Illustrator Extraordinaire

SWALC

2011-08-24T14:00:00.001+01:00

(www.thelordclyde.com for contact details)

I've been invited to an event at the wonderful Lord Clyde hostelry in Islington Laundan Taun.

I am very excited about seeing as its aim marries two of my favorite things, the pub and creative types in one easy and FREE place.

For full information click here: SWALC

Float your arrow over the links and click away, an opportunity like this simply cannot be missed!

London Riots

2011-08-10T13:16:00.000+01:00

OK i'll keep this short, enough information and disinformation and comment has been made already, and I've no intention to add to it further.

The last Days have been an indictment for a need for change not just here, but across the World.

I have been alternately disgusted and heartened by the actions of human beings across the globe, and most directly in the UK.

The dust is beginning to settle and in the following days the whys and wherefores will be debated back and forth both good and bad.

This is my 'two-peneth', which I tweeted this morning as it had been playing on my mind all night.

Patriarchy and Capitalism have failed (a better marxist scholar then myself would probably inform you more effectively then I).

I am not going to call for women to take over the world, I think Theresa May has more then deftly demonstrated what an unmitigated disaster this would be.

What I ask for it 50/50 power base, what I ask for is people to view themselves as 'Human beings', rather then Gay, Straight, BI, Male, Female, Black, White etc.'

To quote the Merchant of Venice :

'If you prick us, do we not bleed? if you tickle us, do we not laugh? if you poison us, do we not die? and if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?". - ( Quote Act III, scene I).

Pretty much covers it I think.

Now is a time for reflection, not recrimination. pointing the finger will do us no favors, nor those who perpetuated the crimes as we are all as humans equally to blame in our own unique, individual way.

So here's my pictorial reaction. I'm thinking of doing it as a T-Shirt pop over to Missed Deadline Where we'll stick it up for sale, profits to go to an as yet undecided Charity to help those effected in the UK.

Thanks for listening, and please, Stay Safe.

Announcments 'Swansong', 'Missed Deadline', 'Slanda Panda'

2011-07-14T14:05:00.000+01:00

Hello Lovelies!

There were a couple of fantastic things that happened at LFCC that I didn't mention yesterday, mainly as I thought i'd let you feast your eyes on that picture of me and Erin Grey...

Firstly and Most importantly I can (and already have on facebook and twitter) Announce that I am to be the artists for the Graphic Novel adaptation of the lovely GM Jordan's (Tales from a Warped Mind, Hunter, Hunted, 3D) ' Swansong', which the man himself has described as an S&M Love Story.

Read more about the man here http://www.freelanced.com/gm_jordan
And buy the current version of the book here: Swansong (proceeds go towards the Comic book Alliance)

Secondly we (Kerensa Bryant aka 'Geek Girl' and I) decided that 'Missed Deadline' should become a blog with Salnda Panda set up as a twitter feed, which it has you can now follow them Here: Missed Deadline & Here: Slanda Panda Check 'em out, but don't piss the Panda off for crying out Loud!

Return from the London Film and Comic Con

2011-07-13T16:41:00.000+01:00

Hi!

Beginning to feel like I have just crash landed back to earth post LFCC (well its a bit of a mouthful isn't it).

But now I am actually down to Earth i've a few posts and some NEWS!

The Ffnords

2011-07-05T15:14:00.001+01:00

If you're south of the border its unlikely that you will have heard of 'The Fnords', its safe to say you are missing out musically though.

You can find their finely honed tunes here: Reverbnation. and here: MySpace
In the mean time here's a great video: Zombie Go Go Girl

I have it on good authority (the lead singer) that they'll be playing down south, London way in October, will keep you posted!

Still unsure? heres a review: Sound SXP review

Jonathan Ridley: Cold Sweat Day Dreams and the Knotts

2011-07-05T13:47:00.000+01:00

OK So Sean got their first, but I am now going to add fuel to the smoking fire that is Jonathan Ridley's fine, personal and intensely original oeuvre.

Ok if you've not come across Mr Ridley's publications at the Underfire Comics table at a Comic con, be it in Bristol, Kapow or a lovely independent small press gathering at the Cowley Club, then take a deep breath before you dive in, as it's not for the feint hearted.

Having said that its a rare thing for an artist to work with such honesty and a direct style which is entirely his own (he'd probably argue that his influences are obvious, but personally thats what I like his work, for me they're not).

