Taylor Swift is Brilliant

On Tuesday the 11^th of February 2014, my life changed forever…

I went to the O2 along with 19,999 other people to see Taylor Swift on the last ever date of her Red Tour and it was pretty much the best thing ever.

I don’t know how you feel about Taylor Swift but let me tell you, if you don’t think she’s brilliant then you need to sort yourself out. She is an incredible popstar and, although I always thought she was ace, seeing her LIVE was completely mind-blowing.

(((Here is a drawing I did for Julia Scheele's Heroines Zine)))

Firstly, she has a great back catalogue. I’m sure you’re familiar with Love Story, 22 etc… but some of her album tracks are just as incredible. Don’t believe me? That’s cool… but I got you something!

Better Than Revenge is incredibly sassy and I personally think her up-tempo songs are where her song writing really shines. I mean, this song features the undeniably spectacular lyric “she’s not a saint and she’s not what you think – she’s an actress. She’s better known for the things that she does on the mattress.” Burn!

And then there’s Long Live – the sort of song that would be the opening music if they ever remake Dawson’s Creek. It’s full of hope, the song I would loudly listen to if I ever went on a road trip down the West Coast of California… or, perhaps more realistically, the song I would listen to in bed, reading through a series of text messages that used to mean something to me.

So yeah – Taylor Swift writes a cracking song. Admit it.

But, seeing her perform live (in a massive stadium) really drives home how accomplished she is when it comes to putting on a show. I’ve seen a lot of performances online and on the TV but witnessing them first hand is something else. She knows just what to say to get the crowd screaming at the top of their lungs. She brings out a different special guest every show and you feel like you’re seeing two BFFs having an ace time and it’s magical. She’s happy to take some time between songs to tell the audience how to deal with mean people and she does it so well that you really feel like she’s talking to you.

I tried to find a good clip to illustrate how brilliant she is in a huge stadium and probably the best is the music video for Red.

It’s made up of footage of the tour itself and you can see how hard she’s working (although it never feels like hard work) and how much the crowd are loving it (check out all the light up signs). Does it help if I tell you that I cried a little during some of her set? Does it help if I tell you that I was smiling like that creepy moon emoji for a solid hour after the show ended? Does it help if I tell you that I think I might actually be suffering Post-Taylor Blues?

Taylor Swift is the popstar (and BFF) I wish I’d grown up with. She writes a brilliant song, she sings a brilliant song and if you think you’re too cool to listen to her songs then you need to stop being a baby and buy an album! I’d recommend ‘Speak Now’ to start with!

Special shout-out to my pal John who came along with me and to Sally who helped make my dreams come true!  

PS. If you’re Taylor Swift and you’re reading this, could you please do a nice cover of ‘Hysteric’ by Yeah Yeah Yeahs? That would be ace.

Angry Birds!

OMG! It's Friday! YAY! And to celebrate - here is a brand new drawing about two very popular things - Justin Bieber and Angry Birds. I'm assuming you all know what Justin Bieber is but if you're not familiar with Angry Birds then don't be sad. It's a popular app game thing on the iPhone (and maybe other platforms too?). You are in control of some birds. They are angry because some pigs have stolen their eggs. I think? And you have to destroy the pigs (and their hideout) by hurling a limited number of birds (angry ones with a variety of powers) at them.

Does that make sense?

Either way - have a great weekend.

The Middle Game!

Today's drawing is more than just four badly drawn panels. It is actually a fun game for you to play with your friends.

It's based on the idea that Beyonce was pretty much always in the middle of all the Destiny's Child (remember them?) photos. Whether this was because she was the most important member or not isn't for me to say. But whenever you're in a group of three, try to worm your way into the middle. Then yell "I'M BEYONCE!" - thus proclaiming yourself the winner of a game that your friends probably weren't aware of. It's up to the other two to decide who is Kelly and who is Michelle. But the important thing is that YOU'RE BEYONCE! HOORAY!

IN OTHER NEWS: I worked late and rushed to a pal's get together. I had a lovely time and met some lovely people. There was a distressing point when I thought I lost my coat (my precious coat!) but it turned up. Phew. And I didn't get to eat dinner. Boo hoo. But yeah - nice people FTW.

Terrible Jokes. Worse Drawings #2

BONJOUR! Remember that time I uploaded those Terrible Drawings with even worse jokes? Well - here are some more! Both of them are jokes I was using for real life...but it turns out that the people I tested them out on were NOT amused. The Rihanna joke in particular - which I personally find HILARIOUS, was met with incredible disdain. I was pretty mortified. Seriously.

