Joshm's Blog

2011-12-28T10:30:00.003-07:00

Here is a sketch I did for a motorcycle company.

Drawings to come...

2011-11-30T01:37:00.002-07:00

I've been busy for the entire semester and I just finished my last class. I still have to finish up one last paper, but once I'm finished I'll be posting some zombie portrait commissions. I can't wait to begin.

Josh

First page to my X-Men portfolio

2011-04-16T19:43:00.001-06:00

Please let me know if you like it.

Where did the time go?

2011-03-30T01:44:00.002-06:00

Spring Break is over already?!?! It went by way too fast. I was able to get the cover/pinup finished for Force Galexia...still doing touch-ups on the colors, though. I haven't posted the progress, because I want to post the whole thing when it is done. I'm also working on a new portfolio. I haven't drawn any mainstream characters in a while, so this will be an experience. I'll post those when I'm finished as well. They will likely just be pencils, so I'm going to need to work on the light box in order to keep them as clean as I can. I just saw the lettering completed for Space and Time, part 3. It was drawn so long ago that looking at it again was almost likely looking at it for the first time. As for the full story, as of now, we have something like 31 pages done. I really don't know how much longer we have to finish the story arc. I think at some point, Mike and I will need to come up with a final ending. That way we know how many pages we have to complete. Josh

Spring Break

2011-03-16T03:32:00.003-06:00

Finished my last Midterm last night; I think it went well...enough.

I'm working on another piece for Force Gelexia (I hope I spelled that right). I've already finished an initial sketch--several actually--and it is looking good. Andre likes it, which is the important thing--keeping the customer happy. I always like working with Andre, because he trusts me impeccably. Of course I don't want his trust to go to my head, so I try to take my time when I work on his pieces. It helps me get perspective, and focus on what he is looking for, while still keeping my artistic integrity.

I'll likely post the pencils and subsequent steps following them when they are finished. I'm hoping to work on it while taking a week off from both school and work.

Josh

Something new...

2011-01-12T20:34:00.002-07:00

School is starting next week, and I'm looking forward to it, but at the same time I'm sad that it means I'll have less time with the family.

This image is something of a question mark. I'm not sure if I'll do anything with it, but the character and story are already made up. It is just a matter of putting together a platform to produce the story. I'm thinking it will be a webcomic. The question is whether I should use facebook or my block to post the comic. If I do it at all. We'll see once school starts if I'm motivated enough to keep it going.

Josh

Break time

2010-12-27T05:11:00.004-07:00

I've been done with school for two weeks, and I almost forgot how to relax, but I soon remembered. I've been playing Starcraft II, and hanging with the family. My daughter is playing basketball now. Despite the cold weather, I'm helping learn to dribble. Work is pretty much the same, but I'm changing shifts, so I get the weekend off, which will be nice for a change.

This is the inked image to my final project in advanced drawing. I didn't do that great in this class, though. Just a plain old B, but the other classes I did well. Still, it sucks that I'm an artist and can't get an A in drawing class.

There are three pages in total for the above sequential drawing, but I may try to get them published, so I don't want to post them just yet.

Josh

Final Project for another class

2010-12-04T20:02:00.003-07:00

This class is called Advanced Drawing, but this is the first time I'm actually drawing for a project, aside from sketching. This is a story I came up with for this project. I actually like it, so I may do something with it. We'll see.

For now, I have to finish inking this page, and do two other pages to finish it. This is basically the main character learning how to fly for the first time. I also have to do the lettering before this Tuesday. I should be able to do it.

Josh

VAPA Final project

2010-11-28T21:32:00.005-07:00

This is for a class project--my final. It's going to be a performance piece about me creating this art, or rather the creative process--more or less. There will be four people total in the performance piece, which will entail each of us showing the creative process. We intend to get the audience's participation too.

What I'll be showing is me starting to sketch ideas for this, which are pre-drawn sketches, and then I'll show the pencils, inks and finally the color version of this piece. The purpose is to show each of our meanings of the story Peter Pan and how we come up with our art.

Pencils were done in the traditional sense based on various sketches I did in my sketch book.

The inks were done in photoshop, freehand, so I can use the real pencils during the presentation and I'll print the inks on card stock paper at kinkos. The color will be done in photoshop too.

Josh

PS: the other classes I'm in will have finals as well, which I will post up here when I have time.

Mobster face-in-hole cutout...

2010-10-16T15:41:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure if this is what you actually call one of these but I did this face-in-hole cutout of three mobsters with some fellow students, Chelsea and Codi. We did this for our 3D class. It was fun and our professor is trying to get it featured on campus. If we do get it displayed it might be a nice edition to my resume'.

Josh

2010, 24 Hour Comic Challenge

2010-10-04T13:50:00.002-06:00

Did the challenge for the fifth year and a row. I said I wouldn't, but I did it again. I'm glad too, because I was able to figure out a way to feel a lot better by taking a 45 minute nap. That really helped me get through the last 10 hours.

Here is a link to my 24 Hour Comic Challenge, Stranded.

Sketches for school

2010-09-03T17:50:00.002-06:00

Just some work I've done in my sketchbook. Got insperation from Mike Cho in a couple of pieces.

School

2010-09-01T01:38:00.002-06:00

Hi to all and thanks to everyone who is following me on my humble blog. I haven't had a chance to scan in any new sketch, but I do have them ready for scanning. I wrote a short paper about an exhibition that I learned about in class last week, however, I didn't get a chance to use it for my class. Apparently I was supposed to hand it in as a hard copy rather than email, as most instructors would like. No problem, though. I quickly hand wrote a shorter version while in class and turned it in on time. So, here is the full typed version that I didn't use.

Feel free to research about this artist and dig on your own, as it is quite interesting.

The Tate Thames Dig took place in London, England in order to document its culture and industry. Mark Dion, the orchestrator of this dig and artist, and his team combed the shores of a river in Bankside and Millbank. They were waring protective gear using what Mark calls “scatter-gun” approach to search for items of all kinds. Due to the sites protected nature, as it is a conservation area, they could not dig deeper than six inches. They collected many reminisces of London, such as antiques, clay pipes, ouster shells, cattle teeth, toys, old shoes to a fragmented human shinbone. With advice from many experts on what to expect at the sites and techniques to use from archeologists, the team used a field-walking method to search the shores of the river.

Once the team gathered their findings they organized items in red bins, cardboard boxes and plastic clear bins with red and green lids, which were labeled, making sure to keep the contents of both sites separated. Cleaning of the items was done with brushes and water and then dried. Once the team finished cataloging the items they were placed in a large antique cabinet/chest, one side showing off Millbank and the other Bankside. Placement of items were meant to seem arbitrary, however, Mark placed objects of an antique nature alongside modern ones in order to give the audience free rain to interpret the objects in their own way. The installation was placed and acquired by the Tate Gallery.

