July 20, 2008
GOOD NEWS! Four brand new pages are up for your viewing pleasure! Believe it! All the scripts are finished, and now it's straight sailing til the end of this book!
You'll have to google what the phrase HADALPELAGIC means on your own! :)
July 2, 2008
I just finished the second script! WEEEEEEE!! Only one more to go and that will be the finale of season 2. It's another long one, 18 pages. So, I'm guessing that's putting me at 60 more pages for the 2nd book, EEEK!!!! This means serious work. I've got 5 months to pull that off, can I do it? Only if I stay up late working on this stuff, instead of screwing around. It's hard core work now.
My notes for the last story are really scattered, but I feel like it's my strongest story yet. I'm really looking forward to writing it. Then, it's on to revisions, and then drawing again WHOOPIE!
I think I can save myself a little time by shrinking down my work size. I'm going to stay at the 11 X 17 format for the large action pages, but for dialog heavy "talking head" pages, I am going to try going down to actual size, which is something like 6 X 10ish.
Be patient, intrepid reader!
June 12, 2008
The problem with having so many blogs, is I forget to update some of them. Remember you can always find a more regularly updated blog at http://deadsquirrelgrl.livejournal.com.
If you're new around here, WELCOME! If you're old school...then you're saying KRISTIN!! WHERE ARE NEW COMICS! They are coming. I am now back at the word processing. Arktos was the last prepared script I had, so that means I have to sit down and actually script out the rest of the story. So, patience, PLEASE.
In the meantime, enjoy this report on MoCCA! The Museum of Cartoon and Comic Art show!
Friday night was the "reception". Maybe it's just me being a cajun....but the term "reception" implies "beverages...and perhaps lite snack fare". So, I actually put some effort into my clothes and headed over to the museum. Turns out their idea of "reception" meant that I was just to receive my badge....and that was about it. I guess I'm just used to the pre and post parties surrounding STAPLE. The museum itself was tiny. It was a small room in a high rise building full of various offices. You would not know where it was if you weren't looking for it. I saw Robyn Chapman there, an old SCAD schoolmate of mine, which was surprising. I got my MoCCA guide, and turns out two more fellow alumni would be at the show (Jorge Diaz and Jonathan Russell)....people I haven't seen since 2001. Neat!
Saturday was the show itself. I was late getting there because I had no idea my intended train did not run on Saturday, so I let three D trains pass me before I wised up. NY subways take constant vigilance. I was upstairs in the skylight ballroom. I only had half a table at the show, which turned out just fine, really, only because I can't imagine hauling more stuff around on the subway.
I was supposed to be talking a vacation from the heat....nope. High 90's!! Saturday was HOT in that ballroom, and I felt like it scared some customers off. Also, I didn't even bring a pair of shorts, so I was warm. Sales were alright....I had really hoped to make more money, especially because I spent it so liberally on this trip. But overall, I felt like I at least got some new customers.
Sunday.....luckily they cranked the AC up that day, so it was more tolerable. At about 3pm....FIRE ALARM! The entire building had to be evacuated. I did not grab my camera on the way out, wish I had, because 300+ people clustered around the Puck building was a sight to see. The fire trucks came, and the firefighters had to clear the building. Turns out a boiler overheated and that's what tripped the alarm (because I was going to riot if that was someone's idea of a joke). We were let back in the building....exhibitors first.
That's my "where are my customers??" face. Luckily, people did trickle back in and the floor was fairly busy after that.
I managed to sneak downstairs several times. Talked to David Malki! of WONDERMARK!. I think he remembered me from Staple. He was encouraging. I bought his new book, Beards of Our Forefathers.....hilarity. Bill Plympton drew me his little dog he uses in several of his animations. I was lucky enough to snatch up the Girls With Slingshots book, since I missed out at Staple. I don't think Danielle Corsetto remembered me, but she did like the drawing of Shannon on my business card, so hopefully she'll remember me next time I see her. Prize of the show?? A signed poster by Art Spiegelman. I got to talk to him for a few minutes....he's SO nice. He gave a speech a few years back at UT, and it was so inspirational.