You know what though? The next time you listen to that Rihanna song ("What's My Name?"), sing along but replace the "oh na na" bits with "ba-na-na." It's so catchy! If I wasn't scared of all the mean comments, I'd record a cover version myself and put it on YouTube...

Speaking of comments - thanks for the support about me pigging out on the chocolate. Today, I had some cookies - but only little ones. Phew.

Beyonce!

Goodness me! I am shattered! This weekend was my first ever Thought Bubble - and I've just got home. It was an amazingly fun and intense weekend of talking, drawing, dancing and even a bit of caking.

Like with MCM, I'll write up some sort of epic blog about the whole thing but I really need to get some sleep now. Sorry. Although I suspect you'll survive. Oh - and here is a drawing about Beyonce and he alter ego, Sasha Fierce. Not sure who Sasha Fierce is? Watch this handy video:



And don't forget that Jessica Fletcher Week 2010 is nearing! I've got some brilliant submissions and you should send one along too! Don't be shy!

On a final note - some of my comics were reviewed over on Hand Drawn Awesome. I'm terrified of people saying mean things about my comics so obviously I was heartbroken that it begins with the words "I hate Timothy Winchester..." but it gets better. To be fair, it couldn't get any worse after that - but it all works out fine in the end. Phew. Thanks to Christian for the kind words. And thanks to everyone that came to visit me at Thought Bubble. I had an amazing time and I hope you did too...

Justin Bieber: Gotta Catch 'Em All

It's Friday! Which would normally mean it's time for the weekend... except I'll be spending most of my weekend in front of the sewing machine as I try to get things ready for MCM Expo. YEAH!

Speaking of yeah - all my comics have arrived now. Some of the covers and sizes are a bit different to what I was harping on about a few days ago - but that's ok. It just means you're getting limited editions or something?

Oh - and here is a drawing about Justin Bieber. And he's referencing Pokemon! Pokemon was a MASSIVE part of my childhood - so I can sort of sympathise with the Bieber Fans. They too will feel a bit silly when they grow up and find all their trading cards and plush toys in the attic

IN OTHER NEWS: I did my first week at New Job! I think it's been OK? No one has kicked me and I still haven't cried. Phew.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND GUYS!

Underwear (and some exciting news)

It must be really tough to be a Pussycat Doll. I mean, not only do you have to sing and dance *ahem* but you have to do the whole thing in your knickers. And not even your nice, comfortable knickers... No, no, no. You have to do it all in really sexy and impractical knickers. Ugh. How depressing.

Anyways - I was going to go on a rant about how terrible and shameless the Pussycat Dolls are - but I'm sleepy. I had mini panic this morning about my printing but it looks like it should arrive in time for MCM Expo after all. PHEW.

And to celebrate this, I have a sort of exciting reveal. If you go to the comics section of my website, you can see all the nice covers of the stuff I've been working on.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW RIGHT NOW:

1. All the mini comics are now A7 sized and therefore much cuter
2. The new mini comic is called Twins and is about being twins with someone. I think two of my real friends make cameo appearances in it...
3. I've updated the covers to the collected volumes for no other reason than I hated the old ones
4. People I Know: The First Year is a collection of my favourite drawings from the first year of my website - IN FULL RUDDY COLOUR!
5. People I Know #11 is not in full colour but it's still super cute. Toby and Christina return! You might remember them from #1, #4 and #9 as well as the website... Christina bumps into an ex but something isn't quite right

Lady Gaga versus Katy Perry

I was saving this drawing for next week...but I figured that Lady Gaga deserves some more attention. I mean, wearing a meat dress is clearly a cry for help. So here we go - it's Lady Gaga and Katy Perry having a fight. I don't know what I think of Katy Perry. I quite liked Hot N Cold though...as in, I didn't hate it.

FUN FACT: I drew this in some other place than my usual place so I'm sorry about Gaga's wonky hair etc etc

ANYWAYS. Lady Gaga. Katy Perry. One of them is a bit odd. One of them might have a penis. A match made in Heaven or the catfight of the year? WHO KNOWS?

IN OTHER NEWS: I saw some nice people which was nice. And I'm seeing Scott Pilgrim tomorrow with a pal! Hooray! Oh! And someone didn't know who was Robyn. This should clear everything/nothing up:

Ke$ha is wild (and likes knitting)

It's Wednesday! I hate myself! Must be time for another drawing!