Mark Dion is questioning the relationship of archeology and art, by using techniques from both fields to document, catalog and display the findings of a dig in a gallery. While there are many differences from what Mark has done and what archeologists do, one cannot help but find the similarities to both fields. In archeology items are placed in museums to help understand cultures from the past and yet what Mark has done is quite similar, but placed in a gallery instead. Mark is an artist with no professional background in archeology and what he has done is found an intersection to the two fields that questions what each does and what role they have in society.

Thanks for reading,

Josh

Redwolf

2010-08-15T21:45:00.004-06:00

So Image Comics took a look at my very rough idea of this story and they did not like it. They were very specific about it too, which is rare. On two accasions I've gotten good feedback about my submission and in both cases the issue was always how the story was written and in the case of Redwolf both the story and how it was written was not up to their standards. I don't like to give up and since they saw promos in my art I'll send the story off to another writer to look at and if they can make something of it we'll send it to Image Comics again.

On a side note about submitting to any comic company. Be professional at all times. You can start a great relationship with an editor even if they gave you a harsh critique about your work. You may not even agree with what they said, although in my case I agree with what Image Comics said, you need to be professional and reply with a thank you for taking time to critique your work.

The pages I've posted are unfinished, since I'll most likely submit the comic again at some point to a publisher, not necessarily Image Comic again. I wouldn't want to publish work that was finished and have to explain to a publisher why the finished work is online already. Please leave a comment if you find what I've posted at all interesting, as this may help me gauge how well this may work from the point of view of the audience.

What's up!

2010-08-06T12:59:00.003-06:00

So I've been drawing, but not much I can post up. I sent a short story to Image for review and if they like it I'll finish it. I'm still working on Space and Time and I did this sketch just yesterday after I had spent all day cleaning my office.

I think I was inspired or something. I was drawing a portrait of a friend and decided to make her into some kind of sci-fi character. Maybe I'll use the design in a comic or something.

Lunch time, so I'll have to cut this post short. See you around.

Josh

Work and sketching when I can

2010-07-20T18:28:00.003-06:00

I haven't had a lot of time to finish the page I've been working on, so I've had to resort in sketching. This is a cross between Alex and Emilia, because I wasn't sure who I was drawing.

School is getting closer to starting for me. I'll be repeating Calc 1, because I don't want to bother trying to remember what I learned five years ago. And I'll be taking Java 2. Just those two classes this semester. I don't want to kill myself trying to work full time, draw and go to classes. Due to my odd work schedule I have to go to class five days a week. In a way that is good. It forces me to keep doing school everyday, on the other hand I won't have a break for four months other than the weekends.

Back to work I go.

Thanks for reading.

Josh

Space and Time

2010-07-15T04:20:00.002-06:00

So I got some new pens. Pilot Pigment Ink pen and a Pentel Arts Pocket Brush pen. Did this sketch to test those bad boys out and I like them. The company I bought them from was JetPens. It was really easy to buy and isn't a small company at all.

I've already finished two pages for the next chapter of Space and Time. I may post some preview pages in a week or so.

Josh

Redwolf

2010-06-24T18:38:00.003-06:00

Here is an idea I came up with for a cool story that's very, very roughly based on the Red Riding Hood story. Originally I did this for a sketch challenge over at Ten Ton Studios, but didn't finish it in time. If I ever get the chance to do the story it is also based on a fantasy story I read recently by Terry Brooks.

Josh

G.I. Joe script

2010-06-21T21:36:00.000-06:00

I'm waiting for the script to Space and Time, so I'm staying sharp by drawing a G.I. Joe script I got from Larry. He was kind enough to give it to me, so I should at least get the six pages he gave me done.

Space and Time

2010-06-17T21:58:00.002-06:00

Here are a couple of sketches I did today. I'll be starting the latest installment of Space and Time soon.

A Rose for A Rose

2010-06-02T17:16:00.002-06:00

The Beauty and the Beast story is coming along nicely. I have three more pages to ink and then it's on to the next project. I was able to get a colorist for this story, so I'll update when I have time about that.

In the mean time here is a page fully inked.

Prints

2010-05-21T10:50:00.002-06:00

So I uploaded some new prints on my Deviant Art account. Please stop by and take a look.

Sketch with bats

2010-05-19T12:01:00.005-06:00

Did this sketch last night for inking practice, because I'm starting to ink A Rose for A Rose this week. I entered this in the Ten Ton Sketch Challenge.

School is out...for now.

2010-05-15T00:14:00.003-06:00

Just finished the semester and I've already signed up for summer and fall classes, but I've got a whole month off to catch up with comics I'm working on. First one to finish is A Rose for A Rose, which is a sci-fi version of Beauty and the Beast.

Next is Space and Time part three set to be released in Outbound 3. So far we have most of A Rose for A Rose finished and I just need to ink the pages after I finish this last page. Mike is already working on the next Space and Time story.

I have a third project I'm hoping to get under way soon that a few college friends and I are going to do, but I'll update more about that later. In the meantime enjoy this sketch I did at CamCon.

Josh

CamCon

2010-05-01T09:19:00.002-06:00

Sorry to post this at the last second. I'm at CamCon today until around 8pm.

Josh

Comic Fest April 16-18

2010-04-12T00:35:00.004-06:00

I'll be sitting with Squid Works. We'll be in artist alley. I'll have some preview work of A Rose for a Rose to show off and helpfully a preview of Outbound 2, which features me and Mike Paoloni's story Space and Time. The cover is about our story and painted by Marcello Buchelli. You can preorder a copy here at Outboundmagazine.com.

Special Guests at Comic Fest:
Artist Whilce Portacio (Image co-founder, X-Men, Image United, Superman/Batman.)
Artist/Writer Dan Brereton (Nocturnals, Punisher, Thor: God-Size, Secret Invasion Aftermath)
Writer Matt Sturges (Jack of Fables, House of Mystery, Shadowpact)
Artist Amy Reeder Hadley (Madame Xanadu, Fool’s Gold)
Artist Fiona Staples (North 40, Done to Death, Secret History of the Authority, Astonishing Tales.)
Artist Tim Lane (Happy Hour in America, Abandoned Cars, Hotwire anthology)

Creature From the Black Lagoon

2010-03-24T21:19:00.003-06:00

Just a sketch I did today for the Ten Ton Sketch Challenge. Going to have a nice break from school this week and finally get some pages finished for A Rose for a Rose.

Josh

Linear Perspective study

2010-03-13T16:23:00.003-07:00

Just something I did for school. I'm studying for midterms for next week, so no time to talk.

