Day 2 of holiday vacation. Pretty relaxing so far.
Running errands and hanging with the wife yesterday, I ran into a fantastic deal at Best Buy. I'd gotten a gift card from Christy's grandpa for my birthday. Pretty generous, about $100. I'd gotten this CD box set I'd had my eye on a couple weeks ago called "What It Is," which is a collection of old school soul and rare grooves. But I still had about $40 on the card until yesterday. Then I found that they had discounted full seasons of HBO series DVDs. I ended up getting both seasons of Carnivale for the remaining balance on my card, saving about $70 in the process. I'm psyched, because I really loved that series, and now I have it for all time. How cool is that?
Did the 4th of July thing last night in Redondo Beach. What a completely packed mess that was. Let the house around 7:15 from North Redondo and made the mistake of taking the scenic route through downtown Manhattan and Hermosa Beach. All the kids and scantily-clad beach babes were out, as well as everyone else driving like fucking grandmas. Then, when we actually did get down to Redondo, it took us about 30 minutes just to find a parking spot (blocks away in residential). We finally arrived to the pier at about 8:30. You believe that, over an hour for a 5-mile commute. We knew the fireworks were going to begin around 9:30, so we decided to wait until after the show for dinner. The pier was gangbusters, worse than Times Square kind of gangbusters. But we found a couple empty seats at Old Tony's bar. Christy had mai tais while I drank Hefeweisen. She got two free glasses out of the deal; I guess when you get a mai tai, you get to keep the glass. The bartender was super friendly, and though I didn't see the resemblance, Christy thought he looked like my dad. Old Tony's has a great, rustic vibe, and I noticed some of their dinner specials looked really good. So I've made a mental note to try to go there for dinner soon.
Anyway, around 9:30 we made our way down the pier to get a good view of the fireworks. It was colder off the water than we anticipated, which was fine because that gave me a chance to snuggle with my honey. Fireworks began, and we started to enjoy the show. But then we both noticed the sensation of something splattering on the back or our legs. We turned around to discover a parent nearly getting their vomiting child to the garbage can on time. But not quite. The child had missed the can and had managed to get vomit on the ground right behind us. Oh, lovely side note, it was green, literally green. And then, the smell. Christy and I promptly relocated ourselves upwind of the stench and tried to enjoy the rest of the show.
About 20 minutes later, the show was over and we hit El Torito for some much-needed dinner. Even though the show was not of NYC proportions (and I found out later it was actually raining last night in New York), it was a good night.
Came home to knock out a couple more pages of QUANTUM 7's lettering and watch a little tube. Today promises to be a fun day at Doug's. I'm gonna pick up some marinated chicken for the grill. More later.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Friday, July 04, 2008
July 4, 2008 Noon Pages
That's right. I have the day off, and I slept in. I'm stickin' it to the man.
Hoping to really just enjoy the weekend, although I was on a good clip lettering QUANTUM pages last night. Story is shaping up better than I initially thought. I've had a big problem with this issue from the get-go. It's a different kind of issue, lots of flashback and told from the villain's POV. I think I've subconsciously hated this issue, and maybe that's why it's taken me so long to finish it. But now that I'm seeing it unfold, it's not that bad. Not my best, but not horrible.
There's a Twilight Zone marathon on SciFi today. I'm bouncing between that and VH-1 Soul. God, I love that station.
So no real plans this weekend. Hitting Doug's house tomorrow for his fiancé Jen's birthday. Should be fun. Doug apparently lives just off the water in Marina Del Rey. That'll take the heat off the day.
Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. And it always times out that I'm usually breaking from something that's holding me back, claiming my own independence. I'll never forget my first 4th of July in NYC. I broke out on my own, threw myself off the proverbial cliff and set out to be an independent producer and musician. It was absolutely scary but also liberating. Sometimes I wish I could stay that young.
Ok, it's official. I'm too distracted by SciFi and VH-1 Soul to continue. Gonna wrap this one up early and get on with my holiday weekend.
Hoping to really just enjoy the weekend, although I was on a good clip lettering QUANTUM pages last night. Story is shaping up better than I initially thought. I've had a big problem with this issue from the get-go. It's a different kind of issue, lots of flashback and told from the villain's POV. I think I've subconsciously hated this issue, and maybe that's why it's taken me so long to finish it. But now that I'm seeing it unfold, it's not that bad. Not my best, but not horrible.
There's a Twilight Zone marathon on SciFi today. I'm bouncing between that and VH-1 Soul. God, I love that station.
So no real plans this weekend. Hitting Doug's house tomorrow for his fiancé Jen's birthday. Should be fun. Doug apparently lives just off the water in Marina Del Rey. That'll take the heat off the day.
Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. And it always times out that I'm usually breaking from something that's holding me back, claiming my own independence. I'll never forget my first 4th of July in NYC. I broke out on my own, threw myself off the proverbial cliff and set out to be an independent producer and musician. It was absolutely scary but also liberating. Sometimes I wish I could stay that young.
Ok, it's official. I'm too distracted by SciFi and VH-1 Soul to continue. Gonna wrap this one up early and get on with my holiday weekend.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
July 3, 2008 Morning Pages
Feel horribly guilty for missing a day of morning pages, but I had to clean the garbage out of my blog. Certain topics are now dead to me. Now I know what it's like to be Jewish.
Now it's time to move on. I was reading a report a couple days ago about comic writer Warren Ellis' panel at Wizard World Chicago. Now, Warren has had a history of being a force to be reckoned with on the comics scene. He's brash, bullish and opinionated by reputation. And he's completely comfortable with the fact that he's a big deal in the business and that probably have of the folks out there love him and half hate him. From what I read and hear about the guy, he really couldn't care less what you think of him. And in this panel--which also later turned into a drink-up--a couple unruly fans began to get into a fight. Ellis didn't miss a beat, promptly took control of the situation and barked that the two either settle down or get the fuck out (I'm paraphrasing). And without batting an eyelash, the two fanboys tucked their tails between their legs and went back to their drinks.
Warren Ellis would rather be feared than respected, and that's pretty powerful stuff.
I'm realizing the longer I'm in this entertainment biz that I am also building a reputation. Mostly built on respect and talent, but also sometimes on my tendency to say what I mean and cut right through the bullshit. I've gotten into my fair shares of rows over this, and sadly most of it stems from the impersonal nature of emails, message boards and blogs. See, over 70% of communication is non-verbal, or rather the actual words or message of said communication. Even as I type this, you might be missing crucial things about how the message is being delivered. Am I typing relaxed and calm or am I tense and frantic? How would the tone of my voice be were I speaking this instead of typing? What's my body language right now? How is this whole thing being presented: am I dressed to the nines presenting this formally or hunched over my laptop in the living room completely naked? See, that last one set a completely different tone, didn't it, and whether I'm clothed or naked when I construct these pages I'll leave completely up to your imagination.
But I think you get my point here. Yes, I can be blunt, bitter and just a snarky as anyone else online. I mean, the net is perfect for this. Everyone on the planet now has a forum where they can be a completely different person--maybe even get out the true feelings they've been hiding inside for years--on the internet. Why else do you think we have screen names and aliases? I bet you at least half of everyone online is putting up some kind of persona or façade that is completely contrary to what they're actually like in person. Hell, Brad Paisley wrote a brilliant song about it.
The point I'm trying to make here is that with the internet also comes falseness, duality, rumors, gossip and all that other great stuff that--as great a form of communication as it is--completely goes AGAINST communicating. And I'm just as guilty of having the occasional email or message board post misinterpreted as the next guy. Hell, I live in the public eye, so I'm probably more inclined to have this happen.
Back to my reputation. Yes, it's mostly build on my talents and achievements to date. And yes, it's mostly built on respect. But there's also a wild-streak aspect--a "loose cannon" part--of my reputation that has also circulated, especially recently, on the nets. Can I say I'm passionate about things? Certainly. Can I say I'm angry sometimes about others? Oh, Hell yeah. But would it be accurate to say I've lost touch with reality, flipped my lid or lost my sanity in the matter?
Possibly, but only I will tell you exactly. Because, after all, I am spinning this marvelous tale. And until you actually sit in a room with me and find out what makes me tick and what I'm about, you have no idea or right to speak about me, gossip about me, or sully the reputation and respect that I have strived to attain over the past 20-odd years in this, the entertainment business.
Because I'm beginning to learn that sometimes it's beneficial to feared AND respected. And I'm betting, after all is said and done, that those that question me and my motives and gossip behind my back will be neither.
Now it's time to move on. I was reading a report a couple days ago about comic writer Warren Ellis' panel at Wizard World Chicago. Now, Warren has had a history of being a force to be reckoned with on the comics scene. He's brash, bullish and opinionated by reputation. And he's completely comfortable with the fact that he's a big deal in the business and that probably have of the folks out there love him and half hate him. From what I read and hear about the guy, he really couldn't care less what you think of him. And in this panel--which also later turned into a drink-up--a couple unruly fans began to get into a fight. Ellis didn't miss a beat, promptly took control of the situation and barked that the two either settle down or get the fuck out (I'm paraphrasing). And without batting an eyelash, the two fanboys tucked their tails between their legs and went back to their drinks.
Warren Ellis would rather be feared than respected, and that's pretty powerful stuff.
I'm realizing the longer I'm in this entertainment biz that I am also building a reputation. Mostly built on respect and talent, but also sometimes on my tendency to say what I mean and cut right through the bullshit. I've gotten into my fair shares of rows over this, and sadly most of it stems from the impersonal nature of emails, message boards and blogs. See, over 70% of communication is non-verbal, or rather the actual words or message of said communication. Even as I type this, you might be missing crucial things about how the message is being delivered. Am I typing relaxed and calm or am I tense and frantic? How would the tone of my voice be were I speaking this instead of typing? What's my body language right now? How is this whole thing being presented: am I dressed to the nines presenting this formally or hunched over my laptop in the living room completely naked? See, that last one set a completely different tone, didn't it, and whether I'm clothed or naked when I construct these pages I'll leave completely up to your imagination.
But I think you get my point here. Yes, I can be blunt, bitter and just a snarky as anyone else online. I mean, the net is perfect for this. Everyone on the planet now has a forum where they can be a completely different person--maybe even get out the true feelings they've been hiding inside for years--on the internet. Why else do you think we have screen names and aliases? I bet you at least half of everyone online is putting up some kind of persona or façade that is completely contrary to what they're actually like in person. Hell, Brad Paisley wrote a brilliant song about it.
The point I'm trying to make here is that with the internet also comes falseness, duality, rumors, gossip and all that other great stuff that--as great a form of communication as it is--completely goes AGAINST communicating. And I'm just as guilty of having the occasional email or message board post misinterpreted as the next guy. Hell, I live in the public eye, so I'm probably more inclined to have this happen.
Back to my reputation. Yes, it's mostly build on my talents and achievements to date. And yes, it's mostly built on respect. But there's also a wild-streak aspect--a "loose cannon" part--of my reputation that has also circulated, especially recently, on the nets. Can I say I'm passionate about things? Certainly. Can I say I'm angry sometimes about others? Oh, Hell yeah. But would it be accurate to say I've lost touch with reality, flipped my lid or lost my sanity in the matter?
Possibly, but only I will tell you exactly. Because, after all, I am spinning this marvelous tale. And until you actually sit in a room with me and find out what makes me tick and what I'm about, you have no idea or right to speak about me, gossip about me, or sully the reputation and respect that I have strived to attain over the past 20-odd years in this, the entertainment business.
Because I'm beginning to learn that sometimes it's beneficial to feared AND respected. And I'm betting, after all is said and done, that those that question me and my motives and gossip behind my back will be neither.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
July 2 Morning Pages
Have to simply log a placeholder here, because my morning was spent editing most of my blog. I'll try to get something posted tonight.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
July 1, 2008 Morning Pages
Got up early enough to properly sit down and get a good morning page rolling. I hope.
Finally saw Wanted last night. For those of you that don't know, this movie is an example of something all of us comic book writers want to happen. You write something, retain the rights to it, have it picked up by Hollywood and wham, bam, in a few years you've got yourself a weekend blockbuster.
SPOILERS WITHIN
I'd never read the Millar/Jones graphic novel, but I found the movie nonetheless entertaining. Violent and bloody as hell, yes, but still entertaining. I do have to concede that, yes, visually you really haven't seen a lot of things that this movie has to offer. And on that and the solid storytelling, I was very impressed by Wanted. I think the only thing that really bugged me--and I can't believe I'm saying this--was the sheer amount of violence and gunplay in the entire movie. Yes, of course it was necessary to the plot. I mean, you're dealing with assassins and all of that. But at the end of the day, I really feel you might be desensitizing folks to the whole handgun thing. Meh, maybe I'm just being a prude. But this movie really did make it cool to carry, hell, fire a gun. I wonder how many people may actually attempt to curve a bullet now? Plus I'm not sure how necessary it was to show not only the exit wounds of all these head shots, but then REVERSE them to show how amazing the shot was to begin with. Again, I get it, and even as I write this I'm wondering how much I'm beginning to swing away from my usual liberal believes at this point. But at the end of the flick you have one very true result. Everyone's fucking dead! I like the twist at the end, that it doesn't look like anyone from the first movie except for the protagonist would come back for a sequel (if there is one, and, come on, this is Hollywood). And I like the way McAvoy's character is taken from his mediocre life into one of action and intrigue. Like I said, the visuals were stunning and the storytelling was spot on. This movie just played as one big ad for the NRA to me overall. I was surprised Christy enjoyed it as much as she did--because I took her to Sin City and she hated it and this was 10 times as violent and bloody. God, I must be getting old.
END SPOILERS
It's funny. We saw a preview for "Death Race" before the movie. What a piece of shit that looks like. Looks like "Days of Thunder" and "Mad Max" butt-fucked "The Longest Yard." Convict must escape prison by racing in post-apocalyptic car-with-machine-guns-and-armor for his freedom. Who will watch that shit? And how much money did it cost to get Jason Statham and Joan Allen on board as deceptively credible cast members? Fucking Hollywood.
Man, I am on a tear today. Thank God it's a short week. Only 3 work days left, and it looks like they might be light. My main supervisor has left town for the duration of the week. That's like 3 of my superiors that are out on vacation. My wife's on vacation, too. Hell, why the fuck ain't I on vacation. Oh, that's right, freelance. We don't get vacations.
Getting more of QUANTUM 7 completed this week. If I stay on it, I could be theoretically done by the end of the holiday. But I do want to enjoy this weekend, too, so it might creep into next week. After that I have to letter a short story I did for the next big CAG anthology and then I can really focus on the important shit. I officially have 6 months to try to crank out some kind of record. More than likely it'll just be demos until I can turn out the fully produced version in the spring of next year. But at least I have a stable of musicians now, and my technical issues are being resolved in my studio. Just need to get that new tower so I can fully run the new version of Logic, which promises to be badass. Then I can also start rallying production clients, begin my production studio here and eventually phase out the graphic design. That would be tits.
Other things to focus on in the next couple weeks: updating the PC press kit, website and getting new business cards that reflect both sides of my career (music on one side, comics on the other). That would be the duality of my Gemini-ness fully realized right there.
Well, time to hit the shower and face the rest of the day. More later.
Finally saw Wanted last night. For those of you that don't know, this movie is an example of something all of us comic book writers want to happen. You write something, retain the rights to it, have it picked up by Hollywood and wham, bam, in a few years you've got yourself a weekend blockbuster.
SPOILERS WITHIN
I'd never read the Millar/Jones graphic novel, but I found the movie nonetheless entertaining. Violent and bloody as hell, yes, but still entertaining. I do have to concede that, yes, visually you really haven't seen a lot of things that this movie has to offer. And on that and the solid storytelling, I was very impressed by Wanted. I think the only thing that really bugged me--and I can't believe I'm saying this--was the sheer amount of violence and gunplay in the entire movie. Yes, of course it was necessary to the plot. I mean, you're dealing with assassins and all of that. But at the end of the day, I really feel you might be desensitizing folks to the whole handgun thing. Meh, maybe I'm just being a prude. But this movie really did make it cool to carry, hell, fire a gun. I wonder how many people may actually attempt to curve a bullet now? Plus I'm not sure how necessary it was to show not only the exit wounds of all these head shots, but then REVERSE them to show how amazing the shot was to begin with. Again, I get it, and even as I write this I'm wondering how much I'm beginning to swing away from my usual liberal believes at this point. But at the end of the flick you have one very true result. Everyone's fucking dead! I like the twist at the end, that it doesn't look like anyone from the first movie except for the protagonist would come back for a sequel (if there is one, and, come on, this is Hollywood). And I like the way McAvoy's character is taken from his mediocre life into one of action and intrigue. Like I said, the visuals were stunning and the storytelling was spot on. This movie just played as one big ad for the NRA to me overall. I was surprised Christy enjoyed it as much as she did--because I took her to Sin City and she hated it and this was 10 times as violent and bloody. God, I must be getting old.
END SPOILERS
It's funny. We saw a preview for "Death Race" before the movie. What a piece of shit that looks like. Looks like "Days of Thunder" and "Mad Max" butt-fucked "The Longest Yard." Convict must escape prison by racing in post-apocalyptic car-with-machine-guns-and-armor for his freedom. Who will watch that shit? And how much money did it cost to get Jason Statham and Joan Allen on board as deceptively credible cast members? Fucking Hollywood.
