My World is Funnier

Why buy the cow...

2012-01-25T22:35:00.000-08:00

...when you get the pages for free? Well that question would hold water if there weren't 23 other pages just like the following 4 bad boys I present to you now:

This is also my way of showing/saying how excited I am for this project with Viper Comics to be released! It's going to be one hell of a read so stay tuned for details on release dates, appearances, etc.!!

In other exciting news, I've just been tapped by the awesome Arcana Studio to produce an upcoming mini-series/graphic novel of theirs, "The Unemployment Adventures of -"...well I can't tell you that just yet, now can I? More on that soon but believe me, it's pretty damn cool! To pique your interest even more here's a little image which I've obviously doctored to protect the identity of the character. Enjoy!

More news coming soon on "Benjamin and the Fish" from 215 Ink and stay tuned for updates on the "rebellion"...
Also, check out my writer buddy Mark Bertolini's blog @ http://markbertolini.wordpress.com/! Tons of hilarious insight/rants and some great work by a great dude. It doesn't hurt that he's a New York Times best seller...
Yes. You read that correctly. Go now.

On my drawing table right now...

2012-01-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

...is this:

A page from my one-shot with Viper Comics. As the final art is due this coming week I don't have much time but I wanted to share at least a bit of what I'm currently working on. Updates on this, "Benjamin and the Fish" Volume 1 and the rebellion coming soon...

Have a great weekend y'all!!

Character designs for the "Rebellion"

2012-01-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been included in a new group of artists, writers, creators, etc. who are essentially constructing our own collection of stories as we are disillusioned with current popular comics. The book I'm working on with writer George O'Connor is a team book and while I will keep the details a secret at this point here are the designs for the individuals on said team.

The revamp and the newbie

2012-01-07T17:20:00.000-08:00

It was requested by the publisher that I revamp the previously posted penciled test page and submit a second. So presented here are both of the aforementioned pages:

Hope y'all are having a great weekend!

Links

2012-01-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

I promise more new art will be forthcoming but for today I just wanted to direct your attention to a slew of other artists, film makers, writers, etc. who inspire me which I've been meaning to provide links to on this here blog for some time now. They will remain a permanent fixture in the right hand side "links" directory as well as listed in this post below:

Paul Grist
Justin Wagner
Francesco Francavilla
Fiona Staples
Alfonso Cuarón
Martin McDonagh
Otis Frampton
Pia Guerra
Chester Gould
Roy Crane
Alex Raymond

There is a whole buncha other ones which I will continuously add, however I have a lot of work to do so should really be getting back to it!

Feels so naked...

2012-01-04T00:28:00.000-08:00

I rarely, if ever, scan/save penciled pages as typically I quickly move from penciling to inking. Recently I was asked to submit a penciled test page to a publisher for a possible gig on a mini series. As the premise and details of the series are being closely guarded, I cannot divulge anything about the characters and/or story but I did want to give you this rare glimpse of one of my pages sans inks. Enjoy!

Hope y'all had a safe and happy New Years...lets make it a good 2012!!!

One more for 2011

2011-12-28T20:44:00.000-08:00

As the year is rapidly approaching it's end, I find myself quite busy with several different projects...which is, to say the least, a mixed blessing. I'm only half joking ;)
Anyway, I know I most likely will not have time to post again until after the new year so I wanted to squeeze in one more before the curtain of 2011 is drawn (pun intended). Presented below is a smattering of different images, in different stages of development, from the projects I'm working on. In 2012 you can expect:
- Red Carpet Rats from Viper Comics
- Benjamin and the Fish Volume 1 from 215 Ink
- Deadly Tales Anthology from Invest Comics
- Hang 'em Dead from September 23rd Studios
and hopefully much more...

Conceptual design for "Rebellion Universe" team book

Benjamin and the Fish page

"Rose" character design for Red Carpet Rats

Breakdown for Red Carpet Rats page

Enjoy, be safe (but not too safe) and Happy New Year!!

Quick update and some new art

2011-11-20T16:54:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone's having a great holiday season so far (as, let's face it, the holidays start with Halloween). Anyway, just some quick updates and new links this time 'round. First up is a particularly cool panel from the new Benjamin and the Fish story entitled "Drifting".

Next is the proposed look for the new September 23rd Studios property. I'm going to be implementing a technique using grey tone markers to add some definition and depth to the art. Here is a sample using an old character design sheet:

Last, I'd like to present a few additional character designs for my upcoming one-shot with Viper Comics:

Be sure to check out the new links posted in the side bar as well. As I'll be hard at work I most likely will not be posting another entry until after Turkey day so from my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Ho Ho Holy shit! Run!!

2011-11-07T21:31:00.000-08:00

What started as a submission piece (for a gig I didn't get) has become the spooky Santa mash-up you see before you. I mean what's more frightening than a Santa who eats the naughty list?

Deadly Tales, Supernatural Tales and Ferret Tails oh my!

2011-11-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hello and happy November to all! Just a couple quick news updates this time 'round:

As mentioned before, my creative cohort Mark (Peaslee) and I have been selected to appear in Invest Comics "one-and-done" Deadly Tales Anthology! The compendium's proceeds will benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund which is one of the reasons Mark and I are so proud to be a part of this project! Updates and release information to follow, but for now click the icon below to view Invest Comics' official press release about the book:

I can now announce I've been hired by Viper Comics for an upcoming supernatural one-shot and possibly more projects in the future. At this point I am not at liberty to discuss the nature and/or subject matter of the project but keep it here for announcements and details as they develop (or as I can divulge them)! In the meantime, check out Viper Comics and all their amazing products by clicking the icon below or link to the right:

Updates, and new art, for the new September 23rd Studios project as well as 215 Ink's Benjamin and the Fish coming soon!! Have a great weekend y'all!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

2011-10-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

What am I referring to? Well, Halloween silly rabbits! What else?? This begins my favorite time of the year spanning from Halloween to New Year's. Of course being a HUGE fan of horror, Halloween is probably my most favorite time of my most favorite time of the year. Did you catch that? Bwahahaha (evil laugh)!
Anyway, keeping in the spooky/supernatural spirit of the weekend I am sharing some test pages and character designs for a new property that is in development with a well known independent publisher. I'm not at liberty to discuss the details of said working relationship or the nature of the project at this time but I figure it can't hurt to give y'all a glimpse of what it may look like if i get the gig:

More new art from the upcoming September 23rd Studios property as well as Benjamin and the Fish and our reboot pitch for DC's The Question coming very soon! Have a fun, chills and thrills filled weekend boys and ghouls!!

