Valentine's 2012 - Matchmaking Like Crazy!

Don't freak out or anything...but it's Valentine's Day tomorrow. If I could plan my life better, I'd probably be going on a super romantic adventure or something. Not really - organising dates is tricky and talking to people you like is hard! But that's not what this blog is for.

Remember last year's Valentine's Day story? I was really happy with it and I wanted to do somethine similar (but better) this year. My main brief was that it had to tie in with something that was already happening within People I Know - which ruled out the randomness of last year. With this in mind, I've been building towards this year's Valentine's Day story for a few weeks using the Matchmaker storyline.

For the next two weeks, I'm uploading a new part of the story from Monday to Friday. After those two weeks, the story continues on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The week after that...well...WHO KNOWS? Hahaha - I know! You'll have to find out.

Another brief I had - one that I've been working on for the last year in general - was to make the most of existing characters instead of creating lots of new ones. So I'm happy to say that you'll see a few familiar faces that I feel I've been neglecting. Well, three familiar faces. I hope you'll see more of them one day.

So yeah - that's what is going on over the next three weeks! I really hope you enjoy the story! And I also hope you have a nice Valentine's Day.

Angela Lansbury Week 2011 - Day Five

Day Fiiiiiiiiive! Yep - it's the end of Angela Lansbury Week 2011. But don't cry. Hold back those tears until you've seen all the amazing Lansburys that people have sent in. You can shed your tears afterwards... Now brace yourselves. You're about to get Lansbury'd!

It’s the last day of Angela Lansbury Week 2011 so I’m opening up with this incredible submission from Sarah. I’m pretty much speechless about it. Why’s that? Because as I type this, the actual crocheted Eglantine Price from these photos is sitting next to me! YEAH! I really don’t know what to say. She’s so cute! I might take her to work to sit on my desk and we could sing “Substitutiary Locomotion” when we feel sad. Yeah – that sounds like a good idea. I bet no one would mind that. Thank you so much for this Sarah (and Mark!)!

You can do it! Put your back in to it! Yeah! That’s right! This photo montage was sent in by the ever-sassy Carly. What makes Carly sassy, I hear you ask? Well, for a start, she used a picture from teen classic Save The Last Dance. Don’t pretend you haven’t seen it. Even I have seen it and Angela Lansbury isn’t in it! Oh. Wait. Looking at Carly’s picture, Angela *was* in it. I had no idea! Wow. And her and Julia are wearing the same colour! I love it when pals coordinate outfits on a night out. I would do that if I ever went to club…or if I had any friends. Thanks for sending this in Carly!

Once upon a time, I told a nice guy that the only way we could ever be BFFs would be if he drew me an Angela Lansbury. And lo – it was so! That’s right, Martin – comic lover and all-round cool dude, submitted this drawing for that very reason! He even did it on his lunch break! HOORAY! I don’t know whether I’m imagining it, but it looks like there’s a single tear rolling down her face… Heartbreaking. Well played, Martin. Well played indeed. Thanks for sending this in, Martin!

Bedknobs and Broomsticks is such a cute and fluffy film it is easy to forget that it deals with war and the unfortunate things that come with it – families being split up, invasions etc... But you know who didn’t forget about that? Seafaring superdude Warwick – the owner of one of the finest drawing hands (and beards) in the UK. Warwick drew this very focused-looking Eglantine, armed with sword and broom. She means business! I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side… Thanks for sending this in Warwick!

Uh oh. Someone did a murder…which must mean that Jessica Fletcher is in town. And if there wasn’t a murder, someone made a terrible mess on the carpet. This drawing was sent in by Gon – a fine fellow who stopped by my table at MCM Expo in October. He’s opted to draw everyone’s favourite murder mystery writer/solver – and when she looks this cute, who can blame him? Thanks Gon!

This drawing – by Trev – was one of the earlier entries in Angela Lansbury Week but I’ve kept it for the end because it involves TWO of Angela’s roles. TWO! But there’s only ONE drawing! What the cabbage? Don’t panic! Trev’s explanation actually makes sense. He originally wanted to draw Mrs Potts…until he discovered that Angela Lansbury was also in a version of The Picture of Dorian Gray! So, using his artistic skillz, Trev worked on a way to combine the two, the result of which you see before your eyes! HOORAY! Thanks Trev!

