More New Art

First, let me thank all of you who took the time to respond to my questions last month. I respect your time and opinions very, very much! Your answers helped me frame how I will approach the continuation of Inchi and the next few months after this new book finishes. Thank YOU!! Although many responded directly those questions are Open Questions and I’ll take feedback whenever your willing to give it.

I am grinding to get this new book ready for prime time this fall. All of that said, let’s move on to the art reveals! No story spoilers, only commentary.

Mirror
I’m attempting to capture the oddity and creepiness of walking onto this scene. You’ve clearly interrupted something of a supernatural kind. The woman in the mirror, hand resting on the shoulder of a young woman, seems only to exist in that plane. However, your arrival is equally unexpected, as all eyes in this image are on you!

The Tower
This is my take on a classic Tarot Card called “The Tower.” It requires certain graphical elements which assign particular meanings. Therefore, I followed that established form for the most part and just added my own vision of it.

For the interested, here is an image that explains the different elements and meanings.

The Three Furies
I am still working on this piece, but it wasn’t originally my intention to style it after the Three Furies. It just happened that way. LOL. Still, no spoilers.

More updates coming soon. Something exciting this way comes!

New Art & A Question

I have questions, and I know you have answers about how you consume your read entertainment. If willing, I have a few questions following the update. I would be grateful if you spent just a minute or two answering! But first, art updates!

Witches, another 21 Steezy Snuffs
There are no spoilers here on the story, so I’ll let you draw some conclusions. 🙂 As with most of my art updates, this piece still has much to do. I am frustrated by the fur because I couldn’t decide between an ink-rendered version or a painted version at the time. Alas…this is where it’s at.

A close-up of the upper body and headpiece in ink only. I like how it’s come together, but I will revisit the fabric. It deserves better treatment.

Okay, the question… or questions…
Thank you in advance for answering this. As you know, illustrated books and comics are challenging to produce in the best situations. Questions of distribution and format increase the difficulty immensely. Obviously, major publishers do their best to hit all channels. Still, as an independent, I want to focus my energy where my fans are. Meet them where they want to be met, so to speak.

1. How do you prefer to read illustrated books/comics?

Even if it’s a layered answer, I’d love to know. Is it physical books, digital books, webcomics, etc.

2. Do you use mobile platforms like Webtoons or Tapas to read serial stories weekly?

If there are others you might be using, I’d appreciate knowing.

3. Would you prefer more regular content (like a weekly serial) over waiting for a finished print book?

Not that your answer would exclude one for the other.

I appreciate any insights you can give me. I agree with “Art for the sake of art,” but I want to ensure my efforts are focused in the right place.

Thank you, thank you!!!

Witches

Officially announcing that “Witches,” a 21 Steezy Snuffs follow-up, is in production. And so, without ado, here is a comp of what a Witches cover might look like!

There’s a lot to do in this particular piece. Besides the color, shading, and more technical aspects of the composition, there are artistic choices. For example, I want to think longer about how I want her tattoos to appear. Some of these I slapped on, although others are from the classical Roman depictions of Pictish tattoos. That’s the kind of stuff I think about and end up being driven crazy by. But it’s the kind of thing I hope you will appreciate when you read the stories!

It’s a full-court press to prepare this “Witch Edition” of 21 Steezy Snuffs for the fall. More exciting and eyebrow-raising news coming soon!

Wait? What about Inchi #02

The last thing I would want to do is throw some business on you, but the reality is that 21 Steezy Snuffs is still outperforming Inchi #01. In fact, I just placed my first-ever stocking order on that title for the Con Exclusive Cover. It’s crazy, and I can’t ignore that. Inchi fans, DO NOT DESPAIR… It’s still being worked on. Just because people are more excited about short-form gothic horror than they are about urban fantasy sequential art doesn’t mean I’m giving up!

Spritz-Oh! Beverage Of The Cursed

One of my favorite parts of doing illustrated fiction and sequential art is the details! For instance, my character Murron who has been featured a few times in the page reveals, is holding and drinking a canned beverage. It doesn’t amount to much concern in the overall story context, BUT what exactly is that drink? I love this kind of detail. So I created this collage of moments and highlighted the can for your reference.