Man, I am on a tear today. Thank God it's a short week. Only 3 work days left, and it looks like they might be light. My main supervisor has left town for the duration of the week. That's like 3 of my superiors that are out on vacation. My wife's on vacation, too. Hell, why the fuck ain't I on vacation. Oh, that's right, freelance. We don't get vacations.
Getting more of QUANTUM 7 completed this week. If I stay on it, I could be theoretically done by the end of the holiday. But I do want to enjoy this weekend, too, so it might creep into next week. After that I have to letter a short story I did for the next big CAG anthology and then I can really focus on the important shit. I officially have 6 months to try to crank out some kind of record. More than likely it'll just be demos until I can turn out the fully produced version in the spring of next year. But at least I have a stable of musicians now, and my technical issues are being resolved in my studio. Just need to get that new tower so I can fully run the new version of Logic, which promises to be badass. Then I can also start rallying production clients, begin my production studio here and eventually phase out the graphic design. That would be tits.
Other things to focus on in the next couple weeks: updating the PC press kit, website and getting new business cards that reflect both sides of my career (music on one side, comics on the other). That would be the duality of my Gemini-ness fully realized right there.
Well, time to hit the shower and face the rest of the day. More later.
Monday, June 30, 2008
June 30, 2008 Morning Pages
Have to make this quick, as I've been dallying all morning and haven't been able to get my thoughts down.
Had a good, mostly relaxing weekend. Hanging with Christy yesterday was really good. She's got the rest of the week off, which makes me insanely jealous. But it's a short week, and the holiday already promises to be a lot of fun. My friend Doug's fiancé is having a birthday on Saturday, which should be a good time. Doug's great people, and we haven't been able to hang out as much at work because, well, it's an oppressive environment as most environments are. I truly believe sometimes they want their employees miserable. We're not really allowed to talk, forbidden to play music from our computers without headphones, and can't really go to lunch together. I truly think they want their employees fearful of losing their jobs. It's times like this I thank God I'm a temp.
A temp, however, that has been at this particular assignment for almost a year now. This is what happens to me: I get on a supposedly two-week assignment, and then the client never gets rid of me. Had I known that was going to happen this time I would have asked for more money going in, because I'm making an absolute crap rate. Also, my temp agency is more than likely making as much as I am per hour. So I'm essential billing for twice as much as I make right now. That sucks serious balls. I should probably look for something else, but I do like what I'm doing right now and I like the people I work with. It gives me time to work on my personal projects, which hopefully I'll be able to make enough money from soon that I can leave the temp gig anyway. I just have to be patient and focused, and hopefully all will work out.
Have to wrap this up. I'll try to write another entry tonight. Not going to be too hard on myself because I got two entries in (one public) yesterday.
Hopefully going to see Wanted tonight. That should be fun.
Had a good, mostly relaxing weekend. Hanging with Christy yesterday was really good. She's got the rest of the week off, which makes me insanely jealous. But it's a short week, and the holiday already promises to be a lot of fun. My friend Doug's fiancé is having a birthday on Saturday, which should be a good time. Doug's great people, and we haven't been able to hang out as much at work because, well, it's an oppressive environment as most environments are. I truly believe sometimes they want their employees miserable. We're not really allowed to talk, forbidden to play music from our computers without headphones, and can't really go to lunch together. I truly think they want their employees fearful of losing their jobs. It's times like this I thank God I'm a temp.
A temp, however, that has been at this particular assignment for almost a year now. This is what happens to me: I get on a supposedly two-week assignment, and then the client never gets rid of me. Had I known that was going to happen this time I would have asked for more money going in, because I'm making an absolute crap rate. Also, my temp agency is more than likely making as much as I am per hour. So I'm essential billing for twice as much as I make right now. That sucks serious balls. I should probably look for something else, but I do like what I'm doing right now and I like the people I work with. It gives me time to work on my personal projects, which hopefully I'll be able to make enough money from soon that I can leave the temp gig anyway. I just have to be patient and focused, and hopefully all will work out.
Have to wrap this up. I'll try to write another entry tonight. Not going to be too hard on myself because I got two entries in (one public) yesterday.
Hopefully going to see Wanted tonight. That should be fun.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
June 29, 2008 Evening Pages
Today was a great day. Slept in until about noon. Had champagne brunch with the wife (who's celebrating her vacation) at Pancho's. Meant to catch Wanted today, but we couldn't get anything before 4:30. So we opted for the beach.
This was probably the second time in the two years that I've lived here that I've enjoyed Manhattan Beach. And I actually got to get into the ocean, another thing I love to do that I never take advantage of. There's something about immersing yourself in the ocean and letting mother nature toss you around a bit. It really made me think a lot about how I deal with life. I've been spending a lot of time charging at the water, fighting the waves and struggling for my balance when they topple me. Sometimes the trick is to see the wave coming and let it pass over you. What began as a fight for dominance over the ocean eventually turned into a relaxing swim. Floating in the ocean off-shore watching my wife resting on the beach. Feeling the warmth of the water wash over me. It centered me, to a certain extent. I've been thinking a lot about what's gone on over the past few days. And I have to believe that the reasons I've done what I've done are right and good. There really is no way of taking back anything, going back to the way things were or mending fences that don't want to be mended.
I made decisions for myself. I can't hold on to the old notion of being responsible to a group that no longer wants my help. It's time to work towards my hopes and dreams and maintain the momentum of positivity that I've had going. I need to ride a new wave.
This was probably the second time in the two years that I've lived here that I've enjoyed Manhattan Beach. And I actually got to get into the ocean, another thing I love to do that I never take advantage of. There's something about immersing yourself in the ocean and letting mother nature toss you around a bit. It really made me think a lot about how I deal with life. I've been spending a lot of time charging at the water, fighting the waves and struggling for my balance when they topple me. Sometimes the trick is to see the wave coming and let it pass over you. What began as a fight for dominance over the ocean eventually turned into a relaxing swim. Floating in the ocean off-shore watching my wife resting on the beach. Feeling the warmth of the water wash over me. It centered me, to a certain extent. I've been thinking a lot about what's gone on over the past few days. And I have to believe that the reasons I've done what I've done are right and good. There really is no way of taking back anything, going back to the way things were or mending fences that don't want to be mended.
I made decisions for myself. I can't hold on to the old notion of being responsible to a group that no longer wants my help. It's time to work towards my hopes and dreams and maintain the momentum of positivity that I've had going. I need to ride a new wave.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
June 28, 2008 Afternoon Pages
Am late to my “morning pages” today because I've actually been taking care of personal business today and also, god forbid, enjoying life a little.
But I have to pause a moment to acknowledge the passing of a bright star in comics. I woke up to the sad news the Michael Turner died today from his long battle with cancer. Michael was actually younger than me, and it's sad to see someone so talented go at such an early age. I can't say I knew him well at all; only really through colleagues. And fan response varies depending on whom you speak to. But that doesn't change the fact that Turner was a major force in modern comics, and his work has graced the covers of many notable big comic events (most notable, Identity Crisis). He was an artist, a creator and a publisher. His company, Aspen, is one of the larger comic studios here in the Los Angeles area. Mike had been fighting cancer for about 8 years, having seemingly beat it at one time. It sucks to lose anyone in the biz, and I know that a lot of my colleagues felt this on personally. Rest in peace, Mike. You will be missed.
I'm getting to the age where I realize that I'm soon to have fewer days ahead of me than behind. And when things like this death, that of someone in seemingly good shape and even younger than me, makes me think I should probably get a check-up. I hate and rarely frequent doctors. But if I'm interested in sticking around for as long as possible, I'd better think about getting some things checked out. Even though I've cleaned up a lot recently, there was a time that I treated my body like a nightclub rather than a castle. Probably better to be safe than sorry.
Anyway, away from those more morbid topics. I ran into my friend Scott at the beach today. Scott's good people, and we run into one another enough that I should probably take that as a hint that we should probably hang out more. I was very close to distancing myself from my friends this week. I should probably open myself up some more and strengthen bonds with my newfound friends here in LA. No man is an island, no matter how hard he tries to be.
Am late to my “morning pages” today because I've actually been taking care of personal business today and also, god forbid, enjoying life a little.
But I have to pause a moment to acknowledge the passing of a bright star in comics. I woke up to the sad news the Michael Turner died today from his long battle with cancer. Michael was actually younger than me, and it's sad to see someone so talented go at such an early age. I can't say I knew him well at all; only really through colleagues. And fan response varies depending on whom you speak to. But that doesn't change the fact that Turner was a major force in modern comics, and his work has graced the covers of many notable big comic events (most notable, Identity Crisis). He was an artist, a creator and a publisher. His company, Aspen, is one of the larger comic studios here in the Los Angeles area. Mike had been fighting cancer for about 8 years, having seemingly beat it at one time. It sucks to lose anyone in the biz, and I know that a lot of my colleagues felt this on personally. Rest in peace, Mike. You will be missed.
I'm getting to the age where I realize that I'm soon to have fewer days ahead of me than behind. And when things like this death, that of someone in seemingly good shape and even younger than me, makes me think I should probably get a check-up. I hate and rarely frequent doctors. But if I'm interested in sticking around for as long as possible, I'd better think about getting some things checked out. Even though I've cleaned up a lot recently, there was a time that I treated my body like a nightclub rather than a castle. Probably better to be safe than sorry.
Anyway, away from those more morbid topics. I ran into my friend Scott at the beach today. Scott's good people, and we run into one another enough that I should probably take that as a hint that we should probably hang out more. I was very close to distancing myself from my friends this week. I should probably open myself up some more and strengthen bonds with my newfound friends here in LA. No man is an island, no matter how hard he tries to be.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
This isn't going to be a very long entry, because I didn't have a great day and don't really want to talk about it.
As far as the good things that happened: I got my “What It Is†box set today. 4 CDs of rare grooves and old school soul. Pretty much bumped that all day.
Christy sent me pictures of the puppies from her camera phone. That put a smile on my face.
Pretty much kicked ass and took names at work today. There's something to be said for pride in one's work. It's nice to be good at something and appreciated at one's job. Doesn't happen all the time, but it does feel good.
As far as the good things that happened: I got my “What It Is†box set today. 4 CDs of rare grooves and old school soul. Pretty much bumped that all day.
Christy sent me pictures of the puppies from her camera phone. That put a smile on my face.
Pretty much kicked ass and took names at work today. There's something to be said for pride in one's work. It's nice to be good at something and appreciated at one's job. Doesn't happen all the time, but it does feel good.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
June 25, 2008 Morning Pages
So I might was well talk about my very impressive day yesterday. I alluded to getting the Hollywood treatment yesterday, and sure enough I ventured out to Burbank to have my first ever pitch meeting with some movie producers.
And, before you ask, no I did not pitch QUANTUM. These guys were not looking for QUANTUM and made it clear they wanted different types of stories. It was kind of a cool challenge, because if this particular opportunity hadn't come up I probably wouldn't have ever come up with these ideas in the first place.
Note to self: I have more stories in me than I thought.
Anyway, back to the pitch meeting. The good news and something that definitely set my mind at ease was that I actually knew the guys I was pitching to. They are colleagues from my travels in comics, so part of the nervousness was alleviated by that fact. But I was still nervous. I've never done this kind of thing, and there are no hard-and-fast rules for pitching an idea to a publisher, producer, etc. The most notable thing about the experience itself was where I was actually going for the meeting. Ok, I'll just say it, it was on the Disney lot. This is the second time I've been on a studio lot, and I have to say Disney's is impressive. My friends have an office in the reputed animation building, which was a very cool place to be in having just recently seen “The Pixar Story.”
So after catching up on things (as we hadn't seen each other for some time), it was off to Studio City for lunch and the eventual pitches. I was introduced to the Artisan Cheese Gallery, a place I will definitely returning to, next time with the wife, and we proceeded to share several of their fantastic sandwiches. Then it was time for my pitches. I had brought one-sheets with the actual ideas typed out, but I decided not to use them. Fortunately I had a good enough idea of my concepts that I could basically summarize them and then also clarify certain point or address questions the client had.
And, by the end of the thing, they were actually interested in at least one of my ideas. We hammered out some more of the specifics of how they'd like to see that particular idea, and now it's in my court to knock out a treatment. If all goes well, my idea will hopefully be approved to be published as a graphic novel, and then, since it's Disney, it will be on track to become a feature film or series at some point.
And just like that, I'm in the movie business. I guess I'd hoped it would come to this point eventually. I assumed it would be with QUANTUM, but I'm glad I'm sitting on that one, actually. I'm not so attached to these other ideas that I'm not flexible taking notes or criticism. I will basically edit and cater these ideas for the folks I pitched to and build the IP. The good news is that if this doesn't go through for whatever reason, I'll still have two new concepts that I can shop around to other publishers or studios. And, with San Diego ComicCon quickly approaching, I'll definitely be in the mindset of putting illustrated one-sheets together for the ideas just in case Disney loses interest.
Oh, as an aside, I totally walked by Duane “The Rock” Johnson yesterday. Wanted to get a photo with him, but he seemed to be occupied with two smoking hot ladies, one on each arm. It would have been rude to interrupt him. Hoping I see him on my return trip.
Also, I owe a great load of thanks to my friend Denis, who set my mind at ease and talked me through what I could expect in the pitch process. Plus, a few Bendis boarders helped out, too.
So I might was well talk about my very impressive day yesterday. I alluded to getting the Hollywood treatment yesterday, and sure enough I ventured out to Burbank to have my first ever pitch meeting with some movie producers.
And, before you ask, no I did not pitch QUANTUM. These guys were not looking for QUANTUM and made it clear they wanted different types of stories. It was kind of a cool challenge, because if this particular opportunity hadn't come up I probably wouldn't have ever come up with these ideas in the first place.
Note to self: I have more stories in me than I thought.
Anyway, back to the pitch meeting. The good news and something that definitely set my mind at ease was that I actually knew the guys I was pitching to. They are colleagues from my travels in comics, so part of the nervousness was alleviated by that fact. But I was still nervous. I've never done this kind of thing, and there are no hard-and-fast rules for pitching an idea to a publisher, producer, etc. The most notable thing about the experience itself was where I was actually going for the meeting. Ok, I'll just say it, it was on the Disney lot. This is the second time I've been on a studio lot, and I have to say Disney's is impressive. My friends have an office in the reputed animation building, which was a very cool place to be in having just recently seen “The Pixar Story.”
So after catching up on things (as we hadn't seen each other for some time), it was off to Studio City for lunch and the eventual pitches. I was introduced to the Artisan Cheese Gallery, a place I will definitely returning to, next time with the wife, and we proceeded to share several of their fantastic sandwiches. Then it was time for my pitches. I had brought one-sheets with the actual ideas typed out, but I decided not to use them. Fortunately I had a good enough idea of my concepts that I could basically summarize them and then also clarify certain point or address questions the client had.
And, by the end of the thing, they were actually interested in at least one of my ideas. We hammered out some more of the specifics of how they'd like to see that particular idea, and now it's in my court to knock out a treatment. If all goes well, my idea will hopefully be approved to be published as a graphic novel, and then, since it's Disney, it will be on track to become a feature film or series at some point.
And just like that, I'm in the movie business. I guess I'd hoped it would come to this point eventually. I assumed it would be with QUANTUM, but I'm glad I'm sitting on that one, actually. I'm not so attached to these other ideas that I'm not flexible taking notes or criticism. I will basically edit and cater these ideas for the folks I pitched to and build the IP. The good news is that if this doesn't go through for whatever reason, I'll still have two new concepts that I can shop around to other publishers or studios. And, with San Diego ComicCon quickly approaching, I'll definitely be in the mindset of putting illustrated one-sheets together for the ideas just in case Disney loses interest.
Oh, as an aside, I totally walked by Duane “The Rock” Johnson yesterday. Wanted to get a photo with him, but he seemed to be occupied with two smoking hot ladies, one on each arm. It would have been rude to interrupt him. Hoping I see him on my return trip.
Also, I owe a great load of thanks to my friend Denis, who set my mind at ease and talked me through what I could expect in the pitch process. Plus, a few Bendis boarders helped out, too.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
June 24th Morning Pages.
Making this a quick one today. Getting the Hollywood treatment this afternoon. I'll post more tonight when I know more.
Oh, hey, I have a forum. You know?
Making this a quick one today. Getting the Hollywood treatment this afternoon. I'll post more tonight when I know more.
Oh, hey, I have a forum. You know?
Monday, June 23, 2008
June 23, 2008 Morning Pages
Slept really well last night, despite hearing the news that George Carlin died.
I don't plan to go into a long tirade or tribute on the guy. And I won't pretend that he was the be-all end all comedy and comedic geniuses. What I will say is that his work did have an affect on me; that his words and his style--no matter how raunchy or controversial--impacted my life to at least some small degree. Whether or not you liked Carlin's content, you can't dispute the fact that he is a comedic legend and a genius in so many ways. Not only as a performer and an innovator, but also as a writer and a thinker. See, the great thing about George Carlin's comedy wasn't that it made you laugh so much as think. And despite the barbs, profanity and anger he slung, Carlin did have one purveying message: be good to each other--for no other reason than it's the right thing to do.