I spend about an hour commuting to work every day. An hour of scary drunks, pushy business types and screaming babies…and that’s just in the morning. But you know who doesn’t have to worry about any of that stuff? Eglantine Price from Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Why not? Because she can ride a broomstick (and also because I don’t think she had an actual job?)… This was sent in by Ben. I don’t know if Ben can ride a broomstick or not but I’ll still say thanks for sending this in. Thanks Ben!

I love that old joke. You know the one – “my dog has no nose.” Well, this dog has a nose…and some lipstick…and a hat? Hang on. It has a necklace too! That’s right – this drawing, sent in by Peggle, is an Angela Lansbury/basset hound hybrid! As far as I’m aware, Angela hasn’t played portrayed a pooch, but never say never. And if Peggle’s picture is anything to go by, she would look very cute if she did. Thanks Peggle!

LAST MINUTE ENTRY! This Lansbury, despite what I'm told, landed in my inbox this very afternoon. Sent in by Craig, this features four Lansbury references - Mrs Potts, Jessica Fletcher, Bedknobs and Broomsticks (there's a doorknob which is sort of the same) and some poison...which is sort of what Angela's character in The Manchurian Candidate did to people's minds... OK, fine, it just contains two Lansburys. But that's still two times the amazingness of a normal pictures which contains zero Lansburys! Thanks for sending this in Craig (even though it was late)!

Do you hear that tappity-tapping? The sound of metal on paper? The creaking of fingers as they dance around the typewriter? If you can’t, maybe you need to rewatch the iconic opening sequence to Murder, She Wrote. Or you could just look at this brilliant drawing by Ross and imagine you’re watching it? For a lady that spends so long in front of a typewriter, Jessica must get lots of writing done… but what if she just typed then word “murder” over and over again? It would explain the title of the show… Hmmm… Thanks for clearing that up, Ross. And thanks for the drawing!

When I was about 20, I used to wear a cape. I’m not joking. An actual cape – think Florence Nightingale rather than Batman. I don’t wear it anymore since I would probably get beaten up…but if I was brave, I’d spend at least one day a month dressed like a pirate. But not just any pirate – I’d want to dress up as THIS PIRATE that was sent in by Jamie. He’s drawn Ruth from Pirates of Penzance – and I think we can all agree that there has never been a sassier pirate! The hair! The hat! The weird gold shoulder pads! Be still my heart! Thanks for sending this in Jamie!

Treading a fine line between scary and saucy, this Lansbury was sent in by all-round brightspark Dan. He has obviously decided to base his drawing around Lansbury’s ability to play sinister characters. Well, he might have? I just made that bit up because it sounded grown up. I suspect I’m not fooling anyone. Whatever – I think it is important to remember that Angela has played her fair share of scary characters – it just goes to show what a brilliant actress she is! Thanks Dan!

LAST MINUTE ENTRY: You know who is a classy dame? Angela Lansbury, that's who! This beautiful drawing was sent in by Simon - a  lovely gentleman who saw Angela herself in the Blythe Spirit a few years ago! In real life! Not just on the television! The only way I could be any more jealous would be if he went to Nando's with her afterwards. That's the dream, right? I can't tell you much about Simon as we've never met, but I guess that he's ace because he went to see Angela Lansbury on stage...which is worth a zillion cool points in my mind. Thanks Simon!

QUESTION: Which is the best Disney song about the sea? You might say Under The Sea from The Little Mermaid…or you could be right and say The Beautiful Briny Sea from Bedknobs and Broomsticks! I know it’s a controversial opinion, but go and watch Angela Lansbury do her underwater dancing and prepare to be bewitched! Speaking of bewitching, this magic drawing was sent in by the charming Kristyna. She gets bonus points for the supercute seahorses in the background! Seahorses are the cutest! I think they are going to be big in 2012! Very on-trend. Very sassy. Very Krikri! Thanks Kristyna!!!

Top tip: that whole “Keep calm, blah blah,” is tired. Get a new slogan. Or, just use this one! It’s catchy! This drawing was sent in by Will – a gentleman I met at a comic thing a few years ago. Will is suggesting that Angela’s acting prowess is natural…but I reckon she also worked pretty hard too. I watched an interview where they said that Murder, She Wrote could shoot for 18 hours a day – which is a good portion of the day to be spent typing books and solving murder. Thanks Will!

