Last weekend at Heroes Con was, I think, a successful trip for networking with industry professionals. I presented my portfolio to several people, some of them are really big in the comic industry. My lettering idol, John Workman, was in attendance sitting with Tommy Lee Edwards at theBLVD Studio tables. We caught each other up with the happenings over the last few months and he gave me some great tips on hand lettering.

Afterwards, I spoke with Tommy Lee Edwards about his charity print he did for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation back in May. I told him how much I loved the print and that it is now hanging in my son’s room over his crib.

Tommy was delighted to hear about his art hanging over my son’s crib and then gave me a little inside scoop on his idea for the 2009 print. I’d share his idea on my site but I don’t know if he’s officially announced it. I don’t want to be the one to speak out of turn and spoil the news for everyone. Besides, he could change his mind about his concept. I will say this, he plans on sticking with bike themes for these prints for as long as he continues to create them.

I did a ton of photography for the Dollar Bin which you can view on the Dollar Bin Flickr account or the photo section of theDollarBin.net. We gave away about half our stock of the sketchbook we assembled featuring bios and artwork from Indie Island creators we love so much.

I would have to say that the highlight of my weekend was having Erik Larsen review my portfolio. He gave a great review and pointed out a couple of minor elements to correct in my lettering. This was the third time I had the opportunity to show Mr. Larsen my portfolio: Heroes Con 2007 and Baltimore Comic-Con 2007 were the first two opportunities. He’s such a legend in the comic industry, that it took me a year to muster up the courage to approach him. I’m such a fool though, because he has to be one of the nicest guys in the industry I’ve ever met.

To be honest, everyone I spoke to was super nice. I love attending Heroes Con. It’s the best experience I can have at a comic book convention.

Last year I lettered the 2007 Halloween Special of Morbid Myths. With 36 pages of spooky and creepy tales you are sure to be entertained from cover to cover. Now you are probably thinking I’m wanting you to rush out to your favorite comic book shop to pick this up but I’m not. Oh, no. I want you to download it for FREE! Seriously, I’m not kidding. To make this even better you can do it legally and not feel guilty about stealing it .

“How is this possible,” you ask? Wowio is Web site that is helping to bridge the gap between readers, sponsors and publishers. You can download all of the available books on their Web site for free. This is possible through the use of subtle, strategically placed advertisements.

Morbid Myths is only one of many available digital comics you can get on Wowio. They have a huge inventory of comics and graphic novels to choose from. Including the famous Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Head on over to Wowio, download the Morbid Myths 2007 Halloween Special and comment on what you think about the book and my lettering. You can also sample other projects and pages of my lettering on the right in the yellow Portfolio stickie.

Hi Fructose Issue 7I dropped in Barnes and Noble the other day to look over the latest design ‘zines and books. While looking I found this magazine titled Hi Fructose and was totally blown away by the art and illustrations inside the book. I was sure it was one of those European magazines that was going to cost $15.00, but to my surprise it’s cover cost is $6.95, a steal if you ask me.

The magazine features a lot of interviews of talented artists and illustrators. Just a few that I’ve read about so far are:

• Amy Casey
• Freek Drent
• Chris Mars
• Paul Pope
• Edwin Ushiro

The magizine is also littered with tons of advertisements for upcoming gallery shows and exhibitions. You’d think that a lot of advertisements would be a downside but in this magazine they are not because they feature awesome art.

If you happen to be in Barnes and Noble find this magazine and flip through it. Better yet, buy it.