I have very many favorite bits from him, but I think the one that really stuck with me was Carlin's examination of the Ten Commandments. It tore down all the walls of Judeo-Christian guilt and just cut to the chase of what it takes to be a good person. I'm paraphrasing, but it was like "don't do all this stuff because some old man the the sky has given you a set of supposed rules; do it because it's right." There were a lot of things I loved and hated about his comedy. But the man was wise. And he used comedy as a means of getting his message out and making you think in a way you probably hadn't considered before. That takes talent and genius, and for that reason I am very sad to see him go. But I have to say he had a fantastic go and earned every accolade and accomplishment he got. I admire him and strive to go out the same way. You know at the end of "Inside the Actors Studio," when James Lipton asks the same questions of all his guests, and I think the last question is something like "if there is a heaven, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive?" My internal answer was always, "nice job. Come on in."
Well, George, nice job. Go on in, brother.
In other news, let's do some goal setting this week while I'm thinking about it:
QUANTUM #7 lettering, new business cards, revise the press kit, and if I'm feeling really ambitious: the PC website. That should keep me busy for a good week.
Completely blew my pitch writing deadline yesterday. Gonna have to whip them up tonight. I have a good idea of what the concepts are. I just need to get them down on paper.
My elbow is still killing me. Don't know what's happened, but I'm probably going to have to get some professional help. I have no idea why it's in so much pain, but it's been a few weeks and I better get it taken care of before my arm falls off. That would be bad.
I don't plan to go into a long tirade or tribute on the guy. And I won't pretend that he was the be-all end all comedy and comedic geniuses. What I will say is that his work did have an affect on me; that his words and his style--no matter how raunchy or controversial--impacted my life to at least some small degree. Whether or not you liked Carlin's content, you can't dispute the fact that he is a comedic legend and a genius in so many ways. Not only as a performer and an innovator, but also as a writer and a thinker. See, the great thing about George Carlin's comedy wasn't that it made you laugh so much as think. And despite the barbs, profanity and anger he slung, Carlin did have one purveying message: be good to each other--for no other reason than it's the right thing to do.
I have very many favorite bits from him, but I think the one that really stuck with me was Carlin's examination of the Ten Commandments. It tore down all the walls of Judeo-Christian guilt and just cut to the chase of what it takes to be a good person. I'm paraphrasing, but it was like "don't do all this stuff because some old man the the sky has given you a set of supposed rules; do it because it's right." There were a lot of things I loved and hated about his comedy. But the man was wise. And he used comedy as a means of getting his message out and making you think in a way you probably hadn't considered before. That takes talent and genius, and for that reason I am very sad to see him go. But I have to say he had a fantastic go and earned every accolade and accomplishment he got. I admire him and strive to go out the same way. You know at the end of "Inside the Actors Studio," when James Lipton asks the same questions of all his guests, and I think the last question is something like "if there is a heaven, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive?" My internal answer was always, "nice job. Come on in."
Well, George, nice job. Go on in, brother.
In other news, let's do some goal setting this week while I'm thinking about it:
QUANTUM #7 lettering, new business cards, revise the press kit, and if I'm feeling really ambitious: the PC website. That should keep me busy for a good week.
Completely blew my pitch writing deadline yesterday. Gonna have to whip them up tonight. I have a good idea of what the concepts are. I just need to get them down on paper.
My elbow is still killing me. Don't know what's happened, but I'm probably going to have to get some professional help. I have no idea why it's in so much pain, but it's been a few weeks and I better get it taken care of before my arm falls off. That would be bad.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
June 22, 2008 Midday Pages
Slept in today. How awesome did that feel, despite the heat.
Yes, it has officially gotten hot here in the South Bay. It was even hot yesterday in Venice. Let me talk about that for a minute. I had probably one of the best times in a long time at Dysart's birthday bash/summer solstice party. Get in around 2:30 (would have been 2PM, but parking was a BITCH) to catch Jacaranda, a band which features my buddies Luis Reyes and Anthony Deniega. They're a lot of fun, not only doing upbeat originals but also some really fun, eclectic covers.
The whole thing was very California--which is to say, as someone who is recently moved here, that the whole block-party thing by the beach was very new to me. Especially when the band covered "Rio," I felt like I was in an eighties movie, that Anthony Michael Hall would just pop out of nowhere. But this party had it all, booze, bud, babes. It truly was a fantastic time. I only wish I'd gotten a chance to sit in with one of the bands. I'd brought my horn for just an occasion. Had to split early, otherwise I would have probably gotten my chance, but I have to say the entire experience was great. Mike and Carol from the Comic Bug also came out, and it was good to hang out with those guys and Luis and get to know more LA comic creators. Josh Dysart is a helluva guy, seriously blessed and really knows how to throw a party. I hope to hang out with him more often. He truly is quality people.
Have to say one of the surprises that completely saved my day was soaking my feet in the ocean in the middle of the hot, solstice day. If I hadn't done that, I would have been completely miserable. Also, I didn't drink too much, and I pretty much stayed hydrated with water between beers. Maintained a nice, light buzz; perfect for shaking off just before I had to drive home. Left the party feeling really good, like I was making new friends and enjoying life. Probably the first day since I've moved here that I really appreciated the California lifestyle. Maybe I just need to get down to Venice more. As prohibitive as parking is, I do enjoy the hustle and bustle down there. It reminds me of the East Village very much, only with a beach.
I'm going to repeat the foot soaking thing today down in Manhattan Beach. Gonna grab some brunch while I can and then hit the beach. It's something I don't do enough of, and now that I've gotten my plate to a reasonable level of business I can enjoy very brief pleasures like this. It truly feels good to be focusing on what's really important right now. After brunch and beach, I'll sit down and hammer out the pitches I'm drawing up for Christian and Kingdom Comics. Don't know if anything will come out of it, but it'll be good to see CB and Ahmet again, and it never hurts to be prepared.
Yes, it has officially gotten hot here in the South Bay. It was even hot yesterday in Venice. Let me talk about that for a minute. I had probably one of the best times in a long time at Dysart's birthday bash/summer solstice party. Get in around 2:30 (would have been 2PM, but parking was a BITCH) to catch Jacaranda, a band which features my buddies Luis Reyes and Anthony Deniega. They're a lot of fun, not only doing upbeat originals but also some really fun, eclectic covers.
The whole thing was very California--which is to say, as someone who is recently moved here, that the whole block-party thing by the beach was very new to me. Especially when the band covered "Rio," I felt like I was in an eighties movie, that Anthony Michael Hall would just pop out of nowhere. But this party had it all, booze, bud, babes. It truly was a fantastic time. I only wish I'd gotten a chance to sit in with one of the bands. I'd brought my horn for just an occasion. Had to split early, otherwise I would have probably gotten my chance, but I have to say the entire experience was great. Mike and Carol from the Comic Bug also came out, and it was good to hang out with those guys and Luis and get to know more LA comic creators. Josh Dysart is a helluva guy, seriously blessed and really knows how to throw a party. I hope to hang out with him more often. He truly is quality people.
Have to say one of the surprises that completely saved my day was soaking my feet in the ocean in the middle of the hot, solstice day. If I hadn't done that, I would have been completely miserable. Also, I didn't drink too much, and I pretty much stayed hydrated with water between beers. Maintained a nice, light buzz; perfect for shaking off just before I had to drive home. Left the party feeling really good, like I was making new friends and enjoying life. Probably the first day since I've moved here that I really appreciated the California lifestyle. Maybe I just need to get down to Venice more. As prohibitive as parking is, I do enjoy the hustle and bustle down there. It reminds me of the East Village very much, only with a beach.
I'm going to repeat the foot soaking thing today down in Manhattan Beach. Gonna grab some brunch while I can and then hit the beach. It's something I don't do enough of, and now that I've gotten my plate to a reasonable level of business I can enjoy very brief pleasures like this. It truly feels good to be focusing on what's really important right now. After brunch and beach, I'll sit down and hammer out the pitches I'm drawing up for Christian and Kingdom Comics. Don't know if anything will come out of it, but it'll be good to see CB and Ahmet again, and it never hurts to be prepared.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
June 21, 2008 Morning Pages
Well, it's officially my 21st day of morning pages. Looks like I've begun a constructive habit.
Wow, where to begin. It's been an interesting 24 hours. Got out of work to receive a phone call from my friend and musical comrade Jeremiah Roiko. I was planning on seeing him and band at the Grog last night for Michelle's birthday, but it turns out that Jeremiah was flying back from his work training in Oklahoma, was stuck at the airport in Phoenix and was running late. So I pick up the phone (actually, turned on my headset, as I was driving home from work) to this conversation:
Me: "Hello?"
Jeremiah: "Yeah, so I'm gonna need to you fill in for me tonight at the Grog."
Me (after a very brief pause): um...ok?
Jeremiah: I'm in Phoenix waiting for my flight, and they haven't been able to get the past 2 planes to start."
Me: Wow.
Jeremiah: So I'm going to be late getting there, if I make it at all. Right now I may not even be able to get a flight until midnight.
Me: Well, ok, sure. Is it just me tonight, or will your band be there?
Jeremiah: Oh, no. Son and Joe will be there. I just need you to fill in for me.
Good thing I didn't have any plans tonight other than actually cruising to sit in with those guys. So nice, I actually had a last minute gig. Got home, quickly packed my gear and made my way to the Grog. Things actually went swimmingly, consider I'd never played with Joe, the drummer, before. Nice guy. Tempos got a little quick, but that was mostly an adrenaline thing. We got through our first set to learn that Jeremiah actually did finally get a plane and that he wan en route. By the time the second set rolled around, Jeremiah arrived. My job was done, and everyone really seemed to enjoy the work we had done. We took a brief break to let Jeremiah set up, and I sat in for the rest of that set. I really miss playing with Jeremiah. He really is a phenomenal blues guitarist, and it's too bad that financial circumstances demand he only books a trio at this point. But the good news is that I've got an in with the Grog now, and I'll be booking my band there soon.
God, I love saying those words: "my band."
Also made the acquaintance of Candice from Hitt Music last night. Impressed her enough that she wants to get me into their roster of acts. Hitt Music is one of these agencies that shop you and your music to television, film, and labels. I'll need more info, will have to check them out. I'm not a big fan of services that request a fee for you to participate, but Candace seemed on the level. And, if it's legit, it could probably do some good things for my career. Will also have to see how that affects my working with Angela, as I want to keep her in the loop as well.
Have to cut this short, as I have to get to the bank and get to my day. Party at Dysart's house today. Hopefully it won't be too hot down there. It's pretty warm today, even in Redondo.
Wow, where to begin. It's been an interesting 24 hours. Got out of work to receive a phone call from my friend and musical comrade Jeremiah Roiko. I was planning on seeing him and band at the Grog last night for Michelle's birthday, but it turns out that Jeremiah was flying back from his work training in Oklahoma, was stuck at the airport in Phoenix and was running late. So I pick up the phone (actually, turned on my headset, as I was driving home from work) to this conversation:
Me: "Hello?"
Jeremiah: "Yeah, so I'm gonna need to you fill in for me tonight at the Grog."
Me (after a very brief pause): um...ok?
Jeremiah: I'm in Phoenix waiting for my flight, and they haven't been able to get the past 2 planes to start."
Me: Wow.
Jeremiah: So I'm going to be late getting there, if I make it at all. Right now I may not even be able to get a flight until midnight.
Me: Well, ok, sure. Is it just me tonight, or will your band be there?
Jeremiah: Oh, no. Son and Joe will be there. I just need you to fill in for me.
Good thing I didn't have any plans tonight other than actually cruising to sit in with those guys. So nice, I actually had a last minute gig. Got home, quickly packed my gear and made my way to the Grog. Things actually went swimmingly, consider I'd never played with Joe, the drummer, before. Nice guy. Tempos got a little quick, but that was mostly an adrenaline thing. We got through our first set to learn that Jeremiah actually did finally get a plane and that he wan en route. By the time the second set rolled around, Jeremiah arrived. My job was done, and everyone really seemed to enjoy the work we had done. We took a brief break to let Jeremiah set up, and I sat in for the rest of that set. I really miss playing with Jeremiah. He really is a phenomenal blues guitarist, and it's too bad that financial circumstances demand he only books a trio at this point. But the good news is that I've got an in with the Grog now, and I'll be booking my band there soon.
God, I love saying those words: "my band."
Also made the acquaintance of Candice from Hitt Music last night. Impressed her enough that she wants to get me into their roster of acts. Hitt Music is one of these agencies that shop you and your music to television, film, and labels. I'll need more info, will have to check them out. I'm not a big fan of services that request a fee for you to participate, but Candace seemed on the level. And, if it's legit, it could probably do some good things for my career. Will also have to see how that affects my working with Angela, as I want to keep her in the loop as well.
Have to cut this short, as I have to get to the bank and get to my day. Party at Dysart's house today. Hopefully it won't be too hot down there. It's pretty warm today, even in Redondo.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Weekend hasn't even started, and it promises to be hoppin'.
First off, tonight, is a celebration for my friend Michelle's birthday. Michelle is a very cool lady I met during my time with the Jeremiah Roiko Band. One of her hobbies is pole dancing (it's a sport, really), and it sounds like she'll have her pole dancing classmates out tonight in full force. The even goes down at The Grog on PCH, and Jeremiah will be providing the music. You can pretty much count on a certain funky white boy being there with his horn.
Tomorrow, a comic creating colleague of mine will be celebrating his birthday, and I have a feeling that will also be a helluva bash. I'm going to have to make sure to pace myself this weekend. I've cut down on my drinking, and I don't want to go too overboard. But hopefully I'll see some of my other comic creating brethren there and be able to hang out and enjoy the day and sunny Venice Beach. I never get down there, and it's the closest thing to the East Village I've seen since I left NYC.
Sunday will be for recovering and throwing together pitches for my lunch with Christian and Ahmet next week. I've been letting things slowly cook in the back of my head, and hopefully I can come up with some decent ideas that fall into their whole action/adventure mindset.
At some point I hope to hook up with Dave Ryan, who's recently relocated from the east coast. Dave is doing a big crossover book called "War of the Independents." I don't think I've ever met Dave in person, but we've crossed paths professionally several times. It'd be good to put a face with the emails and catch up on things.
Was finally able to get some work on QUANTUM last night. Man, it feels good to be back on working on my own book for a change. Made some pretty important decisions last night as well. It's been so long since I've worked on the book that my lettering style has actually changed. I wasn't planning on converting over to the new style until issue 8, but now that I look at it I realize that I need to switch over ASAP. I fixed the first three pages last night and have decided to post them to show you what's up and prove to y'all that I really am still working on the book.
This is one of those fun scenes where I get to inject a little of my real life into my story. The inspiration of this is when I used to temp for New York Life. I had two gigs there, actually. One was working as a production artists for their magazine (yes, they have a magazine), which I enjoyed. The other was working in the corporate office where they process all of their applications and determine who they insure and for how much. That job sucked. Balls. It was a horrible pit of mediocrity and despair where I had to spend 8 hours of my time every day. But I needed the money at the time, so you do what you have to. Worst part of the job what this little troll of a woman named Barbara who thought she could order around people that she didn't have the jurisdiction to. Barbara...Barbara...hell, can't remember her last name, and that 's probably a good thing. But the fight over the copier actually did happen as well as Barbara's line "I don't have to take that from some temp." I was so pissed off at the situation that I pretty much quit on the spot. Over the course of writing this book, I've had other little real-life segments from my life I wanted to throw in. It's cathartic for me to be able to throw Barbara to the blackness in these pages. And it's healthier than throwing her out the window of a high-rise office building, which I was tempted to do many times. That's the great thing about writing. It lets you get out your demons and revenge that you'd never execute in real life.
I even kill my high school music teacher in this next issue, but that's a story for another time.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
June 19, 2008 Morning Pages
So, what the hell you wanna talk about today?
Good news on the plumbing front: Jenkins Property's guy came out yesterday to snake the tree roots out of the clean-out. So my bathroom has returned to a state of normality. So glad I live in a place right now that has a fairly decent property management company overseeing it. I can usually get maintenance over here within 24 hours to take care of most problems. Plus, they mow and take care of my lawn and landscape every two weeks. We get a pretty good deal on renting this house, and I have to admit it's probably the nicest home I've lived in since I've lived on my own. Sometimes I miss the hardwood floors of our 2 bedroom in Queens, but I definitely don't miss the weather or my former landlord.
Already over half the week. This one went rushing by. It's been necessarily restful since the IE Jazzfest. Which reminds me, I need to reach out to the band today and just touch base. Have some things on the horizon, including some more gigging opportunities. I just want to pick the right ones. For the first time in a long time I chilled out for a night after work. I went to downtown Manhattan Beach and just enjoyed the evening; grabbed a volcano bowl at Wahoos and walked around for a bit. No one is more surprised to say that I actually really enjoy where Christy uprooted us to. As much as I miss NYC, I am beginning to love the South Bay a lot. Evenings by the ocean are pretty hard to beat. I must get out to do more of that.
Have been trying to get onto Kompoz.com this week to listen to Jim Clark's music and hopefully contribute some tracks. Kompoz is a site that allows people to collaborate electronically on music. It's not as cool as the LogicRocket stuff, but it does give musicians a place to compose and collaborate. If anyone knows of a platform that's similar to LogicRocket--where you could actually post your sequences and audio files directly online for people to edit, append, and record to--please let me know. Kompoz just seems a little clunky to me. It also doesn't help that Jim doesn't use a click track for his stuff. That makes it difficult (not impossible) to sequence to. I suppose it's good for Jim's music, which is ukulele-based, as it forces musicians to track live, organic elements on top of his basic tracks. But it makes it harder for me, because I want to add sequenced production elements. I'm hoping to spend some time this weekend tackling that particular challenge.