Watch out everyone! There’s been a murder! And look who seems quite pleased about that… why, it’s Jessica Fletcher of course! And I guess she *would* be happy about a murder – it’s yet more inspiration for a new book, right? This Angela was sent in by Stuart who did a great job with getting Jessica’s hair right. And he even remembered the pearls, collared shirt and earrings. Good work! Thanks Stuart!

 

Are you ready for the last Lansbury of Angela Lansbury Week 2011? Let me rephrase that… Are you ready for the last…

MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT! MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT!!!

This Mrs ‘Arris was sent in by the Queen of Cardboard – Philippa! Clearly (and quite rightly) she was so besotted by Angela Lansbury’s performance in Mrs ‘Arris In Paris that she had to make this super cute drawing. If you’ve watched the movie (why wouldn’t you have?!) then you’ll spot a very familiar-looking hat and coat… not to mention a loveable Cockney washer woman. Oh come on – how could you not want to watch this movie? It’s so good. And so is this drawing, Thanks Philippa – it’s a great way to close Angela Lansbury Week 2011!

And so...that's the last of the Lansburys. After 5 comics, 50+ submissions and over 5500 words, Angela Lansbury Week 2011 is over. I really hope you've enjoyed it. Due to some unforeseen work and life issues, it's been more work than I was expecting, but on the plus side, it has also been much more popular than I was hoping for! A massive thank you to everyone that sent in a drawing. And another thank you to everyone that retweeted or linked to it. I really appreciate it! And maybe Angela Lansbury herself will see all these great drawings and she'll appreciate it too? Well, fingers crossed.

Now, next week isn't back to business as usual. Oh no. I'll be uploading a diary comic of my weekend at Thought Bubble over the week. It's a bit of an experiment as I haven't really tried autobiographical comics before... but if it's half as successful as this week then I'll count myself lucky.

Stay out of trouble

x

Halloween Time

Here is a drawing of some of my characters dressed as people from Adventure Time - one of the best things ever! If you haven't watched it then you really should...

Some drawings I did!

Hello!

Here are some drawings I did. Well, two drawings! But I'm posting theme here so you can see them!

Valentine's Day - Part 8

If this drawing doesn't make sense, click here to read the first part.

Hello and a very Merry Friday to you! It's pretty much the end of the special Valentine's story. I really hope you enjoyed it. It was my first attempt at telling a story in such a compressed manner whilst still working in things like Wizarding Wednesday. I even tried to get a bit of character development into - we know the wizards sit exams, that Toby really loves cake and that the sad robot can carry a lot of things.

But that's enough about what I think - what did you make of it? Be nice/constructive!

IN OTHER NEWS: I am super nervous about moving house! And work was hectic today! The work I'd been doing during the week paid off and I met some very interesting people. Fingers crossed, eh?

Have a great weekend and go easy on me if I can't update much next week! I might be without Internet! Grim...

Valentine's Day - Part 7

If this drawing doesn't make sense, click here to read the first part.

Hello Thursday! What's that? You want some more of the Valentine's story? Well, lucky you - here it is! And I'm afraid it's back to Dinosaur Toby...how do you feel about that? I'm going to ask you all what you made of this story on Friday so feel free to have some things ready to tell me. Mainly nice things though if that's possible.

Today I went to work early and left late because I had lots to do. I did a twelve hour day! But I really feel like I achieved a lot so that's good and it means I can rest easy tonight... except I've just looked at how much drawing I have to do! I've just been asked about a secret project and I've got to prep for the upcoming shows!!! Urnk!

ANYWAYS! I hope you're well!

Valentine's Day - Part 4

If this drawing doesn't make sense, click here to read the first part. 

Happy Valentine's Day! If you want me, I'll be crying under my desk. Possibly eating gingerbread hearts or something. I hope your Valentine's Day is better than mine!