Josh

A Rose for a Rose

2010-03-05T16:14:00.003-07:00

Here are two penciled pages for the latest story I'm working on. I'm almost finish with this one, so I'm hoping I can take a break and work on some other art I've been planning to do. I'll get into that when the time comes to doing it, though.

Josh

Cons to come

2010-02-27T18:45:00.006-07:00

I have been drawing a lot, but nothing I can post up yet. I'll try to get something to put up here soon. I'm getting ready for Comic Fest and you can find out more about that at http://www.denvercomicfest.com.

I'm not sure who did the artwork for the above art, but it is what they sent for artists to let everyone know they will be at Comic Fest. When the date gets closer I will post more details as to which panels I'll be apart of and where I will be in artist alley.

I'm just a few pages away from being done with the latest story I'm doing with Mike Poaloni. I've been doing just pencils for now and later I'll finish them up by inking them. I'm going to need a colorist, so I'll be on the search for one soon.

Josh

What I've been up to

2010-02-11T04:43:00.003-07:00

So, I'm in school and finishing a degree, but kind of starting over too. I decided to go back for Computer Science, but it is a business degree too. I'm not in any rush to finish, so we'll see how long it takes to finish.

I've finished five pages for the syfy Beauty and the Beast story, which is now called A Rose for A Rose. It turned out to be a really cool story and Mike Poaloni did a great job on it. I only hope my art can express his story accurately.

I'm posting a few sketches I've done in the past month.

Josh

Black Widow

2010-01-11T20:18:00.001-07:00

Just another sketch.

Sketches

2010-01-09T19:30:00.001-07:00

I'm sure everyone has heard of "Wally Woods 22 panels that always work!!". Well, while I was waiting to work on my latest project I wanted to do some practice drawing. This was on a large poster board. I Used sharpies and just did quick sketches to get my hands wet, so to speak.

Another Superman

2009-12-29T18:54:00.005-07:00

Had time for another sketch. Looks like Outbound Volume one will be out in a month or so. The cover looks amazing. I can't wait to get a copy.

Superman

2009-12-21T19:49:00.002-07:00

This is a sketch I did over the past few days. It is for a sketch challenge over at Ten Ton.

I'm working on another short story for a really great project. Many people are involved and I'm really existed about the story. I'll try to give some more info about it when I can.

Thanks,

Josh

Sketches to come...

2009-12-12T21:39:00.002-07:00

I finished all the pages of Space and Time for volume II of Outbound. I'm going back to school to finish a long over due degree in engineering. I'm more than half done with it, so it shouldn't be that difficult.

I'll be doing sketches when time permits and any sequential pages I do won't be posted, as it is for a new book I'm working on that a major publisher wants in on. No guaranties in this biz, but they like the story enough to send me all their legal stuff and I can't post anything if I plan to publish with them.

See you around.

Josh

Alex from Space and Time

2009-11-16T15:45:00.002-07:00

Here is a sketch I did the other night. I have some big news that I can't share yet, so I'll just leave you guys hanging for now. (I'm not evil, I'm just cold.)

Just trying to finish up the Space and Time pages and then I'm starting a new project that I mentioned above.

American Indian Girl

2009-11-09T20:11:00.003-07:00

I was not able to get pages finished for Space and Time, but I had this sketch laying around that I wanted to finish inking. I'm very busy right now, so not much I can report, but when I have more time I'll post something with more details.

Frankenstein and his brid

2009-10-29T09:37:00.002-06:00

Space and Time

2009-10-27T00:28:00.002-06:00

Here is page 4 of Space and Time and since this is the second installment of the same story it's really page 12. The style of the art is darker, as that is what Mike and I agreed the story called for. I also like drawing with spotted blacks now.

I'm also working on a new story that a well known publisher (McFarland) wants to publish or at least they've showed interest in publishing it. They have three graphic novels they want to publish and two are already chosen and they are both based on true stories. Mine is a fiction story, which they asked for, and would be their third and final graphic novel for this series. I emailed them back and I'm still waiting on details as to what payment is or how much percentage I would get for the novel. I'm hoping Mike Poaloni will work with me on it, but I haven't heard back from him either.

They want the story to be at least 120 pages and I told them it would take me a year, so that's another reason I may not have heard back from them yet. They may need the stories sooner. If they end up going with someone else's story I may end up pitching it to Image Comics to see if they like it.

On another note, I went to MileHiCon last weekend to do two panels. Future arts and Breaking Down a Comic Page and they were both well received. I enjoyed the second one a lot, because it's more in line with what I'm doing today. It was primarily writers at the panel, which was nice. I liked that writers were interested in the artist process.

Thanks,

Josh

MileHiCon (Art of Silver Bullet)

2009-10-22T08:16:00.002-06:00

I'll be doing two panels this weekend at MileHiCon.

Saturday, October 24th

11 am - noon Future Arts (Mesa Verde A) - Josh Mills

I'll be moderating on this one. This will be a discussion on where art is going, how it will affect artists and fans. There will be four other artists with me. It should be a fun discussion and my first time as a moderator.

Sunday, October 25th

11 am - noon Breaking Down a Comic Page (Wind River A) - Josh Mills

Well, the title pretty much says it. I'll discuss how I and other professionals tackle a page. What are the pitfalls and what to look for from the writer? I'll also have some books that I'll bring in that are well known in the industry to reference, as I'm far from a master myself.

Hope to see you there.

The sketch I did is for the sketch challenge at Ten Ton Studios. The character was created by Bret Wood. It was a very fun sketch.

Vampirella

2009-10-08T06:14:00.002-06:00

This was a warm-up sketch before I started the rough pages for Space and Time. I'm hoping to be finished with all 8 pages in a few weeks.

Josh

2009: 24 Hour Comic Book Challenge

2009-10-05T23:28:00.004-06:00

I did the 24 hour comic book challenge again this year. It was a little different this time, in that I didn't know what I would be drawing before the time started ticking away. I knew if I had really thought about it I would run the risk of not finishing on time. So, the first thing that popped in my head was a guy that was hired to find a dangerous villain, however, by the end of the book I had changed it so much that you'll just have to read it to understand it.

I posted it in my Facebook albums. You may have to be-friend me on Facebook to see it.

Thanks,

Josh

50 Girls 50

2009-10-02T16:44:00.002-06:00

Here are six pages I did for the 50 Girls 50 contest. Who ever wins gets to draw the comic. It was really fun to draw. A lot of great artists in this contest, so I'm not thinking I'll win, but no regrets here.

I'm starting the next short story for Space and Time, which will be featured in Outbound Volume 2.

Josh
--
Portfolio: http://www.ifreelance.com/pro/10406
Website: http://www.joshmillsart.com
Blog: http://www.comicbookculture.com

Thing vs. Juggernaut

2009-09-02T09:10:00.002-06:00

Another sketch challenge entry Thing vs. Juggernaut. Did this one at my lunch break this morning.

