It's Been a Topsy-Turvy Week
The good, the great and the one that got away
Howdy folks! It’s been a little bit of time between Substack posts for me and I didn’t want you to forget I exist! That being said, the reason it’s been so long in between is mainly because I’ve been so busy! And this is the GOOD kind of busy, not, “I’m juggling a dozen things right now I’d rather NOT be doing” kind of busy.
We’ve all been there, the “If-Then” quandary: IF I can get this done THEN I'll be able to do what I want.
Well, lately, I’ve been doing what I want!
Starting with drawing!
If you follow me on Social Media then you might be aware that I started drawing again! I teased the above image was for something new, but I’m sure hardcore SIRE fans will recognize J.J. Waterston right? Why’s she pissed? Stay tuned!
As for the art itself, I’m debating on getting my fingers wet with inks again. Inking a comic is NOT for the feint of heart and I’ve ruined quite a few penciled pages before in my day. But that’s because I like the old school look of ink on paper. I’ll likely preserve the original pencil and try converting this to blue line and printing it out nd inking that OR try my hand at digital inking (another variation I’ve been none too successful with). Again, stay tuned.
What else is in the hopper?
I’ve been fortunate to have the time lately to draw because business has been going well. I’ve run my own web design shop since 2015 and have not been stressing to fill up my days with new projects as much as I have been the past. Both because I’ve been relying on recurring clients to keep income stable (and even hired someone to take on extra work!) AND because comics have actually been a good source of income the past few years thanks to Dren Productions and Kickstarter to the point where it makes financial sense to make more comics!
Seriously, I’m grateful to Dren for teaming up with Sire Studios on a number of successful Kickstarters (like Plan 79 #2 above) and look forward to a flurry more coming this year. Meanwhile, I’ve got a few projects cooking with Rogue Matter and Dren and a pitch I’m getting ready as we speak, to send to publishers NOT named Dren and Rogue Matter.
Why? Because I think it’s important to extend my reach to as many channels as possible. Every new publisher has its own marketing arm that can help get the kind of eyeballs on my work that I otherwise wouldn’t get keeping it in-house. Not to mention, sometimes I have ideas that don’t fit the Dren or Rogue Matter brand so it’s important to keep putting my stuff out there to as many different publishers as possible.
The one that got away
That being said, I’ve already circulated one pitch to various contacts in the industry and got the dreaded “No” response from both. One publisher didn’t give any specifics. The other said they already have a similar project they’re working on. It sucks. Seriously, even after 20+ years in the business, getting that rejection letter (er..email) hurts. It takes the winds out the sails. I know I’m good, but I get it, it’s a business and they have to believe they can sell this book. It still hurts.
The only consolation I can give to aspiring creatives is, it actually gets easier the more times you do it. I can honestly say it took less time to get over this rejection than it has in years past because I’ve been there and done that. And worse case? I know I can Kickstart my idea and bring it to life in other ways. It’s not the end of the world. Or the project.
What’s next?
Glad you asked! In Diamond Previews this month is TALES OF THE BIZARRE Vol 1 TPB (MAY251335) featuring an awesome 7-page story from yours truly!
Then NEXT month ANOTHER new Tales story from me and artist Giulio Centrella in TALES OF THE BIZARRE #12!
Next month I’ll give everyone a sneak peek of the issue and how to order it. For now, stay tuned – I’ve got some more SIRE stuff right around the corner!
-Mike