presence through Facebook and Twitter, as well as a few videos on the youtube. 

I have co-wrote, recorded and released three albums of music with my best friend and there is more to come. 

I have done small story and pinup work with several different companies. 

I have many satisfied commission customers all across the globe who own a piece of mine or had a request fulfilled at very low prices.

I got a college degree while writing, drawing and publishing my own work.

I have been a part of over 22 sketch card sets with big properties such as: Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Avengers, Xmen, Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, The Titanic, Mars Attacks, The Walking Dead, Night of the Living Dead and others. 

I have toured the United States over 20 years selling my artwork at various comic book conventions and trade shows.

I have done big scale erotica work for a large gallery in Switzerland, satisfying many customers with my large pictures and drawings of fetish work. 

I have six successfully funded Kickstarter campaigns. 

I have never forgot where I came from, nor have I ever turned my back on anyone who helped get me there. I am always grateful and reflective to people or places who helped shape me and where I am today.

I have made some wonderful, deep and close relationships where fans have become friends. 

I do not have any drug addictions. 

I have never screwed over someone or stepped on someone to get what I want. 

I chose art as a way to express myself and have done it through illustration, oil and acrylic painting, radio and video performance, model kit making, pearler bead ironing, cooking, sewing, gluing, collecting and grinding. Most importantly of all: Writing. Like what you are reading now. 

All of this I did while working 1 to sometimes 3 full time jobs at the same time, raising a family and keeping myself sane. (mostly)

Everything I listed and more... this means a lot to me. I have worked very, very, very hard for what I have accomplished. Do I need to be a part of X or Y or win THIS or THAT or be HERE or THERE to feel validation? No. Not anymore. Because all of that is bullshit. And these things above, are all that matter in the end. My own personal ruler. Calibrated to me and my preferences, alone.

And all of the above, folks, is just the beginning.... There is so much more to come, before the long TREK is over!

Lets do it.

~~T

NEW WEBSITE CONTENT! BUY BOOKS DIGITALLY!

Hey friends. A bit of an update to the website here. First of all if you look to the right, there are two new links (as well as in the ONLINE STORE). There is now a direct link to gumroad.com where you can buy four of my graphic novels (Pleasant Life 1, Anna Pocalypse and Starslam 1-2) all via PDF download for the cheap price of $5! Just click the link, select what ones you want, pay and you get the download! NICE!!

Now for the COMMISSIONS link, I provided one to the right now. Also, an update to Commission prices. I'm now offering DIGITAL ONLY commissions for a discounted and fair price. Here's the new commission breakdown:

DIGITAL ART PRICES:
8x11 Single Illustration 1-4 characters with background is $30.
8x11 Page Illustration 1-6 panels is $50. 
Prices include digital coloring, no balloons. Additional characters is extra. Content MUST be cleared by artist beforehand. 

ORIGINAL ART PRICES:  
8x11 Single Illustration on Bristol Board. 1-3 characters with background is $50. 
11x17 Single Illustration on Bristol Board. 1-3 characters is $80. 
Prices are for black and white only. Color is $20 extra. Additional characters is extra. Content MUST be cleared by artist beforehand. 

There will be more changes to come down the road but for now, this will get some things up and running where they should be. If any questions feel free to email me. 

Thanks, T

VLOG 3 is Live!

New VLOG has been uploaded! See behind the scenes making of "TALES FROM THE GORE" comic, cat craziness and shark slippers! Enjoy!

--T

A bit of a Facelift

Hey everyone! If you notice the main page of Idiothead.com, you'll see there's been a few changes. First of all I redrew the old logo (see above) with a bit of an update. I changed all the buttons too. But the BIG change is that the ADULTS ONLY section is now gone. This is in preperation for the eventual launch of STARSLAM as a stand alone digital project somewhere down the road. For now, I have replaced that area with a link to refocus some attention on my podcasts, more specifically my IDIOTHEAD MORNING SHOW PODCAST - So there's all that.

I hope you dig the new changes. Have a great week and weekend. The wife's bday is this weekend and so I plan to stay busy and spending time with family and friends.

Many cheers, T

A Thanks and a Check in

Hey everyone. I'm here for a quick check in.

I've re-read my last blog post a few times now and I realize that perhaps parts of it just read a bit too on the nose of depression and sadness than I intended. I guess when I free form type as I do, I really get things out raw and at times, that can be quite intense. Sometimes even ambigious as to actual intent and severity. But I have recieved your messages, your notes, your calls, etc. I appreciate all of your support and understanding. I really, really do. Its great to know you are all at my back.

But rest assured, I am okay. Things are progressing. I sold off my last APs and I am clear of all commission work that was clouding my progress. I spent some time vegging out just watching M*A*S*H re-runs and playing with the kids. I went to my new job's orientation this week and I should be starting soon. I am really looking forward to it. I also had a minor victory where someone I have been chasing for over two years for some money owed finally paid me! Of course, its just sitting in my paypal account until I can solve all this hacker BS that happened last week. (UGH) But things are on the up and up.