Black Knight

2009-08-22T11:36:00.003-06:00

Did a quick sketch this morning. This is for the Ten Ton sketch challenge.

Ultimate X-Men

2009-08-15T16:54:00.003-06:00

Edit: Made some changes to Wolverine and Colossus' fist.

Here is the third and final page of Ultimate X-Men. It was pretty cool to do the pages, but now it is back to doing Space and Time again.

Josh

Ultimate x-men issue 46

2009-08-13T10:48:00.001-06:00

Here is the second page. One more to go.

Ultimate X-Men Page

2009-08-08T08:23:00.004-06:00

Edit: I made an edit to the last panel. Wolverine needed to be bigger and fixed Peter's head.

I did this for fun and to get back into doing pages. I'm going to do two more for this short and then I'm back to doing pages for Space and Time.

This page is from Ultimate X-Men 46.

Josh

Marvel Girls 2

2009-08-05T22:02:00.002-06:00

Here is another drawing of some Marvel Girls and the second one I've done.

SDCC was great and I made some good contacts. Nothing to report other than my family and I had a great time. For those who stopped by to say hi I want to thank you and I hope to see all of you again.

Josh

SDCC

2009-07-19T14:57:00.002-06:00

I'll be at K-14 in Small Press.

I'll be sitting with Squidworks in the small press area. I will have a banner up there, so look for that. Please stop by the booth to say hi. I'll be selling some of my comics and doing sketches when I can.

--
Portfolio: http://www.ifreelance.com/pro/10406
Website: http://www.joshmillsart.com
Blog: http://www.comicbookculture.com

Rouge Sketch

2009-06-28T02:31:00.002-06:00

I've got little time it seems to work on a portfolio for SDCC. I was hoping to compile some of the short stories I've been doing for Ronin Studios, Dogpile Press and a few other small press companies, but I keep getting more work. I'm not complaining, mind you, but it does make things more difficult when I need more time.

I've been doing a series of covers for a company, but I'm not sure what they're going to be used for. I just can't talk about it until they do. I'm still going to finish the second short story for Space and Time, but still waiting on Mike to write the script. Like I said before, I've given him a rough idea of what the eight pages need to have in it and he's going to write the pace/timing and dialog.

I haven't been able to do any sketch challenges that I used to do at Ten Ton Studios for awhile, but I'll get back there once things slow down.

My day job is getting very busy for me as well. I don't generally talk about it on my blog, but that just adds to the busyness of my schedule. Well, back to work I go.

Josh

Lacias Run

2009-06-20T19:55:00.003-06:00

This was a commission that turned out to be more work than I expected, but seeing the finished product I can't complain. I like the concept, which was not mine. I just came up with the look, for the most part, design of the cover, but all the little details were requested.

I'll be at the SDCC this year with friends from Squid Works. I'll be in small press area. I"ll have a scheduled time that I'll be sitting there and once I have our schedule I'll post it.

Josh

Deadshot

2009-06-05T04:24:00.003-06:00

This is a Deadshot commission I had this month.

I've sent eight pages of Space and Time off to Mike and once he's finished writing his take on it I'll start the pages.

It's too early to say anything of note, so I'll update again soon.

Josh

Space and Time

2009-05-31T01:45:00.003-06:00

Outbound 1 sold out and they're printing another edition. I'll be bringing some copies of the first printing if they don't get sold out before I make it to SDCC. I have 5 left if anyone is interested in getting a copy.

This is a pinup/cover. I'm not sure what I'll be using it for yet, but it may just end up as a pinup in the graphic novel. I'm going to see if Image will print it and a few others, but I'm going to make it 90 to 120 pages.

The second Outbound will continue the 8 page story with 8 to 12 more pages and it will lead into the graphic novel. I'll give more updates as they come up. I'm thinking the graphic novel will be in color, while the short story in Outbound is black and white.

I'm pretty busy right now. I have some commissions I'm working on, another cover, and the 8 to 12 more pages for Space and Time in Outbound 2. I'm hoping I'll have everything finished before SDCC.

Josh

Wolverine Redesign

2009-05-16T15:12:00.003-06:00

I don't have time to write too much, but all is good in the art department. I'm working on some pieces for a music video and I'll be back on Space and Time in a few weeks. Outbound did come out and it's amazing. The copies I got are nearly sold out and I'm not sure they're printing more, so I don't see me bringing any copies to SDCC.

This Wolverine redesign is not without a story:

Wolverine never loses his memories, but hides his pain inside. He becomes the great weapon that he was designed for by the government. He chooses to retire and live a life of repentance around the 70's, and raises a family.

The government is afraid of his long life, so they try to kill him to hide their secrets and end up killing his family instead. He vows to seek revenge and goes on his killing spree, but Jean Gray saves him from himself and helps to get over his pain.

He joins the X-Men, but as is the character of Wolverine, he never truly feels at home.

This new back story was just for fun and the new suit was for a contest. I'll let you know if I win. :)

Thanks,

Josh

Outbound

2009-04-27T17:48:00.001-06:00

Outbound is the new comic that's featuring several awesome artists, writers and stories. I'm really excited for this book, because it's not only featuring Sci-FI only stories, but a lot of my friends are in the book. To name a few, David Newbold, Mike Paoloni, Jason Baroody, Brett Barkley, Chris Ring, Alexandra (my wife) Mills and many others.

If you want to order a copy you can email me.

Outbound is featuring my story Space and Time and the cover you see above is a chapter cover. Not the cover of the comic. They got a really great painter Marcelo Buchelli to do up a cover for the book. I cannot wait to see it. I'm told the comic has just been sent off to the printers today.

Josh

--
Portfolio: http://www.ifreelance.com/pro/10406
Website: http://www.joshmillsart.com
Blog: http://www.comicbookculture.com

Fwd: Testing the new email feature at blogspot

2009-04-16T16:01:00.002-06:00

This week has been totally busy. I have been finishing up Space and Time for Outbound 1 with my wife. She's been helping with inks and tones, because I'm a slacker and can't get stuff out on time. Actually I've been sick for a week, so it's been rough getting this story out, but I'm really happy with how it came out. All that's needed to finish is a few touch-ups, tones and lettering.

I'm taking a little break from comics to get my CompTIA A+ certification for my day job. Something they want us to have now. Not sure why, but it's most likely just one of those management things that they're pushing now.

Next issue of Outbound will be out a month or so after this issue, so I'll have plenty of time to work on that story.

Josh

--
Portfolio: http://www.ifreelance.com/pro/10406
Website: http://www.joshmillsart.com
Blog: http://www.comicbookculture.com

One con down!

