Oh man I can’t believe we are 22 pages in already. I just finished drawing page 44 today after losing a bunch of work on it the other night when my computer crashed. I think ol’ faithful is dying, I have been using this same machine since Chumble Spuzz volume one. I am trying to figure out a way to raise some funds for a new one here… I am thinking of doing a print or something.
Anyway, I like to blog here on Bearmageddon and it gives me a chance to give you a little more content than just the page. My plan is, if something on the page inspires something I will write on that topic, but if not, then I will answer Comic Q&A mail. Of course, if you want to send in questions that are not about comics, be my guest.
These two questions come from Grace.
Question #1:
1. I immensely enjoy enjoy comics in all shapes and forms. I dabble a little bit in comics, pencils, inking, and colors, but I am not very good at any of them. I have no desire to make it big in comics, it’s just fun to play around with the medium and maybe show my friends. I would, however, like to improve my skills. Since it is just a fun hobby for me, are there any casual and/or inexpensive ways you suggest to create better comic art and stories?
Good ol’ pen and paper never hurt anyone. There is the matter of posting the art online which requires a scanner, but those are relatively cheap these days. If you can afford a Wacom tablet (like an Intuos) you can draw your comics in the basic version of Manga Studio, which is only $50 last I checked. I’ve drawn this comic, Axe Cop and Chumble Spuzz all in Manga Studio. I use Manga Studio EX which you can get for as low as $99 on sale (retails at $300 I think), but the only difference is tools. You get all the basics on the 50 dollar version and it really is the best ink line I have found on any illustration software.
The main thing is just to find the medium you love, and can thrive in. Since you are just doing it for fun, do what is fun for you.
Question #2:
2. I don’t know why, but I’m so nervous whenever I’m about to meet my favorite creators in person. I actually had my copy of Bad Guy Earth #1 in hand at San Diego Comic Con, but you seemed so busy that I didn’t want to push past other fans just to get an autograph. So, when you’re sitting at a booth, what do you hope for in a fan? I’m sure you’ve heard “I love your work” a million times, so what different or exciting things can I talk with you (or any creator) about for the brief moment we are face to face?
This is a great question. I have so many thoughts on this. I can totally relate to the feeling of meeting someone who makes something you love. You have spent all these hours getting to know them and “interacting” with them that when you finally meet them it is really jarring that, up to that moment they had no idea you ever existed. It’s surreal, and weird and uncomfortable. We all want to walk into that situation and for the excitement to be mutual and it just can’t realistically be that way. I’m only saying this to give some sympathy. I have been in the exact situation, waiting in line to meet some artist I love, being afraid I will say something dumb. I want to try to give my best “other side of the table” perspective here.
First, you totally should have said hi. I feel bad that you didn’t. I have been told I look really serious at cons. That makes me feel bad because I really do enjoy conventions most of the time. They are tiring, but the thing that is tiring is the monotony, not the people (well, most of them). In general, the convention experience is the only time as a creator I actually get to meet people who read my work. The internet has made comics more interactive, which is awesome… because it can be a very lonely profession, but when a fan of your work walks up and gives you a genuine compliment, it is a really good feeling. Any creator who can’t appreciate that is not only a jerk, but I feel sorry for them that they have become so egotistical that they have placed themselves above such interaction. It’s gotta be lonely up there.
Of course, there is the element of just being… busy. This is new to me, since the last year and a half or so has been my first time being someone people really seek out at a con. Sometimes people have to wait in a line, and you have to just focus on who is in front of you. This is not a snub, it’s just management of mental energy. I can say this (for me anyway), if you are standing in line at my booth, and I seem to be in a long conversation with someone, or doing a drawing for them, and you just want a signature, feel free to butt in and just ask for it. I promise not to bite your head off.
When Malachai is at the booth it really does turn into a frenzy. He is not trying to make his way through the line, he is just having fun, so some people really have to wait while he interacts and scribbles on everybody’s individual book. Sometimes he will draw an elaborate killer robot for them and spend 10 minutes, sometimes he will just mark “M” and say “NEXT!”. So if you are not there to get Malachai’s signature, and he is there… come back in an hour or so. He is usually only around for an hour or two per day if he is at the con.
Here is some other tips for con interaction with creators (from my perspective):
– Geeky technical questions about the intricate workings of your comic universe are generally annoying. If I didn’t put an idea in my book, I didn’t care to dig into it. I don’t mean observations or sharing your favorite part, that’s fine. I mean something like “hey you know how this character has the power of fire but he swims in episode 133 and the wetness seems to have no effect on him, but then in episode 172 he has to fight the water demon and it extinguishes his water gun…?”.