I even got out of the house and got a bit of work done on my own like the good old days. I cannot describe how good that felt. It was like I reconnected with a bit of my old self again. I tapped into something I had forgotten. And it made me search my brain even deeper. What do I want? How do I want it? Now that I got the cobwebs identified and I am clearing them from my mind with the magic sweeper, the world is my oyster. I know what I don't need in my life and I am working on defeating those demons. I am also down 10 pounds in 15 days on this new diet. My health is improving. My skills are returning. I'm starting to feel like "me" again, and not this defeated, old slug that ignores what his true calling is. I'm not saying I'm all healed at all. I still have a long ways to go. But I've taken my first steps back into myself and I and enjoying what I still remember. And I am confident in my perceptions now that I was right all along. It was me that clouded my judgement and now its me that will undo the damage I've done.

I know what I want, when I am going to do it and how I am going to do it. But most importantly, do I care about the outcome when I do it?

No. I don't. For the first time in a long time, I don't. I don't give a fuck. Because what I want is for me and me alone.

SO: Whats next? No timetable folks. I'm not making promises here. I'm still on a sabbatical from all external forces that got in my goddamn way and sent me on the downward spiral in the first place. I'm back to being a bit selfish. I'm back to doing things that make me happy. I'm back to finishing things how and when I want them done. And when they are ready, they will be ready. I'll let you know. But I'm not allowing external forces, or myself, (especially myself) to get in the way again. I'm taking my life back. I'll finish what I gotta finish, and when its due and in my own good time. Trust me, you'll get everything I promised and more.... and sooner than you think.

I'm slowly reconnecting with my old self again. Its been a long time and I am glad to see I didn't wander too far away. And I had a great conversation with him tonight. Might I provide a screenshot? Why the fuck not....

Hello old friends. Come on in and lets talk....

T

Taking a Break

I’ve crafted this about a hundred times in my head. Each time the depression sets in, I contemplate this. I weigh the pros and cons of the decision and each time I talk myself out of it. I know there’s no way I can ever quit doing art in some form. Either writing, drawing, creating comics, music… something will always be here for me. Because it is in my soul. It is not a part of me, it IS me. But this time the feeling is stronger than ever and I know this time what must be done. So here I am, making the leap to do what I gotta do.

That’s why coming to this eventual realization has been so difficult for me. I’ve trusted in the winds to blow me where I was supposed to go but lately I keep getting blown back to this big wall. Its too tall to climb alone and I find too many things gluing my feet to the ground not allowing me to soar above it all. I’ve entered the age of 36 not liking what I see in myself. Physically, mentally, creatively. I’ve somehow crafted a future that is bleak and not “me.” I’ve dwelled in the thoughts that I should compare and be in the game, when I am playing something else all together. All in all, it has left me with a feeling of being stunted. Unconfident. Depressed. A great Ennui.

Life has thrown a lot at me, especially this last year. I’ve barely held on. I kept standing. I kept pretending it was all okay. But in reality I was drowning. I was too proud to admit defeat (for now). My health has declined out of control, my finances look like Hiroshima, my family life is a constant struggle and I know I have been strong too long. I never cry. Never. But lately, I do. For no reason whatsoever. But I am too proud to let anyone, even my wife, know it. During times I should be up and working while everyone is asleep, I am sitting in a chair crying. Because I know I cannot do this anymore. I need to change it all. I need a self-imposed rehab of sorts.

It is with all of this in mind, that I am now announcing a break from everything involved with my work. I will not be business Facebooking, Twittering, Deviantarting, Hentai Foundarying, etc. Blogs and podcasts will continue but will be more sporatic. I know there might be something that will pop up that I'll feel strongly enough about to comment on, so blogs and podcasts shall continue but not quite as often as before. All plans for Starslam Kickstarter and digital content launch are on hold until such time as I feel like I can take it on. As of today, my paypal account will be closed down (since it was hacked recently, I got a fear of it anyway). All book sales will still be available but I shall not be taking on any commissioned artwork. All productions shall cease and be shut down for the time being. The time table is for me alone to know. Rest assured this is not the end of me. I will return. But right now there are things I need to focus more attention on and the rat race is dragging me down. I do it to myself, I recognize that, and therefore I am changing it. I just want to play in my own head again. I need to pursue what made me happy about doing anything creative in the first place. I am going to embrace the changes in my life and relieve myself of some pressure. Again, all self-imposed pressure. Not your fault. But I recognize where I am falling short with myself and I am now correcting it.

My creating will continue. I am still going to finish things like Starslam, Anna Pocalypse 2, the porn store novel, etc. But I am not imposing myself on any deadline. I will still take on the occasional sketch card gig from trusted companies. I will still work privately on my own things. However I will not be discussing them as much as I did in the past. Sometimes I feel doing so, for me, is a sort of vanity that makes me feel like such a tool. I feel like I am just verbally jerking off when I do that, when I should be polished enough to just let the work be what it is without a million words why and why not, explaining its existence.

For now, I got a night job and I am going to be focusing on that. Getting back to my roots. Getting out and talking to people again and discovering who I am after living in my own head for so damn long. And before long, the pencil will be picked up and put to paper again. Please, don’t worry about me. This is not a cry for help or attention. This isn’t a career suicide. I’m not jumping off any ledge at all. I am just stepping away from the mic for a while. I’m okay. I just know when I’ve done too much to myself and I need to hunker down and take care of business. I will emerge again like a phoenix out of the fire.

