PRICES MUST GO UP.

  So much stuff to write and post.

Mister Devon Devereaux

Hey there sports fans, Al here with the latest:
Well the title says the pricing for commissions has to go up.  BUT the question was always been- how much.
After a little jaunt downtown to see my friend Devon at a Saturday/Sunday Market situation and talked to him for a bit and then I happened to be in the neighborhood of Mister Kevin Cross.   Now for about the last 5 to 6 years Kevin has been working as a freelancer in the art field.  He firstly backed up what George and Dan had told earlier in the week.  Devon backed them both up with what is called a "kill fee". 

Mister Kevin Cross

 Definition: a fee paid to a freelance writer (or in this case and illustrator) for material written or illustrated on assignment but not used
I had heard the term used before but believed it be used improperly by other creators.  All (my art buds) of the above mentioned corrected my misunderstanding.
So I am currently out the contractual wording so I have both a physical and a virtual contract between myself and potential clients in the future.  No more just word of mouth virbal contract and a handshake to seal a deal.  

PRODUCTS:
As the one man show slowly begins to take shape other small products also do ass well.  Now newer button versions are going to be made as well as postcards.  Some of my other creator friends have these little babies out with their other merch.  Well its about time that I start doing that as well.
T shirts are another product I want to look into.  I think the marker version would translate better than the scratchboard work.

CC Marker Page 9

CC Marker Page 8

CORPSE COP NEWS:
As soon as the rendering is completed for the one man show I plan on working on Corpse Cop again.  Corrax the Seeker just didn't take but the undead seem to have staying power.
So if I can just be able turn out another book either scratchboard or marker both would be awesome to have out on a table.

COMMISSIONS:
Rat Priest is moving into high gear and should be nearly complete by the end of this week then it's onto the groups logo.  They both have be created separately for the use that might be for t-shirts and other merch for them during the dates that they would be out playing gigs around town.

Of course if I can get one of those t-shirts that would be cool too.  :)

The Masque 16"x20"....

New Stories to be made!  

COMMISSION NEWSFLASH:  Nothing to report as of yet.

So strange I had to snap a shot.

ON TOP OF THAT:

The One Man Show is underway.  I am really excited about this show as things begin to really come together with the scratchboards.  New techniques being added.   Looking good.

Abraxas!

ODDITIES:  None to speak of yet but there is always some thing out there like MONSTERS OF COCK!

I kinda blame my friend George Leon for this but we were having such a hilarious time talking about ideas and that title came up and like so many things BOOM! there it was... Abraxas!  Another anthropomorphic character. I can't help it if like drawing them and I know I am good at it!

The SAVAGE POODLEMOTH MAN:

One of the biggest issues that any creator has is "How do I finish this?"  Now some don't ever complete a ending because during the creative phase things change and for a lot of people they have no "safe guards" or checks and balances like and an editor to keep the creativity vs. audience acceptance of the material.  BUT I THINK I KNOW HOW TO END THIS STORY.
  In keeping with the cheese factor (and flavor, hummm del-ish!) what a better way of dispatching  a monster like this by using a something equally outlandish.  I have already mentioned this in last weeks blog and I think the story will be great and the mini will see the light of day.

ALSO along in the book the intro and at the end of the book is going to a brain of some kind to begin the story as well as end it.  Fun times as well as a poster that is in the works currently.

OTHER NOTE WORTHY THINGS :

f your wanting to look at some of the older blog for Black Box Comix you can check them out here. Black Box Comix Blog.

Or if you're interested in purchasing something that catches your eye  check out here on the Big Cartel web site.  Big Cartel.

And of course is always the backlog of comics here at Indyplanet.

And the kid is out of here!

ONE MAN SHOW ON THE MOVE!

 Hey there sports fans, Al here with the latest:

The time of the year has slowed down for shows but not product.
Right now ia prime time to get things done and ready for up coming events.
Like the One Man Show A.K.A. Scratch of the Dead.  The first these new pieces will a large rendition of "The Masque". 
Major Tom, The Poodlemoth Man, Hellhound and Mermaid will be done size @ 16"X20".  The only thing larger than that is an 18"X24" piece call "Juice Box".  According to some friend in the Underground Comix arena the title says it all.  So if a title is as good as the image I'm batting 1000!

PRODUCTS:
In the work(s) I believe that I will be calling on my friend of mine Rizzo, and see about getting some more buttons made.  The Rat Priest buttons did really well for me at Crypticon so I can only assume that they would be a bigger hit at any of last remaining shows as well as Scratch of the Dead event I have set up later this year.  But knowing my friend, it'll cost me. :).
I think a newer version of everybodies favorite back talking corpse will be featured.