Images © 2011 Alex Schumacher

When did I get so damn busy...?

2011-10-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

So, I have the tendency to take on a number of projects (too many?) at any one time. Probably not the smartest move for a procrastinator such as myself but, hell, it keeps me busy and working! Here's a quick lowdown on everything that's going on:
Benjamin and the Fish
All final pages were sent to the printer on time, books were delivered and our debut at tomorrow's New York Comic Con will go off without a hitch! If you will not be attending the convention, here is a link to the online store where you have the opportunity to purchase your very own preview book (as well as other fine 215 Ink products): 215 Ink Shop. However, exclusively for convention attendees we have 3 limited edition prints available (pictured below) signed by myself and the series writer/creator Adam Wilson.

September 23rd Studios
Mark and I are still hard at work on our new series, though truth be told we have been slightly sidetracked by other projects/obligations. Not to worry though, I will have plenty of new art to share with you from this project very soon. Until then here are a couple pictures snapped by my cartoonist pal Bridgett Spicer, the first of Mark and I with her pal Harold just after our workshop conducted at APE and the other of me speaking during the workshop.

Other 'tings
While I can't discuss it quite yet, there may be something exciting on the horizon for my all-ages property, Omega Bagel! More on that later...
There also may be something going on with a certain DC character. Just to cover my ass 'cause lord knows I can't afford a lawsuit, I'm not sayin' we are affiliated with DC in any way nor do we own the rights to this character. For now let's call it a shot in the dark but either way it's gonna be a blast! More to follow but for now...here is a teaser image:

Ok, back to work now 'cause as you can see there's a LOT going on!! Hope y'all enjoyed Columbus Day and all that jazz...

Benjamin & Mr. Fish + APE

2011-10-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was an extremely fun whirlwind of activity for me, both professionally and personally. It began Friday morning with my completion of the preview book for the new all-ages title I'm working on, "Benjamin & the Fish" for 215 Ink, which is slated to debut at the New York Comic Con this month! Here are a few of the inked pages from that title (more of the final pages can be viewed at above link):

I then headed to San Francisco for the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival (which was beyond incredible) as well as the Alternative Press Expo on Saturday where my good friend and longtime collaborator, Mark Peaslee, and I conducted a workshop on creating comics. We had a pretty decent turnout with about 40 attendees, one of which felt compelled enough to produce his version of Mark and I (shown below). I have to say that was quite flattering!

Name signs displayed for our workshop

More photos from the workshop, project updates and art coming soon! Hope y'all had a great weekend!

All Ages, Deadly Tales and workshops OH MY!

2011-09-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

Hey there toon type folks! I've been hard at work on both September 23rd Studios' new project as well as a new all ages comic debuting for 215ink at the New York Comic Con (see the previous post on the project here). Recently the writer who I've been collaborating with, Adam Wilson, sent me the cover for the new book based on my character designs and produced by up-and-coming artist Matt Lynch. Here it is for the first time anywhere:

Also, I thought I'd share some thumbnails for the pages I've been feverishly working on so we can hit our deadline and actually premier on time. Here are a few rough page breakdowns:

Mark's and my submission to the Deadly Tales anthology benefiting the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (previous post) has been accepted and will be appearing in the InvestComics compendium! Details on the release, promotion, etc. to follow...
One last thing: Next Saturday, October 1st, Mark and I will be conducting a workshop on creating independent comics at the Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco. If you've never been to the show it is an amazing collection of independent, small press and self publishers with comics, magazines, toys and works running the gamut from horror to all-ages. C'mon out, see some awesome artists and watch Mark and I corrupt aspiring creators! Here's the info (click on APE banner):

Whew! Ok, that's about all for now...come back soon for new art!

Deadly Tales

2011-09-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

As of today, my longtime creative partner Mark Peaslee and I submitted a piece for consideration to be included in an anthology to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. As I scanned the page at each stage of completion (which I rarely, if ever, do) I thought it might be fun to give y'all a glimpse of my artistic creative process.

I first begin with a thumbnail breakdown (not shown) which is then translated on to the actual comic page using non-photo blue pencils (shown above). I adopted using these pencils several years ago when I learned that it is a common practice for animators to eliminate the time it takes to erase pencil lines. With my scanner being only legal size I have to scan the 11 x 17 original art in 2 separate pieces...hence the "dirty" middle line.

I then add inks over the non-photo blue pencil (shown above). Typically I use a combonation of brush and pen to give the art an organic, "alive" feel. However, as this piece centers around a man dying I used a pen-only approach to depict a static, lifeless surrounding/point of view.

The final stage happens once I've scanned in the inked linework to Photoshop. After a bit of clean-up I add spot blacks, dialogue, a title if necessary and on occasion grey tones and values. Above you can see the final piece submitted for the anthology!

Hope you've enjoyed this glimpse in to my process and please let me know if you have any questions or would like to see more of these types of posts in the future. As always, thanks for reading and I'll be back soon with more art and some very cool news!!

Souvenir Book victory!

2011-08-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

Well if you recall from the April 29th post (found here) I submitted a piece for the Comic Con International Souvenir Book which every attendee receives. If your artwork is used then you are sent a free copy of said souvenir book. I had not received my free copy so figured my artwork had not been chosen. Then, today I received this in the mail...

...and on page 115 I found the piece of artwork I had submitted! Just thought it was pretty cool and wanted to share with y'all...here's how it looks in printed form:

Hope everyone's having a great week and stay tuned for a couple awesome announcements coming soon!!!

Smokey is his name...

2011-08-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

...but if I tell you his game it would divulge too much about my new creator owned property he is a part of. Details will be shared soon but for now, to start the weekend off right, enjoy this new pin-up:

Tale of two cartoonists

2011-08-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Hump day folks!
Today I had the pleasure of meeting local cartoonist Bridgett Spicer. Initially I was just taken aback by the fact there was another one in Salinas but upon further conversation I found out she lives with a couple of folks I grew up with! I would say "small world" but it is, after all, Salinas.
She has a wonderfully unique style and her comic strip "Squid Row" can be found online daily and in the Monterey County herald. Check her out here (or use the link to the left right under Mr. Craig Thompson) and you will be glad that you did!

Better late than never...