– I think the best compliment I get is usually when someone simply thanks me. It means a lot. I also really love when parents tell me about reading the comic with their kids or just general stories people tell me. I enjoy hearing about people enjoying my work. It makes me feel really good.
-If you want to show me your work, or have a conversation that is longer than 10 seconds… try to show up at lower traffic times, like first thing in the morning, especially on Sunday. Better yet, send me an email. I try to be pretty good about replying to them. If I don’t answer an email, give me a couple weeks then send a reminder. Sometimes they get lost in the mix.
-if you want a creator to draw you something for free… buy something from them and they will most likely draw better. I don’t turn people down for a quick free sketch, but it can be annoying when they obviously have no idea what my work is and they just want something just in case my work becomes eBay worthy.
-There is nothing wrong with saying “I love your work”. It may be a standard thing to say, so just as long you as you are cool with the standard response of “thanks” then we are all good. It is the people who say “I love your work” who expect the response “well I love you too, let’s go have a beer” that are going to be let down.
I can’t speak for the guys who have insane crowds and have been doing this for years… but these are my thoughts. If a creator goes to a convention and doesn’t want to talk to fans, he or she is a fool. If that is the case, they deserve to be annoyed and miserable.
What it all comes down to is this… I literally am just some guy who likes to draw, who has been very blessed with some success and the feeling I get from people complimenting my work at conventions today is just as thrilling as it was when I was 12 years old. I really enjoy people who are down to earth, friendly and appreciative. There are annoying people at conventions, but you have already cancelled yourself out as being one of them by asking the question in the first place. The annoying ones never think “hey is this annoying? Am I wasting this guy’s time?”. When you become a “celebrity” even in the very tiny sense that I could be called one in very limited situations, all that means is that there are people are talking to you because of your work. It is different than general interaction in life. It is true that it is hard to become friends with someone you are a fan of. One thing I have learned though is that creators do not owe their fans friendship. Some fans seem to think they do, and they simply do not. It’s impossible for a creator to be genuine friends with every person that loves their work if they have had any amount of success. It’s also a weird way to start a friendship, but it CAN happen. It took me YEARS to feel comfortable around Doug TenNapel. I was such a huge fan of his, that divide of fan and celebrity just took a long time to crumble for me. The whole topic of fan/friendship relationships is a huge one I have a lot of thoughts on but I need to leave it at that for now.
Anyway… next time say hi. Even if you are a few people back in line, say hi. I may be busy, it may take me a bit to respond (depending on the convention) but I genuinely enjoy the interaction and am very thankful for it. Also, if you live in the Los Angeles area I will be doing two cons in this are soon… Long Beach Comic Con and Comikaze Expo. These are both conventions that are much smaller than SDCC and interaction should be a lot easier. The best place to meet a creator is at a small con. San Diego is the worst.
Ok I think I answered the hell out of that one. Thanks for asking!
Alright, on we go. Thanks for reading, sharing and supporting Bearmageddon.
Ethan
Haha…..Batwarthog Man!
Also, if you’re trying to raise funds, I would totally buy an autographed sketch.
I might fork over some dough for some Lord of Beasts prints…
I may do a week of sketches again like last year… we shall see. I may choose to do a print or something too.
Hey, long time reader from Axe Cop, just stopping by to say that I love your interaction with your readers, your openness about the process and your humility in your work. The stories you have posted on this site are almost as much of a reason to come as the comics themselves! Oh, and your work is great too 🙂
Thanks Joel!
I’m deathly curious as to what crazy scheme joel’s gonna get into.
Another great cheap but powerful program is Autodesk’s Sketchbook Pro. It’s a bit more intuitive and has a better interface than a lot of the other programs out there. It’s 60$ for the full-featured version and the single-layer version is free.
My first and only disappointment with this comic has occurred: no new screen shot of Lord of Beasts. You are forgive due to the fact you petitioned for the game to be made, even if it takes a hostage situation. Also, because you are awesome.
haha yeah those screen shots were a lot of work. I’d love to do a whole spin off.
I just cannot WAIT to see Manly Father Figure punch a bear. With a jaw like that, it’s almost inevitable. Like, the forces of nature will lure a bear out into the open, just so a man with that sort of chiseled mandible* can punch it.
* There are better terms that could be used here, but none of them contain the word “man.”
The manly father figure seems to me to be the type that doesn’t follow through on what he says much… I think he just talks big and then rolls over. Otherwise, why would Joel be such a loser?
But Axe Cop is based off him. He has to be at least somewhat badass.
(Appearance-wise that is)
Tough love, but still love. I figure he’s trying to push Joel, and has only been putting up with his somewhat lethargic career path *this* long because he loves Joel. At least, that’s how I like to figure my big ol’ manly father figure’s thought process regarding my lack of drive goes.