It's rare to find something as raw and challenging hidden amongst the plethora or laytex, spandex and hormonal and Emo outpourings of modern comics, i've been lucky enough to have seen Jonathan's work develop under my very nose and I have to say its a privilege that I know this talented and amiable creator

I'm always on the look out for something new which challenges the glut of 'Tits and Ass', my favorite artists and writers not only challenge the norm but usually stamp all over it in hobnail boots.

Enough eulogizing, go and check him out for yourself at http://ridleyart.com/

London Film and Comic Con

2011-06-28T16:59:00.003+01:00

Click here for a direct link to the events webpage.

Thanks to the lovely Eva Perkins and Inga Kasiuleviciute I will now be attending the above event with Kerensa Bryant on the Saturday. I can be found at the The Comic Book Alliance table spouting forth about the work I did with the inimitable Si Spencer Spirit of Hope along with Tim Pilcher et Al. I suspect that the lovely Alan Cowsill & GM Jordan will be there amongst others.

War: The Human Cost.

2011-06-28T16:09:00.000+01:00

I've know Sean Duffield for a number of years now.

So far as I remember it (correct me if I am wrong Mr.Duffield) we met in a field stewarding an event which felt rather like we were corralling cats, while maintaining a policy of non eye contact, (for fear of death) at a summer parade and ill advised bonfire near Whitehawk in Brighton.

I digress.

Sean's been working on the visual joy that is every publication from 'Paper Tiger Comix' for longer than either of us probably care to admit. Every publication features some of the cream of current comics creators, be they artists, writers or both. His latest project is, as usual beautifully executed and well worth purchasing via the following link: War: The Human Cost.

Please click on the link, even if you only go and take a brief look you won't regret it.

Spirit of Hope

2011-06-08T16:03:00.001+01:00

Not so long ago I posted that I would be submitting work to a 'New Zealand and Japanese fundraising comic', the project has a slightly snappier title now, 'Spirit of Hope'.

Back at the beginning of the year (around the time I posted the contributors information to this blog) Si Spencer asked me if I wanted to work with him on a contribution.

After several false starts (on my behalf) on previous projects I was pleased that he saw me as the right fit for this one. I've loved Si's work for a while, and as well as being lucky enough to call him a friend it was a pleasure to finally be able to collaborate. After a short discussion it became clear that we were coming at it from the same point of view and the resulting images and text were finally sent off after two weeks in time to meet the deadline.

I finally saw our pages in their completed form at Kapow. I have to say I am completely bowled over to have my first professional comics contribution alongside so many comic luminaries.

I am please to say that pre-orders are now open for the complete book, just click Here.

There are two covers to choose from (though why not buy both?) by Jimmy Broxton cover and Michael Allred (posted above). There will also be prints available.

I'd like to offer thanks to the lovely Alan Cowsill, GM Jordan and the ubiquitous Tim Pilcher for all their kind words and for getting this wonderful project of the ground.

Geek Girl

2011-06-08T14:45:00.001+01:00

A few years back I was lucky enough to meet the lovely Miss Kerensa Bryant curtsey of an introduction by that well know comics bastion Dez Skinn .

Kerensa's a natural at many a thing and has no fear in approaching people no matter who they are and putting them at ease. This has proved invaluable and seen her involved in many a project including ''the Geekend' , which can be listened to every weekend on Radio Reverb.

Go take a listen (follow the links above) and keep an eye out for Kerensa, she's one to watch.

Bristol International and Small Press Expo

2011-06-08T14:24:00.000+01:00

I love this Con, i've been going consistently for the past six years and a little more sporadically prior to that.

My opinion and angle on the whole thing has changed in the past few years as i've been attending as a creator, having originally attended in my various disguises as PR and on occasion consultant type.

2009 was my first year in attendance as a creator testing the water with some pin-ups following up in 2010 with my first small press attempted which can be viewed here 'Soft Prawn Comics: Breasts'.

I've always attended with the talented and supportive boys at Underfire Comics who have been kind enough to let me edge in on the table over the years as well as band their names around as the ones to watch.

As with last year we split out time between the 'Main' convention at the Ramada and the Small Press at the Mercer (which has far better air con). Plenty of fun was had many a new friend was made in the bar at the Ramada on Saturday night.

Sunday saw me up ludicrously early for some reason and just about functioning enough to witness Si Spencer almost win Just A Comic-Pickin' Minute, 'twas a close and hilarious call.

We might be biased, but generally we felt that the small press has a better buzz as it had the year before. It's supremely well organized, has a real sense of camaraderie and attracts some lovely talented and supportive people every year.