2009-04-07T15:12:00.005-06:00

Space and Time logo is copyright Josh Mills.

Page 1

Page 3

I had a really great time at the con. Aaron Kuder, Doug Hills, Steve Willhite, Pami, Khoi Pham, Phil and many others made the show a fantastic one. I'm hoping I can make ECCC again. I wish I had had a chance to stop by some of the booths where other creators were, but I was pretty stuck at the booth or helping Ronin Studios with there banners.

Here is a link to some pics my wife took at the show: Facebook ECCC photots.

I hope the next con will be SDCC this year, but I'll post about that in May when I know for sure I'm going.

I'm still hard at work on Space and Time and I've posted some rough pencils for a preview.

Josh

Sketchbook has been shipped!

2009-03-26T17:06:00.002-06:00

It is official. My sketchbook has been shipped. With Ronin Studios having problems getting Hope published I was afraid I wouldn't have anything to sell at Emerald City Comicon, but all the worry is over.

I'm selling the sketchbook for $10 and it comes with a free bookmark sketch, which I'll draw right there when you buy the book, unless I'm not sitting there, but I'll get you hooked up some time at the show or after if I end up selling the full 100 books.

This sketchbook is a limited print and will be available until supplies last. Once it's gone it's gone forever.

If you can't make the show and you want to order one please email me and I'll save one for you, however, first come first server.

ECCC Emerald City Comicon

2009-03-18T13:24:00.012-06:00

This is the cover to my Sketchbook.

One page from the sketchbook.

Wow, it's almost time for the ECCC. It feels like just yesterday was just thinking about going. I started printing banners for Ronin Studios for the show too, so I've been really busy lately. I'm printing two banners for myself. One promoting my new sketchbook and the other promoting several of the books I have coming out this year.

I'm just about finished with my second installment of Battling Yank (a short story going in Adam Zero) and then I'm on to the next project called, some of you might remember, Time and Space. That's right, two years after creating this cool story it's finally found a publisher. River Bird Studios and Boston Comics Round Table are publishing an anthology called Outbound. My story will be featured in issue 1 and 2. Mike Paoloni is going to write it and I'll just try to stay out of his way, since he's an accomplished writer. I'm doing the art and here is a sample panel.

I hope to see lots of people there and I'm sitting with both Ronin Studios and I have an artist Ally table C-08. Aaron Kuder, AKA DDG, is sharing a table with me. There will be a few other Ten Ton guys sharing tables right by mine and Khoi Pham should be close by too. This show is going to rock!

Please come by and say hi.

Thanks,

Josh

She-Hulk

2009-03-05T09:38:00.003-07:00

A quick sketch that took a long time to ink. Nothing right now to report, so I'll just leave you with my sketch. :)

Josh

Daredevil and Electra

2009-02-26T07:58:00.002-07:00

So, big news friends! Gusto got a colorist and he's so good (that is the colorist is) I can't even describe it to you. Just think my work and then it actually looking good and that's not even close to how awesome this guy is. I'll name names when all is finished and Ronin Studios is putting out the ad for the anthology.

I have a bunch of stuff coming out in a few months, so this is shaping up to be a great year. I cannot wait until ECCC. I'm sitting with Ronin Studios and I have a table in artist alley where I'll be sitting with a good friend Aaron Kuder. He's a great guy and an amazing artist.

I'm also printing up two banners for myself and I'm offering any artists that want banners the opportunity to buy top quality banners at just about any size you want while supplies last. My brother has this great printer that he uses for other printing services for his company and he's letting me print some banners for Ronin Studios and myself and if anyone else is interested in learning more let me know. I can even send you a sample of the print if you want.

Josh

Space Girl

2009-02-14T11:38:00.004-07:00

Travis Charest is one of my favorite artists and I've been working on coloring this sketch for some time now and I think it's finally finished. I wanted to create something imaginative, but still stay true to his character, but in that respect I don't know if I succeeded.

As for updates I'm still working on another short story for Adam Zero and I do have an inker I'm working with. I've sent him one sketch to ink and it turned out amazing, but I'll update everyone on who that is when I'm further along in the process.

Thanks for stopping by,

Josh

Exculaber redesign sketch

2009-02-05T16:49:00.001-07:00

Just a quick sketch I did last night.

Moving along nicely!

2009-02-03T14:22:00.005-07:00

Planning for ECCC is coming along nicely and I have some other small cons I'm going to in Denver before ECCC. I designed the character, based on what Marc asked for, called Fastball. I think it turned out pretty well, but no word yet from Marc.

I'll be sketching out the pages for the next short story and penciling them pretty tight again, as I may have an inker that I'll be working with. I also have some other projects in the works, but nothing concrete yet. Look for updates to follow.

Mike, the writer I often work with, is settling into his new home in OH, so hopefully soon we'll be starting a new pitch to Image Comics or somewhere. I think my webcomic is going to just sit there for awhile, at least until I have some more inspiration to work on it or time for that matter.

The above sketch is from a webcomic I found on deviant art and felt like sketching the main character. Here you can find the Webcomic: http://www.drunkduck.com/NewGirl/index.php

Thanks for reading,

Josh

Adam Zero page

2009-01-26T10:38:00.005-07:00

Here is a page from the short story I'm doing for Marc Fletcher's Adam Zero. I am looking for an inker to help me with the next story, so if you're an inker looking to get some published work let me know. Just send me an email.

ECCC: I will have a table in artist alley and I'll be sitting with Ronin Studios for some of the time too. I'll give you a more detailed schedule, so if you're planning to stop by you'll know when I'll be there. I'll be promoting some of my upcoming books I have coming out and doing sketches for any who art kind enough to ask. :)

Thanks,

Josh

PS: If you read my web comic you'll find I'm pausing it for a short time to work on some more pressing work.

SpaceGirl

2009-01-15T10:55:00.002-07:00

One of my favorite web comics of all time. Travis Charest’s SpaceGirl. I did this for the sketch challenge over at Ten Ton Studios forum and I couldn't resist.

I've got a new gig lined up and it's another short story for Battling Yank. I love the story, so when Marc asked me to do another short story I was like, "of course I do."

I have been taking my time with the inks on these last pages and boy am I behind. I should be finished with a few pages, but I'm still on page 2. Lots of detail and blacks on that page, so I guess it's bound to go slowly.

Here is the Spacegirl web comic: http://groups.msn.com/travischarest/spacegirlcomic.msnw?Page=1

Favola updated...

2009-01-13T08:25:00.001-07:00

I just updated my web comic Favola with two new pages. I was behind with the holidays, but I'm back on schedule. I haven't really gotten many crits with the comic and I know it's not perfect, so if you get a chance to read it please let me know what you think. Eventually I would love for this story to be published, so I want it to be as good as it can be.