Nice Malachi reference! Bats and Warthogs are the best combo ever.
Awesome, thanks for the wonderfully thought-out response! I really appreciate hearing the perspective on the “other side of the table.” Sadly I live in the Southeast and Dragon*Con is the closest large con to me. It was my first year at SDCC, and it was fantastic, but I only went for 1 day so I only had so much time. If we’re ever at the same con again I’ll be sure to say hi, and maybe ask for a sketch too for good measure. 😀
I’ve talked with creators before, many are nice, others it feels like I’m wasting their time even though I’m the only one at the table. I think one instance was because it was my first attempt at asking for commissions though, which in retrospect I did all wrong. I guess that rolls into another question – what’s the best way to get custom sketches on the cheap/free at cons from my favorite artists? Once again I don’t want to waste someone’s time if they’re only doing quality commissions that I just can’t afford.
So basically in conclusion, I’m most likely not going to leave a lasting effect on a creator, but they still appreciate that I take the time to say “thank you.” So, thank you!
This article from iFanboy came to mind in regards to getting custom/cheap sketches. http://ifanboy.com/articles/get-schooled-proper-comic-book-convention-etiquette/
In general I don’t encourage trying to get free sketches. I have started to do skecthes of Axe Cop in people’s books if they buy them. So buy a book and ask for a quick sketch in it. The artist is at the con to make money. It is true that I literally am paying my rent when I am at a con. If you want to be remembered, don’t do it as one of those free sketch people. That’s not a good way to be remembered. If anything, say “I have $5. What kind of sketch will that get me?” that will get you a lot more respect than just asking for a free drawing then walking away.
Good call. I have learned a lot today about proper con ettiquette! I will be sure to have some cash in hand if I ever want to ask for a sketch. It is, after all, your work so you should be paid for it, I agree. I’d probably be too nervous to ask anyway. ^^; But, I feel the most important thing is that I got to see what creators are like in real life, not their autograph or even a sketch. Those are just souveniers. (Tangent warning:) That’s why I never understood why people try to sell autographed stuff for more money. To me an autograph only has sentimental value from meeting the person, otherwise its just an ink scribble to proove a famous person touched the item. I guess the same can be said for a lot of different collectables though, so to each their own.
Oh yes, thanks for the software tips too! I’m currently employing a trial version of Photoshop, but I don’t want to drop the $200 to buy it. I usually use pen an paper and scan it, then use software to color.
Another part of that question was actually drawing better without taking classes. I guess try to imitate my favorite styles, look at photographs for reference, and practice practice practice. Also, I follow Mark Crilley on youtube, he offers some great drawing tips. But that doesn’t work as well for writing, inking, and coloring. Any other ideas anyone?
I’ve seen people colorize black and white photos extremely realistically with Photoshop, although I assume it takes a bit of skill to do that as well.
It’s actually really easy. There are basic tutorials online, you just lay solid colors over the graytones and make it a color layer. To really bring out the color takes a little extra work, but in general colorizing a photo in photoshop is a piece of cake in my experience.
Having suffered the pits of retail hell, I can certainly relate to Joel’s rage against “the man” and finally having enough with begging to keep a job that, if he’s lucky, might cover the rent his dad is asking and mostly entails constant humiliation by management who will treat you
I did something more constructive than run away into the woods though. Then again, “Joel gets a better job and no bears maul him”? Crappy premise for a web comic titled “Bearmageddon.”
If you do another holiday commission extravaganza, I guarantee you’ll haul in some money. But that all depends on if you actually have enough free time to do it! I feel like a blasphemous jerk for saying this because you know my love of Baby Man…but I think I’m more into Bearmageddon than Axe Cop at this point.
(And thanks for the autograph at Detroit Fan Fare! I just got the book from the boy and plan to check out all the bonus material over the weekend!)
Wow and the bears haven’t even shown up yet!
Does Malachai get a commission when you draw him in other books?
This is a tribute to Malachai, so no. Ge gets the special feeling of having a character dedicated to him. Plus this character does bear a lot of resemblance to Malachai, but he embodies all of my younger brothers.
Now I feel bad I didn’t say hello at the Detroit FanFare. I think you and Mark Crilley were the only two cartoonists I had heard of that were going there… but I didn’t say hello to either you or him. (Although I met Mr. Crilley previously; a very rushed meeting due to the fact that I had won second place in a contest he hosted at my public library but couldn’t attend the event due to Confirmation class, so I showed up late when he was just leaving.)
I’m just way too afraid of talking to people and actually forgot to bring money, which made me feel like a jerk wandering around getting seller’s hopes up that I cared about their work and then not buying anything.
So I guess I’ll let you know now that I really enjoy your work and am really inspired by how hard you worked to get to where you are now.
