Today I share some thoughts about how I’ve learned to deal with failure a little better than in years past by watching the present as if it’s 5 years from now. It not only helps you laugh at your blunders, it also helps you maintain your course for future goals.
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Thunder Punch Daily 123 – 5 Years From Now Read More »
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In part two of my audio essay in response to a recent thread in the A&S forum, I discuss my thoughts on “fandom” and whether or not a creator should treat all fans equally. Throughout my talk I highlight some terrific discussions I heard on a recent Spark podcast and Merlin Mann’s advice on an episode of Webcomics Weekly. The bottom line? If you’re putting stuff out there, you’re asking for it.
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Thunder Punch Daily 122 – Interacting with an Audience, Pt 2: Fandom Read More »
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Today I begin what will likely be a multi-part series in responding to a thread in the forums begun by Rene van Belzen. How do you deal with an audience? If we’re sharing online, we’re bound to accrue an audience of some sort. Are there any “best practices” in handling ourselves publicly? Is there a “one size fits all” kind of advice we can look to? I ruminate about the only big idea I can identify when handling one’s self publicly: be Authentic. But there’s more than one way to be authentic.
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Thunder Punch Daily 121 – Interacting with an Audience, Pt 1: Authenticity Read More »
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Today I share some thoughts on opportunities open to independent comics creators, having just attended an ALA “Unconference” in Ann Arbor. If you haven’t thought about getting your books into libraries before, I think I have some observations that will get you to do so.
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Thunder Punch Daily 120 – ALA Unconference Read More »
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Inspired by the rage I felt when I read about a new Zorro film (shared by Jon David Guerra), I rant a little bit about the value of the Justice Hero, or better yet, the Smiling Justice Hero. A revisiting of topics first explored in A&S 112 – The Big Good Guy.
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Thunder Punch Daily 119 – Justice Heroes Read More »
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Today I share a few thoughts in response to a thread in the Art & Story forum about the dreary state of Direct Market publishing. Is it a sign of stormy weather for comics, or is it an opportunity for a brighter world? Bet you can guess what I think!
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Thunder Punch Daily 118 – Nothing to Fear but… Read More »
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Today I share an exercise I’ve used in my classrooms to teach some vital comics storytelling skills. By drawing a conversation sequence, we explore moment choices, scenery, emotional context, acting moments, and best of all, word balloon placement!
Also mentioned some great lettering tutorials over at Balloon Tales.
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Thunder Punch Daily 117 – The Art of Conversation Read More »
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Today I let myself get a little angry as I talk about a common misconception concerning cartoons and stories aimed at young people. Too often I hear a criticism leveled at these materials that runs along the lines of “it doesn’t hold up” after experiencing them as an adult. I share a few thoughts on how we need to consider the intended audience before jumping to conclusions on the quality of a work. And also why these people are dead wrong.
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Thunder Punch Daily 116 – “It Doesn’t Hold Up” Read More »
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Today I share some thoughts on how a technical goof-up during a workshop made it one of the most pleasurable experiences I’ve had teaching in a long time, and how mistakes can inspire your comics work.
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Thunder Punch Daily 115 – Failure IS an Option! Read More »
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Today I share some thoughts inspired by a conversation I had with Dan Mishkin about writing characters and keeping their emotional arcs “honest”. Believe it or not, I manage to tie my points into a common argument amongst cartoonists over “how much is too much backstory?”
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Thunder Punch Daily 114 – Emotional Honesty Read More »
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