I have finished the inks for the first page of Battling Yank, the new story I'm doing for one of the Adam Zero books. I should be finished with all the pages this week, now that I am caught up. Then it's on to the next project, which hasn't been decided yet. I have a few offers that I'm looking over and if nothing pans out there I have this cool story I want to pitch to Image Comics, so I'm busy, busy, busy....

Thanks for stopping by,

Josh

The Spirit Inked

2009-01-06T22:50:00.001-07:00

Another short story finished

2009-01-04T22:27:00.003-07:00

I just finished a short story that's going to be in one of next issues of Adam Zero. I still have to ink them, but I consider it finished from a pencillers perspective. I'm working on an idea I came up with and Mike really likes it, so we'll possibly pitch it to Image.

I'm also sending this short story to Marvel Comics as a submission for a penceller position. It has been awhile since I've sent them anything, so I thought I'd give it another shot. I might send it to some other companies too, but Marvel has been a dream of mine for so long. I think just having an opportunity to do a story on one of their books would be good enough for me. I really don't see me taking on a comic job full time.

Time for me to get ready for another week in the Bunker fixing servers and trying not to fall asleep...which I only did for a few seconds once.

The above image is obviously the Spirit and I'll be inking it and possibly coloring it for the Ten Ton sketch challenge.

Josh

Merry Christmas to all!

2008-12-25T13:23:00.002-07:00

I hope everyone is well today and you've all got what you wanted. Me, I'm just glad I have a great family and I have my health. Thank God for all things!

Here are four sketch cards I did for the American Cancer Society auction. I asked to do 12, but they sent only four cards to me, so I guess this is all the American Cancer Society gets this year.

In comic news, I have finished Gusto, but still no word on whether the colorist will be replaced with someone else or if I'll end up coloring it. I wasn't scheduled to color it, but the colorist they had wasn't quite up to par, so I offered and sent the editor one page colored. We'll see what happens.

I'm working on another short story, but this time for a creator over at Ronin Studios. He saw my work on their forum and he asked me to do the eight page back story in one of his up coming comics.

Until next time, stay safe and if you're getting blisters from drawing you're not drawing enough.

Josh

My new website...

2008-12-21T16:37:00.003-07:00

It's been a long time coming, but my new website is up. http://www.joshmillsart.com

My wife did the website and you can see here portfolio here: http://phenixwd.deviantart.com/

I've got new work on the site and some preview pages from my new story that's going into Ronin Illustrated #5.

Josh

Gusto book finished and on to the next...!

2008-12-15T15:10:00.002-07:00

I finished the cowboy/western short comic story called Gusto, but it still has to be colored. We don't know who or when that's going to be done, but I'm pretty happy with how it's come out. It took longer than I wanted, but this is only a part time job right now, so that's to be expected.

I'm already started on the new project--another short story--and I'm definitely taking my time on this one. It's kind of a war type story, but more dealing with after the war type story. The concept is really cool and I can't wait to post some sketch from it. I'm almost finished with the first page pencils and I'm inking it myself too.

I'm still playing around with my DS when I'm waiting for my wife at the doctors or on beak and where ever I can. So, I have a lot of unfinished sketches, but I'll get them finished eventually. I've been trying to spread the word about the Nintendo DS and COLORS, but so far I don't know if there are any new NDS/COLORS users.

Finally, I have reserved a hotel room for my wife and I and a table at the Seattle Comic Con in April. If anyone will be there I'm going to have a sketch book for sale and hopefully one of the published books I have. I’ll be selling the sketch book at this website as well, but not until after the con.

The Psylocke pinup is unfinished, but I thought I'd post it up so it remind me to finish it one of these days.

Hugh Jackman DS Painting

2008-12-04T12:20:00.005-07:00

Here are a few DS paintings. Hugh Jackman took me the longest and I still could work on it, but I thought it was good enough. If you want to see the playback on these paintings click on the below link where you can see my colors gallery.

http://colors.collectingsmiles.com/author.php?page=1&id=474

Past and Future

2008-11-30T20:25:00.002-07:00

This is a painting I started awhile back, which I posted a sample of way back when, so you can go back and find if you want. I'm finally finished and I think it's pretty good, but mostly I'm just happy with it being finished.

I'm inking Gusto now and I should be finished by the end of the week.

Josh

Favola update

2008-11-25T22:44:00.003-07:00

I just posted the latest page to my web comic Favola. I'm updating it every two weeks every Monday, but sometimes I'm a little late. Hopefully I won't be late anymore. I want to keep this up for at least a year.

Here are the first two pages and one panel to the third page.

Psylocke

2008-11-24T08:24:00.002-07:00

I did this over the weekend to play with Jim Lee's style. He's a real great example of the greatness of the 90's. Many of the artists have changed their style, but Jim's has stayed pretty much the same. I like that. I seem to change styles with moods.

I'm almost finished with the Gusto pages, but I got too busy this weekend again, so I was only able to finish two pages and this pic.

Lunch Sketches

2008-11-21T10:08:00.003-07:00

I've been taking my 30 minute lunch and drawing recently. Mostly because it's cold outside and I don't want to go anywhere and a lot of the time I'll eat while I work, so I can take time to draw on my lunch.

Here are a few of my lunch sketches I've done this week.

The Gusto book is moving along nicely. I'm four pages in and I should be finished this weekend with the pencils. I'll ink them next week and I'll be starting another project right after it, so I'll let you know more about that when I start it.

Josh

Random stuff

2008-11-19T08:39:00.001-07:00

As I said below this is just some work I've been doing for the past six months.

More sequential pages!

2008-11-19T08:32:00.005-07:00

Sequential pages

2008-11-19T08:03:00.004-07:00

I've decided to show some of the work I've been working on in the past six months or so. I had some rejected by publishers and others I haven't finished yet. If you like one group of pages more than another, please let me know. I can use the feedback.

Thank,

Josh

Web Comic Updated

2008-11-04T06:33:00.004-07:00

I just updated my web comic with its first colored page.

Here is the link to my web comic: http://josh.smackjeeves.com/

For a quick update I'm doing another short story for Ronin Studios for their Hope anthology. I'm looking forward to it, because it's a western. I normally draw superhero things and this is a nice change of pace.

Favola

2008-11-02T08:43:00.006-07:00

Favola is the title of my web comic. The sketch is of one of the characters named Faith.

Thoughts on Holmes

2008-10-27T16:37:00.004-06:00

I'm reading the Complete Sherlock Holmes Volume I and thus far it's understandable why it was such an instant hit, and subsequently one of the most endearing characters throughout history. Holmes has this unique and appealing arrogance. I never really noticed it, but I think in a way the hero is meant to be you, the reader, and therefore the arrogance is ones own arrogance. In any event, the stories are short and subtly working towards a greater story that seems to be developing throughout the volume, but I've only just began to read it, so I am only speculating.