CORPSE COP NEWS:
Speaking of that undead fool a black and white marker version rather than scratchboard.  And though that medium is just AWESOME for that character it does take some time to do a bunch of panels.  AND so when Stumptown Comic Festival was going and some of dead spots when no show going person was stopping by the table I kept myself busy drawing in a newly acquired black sketch book with white markers.  Suddenly Corpse Cop just started to fly off the pages.  When Jason looked over at what I was doing he said "You should do a whole comic like that with Corpse Cop in it."
I liked the idea.
It would be quick and raw.  Which for Jason totally rocks and the inventiveness of a new variation of the comicbook and of this character.  The style of the white marker on black is not that much different than the etching I do with scratchboard.  In fact I now use this as a means to expedite creative ideas that are meant for scratchboard commissions.
So in the near future there maybe a different formated Corpse Cop book out there before the end of the year.

Rat Priest Commission

COMMISSIONS:
The Gilrandree commission is complete and will making his journey to his new home in about one week. 

ON TOP OF THAT....

Rat Priest commission moves into high gear right now.  Not really much more to say other than that but there have been a few changes to the layout of the album.  I still have the logo to contend with but that is a different issue. But it is looking pretty cool right now.  

COMMISSION NEWSFLASH:  IF YA HAVEN'T FIGURED IT OUT YET I DO COMMISSIONS.

It was one the "duh" moments that you have as an artist andn you realize wow I should really say something about this.

In a conversation that I had with my homies George Leon and Dan Depolo contractable agreements came up.  George had mentioned that the work I have been doing has garnered a lot questions. Not just the verbal agreement for half down and half on completion of said project but what to do when a client can't actually come through with the cash?  Now currently this  hasn't come up or as an issue but there will be that time when I may run into that. SO with that thought I think that a third of what paid up front covers the cost of the materials is non refundable and time prepping the work.

It was something that had been on my mind when I hadn't received a message about the Gilrandree commission recently.  But I plan on talking to some other peers about this to get a good consencious of what the best way to deal with this.  Dax and had talked about the raising of prices to reflect the mastery of the medium (everything from size of the piece to be rendered, varnishing and framing to the amount the visual elements and complexity of the project and any special addendums that the client wants added) .

Of course this is a work in progress as with everything else.

THE ONE MAN SHOW:

"Juice Box" 

Here is one of the images that will be rendered in scratchboard and is the major center piece 18"x26" 

ODDITIES:  The SAVAGE POODMOTH MAN!  

"Good Lord!" The Savage Poodlemoth Man

The story continues to keep building but I think I know to end the story for such a creation gone bad.  Lets just say that as a kid there were things you do with bugs and magnifying glasses.  It has to be cheesy because the idea of this creature of science is just a giant slab of the wheel of weird fantasy.  Even the beginning of the book will have introduction of one the many characters that I love to illustrate like the crypt keeper or any of Eerie Warren Magazines of the 70's.  I think that this is what will make the AtoZ Horror titles "Weird Atomic Tales" fun.

If your wanting to look at some of the older blog for Black Box Comix you can check them out here. Black Box Comix Blog.

Or if you're interested in purchasing something that catches your eye  check out here on the  Big Cartel web site.  Big Cartel.

And of course is always the backlog of comics here at Indyplanet.

And the kid is out of here!

THE COMMISSION BUILDS

Hey there sports fans, Al here with the latest:

Well it's been a few weeks since the show in Seattle for the Crypticon but the flavor of the show still lingers in my mind.  It was just a fun show to be part of.

Gilrandree Commission 2013

But now things have to move into high gear for cranking out the commissions that I have outstanding currently.
The first is the Commission from the Crypticon for "Gilrandree".  
  I am hoping to have the physical artwork done by this week and curing the varnish the following week.  
Then after that is the commission for Rat Priest.
And here is a updated rough drawing for that image.

Latest version of Rat Priest album cover rough

ON TOP OF THAT:

I have been working on prepping work for the one man show in October.  We're talking large scale here.
And that's about all I have to say since I must conserve my energy for the art.

A POINT OF INTEREST:  

   One of the things that I have wanted to do is do adaptation of the Movie (or a combination of) "Planet of the Vampires" and "Lifeforce".  Both of these movies deal with Sci-fi - which is never far from my mind and horror and vampires of the space variety.  All of these would be along side the graphic novel that I have had to put on hold for the last couple of months like "Dreams of Elysium"  and the comic Corpse Cop. 

FOR OTHER THINGS:

 If your wanting to look at some of the older blogs for Black Box Comix you can check them out here. Black Box Comix Blog.