But one thing I can't let it get in the way of is QUANTUM #7 and also my meeting next week with Kingdom Comics. The powers-that-be over there have graciously invited me for a meeting, where I imagine I'll be able to pitch a few things. Have been mulling a few ideas over in my head for the past couple weeks, and over the weekend I'll commit some stuff to paper. The challenge here is to still give them something in this "National Treasure" vein that they want without it being too derivative or lame. As much as I enjoy movies like that and the Indian Jones stuff, it's not really my bag. I suppose that's a good thing, though, because then I can come up with an interesting spin.
Shoot, that also reminds me that I need to set up meetings with BMI and ASCAP before July. I'm in my window to end my BMI affiliation, but I want to be as informed as possible before I do. For the most part, BMI hasn't done squat for me. I hated (using the word HATE here) my New York rep, so if I don't get any sense of urgency from the LA guys I'm definitely switching to ASCAP.
Here's hoping the next two days at my day gig go by quickly. It's been a bit of a snoozefest of late.
Good news on the plumbing front: Jenkins Property's guy came out yesterday to snake the tree roots out of the clean-out. So my bathroom has returned to a state of normality. So glad I live in a place right now that has a fairly decent property management company overseeing it. I can usually get maintenance over here within 24 hours to take care of most problems. Plus, they mow and take care of my lawn and landscape every two weeks. We get a pretty good deal on renting this house, and I have to admit it's probably the nicest home I've lived in since I've lived on my own. Sometimes I miss the hardwood floors of our 2 bedroom in Queens, but I definitely don't miss the weather or my former landlord.
Already over half the week. This one went rushing by. It's been necessarily restful since the IE Jazzfest. Which reminds me, I need to reach out to the band today and just touch base. Have some things on the horizon, including some more gigging opportunities. I just want to pick the right ones. For the first time in a long time I chilled out for a night after work. I went to downtown Manhattan Beach and just enjoyed the evening; grabbed a volcano bowl at Wahoos and walked around for a bit. No one is more surprised to say that I actually really enjoy where Christy uprooted us to. As much as I miss NYC, I am beginning to love the South Bay a lot. Evenings by the ocean are pretty hard to beat. I must get out to do more of that.
Have been trying to get onto Kompoz.com this week to listen to Jim Clark's music and hopefully contribute some tracks. Kompoz is a site that allows people to collaborate electronically on music. It's not as cool as the LogicRocket stuff, but it does give musicians a place to compose and collaborate. If anyone knows of a platform that's similar to LogicRocket--where you could actually post your sequences and audio files directly online for people to edit, append, and record to--please let me know. Kompoz just seems a little clunky to me. It also doesn't help that Jim doesn't use a click track for his stuff. That makes it difficult (not impossible) to sequence to. I suppose it's good for Jim's music, which is ukulele-based, as it forces musicians to track live, organic elements on top of his basic tracks. But it makes it harder for me, because I want to add sequenced production elements. I'm hoping to spend some time this weekend tackling that particular challenge.
But one thing I can't let it get in the way of is QUANTUM #7 and also my meeting next week with Kingdom Comics. The powers-that-be over there have graciously invited me for a meeting, where I imagine I'll be able to pitch a few things. Have been mulling a few ideas over in my head for the past couple weeks, and over the weekend I'll commit some stuff to paper. The challenge here is to still give them something in this "National Treasure" vein that they want without it being too derivative or lame. As much as I enjoy movies like that and the Indian Jones stuff, it's not really my bag. I suppose that's a good thing, though, because then I can come up with an interesting spin.
Shoot, that also reminds me that I need to set up meetings with BMI and ASCAP before July. I'm in my window to end my BMI affiliation, but I want to be as informed as possible before I do. For the most part, BMI hasn't done squat for me. I hated (using the word HATE here) my New York rep, so if I don't get any sense of urgency from the LA guys I'm definitely switching to ASCAP.
Here's hoping the next two days at my day gig go by quickly. It's been a bit of a snoozefest of late.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
June 18, 2008 Morning Pages
God damn it. The plumbing's backing up again.
We have this phenomenon, about every 4 months or so, when tree roots begin to clog up the mainline (or "clean-out") of the house. When that happens, water begins to drain slowly and really fun things start happening in the bathroom; like flushing the toilet and having it all back up into the tub. I don't know what the deal is out here, as we had the same kind of problem in out Manhattan Beach apartment as well. That was a nightmare, because it would overflow all over the bathroom floor, and the whole room would look like something out of the shit-demon scene in Dogma. Worse yet, we had an absentee landlord, and yours truly was responsible for finding a plumber to fix the problem and even PAY for it. I did get reimbursed eventually, but it was a serious pain in the ass and nothing a tenant should be expected to deal with.
Fortunately we have a property management company at this place. They're pretty good for the most part, but I did ask them to come out 2 weeks ago as a preventative measure. Doesn't look like it happened, because lo and behold, the tub's filling up with crap again. This better be resolved today or there'll be hell to pay.
Posted more video of the IE JazzFest set on YouTube last night. This is footage from my little digicam and the sound isn't as clean as the stuff Tony uploaded. But Christy manned my cam and got some shots of everyone. Even moved it around so you could see folks dancing and stuff.
Which reminds me: I have to say how much more I enjoy playing in a group as opposed to the one-man-band hell I've been subjected to for the past couple years. It was also nice playing a venue OTHER than a sports bar. I truly believe God had sent me to musical hell for the past couple years, and that hell is called Texas Loosey's. Now, don't get me wrong. I love the staff of Texas Loosey's. They have always taken care of me, and I appreciate that they've given me a venue to perform. However, the actual circumstances of playing a place like Texas Loosey's is akin to the 9th ring of Dante's Hell. First off, NOBODY is there to listen to you play. They just want to eat their barbecue or chicken wings, drink a few beers and ogle the scantily-clad cowgirls that work as the waitstaff. Truth to tell, that's the best part of working for Texas Loosey's, the girl-watching. It's like Hooters, only with ass-less chaps. But I digress. Secondly, no one claps for the entertainment. I've spent set after set singing my heart out, only to be greeted at the end of a song with silence. It's seriously demoralizing for a musician. There were nights, at about 11PM or midnight, when I truly felt the creator was pointing down at me from on high and, like Nelson from the Simpsons, was going "Hanh-Ha!" But those solo gigs definitely kept my chops up and gave me an appreciation more for the kind of gig I played on Saturday.
It's just a world of difference when folks are actively LISTENING to you and responding to what you're doing. And, hell, if and when they get up and dance--that's just icing on the cake. It just makes me realize the kinds of gigging situations I would rather get into. No more solo dive-bar gigs for me. I'm going to be targeting the outdoor festivals and the venues that actually want to support soulful original music.
I mean, I'll probably have to play a few bar cover gigs locally, just to build the following and the mailing list. But I realize that I've got too good of an act, now, to bury it in dive bars. It's time to raise the bar and take this thing where it needs to go.
We have this phenomenon, about every 4 months or so, when tree roots begin to clog up the mainline (or "clean-out") of the house. When that happens, water begins to drain slowly and really fun things start happening in the bathroom; like flushing the toilet and having it all back up into the tub. I don't know what the deal is out here, as we had the same kind of problem in out Manhattan Beach apartment as well. That was a nightmare, because it would overflow all over the bathroom floor, and the whole room would look like something out of the shit-demon scene in Dogma. Worse yet, we had an absentee landlord, and yours truly was responsible for finding a plumber to fix the problem and even PAY for it. I did get reimbursed eventually, but it was a serious pain in the ass and nothing a tenant should be expected to deal with.
Fortunately we have a property management company at this place. They're pretty good for the most part, but I did ask them to come out 2 weeks ago as a preventative measure. Doesn't look like it happened, because lo and behold, the tub's filling up with crap again. This better be resolved today or there'll be hell to pay.
Posted more video of the IE JazzFest set on YouTube last night. This is footage from my little digicam and the sound isn't as clean as the stuff Tony uploaded. But Christy manned my cam and got some shots of everyone. Even moved it around so you could see folks dancing and stuff.
Which reminds me: I have to say how much more I enjoy playing in a group as opposed to the one-man-band hell I've been subjected to for the past couple years. It was also nice playing a venue OTHER than a sports bar. I truly believe God had sent me to musical hell for the past couple years, and that hell is called Texas Loosey's. Now, don't get me wrong. I love the staff of Texas Loosey's. They have always taken care of me, and I appreciate that they've given me a venue to perform. However, the actual circumstances of playing a place like Texas Loosey's is akin to the 9th ring of Dante's Hell. First off, NOBODY is there to listen to you play. They just want to eat their barbecue or chicken wings, drink a few beers and ogle the scantily-clad cowgirls that work as the waitstaff. Truth to tell, that's the best part of working for Texas Loosey's, the girl-watching. It's like Hooters, only with ass-less chaps. But I digress. Secondly, no one claps for the entertainment. I've spent set after set singing my heart out, only to be greeted at the end of a song with silence. It's seriously demoralizing for a musician. There were nights, at about 11PM or midnight, when I truly felt the creator was pointing down at me from on high and, like Nelson from the Simpsons, was going "Hanh-Ha!" But those solo gigs definitely kept my chops up and gave me an appreciation more for the kind of gig I played on Saturday.
It's just a world of difference when folks are actively LISTENING to you and responding to what you're doing. And, hell, if and when they get up and dance--that's just icing on the cake. It just makes me realize the kinds of gigging situations I would rather get into. No more solo dive-bar gigs for me. I'm going to be targeting the outdoor festivals and the venues that actually want to support soulful original music.
I mean, I'll probably have to play a few bar cover gigs locally, just to build the following and the mailing list. But I realize that I've got too good of an act, now, to bury it in dive bars. It's time to raise the bar and take this thing where it needs to go.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Was woken up by two very determined dogs this morning, and now the morning fog in my head is starting to lift.
Did I mention I sleep with three women in my bed? Ok, so two of them are canine. Ok, so one of them is only about 3.5 years old in dog years. Let me have my fantasy, ok? Bella actually does have her own bed, but a few weeks ago she had an accident in it due to her seizures, so we've let her sleep in the bed with us ever since. She does go back to it from time to time if the bed gets too crowded, but I can pretty much count on the fact that, in the morning, she'll be under the covers at our feet. Lucy is so small that she can sleep with us in the bed, and she actually likes snuggling with either Christy of myself. So, again, she may start the night in her own little bed, but by the morning she's in bed with us.
I shudder to think of what'll happen if we ever add a kid into the mix.
Not a lot to talk about this morning. Now that the big gig has passed, I can focus on booking more for the band. That and focusing on QUANTUM this week. It feels great to finally have the time to concentrate again on my own stuff. I know my focus now, and I know who my true friends are. I hate to say it, but at this stage of my life you're either with me or you're against me. It's time I stopped suffering fools gladly and it's time I kicked fair-weathered friends to the curb.
It's funny, a colleague of mine was commenting at how self-important comic book creators are. Didn't seem to be that way when I got into this business, but the more I see the profile of the comic book creator (and, more importantly, its place in Hollywood) raise, the more I'm noticing that some folks truly believe their shit don't stink. It's kind of sad, because if you told the average person on the street you made comics, they'd more than likely laugh at you. I don't understand why those same people expect the movie studios to bow prostrate like you're the second coming or something.
Which might as well be a segue into me talking about The Incredible Hulk, which I finally saw last night. That was more how the first movie should have been, but couldn't be. Miles above the first Hulk movie in casting, writing, scope and execution. Norton makes a way better Banner than Bana ever did. Bana was too hunky for the role. Folks don't realize that Banner needs to be the puny, scrawny Jeckyl to the Hulk's massive Hyde. CGI was miles better in this version, and it was GREAT to hear the Hulk speak. When he mutters "leave me alone" in the first battle scene, I nearly leapt out of my seat. The only problem with a Hulk movie is that the CGI is so important to the film that sometimes it goes over the top, even into video games proportions. I mean, I get it, two huge, hulking monsters duking it out to the bitter end. But it's a lot to follow and it's sometimes exhausting to watch. But overall, I have to say it was a step in the right direction. Since Marvel has the reigns to its own projects now, the quality and respect to the original concept and fanbase has really shown.
Before I close I also have to rave, briefly, about the 2 season premieres I caught on Showtime. "Weeds" was pleasantly solid, and I was stoked to see Albert Brooks join the cast. I'm not a huge fan of his, but this was inspired casting. Also, "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" looks to be very good. I enjoyed Billie Piper in Dr. Who, but I think this is going to be a breakout role for her. And it's now got me following the actual blog that the series is based on.
I'm not a big blog follower, but now there are two I'm following: Belle Du Jour's and Terry Moore's. Go check 'em out when you get a chance.
Did I mention I sleep with three women in my bed? Ok, so two of them are canine. Ok, so one of them is only about 3.5 years old in dog years. Let me have my fantasy, ok? Bella actually does have her own bed, but a few weeks ago she had an accident in it due to her seizures, so we've let her sleep in the bed with us ever since. She does go back to it from time to time if the bed gets too crowded, but I can pretty much count on the fact that, in the morning, she'll be under the covers at our feet. Lucy is so small that she can sleep with us in the bed, and she actually likes snuggling with either Christy of myself. So, again, she may start the night in her own little bed, but by the morning she's in bed with us.
I shudder to think of what'll happen if we ever add a kid into the mix.
Not a lot to talk about this morning. Now that the big gig has passed, I can focus on booking more for the band. That and focusing on QUANTUM this week. It feels great to finally have the time to concentrate again on my own stuff. I know my focus now, and I know who my true friends are. I hate to say it, but at this stage of my life you're either with me or you're against me. It's time I stopped suffering fools gladly and it's time I kicked fair-weathered friends to the curb.
It's funny, a colleague of mine was commenting at how self-important comic book creators are. Didn't seem to be that way when I got into this business, but the more I see the profile of the comic book creator (and, more importantly, its place in Hollywood) raise, the more I'm noticing that some folks truly believe their shit don't stink. It's kind of sad, because if you told the average person on the street you made comics, they'd more than likely laugh at you. I don't understand why those same people expect the movie studios to bow prostrate like you're the second coming or something.
Which might as well be a segue into me talking about The Incredible Hulk, which I finally saw last night. That was more how the first movie should have been, but couldn't be. Miles above the first Hulk movie in casting, writing, scope and execution. Norton makes a way better Banner than Bana ever did. Bana was too hunky for the role. Folks don't realize that Banner needs to be the puny, scrawny Jeckyl to the Hulk's massive Hyde. CGI was miles better in this version, and it was GREAT to hear the Hulk speak. When he mutters "leave me alone" in the first battle scene, I nearly leapt out of my seat. The only problem with a Hulk movie is that the CGI is so important to the film that sometimes it goes over the top, even into video games proportions. I mean, I get it, two huge, hulking monsters duking it out to the bitter end. But it's a lot to follow and it's sometimes exhausting to watch. But overall, I have to say it was a step in the right direction. Since Marvel has the reigns to its own projects now, the quality and respect to the original concept and fanbase has really shown.
Before I close I also have to rave, briefly, about the 2 season premieres I caught on Showtime. "Weeds" was pleasantly solid, and I was stoked to see Albert Brooks join the cast. I'm not a huge fan of his, but this was inspired casting. Also, "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" looks to be very good. I enjoyed Billie Piper in Dr. Who, but I think this is going to be a breakout role for her. And it's now got me following the actual blog that the series is based on.
I'm not a big blog follower, but now there are two I'm following: Belle Du Jour's and Terry Moore's. Go check 'em out when you get a chance.
Monday, June 16, 2008
June 16, 2008 Morning Pages
Still sort of recovering from the weekend. As much as I didn't think the heat got to me on Saturday, I think I actually got a little heat exhaustion. Yesterday's Father's Day was pretty decent, though, as I also scored presents for my belated birthday. Christy's mom even got me a GPS navigator, which'll definitely come in handy in the future. The thing is also an MP3 player which is also pretty mad cool.
Pretty happy with Saturday's gig, all things considered. There were only a few hiccups that I wish we could have foreseen. First of all, the entire production was running late, and before we hit the stage they were asking us to cut our set short. And it's funny, too, because the band that was following us tried to cop a deal with me: "hey, we're going to be cutting our set short, so if you do the same we can get this back on time."
Which taught me another important lesson in showbiz: NEVER fall for this line of bullshit, ever. I did end up cutting one song out of my set, shortened a few solo sections, and basically did what I could to not run too long. Then the next act proceeded to play as long as they fucking wanted to. I wasn't happy, because my bandmates and I trekked out to this festival, in BFE Moreno Valley, to play this gig for free for a good cause. I didn't schlep out from the South Bay and go to all this trouble of throwing this band together to only play 30 minutes. The lesson for me next time is to not let bad organization on someone else's part alter what I'm doing. Feeling the pressure of the clock definitely affected my soloing. Plus, we were so rushed we didn't get a decent line check, and as a result the bassist was not heard through the main system. I found that out after the fact. Bass is crucial to my music and knowing that only the folks close to the stage could hear it did not make me a happy camper.
But other than that the show went off pretty well. My voice was a little dry from the heat, but since I cut "Twenty Days" out of the set I didn't spend it. Tempos were pretty solid after we got settled in. The crowd really seemed to enjoy the show. The sales table I negotiated for never came to be, so I went grass-roots and walked through the crowd selling CDs and comics. I'm glad I ordered a new batch of CDs, because people were very receptive and interested in buying it.
