Julie #2

Remember my pal Julie? The one that came to visit and is lovely? Well, here's another drawing about her and our time together. Same rule as before though - she's actually lovely and is only mean for the purpose of this drawing.

IN OTHER NEWS: I'm going to a fancy social club thing on Thursday evening! I'm off to meet old pals from that trip to Edinburgh. It's been ages and I'm excited about seeing them all... although I'm a little nervous about going to the fancy club. It's members only and I had to put myself on a list. That sort of thing spooks me out - I hope I will survive!

What else? I'm working hard on People I Know #12. Still. But I was busy on two other comics so you can't be angry. I'm trying to work out how best to put People I Know #12 (which is made to be a print comic) online. Should it be a page every day like what I did with issue 3? Should I just upload a bunch of pages every Friday. Hmmm...

Review of 2010: Thought Bubble

It’s Friday and it’s the last entry of my Review of 2010. Wheeeeee… Unless you didn’t enjoy it, in which case…I’m sorry? But yes – it’s the final instalment and it’s about Thought Bubble!!! YEAH!!!!

Thought Bubble, for those who don’t know, if a sort of like a massive high five for comic-makers and comic-lovers…and anyone else in the area I suppose. It’s in Leeds and there are lots of talks and things to get involved in – not forgetting the amazing convention on the Saturday.

I have heard people harping on about Thought Bubble for ages…but due to a bunch of reasons, this was my first time attending. And what a lovely time I had! But where to start?

So, the delightful Philippa Rice and I got the train up to Leeds on Friday afternoon. We found a place to hide our suitcases and talked about hats and other sassy things. Once we got to Leeds, we met up with the lovely Lizz Lunney (cute as a button and twice as useful) and got a taxi to our hotel. I had my own room but there were two beds! I assume the other one was for a ghost or something?

So on Friday evening we met up with some other lovely people and went to the Christmas Market! There was a Nut Man who sold nuts, and some other stuff and then we went to this lovely Mexican place for burritos! They were lovely! It was so nice to hang around with nice people eating nice food (thanks for the eagle-eyes DC!). Then we met up with more nice people and headed back to the hotel.

Saturday was the actual convention. We headed over to the venue to set up and the rest is pretty much a blur. An amazing blur. The whole thing was brilliant. I didn’t have any new items but I met so many new people! From roller-skating zombie girls to bearded gentlemen who teased me for not being able to grow a beard (see the above drawing), Thought Bubble seems to draw all sorts of people together. And there were cosplayers! Here are my favourites!

Professor Layton is ace – but he’d be nothing without his Number One Apprentice!

I have no idea who the one-who-isn’t-Rorschach is, but he made his glove with LOADS of duct tape.

Finally, it’s Princess Peach! I think this lady was a professional cosplayer so that’s why the costume is so fancy – but still, an amazing job! Didn't think much of the guy dressed as Toad though... He must have eaten too much food because he looked so stuffed!!!! Hahahahahaha--

*ahem*

So many people came to chat! Or were bullied into chatting! My obsession with giving out flyers returned with a vengeance so I’m sorry for anyone that ended up with one against their will. And I’m sorry if I wasn’t at my table if anyone came to visit – one of the ace things about Thought Bubble was that I could actually have a look through the convention myself. Not that I couldn’t do that at MCM, but this time I had someone to look after my table (thanks Simon!) – and goodness me, I picked up some amazing stuff! You’ll have to wait until a later blog post to find out what though…

I didn’t get to see any of the talks but I bet they were ace. And next year, maybe I’ll ask if I can run one… although it would have to be on something like “how to be sassy,” or “drawing hands is tough so don't bother.”

So yeah – then it was the evening and after a bit of a kerfuffle (which made me sad) we settled down to eat food before heading over to the casino (!!!) for a party. That’s right – there was a party for comic-people! The dancing was as amazing, if not more so, than you could possibly imagine. There was meant to be a DJ-rivalry or something but I didn’t really understand who to cheer for. What I *did* understand was that they played some brilliant songs: a Beyonce/Ciara mix, Don’t Falter by Mint Royale and Hounds of Love by The Futureheads. They played a bunch of stuff I didn’t know and a fair amount of stuff I couldn’t dance to (I’m quite particular), but I gave it a good go and had an ace time.