I just simply have to go away for a while, and dream it all up again. Believe me, I’ll be back sooner than you think…. And better than before.

Thanks everyone for your support over the years and don’t worry. I’ll be back to show you whats new again. For now, I am excited for the future and changing my life around for the better. See you on the other side!

Cheers, peace and love,

T

Do it for YOU.

So yesterday, I saw the release of a movie trailer for Dumb and Dumber 2. I admit being a fan of the first flick. Of course, stacked up against some of my more favorite comedies of all time, it would take a back seat, but still it is in my top 20. I have affection for the movie and the experience I had watching it. Lately we've been getting a lot of old riders hopping back into their saddles for one last go around at it. People always seem to naysay it and then it comes and we enjoy it. Rocky Balboa (Rocky 6) was immensely enjoyable. As was Rambo 4. Sometimes we get an Indiana Jones 4, but I digress. Even though that movie is flawed, it still was nice to see Harrison back under the fedora again.

So I watch the trailer and it seems okay. I will likely see it and maybe enjoy myself for a bit. I checked in today and saw the loooooong line of people bashing the upcoming flick's existence and pouring buckets of searing hate on everyone involved with it, or who would potentially like it. This all comes from the internet.

My opinion: The world was better without the internet. For all the great things we can do now, it has brought an equal amount of bad. We are so angry and disconnected from each other that it scares me no end. Opinions stayed in your home and you didn't feel the hate of the world in your life everyday. Your problems and successes were your own and that was the end of it. It just seems that no one is stoked on anything anymore. Why does everyone NOT want you to enjoy the things you would enjoy? And why do people not want you do to what you want to do? Why is there so much hate? These are interesting questions to ponder. Did this come up recently because we're so disconnected and annonymous, or were we always like this?

Its no wonder that the future generations are starting to struggle with basic human skills, cyber bullying and they feel quite disconnected. Also I see a genuine lack of drive to be a good worker at a place of employment, and no drive to pursue a whimsy and a dream. Perhaps because the world and its hate has beaten them down so much that they are scared to be all they can be, like whatever they like and do what they want to do. You ever get the question of whats your "Guilty Pleasure?" Like your tastes should be hidden and you should feel guilty for liking it?

I say fuck that. Do what you like. Enjoy what you like. Pursue your dreams and do it for you.

This week I did an experiment. I just laid back a bit. I hit FB a little bit, but not as much as usual. I watched some Tom Baker Doctor Who episodes I kept putting off watching. I had never seen them before but never had time to do so. Well I made the time and I enjoyed them. You know what else? I read a book. I read "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" by Neil Gaiman, my favorite author. I bought the book last year and it sat here doing nothing. I spent $25 on it and it just sat on a shelf, unread. But I picked it up and read it and loved every page of it. It felt good to dive into something new and at the same time, old. That old feeling where the wicked world was decades away and its just you and your mind. I loved that feeling. I want more. I am going to read other books I have sitting here.

I drank some booze with the wife last night. We talked deep about some things and we watched some music DVDs I have. They have sat in my closet collecting dust. I brushed them off and put them in the player and shared with her a bit of my world. It was delightful. She didn't judge me. She was stoked on the experience.

I chased a few whimsies this week. I applied for a job I never thought I had a chance to get and I got an email from them with an offer for an interview. It has me very excited. I saw a publisher is doing a collection of comics from a well known pop culture property that I happen to like and I tossed them a message offering a pinup. They liked the suggestion and said I should send them something. Both of these things might not happen. I might not get the job, I might not get in the book. But I bothered to ask. Sometimes you gotta just ask the universe for something and you might be surprised what you get back. It NEVER hurts to ask.

The great AMANDA FUCKING PALMER is coming out with a book in November about these things. And she printed out a manifesto statement about the book. I think it is fitting here:

"Asking is, at its core, a collaboration. Those who can ask without shame are viewing themselves in collaboration with - rather than in competition with - the world."

People who make art (in whatever form) mostly aren't asking to compete. They are asking to be a part of the big picture. They want to give back. And NO ONE should ever tell them no. Or make the snarky remarks. Just let the art come and if you like it, great. If its not for you, thats fine too. But let it come. Because the folks who made it made it for them. Sometimes there's a monetary goal, sure. Ya gotta eat and have a roof (or 10). But someone in the mix always is in there chasing the whimsy. Someone in there just wanted to make art. For them. And fuck the world if they try to stop them.

So I say folks: Find your dream and pursue it. Don't give a fuck about what they say. they. Who are they? Fuck em. Do your shit. Do it because you want to. Do it cause you can. Cause life is short. Live YOUR life. Find YOUR happiness. And ignore the world. Forget the hate. Play in your mind. Enjoy that book or that DVD or that record. Cause its for you. No one else.

Do it all for you. And get offline every now and then. Its good for you.
(but please... come back here once in a while!) ;)

T

YEAR SO FAR... PROJECT UPDATES

Time to assess where we are at and do some updating on where things are so far for the year!

CONVENTIONS: Upcoming is CHERRY CAPITAL CON May 23-25th. After that there is a possibly of a return to Detroit or Grand Rapids. I am not ruling out maybe one other midwest type of show sometime in the year. But we'll see. I'd like to hit a couple Michigan based comic shops and have store signings and move some of these books. Once things die down, I'll make plans.