I think what makes these short stories so appealing to me, a comic artist, is that each short story could easily be a comic book. I think if I were to illustrate the stories I'd want to make them more relevant to today's technological advantages and knowledge of sciences. I could easily see these stories in a future type setting as well. I think it might bring a dynamic feeling to the stories if it was set in a Gotham City type surrounding. Obviously, this is where Batman came from, but with the Shadow added to the mix.

If I were to create a new superhero based on Holmes I'd want him to have few and almost weak powers, but an arrogance that was almost recluse. Maybe make situations more dynamic, with shooting, fighting and lots of action, but still making the deduction his greatest attribute.

I've only read up to page 99, the third chapter one, I think. Each short story has it's own chapters, so page number is really the only way to know where I am in the book. I do think these stories, so far, were ill prepared, as I'm sure he didn't know how popular they would become. It seemed, in the first story, as he approached the ending he decided to tell the story of the perpetrator, to fulfill a sense of satisfaction for the murders that had taken place and Holmes own importance in the story became lessened in a way. I think the story was well done, but could have been organized better to create more mystery on top of the mystery, but then again I'm not that a writer, so these are just my thoughts so far.

I'll be continuing the story of my 24 hour comics challenge as a web comic that I'll publish every Monday, hopefully. I've posted some of the characters in color here and I'll keep you all posted with my progress as it develops.

As far as other projects, I have things in the works and I'm in talks with a few companies and as soon as I have something concrete to report and will.

Josh

Once Upon a Love Story

2008-10-20T23:44:00.003-06:00

Here is the comic I did during the 24 hour comic challenge: Once Upon a Love Story

The image on the cover page was drawn after the challenge, but the cover page itself was drawn during the challenge.

Enjoy!

24 hour comic finished, but not scanned yet.

2008-10-19T16:45:00.001-06:00

I'll have my full 25 page comic up either tonight or tomorrow after work. I just got home and I haven't slept in almost two days, so I'm quite sleepy. I did one extra page for the title.

24 Hour Comic Book Challenge

2008-10-17T06:04:00.002-06:00

I'll be doing my third 24 hour comic book this weekend. I do this every year with Squidworks and whomever else shows up. The other two years had about 30 people attend. The process of staying up for over 24 hours, because I have to drive there from another city, is extremely painful, but very rewarding.

I get a lot out of it, but most of all I can feel good about accomplishing what normally takes more than a month, in 24 hours. You stop worrying about all the little details and focus only on the whole story. You can see the story form right before your eyes. Even a small 9 page story takes awhile and once it's finished you can finally look back and say, "Okay, now I get the full picture." Where as a 24 hour comic you're seeing the full product in one sitting.

Another thing I've noticed is what you learn and how much better I got at laying out pages once I finished one of these. It's not like anything else. You can spend hours drawing and finishing pages, but once you've finished a 24 hour comic you realize what's important and what can be left alone to come back to if you have time.

This year I'm doing something different than the other two years. I'll be taking an hour or more to write a good script...well, better than just making it up as I go. I'll write it much like a do any story, using the three act play format. I'll come up with all the right elements that make up a good story and I'll try to end it on a note that will entice the reader to inquire about more stories. Who knows, it might become a new series.

I don't think about what I'm going to write until I sit down and begin the challenge, which is something I haven't done on the other two challenges. I had the main character thought of before hand, but this time I'm just going to go all out and come up with it right then and there.

Here is the link to Squidworks 24 hour page: http://www.squidworks.com/Events/2008d24hcc.html

Lots of sketches

2008-10-11T19:20:00.003-06:00

I'm supposed to be doing some comic pages, but I've been too busy to sit down and get all the references I need and whatnot, so I've been doing sketches when I have a few minutes here and there. Today, I did the pencil sketches and finished the x-man sketch.

I'm starting to work in a new department at work, which is a good thing. I'll be working in the Data Center with all the servers and mainframes. Normally I'm either working on updating documents for IT or on the phones with customers. Now I get to get my hands dirty, which is where I've been wanting to go for the past two years, so I'm quite happy. I'll be working a different shift, so I have only one day off this week.

Well, back to work I go!

Red Day

2008-10-04T20:51:00.004-06:00

I call this piece Red Day for obvious reason. I'm told this is a book, but it's also a game called The Witcher. I did this for a contest over at DeviantArt. I have a link to my page in the links section of this blog.

You can order prints here: http://www.deviantart.com/print/4232706/

Witcher Game pinup

2008-10-01T21:32:00.003-06:00

Did this for fun and practice drawing monsters. I've finished the Ronin Studios story I was working on and it's off to the letter now. The next story is kind of a horror story, but it's also something of a mystery, like Sherlock Holmes. Anyway, it's just in the beginning of my though process, so I really don't have any idea what it's going to be like.

I'll post sketches of some of the characters when they're done.

Anime sketches from NDK

2008-09-15T08:54:00.004-06:00

NDK was a learning experience for sure. I have to remember to print business cards before I go next time. I printed like 50 the first day and had three left, so I kept having to go back and print more. One thing I liked about the show was the diversity of people. We had comic guys, Trekkie's, anime and just about anyone else you could think of.

I didn't like that this show seemed geared for kids, but I'd never take my kids to that show.

The comic panels we did were really fun and I was surprised to find people listening to me. The webcomic panel was the biggest panel with maybe 35 to 50 people. The rest, how to pitch a comic, making comics on the computer and 24 hour comic challenge, were a little smaller. We had a few other panels that I wasn't apart of, though.

I'm hoping from my experience in this con I can be more prepared for Seattle.

Nan Desu Kan

2008-09-12T07:13:00.003-06:00

I'm a little late posting this, but here goes. I'll be at the con all weekend, starting today. We don't know where we're sitting, but somewhere in artist ally. We'll be doing zombie sketches. I think I'll do one part, then someone will do another and so on, unless we have requests for individual sketches by only one of us.

I'll be in a few panels too. One for webcomics, one for pitching to publishers and another for the 24 hour comic book challenge, which we're doing again in Oct.

The sketch is of my wife.

Learn more about the con: http://www.ndkdenver.org/

He-Man

2008-09-06T18:46:00.004-06:00

I try to post something meaningful when I post, but it seems nothing I have to say is going to make much sense anyway, so I might as well just ramble on and hope somewhere in the end there will be a meaning to what I've said.