This time, Ke$ha gets interviewed. She is sooooo wild - you better watch out. I have another Ke$ha drawing to upload at some point - I hope you're as excited as I am.

In other news - I almost did a cry today but I had a quick motivational texting session with a pal and everything worked out. Then I had some cake. Woo! Cake!

FUN FACT: I spent a long time trying to decide what Ke$ha's hobby was going to be. Isn't that interesting?

Ke$ha is wild (and gets a kitten)

I was saving this for an extra special day because it's one of those rare drawings that actually makes me laugh. Oh Ke$ha - I know you're wild and crazy...but you just need a hug, don't you? You poor girl. When was the last time someone gave you a hug and meant it - really meant it? It must be so difficult for you, trying to be wild and crazy all the time.

Anyways. Today is an extra special day for two reasons.

Reason 1 - Mister Computer returned from the Computer Hospital! He appears to be much better and I am typing on him right this minute! I need to spent a lot of time reorganising my files but still... hooray! Welcome back Mister Computer. I

Reason 2 - I've been really sad lately but I had some nice emails and I haven't cried - so that is another special reason in my book.

I need to sit down and start work on a new issue of People I Know - but I'll still be popping by to update drawings here. I'm sorry the last month has been so sporadic. I promise to try much harder at some point this year.

Ke$ha can't stop being wild!

Good News: 
I did another comic about Ke$ha! Look at how crazy she is. She. Is. Just. WILD!
Also, I had the day off work and someone was nice enough to explain how to update my website from a computer that isn't my own.


Bad News:
I had the day off work because the engineer was going to fix my computer. However, he did all sorts of things involving graphics cards and motherboards and although the computer got better for a little while, it started turning itself off again. It isn't even a year old! So it has to be sent off to Computer Hospital and might not be back for six (!!!!!) weeks.

Boo hoo!

Lady Gaga vs Fashion

Sorry for the lack of updates. I've been busy wearing smart clothes and going to high-powered business meetings. Well...actually...only the bit about the clothes is true. Plus, having a broken computer has messed up my uploading attempts. Still, on the plus side, I've mostly been getting to bed before 1AM...so yay?

The Ke$ha comics turned out to be pretty popular...and I intend to make some more in the future...but I really want to post this Lady Gaga one first because it makes me laugh. Oh Lady Gaga - what are you wearing now?

Ke$ha wishes she was Jem

I know I shouldn't update two days in a row but seeing as how much I enjoyed moaning about Ke$ha, I decided to do another drawing about her. This time, she's up against a pop star who is TRULY OUTRAGEOUS! It even says so in her theme song.



For those who don't know/are too young, Jem was a cartoon about a lady who used magic earrings to transform from boring Jessica into Jem! Jem was the singer in Jem and the Holograms and they were sassy and I think they ran an orphanage or something. PLUS! Their arch-rivals were The Misfits and they were just as sassy, if not more so.

If Ke$ha wants to stop being lame and start being truly outrageous then I suggest she gets herself a pair of magical earrings. In fact, that rule probably applies to most people.

IN OTHER NEWS: I bought some new clothes. This happens rarely. I shall buy new shoes tomorrow and maybe a bag. Also, I'm seeing a friend tomorrow and I'm excited.

Ke$ha : She was sick in a shoe or something...

When I was younger, I believed pretty much everything I was told - especially if it was about a popstar that I liked. Of course they sang live! Of course they wrote their own songs! Of course they were best friends...

I grew out of that way of thinking after a while... just like I grew out of...um...that was pretty much the main thing I grew out of.

Still, along comes Ke$ha with her "I'm a naughty wildchild" schtick and it makes me really sad. I know full well that Young Me would have eaten up all her tall tales. Of course she was sick in a shoe! Of course she defaced the Hollywood sign! Of course she brushes her pearly whites with some Jack Daniels. She's a wildchild!

Young Me was stupid. Old Me is totally onto you Ke$ha! All it takes is for someone to tell you to apologise and you'll do it. You're not fooling me! I'm far too cynical for that.  Cynical and old.

IN OTHER NEWS: my computer is still not working and I'm still miserable. A girl from Santa Cruz came to visit and we went to Nando's - which is obviously the place to take someone you haven't seen for five years. Everything else has been pretty crappy but I tried being sociable so that's OK.

FUN FACT: This was going to be four separate strips (hence the different coloured background) but I couldn't be arsed to spread out one rubbish joke for that long...

Justin Bieber is younger than you!