PLEASANT LIFE: the 475 page collection is out and you can order it HERE - It collects EVERYTHING from the series and has tons of bonus material including a new exclusive 7 page story. There is no immediate plans for a follow up but maybe some day down the road.

ANNA POCALYPSE: The reprint/new cover/recolor version is out and available HERE - The sequel has 70 pages of art done and will be worked on/completed later on this year for launch in 2015. Next year there will be a BIG PUSH to sell Anna 1-2. Look out!

STARSLAM: Currently on 65 pages posted. And here is the big news: After this current chapter goes up, there will be no more updates, as I am going to be pulling the pages down (eventually) and recoloring them. Then I am finishing colors on the rest of the pages and launching them into a kickstarter. Friends and fellow artists are having great success launching adult related comics on Kickstarter and I believe it might be a great chance to get Starslam into the hands of more people that way. So look for that this fall launching as an all digital book and a chance to get some art or MAKE some art yourself! So big news on this front! Expect much more soon...

TALES OF SEQUENTIAL MAYHEM: Book #3 just got back from the printer and Kickstarter orders are being mailed out. After the smoke clears, I will have copies to sell in the store and at conventions but give me time to sort out the Kickstarter orders first. We will be doing a #4 in the future and doing it once again through Kickstarter.

PORN BOOK: Two chapters still need to be written but has taken a back seat to paid work and getting my comic books back in the online store. But I will get time soon to sit down and complete it. Once then, I shall edit it and do touch ups. Then decide how I want to publish it. Find a company to do it for me? Launch it through Kickstarter? Self Publish through Lulu? Its all up in the air. We'll see where the winds blow me at that point.

MORNING SHOW PODCAST: still continues! Just posted episode #235 today. Download via Itunes. Also enjoy the resurgence of other old podcasts on Talkshoe like Tim's Late Night Lounge and Studio Chatter. All available on Itunes.

IDIOTHEAD MUSIC: Believe it or not, I got an email recently about the possibility of new music coming from our comedy band. As of this time, there are no plans. However you never know what the future holds.

YOU TUBE CHANNEL: I will be uploading new videos at some point. Plenty of footage for various things has been shot. Just need time to sort it all and edit it. I'll probably take more videos at Cherry Captial Con too. Give me time.

SKETCHCARDS: No new sets due at this point. Once Pinups/Pitbulls is out and Sherlock Holmes Memoirs is released, I have nothing on the horizon for more card work. Possibly more in the future but we shall see.

So... that gives a nice update as to where we are going. Things are rockin' and rollin! Thanks for checking back and caring.

Cheers, T

FREE COMIC DAY RECAP

Hey all! Whew what a day! I spent my 9:30am-4pm all day at Clems Comics in downtown Lansing for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! This was my third year in a row and I always love coming out. Everyone is always very welcoming and nice and the kids are excited to get sketches and comics.

I was so busy at the show that I really didn't get to take many photos but I grabbed some from some friends. Here are some pics courtesy of my pals Cristen and Nick:

Again, a wonderful time. Thanks to all who came out to support local comic shop businesses and independent artists! Your money spent is more than just about buying a little cool thing to have. Its also putting food on my kids' table and keeping my lights on. I thank you. Also to Clem's Comics for allowing me back year after year and putting on a damn fun time. They really take care of us artists and we appreciate it. It was great to see friends new and old. Also a great pal dropped me off some great vinyl! YAY!

SO: With that, I have lots of materials to restock for my next trip: CHERRY CAPITAL COMIC CON on May 23-25th in Traverse City, MI. I got a couple new prints to finish coloring and do up for the show and other things. Also, I have got a slew of commission work lately, which is great. The wife and I talked about the recent murmurings of me possibly getting a part time night job. But with the increase in sales and freelance work, its now a reality that I am prolonging that decision. You guys all really came to my aid and I cannot thank you enough. Right now I have a huge TO DO list that is going to take me the rest of the month and thats great! My bills are getting paid and I am very happy! Thank you, Thank you!

In other news, I got my TALES OF SEQUENTIAL MAYHEM books and my PLEASANT LIFE books back from the printer! So I am filling out preorders and kickstarter orders and they will be going out next week. Bare with me as I got a ton of stuff going on. But I am looking over the books and goddamn don't they look dope as hell! THANK YOU for the support! and if you haven't ordered Pleasant Life, you can right HERE

Whew... okay.. I know I got a million other things to say but I am exhausted. Better cut this one short. Have a great weekend!

Cheers, T

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY plans - May 3rd

Hey folks! I will be at CLEMS COMICS in DOWNTOWN LANSING, MI for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY. I'll be there from 11am-? and some of my pals will be there as well. I will have my books, prints, cards, art and more. I will be doing free sketches for kids 12 and under. I will be taking commissions at the show but to be honest, it will be VERY busy there! So its best to order your commission ahead of time and pick it up at the show.

Prices are 8x11 for $20, 11x17 for $40, add $10 for color to the price. If you need a piece done and want to pick it up at the show, EMAIL ME HERE and lets get it taken care of ahead of time. Because with all the sketches for the kids, time gets limited. So please, hit me up beforehand.