2011-08-09T21:54:00.000-07:00

Howdy all! Sorry it's been a while since I've updated but for any of y'all that actually follow this blog that's nothing out of the ordinary. Anyway, while I have a few different projects I am currently involved with I am not sharing any art today. I am instead correcting the fact that 2 years ago today the Peas (Mark Peaslee) and I appeared for a signing/meet and greet at the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco and I never reported it here!! So, 2 years later, here are some pictures from that very fun day:

New art coming soon...

-A

A charity piece, a page from my new all-ages book and some character designs for the new September 23rd Studios project

2011-06-13T23:19:00.000-07:00

Pretty much exactly what the title says. Enjoy!

"Zombie Pitcher" for Relay for Life fundraiser

Page from "Omega Bagel"

Character designs for new September 23rd Studios book, "Hang "Em Dead"

Page in progress...

2011-06-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

From one of my all-ages projects.

Dig it. Hope everyone's havin' a great weekend!

Child's play

2011-06-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

There are a couple different all-ages projects I am now involved with (see previous post), for one of which I have just completed the character designs. They are being submitted to the publisher who has shown interest and, if approved, work will begin soon on the first digest-sized (64 page) collection of stories.

Page from my sketchbook with initial concept designs (best is circled)

Final character designs submitted to publisher

A new idea...

2011-05-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a mock cover of a project I'm working on geared towards the kiddies...or the kids in all of us really!

Y'all have a great weekend!!

Zombie tattoo for a friend...

2011-05-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

...is what I'm sharing with y'all today. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Cinco de Mayo!

2011-05-05T16:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I won't be sharing any new art today but I do have a few pieces to show y'all coming very soon! Anyway, just wanted to let y'all know a couple things:

1. I have added a number of new links to the right of this here blog for some of my favorite artists/influences including the late greats Mike Wieringo and Alex Toth as well as "Dead @ 17" creator Josh Howard. Check 'em out!

2. Some very exciting things are on the horizon so hopefully soon I'll be able to share with you guys!

Alright...now go out there, whack some piñatas and drink some cervezas!!

2 projects, 1 day...

2011-04-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I've finished my submission for this year's San Diego Comic Con souvenir book. My piece is centered around the theme of celebrating Dark Horse Comics 25th anniversary. Way to go Dark Horse! Love them fellas...
Anyway, here's my submission:

Today I also took the time to just about wrap up my new creator-owned pitch. I'm still not going to post any more pages until I've sent the sumbitch off but here's some photographic proof I have been working (note the page drying on the bulldog clip):

The page on the drawing table is actually optional so once I've scanned in the last page, added the lettering and typed up the synopsis I'll be golden. Wish me luck y'all!

Cover idea and new link

2011-04-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

Here is my art for my new project's cover:

Also, I'm posting a link to my "deviant art" page under my link list to the right but you can also find it here: http://ajschumacher.deviantart.com/.
Enjoy!!

Another page

2011-04-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

Here is another finished page for the current pitch I'm workin on. This one actually precedes the last page I posted. Enjoy it, folks 'cause it'll be my last til this damn thing is finished!!

Finished page...zombie exorcism

2011-04-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Came out pretty good I think...

More progress...

2011-04-19T01:38:00.000-07:00

'Bout 4 pages into this new pitch. We'll see what happens...
Images © 2011 Alex Schumacher

Progress...

2011-04-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

More to follow...
Images © 2011 Alex Schumacher

My new project

2011-04-14T21:21:00.000-07:00

In between working on the new property for September 23rd Studios and my secret "pro" gig, I've begun working solo on an idea I've wanted to do for years. It's been a blast developing it and hopefully it will turn out as good as I'm hoping it will. I won't divulge too much information at this point so, at least for now, here's some teaser art for a pitch I'm getting together:

Dark Horse

2011-04-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a piece I'm working on for the annual Comic-con souvenir book celebrating 25 years of Dark Horse comics. I will be adding more characters (such as "Number 1" from The Umbrella Academy, sketch pictured below) and a different text but this is a decent beginning...

Mas character designs

2011-04-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here is the most recent round of character designs for September 23rd Studios upcoming project. Hope y'all had a great weekend! Enjoy!

More new art...??!!

2011-04-07T23:49:00.000-07:00

Yup...have some sort of artistic diarrhea lately. I s'pose, aside from my description, this isn't a bad thing at all. Anyway, here's a Samurai chick I drew on some odd card stock I had laying around. I used colored pencils which, combined with the tooth on the cardstock, created a very distinct texture. Some of the parchment-esque color of the paper is still visible but I did my best when editing the contrast levels.

Enjoy...and Hi-Yah!!

Staying regular

2011-04-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

Not sure how long I will keep this up but here is some more conceptual art for the new September 23rd Studios project...enjoy!

It may have been a while...

2011-04-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

...but I'm baaaaack! My good friend and creative partner, Mark Peaslee, and I are back at work on a new project for our September 23rd Studios line. We have a snazzy new website set up and will be updating it regularly with news, project updates and more so make sure to check back often! Here is a piece of "brainstorm" art for the new project:

I also will be working with a fairly well known independent publishing company very soon on a really cool project but as it's not official yet I can't announce anything. You'll just have to check back here soon to find out who the publisher is and what I'll be doing with them...you'll be glad you did!
Y'all come back now!!

-Alex

Quick update

2009-07-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I said I'd have a massive update soon (and I still plan to) but for the time being I am slammed with "The Wicked", "Joe Fable" and a very exciting project which I am not at liberty to divulge information about as of yet. I am so busy in fact that for the first time in 8 years I am not attending San Diego Comic Con!! I have to admit though, in recent years it's become so crazy that this is actually a welcome break. There's always next year...

Anyway, I will update soon with new art from "The Wicked" and much more! Have a good weekend everyone!!

Parker!

2009-07-15T22:58:00.001-07:00

Recently I stumbled upon a blog that's (almost but not quite) by one of my favorite artists Darwyn Cooke in which I found a contest to draw the main character, Parker, from Richard Stark's classic novels which Darwyn has adapted into a graphic novel. I couldn't quite pass up the opportunity to take a small break from "The Wicked", "Joe Fable" and other projects (that I must keep under wraps for now) and produce my own rendition of this anti-hero. We all know how I love them anti-heroes...

Anyway, here goes. Enjoy!

I'll be back soon with more news and updates than you can shake a stick at! Y'all come back now y'hear??

"The Wicked" Issue 2 is coming...

2009-07-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

You've been warned...

MASSIVE update coming soon...

2009-06-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

Guess I've already failed on my new year's resolution to be a better blogger. Jeez... Anyway, lots going on recently so expect news, artwork and more in the next few days!! Hope y'all are having a great summer so far!