Someone recently told me that a good thing about my drawings is the pop culture references. They must have been drunk or maybe they thought they were talking to someone else...but it got me thinking: I should probably pay more attention to what's going on outside my tiny bubble of Real Work and reading books about wizards.

Hence - a little comic about little Justin Bieber. He's a plague on the Twitter trending topics and disgustingly popular for someone so young. I tried listening to one of his songs but it turned out I couldn't be bothered. Still - he's popular and now he's on my blog. Good work me!

In other news - after a hideous few weeks I had a lovely weekend. I saw friends on Friday and Saturday and had planned to catch up with drawing today...except my computer appears to have died. This pretty much screws up everything...for example, I have no idea how to update my proper website without my computer. I'll just have to upload any new stuff onto here and do a mass website update if my computer ever recovers.

*sigh*

If it helps - I've got a fair few comics to upload....which means ever more pop culture references (or something)!

Lady Gaga versus Beyonce

 

So...I thought that the new Lady Gaga video for Telephone was going to be released this weekend. I don't know why I thought that but I must be mistaken since the entire world doesn't appear to be wetting themselves like they should be.

Top Three Reasons Why The World Should Be Excited About A New Lady Gaga Video:

1. Lady Gaga will be in it!
2. Beyonce will (possibly) be in it too!
3. They will (possibly) do a dance together!

BONUS FACT: The song is brilliant and yet another example of Lady Gaga using my life as an inspiration for her song

Review of the Year: Lady Gaga

I think this is my penultimate portion of the Review of the Year. Hooray! Double hooray because it's about the creepy-cat-lady-gone-cool - Lady Gaga.

I appreciaite that some people love her and her some people hate her. I started off on the latter side...but then she released a seven minute long video where the c-word gets subtitled. Great! As if that wasn't enough, she then gets pushed off a balcony and returns doing a dance in a wheelchair and then on crutches. AND THEN she kills her boyfriend whilst dressed as Minnie Mouse.

Obviously the song (Paparazzi) is amazing too and since then, my powerful dislike of Lady Gaga disappeared - to be replaced by a sense of "goodness me - that Lady Gaga is quite something!"

A few months ago, she released The Fame Monster as a bonus disk with her debut album...and it was pretty much incredible. I was expecting a bunch of crappy remixes but it's pretty much just full of potential singles.

I have no idea how Lady Gaga will evolve in the future but I'm excited to see what she makes of herself. Anyone that can wear a polar bear cape / exploding bra / metal gyroscope thing and not look stupid is clearly someone to keep an eye on.

EDIT: I forgot to say that the attached comic is obviously about the rumours that Lady Gaga has man-parts. I don't know whether she does or not - but I have complete confidence that she could make it work.

Review of the Year: The Good Natured

So... 2009 is pretty much over and I've decided to write about some of the noteworthy things I've really liked about the last twelve months.

Today, it's The Good Natured - a depressingly young lady who makes music which is sort of electronic pop that got into a fight with a mild-mannered strop...or something.

'Rose,' in particular is on constant rotation on my playlists. Annoyingly, I can't find it on YouTube or Spotify or Myspace  so you'll just have to take my word for it. It's a lot less electronic than her current stuff but no less the worse for it.

You can keep up to date with The Good Natured on Myspace and you can buy her two EPs from all the usual places.

I really need to dust of my old Casiotone and get back into music making...except I won't suck this time!

OH! Here is a YouTube clip of another song which I like. Shame it isn't a proper video or anything but still - good work!

The Jonas Brothers!

Next up in my attempt to draw real people that look like real people - The Jonas Brothers! I don't know their names but I remember hearing their version of Poor Unfortunate Souls and feeling ill.

They're a big deal with lots of people and I'm pretty sure they all wear Promise Rings and what not. Whenever I hear people talking about rings, I pretty much always start thinking of Lord of the Rings - hence this picture.

I don't really know what else to say about the Jonas Brothers (JoBro?) except I hope they are nice to all their fans...

Lady Gaga!

Hello

As you may or may not know, Lady Gaga has become a bit of a fixture in my headphones of late. I tried really hard to hate her when she first hit the scene...it all seemed a bit too...desperate? And gross.

Whatever - fast forward to Pokerface and we're totally BFF.

A guy at work and I (and me?) were talking about things today - Lady Gaga and Alan Turing being two of the more memorable. Anyways - I made this for him. I think it'll make him laugh a little. Then, as he did to yesterday's motivational drawing, he'll deface it and make me cry.

Turd... Not really though. He's nice.

Stay out of trouble
TWx