Make plans to come out and see us and get free reads for yourself and the kids! Plus the store is having deals. Costume contest, giveaways and more! Details are right HERE - Its a fun day, come check it out.

See ya there!

T

Astonishing Updates from Office of Adam

Hey yo! Big week of happenings. A small bout of depression, that was destroyed by a grandly kind gesture. Details are in episode #230 of my IDIOTHEAD MORNING SHOW PODCAST which you can subscribe to via Itunes or listen to right HERE - And please do. It explains so much.

So thanks to that, my book printing is back on track and I should have the Pleasant Life books here within a month or so. There still is time to take advantage of the big sale I have on the books! Get Anna 1, Artbook and Pleasant Life... over 700 pages of content from me! All for one low discount price. Please take advantage of the sale by clicking HERE

OR if you just need PLEASANT LIFE, order via the online store right HERE

----Order a book and keep me from being a saaaadddd panda....------

No seriously, it feed my family, funds my work and I appreciate it!

In other news, I am working on new STARSLAM strips and new prints/art pieces for con season. So those that follow my two deviantarts will get some new content. I'm also doing newer card samples for the card companies so I stay in their line of sight for freelance work. Anything to keep me from taking on a night job. This first quarter of the year has been tight all around for everyone. So sales have been real low. Commissions have been sporatic. So I am just throwing everything I can at the wall to see what sticks in an effort to keep this train going. Luckily I have had people step in and help when it has been dire. I would be sunk without them miracles in my life. So I continue on and keep working on my stuff. Here's my current time table:

MAY - Free Comic Book Day at Clem's Comics - Lansing, MI
            Cherry Captial Con 23-25th

June/July - finish all STARSLAM art and start to put together the big book collecting all of the strips.

August/September - Finish two novels: Porn Store memoirs and my short story/poem book. Find a publisher or work on self publishing it.

October - (Maybe Detroit Fanfare?)

November/December - ANNA POCALYPSE 2 art
                                      Printing and releasing STARSLAM collection!

2015 - Release Anna 2 book, all novels, Mayhem 4, and one more solo project. Hit more conventions.

--------------

So thats the plan anyway. Time to set some goals and make them happen. Off I go! Have a great week, everyone!

Cheers, T

ANNA POCALYPSE Reviewed on Indie Comics Podcast!

For those who want to hear a great, great, GREAT and deeply in depth review of my graphic novel, ANNA POCALYPSE, check out this great audio from the Geek Life Podcast! Available on Itunes to subscribe or listen to it on their site right HERE - The guys dissected the hell out of the books, stating what they liked, didn't like, what could be improved and more! Probably the most in depth review I have ever had. A solid hour of talking about little ol' me and this fun book I put together. WOW! I really appreciate the time they put into this review. Beyond awesome!

And if you are new here and listened to their podcast and came here, THANK YOU!!! And feel free to order a copy of Anna Pocalypse and see preview pages right HERE

____

In other news, I am doing sketches in books ordered online. Today I did a TNG Zombie themed sketch for someone in my Artbook:

If you don't have a copy of the ARTBOOK, order one now right HERE - All books ordered from my store gets a FREE SKETCH inside!!
____

The wife is on vacation and the kids are on Spring Break, so this week the house will be full and we'll see how sick we can get of each other! I hope the weather stays nice and we can all get some spring cleaning done around here. Its raining today, but the snow is nice and melted away. I am also going to start packing up artwork to sell on the site and at conventions that are coming up.

And I got my time for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY set up at Clem's Comics in Downtown Lansing. Its the first Saturday in May from 11-2pm. Its possible I will be there beyond that time, but I am guaranteed to be there at least during then. I'll have copies of my books, prints, cards, sketches and original art. I will take commissions at the show but its best to order one ahead of time and pick it up at the show. To order one, simply EMAIL ME HERE and request what you want and pay ahead of time, then pick it up from me there. I mostly do quick sketches for kids on FCBD only and it does get busy so time might get away from me to take on too much there. So best to order ahead of time. But I am looking forward to it! Clems Comics always takes great care of us!

Lastly, Don't forget Cherry Capital Con in Traverse City, MI on May 23-25th. I'll be there all weekend.

Thanks folks! Now go listen to that ANNA review!!

Cheers, T

ANNA in Da House!

Lookie what arrived this weekend:

So Anna Pocalypse tradebook #1 is back in print (and with an all new cover!) and available at the ONLINE STORE!! Or you can get this book, plus the big Pleasant Life collection and my artbook for $10 off the price for three! That deal still stands right HERE

Feels good to have my books back in the house and ready to go home to people to enjoy. Been FAR too long without them.

I haven't got that much done the last few days because we partied a bit Friday night with some friends. And then I've spent Thursday, Saturday and most of today with the kids. I've also just vegged out a bit and watched some useless TV. Whatever silly movie that came on that I haven't seen or haven't seen in many years. Here's the highlights: King Ralph, Fantastic Four 2 (never saw it till now, not too bad actually), Innerspace, Ghostbusters 2, Louie (tv show episodes), Twilight Zone (various episodes), newer Family Guy, Toy Hunter, new That Metal Show, Stand By Me... just surfing really.  Tonight is the finale of The Walking Dead and I am very excited. I get tired of people complaining about the show. I think its really hit a nice stride and I am enjoying it. I don't know what else people could want from it? People just bitch to bitch I guess. Never happy with anything! HA. What a way to live, eh?