I'm looking forward to seeing the main event back in the commonwealth Brunel Hall next year.

Post Kapow

2011-06-08T13:46:00.001+01:00

Life has been a whirlwind since Kapow, but I did say i'd post my thoughts on it when I was returned.
I also wanted to digest what I actually thought of the whole thing without just throwing out a knee-jerk reaction, as I have done so often in the past.

The London Design Centre as a venue is more than adequate in size and on the whole made the event feel more like the London book fair than your average Con, which gave the whole thing an air of professionalism, but in my opinion robbed it of any of the fun I always look forward to at a convention.

My other two grudges were firstly that there was no bar. This was less to do with needing drink, than the fact that the bar at any con traditionally acts as a hub for people to meet exchange ideas and often sees more projects get off the ground than your average business meeting. It also meant that everyone left earlier than they might have done to rendezvous with friends and colleagues elsewhere, heads up to the organizers this will undoubtable have cost you money.

Secondly the queues were poorly signposted, actually I don't think anything was signposted other than the sponsored events, on one occasion people appear to queuing for the sake of queuing, how very English.

Having said that I think its a worthwhile events which handled properly will raise the profile of the industry in a positive way and look forward to seeing what happens next year, perhaps more UK creators?

Kapow!

2011-04-05T17:26:00.001+01:00

We're all off to the first years Kapow Con in London next weekend.

Will it be any cop? not sure will post my thoughts when I'm back, still looking forward to it, its got a long way to go to top the SFX weekender though.

To get more information click on the link below:

http://www.kapowcomiccon.com/

New Zealand and Japanese Earthquake fundraising Comic

2011-03-17T15:41:00.000Z

I'm contributing to this, if you're a creator in anyway be it a writer or artist get involved!

Dear Comic Book Friends,

I’m sure, like me, you’ve been horrified at the devastating effects of the two enormous earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan. In order to do some good and help the thousands that have lost friends, family, their homes and entire communities, the Comic Book Alliance is putting together a fundraising comic.

We are looking for creators to provide some work free of charge so that we can put together an impressive package that will hopefully sell thousands and to raise as much money as possible to help these countries get back on their feet and to rebuild their lives.

The contributions can be around any theme (earthquakes, tsunamis, loss, hope, survival, manga, NZ comics, what that country means to you, personal tales, whatever…) and could be a pin-up, or a 1-4 page comic strip. We may accept the odd prose piece from writers, but we’d like to like to keep these to a minimum, so please team up with an artist you normally work with.

If you are not a creator, but a publisher or editor, please spread this message to your freelancers and contact us if you can help with free/reduced rate printing and distribution issues. Alternatively, we need colourists and probably editorial assistance, so every bit helps. Those of you in the press, please spread the message on your blogs and publications.

Can you make sure that the artwork is drawn in pro to fit a standard US comicbook page size (w 17 cm x h 26 cm (6 ⅝” × 10 ¼”)

Ideally the art should be in colour (I have contacted several colourists if you don’t have the time or feel confident). But black and white is acceptable if that is a deliberate artistic choice.

The final artwork needs to be delivered as a ready for print PDF AND as a layered TIFF CMYK file with the balloons and text on separate layers so that we can translate into Japanese. We will arrange to set up an FTP server for you shortly so you can upload the work.

Our project editor is Alan Cowsill, who some of you know, and he’ll manage the day-to-day running of the project. Please email him on: alancowsill@gmail.com, and copy in founders@comicbookalliance.co.uk, stating what you would like to contribute (page count) and whether you are working alone or collaborating with someone, or whether you need hooking up with an artist, writer, colourist or letterer.

Obviously, time is of the essence here, so we would like to get the work in within the next two weeks (Deadline of Saturday 2 April). I know that doesn’t give a lot of time considering your busy schedules but I do hope you’ll agree that it’s for an important cause.

Let’s show the world that comic creators care and how we can galvanise ourselves into positive action. These creators have already committed to contributing:

Si Spencer & Glyn Dillon

Darick Robertson

Nick Abadzis

Peter Hogan & Adrian Bamforth

PJ Holden

Martin Eden

William Simpson

Cornelius Stone

Donna Barr

I’d like to apologise if you have received this more than once, and to thank you in advance for your time and contribution, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

All the very best,

Tim.

Tim Pilcher

Chair

email: tim.pilcher@comicbookalliance.co.uk

website: www.comicbookalliance.co.uk

Missed Deadline

2011-02-16T18:38:00.000Z

This is the first Dummy cover for a new project I am working on with other various lovely and Gifted people, as it unfold i'll post further info.

