So, the Bristol comic expo is done.
Was amazing! I met so many amazing artists and people is was really overwhelming, but inspiring. I'm still kinda wired from it all. I havn't been to any of the cons for a couple of years (mainly due to my not being fond of crowds and just general shyness) and to see the current small press scene was unbelievable. So, many amazing people creating amazing things. I just couldn't believe it. So inspiring. It just shows what people can do when they've got a dream. Love it!
Unfortunately Ronin Dogs didn't get finished in time for the con. It's still not done now. The printers have been a bit frustrating to deal with as well. I've rang them a few times to see how it's been going and they tell me they'll ring me back but they don't. I really don't have a clue what's going on. They havn't even told me how much it's all going to cost. Where's the customer service people?! C'mon! Gonna go elsewhere in the future. Heard good things about online printers like Lulu.com. So, might give them a go.
I spent a lot of money. But got some excellent stuff:
My good friend Jess Bradley painted the awesome Tetsuo. To the left of that is a 600 page (Yes! 600 pages!) sketchbook by the Etherington brothers. They're a couple of Bristol guys who are in my opinion the top guys in small press. They're also super-duper nice. I chatted to them for ages. They really liked my stuff and gave me lots of good tips. Another gem for me was the two books with the Kill Bill inspired covers By Nicola Stuart. I've never seen any of her stuff before and it blew me away. She's got a similar style to me and her characters are so crazy cool. Also, in there is 'In sheep's clothing' by Sam Gardener and Isaac Lenkiewicz. 'Contagious' by the lovely Nuala Murphy. Sooo much good stuff.
Had some really fun times with friends too. I havn't laughed so much or had so much fun in ages. I didn't really even drink that much.
I'm feeling totally inspired now. Got a lot of work to do. Got another episode of Ronin dogs in my head to do and a little story about a renegade cop called Julian Adderino. Thinking about having a table at the Birmingham con. So I gotta get on with that. I really want people to see what I can do now.
If there's one thing I learned this weekend it's that people are fucking awesome! I was in a huge room full of people with a dream. To some drawing comics might be a strange dream. But whatever the dream is I love the people that have them and pursue them with all their heart. Live the dream people!
Also, the weather was good too wasn't it? Beautiful!
Comments
Also check out Thought Bubble in Leeds as a con to go to! It's the highlight of the year for me :D:D
Good luck with the Ronins! I didn't end up being able to go to bristol but I couldn't have bought a ronin anyway YES XD
That said, something like Kall Kwik or Staples is handy if you have one near you. I'm experimenting next week with a second hand pc printer for Derry's 2D festival run. Wish me luck!