Or if you're interested in purchasing something that catches your eye  check out here on the Big Cartel web site.  Big Cartel.

And of course is always the backlog of comics here at Indyplanet.

And I am out of here.

CRYPTICON 2013

Hey there sports fans, Al here with the latest: 

CRYPTICON IS HERE!
And so is the first here and gone.  And I will say right out the gate was a good show.  Now unlike the comic book shows that I have gone this show it seems to be packed with lots of merchandise that you wouldn't normally see at a comicon.  Corpse Cop almost looks normal in this kind of set up.
  The first sale of the day was a gentleman named Mike who hit me up for doing a commission for him based upon a character of his.  A demon of some kind  looked like a cross between a balrog, a Minotaur and a bat.  Obviously, a critter that would have erupted from hell.
  But the cool thing for me is partial payment being paid on the spot said volumes to me.  So yet another commission is to be made.
The second sale was at the end of the show.  Now mind you another one of my friends at the, Devon S. Devereaux , had a podcast of the 15 things he has learned over the last 15 years he as been doing shows.  One of these was making sure that a customer never leaves your table without somthing in hand.  I agree with this and the buttons fill that spot for me.  Yay buttons!

George Leon. my table mate is a monster.  What can say about this guy.  He's freakin' prolific!  He is one of the fastest artists I know of.   If you haven't seen his work or know how fast this guy is when it comes whipping up work you have know idea what you are missing.  To see George's work check out http://customcomicshop.wordpress.com.   For more info about this show click here.

PRODUCTS:
Buttons!  Black Box now has buttons for ¢.25 cents cheep or free with purchase of Comic. 
Kinda liking this little ditty.
The scratchboard work on the buttons didn't translate as well as I had hoped but the two Rat Priest buttons look awesome.
Prints!   Now there are prints available as well for $7 bucks. 

CORPSE COP NEWS:
NOW it may have been some time since I worked on this guy but he has never been far from my thoughts when it came to dealing with the Zombie Apocalypse.  With Warm Bodies recently (which ranks up there with Fido) and Brad Pitt's World War Z coming up and the Walking Dead still going on I felt that it might be time to work on him again.  And honestly he is my best selling characters and title.
And a lot of my peers wanted to use him as well.
If sales go well there may be a new Corpse Cop book coming out with a slightly different look.  A look that carried over to my commissions.

COMMISSIONS:

I had my meeting with Eric Mimms of Rat Priest to talk about the details of album design.  Now from a punkers pov talking smack about religion- especially when the latest pope stepped down from pulpit.  At least thats what I was going for.  But as good as the designs were a member of the group wanted a priest of an ancient order- something archaic.   And since this musician also happens to be a gammer of World of Warcraft and DnD it would allow me some free reign over the design.  And having been a player for one decade before moving to the Portland area I think I could do this sell on this.

The Real Costume for the Commission.

COMMISSION NEWSFLASH:
I know I already talked about this but I'll mention it again.
During the first day on Friday I did have a major bite.  Another commission came in.  And paid half up front.  Here is a couple shots for his outfit.
Two other people also hit me up for commissions one with a classic Iron Man (a 5"x7“)and another with a devilish mermaid (a 11“x14“).
But neither has gotten back to me as yet but the idea for a few large pieces may have been inspired by these interactions.
So commissions are doing well for the kid.

ODDITIES:
OF COURSE there always a few things that come out that inspire me and of course a creative mind like mine can't leave well enough alone so you'll understand the idea behind The SAVAGE POODLEMOTH MAN!
I belong to a facebook group called the Milkyway Scientists.  And they recently posted a image of what is called a Venezuelan poodle moth.  I had just finished my Fly scratchboard piece when it hit me to make a faux movie poster about the greatest movies you never saw.  And the Poodle moth became my subject.
I am thinking that the mini will be a near full length comic story.  And it will be it a fifties style horror motif- a style of movie that I absolutely love.
Since it is a mini the style of artwork will reflect this.  "C" Horror for classic.
The title may be Another Weird Atomic Tales or Man V.S. Weird Science.

NOW ONTO THE SHOW
DAY 1
The first day generally went off without a hitch.  Pulled into the hotel just across the street is SEATAC airport.  We've gotten the set up done about a half hour before the show started.  The big commission changed the whole dynamic.  But actual cash on the barrelhead was a bit low so food or drink was on the down low.
But the evening turned out to be fun hanging out at the Biohazard room with free drinks was good.
DAY 2
The second day of the show was interesting as it was with a lot of other shows the first couple hours people walk and do the circuit walking around to see what they want to buy.
SO WITH THAT in mind a few sales between the scratchboards it was cool.
The evening again was filled tons of drinks and strange run ins with Big Jim and some sort of lap dancing taking place.
DAY 3
Watching people drag in slowly was kinda funny but I did have to point the finger at myself.  But I and George were doing better. 
But the rest of the day was rather abysmal but it found the show coming to a close.

