And Now ... The 99

My first experience working with the 99' was as inker on the Newspaper Strip 'Mumita Chess'. Since then I have moved on to co-pencil the monthly comic book. What does that mean? Well I receive the script, draw the roughs. Then pass on to John Mccrea who completes the finished pencils. The 99' is published monthly from Teshkeel and is available world wide.

Go buy a copy!

www.the99.org

MEMORABILIA 10'

If you managed to be a visitor to this years NEC Memorabilia show 27th - 28th March, you will have found me with a host of my friends and colleagues dispatching Artwork at a feverish rate. With so much to see at the show, and so little time to have a good mooch about, I was glad many of the interesting characters came to us. From mini Stormtroopers to Giant Wookies and all kinds of characters in between.

The ever growing Comic City section of the show was host to the great Mike Collins who I enjoyed sketching next to. Every show is another chance to pick up tricks and tips from the some of the great Artists that I grew up reading. To the other side of me was my good friend John Mccrea along with Keith Burns my arch enemy.

Keith I shall destroy you.

We were also joined by Al Davison, Laura Howell and Hunt Emerson. With the great atmosphere my band of merry men (& women) kept the public entertained and engrossed with their sketching ability.

Comic City also held host to Draw the World Together once again run by good friends and great artists Jason Cardy and Kat Nicholson. With the help of former Comix students Adam Bolton and Rachael Stott (Thanks guys!) we managed to raise £388 for the charity. So a big thank you to all that came along and bought sketches, your support and help is greatly appreciated!

For more info check out: www.Drawtheworldtogether.com

GERMAN STARCON

Was good!

Had a great weekend at the show in Munster, Germany, meeting lots of fantastic people.

A Big Thank You to Ulla for organising it and for Daniel running me around.

Good memories included Mr David Hess showing his awesome martial arts skills at the bar, and his acting class later on. I don't think I've laughed so much in a long time - David, you should do a sitcom.

Alan (Bossk) Harris (Labyrinth , Dark Crystal) was also a very nice guy and it was a pleasure talking to him. Also getting the chance to speak to Brian Muir, Linda Thorson, Barrie Holland was nice even if there was not quite enough time!

Currently no pic's of of the show, will post once I receive.

Things To Come...

It's a New Year, Spring has arrived and the first sign's of sunshine are making me squint as I type on to my Keyboard. So much has happened over the last few months that I have just not had the time to 'Blog' 'Update' or 'Inform' about life as a freelance peacekeeping ag....er comic book artist.

Looking back over the last few months will have to wait, as I am now looking forward to the first event of very busy looking 2010. My first Event of the year will be as a guest at The German Starcon this coming weekend. So if your in the area, or flying out, come over have a chat, get a sketch & I will see you there. It will be a blast!

www.germanstarcon.de

MEMORABILIA 09

Last weekend saw the second time I was a guest at The Memorabilia Show and the first as the organiser of Comic City. First I want to say a big Thank You to the owner of the show and all those that called by for sketches or just to show interest.


I was joined for the weekend by Kat Nicholson and Jason Cardy representing the Charity 'Draw the World Together' and I called on the talents of former Comix students Joe Ward, Tom Wilson & Matt Birks who all did a sterling job assisting with sketches for the charity.


Also in attendance were fellow professionals Lew Stringer, John Mccrea, Keith Burns & Laura Howell, who all added their unique ability's over the weekend. A big 'Cheers' to Lew for some of the photo's.


The memorabilia was big success, from sketching Deadpool to Darth Vader I barely got a chance to look around. Luckily most of the sites to be seen would pass by from time to time, although I didn't get chance to sit in 'The Back to The Future Delorian'!

BULGARIA 09

On my latest adventure abroad I joined the successful applicants from HI8US new course COMIX. Traveling to the former Soviet republic of Bulgaria, we headed to the capital Sofia to promote the graphic novel COMIX produced by students from 3 different countries England, Spain and of course Bulgaria. A fascinating trip from the very beginning. With Statues depicting decapitation upon arrival at the airport, then crazy Taxi Drivers who liked to drive in any direction but not necessarily the same way as the rest of the traffic.

On the first evening we headed over to the Red House for a meet and greet presentation and an exhibition of the Bulgarian students work. It was great to meet them for the first time and interesting to walk around a building that was the just like the Ghostbusters old Fire House painted red from tip to top. I almost expected to bump into Slimer around any corner.


On the Saturday I had the pleasure of doing a workshop with the Bulgarian students. A fantastic group to work with and would happily do so any time again. After such a great start it made my presentation all the more worthwhile. After this came the sketching in front of the invited audience, where I first produced an Optimus Prime. As compare Hunt Emerson called out 'who is Prime's arch enemy?' WITH Emil shouted within a split second 'MEGATRON' to come and receive the sketch. After playing draw of games with the audience I moved on to the guy I love drawing most, Batman. Who doesn't love drawing him?!


One of the most full filling trips I have had abroad, Sofia was fascinating from the Monolithic capital to the amazing cathedrals. You felt dwarfed and humbled at the same time. It would not have been the same without the students though, Long live Comix!

BICS British International Comic Show

The Birmingham International Comic Show in one smooth move re-branded itself as the British International Comic Show, Simple but clever! Unfortunately for me being part of it meant I never got the chance to look around, as I would of done in previous years. I am not complaining mind you, metaphorically chained to my desk I spent the weekend between a gigantic Optimus Prime and my long term collaborator Mr Mccrea.

With little time to breath and even less to eat, I sketched away like a madman. From multiple Batman and Spider-men sketches to more random pieces. Though I really did enjoy drawing the more challenging requests, it was great to meet such a diverse crowd of people and those guys that brought references of the characters they wanted sketching THANKS!

Artists love reference.



When Sunday rolled around, and I recovered (and everyone else) from my karaoke session I finally got the chance to say a hello to a few of my Artist and Editorial friends. Though this was way to brief before hearing the whip crack once again to race back to my table for a marathon sketching run.

All in all, it was a great show.
Long live BICS!