I did have some of my friends from LA come out. And it was good to hang out with my friend Doug and his fiancé Jen afterwards. It's really nice to get to know another couple and also see Christy make new friends since she has so few out here.
Anyway, the whole experience was a definite success. Now I just want to do it bigger and better. I think Jazz Festivals are a good fit for my music, and I'll be actively looking to do more of those. That, street festivals and soul-music friendly venues in LA are my target right now. Got to build the buzz for the next record. It's going to be a great second half of 2008.
Pretty happy with Saturday's gig, all things considered. There were only a few hiccups that I wish we could have foreseen. First of all, the entire production was running late, and before we hit the stage they were asking us to cut our set short. And it's funny, too, because the band that was following us tried to cop a deal with me: "hey, we're going to be cutting our set short, so if you do the same we can get this back on time."
Which taught me another important lesson in showbiz: NEVER fall for this line of bullshit, ever. I did end up cutting one song out of my set, shortened a few solo sections, and basically did what I could to not run too long. Then the next act proceeded to play as long as they fucking wanted to. I wasn't happy, because my bandmates and I trekked out to this festival, in BFE Moreno Valley, to play this gig for free for a good cause. I didn't schlep out from the South Bay and go to all this trouble of throwing this band together to only play 30 minutes. The lesson for me next time is to not let bad organization on someone else's part alter what I'm doing. Feeling the pressure of the clock definitely affected my soloing. Plus, we were so rushed we didn't get a decent line check, and as a result the bassist was not heard through the main system. I found that out after the fact. Bass is crucial to my music and knowing that only the folks close to the stage could hear it did not make me a happy camper.
But other than that the show went off pretty well. My voice was a little dry from the heat, but since I cut "Twenty Days" out of the set I didn't spend it. Tempos were pretty solid after we got settled in. The crowd really seemed to enjoy the show. The sales table I negotiated for never came to be, so I went grass-roots and walked through the crowd selling CDs and comics. I'm glad I ordered a new batch of CDs, because people were very receptive and interested in buying it.
I did have some of my friends from LA come out. And it was good to hang out with my friend Doug and his fiancé Jen afterwards. It's really nice to get to know another couple and also see Christy make new friends since she has so few out here.
Anyway, the whole experience was a definite success. Now I just want to do it bigger and better. I think Jazz Festivals are a good fit for my music, and I'll be actively looking to do more of those. That, street festivals and soul-music friendly venues in LA are my target right now. Got to build the buzz for the next record. It's going to be a great second half of 2008.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Have to make this quick as I'm heading out the door for Father's Day/my belated birthday fun with the in-laws. I'm still pretty pooped from yesterday and will elaborate on that later tonight when I get back.
One thing I can say is that it was a complete, unadulterated success. The band performed as well as I could have expected given we only had 4 rehearsals, and a lot of people were impressed and newly turned on to the funky white boy.Also, my friend and work colleague Doug came out with his fiancé and her brother to support which meant a lot; as well as south bay's Mike Holmes and wife Kathy. I know it was a serious trek out there, and it was a honor to have even those folks come out to hear my LA debut.
Ok, gonna wrap this up, but I'll pick it up tonight. Feeling good and will continue my full report later.
One thing I can say is that it was a complete, unadulterated success. The band performed as well as I could have expected given we only had 4 rehearsals, and a lot of people were impressed and newly turned on to the funky white boy.Also, my friend and work colleague Doug came out with his fiancé and her brother to support which meant a lot; as well as south bay's Mike Holmes and wife Kathy. I know it was a serious trek out there, and it was a honor to have even those folks come out to hear my LA debut.
Ok, gonna wrap this up, but I'll pick it up tonight. Feeling good and will continue my full report later.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Well, this is it.
The culmination of the last month's worth of preparation for myself and the past two weeks for my band. Today we make our debut at the I.E. Jazz and R&B Festival. Have to say I'm feeling pretty prepared for this, and I anticipate we'll be one of the highlights of the show. I can definitely speak for myself when I say: I intend to kill it. And I'm going to instruct the lads to do the same thing.
Due to the location of the event, I sadly won't have as many of my friends coming out to support. And I was really bummed to find out not even my in-laws can make it out. They're really the only kind of family I have out here, so I'm not happy about that. Have to put all that out of my head though. For one brief, ugly moment I started projecting that negativity, and it was not a fun place to be. I'm not letting anything or anyone ruin this moment for me. It's a big deal to me, and I only plan to shine.
I can't believe it's been about 4 years since I've performed my own music live with a band. This gig is the beginning of the next phase of my music career. I've come back, free from burnout and doubt. I know exactly what I want to do in this business again, who I believe my audience is, and what the game-plan should be for the foreseeable future. It also seems like I've got some good people on my team. So there's really no where to go but up at this point.Am happy to report that for those folks that can't be at the actual event, the show will be broadcast live online. Simply go to http://www.museark.org/musearktv.html and tune in around 2PM Pacific time for my set. I'll be the funky white boy with the saxophone.
For those that attend the festival I will be manning a sales table afterwards, selling CDs and comics. Hopefully I can make enough cash to at least cover my gas out to Moreno Valley, because with that and the money I'm paying the fellas with it promises to be an expensive day. But worth it in the long run, I hope.
Mental checklist to make sure I don't forget to pack the car properly. Synth, sax, amp, stands, cables, CDs (both free previews and full-length for sale), comics, media stands, camera, laptop (just in case), boombox (also just in case), business cards, set-list, cash. Pretty sure that's about it. The fellas have directions to the venue and Angela's phone number so they can get loaded in properly. Guess all we need to do at this point is show up.
Here's to a great day.
The culmination of the last month's worth of preparation for myself and the past two weeks for my band. Today we make our debut at the I.E. Jazz and R&B Festival. Have to say I'm feeling pretty prepared for this, and I anticipate we'll be one of the highlights of the show. I can definitely speak for myself when I say: I intend to kill it. And I'm going to instruct the lads to do the same thing.
Due to the location of the event, I sadly won't have as many of my friends coming out to support. And I was really bummed to find out not even my in-laws can make it out. They're really the only kind of family I have out here, so I'm not happy about that. Have to put all that out of my head though. For one brief, ugly moment I started projecting that negativity, and it was not a fun place to be. I'm not letting anything or anyone ruin this moment for me. It's a big deal to me, and I only plan to shine.
I can't believe it's been about 4 years since I've performed my own music live with a band. This gig is the beginning of the next phase of my music career. I've come back, free from burnout and doubt. I know exactly what I want to do in this business again, who I believe my audience is, and what the game-plan should be for the foreseeable future. It also seems like I've got some good people on my team. So there's really no where to go but up at this point.Am happy to report that for those folks that can't be at the actual event, the show will be broadcast live online. Simply go to http://www.museark.org/musearktv.html and tune in around 2PM Pacific time for my set. I'll be the funky white boy with the saxophone.
For those that attend the festival I will be manning a sales table afterwards, selling CDs and comics. Hopefully I can make enough cash to at least cover my gas out to Moreno Valley, because with that and the money I'm paying the fellas with it promises to be an expensive day. But worth it in the long run, I hope.
Mental checklist to make sure I don't forget to pack the car properly. Synth, sax, amp, stands, cables, CDs (both free previews and full-length for sale), comics, media stands, camera, laptop (just in case), boombox (also just in case), business cards, set-list, cash. Pretty sure that's about it. The fellas have directions to the venue and Angela's phone number so they can get loaded in properly. Guess all we need to do at this point is show up.
Here's to a great day.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Ok, have to make this one super quick, and I've agreed to go into work early today. I've got about five minutes to get my thoughts down and then it's shower time.
Final rehearsal the the IE JazzFest gig went spectacularly. Only hangup was that "Anything" is not going to be included in the set. As seemingly simple as the song is, there are too many cues to be missed and tightness that needs to be in place to just throw it in the set for the sake of "here's something you haven't heard yet." Most likely none of these folks have heard me anyway, so differentiating between old album and new seems a moot point.
I am so very proud of the work done by my rhythm section of the past two weeks. I've thrown a lot of curve balls and demanded much perfection out of them in a very little time. Considering the band's only been together for only two weeks, we will be laying some serious soul on the folks in the Inland Empire tomorrow.
So today, I want to think about it as little as possible. I may end up practicing the piano solo stuff at the end of "Thinkin Bout You" just to tighten things up (boy, have I got a great surprise on that song). And I'll also probably whip up another 10 preview CDs to either sell or give away at the show, as the T-shirts probably aren't going to happen this go-around.
And so I go into this day feeling leaner, funkier, more confident and accomplished than I did even two weeks ago. I really feel I've turned my life around in some pretty big ways, and I think tomorrow will be the beginning of something wonderful.
Final rehearsal the the IE JazzFest gig went spectacularly. Only hangup was that "Anything" is not going to be included in the set. As seemingly simple as the song is, there are too many cues to be missed and tightness that needs to be in place to just throw it in the set for the sake of "here's something you haven't heard yet." Most likely none of these folks have heard me anyway, so differentiating between old album and new seems a moot point.
I am so very proud of the work done by my rhythm section of the past two weeks. I've thrown a lot of curve balls and demanded much perfection out of them in a very little time. Considering the band's only been together for only two weeks, we will be laying some serious soul on the folks in the Inland Empire tomorrow.
So today, I want to think about it as little as possible. I may end up practicing the piano solo stuff at the end of "Thinkin Bout You" just to tighten things up (boy, have I got a great surprise on that song). And I'll also probably whip up another 10 preview CDs to either sell or give away at the show, as the T-shirts probably aren't going to happen this go-around.
And so I go into this day feeling leaner, funkier, more confident and accomplished than I did even two weeks ago. I really feel I've turned my life around in some pretty big ways, and I think tomorrow will be the beginning of something wonderful.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
For those of you paying attention, an ultra sneak peek of issue #Sex is available at the Dreamchilde Forum.
ADULT CONTENT. You were warned.
ADULT CONTENT. You were warned.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
QUANTUM #6 release update - SUMMER 2005
Hey Gang,
I realized I promised in issue #5 that QUANTUM #6 would hit in May. Well here it is, June already, and still no book.
Most of you know of the problems I had getting issue #5 to print. That and the huge surge of June comic cons have set the issue back a little.
In re-assessing my publication frequency, I have basically made it a resolution to announce subsequent issues of QUANTUM on a seasonal basis. Since issue #5 hit in Spring, it's my guarantee that you'll see QUANTUM #6 in Summer of 2005.
So that's it. Sorry again for the delay, but I'm tellin' ya, once you see this issue, you'll never look at Sci-Fi comics the same way ever again. Get an advance peek at QUANTUM #6's cover at the QUANTUM website!
Best to all,
Philip
Hey Gang,
I realized I promised in issue #5 that QUANTUM #6 would hit in May. Well here it is, June already, and still no book.
Most of you know of the problems I had getting issue #5 to print. That and the huge surge of June comic cons have set the issue back a little.
In re-assessing my publication frequency, I have basically made it a resolution to announce subsequent issues of QUANTUM on a seasonal basis. Since issue #5 hit in Spring, it's my guarantee that you'll see QUANTUM #6 in Summer of 2005.
So that's it. Sorry again for the delay, but I'm tellin' ya, once you see this issue, you'll never look at Sci-Fi comics the same way ever again. Get an advance peek at QUANTUM #6's cover at the QUANTUM website!
Best to all,
Philip
Monday, June 13, 2005
QUANTUM #5 Reviewed at CBEM!
David Le Blanc give us his two cents over at the Comic Book Electronic
Magazine. Check it out!
READ IT!
Peace out,
PC
David Le Blanc give us his two cents over at the Comic Book Electronic
Magazine. Check it out!
READ IT!
Peace out,
PC
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
QUANTUM FEATURED AT IGN COMICS
Hilary Goldstein at IGN has been kind enough to shed some light on QUANTUM over at IGN comics. Go take a look!
http://comics.ign.com/articles/623/623045p1.html
Peace and chicken grease,
Philip
Hilary Goldstein at IGN has been kind enough to shed some light on QUANTUM over at IGN comics. Go take a look!
http://comics.ign.com/articles/623/623045p1.html
Peace and chicken grease,
Philip
Monday, June 06, 2005
QUANTUM #5 REVIEWED AT BUZZSCOPE!
Our friend J.D. Lombardi gives issue #5 a fair and impartial hearing over at Buzzscope. Check it out!
READ IT HERE!
Our friend J.D. Lombardi gives issue #5 a fair and impartial hearing over at Buzzscope. Check it out!
READ IT HERE!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
QUANTUM #5 finally available at Dreamchilde Online Store
Well, after staff shakeups and printing fiascos, QUANTUM #5 is finally available for order at the Dreamchilde Press webstore. Pick it up here:
http://gallery.bcentral.com/GID3913428P4266888-QUANTUM-Rock-of-Ages-5.aspx
Peace out, yo.
PC
Well, after staff shakeups and printing fiascos, QUANTUM #5 is finally available for order at the Dreamchilde Press webstore. Pick it up here:
http://gallery.bcentral.com/GID3913428P4266888-QUANTUM-Rock-of-Ages-5.aspx
Peace out, yo.
PC
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
QUANTUM Review at King Tractor Films
Check it out, yo.
Shawn Granger at King Tractor Films was kind enough to drop us a review. Here's a link:
http://www.setbb.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=118&mforum=kingtractor#118
Thanks a lot Shawn!
PC
Check it out, yo.
Shawn Granger at King Tractor Films was kind enough to drop us a review. Here's a link:
http://www.setbb.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=118&mforum=kingtractor#118
Thanks a lot Shawn!
PC
Monday, May 02, 2005
CHECK OUT THE NEW QUANTUMCOMIC.NET
An all new interface makes surfing all things QUANTUM even easier. Check it out!
http://quantumcomic.net
An all new interface makes surfing all things QUANTUM even easier. Check it out!
http://quantumcomic.net
Sunday, April 24, 2005
QUANTUM YAHOO GROUP EXCLUSIVE! FREE COMIC BOOK ONLINE!
Welcome to the next phase of marketing for the book. It's something I've tossed around for a while. Since I've recently decided to print QUANTUM in TPB format only, I've decided to offer the true fans of the book an exclusive offer.
I've uploaded a PDF of QUANTUM #5 in the "Files" section of this group. This is my way of giving back to you all for your recent support throughout the ordeal that was putting this one issue out.
QUANTUM Yahoo Group
Enjoy, and encourage anyone you think might like this book to join this group!
Take care,
Philip
Welcome to the next phase of marketing for the book. It's something I've tossed around for a while. Since I've recently decided to print QUANTUM in TPB format only, I've decided to offer the true fans of the book an exclusive offer.
I've uploaded a PDF of QUANTUM #5 in the "Files" section of this group. This is my way of giving back to you all for your recent support throughout the ordeal that was putting this one issue out.
QUANTUM Yahoo Group
Enjoy, and encourage anyone you think might like this book to join this group!
Take care,
Philip
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
I'M DONE WITH PAMPHLETS!
Kinda.
Well, after deliberating long and hard about it; after having all of my colleagues advise me that trades are the way to go; after the recent printing fiasco; I've decided to stop printing "QUANTUM: Rock of Ages" as a pamplet comic book.
This is really a heart-breaking decision for me, as it makes me break a promise I made to myself. But the long and short of it is: trades are more profitable. They're easier to be solicited by Diamond because of the price point, and they sell better at shows.
For those of you who just HAVE TO have a comic book in your hands, I will be printing on demand at ComixPress. I may order a small quantity for shows and my local shops, but I'm not killing myself trying to put out pamphlets anymore. I think recent events are just God's way of telling me to stick to publishing trades.
The good news is that these ComixPress versions will be EXTREMELY rare and collectable, if there's anyone out there still collecting comics. James and I will continue to do the wrap-around covers you've all grown to know and love.
Anyway, that's the long and short of it. I really wanted to put out a 12-issue series, but it's just not practical.
Kinda.
Well, after deliberating long and hard about it; after having all of my colleagues advise me that trades are the way to go; after the recent printing fiasco; I've decided to stop printing "QUANTUM: Rock of Ages" as a pamplet comic book.
This is really a heart-breaking decision for me, as it makes me break a promise I made to myself. But the long and short of it is: trades are more profitable. They're easier to be solicited by Diamond because of the price point, and they sell better at shows.
For those of you who just HAVE TO have a comic book in your hands, I will be printing on demand at ComixPress. I may order a small quantity for shows and my local shops, but I'm not killing myself trying to put out pamphlets anymore. I think recent events are just God's way of telling me to stick to publishing trades.
The good news is that these ComixPress versions will be EXTREMELY rare and collectable, if there's anyone out there still collecting comics. James and I will continue to do the wrap-around covers you've all grown to know and love.
Anyway, that's the long and short of it. I really wanted to put out a 12-issue series, but it's just not practical.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Ok gang,
Well they're not the Firstwave copies, but issue #5 is officially available at ComixPress.
I did order one copy, and I have to say the quality is flawless. You can get yours here:
ORDER QUANTUM #5
Best,
PC
Well they're not the Firstwave copies, but issue #5 is officially available at ComixPress.
I did order one copy, and I have to say the quality is flawless. You can get yours here:
ORDER QUANTUM #5
Best,
PC
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
RAVE REVIEW OF QUANTUM TPB AT COMIXTREME!
Anthony over at ComiXtreme has given some great praise to the QUANTUM trade.