-A

Free Comic Book Day Signing

2009-05-01T01:12:00.000-07:00

Hiya Folks! A lot has gone on with me in the past few months, both personally and professionally, which left me little time to update here. So for the 2 people that actually read this blog I apologize.

Anyway, I promise to return with a much more detailed rundown on just what has been going on but for now you need to know about September 23rd Studios' appearance at Metropolis Comics in LA this Saturday from 1-5 (or whenever they boot us). My cohort, Mark Peaslee, and I will be on hand selling copies of the book "The Wicked", doing sketches and signing autographs. If you or anyone you know in the greater LA area is interested there will be raffles, other creators and tons of FREE comics so come on by this Saturday and say hi! More information on Metropolis comics can be found @ http://www.metrohero.com/index.php.

Thanks and I hope to see some of you there!

3 more days...

2009-02-24T11:06:00.000-08:00

...until Wondercon descends upon the Bay Area with it's annual barrage of comics and all things pop-culture! Come by and say whaddup to the September 23rd Studios crew (as well as our good friend, artist Megan FitzRoy) in the small press section at table # SP04. Here are some of the goodies we'll have:

Advanced copies of issue # 1 of "The Wicked" for just $3!

Snazzy promo postcards for "The Wicked" and September 23rd Studios for FREE!

Plus our limited edition print (created exclusively for Wondercon 2009), sketches, autographs and a whole lot more! Hope to see you at Moscone Center South Friday February 27th - Sunday March 1st!

Joe update

2009-02-05T18:06:00.000-08:00

Well if any of you out there in internet land have actually followed this blog for the past 6 months or so you will be well aware of the fact that I not only am the artist for September 23rd Studios' "The Wicked" but also for Paul DeBerry's "Fractured Adventures of Joe".

With Mark and I taking a small break in the production of "The Wicked" to focus on preparing for Wondercon, I have once again begun to devote the majority of my time at the drawing board to the art for "Joe". Along with Paul and co-plotter Nick Aires, we are aiming to have a submission ready for Zuda comics (DC's online division) very shortly. While I still am not at liberty to divulge the plot I would like to share the first 4 pages of art from our submission. Enjoy!

Be sure to check back in a few days as I'll be sharing designs for a bunch of the swag September 23rd Studios will have at the con! Hope your week's going well and if it's not, don't sweat it, it's almost over!

The worst blogger in the world

2009-01-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

That would be me. Jesus... I'll try to be better in the new year as there will be much to share. In that vein I'd like to share some character designs for upcoming issues and story arcs of "The Wicked":

Also, Mark and I will be selling signed and numbered limited edition prints at Wondercon. This is the artwork for the print:

That's about all for now folks. More news on our appearance @ Wondercon, "The Wicked" and much more coming soon.... Happy New Year!!!

"The Wicked" characters and images © 2009 Mark Peaslee/Alex Schumacher

Some actual art!

2008-11-10T19:25:00.000-08:00

It's been some time since I've shared new art with you. Seeing as this is my art blog I thought it'd be a good idea to do just that this evening. First is a fun lil' piece I completed while attending APE. It started out as a picture of Mark's and my Jesus character from "The Wicked" and then descended into the funky doodle you see before you. To his credit Mr. Peaslee contributed plenty of visual ideas to this drawing. In fact, if it sucks blame him.

That about does it for me. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Images © 2008 Alex Schumacher

Get out there and vote!!!

2008-11-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

Say yes to change people. One vote, your vote can make a difference!

APE recap

2008-11-02T15:22:00.000-08:00

It may have been an extremely wet day in San Francisco yesterday but that didn't dampen the spirits at this years APE! Mark and I had a great time hanging out with the crew from the Cartoon Art Museum's table and chatting with the folks who stopped by. As per usual, we also did some networking with Oni Press' Managing Editor as well as Mark having an impromptu meeting with an Exec from Cartoon Network! All in all it was quite a fun time.

Here are a couple pics taken by our good buddy Ron Evans:

Brian Kolm, Mark and myself

The very talented Michael Capozzola and the very candid me
(notice "The Wicked" postcards strategically placed on the table)

September 23rd Studios @ APE

2008-10-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

One week from now the Alternative Press Expo (affectionately referred to as APE) will settle in to it's newly appointed place in the yearly convention lineup, November 1st and 2nd! Converging upon our beloved bay next Saturday and Sunday is one of the premier gatherings of small press, self published and indie comic creators in the country, aside from SPX of course, and September 23rd Studios will be there. Mark and I will be on hand at the Cartoon Art Museum's table on Saturday to promote "The Wicked" and meet and greet anyone who is interested in meeting a couple of hooligans wallowing in obscurity but thriving on their own egos. I'm joking...we're not a couple of hooligans wallowing in obscurity.

We will also be attending the Cartoon Art Museum's Alternative Press Expo party following the con from 8-11 pm. Should be one helluva shindig! Hope to see some of you there...

Quick piece of advice

2008-10-11T18:45:00.001-07:00

I understand that the title may come off as somewhat pretentious and egotistical, believing that I am in some position of authority to be giving advice. Listen kids, I've been at this a looong time and while I am well aware of where my jurisdiction ends, I also am aware of which topics I know a thing or two about.

In that vein, I would like to offer the following: If any of you out there are thinking of pursuing a career in comics learn one thing...patience!! I say this for a few different reasons.

1. It takes years, and in some cases decades, to make a living in this field. That is if you are ever one of the lucky few to make a living as a creator. I still don't. So work hard, cut your teeth, get involved with your local artist's community and your day will hopefully come...as will mine :)

2. Projects don't just appear overnight. It requires a lot of work and time to complete (and/or even find) a worthwhile project. If the destination is all you focus on, you'll never enjoy the ride.

3.Editors take a long time to respond!! This is not to say they are lazy or apathetic. Quite the contrary as a matter of fact. Editors are extremely busy and while they would love to respond to everyone in a timely manner this is just not a possibility. Do not, I repeat DO NOT perpetually call or email an editor questioning the status of your submission. A follow-up is perfectly fine but nothing turns off an editor quicker than a nuisance.

I believe this concludes my post. Keep creating folks!!

Comic Con 2008 Pics..finally!!!

2008-09-21T13:45:00.001-07:00

The title of the posts says it all folks. Sorry it took me so long to post these. Without further ado:

In the Star Trek control chair (for my Aunt Sari!)

Scotty sizing up the Hulk

Lego Batman and his trusty ward...