I just finished the first page of the story I'm doing for Ronin Studios, but I had already finished page four weeks ago and I finished penciling all nine pages a week ago. I sent my pages to Diana (editor) and she had suggested I get a letter that is really good at...something. I actually don't know why it was so important (which is why I don't letter), but it turns out I got a letter that is an old friend of hers, Richard Nelson. She was really happy to hear he wanted to work with me and I was happy too, because I really do want my pages to be the best they can be and I want the story to be told in the best possible way it can be told. I know nothing about lettering, Erik Larson has said as much to me, not in those words mind you, but he said something like "your lettering is weird", which says it all.

Thinking of Erik reminds me I want to pitch to them again. I always have some new idea that I want to pitch, just no time to finish the pitches. Superhair is one such idea I want to pitch, but I still need to ink, color and letter the pages. Plus, if this story with Ronin takes off I might want to continue it with a publisher like Image as an on going or a miniseries. It's just that time thing that I keep running into problems with.

This week was no exception, to the busyness that is my life, but I also had a lot of fun. My in laws came in on Tuesday from Italy and they love it here. I love it that they are here too, so it kind of works out. People always talk about in laws as a bad thing, but I really like mine. They love my daughters and of course they like their daughter, but I like similar things that they like. Computers for one. They bought my wife a new one and I built them one to take back to Italy. We put some Linux OS on it and it's working like a charm. I forgot how much I love building computers.

I'm now rapping up my post and coming to the meaning of this post. No meaning in sight, so I'll just end it with a saying of mine, "life is short, so remember the people that mean the most to you and spend time with them…and always leave some room open for creating art."

Style

2008-08-24T19:05:00.004-06:00

I've noticed a lot more interest in my newest work than I have in awhile. I think styles come and go, but some styles last longer than others and I see this new style I'm working with will be here for awhile. Eric Canete wrote on his blog, that he steals other artists styles, with the underlining meaning that all artists look for inspiration and steal from those inspirations to create what they call their style. I thought that was a really cool way of describing the learning process of any artist.

We're all trying to improve and when someone comes along that you connect with you take what you can from them. Whether it's as simple as how they draw feet or trying to mimic the style completely, which intern shapes the style of your work. Naturally, copying isn't what Eric was talking about. I think when we artists go so far as to copy another artist completely, we're simply losing site of the goal, which is to create art of their own. If it's not the goal, then why draw in the first place. Just collect art, which would save time too.

The reason for bringing this up is that I've gone through some major changes in my art over the past 2 to 3 years. I had a Middleton faze, Travis Charest, Chris Bachalo and before them the list was even large, which includes Jim Lee and Bart Sears. My point, as an artist I'm always going to be making changes in my style and art, but for now I'm sticking as is for awhile.

Publishing with Ronin Studios

2008-08-08T08:33:00.002-06:00

I have been given the green light from Ronin Studios to publish my short story I call Transfer. Diana, a great editor and good person all around, is having me touch things up a little. One part of the story is questionable. My friend Mike is offered to help me touch it up, so I asked him to jump on board as co-writer. Once the story is approved he'll write up the script. I'll draw the pages as soon as possible, as I'm scheduled for a con next month, NDK. I'd like to show the art off there and even possibly have something printed to hand out at the show.

The sketch I posted here is the other main character for the Transfer story. I'm only doing the story in grayscale, because Ronin Studios had two stories that had similar plots for their Hope books, so they want to put it in their Ronin Illustrated, which I'm fine with because I'd just like to finally get one of my own stories published.

HOPE: The HERO Initiative

2008-08-04T15:55:00.002-06:00

I thought of a pretty interesting story for the HOPE: The HERO Initiative anthology at Ronin Studios. I sent it to them and they wrote me back asking me for an example of a page that the art would be in. I didn't have one, so I sent them a few things and told them this is all I have for now. I'm doing up a page today to send to them.

I got the web comic job I was hoping to get. There was a few times while we were negotiating that I felt it wouldn't work out, but we came up with some good compromises and I signed the contract this morning. She says the comic will last for 18 months and I’ll be doing 10 pages a month. I'll start drawings tomorrow and by the end of the week I should have three pages to show everyone. I'm not sure if they'll start posting the art on their website right away or if they want to wait a few weeks.

I'll ask if I can post up some of the characters to give you something to look at. For now, I've posted the lead character for the Hope story I came up with. If they don't end up publishing it, I'll just post the story in here and maybe put it in a sketch book to bring to cons.

Speaking of cons, I'm scheduled to be at the NDK this year in Denver. This is my first con with a table and I'll be doing some programs with some other artists. The programs will be on pitching to publishers, making web comics, drawing a comic in 24 hours (which I've done twice and plan to do again this year), and I'll be doing sketches and whatnot when I have time.

I'll post more about NDK when it's closer to Sept.

Light at the end of...

2008-07-30T09:55:00.002-06:00

So, I might get to do a monthly web comic. Not the one that I wrote and drew, though. Some novelist is looking to publish a short story before her novel comes out and we've been talking this week. I did a test drawing for her, but not of one of her characters, but of the style she wants to comic to be in.

If I get the job it doesn't pay extremely well, but it is consistent and she seems very legitimate, so I'm looking forward to getting the work. I actually haven't gotten any paid work, since I did this design for a new character. Plus, its going to be consistent sequential work, so I'm happy about that.

I'll post as soon as know if I get the job.

Super Hair Cover

2008-07-18T09:07:00.003-06:00

I'm kind of in the middle of projects in a way. The Super Hair project is finished, as for as the art goes. I need to finish lettering the pages and then Mike is going to tweak the dialog to fit better on my art. I'm not so good and making the images work with the lettering, so Mikes going to help by working with my art to make the lettering fit. I think it takes real talent to be able to change dialog to work with art and still keep the story you want, rather than making the art work with the dialog. I should be able to do it, but there was so much going on in each panel that I couldn't fit it all in and still leave room for the entire dialog. Sorry Mike. I sent my web comic to Zuda and I'm hoping to hear from them in the next two months, as that is the amount of time they have to get back to me, per their agreement. If they don't like it I'm planning to submit it to a few websites that host web comics. I'd really like Zuda to except it, but I like the story and since I'm writing it and doing the art I can do it anyway I want. So far, from the what people I've shown it to are saying, it looks to be a good formula for a web comic and should keep people interested. The format is in an eight page sequence, so I really can't post a page every week. I have to post eight pages at a time for the formula to work correctly.

So, what do you all think of the cover. Leave a comment and give me your thoughts. The styles a little different from what I normally draw in and the five pages I've drawn are in the same style. I'll be sending it to Image Central for review.

New Mutants

2008-07-10T06:17:00.001-06:00

This was for the Ten Ton Sketch challenge. I know you're thinking I said I'd be doing more sequential pages instead of sketch challenges, but that's still true. I'm about to do a cover for the new book that Mike and I are doing and I needed some practice with pinups. So, did this sketch as a worm up.