Anyway, I plan to get back on the saddle tonight after Walking Dead and get some work done. I gotta finish a few minor things and then get to these commissions I got rolling. Plus if the weather stays nice this week I'd like to do some spring cleaning. The wife will be on vacation too, so it will be a prime time to get things done around here!

Have a great week my friends!

T

Comics Mayhem!!!

Hey everyone! Well, our Kickstarter for our EC HORROR comics tribute "TALES OF SEQUENTIAL MAYHEM" was a sweet success! We got officially funded yesterday and then some. So I am putting the finishing touches on the files before they go to the printer today and tomorrow. Here's a look at a color version of a pinup of "ZOMBIE QUEEN" I did for the book. It appears as a fake ad for a drive in movie:

Zombies are lead by her boobs!

I've been pencilling new STARSLAM strips and I uploaded Chapter 5 to the site. So we're good until July. Its looking likely that I will get all the original art done before that too. So I am thinking by the fall time I will have a full book for that comic in the online store here. I've done too many book plugs this early part of the year so I don't want to drop that on you now. Besides, we got our SUPER ONLINE BOOK SALE going on right now. Don't want to get any of my books lost in the mix as we go along.

So this makes FOUR books published by me this year. With a FIFTH one promised around the fall. Eh? What cha think? Aren't we the hardest working indie comic people out there right now? :) Its all for me celebrating 20 years of doing this, this year. I love this life!

In non-pluggy type of news, I've been working my way through Band of Brothers and re-watching Game of Thrones with the wife. Almost done with the first show. Its quite good. I also have been moving around furniture and I am ready to get a big box and start tossing crap. The weather outside is hot and then cold here in Michigan, but I am forcing spring to hurry up via doing some hardcore cleaning and moving. I moved the living room and office around a bit. Hopefully the kids stay out of my books because they are now at a level where they can tamper with them. They are gonna hear a lot of "NOs" from me!

I've also been reading some of the comics I've bought recently and forgot I read or giving them a fair shake read on the toilet (as I often do). All New X-men, Batman, The Dirty Pair, Empowered, Invincible, 90's Prophet, Soul Saga and others. I also finally got my buddy Jay Fosgitt's Bodie Troll trade. I gotta make a list of the comics and trades I am missing. And I am trying to finish Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane, but with all the work I am getting done, I don't have much time to sit and read a book like I did. Hopefully soon I'll get ahead of where I need to be and then I can slack off some more to read some new shit.

As far as vinyl, I haven't picked up too many new records. The most recent aquirements are Pearl Jam Vitology, Def Leppard's Pyromania and Saxon Denim and Leather. I did order White Zombie's Astro Creep 2000 and it should come in soon. Record Store Day is coming up and I got my eye on that Type O Negative record. I scored tickets to see Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden for the summer as well. Finally going to scratch those bands off my list.

I suppose thats enough updating for now. Be sure that you are keeping up with my PODCAST for additional news and talkingzzzz. Much love to you all!

T

Pleasant Life Timeline

To give an idea of the long history I have with these characters, I've put together a timeline for the book and the milestones. It is a major part of my life. You can order the book right HERE. But for now, enjoy this trip down memory lane.

1994-1995 I drew the 16 pages to “Amazing Bud” over the winter months and into March of 95. I then printed them in my graphic design class on the offset press. It was 150 copies. I sold them to friends and local shops.

1996-1997 I draw several pages for what would be “Amazing Bud 2” but graduate high school and stall on finding a printer to do it cheaply. Concept is abandoned.

1998 I change the title to “Pleasant Hymns” and start a new #1. I get about five pages done before stalling on the concept.

Dec. 2000 My mother dies .

Mid-2001 Inspired after my mom’s death I decide to make “Pleasant Life” into a comic series and put her death into it. I find a local printer in Shepherd, MI that is willing to print 300 copies for me for $400.

Jan 2002 Pleasant Hymns #1 is released. Local newspapers and Tv programs interview me and run stories.

March 2002 Pleasant Hymns #2 is released. Cm Life newspapers run the story. Grim Printing does the printing.

April 2002 Pleasant Hymns #3 is released. Cm Life newspapers run the story and I appear on Campus TV program “Prime Time with Jared.” It also is reviewed in CBR. Grim Printing does the printing.

May 2002 My first con appearance as a publisher/Artist at Motor City Comic Con.

Oct 2002 Pleasant Hymns #4 is released. Grim Printing does the printing. I am featured in Mt. Pleasant Magazine.

March 2003 Pleasant Hymns #5 comes out. SPXPO in Florida does the printing.

August 2003 Pleasant Hymns #6 comes out. I am featured on the local News in a TV segment.
SPXPO in Florida does the printing.

February 2004 Pleasant Hymns #7 comes out. SPXPO in Florida does the printing.

December 2004 I graduate Central Michigan University with an art degree.

January 2005 Pleasant Hymns: THE DIRECTORS CUT (#1-7, 8-9) is released. It is reviewed in CBR and on Newsarama. OPM in Pennsylvania does the printing.