The original Iron Man built to scale (look how small the folks in the back are!)

My version of "Bluntman" for the Sketch-a-thon

Caught off guard during the Sketch-a-thon

Making up for lost time...

2008-09-04T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here is the most recent model sheet for the lead character from the "Joe Fable" project...

Pics from Comic Con 2008 coming soon!

"Joe Fable" characters © 2008 P.B. DeBerry
Images © 2008 Alex Schumacher

Joe Fable

2008-09-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy month (or so) since Comic Con!

I have been hard at work on September 23rd Studios' "The Wicked" as well as a side project I recently became involved with which is called "The Unfractured Adventures of Joe Fable". It is a lot of fun to work on and while I can't divulge too much info as far as the characters and plot is concerned, I would like to share some character designs that I did a few months back.

Enjoy!
"Joe Fable" characters © 2008 P.B. DeBerry
Images © 2008 Alex Schumacher

Back from San Diego...

2008-07-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

...and completely wiped! Comic con is always a blast but leaves you drained.

A more in depth report as well as pictures, and possibly some exciting news, soon to follow...

Official Comic Con info

2008-07-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

So here is the official info you will need if ya plan on coming by and saying hi to me this week in San Diego at Comic Con 2008:

Location: Cartoon Art Museum Table, Booth # MZ11 on the Mezzanine Level
Times: Saturday July 26th from 11am-12pm & Sunday July 27th from 1-2pm

Hope to see some of you there!!!

"The Wicked" preview!!

2008-07-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hello folks! You've been starin' at the same post for a while here so I figured it was just about time for an update. And away we go...

First, Mark and I did not make the top 50 of the Platinum Studios Comic Book Challenge. Something about profanity and violence. Oh well, let them censor other creators. We're doing this book our way! Unless of course someone wants to pay us loads of money to change it. Just kidding...kinda.

Next, as we still have a few publishing options open to us we are going to hold off on releasing "The Wicked" ourselves for the time being. However, in an attempt to tide over the viewing public we have posted an 11 page preview of issue #1 exclusively at our website september23rdstudios.com! Go there now!

Original Art from "The Wicked" Issue #1

It has also been confirmed that I will be appearing at the San Diego Comic Con on Sunday July 27th from 12-1 pm at the Cartoon Art Museum table. Come on by and say hi! If ya bring a bottle of Maker's Mark or Black Label I'll give ya a free sketch! Seriously...

And last but not least I've added a few more links. How could I have forgotten Bruce Timm or the Cartoon Art Museum up 'til now? Sad.

That's about all for now folks. Hope your weekend's swell!!

Comic Book Challenge/ "The Wicked" preview

2008-06-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hiya folks...

Mark and I have entered Platinum Studios' Comic BookChallenge 2oo8. For more info on the competition visit their site here. To that end we had to submit 3 pages of the book and I thought it'd be a nice treat if I shared it with y'all here.

Without further ado this is page 13, 14 and 15 of our upcoming issue 1.

"The Wicked" images and characters © 2008 Mark Peaslee/Alex Schumacher

For shits and giggles

2008-06-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

And because I don't want to post anything from the upcoming release of issue 1 of "The Wicked" just yet, I've decided to post the 1st page of a comic I was working on last year for a company that sadly went under before the book was released. It was called "Nocturna" and was about a man being recruited to lead a team of assassins.

Enjoy!
Characters and story © 2008 Bruce Christian Boudeville
Art © 2008 Alex Schumacher

Spend this Saturday helping a worthy cause...

2008-06-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

I (and other artists involved) have been asked to pass along the following information about an event I will be participating in this Saturday, June 7th:

Josh Medors Cancer Fund Sketch-A-Thon this Saturday at the Cartoon Art Museum

Cartoonist and all-around swell guy Tom Beland (True Story, Swear To God) will be at the Cartoon Art Museum this Saturday, June 7, from 11am to 5pm as CAM’s Cartoonist-In-Residence. While he’s here (visiting all the way from Puerto Rico), he’ll be selling sketches to raise money for Josh Medors, a professional comic book artist who’s been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. I’m sure that most artists can sympathize, but Josh’s medical insurance is not comprehensive enough to deal with the mounting bills that are piling up, so Tom Beland (and many, many additional talented artists) are rallying behind him in an effort to raise some much-needed money. All proceeds from this weekend’s Sketch-A-Thon will go to Josh Medors’ cancer fund.More information about the event can be found here:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=20983364574&ref=nf.

If you are in the area and would like to donate artwork for the day-long silent auction (any items not sold on Saturday will carry over to the next fundraising event) or, better yet, you’d like to donate your time and join Tom at the drawing table, please drop me a line. If you can’t get a hold of me, check in with tom@tombeland.com for more information about the fundraiser and how you can help. Most importantly, please help us to spread the word about this event. We want to raise as much money as possible for Josh, and the best way to do that is to get a lot of people to visit the museum on Saturday and buy artwork. A donation as small as $5 will get you a sketch from a professional cartoonist—not too shabby. The event will be held in the Cartoon Art Museum’s lobby area, too, so please let visitors know that they don’t have to pay admission to our galleries to take part in the event.

Thanks,
Andrew--
Gallery Manager/Curator
Cartoon Art Museum

Rory Root

2008-05-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

I was saddened and shocked yesterday to hear of the passing of Comic Relief store owner Rory Root.

Though I've been here in the Bay Area and involved with artists and art organizations alike for the past 5 years, I never formally met the man. I never had more than a brief one or two minute conversation with him in passing at a convention or in his store. I never went to dinner with him, worked with him or had a drink with him.

How, you may ask, has someone who I never knew left such an indelible mark on my life? The answer is simple: Rory was a part of our community. The comics community. A brother in arms. The beauty about our specific community (and most artist communities I would imagine) is that you don't need to know someone on a first name basis for them to touch your life. He undeniably has touched mine.

Rory, in many ways, revolutionized the way comic stores were viewed and operated. He was a champion of the underdog, the indie artist and the aspiring creator. He always seemed to make time to speak with anyone who was interested in our beloved artform and took that opportunity to make them as excited about it as he was. He loved all aspects of the industry. He loved comics.

Most of what I write is drawn from the too few interactions I've had with him and accounts from those who knew him well. Unfortunately I am not one of those people. For that I am truly saddened....

The world has lost a great man.

I'm a pretty awful blogger....

2008-05-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

And I apologize for being so long in between posts. Very busy am I....