But yeah - here is the fourth part of the Valentine's story. I had a clear goal in mind when making this - Toby has to be asked out by a nice/normal person on Valentine's Day. If you've read People I Know #1 and #4, you'll have seen Toby's romantic back story in all its disastrous glory. His catchphrase when things went wrong was always "I've got to go," - which may or may not have been my own exit strategy in awkward social situations.

Also - it was the weekend and I have some exciting/scary news - it looks like I'm moving house next weekend. I don't know how this will affect my updating schedule after this week. It all depends on whether I can afford a scanner and whether I can get online as soon as I'm settled in. And I'll need to explore the area and visit new places too. Oh! And it's back to work tomorrow! Jeez - this week is going to be a shock to the system. Either way, I'll keep you posted about what's going on.

IN OTHER NEWS: Don't forget that I've got a table at this Small Press Expo next month!

Valentine's Day - Part 3

If this drawing doesn't make sense, click here to read the first part.

Hooray! It's Friday - which means it's the weekend... oh. Wait. I'm on holiday so if it's Friday, that just means the fun times are nearly over. Oh dear.

Truth be told - this hasn't really felt like much of a holiday since I've been working so hard on a bunch of People I Know things. The posters were designed and printer in record time, I've just settled on some badge designs, I drew the Valentine's story (which I hope you're enjoying) and I saw lots of friends. Good times!

Oh! And I've made lots of progress with People I Know #12! I'm 95% sure it's going to be printed in full colour! Exciting...except it's expensive! I might post a few panels next week for no other reason than it will speed up the production of it. I always work better when a deadline is involved.

Today's drawing has Human-Toby and Christina in it. I'm glad they're friends otherwise I suspect they would be a little lonely.

I'm going to try to continue doing five drawings a week but I might have to start taking a day off at some point if I want to work on other projects like musicals and animations and things. Consider this fair warning?

IN OTHER NEWS: OMG! I went to see some old work pals this evening and afterwards, me and a pal went for a drink. Whilst it was lovely to see my friend...it was less than lovely with the amount of scary people who kept talking to us. I don't mean "scary" as in they were just regular folk making conversation... one of them was telling us some scary stuff about how to conquer the Internet and the other was...well, I don't even know where to begin with the things he was saying. It was incredibly surreal. I should turn it into a comic or something...

Toby: Cross Words

Happy Monday you lot. I know you're probably sad about going back to work/school/ninja training camp - but don't be. This week is full of possibilities! Anything could happen! We will totally win this week! YEAH!!

And to help matters, here is a drawing of Toby and Christina. I hope it helps get your week off to a flying start. I spent a lot of the weekend drawing and...um...catching up with television. I watched some amazing stuff. And I drew some cute stuff too. I've cleaned up all the pages for People I Know #12 and have started to colour it in. Normally, this wouldn't take long but I want to try some fun stuff with the colours so it might take a while. And I drew a week's worth of comics...some of which I'm really happy about.

IN OTHER NEWS: I caved in and ate some chocolate. Shame on me...

Toby: Resolutions

Happy New Year! 2011 is going to be ace! I don't know what's going to happen but I know that I will work hard! The website is going to have a makeover at some point so keep an eye out for that. And I've got an exciting surprise up my sleeve too!

More importantly, I hope you missed me for that whole week...

People I Know #11: A Panel (from my dreams)

I've been cleaning up the 20 pages that will eventually make up People I Know #11...and it got late and I got bored so I decided to colour one in. Obviously the issue won't be in colour because I don't have the money...and to be honest, I don't think I have the know-how for making things look fancy in colour. I mean, the panel above does look a bit like something you'd see in nursery.

Regardless - look! I'm totally working on a new issue. Hooray!

FUN FACT: You'll have met Toby (the dinosaur) and Christina (the toast) in People I Know #1, #4 and #9.

Toby and Christina: Sunburnt

I've been drawing lots and lots of Toby and Christina lately since People I Know #11 is all about them.

I was going to upload another Captain Planet drawing but I might save that for next week. It's a little gross.

Speaking of gross - have you seen that picture of Ke$ha!?! I'm not posting it here because it's gross...but it's also TOTALLY WILD! I can just imagine her manager (at least, the version I draw) tricking her into posing for it. GRIM! Hahahahahahaha.