Detroit was a great place to say hi because it was so dead. A lot of people came and sat down and talked with me for a lengthy amount of time.
I love chuckles’ panels. He is so vicious and with this crazy look like he is going to eat you.
Bet a bear swallows him whole.
When I saw you in Calgary you were very friendly, this was in 2009 and right as Axe Cop was blowing up. I got a great sketch of all the different flute cop forms (at the time) and it was awesome, I also got Chumble Spuzz from you which is now my favourite work of yours! You have a very approachable presence.
I know that when I started doing comics again after a long hiatus following the crumbling of the first venture, I decided I was going to put as much time and effort as possible to make it somewhere. For some reason I thought was actually a little silly, of my 2 or 3 main driving goals the strongest feeling was the desire to eventually be at a convention and be as nice as possible to any fans that might have shown up. I don’t know why that’s a big thing for me but I know that meeting someone you admire in person can either feel like the best day of your life or the worst. So almost more than anything else as a dude who wants to make comics, I want to make the days of people who like them. It is people like you and Kris Straub and others that have been so courteous at your booths and have driven this ideal for me.
Thanks, yeah that was my first convention post-Axe Cop so I was really excited to be all the way up in Canada for the first time in my life and to be selling so much stuff. But it was relatively calm for my con experiences since, like at bigger cons like SDCC, Emerald, and even the next year at Calgary… it’s just mentally exhausting interacting with that many people. As a comic creator you hide in a room and draw all day, day in and day out. You go out in public, no one knows who you are, no one cares. Then, for one weekend you go to a con and your life has gone from no one talking to you, to everyone trying to talk to you from 9am to 7pm for two days straight. It is a total paradigm shift and it just exhausts you.
Yeah you were very, very busy this year! I managed to get some time to see you and get the other CS book but you seemed pretty worn down. That sounds crazy but I am very glad that you keep it up, it makes a lot of people very happy. Do you think you’ll be coming back to Calgary next year?
A game similar to but not exactly like Lord of Beasts does exist. It was called Impossible Creatures and it was a RTS that involved combining different animals to form the minions of your army. It was a pretty good time.
In a sense, his Dad is pretty cool to recognize the difference between comics and books. My Dad calls them the same thing.
So how did Chuckles end up being possessed, anyway?
He got locked in the basement by accident and eventually found an Ouija board and went to town.
A reader of mine suggested I check this comic out. I must say Octobear has me intrigued since Sharktopus is one of my favorite SyFy originals. I just need more Bears though, Just gimme more Bears! I’m biased, what can I say. 🙂
They’re coming! You know how the first 30 minutes of Shaun of the Dead has almost no zombies. In comics, minutes are generally pages (though I would say one page equals less then a minute). I wish we could update more than twice a week but it’s the best we can do with the workload we have with this and other projects the colorists and I have going on.
So loving this stuff! I’m also loving the slow intro. Too many stories rush past all the setup, and leave you feeling cheated by the end.
As for purchasing a new computer, have you considered going Mac? Mac Minis are solid little computers, and aren’t any pricier than comparable PCs. Manga Studio and Wacom tablets work on Mac, so no problems there, though I would contact Manga Studio’s creators to make sure your license for the Windows version can transition to a Mac one.
If you have any questions or concerns about Mac, PLEASE feel free to email me! I am a passionate Mac user, and work in the Tech. Dept. for my local school district where we maintain thousands of machines, so I should be able to help you out with any Mac or even just general PC problems. I would be more than happy to help out the guy who has brought me so much happiness through Axe Cop, and now Bearmageddon!
Thought you ought to know that thanks to this comic, I had a dream about being in a bear-based apocalypse, Octobears included. It was in the winter in a house in the woods with very large windows instead of camping, though. Keep up the good work!
Speaking of fundage (and no, I didn’t bother to read the massive amount of posts that came before mine, so shaddup), if you release this in e-form or print, I will definitely buy a copy and add it to my collection. The art is amazing, and I love the writing, so it’s well worth it to me.
I’m hoping to see “Second Kings 2:23-24” played out in comic form soon enough.
Mark Morely reminds me of a skinnier, black-haired Mike Haggar.
Hopefully all future pages will also merit the tag “No view of a dog anus this time”…
Dude, that closeup of the dog’s face, the detail and lines in that are AMAZING! Way to make me happy I never took up drawing, cause if I did, I’d prolly cry at seeing that.
I don’t quite know why, but the dad’s face in the last panel seems kind of freaky to me. I think its the eyes.
Amazing artwork!
Bag great quality! Spacious, good comfortable handles. Home furniture corresponds to picture Thanks seller!!The bag was amazing, soft, comfortable. All line is good. I have been satisfied.