Anyhoo, here's a couple of teaser panels for the upcoming first issue of The Wicked due out at the beginning of next month. Enjoy!

September 23rd Studios now on Comicspace!

2008-04-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since my last post but Mark and I have been hard at work on our current project "The Wicked" and promoting our creative venture September 23rd Studios! Speaking of promotion (like that transition?) you can now find September 23rd Studios on Comicspace, which is basically the comics world's version of myspace. See our page by clicking on the link below:

That's about all for now but I promise to return soon with lotsa news, sketches, ramblings, etc.!

Happy Earth Day!

A moment of your time...

2008-03-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

For a couple new pieces of work. The first being the latest editorial I completed for the University of Maryland's Faculty Voice.

The next is a quick sketch of Jesus (main character from September 23rd Studios' "The Wicked") I did while I was bored at work. Don't tell my boss....

I decided not to touch it up too much, save for adjusting some levels, because I enjoy the loose look of the original.

That's all for now folks!

All images © 2008 Alex Schumacher
"The Wicked" images and characters © 2008 Mark Peaslee/Alex Schumacher

We're Live!!

2008-02-26T00:25:00.000-08:00

Well folks, September23rdStudios.com is now officially up and running. Although quite barren for now, rest assured the site will only grow from here!

Enjoy.....

Introducing: September 23rd Studios!

2008-02-24T18:41:00.000-08:00

Wondercon has officially ended and with it the first appearance of September 23rd Studios, which my creative partner Mark Peaslee and I have dubbed ourselves (and in case you're wondering, both of our birthdays are on September 23rd).

It was a great weekend in which Mark and I were able to, for the first time, preview our new project "The Wicked". We were able to meet with several editors and make some new fans...or at least that's what I'm telling myself. Below is a pic of Mark (left) and I at the National Cartoonists Society booth where we were doing a signing for the book.

A couple of Wondercon highlights were:
- Mark picking me up a print signed by one of my favorite artists Mike Mignola himself!
- Meeting the daughter of legendary MAD cartoonist Dave Berg and having her show us some of his fantatstic originals!

Keep up to date with our current projects here or on our soon-to-be website www.September23rdStudios.com!

Promo Piece

2008-02-11T23:15:00.000-08:00

So here is a promo piece I did for the upcoming preview book for our new property.
Hope ya dig it...

Ebony and Ivory...

2007-11-27T21:18:00.000-08:00

I'm rethinking the art for the project I'm doing with my writer buddy. Instead of all the distracting halftones, I've decided to go with a richer black and white contrast. Here is an example in the new style of the same page posted previously:

Characters and Images © 2007 Mark Peaslee/Alex Schumacher

It's still not perfected, however I prefer this style.

Can it be?

2007-11-13T23:48:00.000-08:00

More new work? Gasp! I think so!
This is a page I'm working on for the aforementioned creator-owned property.
Half-tones and such added in Photoshop.
Enjoy...

Characters and Images © 2007 Mark Peaslee/Alex Schumacher

At long last.....

2007-11-11T10:54:00.000-08:00

New Work!!!!
This is the splash page from the new book I'm doing with a writer buddy of mine by the name of Mark Peaslee.
Enjoy and I promise more to come soon!

A few more links (to the right, to the right)...

2007-11-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

First up we have one of my very favorite indie artists, Mr. Scott Morse. If you haven't seen any of his work then you are missing out and I strongly suggest picking up The Magic Pickle.

Next up, another one of my idols, Dean Haspiel. His Billy Dogma series is fantastic and a great read! Go buy it now!

And finally (for now) Jim Mahfood. He has been such an inspiration to me with work on the Clerks comic, Spiderman (believe it or not) and his very own Grrrl Scouts and Stupid Comics. Check him out!

That's about all for now kiddies, but I'll be back with new work next week! Cross my heart and hope to....well, I'll do my best.

He ain't heavy, he's my brother....

2007-10-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Recently perusing the Dark Horse site I stumbled upon these two magnificent twin brothers: Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba. If you have not been lucky enough to discover these two talents I suggest you follow this link immediately! Their art is truly something to behold....

©2007 Gabriel Ba

New work of mine is on the way soon too. I promise....

The times they are a changin'...

2007-10-09T20:17:00.000-07:00

So, here's the scoop folks. As of late my focus has shifted from producing comic strips to comic books. I started out when I was a wee youngin' dreaming of producing comic books just like those I idolized. I strayed from comic books in the past few years, feeling my style was more aptly suited for producing daily funnies. Well, once again change is in the air and I'm back to books and have a couple top secret projects lined up which I can't go in to too much detail about at this time, but I can say there are some exciting things on the horizon.
As a little sneak peek I'm including a pin-up I've recently produced for a company I may be working for in the near future. I've had to crop out the name due to a confidentiality agreement.

Hopefully I'll be able to fill you in on other projects as well as this one in the near future! Stay tuned.....

Okie dokie Dr. Jones, hold on to your potatoes!

2007-10-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

I have been pretty awful about blogging as of late but I assure you new work and posts are on the way as I have several exciting projects lined up that I'm sure you'll want to check back and hear about!

Til then enjoy the new links I've added to the right and stay tuned......

Comic Con 2007

2007-07-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

Wow....it's been a while since I've posted! I say that as if folks actually read this.....lol.
Anyway, thought I'd post some photos from my trip to Comic Con 2007. Stay tuned as new work is on the way....

Here I am at our booth (I'm on the left) w/ Brian Kolm of Atomic Bear Press.

w/ Keith Knight of the K Chronicles and Tom Beland of True Story Swear to God. If you are unfamiliar with either of these artists do yourself a favor and remedy that!

w/ Lex Fajardo of Kid Beowulf

...and w/ the legendary Morrie Turner creator of the Wee Pals (the first racially integrated comic strip) and, I'm honored to say, my friend.

Ok, next up....costumes!

New Editorial

2007-04-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

Here is the newest editorial cartoon I produced for The University of Maryland's "The Faculty Voice".
All images © 2oo7 Alex Schumacher

Another Jew-Toon

2007-04-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

Here's another I produced for my new Jewish feature. I decided to color this one in Photoshop to get some practice in.

All images © 2oo7 Alex Schumacher

Jew Toons

2007-04-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

So, being as it is that I am Jewish and a cartoonist, I 've decided to mesh the two and begin producing a new single panel cartoon that looks at Jewish life from a slightly skewed perspective. I have begun a massive marketing campaign to reach as many Jewish publications as possible and have them run my new cartoon.
Here's a look at the first one....