Various Cells From Inchi #02

With that in mind I have to create a “brand”. Of course, I could write COLA, SODA, or some other generic thing on that can, but I couldn’t resist doing this mockup. It’s Italy after all…

Spritz-Oh! Brand Mock-Up!

LOL…well, I have to come up with something. And there’s time. I don’t know if it will end up as Spritz-Oh! but I’m open to your thoughts. Inchi #02 presses on! I appreciate you all so much!

Quick All-Con Recap

All-con is slightly different from most con’s I’ve attended or exhibited. The best way I can describe it is to say it’s about activities. So while many cons focus on celebrity guests, signings, photo ops, and fan merchandise, all-con is about experiences! Every half hour from 11:00a.m. to midnight, something happens in one of the hotel’s various ballrooms and conference rooms. It could be anything from cosplay tips to Cards Against Humanity flash games. There’s something for everyone hence the name “All-con.” So in the moments in between when there is downtime, attendees spend some time perusing the vendor hall or Artist’s Alley, where I was set up. It’s incredible to observe from behind the black-cloaked table!
Look! An actual Krampus was there who looked a lot like my interpretation! He got a free book.

Krampus At All-Con

Far and away, my flash fiction book 21 Steezy Snuffs outpaced interest in Inchi. Still, I’m guessing gothic horror will always feel more attractive than fantasy. There’s plenty of reluctance to get involved with a series too! I get all that, and it’s totally cool! My vision remains pure, and I love the way this story is developing. However, it encourages me to move up some other short-form literature I have on the schedule.

Appreciate you all!

All-Con Starts Today

I’ve really embraced the necessity of doing book shows. So I’m experimenting more right in my back yard starting with All-Con. It starts today and runs through Sunday. If you are located in or around Dallas or are just happen to be in town I’d love to meet you. Just out there raising awareness!

All-Con 2023

Inchi #02

For Backers of Inchi #01 you may have recieved an update already via Kickstarter or through the Voyages newsletter. I’ve already been thinking about when is the right time to prepare for the next launch. Much of that content you all receive first as Voyages subscribers so I’ll just hit you with the main update! Page 4!

Inchi#02 – Page 4

Nothing has changed as all of this will go through a final edit. Some details I like to leave until the end to make sure the creative flow doesn’t suffer and to have better continuity. One thing I’m sure of, this will be an even better book than the first.

I’ve definitely grown since the publication of Inchi #01, both as a writer and an illustrator. Making comics is hard and takes a lot of dedication to the craft. There is always something to improve upon, so thank you for your support from the bottom of my heart.

It’s a full-court press this spring to get this Book ready for launch. I’ll keep you posted as always.

Art Preview & Updates

A lot has happened since my last update. First, Inchi #01 wrapped, and then 21 Steezy Snuffs launched! Truth be told, I kinda wrecked my very cool-looking site turning it over to an e-comm page. I still don’t love it yet, but I’ll get there! But that’s not why you’re reading this! Let’s talk art!

If you’ve already pledged for 21 Steezy Snuffs (21SS), then you know that I’ve been on studio lockdown finalizing art. It’s been so much fun! I’m super excited about where it’s at and coming together nicely. That said, (Pirate Voice) “there be 10 days left” on this Voyage at $707 raised. As I said in yesterday’s Kickstarter update, I’m thrilled! Considering this type of book isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it’s incredible! But that’s why we serve tea, coffee, and scotch on this ship. No spiced rum in this update.

Check out the Kickstarter

So let me take you through some of the new art that’s coming into the book. Another word of caution these are in progress! Let’s start with the surprise breakout star, the plague doctor!

Plague doctors have never gone out of fashion. Still, considering we have been living a modern plague for some time, perhaps that’s a boost. I love this dark and mysterious version, but this is how he will appear in 21SS with the story.

I’ll work the dark and mysterious version in somewhere too just cause he’s cool. Maybe on a keychain? Or a fridge magnet! This is what’s circling through my mind right now!