August 2005 Pleasant Hymns: GEEKS GONE WILD is released. OPM in Pennsylvania does the printing.

January 2006 Pleasant Hymns: THE MIRROR UNIVERSE SAGA is released. OPM in Pennsylvania does the printing.

January 2007 Pleasant Hymns retitled to “Pleasant Life” and a new #1 is released. Intended to be a new series/continuation under a new title. Ultimately scrapped and it was decided to put what would have been the 10 issue series into one big tradebook. Comixpress does the printing.

August 2007 Artist Jay Fosgitt begins art on what was to be a Pleasant Life Halloween Special but the concept is abandoned. 

2008 PLEASANT LIFE: WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND tradebook is released. Effectively ends the series. Comixpress does the printing.

2009 All Pleasant Hymns/Pleasant Life books go out of print. The characters in the series are featured in CBLDF LIBERTY sketch card set.

2014 I put together a new collection of all four tradebooks, plus tons of archived bonus material and a new 7 page bonus story for the PLEASANT LIFE COMPLETE COLLECTION that is due out in April. Ka-blam does the printing.

Future – (?)

 

Wild Wild World of Updates!

Ah... the sun has returned! The great tundra outside is melting. I am starting to get out of the house and feel human again. I took a couple days off from drawing to get out and enjoy the weather change. We're still at only 36 degrees but coming from where we've been the last four months, it seems like a vacation! It seriously was one of the worst winters I have ever encountered. So I defintely plan on spending time outdoors this year to make up for it. I felt really cooped up inside the house all year. Almost hibernation! Poppy seems to enjoy the sun too! (Above)

Baby James isn't so much a baby anymore. He can climb up on the furniture and hug those he most cares about... in this case, our 14 year old cat, Jake. His surgery a couple weeks ago went well. Its possible he *may* have developed an infection so we'll have to monitor that and see how that goes. But overall, he's really good and the swelling in the affected area is gone.

I am finishing PDFing the Pleasant Life book this weekend and sending it to the printer on Monday. Some have already taken advantage of my huge book sale, where you get all three of my tradebooks (PLEASANT LIFE, ANNA POCALYPSE and my ARTBOOK) for one low price of $50. And you should too! I need to know how many books to order when the time comes, so pre-order the deal now if you want one! Order right HERE

Also don't forget our TALES OF SEQUENTIAL MAYHEM KICKSTARTER. We're in the home stretch of the thing! Get original art, get drawn in the next issue and more! Last chance!

I can finally announce this too: I did some cards for a "DEAD DIVAS" card set through Unstoppable Cards and they are now available for pre-order through them right HERE -- I will have APs available for those interested. Hit me with an email RIGHT HERE to discuss such matters. Here's a look at some of the cards I did for the set:

Need more blogs and talk from me? I do a semi-daily podcast where I talk about my projects, things going on in the world, music, movies, comics, etc. Its free to listen to. Subscribe to IDIOTHEAD MORNING SHOW on Itunes or download episodes right HERE - Perfect companion piece to this blog. Feel free to EMAIL ME SOME QUESTIONS HERE and I will answer them live on the show! YAY!

The wife and I ordered HBO in anticipation for the new season of GAME OF THRONES. So while waiting for the new season to start, I finally am sitting down and watching BAND OF BROTHERS. I quite like it. After that, I will watch TRUE DETECTIVE and THE WIRE and see what all the hub hub is about. Also I got the wife addicted to G.O.T. so we've been re-watching it. I'm picking up little things I missed along the way. The show is so dense that I forget things. Also on TOY HUNTER, they shot in Taylor, MI at a shop that I know quite well. Its weird to see people I know on TV. I saw Dennis, the owner of Wonderworld Comics on the show. and over on CHOPPED, I saw someone from my hometown I used to party a bit with. Weird!

APPEARANCES -- Big news is that I will be returning to CLEM'S COMICS in Lansing for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY on May 6th. I will have all my prints and books there, as well as doing free sketches for anyone 12 and under. Make plans to come out and see me!

Then I will be at the CHERRY CAPITAL CON May 23-25th. I've never been there before but they are having me out and I am beyond excited. It looks like a laid back, exotic locale!

I think in the fall I will be doing another show as well. I am not 100% sure where that will be yet. Depends on how the chips fall. I'll let you all know as soon as I make plans.

Lastly, over at the adult webcomics section, STARSLAM is really heating up. The next couple weeks are going to be jaw dropping moments. Shit hits the fan. Oh yes. If you are over 18, I encourage you to read it. Its not porn comics for the sake of boobs and wee wees. Its actually a good story being told. Please give it a chance and spread it around!

Okay folks, Have a great weekend and I'll see you on the flipside. Keep those book orders coming in! Cheers, T

SUPER SALE!

ANNOUNCED! Get all three of my books for $50! or All books plus 2 pages of art for $75!! Details: RIGHT HERE

This really is as good as it gets. ORDER NOW! Support indie publishers!

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Don't forget to download FREE episodes of my IDIOTHEAD MORNING SHOW PODCAST! Download HERE or subscribe via Itunes. FREE!!! M'kay?