Then it was Sunday and I sat around and drew. Well, I was meant to draw but I didn’t do that much really. And before I knew it, it was home time. Philippa was kind enough to sit cross-legged so we could fit my case under the seat – because there was nowhere else to put it. I really need to pack less. Maybe that should be a New Year’s Resolution?

Obviously I’m already looking forward to the next Thought Bubble. I guess it combined two of the things I was already excited about this year – new comic-making pals and adventures to new places, but the fact that it turned out to be just as brilliant as everyone had told me… well, that was just ace. Mega thanks to Clark, Lisa, Mikey and everyone else that helped to organise it. I officially owe you cake or something.

And that’s pretty much it. My Review of 2010 is over. It’s been a weird year but looking back at it like this sort of makes it all feel worthwhile. Hooray!

Oh. I should end on a musical note. Here are some songs I’ve enjoyed this year! They all get honourary mentions in the Review of the Year! Well done guys!

The Piney Gir Country Roadshow

James Yuill

Robyn

Allo Darlin'

Emilie Simon

Review of 2010: Adventures

It's Thursday and it's another instalment in my Review of 2010. This one gets a special mention since I'm typing it on my phone instead of the computer. This is because I went to another Christmas Party and I need to save time! That is two Christmas Parties so far and there is another one on Friday! Anyone might think it's Christmas or something! How will I cope?! Also, typing on the phone is a bit of a pain.

Anyways. Yeah. I've already harped on about how lovely it has been to make comic-making friends and this is sort of related. Because in 2010, I went on a good few adventures - often with those new comic-making pals.

The drawing is about that time my pals and I went to Mount Superfun and saw a lumpy deer. That was great fun! But I went to other places too - notably Caption in Oxford, an exciting work thing in Edinburgh and Birmingham Zine Festival in... well... Birmingham, obviously? There's Thought Bubble too but that still needs a proper entry.

So yes - for someone that rarely ventures out, this year was great for adventures. I saw new places, got creeped out by new things and forgot to take photos of new buildings. I really hope I can do a bit more travelling in 2011 - even if it's within Great Britain. And I wouldn't mind visiting Canada again or California or anywhere you suggest.

I could probably write more but typing on the train is annoying and pretty weird. The guy next to me is sleeping and his head is gravitating to the lady opposite him's lap. I don't think she approves. Awkward.

Review of 2010: Comic-Making Friends!

It's Tuesday and that means...well...it's not Monday or Wednesday or any of the other days of the week? But it also means that it's another day of my Review of 2010! And this is an odd one since it's not so much of a review... rather, it's a sort of 'thank you.'

I've been making comics for a few years. They started off as some pen and paper stuff that bypassed the computer and went straight to the photocopier. I made them for friends and for fun and I'm really happy with how it all went. But it's been something like four years since I made the first issue and only one year since I've had a proper website and been paying it proper attention, and in that one year I've met some really great people.

I mean, I didn't really spend those other years sobbing or anything. Sorry. I have amazing friends! But I *am* really glad that I've had the chance to meet people that like making stuff, just like me. I hope I get to meet more lovely people in the New Year. And the ones I've drawn above - well, you should be able to recognise yourself. Obviously, my drawings are so realistic, how could you not?

So yeah - thanks to everyone who came out for burgers, or played board games or took part in Jessica Fletcher Week or went on a mega walk with me. I really appreciate it!

Real Life: Mike Dolphino!

What's that? You've got something in your pocket? But you're not just happy to see me? Well...that can only mean one thing! MIKE DOLPHINO HAS COME TO VISIT!

I know what you might be thinking: "Who or what is Mike Dolphino?"

Well...it's a bit pointless to try to describe his magnificence in mere words. Instead, here is a link to some photos of him! And here he is on Twitter! Mike is the most talented crocheted dolphin I have ever met. His primary talent is squirming into trousers. He could be in your trousers RIGHT NOW!