Ah, ha, ha! Love that movie, and oh, so true! But more on the fall conventions I’ll be at later!

These Animals are all “Rude men, gangsters, proper naughty boys, and all that bollocks!” Love that line from Guy Ritchie’s, The Gentlemen! In the print version, expect blood on Mr. Rabbit.

You probably never considered the challenges Brownies and Faerie Folk go through daily! Empathy is a blade that requires constant sharpening.

I love doing these silhouette-style pieces. It has an inherent drama to it that is unique to the form. In this piece, I’m working towards having the bloodied face the focal point as the story pivots on this detail. Sort of. 😉

OMG! She has no hands….NO HANDS!!! LOL!!! I love the drama unfolding on this one too. It’s different in that I’m going for more of an oil on canvas look. It’s exciting to see it coming together.

This book is a long-time dream come true with a wide breadth of art styles throughout. There are ten days to pledge if you want to support it directly. I appreciate you being on the Voyage in any case! I gotta get back to work, and you gotta get on to enjoying the holiday!

Be Safe!

David

Bookmarks and Postcards Are In!

It’s a great day on the blimp because bookmarks and postcards have arrived! Take a look!

The stickers are due to arrive on Tuesday, and we are still on track for the book in the next two weeks. The stickers are due to arrive on Tuesday, and we are still on track for the book in the next few weeks. Once we get inventory, those will be on the website for purchase. Book 2 is already in art production! Can’t wait to post up some prelims.

David

Final Weekend to Pledge

As I write, less than 70 hours of this campaign are remaining, and I am grateful. I can’t thank all of you enough for believing in and supporting this project. Everything about this project is fun, and it’s because of you! Every single backer of this campaign has a special place in Moonblimp history. I won’t forget that. I’m actually in the process of preparing unique letters for my Doge level backers. You all went above and beyond, and because of that, I will too! Inside these letters is something never before done in business! Well, it’s probably been done and is now considered a bad idea for profits, but you Doges deserve a little something extra. I can’t wait for you to see what’s inside.

It’s not too late to help get the word out on this project to jump everyone to $1500. I still want to be able to print the Armida Bookmark and get that in with all the print-level backers. But hey, digital backers! I’ve been thinking about you too. If we can get to $1500, I’ll drop some wallpapers for everyone!

If you haven’t pledged don’t wait! Have a great Saturday!

INCHI #01 RESERVE YOUR COPY!

Armida Page Reveal Inchi #01

There are just 8 days remaining in this campaign and only $115 left to unlock the Runa Postcard Extra! Thats thanks to some generous backers who joined us in the last few days. Remember, Runa is only available at a print tier so you can always upgrade your pledge to make sure you get this bonus! Either way, please share the campaign around in this final week because I really want to print this card!

Campaign Updates You Should Know About

I decided to do something fun with the project cover in this final week on Kickstarter. When you look for updates you will notice I changed the cover to this…

I’m calling this the “dark vs. light” version. Armida and her legion of monsters taking on the world against our hero’s! Speaking of Armida, she’s appeared a few times in the preview but for you guys…here’s another preview page!

But that’s STILL NOT ALL! I added TWO MORE preview pages to the story on the project so head over and check those out when you have a moment.

Inchi #01 on Kickstarter

You’ll have just 8 more days to wait because I’m not giving you anymore teasers! More rewards, sure! We just have to get the word out. Thanks for your help!!!

Friends to Check out

Our friends over at Last Ember Press are currently raising funds for a unique take on Alice In Wonderland that has some fun reversals from the original.

Curiouser: We’re All Mad Here #1

Curiouser is a sequel of sorts set some time in the future starring Alice’s adult son, Alec as he gets pulled into a plot to save Wonderland from a hostile takeover by a mysterious new threat!  Join, Alec, The Knave, The Mad Hatter, and more as they fight to restore Wonderland to the peace and balance that Alice managed to leave this wondrous place in when she left so many years ago.

I love this concept and the art is gorgeous. If your any kind of fan of Alice this is something you should be looking into…through a looking glass perhaps?