Check it out:
COMIXTREME Q TPB REVIEW
PC
Anthony over at ComiXtreme has given some great praise to the QUANTUM trade.
Check it out:
COMIXTREME Q TPB REVIEW
PC
Sunday, March 27, 2005
QUANTUM #5 UPDATE
Due to printing problems, QUANTUM #5 will most likely not meet the March 30th release. I finally received my hard copies today, and the whole batch needs to be scrapped. I'll update this thread when I have more information, but it looks like we'll have to wait a couple more weeks for this one.
For now, I apologize to my readers and promise that when you all do see issue #5 you won't be disappointed.
Thanks,
Philip Clark
Due to printing problems, QUANTUM #5 will most likely not meet the March 30th release. I finally received my hard copies today, and the whole batch needs to be scrapped. I'll update this thread when I have more information, but it looks like we'll have to wait a couple more weeks for this one.
For now, I apologize to my readers and promise that when you all do see issue #5 you won't be disappointed.
Thanks,
Philip Clark
Friday, March 25, 2005
BIG APPLE CON UPDATE
Just wanted to drop a line and let everyone know I've been in touch with the Big Apple Con. Karen cleared up a lot of the miscommunication that went on over the past few weeks. To her credit, she's offered CAG a table at the April show.
I just wanted to go on the record to say that I apologize for potentially jeopardizing CAG'S standing with the Big Apple Con. I hope in light of these
new circumstances I've made up for any hassle I may have caused CAG and it's affiliates.
Hope you guys enjoy the table and the show. Sorry again for any drama.
Philip
Just wanted to drop a line and let everyone know I've been in touch with the Big Apple Con. Karen cleared up a lot of the miscommunication that went on over the past few weeks. To her credit, she's offered CAG a table at the April show.
I just wanted to go on the record to say that I apologize for potentially jeopardizing CAG'S standing with the Big Apple Con. I hope in light of these
new circumstances I've made up for any hassle I may have caused CAG and it's affiliates.
Hope you guys enjoy the table and the show. Sorry again for any drama.
Philip
Sunday, March 20, 2005
PHILIP CLARK @ O'HANLONS in April!
APRIL 2ND
9PM
Join Us For a Night of Music, Friends and Fun at
O'HANLONS
22-57 31st
(N or W to Ditmars)
718-728-9619
9PM
Join Us For a Night of Music, Friends and Fun at
O'HANLONS
22-57 31st
(N or W to Ditmars)
718-728-9619
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: PHILIP CLARK 347 239 2564
Dreamchilde Press Releases QUANTUM #5, explains hiatus.
New York Small Press Comic Book Publisher Continues Cross-time Adventure.
Fans have been wondering what’s going on with the Dreamchilde Press flagship title, “QUANTUM: Rock of Ages.“ After a 5-month hiatus, Dreamchilde Publisher Philip Clark has returned to announce a release date for the fifth installment: March 30. Hailed by readers, reviewers, and comic pros alike, QUANTUM: Rock of Ages is gaining ground as one of indie comics’ best new Sci-Fi series.
“We originally planned to release in September,” says Clark, “but we didn’t anticipate collecting the QUANTUM trade paperback (166 pages, $14.99. PREVIEWS order #AUG042683) so soon. That set us back a bit.” Clark also sites a failing economy and an unexpected change in jobs as additional factors for the delay. “It’s tough as an independent publisher. When I first started putting out QUANTUM, I had a higher-paying job and could afford to really throw money at the book. As luck would have it, my company moved and I couldn’t move with them, hence the new job.” Since that time, Clark has had to scale back the cost of putting QUANTUM out, and that includes reorganizing his art team.
“For the foreseeable future (QUANTUM artist) James Rodriguez and I will be grayscaling the book on our own. It was strictly a financial decision I had to make, and unfortunately it involved letting our coloring team go. Although it took us a little extra time, I feel James and I made a really great-looking issue. It will definitely be worth the wait!”
Part Clerks, part Sliders, QUANTUM: Rock of Ages follows the adventures of Nick Vargas, a jaded musician turned record-store owner. Nick is unwittingly taken on the ultimate cross-time thrill ride. His quest: to reassemble a magical gemstone—the Quantum Silica—split by a failed, alternate-reality time experiment. During his quest he encounters other characters that are also affected by the bizarre gemstone. Each fragment of the “Quantum” sphere offers a unique power to Nick and his counterparts, who must band together before the multiverse can be saved. Toss in a diabolical nemesis and some quirky pop-culture humor, and QUANTUM makes for a highly enjoyable ride.
“This is the type of comic book that is impossible to put down.”
-Silver Bullet Comics
“Philip Clark is an up and coming creator to watch out for.”
-David Mack
“Fun, utterly unpredictable, and marching to its own beat.”
-Newsarama
"This is the sort of thing I wish Marvel and DC could do more frequently."
-Four Color Explosion
QUANTUM: Rock of Ages #5 (32 pages, $2.99) will be available to order from the QUANTUM website, Cold Cut Distribution, FM Distribution, and most New York City comic book stores on March 30th. Review copies are available upon request.
More information can be found at http://quantumcomic.net.
###
--
Dreamchilde Press
21-19 41st St.
Astoria, NY 11105
quantumcomic@hotmail.com
http://quantumcomic.net
CONTACT: PHILIP CLARK 347 239 2564
Dreamchilde Press Releases QUANTUM #5, explains hiatus.
New York Small Press Comic Book Publisher Continues Cross-time Adventure.
Fans have been wondering what’s going on with the Dreamchilde Press flagship title, “QUANTUM: Rock of Ages.“ After a 5-month hiatus, Dreamchilde Publisher Philip Clark has returned to announce a release date for the fifth installment: March 30. Hailed by readers, reviewers, and comic pros alike, QUANTUM: Rock of Ages is gaining ground as one of indie comics’ best new Sci-Fi series.
“We originally planned to release in September,” says Clark, “but we didn’t anticipate collecting the QUANTUM trade paperback (166 pages, $14.99. PREVIEWS order #AUG042683) so soon. That set us back a bit.” Clark also sites a failing economy and an unexpected change in jobs as additional factors for the delay. “It’s tough as an independent publisher. When I first started putting out QUANTUM, I had a higher-paying job and could afford to really throw money at the book. As luck would have it, my company moved and I couldn’t move with them, hence the new job.” Since that time, Clark has had to scale back the cost of putting QUANTUM out, and that includes reorganizing his art team.
“For the foreseeable future (QUANTUM artist) James Rodriguez and I will be grayscaling the book on our own. It was strictly a financial decision I had to make, and unfortunately it involved letting our coloring team go. Although it took us a little extra time, I feel James and I made a really great-looking issue. It will definitely be worth the wait!”
Part Clerks, part Sliders, QUANTUM: Rock of Ages follows the adventures of Nick Vargas, a jaded musician turned record-store owner. Nick is unwittingly taken on the ultimate cross-time thrill ride. His quest: to reassemble a magical gemstone—the Quantum Silica—split by a failed, alternate-reality time experiment. During his quest he encounters other characters that are also affected by the bizarre gemstone. Each fragment of the “Quantum” sphere offers a unique power to Nick and his counterparts, who must band together before the multiverse can be saved. Toss in a diabolical nemesis and some quirky pop-culture humor, and QUANTUM makes for a highly enjoyable ride.
“This is the type of comic book that is impossible to put down.”
-Silver Bullet Comics
“Philip Clark is an up and coming creator to watch out for.”
-David Mack
“Fun, utterly unpredictable, and marching to its own beat.”
-Newsarama
"This is the sort of thing I wish Marvel and DC could do more frequently."
-Four Color Explosion
QUANTUM: Rock of Ages #5 (32 pages, $2.99) will be available to order from the QUANTUM website, Cold Cut Distribution, FM Distribution, and most New York City comic book stores on March 30th. Review copies are available upon request.
More information can be found at http://quantumcomic.net.
###
--
Dreamchilde Press
21-19 41st St.
Astoria, NY 11105
quantumcomic@hotmail.com
http://quantumcomic.net
Saturday, March 19, 2005
*QUANTUM REVIEWED AT 4-COLOR EXPLOSION*
Check it out! Another reviewer didn't hate us. It's always good to get some good press.
ISSUE #3 REVIEW
ISSUE #4 REVIEW
Hope all is well,
Philip
Check it out! Another reviewer didn't hate us. It's always good to get some good press.
ISSUE #3 REVIEW
ISSUE #4 REVIEW
Hope all is well,
Philip
Monday, March 14, 2005
DREAMCHILDE PRESS BOYCOTTS BIG APPLE CON
Due to the administration of the Big Apple Con breaking their word
and pulling their support for CAG and Dreamchilde, I will no long be
attending their shows.
It's clear that the Big Apple Con is not indie-friendly. They give no
consideration for small press or independent publishers, choosing
instead to tap us for the same table fees they charge major
publishers and artists. What other con does this? Even Wizard World
has a different rate or small press.
It's unfortunate that, after 2 years of faithful attendance at these
shows, cross-promotion, encouraging CAG membership to attend,
and hosting panels for Big Apple they have chosen to treat us this
way. But this is mostly a financial decision. It makes no sense to pay
over $300 for a table that generates only $50 in sales on average.
And on a personal note: the show's just skeezy. I'm over it. It's clear
all they are concerned with is their bottom line. And they will walk
over any organization they see fit to accommodate it. I can't believe
after the drama of the "Snow-Con" (CAG alone brought 15 people
through the door of that show and still ran a panel) they would be like
this. We've been at every show since they moved out of the church,
have hyped it to our readership and membership, and have even
assisted the Big Apple Staff with setup. We have never cancelled at
the last minute (unlike a handful of "professionals" I won't name
here). This is a spit in the face I'm just not comfortable taking.
Big Apple Conventions apparently lost money on the last show and
have chosen to punish their regular attendees in order to make up
for it. That's not good business.
I encourage my fellow small pressers and New York City comic book
professionals to boycott these cons. They are, on a consistent basis,
the worst run shows I ever attend. For too long, Mike Carbonaro has
had a monopoly on conventions in NYC, and it's high time there were
other options.
Respectfully,
Philip Clark
Due to the administration of the Big Apple Con breaking their word
and pulling their support for CAG and Dreamchilde, I will no long be
attending their shows.
It's clear that the Big Apple Con is not indie-friendly. They give no
consideration for small press or independent publishers, choosing
instead to tap us for the same table fees they charge major
publishers and artists. What other con does this? Even Wizard World
has a different rate or small press.
It's unfortunate that, after 2 years of faithful attendance at these
shows, cross-promotion, encouraging CAG membership to attend,
and hosting panels for Big Apple they have chosen to treat us this
way. But this is mostly a financial decision. It makes no sense to pay
over $300 for a table that generates only $50 in sales on average.
And on a personal note: the show's just skeezy. I'm over it. It's clear
all they are concerned with is their bottom line. And they will walk
over any organization they see fit to accommodate it. I can't believe
after the drama of the "Snow-Con" (CAG alone brought 15 people
through the door of that show and still ran a panel) they would be like
this. We've been at every show since they moved out of the church,
have hyped it to our readership and membership, and have even
assisted the Big Apple Staff with setup. We have never cancelled at
the last minute (unlike a handful of "professionals" I won't name
here). This is a spit in the face I'm just not comfortable taking.
Big Apple Conventions apparently lost money on the last show and
have chosen to punish their regular attendees in order to make up
for it. That's not good business.
I encourage my fellow small pressers and New York City comic book
professionals to boycott these cons. They are, on a consistent basis,
the worst run shows I ever attend. For too long, Mike Carbonaro has
had a monopoly on conventions in NYC, and it's high time there were
other options.
Respectfully,
Philip Clark
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
QUANTUM #5 Preview at Jazma Online
Paul Dale Roberts and the folks over at Jazma Online have made a QUANTUM #5 pdf preview available on their site. Check it out here:
JAZMA ONLINE
Tell your friends!
PC
Paul Dale Roberts and the folks over at Jazma Online have made a QUANTUM #5 pdf preview available on their site. Check it out here:
JAZMA ONLINE
Tell your friends!
PC
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
QUANTUM #5 IS IN THE CAN!
Finally!
You know, I don't believe in curses. But the entire ordeal getting
this book done almost made me rethink that. Regardless, the
final files are done and off the the printers. It should be available
in a couple of weeks.
I have posted the sneak peek which will go out to the media this
week. Check it out in the photos section of the QUANTUM Yahoo Group.
THE QUANTUM YAHOO GROUP
Best wishes,
Philip
Finally!
You know, I don't believe in curses. But the entire ordeal getting
this book done almost made me rethink that. Regardless, the
final files are done and off the the printers. It should be available
in a couple of weeks.
I have posted the sneak peek which will go out to the media this
week. Check it out in the photos section of the QUANTUM Yahoo Group.
THE QUANTUM YAHOO GROUP
Best wishes,
Philip
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
THE DREAMCHILDE MESSAGE BOARD IS UP!
Hey Guys,
Just passing along the invitation for you to join the Dreamchilde Press
forum. In addition to QUANTUM and general comic book discussion, there are
topics on how-to, reviews, music, and more. Most of you are part of the
QUANTUM inner circle, so to speak, and I'd really appreciate your support in
getting this forum hopping. I'm also opening the forum for articles,
self-published comics fan threads, and the like. Hop on by:
THE DREAMCHILDE FORUM
Hope to see you there,
Philip
Hey Guys,
Just passing along the invitation for you to join the Dreamchilde Press
forum. In addition to QUANTUM and general comic book discussion, there are
topics on how-to, reviews, music, and more. Most of you are part of the
QUANTUM inner circle, so to speak, and I'd really appreciate your support in
getting this forum hopping. I'm also opening the forum for articles,
self-published comics fan threads, and the like. Hop on by:
THE DREAMCHILDE FORUM
Hope to see you there,
Philip
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Hey gang,
I'm FINALLY in the last stages of putting issue #5 in the can. Who would like to do me a huge favor and proofread the book before I send it to print? You'll get to be the first to see the book before it hits stores in a couple of weeks.
Just drop me a line at quantumcomic@hotmail.com if you're available. I'll need you to turn the work around quickly, as I'm sending the book to print this weekend.
Thanks alot,
Philip
I'm FINALLY in the last stages of putting issue #5 in the can. Who would like to do me a huge favor and proofread the book before I send it to print? You'll get to be the first to see the book before it hits stores in a couple of weeks.
Just drop me a line at quantumcomic@hotmail.com if you're available. I'll need you to turn the work around quickly, as I'm sending the book to print this weekend.
Thanks alot,
Philip
Monday, January 17, 2005
COMIC ART GUILD AND DREAMCHILDE PRESS TO GUEST BIG APPLE CON, HOST PANEL.
New York Small Press Publisher To Hold Self Publishing Panel.
Writer/Publisher Philip Clark, Artist James Rodriguez and Inker Peter
Palmiotti will be in attendance at the Big Apple Con on January 22-23 in
NYC. The Dreamchilde Press team will be working at the Comic Art Guild (CAG)
table with CAG President Keith Murphey. All Comic Art Guild members are
encouraged to attend.
A confirmed roster of CAG members attending this show:
•Keith Murphey (Silliman Farm) •Zorikh Lequidre (Watch this Space)
•Philip Clark (QUANTUM: Rock of Ages) •James Rodriguez (QUANTUM: Rock of
Ages) •Scott Sheaffer •Justin Thomas (Vessel)
The Comic Art Guild is a NYC/CT-based not-for-profit organization of
creators, publishers, and comic book enthusiasts. Their mission is to
provide community for fellow creators and educate the general public about
the art of sequential storytelling. Once a year, CAG publishes its annual
anthology showcasing its members broad talent. CAG welcomes all convention
attendees to inquire about membership, and will hold a meeting immediately
following the show Saturday night.
In addition, Dreamchilde's Philip Clark will be conducting a self-publishing
panel on Sunday, January 23rd at 11AM. Topics to include: producing a
comic, finding talent, budgeting a project, marketing campaigns, and
alternate forms of publishing. The panel is free of charge and open to all
convention attendees.
The Big Apple Con will be held January 22-23 at the Penn Plaza Pavilion, 401
Seventh Ave at 33rd St. Tickets for the show are $10 per day, and are
available through PayPal Or At The Door the day of show. More info can be found at http://bigapple.com.com.
New York Small Press Publisher To Hold Self Publishing Panel.
Writer/Publisher Philip Clark, Artist James Rodriguez and Inker Peter
Palmiotti will be in attendance at the Big Apple Con on January 22-23 in
NYC. The Dreamchilde Press team will be working at the Comic Art Guild (CAG)
table with CAG President Keith Murphey. All Comic Art Guild members are
encouraged to attend.
A confirmed roster of CAG members attending this show:
•Keith Murphey (Silliman Farm) •Zorikh Lequidre (Watch this Space)
•Philip Clark (QUANTUM: Rock of Ages) •James Rodriguez (QUANTUM: Rock of
Ages) •Scott Sheaffer •Justin Thomas (Vessel)
The Comic Art Guild is a NYC/CT-based not-for-profit organization of
creators, publishers, and comic book enthusiasts. Their mission is to
provide community for fellow creators and educate the general public about
the art of sequential storytelling. Once a year, CAG publishes its annual
anthology showcasing its members broad talent. CAG welcomes all convention
attendees to inquire about membership, and will hold a meeting immediately
following the show Saturday night.