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One last plug: Our KICKSTARTER is almost done. If you love horror comics of the old days, then check it out, please!

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In regular news, I've been productive as hell. 'Getting shit done' is my middle name!  Meanwhile I've been enjoying Walking Dead, Toy Hunter, Twilight Zones and other Netflix stuff. Plus I'm re-reading some newer comics I've bought but forgot to read. Such as All New Xmen and Batman.

Hope you guys have a safe week! Cheers, T

ORDER ANNA POCALYPSE & MORE UPDATES!

More great news this week! I got my invoice and just paid it. Meaning I will have copies of ANNA POCALYPSE tradebook #1 in stock once again within a week or so! You can preorder one right now for $20 right HERE - 82 pages of super violent, full color, post-apocalyptic action! This book features a NEW COVER... as seen above. So if you have the old version, its the same book. Just a new cover. Every book gets a free sketch inside, and free shipping. YAY! ORDER YOURS TODAY!!

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In other news I am in the home stretch of finishing the Pleasant Life Collected tradebook. All I have to do is PDF the pages and finish building the cover stuff. It should go to the printer by next week! I'll have pre-order stuff for it soon. Start thinking ahead for it!

For you horror fans, don't forget our KICKSTARTER for the TALES OF SEQUENTIAL MAYHEM book. We keep rockin' and rollin.

Lastly, I did a bit of a facelift around the site this morning. So if things look a little different here and there, thats why.

Thanks all! Get yer orders in!

Cheers, T

Order my ARTBOOK now! Plus updates!

IT'S FINALLY HERE!

My ARTBOOK is now available. You can order it and see preview pics of the inside right HERE - Cost is $25 with free shipping. As a bonus, all orders placed before this coming Sunday the 16th I will toss in two free 8x11 art pieces I have laying around. Some might have been printed in the book too! I want to clean out my boxes of original art I have around here, so I need them to go to a good home. $25 for a 120 page full color book of my best stuff from the last 20 years, plus a sketch inside, plus two FREE 8x11 pieces of art??!?!!??!?! Thats a goddamn deal and a half! ORDER NOW and support indie comics! I appreciate it.

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In other news, I have made some great progress on the PLEASANT LIFE collection. I placed all pages and built the supplementary material pages. All that is left is doing the word balloons for the new bonus story I did and PDF the whole thing. Then its off to the printer! I will be doing a special pre-order for it including original art, a special print and more. But more on that later. One plug at a time. Just rest assured that probably in the next week or two, its going to the printer. Old stuff finally back in print... and some new stuff for the first time in print! I'm beyond excited about this. I thought I'd hate doing this book and looking at all that old art I haven't seen or read in years. But to be honest, I am enjoying it. I got to re-read the series from beginning to end and there are several things in it I forgot about. I was sorta able to read it as a "fan" and its quite good. Damn good! I've surprised myself and made a book that completely holds up and connects with me as a simple reader. Very fun!

I won't hit you with anything else at this point. The entire focus right now is getting these Artbooks out to the people. Please order one now. I appreciate it! Help me celebrate 20 years of doing this. And get tons of art in doing so!

Cheers, T

More Goingzzz On...

Hey all. Its late night and I just finished the original art for the bonus story in the upcoming Pleasant Life collected edition. Its 7 pages total and a nice cute little story. I am thinking I am going to fully color it and release it online in that version. But in the book it will be black and white like the rest of the comics. I'm really happy with how it turned out and I sped through the pages. Just like old times with the old gang! I can't wait to share it with everyone.

My youngest son had his surgery today. He had a small hernia and a cyst in his lower abdomen, also a chamber in his body wasn't closed and was draining fluid into it. He went in and it went smoothly. He's back home now and he's recooperating. The poor fella. But I knew he'd be okay.

I found out Steve-O from JACKASS is performing here in Lansing, MI (where I am at). So I am looking forward to seeing his show, possibly meeting him. We're big JACKASS fans here at the Talley homestead.

Lil' Poppy is adjusting to life living with us full time. We're still working on her potty training but she's doing better. She's certainly made our days fun around here. Glad we got her.

Our KICKSTARTER FUND for our TALES OF SEQUENTIAL MAYHEM horror comic is almost funded with 19 days left. But we'd love to be over budget! So if you haven't seen it yet, check out the link I just posted. Every dollar helps! Get yerself some great comics and original art!

The TREK TNG blu-rays are something I keep ignoring but man do they look awesome! I was looking at some footage of one tonight. I really gotta get on collecting those. I dropped out of blu-ray collecting for a while because I never have time to watch movies or anything at home. Plus the kids are so loud sometimes that watching something is a real chore. But I deserve a treat I think. I'd like to own things I love in the best form I can before I croak. Thats why I collect vinyl too! So I better get on these things. Of course, the 4k craze is coming too. Would I have to rebuy all of them? I don't know.

Plus I've been nostalgiac for my old VHS collecting habits. Better be careful! Too much vintage collecting and I'll be broke forever!

Anyway, thats whats up. This weekend: I got a party with friends on Friday, then Sat-Sunday full of solid work. I wanna push everything through to the completed stage. More STARSLAM pages to do. More writing to finish. All of it! I hit a wave of productivity and I don't want it to end!

Cheers, T