It was completely EXHAUSTING. I walked more over the course of 6 days that I have in the last 6 months. And the mental fortitude you need to do a two day show in the heat.....buuuhhhhh.
I did learn a lot. I have got to get faster still. I never present DSG as a "webcomic" because I don't update 3 times a week. 4 pages every 2 weeks was pretty good for me. Now that I'm back in the script writing process again, the site is going to go un-updated for a lot longer than that. But I really need to get back into it again HARDCORE. I just need to manage my time a little better.
All in all, NYC was a complete blast, and I hope to go back next year. Now, back to the ole' drawing board....or typing board right now!
HEY, what's in the etsy shop right now?
April 28, 2008
Hi friends!
I am performing as a guest artist with some fantastic improv performers this summer! Below is the press release. I will be the guest artist MAY 3rd, and JUNE 14th. PLEASE spread the word!!
Who: Ka-Baam!! Improvised Comic Book Adventures
What: Theater, Improvisation and Comedy
When: Every Saturday, May 3rd through July 5th, 8:00pm
Price: $10, Tickets available at the box office 30 minutes before show time or online at www.hideouttheatre.com.
Where: The Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
For Reservations: Call (512) H-I-D-E-O-U-T or online at http://kabaam.austinimprov.com
Ka-baam!!is four-color fantasy writ large and on-the-spot by a cast of Austin's most heroic improv comedians. Every Saturday in May and June audiencesuggestions will inspire the origins and adventures of three never-before-seen heroes in a comic book story that will never be seen again. Each week the Golden Age of comics returns with the deadliest ofvillains, most ridiculous of brawls and special guest comic book artists every week to capture the action in pencil and ink.
Ka-Baam!! is the brain child of Steve Wacker, former editor at DC Comics and current editor at Marvel Comics. After a four-year run in New York City the show is being launched here in Austin and directed by Asaf Ronen who has been with the show since its inception. It is the comic book crossover of the year -- even if you have no idea what a crossover is!
Created by Steve Wacker (editor, Marvel Comics), directed by Asaf Ronen (The Sickest F***ing Stories I Ever Heard) and featuring: Erik Adams, Kareem Badr, Kaci Beeler, Jon Clinkenbeard, Justin Davis, Roy Janik, Kacey Samiee, Audrey Sansom, Michael Thomas, and Jason Vines. Free comic books provided by Austin Books & Comics.
EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT!
May 3rd through July 5th, 8:00pm
The Hideout Theatre
617 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
$10
April 26, 2008
ARKTOS pages 5-8 are up and running. Four more pages to go in this chapter! YAY! I am BUSY!
April 13, 2008
I just uploaded the next installment of Dead Squirrel Girl, entitled "Arktos". I don't know WHY but Firefox won't load page 2! ARGH! It loads in Safari perfectly. Also, Firefox washes out the colors as well. So, if you're trying to read it, try to use some other program, Firefox, you're letting me down. Hope you enjoy!
March 12, 2008
Flame Throw Me Something Mister is finally complete!! YAY!!
NOTES: -- for some strange reason, when I open it in Firefox, the colors are washed out, but Safari makes them as vibrant as they are supposed to be. ?? My Safari has been on the fritz lately, hence the firefox usage.
-- on page 10, Yvonne calls Jesse "Miel", which is French for "honey".
-- on page 10, Patan says they are off to "Fais do-do". A Fais do do is a Cajun dance party. "Fais do do" actually means "go to sleep"....at the parties there would be a room set aside, known as the "parc aux petits", where you would "park" the children....the mothers would tell the babies to "fais do do", so that they could go dance. I have indeed heard Cajun mothers tell the kids to go "fais do do" at bedtime.
-- squids do indeed have the ability to glow. DAMN they are so freaking cute!
Enjoy! I should be starting the next chapter pretty soon!