IN OTHER NEWS: I want some cake. And I *really* want to play this:

The Long Weekend of Awful Jokes #3

And now it's Monday...which means that this is the last official bad joke from The Long Weekend of Awful Jokes. It has Toby and Christina in it - I feel bad for neglecting them.

I'll probably bust out some more Awful Jokes soon. Be prepared.

IN OTHER NEWS: I have been really busy with drawing this weekend. You've got lots of things to look forward to, including (but not limited to):

• Hats
• Ke$ha being totally wild and out of control
• A dance routine
• Your new favourite band

EXCITING TIMES!

Badgefest!

 

I have been SO BUSY! Making dinosaurs. Making comics. Making badges. I even went to the cinema today!

I don't have much else to say besides "boo hoo - I'm so sad" so here is a montage of the badge designs I have just this very second ordered. Six of them have appeared before but I added two new designs! It sort of ruins the whole rainbow scheme of the backgrounds but it's worth it to get badges for Sad Robot and Generic Princess.

You should totally buy some from me.

There's something there that wasn't there before...

I have to go to bed since it's been a long day and tomorrow will be busy...but here is a cute (colour!) panel from my anthology piece for the Thing 2010.

As you can see - it features Christina in it.

In People I Know #9, you discover (indirectly) that Christina isn't actually her real name. How mysterious...

In other exciting news - the proof for People I Know #10 arrived... and it looks AMAZING! It might even be too fancy to be sold. I love it and I hope you do too. Oh - except they probably won't always look so fancy - it's just that this is the tenth issue and a bit of a milestone for me.

Snow Joke

UGH! It is snowing which means that my room is freeeeeeeezing and that getting anywhere is a bit of a nightmare.

On the plus side - some people have been nice to me - which is always nice. I made them a thank you card to email. I think it's pretty cute! I hope they like it.

FUN FACT:
The characters are:

T - Toby the dinosaur
H - Sally the Ghost
A - Lady Gaga
N - The Vampire
K - T.S (x 2) and Christina
Space - Robot!
Y - Barbara the Squid
O - The Kissing Monster
U - Generic Princess and Generic Witch

Merry Christmas 2009!

Merry Christmas (GMT)!

I haven't felt festive at all - even with all the snow and the carols and the wrapping. I decided that making a Christmas thingy might help but it didn't really.

The original plan was a creepy comic about Toby trying to ask out Santa...but it got a bit gross so I went in the opposite direction in the end. Look! Toby eats a cake and doesn't cry! Surely this is ground-breaking for me?

Well - they do say that Christmas is a time for miracles...

So yeah - here's hoping that you have a great day and a brilliant 2010.

TWx

Gulliblesaur!

I have had a brilliant day! Instead of waking up at 6AM, I didn't get out of bed until 7:30AM!!! Then I went to the gym and started work on the script for the new comic. It's a tricky bitch to write - but I don't want to say why. Fingers crossed it turns out well... Then I wrote a poem for another mini comic. I didn't get to see a friend for lunch which was sad but I did get to see another friend and do some Christmas shopping. THEN WE ATE BURGERS!!! Now I'm at home and listening to songs from my teenage years. This includes, but isn't limited to:

• Shackles (Praise You) by Mary Mary
• Little Bit of Lovin' by Kele Le Roc
• Misfit by Amy Studt
• Are You Jimmy Ray? - Jimmy Ray

I am totally cool.

Pukey puke puke!

I AM SO SLEEPY! I am totally going to bed. Right now. Nothing much happened today anyways...I'm going to another Panto tomorrow and today's social event was going to a quiz and talking to people about work. I tried hard but it was a little awkward. I bumped into some friends though so that was nice. Except one of them kept teasing me about the size of my bum...which was a bit upsetting. Ho hum.

G'night!

Dinosaur + Toast

So, here is another attempt at making a cute and funny comic where nothing bad happens. Good work me!

On the other hand, I didn't have the guts to ask whether I sounded like a twat or not. BUT! I have continued trying to be sociable. On Friday, I went to a birthday party! Today I went to lunch (pancaaaaaaakes!) with a friend and someone who was nice. Plus - I've made sociable plans for next week too! I'm going to the theatre and to a gig and maybe even to a party! Obviously it will all go wrong and the jocks will cover me in pigs' blood...but that's not too bad, eh?