All images © 2oo7 Alex Schumacher

Submission update

2007-03-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

So here's the score so far: I've received form rejection letters from both Creators Syndicate and (suprisingly) United Media. However, I recently received the following personalized letter from Universal Press:

Sorry... it's a pretty crappy scan. Anyway, I'm still waiting to hear from Washington Post Writers Group and King Features. If nothing else I have 2 projects in the works which I'll be discussing more later.
Peace.

Wondercon and new link!

2007-02-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

Hello all.......
So this weekend Wondercon, the Bay Area's comics and pop culture show, returns to San Francisco. I will be there with the Northern California chapter of the National Cartoonists Society along with some special guests such as Michael Jantze and Patrick McDonnell. For more info (and the location of our booth #812) go to www.comic-con.org/wc.

Also, if you look to the right you'll notice I've added a new link to Madeline Elsey's site. This is realated to the post above as Madeline will be appearing at Wondercon at our table this Saturday. Madeline is an artist I was lucky enough to meet a couple months ago and I've gotta tell ya I've been in love with her work ever since. I guarantee you will be too!

Hope to see some of you this weekend!

3 weeks and not a peep!

2007-02-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am 3 weeks (22 days to be exact) into my submission and I haven't heard a thing from any syndicate. Judging from the numerous conversations I've had with several different syndicated cartoonists this can still go either way. I've heard response time can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 5 months, so I shall remain optimistic until all of the rejection letters have rolled in :)
Anyway, Happy Valentines Day and keep your fingers crossed for me!

Disney's A-List

2007-01-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

Yup..two posts in one day. Can ya tell I'm bored at work?
Anyway, I thought this article was pretty cool and wanted to share it with the 3 or so people who read this blog.
Have a good weekend kiddies!

Grandpa's got a brand new bag....

2007-01-27T10:09:00.000-08:00

This was too damn funny not to share. I discovered this short by Keytoon Studios over on the Drawn! blog (which is a great site) and giggled my ass off.
Go there now!

Beat into submission.....

2007-01-26T11:15:00.001-08:00

Ok, so as of this past Wednesday (January 24th) I have sent my newest comic "No Vacancy" off to the "major" syndicates for consideration. Now with the industry of syndication being in the state it's in, the most likely reply I will receive is that of form rejection letters. While I have previously received personal letters from editors, I never go into this process with such expectations. To do so would be unrealistic. Cartooning is absolutely a labor of love ( it doesn't hurt to be a bit deranged or masochistic either) and I will continue to labor at my craft as I will always love doing it.
No matter what the outcome of this particular submission is you all can expext to see much more from me in the upcoming months and years. Check back here in the next few weeks as I will update with new developments.

What about Bob?

2007-01-20T12:07:00.000-08:00

This is a belated post but this past Thursday I did a guest comic for the online strip "Bob the Squirrel". Sorry I'm just telling everyone about this now and as I feel bad I've decided to post the comic here.
Enjoy!

To visit Bob the Squirrel click the link on the right.
Bob the Squirrel © Frank Page 2007

Color me tickled...

2006-12-28T00:12:00.000-08:00

So here's my first foray into attempting to color one of my strips. It is a new version of a strip I've already shown on this here blog so you can use it as a basis for comparison. There are a few items that are "unfinished" (such as the crash sound effect) as far as color is concerned but I think it came out fairly well. Then again I suppose I'm biased so judge for yourself.

All images © 2oo6 Alex Schumacher

Tor Morisse

2006-12-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

I just found out about this cartoonist/illustrator over on the Drawn! blog and man am I glad I did! His style is open and beautiful. Check him out...I included him in my links section to the right -------->

One of my heroes

2006-12-03T11:18:00.001-08:00

I've added a new link and have placed it at the top of the list as I believe it belongs to one of the most important and influential people in my development as a cartoonist. The one and only Morrie Turner. A friend of my Aunt's introduced me to him a few years back and he has remained a good friend and avid supporter of mine. Through him I was introduced to (and subsequently joined) the National Cartoonists Society where I met several others , such as Michael Jantze of "The Norm" and Stephan Pastis of "Pearls Before Swine", who have been extremely helpful and are always willing to offer advice and guidance.

Morrie is one of the most positive folks, cartoonist or not, that I've ever had the pleasure to have known. Now in his 80's he is still full of life, love and talent. There's no way I will ever be able to repay him for all he's done for me but being who he is, he wouldn't want or expect me too. He's that giving and generous. So in case I never have another chance I wanted to express my gratitude to him in some sort of public forum.

Thanks Morrie!

Morrie and I about a year and a half ago during a ceremony at the Schulz Museum which honored him.

New Work, New Links.....

2006-11-18T15:36:00.000-08:00

Check out the new links to the right. I'll be posting more and more as I discover (and/or remember) them :)

I recently began a work relationship with a fella named Bill Hanna from back east who runs two publications in which he enlisted me to produce editorial cartoons for. Basically he gives me the topic and some possible ideas to work with and I go from there. Today I'm going to share with you all the first cartoon I completed for him. Enjoy!

All images © 2oo6 Alex Schumacher

M.I.A.

2006-11-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been negligent of my blogging duties (as if anyone is actually reading this), but I promise to return soon with new work and news......

-Alex

They must've run out of professionals......

2006-09-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

Wow, I almost look thoughtful in this photo.

Anyway, this past weekend I had the distinct privledge of serving as the Cartoonist-in- residence at the Schulz museum in Santa Rosa. The staff of the museum, especially the education director Jessica Ruskin, were extremely accomidating and understanding when my bus ran late and I couldn't find a cab to save my life. I had a fantastic time chatting with visitors and answering questions about the wonderful profession of cartooning.

The Cartoonist-in-residence program is the museum's way of offering visitors a special glimpse into the creative process of any and all mediums of cartooning including comic strips, comic books and animation. To do so the museum invites a professional cartoonist out every second Saturday of each month. To this extent, I'm not sure why I was invited (heh). My theory is that they ran out of professional members of the Northern California Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society, who are the kindly benefactors (along with the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco) of this program.

Here is a scan of the sign perched on my table.

One of the highlights of the day, or any day I visit the museum, was chatting with Jeannie Schulz. She is such an insightful woman and a great conversationalist. It's always great to hear her quote Sparky!