Oh. Mike Dolphino was birthed by the lovely Philippa Rice. She also births My Cardboard Life. She's totally winking at me in today's drawing.

I hope you get to experience some Mike Dolphino time soon...

Real Life: Only Joking!

So...I went on an adventure last last weekend! It was a pretty big deal and I was scared...but it all went really well! And I met some ace people! And here's a drawing about some of them! I've emailed the other two people to make sure they didn't mind being in a drawing...and they were like "yo bitch, that drawing is cool." HOORAY!

This turned into a long running joke across the four days. And I'm seeing both of these people at some point soon to catch up! DOUBLE HOORAY!

IN OTHER NEWS: I'm sleepy.

Friendly Faces: Lynz

Ahoy there, you scurvy dog! It be Lynz. She be all about the boys...especially if they be vampires or a Jonas.

Friendly Faces: Baz

PEEP PEEP! It's Baz. He has amazing hair and lots of stories.

Friendly Faces: Victoria

Hello!

There is a nice person at work who is called Victoria. She's always nice to me so I made this picture for her... It may make her seem like a massive beeyotch but she'll think it's funny.

TWx

Friendly Faces: Zoe?

Hello

I'm bloody sleepy and actually quite sad. It's late and today was stupid. I made something pretty cool today but I can't put it up until Friday...so instead, here is a present I made for a girl who was nice to me...except I'm too scared to send it to her in case she thinks it's creepy. Hmmm...

In other news, I have been listening to lots of Shakira to cheer me up. Her new song is barmy.

Sleep now
TWx

Friendly Faces: Dear Alex...

Hello!

I owe my pal Alex a picture that I drew of him. It might look a little odd but I can assure you it is based on a TRUE STORY!

I'm thinking of investing in a bigger graphics tablet so I can start work on a new and exciting project. It's been in a my head for a few years so I might as well give it a go...

Now it's time to move my computer on my new desk and head to the shops to buy some belated birthday gifts.

Stay out of trouble
TWx

Friendly Faces: Mystery Guy

Final portion of Friendly Faces for the moment and this one is a leaving card I made for someone from work. He'd probably think it was a little weird if I named him so instead I'll just say that he has an awesome beard.

I'm pretty proud of how this one looks in colour. Also - ANGELA LANSBURY!!! I bloody love her, especially in Murder She Wrote. There's one episode where Angela Lansbury plays Jessica Fletcher and Jessica's British cousin (Emma?) who is a musical theatre star. Brilliant. I went through a phase of drawing nothing but Angela Lansbury...I should find that file.

Also - Poptarts!

TWx

Friendly Faces: Jonathan

Speaking of people I once drew a picture of (but can't really remember why) - here is one of Jonathan. I met him through a friend and we have a lot of stupid jokes about things that don't exist. I'd give you an example but it'd just make me sound like a turd.

So...I suppose this strip is meant to be funny because one time Jonathan threw up? I can't remember. I can tell you that Pop Tarts feature highly in our friendship so that explains them. Also, he is from Canada and that explains his t-shirt. The lack of nose is obviously a recurring theme that runs throughout my early work.

*ahem*

Obviously.

I still can't draw hands.

TWx

Friendly Faces: Jenny

Hello!

In my final year of University, I kept seeing this super cute girl all over the place. We eventually became friends and her name was Jenny. She has the uncanny ability to always have amazing haircuts and she can also survive pretty much any random situation imaginable. Plus she smiles a lot.

For no good reason, I made her a comic about boys...because that was probably funny at the time. Now, however, I'm not sure why I find this strip funny. I mean - the guy has a fish on his face. That's pretty funny. Also, it's pretty funny that none of them have noses... but I think that's more to do with my limited abilities than cutting-edge sense of humour. Oh! It's pretty funny that Jenny is wearing a red coat - that will always be her trademark in my head.

Jenny enjoys travelling the world so I hope she's having a nice time - wherever she is.

TWx

PS. I wrote her a song too! It was called "Jenny is a Baddass." I'll post it if I ever work out how...