Hey there, cool kid,
This past weekend, my sister and I threw my parents a party for their 50th wedding anniversary, and it was GREAT! My parents were so happy, and were surrounded by friends and family. Plus the food was delicious. Can’t beat a classic NJ Italian restaurant!
Announcement! See you at SDCC! TWICE!
I got a spot of good news last week…I’m going to be in not one but TWO fabulous panels at San Diego Comic Con! I am so thankful to be apart of a star studded line up of awesome creators!
Crowd-funding Lessons Learned for Indie Cartoonists
The advent of crowd-funding is one of the most powerful resources for the independent comics artist, but can also be one of the most daunting. How does one get started? What if the funding goal isn't met? ...and what does it all say about YOU? In this panel, moderator Justin Giampaoli (Califoni@, Inc - Editor) discusses crowd-funding nuances, best practices and paths to success with established independent creators Karla Medrano (Luna the Queen of Mahru - Writer), Art Ebuen (Califoni@, Inc - Writer), Stephanie Williams (SuperHero Club - Host), Melissa J. Massey (The Alchemist of Aurillia - Artist/Writer), and Ryan Claytor (Elephant Eater Comics - Comics Artist/Professor).
Writing Disciplines for the Undisciplined
There isn’t an exact science or math to writing. It comes to you when it does, and sometimes it might be in a place or time you can’t put it to paper (or keyboard). Moderator Ryan Claytor (Elephant Eater Comics - Comics Artist/Professor), Arthur N. Ebuen (©alifonia, Inc - Writer), Justin Giampaoli (©alifonia, Inc - Editor), Melissa J. Massey (The Alchemist of Aurillia - Artist/Writer), Karla Medrano (Luna the Queen of Mahru - Writer), and Stephanie Williams (Spider-Verse Unlimited - Writer) will share their routines that help them stay at the top of their game to meet the many deadlines they’re faced with. What habits do these accomplished writers have that we need to adopt?
More info to come…I hope to see you there!
When in Doubt, Do Some Script Writing
I’ve been having just the worst time trying to come up with my cover for The Alchemist of Aurillia Volume 1. I’ve sketched over and over and over again. I needed a break from it. Since I want to include some short stories in the back of the book as bonus content, so I took a spin at a first draft. Paid subscribers can read the full thing here:
Speaking of paid, I’m going to try to share an in depth thing per month for my paid subscribers. It could be a script, a deep dive into an illustration, or even some prose writing! I’ve been meaning to do more stuff like this, so I feel if I can plan for one thing a month, then that will be a good first step.
I just really wish I could get this cover together! But changing gears to get some writing out can help get the gears unstuck a little bit. If nothing else, it feels good to just make something and be productive.
Or Maybe My Inks Will be a Sketch
I was cruising some various art videos to try and get me out of my art rut, when I ran into a video by Bad Ink Studios about using the ink as a second “pencil sketch.” They explain it way better than I do, but I gave it a shot on a couple pieces in my sketch books and I LOVE IT! I have been trying for years to get beautiful, clean ink lines that were perfect, and I just haven’t been able to get it. But this…THIS I get. I love how these turned out. I think I’ll incorporate this more into my style instead of trying to be clean and perfect. Because perfect is the enemy of finished, as they say.
Here’s a better look at how those inks turned out!
Check Out This Kickstarter!
SAMSON #1-2 - Escape From Auschwitz by Ben Lacy
The Nazis have been experimenting on twins, Samuel and Solomon Zucker, in an effort to create a race of Nazi Super Soldiers. So far though, the results have been disappointing - so they decide to force the issue by making Samuel fight for his life! And now, alone and powerless, how will he survive the might of Uberkong? While years later, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Samson has finally captured the Uberfuhrer, who he now returns to Israel to be tried for crimes against humanity. However, as Samson will now discover, not only are there more Nazi super soldier still out there, but more are being created…
Classic superhero vibes with all the Nazi punching you can shake a stick at! And also, how great is that variant cover?!
Parting Note
Phew! What a busy week!
‘Till the next time
Melissa J