Oh, I almost forgot...I got to meet Robert Smigel! Y'know, Saturday TV Funhouse...The Ambiguously Gay Duo.....Robert Smigel! He and his wife were in town visiting and decided to drop by the museum on the day I was doing the residency. How fortuitous is that?! In case you're wondering he is a very nice man whose modest as all hell for everything he's accomplished. His wife is fantastic as well! If they're reading this, I just wanted to say again how wonderful it was to meet both of you!

In closing, I wanted to thank Jeannie and Jessica again for having me and say if you ever have a chance to visit the museum you should take full advantage. It stands as a moving and loving tribute to the profession's most innovative and influential artist. Charles Schulz will live on forever inside those walls and though I never had the opportunity to meet him, through his work I feel as though he was inviting us all into his life.
Thanks Sparky.

Terrorism can be funny...

2006-09-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, of course this isn't true. However, I've decided with my new comic I wanted to infuse a bit of social consciousness. So, I present one of the first strips in the new series to exhibit some sort of social awareness.

All images © 2oo6 Alex Schumacher

Influences

2006-08-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

So, at some point in their career every professional cartoonist fields the question "who were your influences?". Though I'm not as of yet a profesional, nor did anyone ask, I'm going to list some of my influences...... because it's my blog and I can do whatever the hell I want.

When I first got back in to drawing, when I was about 22, I had my sights set on being a comic book artist. After seeing the Kevin Smith movie "Chasing Amy", I was inspired by the artwork I saw. With the help of the internet I discovered the artist behind these beautiful renderings was a fella by the name of Mike Allred, who also happened to be the creator of the magnificent "Madman" comic. Through this initial discovery I uncovered a whole new world of underground comics by artists I love to this day including (from left to right) Michael Oeming ("Powers"); Scott Morse ("The Magic Pickle"); Mike Kunkel ("HeroBear and the Kid"); Ty and Ian Smith ("Odd Job"); Jim Mahfood ("Stupid Comics"); and Judd Winick ("Barry Ween: Boy Genius").

About a year later, through a friend, I was turned on to Tom Beland ("True Story Swear to God"). His beautiful linework (along with speaking with him at a convention) is what inspired me to start using a brush to ink. Through Tom came the work of Keith Knight ("K Chronicles"). Little did I know that Keith lived in the Bay Area as well and was involved with the Cartoon Art Museum, as was I. These two created comic strips and became the spark that caused my shift of focus from comic books to comic strips. I then, understandably considering these sources, began creating a semi-autobiographical comic strip and drawing further inspiration from the likes of Jan Eliot ("Stone Soup"); Lynn Johnston ("For Better or for Worse"); and the team of Jerry Scott/Jim Borgman ("Zits").

Once I realized that autobiographical comics were not for me, I began to create characters who were far less realistic and much more fun to play with. One of my favorite comics from childhood was "Calvin and Hobbes" by Bill Watterson. A few others whom have had the largest impact on my art and writing were (and are) Frank Cho ("Liberty Meadows"); Berke Breathed ("Bloom County"); and Michael Jantze ("The Norm").

Though my list of influences and inspirations stretches far beyond this short list, the afforementioned artists and comics were milestones in my development as an artist (and that's with a small "a"). I hope to always discover new and interesting artists that will continue to expand my mind and further push me and my abilities. If you've actually read all the way through this I want to thank you for putting up with the long-windedness of this post and assure you the next one will be truncated considerably.
Peace everyone.

"Studio" Tour

2006-08-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

If you will allow me to be self- indulgent for this post, I'd like to take you on a tour of my "studio". Studio being in quotations because it is merely the half of my room I use for artistic purposes. Anyway, off we go.....

Here we have my table. You can see a comic I was working on taped to the surface as well as a mirror I use to demonstrate expressions.

A close-up of the comic I was working on.

Ah, the tools of an artist. Take a moment to identify each one with my list in the sidebar. Wait, how much time on your hands do you have??

A must for every artist in this digital age. Yes, it's a PC not a Mac...give me a break I'm still a struggling artist!

My scanner. A Microtek Scanmaker i700. Highly affordable and great quality! Two thumbs up!

Whew, I blogged again. Now I feel whole. Ok, thanks for indulging me folks but now I have to get some actual work done. I'll post again soon. Be excellent to each other!

Home, Home and Deranged

2006-07-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

This is a new single panel I'm developing which will hopefully run in a paper in South San Francisco. Tentatively titled "Home, Home and Deranged" it is basically a re-working of the Boomerangs idea. As you will see I named the lead character Jamie (after one of my best friends) though I'm not sure if it will reamin to be so or not......
Let me know what you think.
All images © 2oo6 Alex Schumacher

Comic Con Pt. 2

2006-07-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

This is rapidly becoming an addiction. I make me sick. Anyway, here are some more photos from comic con.....

The completion of my pin-up. Is that how I look when I'm satisfied?

Another day at the con with Me, Scott and the Atomic Bear himself....

Read the hat. Now that's just funny!

Here's Eric doing some art work for his upcoming comic Autumn.

And coming soon.....Costume Palooza!

Enter the chambermaid...

2006-07-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

Now I don't want to spoil anyone, but I've decided to post another comic. Enjoy but don't expect updates so frequently in the future :)!

Introducing...NO VACANCY

2006-07-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

So I've decided to post the very first, never-before-seen comic from my new strip. Submitted for your pleasure (and/or mockery) I introduce "No Vacancy":

There will be many more to come as well as glimpses into my process and examples of various other projects I am currently working on. Hope you enjoyed this and I'll post again soon.

Comic Con 2006, just the beginning....

2006-07-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I've finally cracked and started my own blog. I feel like such a poser...
Anyway, I feel as though this is my best way to continually communicate my progress as an artist (at least for the time being).
So for my first post I wanted to share with you some photos, or "memories" if you will, of the 2006 International Comic Convention in San Diego from which I have just returned.

Here we are, the group who traveled to San Diego to represent the Cartoon Art Museum of San Francisco. We are (from top to bottom; left to right) Self publisher Brian Kolm, writer/comic creator Martin Robaszewski and his wife Elsa, Me, one of my best buddies and comics fan extrodinaire Scott Tamanaha and comic creator/artist Eric Saxby.

Here I am drawing what will be a pinup-esque group shot of the cast of characters I have recently developed for a new comic strip.

What's comic con without toss'in back a few brews........

Seeing a few freaks (just kidding)........

and finding a nice piece of glass in your salad (no joke). Mmmmm.

Ok all, stay tuned for more photos as well as examples of new art I will be developing for your visual pleasure. Till next time....
I can't believe I started a blog...oy.