Dave's Comics: “Kiki never do the same thing for three days in a ...

2011-02-16T11:02:00.000Z

Incredible woman Immortalized in Graphic Novel form!!!

Dave's Comics: “Kiki never do the same thing for three days in a ...: "évanouissement maintenant! (SWOON NOW!) In the bohemian and brilliant Montparnasse of the 1920s, Kiki escaped poverty to become one o..."

Spindle Magazine

2011-01-11T14:18:00.000Z

Right then, Can't believe I've not Blogged about this?!

I had my first published A/W credited in Spindle Magazines second issue! (page 20).

The lovely Heather Falconer and Sarah Ferrari held my hand all the way through it. I was pleased as punch to see that my handy work was the title for a shoot featuring the beautiful Mr.S.Hawkins.

If you've not picked up a copy already do so! It's free and fantastic!

http://spindlemagazine.com/

SFX weekender!

2011-01-11T11:21:00.000Z

We're off to the SFX weekender having correctly answered a question they've been kind enough to give me four free tickets!!!!

Lovley they are! go and check 'em out:

http://www.sfx.co.uk/

Deadline!

2011-01-11T11:15:00.000Z

Right then whilst I sit at my board and scribble chickens I need to mention the publishing phenomenon that got us all started 'Deadline'!!!!!

Like it on faceache and we might just resurrect the beast!!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/DeadlineMag

Dreaming..just dreaming of you...

2011-01-05T10:51:00.000Z

What can I say I've had a Hiatus, but I'm back with a vengeance!

Coming soon...

The second in the 'Spotter Guide' Series from Soft Prawn, 'Cock's.

a complete review of the 'Tank Girl' back catalogue....

And hopefully more from Lana del Ray!

Hold your breath now, as it won't be long!!!!!

Crap Graffiti

2010-09-01T15:07:00.000+01:00

The lovely Adam Elliott has been collecting together images of quite literally in some cases 'crap graffiti' which you can view at the following site:

http://www.crapgraffiti.com/

The images will eventually be collated into a book which you'll be able to get your filthy hands on sometime soon. Take a look post and image or leave a comment, whatever you do get involved!

On Our Way by Lana Del Rey

2010-06-14T09:37:00.000+01:00

Its not often I stumble upon some music which I like immediately, but this girl is great!

Have a listen to this one, its lovely.

On Our Way by Lana Del Rey

Soft Prawn Comics

2010-06-13T18:17:00.000+01:00

I have finally sorted out the blog for my new project 'Soft Prawn Comics'.

You can look at it here: http://softprawncomics.blogspot.com/

The first title can be viewed here: http://www.myebook.com/index.php?option=ebook&id=38733

Enjoy x

Mark Ryden

2010-05-24T11:17:00.000+01:00

I can't quite Believe I've never mentioned Mark Ryden before now. I've been entranced by his images many a time. Along with Ray Caesar, Camille Rose Garcia and many of my other favourite 'Pop Surrealist' artists he has work at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery until 22/8/10. The image here is one of my favorite images, from the 'Snow Yak' Show I was overjoyed to see it. See more of his work here: http://www.markryden.com/index.html

Ray Caesar

2010-05-24T11:12:00.000+01:00

Ray Caesar produces some simply incredible Images. I was lucky enough to see some of his work this weekend at the 'Art from the New World' exhibition currently on at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Leisure-Culture/Museums-Galleries/coming-soon---art-from-the-new-world-.en [forgive the long link]. See more of his art here:

http://www.raycaesar.com/

Illustrator Extraordinaire

SWALC

London Riots

*Announcments* 'Swansong', 'Missed Deadline', 'Slanda Panda'

Return from the London Film and Comic Con

The Ffnords

Jonathan Ridley: Cold Sweat Day Dreams and the Knotts

London Film and Comic Con

War: The Human Cost.

Spirit of Hope

Geek Girl

Bristol International and Small Press Expo

Post Kapow

Kapow!

New Zealand and Japanese Earthquake fundraising Comic

Missed Deadline

Dave's Comics: “Kiki never do the same thing for three days in a ...

Spindle Magazine

SFX weekender!

Deadline!

Dreaming..just dreaming of you...

Crap Graffiti

On Our Way by Lana Del Rey

Soft Prawn Comics

Mark Ryden

Ray Caesar

Announcments 'Swansong', 'Missed Deadline', 'Slanda Panda'