NOW HERE ARE THE PRO AND CONS OF THE SHOW:
PROS:
The first thing that you will notice as a vendor or as a guest coming into the show is the sense of community.  It felt more open and welcoming than the comic book shows that I have attended over the last 14 years.   Now this is not saying that the other cons and shows are any less welcoming but there is a different kind of vibe.   For all I know it could just be the theme of the show.

2) Along with that community vibe you get a good feeling from the organizers of the place.  Every show has it's volunteers and these minions were more than happy to be there and help out.   As was the case when I needed some food but couldn't get away from the table.  Lo and behold a minion showed and took my basic order for a sub sandwich.  I knew it would take some time for him to get back.
And then after a period of time he was back.  When asked if there was any remuneration for his troubles he said no. Well I did not let his good dead go without something of mine so I gave him a scratchboard of War Ram.  As I could and George saw this kid was more than overwhelmed by this.   I thought "God I hope he doesn't vaporlock from joy."

3)  Celebrities.  Most shows that I have been too the celebrities are usually cordoned off from the rest of show especially ones like  Emerald City or Wizard World (though I had not participated with that show).  The celebs just walked around the tables and talked to people without issues.  It was cool.
There wasn't the "holier than thou" or "do you know who I am?"  thing. 

4) After show party.  Now I have been to a few after show parties but this one was great.  I mean really how can free booze isn't great?  Besides that they got stronger as the night progressed. 

5)  The cosplayers.   Now I know you have heard me bitch about this - especially after E.C.C.C. over the last couple of years but this time around it was nice because there wasn't many of them and they kept moving.  They did not linger in front of vendors for long.

NOW THE CONS OF THE SHOW;
1)  Like all shows there are those select members who are thinking outside of the box, and I do mean outside.  These people are exceeding rude and have no idea of how they come across to vendors or other guests. Social normally has been thrown out the window with these guys.  On three separate occasions our table was graced by these wonderful patrons.
The first had seen the buttons that my friend Rizzo had made for me at the last second.  His thing "You need to scan these at a higher DPI.".  Well thank you for your wonderful input.  Oh and by the way, you business card snatching pony tailed punk put that card back!     You think I want to do business with you?   Think again free swag monkey!
The second proponent of my ire was Big Jim (a phrase that George coined).  His deal was "Aren't you guys worried about copyrights?"
This was in reference to George's renditions of the Scooby Doo gang
as zombie hunters.  As far I know as long as your not making a profit from your fan art then there is no issue.   Then he bounced from our table with a slight smugness.  But there will be more on Big Jim later.
The 3rd was a guy I call Doctor Meatman.  I was just coming back the table from stretching my legs when I sat down and started working in my sketchbook.  He was already engaged in some crazy story.  Then as he proceeds to tell his story he says "Put down the pencil and listen."  WHat?!  EXCUSE ME?  Did I really have any reason to listen to your escapades in stuffing yourself with steak and not having to pay for it?  Last time I looked I was trying to sell my artwork to people who liked it.   When the zombie apocalypse happens I hope your first person they come for- with all the fixings.
These are the people that drive me to drink.

THE COMEDY GOLD THAT IS BIG JIM-  As George likes to say.
okay let's talk let's talk about the whole idea what comedy gold is with Big Jim. To me he was one of those kids who was left out in the field because he didn't hear the cow bell to come home.
To make this short and sweet This guy was still dressed as Zorro the Gay Blade and was following dudes into the restroom and was rumored to asking guys while standing in the stalls  "YA WANTA HEAR A JOKE?".  WTF?!  Last time I checked, dudes don't like being talked to while you're doing your business.  I mean really you're already concerned if you measure up well against the guy your standing next too let alone hear somebody standing behind you breathing  on your neck.   It got so bad that hotel security along with some hired security for the con had to confront Zorro and his mother.  Seriously his mother.  This guy was at least 36 years old.  C'mon.
But it wasn't until later the following day that he was again making his rounds like a cock clucking around a barn yard AND he was still wearing the same outfit.  Man the guy was must have been absolutely ripe! A good place for one air freshing pine trees.   It was then Geo then made the connection to the 70's action figure Big Jim and the Action Pack.   But in this case Big Jim had gone bad with his Torpedo Fist.  All sorts of jokes ensued from this point on.  "BIG JIM'S RESTROOM ACTION SET W/ KUNG-FU GRIP!"

