Six Months Later…

2010 has been a busy one for me, so I haven’t had time to blog. I had what I call my artistic revelation. My inspirations have taken a different direction, consuming my thoughts and dreams. I have officially, independently, published my first children’s book – Timmy Tangelo Goes Green. It is an instructional children’s book for kindergarten – second grade aged children going over concepts such as global warming, the planet, and how to help ease the individual carbon footprint. Coming soon to Amazon and Barnes and Noble web sites!

I’m slowly collecting old writing projects for editing and revision and I am currently working on a Neo Pulp submission piece for Pulp Empire.

I also took part in, and “won”, NaPiBoWriWee (National Picture Book Writing Week), hosted by Paula Yoo. The goal was to complete 7 picture book scripts in 7 days. Two have some potential.

I’m becoming more and more interested in the Comic Book Industry. Here I’ll share a great essay I stumbled upon through Jason Thibault’s twitter account (@jasonthibault) – he runs the Optimum Wound website which I find to be an excellent Comic Book Industry resource. Essay by Brian Hibbs

These sketchbook scans have inspired me to start sketching so I’m off to the store to go pick up a sketchpad.

My second year of university is nearing an end and I can honestly say it’s been a fun ride. However, I cannot wait for what’s in store.

Hoping to write more often and soon!

Another Long Pause

Again, school and the holidays have kept me from my blog. First things first, Haiti. I hope anyone who can help is helping in some way large or small. I donated via text message (HAITI to 90999). The Washington Post posted all of the text message numbers as follows:

* Text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross

* Text HAITI to 25383 to donate $5 to International Rescue Committee

* Text HAITI to 45678 to donate $5 to the Salvation Army in Canada

* Text YELE to 501501 to donation $5 to Yele

* Text RELIEF to 30644 to get automatically connected to Catholic Relief Services and donate money with your credit card

* Text HAITI to 864833 to donate $5 to The United Way

* Text CERF to 90999 to donate $5 to The United Nations Foundation

* Text DISASTER to 90999 to donate $10 to Compassion International

Source article

In addition, my university is having a drive for items so I will be providing non-perishable food, toiletries and batteries/flashlights.

Next up: Active Minds.

The mental health issues that plague many of society’s members go unheard of or judged by far too many people. This is why I have elected to become a member of the student organization Active Minds.

A chapter is currently being started on my campus and I am running for office as the Secretary of Sexual Abuse and Assault Initiatives. I cannot speak on the campaigns I plan on starting just yet but if I am elected, I will discuss them as they come to fruition.

Cameras:

As a film major, I need to begin building up a film portfolio, mainly to see my skills for myself.  Three months of research have me settling and saving up for a Canon t1i to begin with. I plan on upgrading to the 7d at graduation. I’m scoping out a good Class 6 or higher 4gb(or more) SD memory card, a sturdy portable tripod with bubble leveling, a multi-coated UV filter, a case and maybe some good used/functioning Tamron or Sigma lenses. What’s the project you ask? I’m taking a trip to Sri Lanka in September 2010, where I plan on filming an intimate documentary.

Lastly, the California storm.

As a California native for the past 11 years, I can say that I love this state for its weather. Sure we get rain sometimes but nothing like what we’re experiencing now. Major roads and highways are flooding, water spouts have been forming in the coastal areas and there’s a fear of possible mudslides like the Laguna Hills ones back in 2005. Certain areas have been evacuated already. Here’s to hoping the Sun shines soon! Stay safe and dry guys and gals

Atlanta Falcons

As an animal lover and Pitbull enthusiast, I have every reason to hate Michael Vick. That is why it is very uplifting to hear/see that my current favorite Falcon, Tony Gonzalez (#88) and his wife are in an anti-fur ad by PETA. He is also a vegan, dispelling the myth that big boys need meat. (All this said, I’m not a vegetarian).