In addition, Dreamchilde's Philip Clark will be conducting a self-publishing
panel on Sunday, January 23rd at 11AM. Topics to include: producing a
comic, finding talent, budgeting a project, marketing campaigns, and
alternate forms of publishing. The panel is free of charge and open to all
convention attendees.
The Big Apple Con will be held January 22-23 at the Penn Plaza Pavilion, 401
Seventh Ave at 33rd St. Tickets for the show are $10 per day, and are
available through PayPal Or At The Door the day of show. More info can be found at http://bigapple.com.com.
QUANTUM #1 SELLS OUT!
New York Small Press Publisher Gaining Momentum.
Just over a year after its initial publication, "QUANTUM: Rock of Ages" #1 has officially sold out. "Decent online sales and strong convention presence helped us keep this book moving to the masses," Dreamchilde publisher Philip Clark explains. "All we could do was try to put an issue in every hand we could, and that seemed to help a lot."
Clark also admits to comping a number of copies to comic book industry and press. It seems to be a gamble that paid off, as QUANTUM garnered its fair share of positive press in 2004. "In this market, no publisher fresh out of the gate is going to just sell 1000 copies without putting multiple ads in Diamond's PREVIEWS. I knew that going in, and had no qualms about giving out copies to help keep the buzz alive. In an age where more people are buying trades, it's not smart to keep boxes upon boxes of comics just sitting around waiting to sell."
"QUANTUM: Rock of Ages" follows the story of Nick Vargas, reluctant teleporter and time-traveler, who must locate 7 fragments of the QUANTUM SILICA--an alien artifact which gave him his powers--in order to set a fractured time and space to right again. As he recovers the Quantum fragments he is joined by various cross-time counterparts who have also been empowered by the gem. It's a tale of friends, foes, dark science, love and intrigue that later leads Nick to an awesome revelation about himself and his companions.
Dreamchilde Press has retained 10 copies of QUANTUM #1 which will be re-released as collectors item editions upon QUANTUM'S 10th anniversary, December, 2013.
"QUANTUM: Rock of Ages" is still available from your comic shop through Diamond, FM International, and Cold Cut Distribution or directly from the Dreamchilde Press website (Diamond Order #s DEC03-2366, FEB04-2306, APR04-2589, AUG04-2683). More information can be found at http://quantumcomic.net.
New York Small Press Publisher Gaining Momentum.
Just over a year after its initial publication, "QUANTUM: Rock of Ages" #1 has officially sold out. "Decent online sales and strong convention presence helped us keep this book moving to the masses," Dreamchilde publisher Philip Clark explains. "All we could do was try to put an issue in every hand we could, and that seemed to help a lot."
Clark also admits to comping a number of copies to comic book industry and press. It seems to be a gamble that paid off, as QUANTUM garnered its fair share of positive press in 2004. "In this market, no publisher fresh out of the gate is going to just sell 1000 copies without putting multiple ads in Diamond's PREVIEWS. I knew that going in, and had no qualms about giving out copies to help keep the buzz alive. In an age where more people are buying trades, it's not smart to keep boxes upon boxes of comics just sitting around waiting to sell."
"QUANTUM: Rock of Ages" follows the story of Nick Vargas, reluctant teleporter and time-traveler, who must locate 7 fragments of the QUANTUM SILICA--an alien artifact which gave him his powers--in order to set a fractured time and space to right again. As he recovers the Quantum fragments he is joined by various cross-time counterparts who have also been empowered by the gem. It's a tale of friends, foes, dark science, love and intrigue that later leads Nick to an awesome revelation about himself and his companions.
Dreamchilde Press has retained 10 copies of QUANTUM #1 which will be re-released as collectors item editions upon QUANTUM'S 10th anniversary, December, 2013.
"QUANTUM: Rock of Ages" is still available from your comic shop through Diamond, FM International, and Cold Cut Distribution or directly from the Dreamchilde Press website (Diamond Order #s DEC03-2366, FEB04-2306, APR04-2589, AUG04-2683). More information can be found at http://quantumcomic.net.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
WILL EISNER DIES AT 87
NEW YORK Cartoonist/graphic novelist Will Eisner died last night in Florida
following quadruple heart bypass surgery. He was 87.
His newspaper connection included creating "The Spirit" insert for Sunday
papers from 1940 to 1952. Jules Feiffer worked under Eisner on that comic
feature from 1946 and 1951.
Eisner received the 1995 Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award and the
1998 Reuben Award as cartoonist of the year from the National Cartoonists
Society.
Rest in Peace, Will. You've definitely earned it.
NEW YORK Cartoonist/graphic novelist Will Eisner died last night in Florida
following quadruple heart bypass surgery. He was 87.
His newspaper connection included creating "The Spirit" insert for Sunday
papers from 1940 to 1952. Jules Feiffer worked under Eisner on that comic
feature from 1946 and 1951.
Eisner received the 1995 Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award and the
1998 Reuben Award as cartoonist of the year from the National Cartoonists
Society.
Rest in Peace, Will. You've definitely earned it.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Hey y'all,
Something a little off topic. I've been featured over at Twin City Beats website as one of their top 20 artists. Check it out.
http://www.twincitiesbeat.com/page0009.html
Just a quick blurb: with all of the holiday crap going on and James and I personally grascaling the book, QUANTUM #5 won't hit until January. For all of you group members who just can't wait until next year to catch up on things, drop me an email. We'll see what Santa can do ;-)
Best,
Philip
Something a little off topic. I've been featured over at Twin City Beats website as one of their top 20 artists. Check it out.
http://www.twincitiesbeat.com/page0009.html
Just a quick blurb: with all of the holiday crap going on and James and I personally grascaling the book, QUANTUM #5 won't hit until January. For all of you group members who just can't wait until next year to catch up on things, drop me an email. We'll see what Santa can do ;-)
Best,
Philip
Sunday, December 05, 2004
For those of you wondering WHERE THE HELL IS QUANTUM #5:
I've posted 3 pages of preview in the photos section of the QUANTUM Yahoo Group. What it's come down to is that Jennifer Kwon had a death in the family and has had other personal obligations that prevent her from doing the book at this time. It's uncertain as to what her future on the book is, and in the interim I've had to take up the slack. So what you see in the preview section is actually the first Clark/Rodriguez grayscale collaboration. James has been kind enough to lend his photoshop talents to the book, and together we are both coloring issue #5.
(Quick technical aside for all you comic geeks: I am "flatting" pages--filling in solids--and then passing them off to James, who does gradients, effects, highlights and shading. We're both very happy with the results, and we hope you are, too.)
AS A RESULT, I have a clearer idea of what QUANTUM'S schedule is going to be at this point.
**QUANTUM #5 will probably hit NEW YORK RETAILERS and the DREAMCHILDE PRESS ONLINE STORE the week before Christmas** It will then be available through our distributors subsequently.
Your best bet to find it in NY:
MIDTOWN COMICS (online, too)
JIM HANLEY'S UNIVERSE
COSMIC COMICS
SILVER AGE COMICS, ASTORIA NY
I was hoping to have issue #6 done before New Year's, but that's just not going to happen. So, this book will be coming out QUARTERLY beginning in January. Until Jennifer comes back, James and I will more than likely be coloring the book. Bottom line here: I've gone through 3 colorists in 4 issues to no avail. I can't really afford the extra body right now so the art team is gradually getting scaled back.
Anyway, this may be leading up to more staff shake-ups here at Dreamchilde Press. Don't ever let them tell you that making comic books is boring!
More later,
Philip
I've posted 3 pages of preview in the photos section of the QUANTUM Yahoo Group. What it's come down to is that Jennifer Kwon had a death in the family and has had other personal obligations that prevent her from doing the book at this time. It's uncertain as to what her future on the book is, and in the interim I've had to take up the slack. So what you see in the preview section is actually the first Clark/Rodriguez grayscale collaboration. James has been kind enough to lend his photoshop talents to the book, and together we are both coloring issue #5.
(Quick technical aside for all you comic geeks: I am "flatting" pages--filling in solids--and then passing them off to James, who does gradients, effects, highlights and shading. We're both very happy with the results, and we hope you are, too.)
AS A RESULT, I have a clearer idea of what QUANTUM'S schedule is going to be at this point.
**QUANTUM #5 will probably hit NEW YORK RETAILERS and the DREAMCHILDE PRESS ONLINE STORE the week before Christmas** It will then be available through our distributors subsequently.
Your best bet to find it in NY:
MIDTOWN COMICS (online, too)
JIM HANLEY'S UNIVERSE
COSMIC COMICS
SILVER AGE COMICS, ASTORIA NY
I was hoping to have issue #6 done before New Year's, but that's just not going to happen. So, this book will be coming out QUARTERLY beginning in January. Until Jennifer comes back, James and I will more than likely be coloring the book. Bottom line here: I've gone through 3 colorists in 4 issues to no avail. I can't really afford the extra body right now so the art team is gradually getting scaled back.
Anyway, this may be leading up to more staff shake-ups here at Dreamchilde Press. Don't ever let them tell you that making comic books is boring!
More later,
Philip
Monday, November 29, 2004
Hey all,
Just wanted to let you all know what's going on of late.
First, I will be updating the pinup section of the Yahoo group soon. Over the course of the past few months I have gotten some new pieces from some very cool creators. In fact, just two weekends ago at the Big Apple Con, I got some great pinups from Liza Biggers and Mike Oeming. Look for those soon, as well as works by Stuart Sayger and Louis Small Jr.
Issue #5 has run into all sorts of problems this time around, but James and I are personally making sure we have it in the can by the end of this week. I'll post preview pages this weekend.
Please keep your retailers hot on the QUANTUM TPB. Suggest it as a great X-mas gift!
More later,
PC
Just wanted to let you all know what's going on of late.
First, I will be updating the pinup section of the Yahoo group soon. Over the course of the past few months I have gotten some new pieces from some very cool creators. In fact, just two weekends ago at the Big Apple Con, I got some great pinups from Liza Biggers and Mike Oeming. Look for those soon, as well as works by Stuart Sayger and Louis Small Jr.
Issue #5 has run into all sorts of problems this time around, but James and I are personally making sure we have it in the can by the end of this week. I'll post preview pages this weekend.
Please keep your retailers hot on the QUANTUM TPB. Suggest it as a great X-mas gift!
More later,
PC
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: PHILIP CLARK 347 239 2564
Dreamchilde Press Debuts QUANTUM: Rock of Ages Graphic Novel, back issues online.
New York Small Press Comic Book Publisher Collects Cross-time Epic in TPB format.
New York Publisher/Writer Philip Clark announces two milestones from his Dreamchilde Press. Dreamchilde’s flagship title, “QUANTUM: Rock of Ages” will be released to comic book stores across the country this Wednesday, November 10, as a highly anticipated trade paperback. QUANTUM also goes into publication electronically this month, with back-issues available on the World Wide Web. Hailed by readers, reviewers, and comic pros alike, QUANTUM: Rock of Ages is gaining ground as one of indie comics’ best new series.
Part Clerks, part Sliders, QUANTUM: Rock of Ages – Act 1 follows the adventures of Nick Vargas, a jaded musician turned record-store owner. Nick is unwittingly taken on the ultimate cross-time thrill ride due to a time experiment gone awry in an alternate reality. His goal is to reassemble the Quantum Silica—an ancient and powerful artifact that has been split into seven fragments—in order to repair time and space before all existence ends. During his quest he encounters other characters that are also affected by the bizarre gemstone. Each fragment of the “Quantum” sphere offers a unique power to Nick and his counterparts, and the Quantum needs to be reassembled before Nick can return to his record store reality. Toss in a diabolical nemesis and some quirky pop-culture humor, and QUANTUM makes for a highly enjoyable ride.
In addition to the magnificent art by Ozzy Longoria and James Rodriguez, QUANTUM: Rock of Ages - Act 1 also features bonus material: character bios, self-publishing tips, an introduction by Walter Simonson (Thor, X-Factor) and a sketchbook of comicdom’s hottest talent including David Mack (Kabuki), Jim Calafiore (Exiles), Mark Texeira (Sabertooth), Andy McDonald (NYC Mech), Jamal Igle (Green Lantern), Andy Lee (Marvel Team-up) and more!
“This is the type of comic book that is impossible to put down.”
-Silver Bullet Comics
“Philip Clark is an up and coming creator to watch out for.”
-David Mack
“Fun, utterly unpredictable, and marching to its own beat.”
-Newsarama
QUANTUM: Rock of Ages also finds a home for its back issue catalogue on the web. QUANTUM #1 is now viewable at http://drunkduck.com, with new pages posted every Wednesday and Saturday. Now is your chance to see where the adventure begins!
The Dreamchilde Press team of Philip Clark, James Rodriguez and Peter Palmiotti will be attending the National Comic Book, Art, and Sci-Fi Expo in New York City November 19-21. Look for them at the Comic Art Guild booth.
QUANTUM: Rock of Ages - Act 1 trade paperback (166 pages, $14.99. PREVIEWS order #AUG042683) is available to order from Diamond Distribution, Cold Cut Distribution, FM Distribution and online.
More information can be found at http://quantumcomic.net.
Dreamchilde Press Debuts QUANTUM: Rock of Ages Graphic Novel, back issues online.
New York Small Press Comic Book Publisher Collects Cross-time Epic in TPB format.
New York Publisher/Writer Philip Clark announces two milestones from his Dreamchilde Press. Dreamchilde’s flagship title, “QUANTUM: Rock of Ages” will be released to comic book stores across the country this Wednesday, November 10, as a highly anticipated trade paperback. QUANTUM also goes into publication electronically this month, with back-issues available on the World Wide Web. Hailed by readers, reviewers, and comic pros alike, QUANTUM: Rock of Ages is gaining ground as one of indie comics’ best new series.
Part Clerks, part Sliders, QUANTUM: Rock of Ages – Act 1 follows the adventures of Nick Vargas, a jaded musician turned record-store owner. Nick is unwittingly taken on the ultimate cross-time thrill ride due to a time experiment gone awry in an alternate reality. His goal is to reassemble the Quantum Silica—an ancient and powerful artifact that has been split into seven fragments—in order to repair time and space before all existence ends. During his quest he encounters other characters that are also affected by the bizarre gemstone. Each fragment of the “Quantum” sphere offers a unique power to Nick and his counterparts, and the Quantum needs to be reassembled before Nick can return to his record store reality. Toss in a diabolical nemesis and some quirky pop-culture humor, and QUANTUM makes for a highly enjoyable ride.
In addition to the magnificent art by Ozzy Longoria and James Rodriguez, QUANTUM: Rock of Ages - Act 1 also features bonus material: character bios, self-publishing tips, an introduction by Walter Simonson (Thor, X-Factor) and a sketchbook of comicdom’s hottest talent including David Mack (Kabuki), Jim Calafiore (Exiles), Mark Texeira (Sabertooth), Andy McDonald (NYC Mech), Jamal Igle (Green Lantern), Andy Lee (Marvel Team-up) and more!
“This is the type of comic book that is impossible to put down.”
-Silver Bullet Comics
“Philip Clark is an up and coming creator to watch out for.”
-David Mack
“Fun, utterly unpredictable, and marching to its own beat.”
-Newsarama
QUANTUM: Rock of Ages also finds a home for its back issue catalogue on the web. QUANTUM #1 is now viewable at http://drunkduck.com, with new pages posted every Wednesday and Saturday. Now is your chance to see where the adventure begins!
The Dreamchilde Press team of Philip Clark, James Rodriguez and Peter Palmiotti will be attending the National Comic Book, Art, and Sci-Fi Expo in New York City November 19-21. Look for them at the Comic Art Guild booth.
QUANTUM: Rock of Ages - Act 1 trade paperback (166 pages, $14.99. PREVIEWS order #AUG042683) is available to order from Diamond Distribution, Cold Cut Distribution, FM Distribution and online.
More information can be found at http://quantumcomic.net.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
WEBSITE UPDATE, TPB AND ISSUE #5 STATUS
Hey guys,
Have added much needed "Read it" and "Buy it" buttons to the QUANTUM website. Now it's easier to point your friends in the direction of this book.
The QUANTUM Act 1 TPB is now available online for advance ordering. The book is at the printers and should hit stores next week. Stay tuned for news of a signing in the NYC area.
Due to the unforeseen challenge of putting out the TPB, issue #5 has been constantly delayed. Again, I wish to apologize for this. Being new to this publishing thing, it wasn't something I figured would cut into production. All I can say is that issue #5 will be the best issue to date and to just be patient. I'm going to try to have it done before the National convention in November.
I've posted an early version of issue #6's cover in the photos section. Some serious eye candy here, and I recommend y'all check it out.
best,
Philip
p.s. there's a CAG meeting this weekend. More on that later.
Hey guys,
Have added much needed "Read it" and "Buy it" buttons to the QUANTUM website. Now it's easier to point your friends in the direction of this book.
The QUANTUM Act 1 TPB is now available online for advance ordering. The book is at the printers and should hit stores next week. Stay tuned for news of a signing in the NYC area.
Due to the unforeseen challenge of putting out the TPB, issue #5 has been constantly delayed. Again, I wish to apologize for this. Being new to this publishing thing, it wasn't something I figured would cut into production. All I can say is that issue #5 will be the best issue to date and to just be patient. I'm going to try to have it done before the National convention in November.