ASIDE FROM THE HILARITY of that Mister Devon Devereaux of Cackling Imp Press was also doing his podcast of the show.  You can listen to it here.

SO IN CONCLUSION-
Would I go back?  THAT IS A HELL YEAH!
And the kid is out of here!

Then there is Crypticon

Hey there sports fans, Al here with the latest:

In a weeks time I will be hanging in Seattle for the Crypticon with my good buddy George Leon and having a great time hanging with Geo.  If you haven't seen his work or know how fast this guy is when it comes whipping up work you have know idea what you are missing.  To see George's work check out http://customcomicshop.wordpress.com.  This will help out figuring out his kinda work.We are the true monsters of cock!

And Crypticon itself looms in the future like a dark storm rolling in over a valley. There are minor fears that I won't have everything I need for the show but I think I can live with that.   But as time goes on there wll be the Rose City show and Jet City show both later in the year.
But I am trying hard to meet my deadline.
If I haven't said this before this will be my first time to this show. 
But now looking forward the Crypticon show taking place near Seattle.  For more info about this show click here http://crypticonseattle.com/.

The Fly- the original 5"x7" scratchboard

Robotman 5"x7" scratchboard

NOW one of the many issues that any creator has when having a successful show is this - "Did I bring enough stuff to sell?"
I know that I have already said this before but with the amount of work that has been coming up a few item will be missed at the show.   Postcards will be one of them unfortunately. But I hope I can have them ready by Rose City and I will also be looking into t-shirts as well to sell. 

BUT there is happy days to be had.  After a long and tiring day at work what did I find but a package addressed to moi.   As you can see from the jpeg Corpse Cop has arrived 4 days early(!!!) so the worries of not having the books to show are now out of the box.  Yay!  Arrival of books has always been a major deal for the kid before a show.  Money is always so tight when you're doing everything  - including eating- and other things get put on hold.  But in this case it's all good. 

These are the grand designs I am looking at as well.If the show goes well for the box (and me) there at Crypticon there may also be stand up banners behind the table as well as a new table cloth.  

Of course this might mean that my friend Angie might have to screen print a brand new Black Box icon for a new table cloth though I don't think she'll have a problem with that.

COMMISSIONS:

I have a meeting with Eric Mimms of Rat Priest to talk over the details of the Commission for him later today (Sunday).  I am sure this will be a good meeting.   If your wanting to look at some of the older blog for Black Box Comix you can check them out here. Black Box Comix Blog.

Or if you're interested in purchasing something that catches your eye  check out here on the Big Cartel web site.  Big Cartel.

And of course is always the backlog of comics here at Indyplanet.

And the kid is out of here!

The Future and Crypticon

Hey there sports fans, Al here with the latest:
Well Stumptown has become a memory of the past but a much needed boost in sales and being appreciated in our own back yard I might add.  But now looking forward the Crypticon show taking place near Seattle.  For more info about this show click here

NOW one of the many issues that any creator has when having a successful show is this - "Did I bring enough stuff to sell?"  Well with the way art flew off the table and the reorder of Corpse Cop #1 and prints plus postcards I think I may be well stocked.  At least I hope I am anyway.

The Selection of New Work

BUT the big issue is do I have enough original pieces of art to sell?  No.   So I am feverishly working on cranking out new bits of art for that show.  Will I make my goal of replacing the 9 I sold at Stumptown.  I hope so Currently I have for on deck right now and about 5 left to go.  Two are color clayboards the other are my traditional scratchboards all 5"x7".  

I have a couple of weeks before George Leon and myself tread on up there but I think it will be fun and nice to get away from Portland for a time.

ALSO Corpse Cop is on it's way back and working hard to get postcards made and business cards at the same time.  I have a feeling that this will be a blast for this show.  Until Fall rolls around for the One Man show Scratch of the Dead and the BIG 300 show.

STORYBOARD AND LAYOUTS:

Now a old friend of mine back in the day which was a Wednesday by the way, has asked me to join his little gothy group to help out with a video blog for his podcast Velvet Coffin.  I have been able to help out a little especially in the regards of layout where the camera should be placed and some ideas of the lighting but also I guess I have also been brought in to help with scripting as well.  I don't know how much I can add to that but I will try to get it my wittiest best to make it fun and humorous all at the same time.

Plus I got to stand in and play a zombie delivery man at the same time and got filmed for it.  That was fun.

COMMISSIONS:

Well one job completed and waiting for the next to step up to plate for Rat Priest.  I have set up a time with my friend Eric to find out when and where, which image his band wants to go with and so on.  

And the kid is out of here!