Here it is

That Comic Writer’s Competition I Entered Into

Awhile ago I entered a competition searching for comic book artists and writers. I misread the rules but I was applauded for the writing quality. I need to study comic book pacing too. Overall I am happy with my work and will keep it in my portfolio. One of my short stories will be turned either into a short comic mini-series or a single volume graphic novel in the future, I hope. Currently I must finish my children’s book illustrations. I hope to independently publish this month(Lulu)! Fingers crossed

The Latest Update

So it has been months. I have moved into my first apartment, midterms are killing me slowly and I have too much on my plate.

I saw Michael Jackson’s This Is It. It was amazing to see him at 50 putting in serious work. Unfortunately his labor could never come into complete fruition. He makes me want orange skinny jeans and glittery jackets.

I need a new pair of headphones. My jailbroken iPod Touch is amazing and I cannot listen privately. So on to my search for the perfect pair.

November is National Novel Writing Month – NaNoWriMo for short. What is it exactly? No sleep, a goal and a lot of coffee. 50,000 words need to be logged in 3o days, starting Nov. 1st. I hope to average 2,000 a day if not more. I have a rough outline: character details and most of the plot but balancing school with my personal endeavors will be difficult.

Also, I have purchased an independent publishing package from Lulu for my children’s book. I still need time to prep the pictures before posting for print and setting up a small scale publicity campaign – website, hooking up with school and libraries, etc.

Football – If you don’t already know, I am an American football nut now. Rugby is still better but it’s not here so I must make do. I am a huge Southern team supporter even though I’m out in California. I love the Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez (smart pick from the Kansas City Chiefs) <3 I love the Saints whom are doing terrific right now. I am anti-Cowboys after Romo slammed Atlanta last weekend. I like the SD Chargers,  Steelers, Patriots, Eagles(yes I know, I volunteer for pitbulls and M.V.’s on this team), Giants and Titans. In Baseball the Phillies killed the Yankees but I missed the game. All that matters is Angel baseball anyway :p  Ooo and basketball season is starting back up. In basketball I only like 2 teams – The Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls. I hope the Lakers defend the championship.

Until next time!

Comic Work Spotlight

I wrote a short comic book script for the 1st time. It’s a lot harder than I thought but basically, it’s like incorporating the direction AND production of a movie together and putting it onto paper. Utilizing the DC character Raven (from the Teen Titans), I wrote a single shot story for a hole in her existing timeline. I think I did an okay job. The transitions need polishing but I got my basic idea down and submitted on time to Viper Comics for their annual competition for artists and writers. Every submission gets feedback so I’m eagerly awaiting that. I’ll post it up here when I receive it.

See Raven here

• vipercomics.com

I tend to lean more DC in terms of favorite characters. In my opinion nothing touches the villain Joker, even long before Heath Ledger nailed that part on screen. Batman is pretty healthily composed also. Compared to Iron Man(a marvel creation), he just seems deeper. X-Men however is a major Marvel creation that just screams professional and successful to me. I would call it flawless with or without Wolverine.

Speaking of Wolverine, I have an artist I love when it comes to his new suit. In X-Force, Clayton Crain gives Wolverine a face lift. Beautiful covers and art inside so be sure to check him out!

• claytoncrain.com
  

There are a few independent comics that catch my eye too

• Check out txcomics.com for weekly series for different tastes.

• zudacomics.com, a division of DC, holds competitions for deals with independent comic creators. Very interesting to see what’s out there.

Until next time!

Handy Websites Post 1

Are you on Twitter? Need a pretty background?

• Try Twitpaper.com

Need wifi for free?

• Check www.wififreespot.com to find companies that offer wifi categorized by State.

If you’re doing research and are in need of primary sources,

• see www.historybuff.com for scans of newspapers dating back to the 1700s.

Interesting read on the Manga Industry in America

• http://manga.about.com/b/2009/07/13/anime-expo-2009-7-reasons-why-oel-manga-falters-in-the-u-s.htm

Funny PG13 website

• www.lamebook.com