I've posted an early version of issue #6's cover in the photos section. Some serious eye candy here, and I recommend y'all check it out.
best,
Philip
p.s. there's a CAG meeting this weekend. More on that later.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
I'm pleased to announce that QUANTUM: Rock of Ages is now viewable over at
DrunkDuck.com. I've posted the first 15 pages of issue #1 and will have the
entire issue up by the time the trade paperback is released next month.
Those of you faithful to the series, now is your chance to turn your friends
on to the book. Also you can vote and comment on the material you see there!
Just point your browsers here:
http://drunkduck.com/
or here
http://www.drunkduck.com/QUANTUM_Rock_of_Ages/
The revolution apparently WON'T be televised,
PC
--
Philip Clark
Dreamchilde Press
Publisher of "QUANTUM: Rock of Ages"
21-19 41st St. #2
Astoria, NY 11105
http://quantumcomic.net
DrunkDuck.com. I've posted the first 15 pages of issue #1 and will have the
entire issue up by the time the trade paperback is released next month.
Those of you faithful to the series, now is your chance to turn your friends
on to the book. Also you can vote and comment on the material you see there!
Just point your browsers here:
http://drunkduck.com/
or here
http://www.drunkduck.com/QUANTUM_Rock_of_Ages/
The revolution apparently WON'T be televised,
PC
--
Philip Clark
Dreamchilde Press
Publisher of "QUANTUM: Rock of Ages"
21-19 41st St. #2
Astoria, NY 11105
http://quantumcomic.net
Thursday, September 16, 2004
I had a really profound and far-reaching blog for you, but I've gone and gotten fuckered up, so you'll have to deal with the follwing cut-and-paste:
So I went to my local bar--which, after the move hasn’t been so local—-and found out I made the Queens Tribune. Last Week. They not only did an exposé on my music, but also on my comic book endeavors. Unfortunately they credit me as “Philip Carter” in the first two paragraphs, but it’s still good hype. Check it here:’
http://www.queenstribune.com/guides/QCulture2/Pages/TheOtherSideofQueensCulture.htm
Kickin’ it Astoria Style,
PC
!P.S. I want to start hosting a chat; what night is good for y’all?!
---------------------------
http://philipclark.com
http://quantumcomic.net
Dreamchilde Media Group
21-19 41st St.
Astoria, NY 11105
---------------------------
So I went to my local bar--which, after the move hasn’t been so local—-and found out I made the Queens Tribune. Last Week. They not only did an exposé on my music, but also on my comic book endeavors. Unfortunately they credit me as “Philip Carter” in the first two paragraphs, but it’s still good hype. Check it here:’
http://www.queenstribune.com/guides/QCulture2/Pages/TheOtherSideofQueensCulture.htm
Kickin’ it Astoria Style,
PC
!P.S. I want to start hosting a chat; what night is good for y’all?!
---------------------------
http://philipclark.com
http://quantumcomic.net
Dreamchilde Media Group
21-19 41st St.
Astoria, NY 11105
---------------------------
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Well, I got my P.O. from Diamond today for the Trade Paperback, and the news ain't good.
I can't BELIEVE more people don't know about or care about this project. I've been busting my nuts for the past 2 years trying to bring this story and dream of mine to the mainstream. Unfortunately, the folks who matter (comic book store owners) are not paying attention.
I know there are several factors to this, and I'll site two for the record; since at this point in my comics career I really have nothing to lose:
1. The economy stinks, and very few people buy independent comics. The only person I know of who does adequate numbers in a small press book is Terry Moore, and he got in during the boom. 10 years of a loyal and growing following will do that. "Strangers in Paradise" has been a role model for my aspirations in the publishing game, and for a good reason. But the simple truth is that there is a very small audience for black-and-white comics. The fact that QUANTUM is "too indie for mainstream" and "too mainstream for indie" doesn't help.
2. The leading distributor in the comics industry wields a heavy hand in determining who will succeed and who will fail in this business. I refuse to go off on a tirade on how Diamond is basically a tyrannical monopoly whose main interest is to schlep superhero fare to the masses, and instead simply state this: We independent books are cannon fodder for the PREVIEWS catalog. And Diamond manipulates our exposure and access to important retailers in many ways.
This isn't sour grapes...ok, fine, maybe a little. But I do believe that I'm not getting the whole story from them as far as who my audience is and what they order. I've heard many nightmare stories in the past, and have decided I can no longer be bothered with playing ball with such a clearly biased company. I believe in QUANTUM, and I WILL SEE IT THROUGH TO THE END. If Diamond wants to be a part of that, it will be up to them to give me a reason to deal with them.
You hear that kiddies? We're going grass roots, all the way.
I will still publish my measly quantities of the QUANTUM Act One TPB. And after Diamond has chewed them up and spit them out, I will STILL be selling it. What I have discovered is that people who care about this story will STILL ORDER IT ONLINE.
Fine, more money for me.
There are two other distributors, and a handful of online distros. That is how you will be seeing QUANTUM. So I guess this means that the die-hard comic book fan will still have access to my work. Everyone else that is playing the game of the direct market, have fun. I'm on to greener pastures.
I guess more than anything this is a declaration of true independence. I don't know what the future will hold for this story, but I guarantee you I'm going to FINISH it. If anything, this whole experience has just ticked me off to the point where I'm going to do it DESPITE the odds.
Speaking of which, this same M.O. holds true for my music career. I'm tired of catering to the corporate mentality. If you want to hear Philip Clark's music, you know right where to go. Right here.
This is officially a rant. Part anger, part defiance, and part affirmation. Those of you that have been following the story, MY story, know that I've been struggling. Well, now I'm mad enough to fight for the struggle. Mr. Nice Guy is taking a sabbatical. Diamond, I'm putting out QUANTUM whether you like it or not, whether you SELL it or not. If y'all knew what was good for you, you'd throw me a bone and help promote this comic a little better. It's not like you won't have 12 ISSUES TO SELL, 3 TRADE PAPERBACKS, and more than likely 1 FULL DIGEST. And that's just the first arc. That's a lot of potential money that you probably won't see.
You folks think you've got such a big hold on the market, and that may be true. But you don't control my licensing. Believe me, by the end of this thing, I'll have books, and toys, and records, and a very hot intellectual property, and I'll eventually come back in your gaze to exploit. Pray I'm in a more forgiving mood than I am right now.
I'm going to approach TV. I'm going to approach film. I know I've got something hot, and I just need to be patient enough to get to the right person.
Been there, done that. This time it's different. This time I'm mad.
I can't BELIEVE more people don't know about or care about this project. I've been busting my nuts for the past 2 years trying to bring this story and dream of mine to the mainstream. Unfortunately, the folks who matter (comic book store owners) are not paying attention.
I know there are several factors to this, and I'll site two for the record; since at this point in my comics career I really have nothing to lose:
1. The economy stinks, and very few people buy independent comics. The only person I know of who does adequate numbers in a small press book is Terry Moore, and he got in during the boom. 10 years of a loyal and growing following will do that. "Strangers in Paradise" has been a role model for my aspirations in the publishing game, and for a good reason. But the simple truth is that there is a very small audience for black-and-white comics. The fact that QUANTUM is "too indie for mainstream" and "too mainstream for indie" doesn't help.
2. The leading distributor in the comics industry wields a heavy hand in determining who will succeed and who will fail in this business. I refuse to go off on a tirade on how Diamond is basically a tyrannical monopoly whose main interest is to schlep superhero fare to the masses, and instead simply state this: We independent books are cannon fodder for the PREVIEWS catalog. And Diamond manipulates our exposure and access to important retailers in many ways.
This isn't sour grapes...ok, fine, maybe a little. But I do believe that I'm not getting the whole story from them as far as who my audience is and what they order. I've heard many nightmare stories in the past, and have decided I can no longer be bothered with playing ball with such a clearly biased company. I believe in QUANTUM, and I WILL SEE IT THROUGH TO THE END. If Diamond wants to be a part of that, it will be up to them to give me a reason to deal with them.
You hear that kiddies? We're going grass roots, all the way.
I will still publish my measly quantities of the QUANTUM Act One TPB. And after Diamond has chewed them up and spit them out, I will STILL be selling it. What I have discovered is that people who care about this story will STILL ORDER IT ONLINE.
Fine, more money for me.
There are two other distributors, and a handful of online distros. That is how you will be seeing QUANTUM. So I guess this means that the die-hard comic book fan will still have access to my work. Everyone else that is playing the game of the direct market, have fun. I'm on to greener pastures.
I guess more than anything this is a declaration of true independence. I don't know what the future will hold for this story, but I guarantee you I'm going to FINISH it. If anything, this whole experience has just ticked me off to the point where I'm going to do it DESPITE the odds.
Speaking of which, this same M.O. holds true for my music career. I'm tired of catering to the corporate mentality. If you want to hear Philip Clark's music, you know right where to go. Right here.
This is officially a rant. Part anger, part defiance, and part affirmation. Those of you that have been following the story, MY story, know that I've been struggling. Well, now I'm mad enough to fight for the struggle. Mr. Nice Guy is taking a sabbatical. Diamond, I'm putting out QUANTUM whether you like it or not, whether you SELL it or not. If y'all knew what was good for you, you'd throw me a bone and help promote this comic a little better. It's not like you won't have 12 ISSUES TO SELL, 3 TRADE PAPERBACKS, and more than likely 1 FULL DIGEST. And that's just the first arc. That's a lot of potential money that you probably won't see.
You folks think you've got such a big hold on the market, and that may be true. But you don't control my licensing. Believe me, by the end of this thing, I'll have books, and toys, and records, and a very hot intellectual property, and I'll eventually come back in your gaze to exploit. Pray I'm in a more forgiving mood than I am right now.
I'm going to approach TV. I'm going to approach film. I know I've got something hot, and I just need to be patient enough to get to the right person.
Been there, done that. This time it's different. This time I'm mad.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
A few news tidbits, some long overdue:
Due to severe restructuring of my day job, a recent move, and just hard luck, I've had to make a few decisions regarding my publishing and recording endeavors. The long-and-short of it is that I'm going to have to put a couple of projects on hiatus until things turn around. Fear not, I still intend to fulfill my publishing intentions; it's just that the frequency with which I crank out material will be slowed for the foreseeable future.
1. I’m scrapping “Dreamchilde” the record. There’s no way I’ll meet the proposed Christmas deadline, and truth to tell a few of the songs have evolved past their original drafts. I'm also "over" some of the material. Hey, it happens. Also, it makes no sense for me to release “albums” at this point. Unlike the comic-book industry, it’s a singles market, and that’s how I need to pursue things for now. Also with the move I still have to upgrade my rig before I can resume full-time recording at the new studio. The best I can promise at this point is A NEW PHILIP CLARK SINGLE by Christmas.
2. “QUANTUM: Rock of Ages,” issue #5 will be DELAYED UNTIL OCTOBER. My primary concern is to press the upcoming trade paperback. I’ve made it a goal to get to issue #6 by December. That's halfway! With the pace the art team is working, the fact that the work is looking more polished than ever, and the fact that we don’t have Diamond breathing down our necks any more, I’ve decided that I can proceed at a more sane (read: SANE) pace trying to finish this book. Truth to tell, I’m relieved to be past issue #4. The current climate of the comic industry and self-publishing have forced me to make this choice:
3. QUANTUM WILL PROBABLY MOVE COMPLETELY TO TRADE PAPERBACK FORMAT. Here’s the math folks: Diamond makes more money charging for collected stories. Unlike the music industry, comics is an "album oriented" market. I squirm and fret and spit and curse at the fact, but black-and-white pamphlets just don’t yield a profit in the current comic book market. Friends and colleagues have been cautioning me since the inception of this project, and I’m afraid I am going to have to acquiesce to their wisdom.
4. WHAT I NEED FROM YOU: If you just can’t LIVE without this comic on a Bi-monthly, or more realistically, a QUARTERLY basis, I NEED TO HEAR ABOUT IT. I have a couple of options in the works, including making single issues available STRICTLY TO QUANTUM YAHOO GROUP MEMBERS. This may move the books to a monthly online subscription service, where you get individual issues as PDF files as they become available.
5. OUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED. Snail mail should now be sent to:
21-19 41st St. #2
Astoria, NY 11105
6. Oh, hey, I NEED TABLE SPACE AT SPX!!! About the only thing I can afford right now is the bus down to Bethesda. I'll probably be lucky to attend a DAY, but James and I plan on going. What I need is somebody ultra cool to let me put a few books on their table and let me hock my wares. Any help would be appreciated.
Ok, that's the status. I apologize to my die-hard fans out there. I feel like I've let you down. The good news is that QUANTUM will still be coming out, and I promise to be better with my deadlines than Kevin Smith (sorry, Kev, but WHERE THE HELL IS SPIDERMAN/BLACK CAT?). Please be patient with me. I know the art will continue, but now I need to take some time to rebuild and strengthen my current circumstances.
Basically right now I play the waiting game, eagerly anticipating Diamond's purchase order for the TPB. Y'all better be telling your retailer about it (dammit). I promise you it's gonna smoke.
All the best,
Philip
--
Dreamchilde Press
21-19 41st St.
Astoria, NY 11105
quantumcomic@hotmail.com
http://quantumcomic.net
Due to severe restructuring of my day job, a recent move, and just hard luck, I've had to make a few decisions regarding my publishing and recording endeavors. The long-and-short of it is that I'm going to have to put a couple of projects on hiatus until things turn around. Fear not, I still intend to fulfill my publishing intentions; it's just that the frequency with which I crank out material will be slowed for the foreseeable future.
1. I’m scrapping “Dreamchilde” the record. There’s no way I’ll meet the proposed Christmas deadline, and truth to tell a few of the songs have evolved past their original drafts. I'm also "over" some of the material. Hey, it happens. Also, it makes no sense for me to release “albums” at this point. Unlike the comic-book industry, it’s a singles market, and that’s how I need to pursue things for now. Also with the move I still have to upgrade my rig before I can resume full-time recording at the new studio. The best I can promise at this point is A NEW PHILIP CLARK SINGLE by Christmas.
2. “QUANTUM: Rock of Ages,” issue #5 will be DELAYED UNTIL OCTOBER. My primary concern is to press the upcoming trade paperback. I’ve made it a goal to get to issue #6 by December. That's halfway! With the pace the art team is working, the fact that the work is looking more polished than ever, and the fact that we don’t have Diamond breathing down our necks any more, I’ve decided that I can proceed at a more sane (read: SANE) pace trying to finish this book. Truth to tell, I’m relieved to be past issue #4. The current climate of the comic industry and self-publishing have forced me to make this choice:
3. QUANTUM WILL PROBABLY MOVE COMPLETELY TO TRADE PAPERBACK FORMAT. Here’s the math folks: Diamond makes more money charging for collected stories. Unlike the music industry, comics is an "album oriented" market. I squirm and fret and spit and curse at the fact, but black-and-white pamphlets just don’t yield a profit in the current comic book market. Friends and colleagues have been cautioning me since the inception of this project, and I’m afraid I am going to have to acquiesce to their wisdom.
4. WHAT I NEED FROM YOU: If you just can’t LIVE without this comic on a Bi-monthly, or more realistically, a QUARTERLY basis, I NEED TO HEAR ABOUT IT. I have a couple of options in the works, including making single issues available STRICTLY TO QUANTUM YAHOO GROUP MEMBERS. This may move the books to a monthly online subscription service, where you get individual issues as PDF files as they become available.
5. OUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED. Snail mail should now be sent to:
21-19 41st St. #2
Astoria, NY 11105
6. Oh, hey, I NEED TABLE SPACE AT SPX!!! About the only thing I can afford right now is the bus down to Bethesda. I'll probably be lucky to attend a DAY, but James and I plan on going. What I need is somebody ultra cool to let me put a few books on their table and let me hock my wares. Any help would be appreciated.
Ok, that's the status. I apologize to my die-hard fans out there. I feel like I've let you down. The good news is that QUANTUM will still be coming out, and I promise to be better with my deadlines than Kevin Smith (sorry, Kev, but WHERE THE HELL IS SPIDERMAN/BLACK CAT?). Please be patient with me. I know the art will continue, but now I need to take some time to rebuild and strengthen my current circumstances.
Basically right now I play the waiting game, eagerly anticipating Diamond's purchase order for the TPB. Y'all better be telling your retailer about it (dammit). I promise you it's gonna smoke.
All the best,
Philip
--
Dreamchilde Press
21-19 41st St.
Astoria, NY 11105
quantumcomic@hotmail.com
http://quantumcomic.net
Thursday, September 02, 2004
DAVID MACK'S QUANTUM SKETCH IS IN...AND IT'S HOT!
Hey all,
Just wanted to drop a line to let you know that I've finally rounded up one of the pieces de resistance for the QUANTUM trade paperback. David Mack was gracious enough to give us his spin on a few of the characters. Unfortunately, I'm going to wait to post it in the group until after the TPB hits the stands, but I will tell you it's a great piece. Just one more excuse for you to go out and buy the trade.
Issue #5 is still in the works. Will keep you posted on a release date soon.
All the best,
Philip
Hey all,
Just wanted to drop a line to let you know that I've finally rounded up one of the pieces de resistance for the QUANTUM trade paperback. David Mack was gracious enough to give us his spin on a few of the characters. Unfortunately, I'm going to wait to post it in the group until after the TPB hits the stands, but I will tell you it's a great piece. Just one more excuse for you to go out and buy the trade.
Issue #5 is still in the works. Will keep you posted on a release date soon.
All the best,
Philip
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