March 8, 2008
Ain't It Cool News had an article on STAPLE, in which nice things were said about Dead Squirrel Girl. Here for page in its entirety. Here is the direct text:
"Artist Kristin Hogan completely perplexed me with her Dead Squirrel Girl stuff. Kristin was away from her table when I came by but all of her stuff focused on a blond girl with a dead squirrel on her head and these bizarre squid cartoons – including some handmade stuffed squids. It was one of those things that made me think “Only in Austin” but God bless her for doing it because it’s creative and looks entertaining."
Now I'm kinda disappointed that I wasn't at my table at that particular moment. C'est la vie.
March 5, 2008
I hope you don't mind me tooting my own horn some more......
I go to a writer's group with a guy named Matt Sturges. He was Eisner nominated for Jack of Fables. He's also a cool guy. He's writing a book for DC called Shadowpact (or WAS, title has been dropped). He named characters in issue #22 after writers in the group. I'm FLATTERED.
Still don't believe me? Read it here: Notes on Shadowpact #22 at matthewsturges.com.
March 2, 2008
ANTIGRAVITY/STAPLE!! 2008
I am exhausted. Deeply, deeply worn, but so very, very happy. Today is relax and recover day. Oh, netflix, I wish you'd gotten here yesterday.
Last week, was the Antigravity Alternative Media Expo in New Orleans. The show went VERY well. I did not know what to expect, and quite honestly, I did not plan accordingly. I sold out of books halfway through the show!! I didn't bring that many, but I've never sold more than a handful at any show!
The table at the ANTIGRAVITY show. I gotta get a better tablecloth. And possibly some signage.
Packing up and leaving.
I had a really great time, and will go back again next year.
STAPLE 2008 was INCREDIBLE! What a wonderful weekend. I got to meet en editor at Top Shelf, he bought my book. Met old friends and new at the Staple pre-party.
Rob Osborne, (of Lord Zango and Absolute Tyrant), me, rocking my goofy pixie look, and Jason Chalker, who is totally awesome.
Signs you know you have reached success as a cartoonist:
--people tell you that they are dressing up like your characters for Halloween. What? The guy SWORE he would email me the pictures, I pretty much am not going to believe that until I see it.
I forgot to bring my camera to the afterparty, cause I'm just scatterbrained like that as of late, bootimes. Jason drew a really kickass Boba Fett. I did not draw, I had run down to three hearts in my tired meter. So I went home and went to bed. It was a GREAT weekend, and I feel like I am on the absolute right path right now.
HUGE NEWS: I got a table at the MOCCA (Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art) in NEW YOUR CITY. Is your mind blown? I'm taking this show on the road. I am totally overwhelmed! What do I bring?! Luckily, it's not until June 7th, so I have time.
THANK YOU to everyone who supported me at these shows. Buying a book is just the greatest compliment. And now some squids have new homes as well. I love the way people smile when they see them on my table, it makes me so happy.
Back to work starting tomorrow, there are 3 more pages in FLAME THROW ME SOMETHIN', MISTER.to go, before I get to introduce a new character, who I am really going to enjoy drawing. Stay tuned, same squirrel channel.
February 20, 2008
WHEW! The world is spinning! It's been a crazy last few weeks, but I think I'm about as ready as I'm going to get for the ANTIGRAVITY ALTERNATIVE MEDIA EXPO! I leave for my home state of Louisiana tomorrow, spending some time with the folks. The show is SATURDAY, starts at noon and runs til 7pm. $5, 900 Camp Street (the warehouse portion of the Contemporary Arts Center).
Then, next Saturday, March 1st....
I love Staple, it is FUNTIMES! Be sure to come by Austin Books for the pre-party Feb 29th, and of course, come get your drink on at the Scoot Inn Saturday evening. In fact, you can buy me a drink. Thanks, friend!
After all this excitement is done....it's FORGE AHEAD! I'm about to put up 4 more new pages, just tweaking out the last of it. I gotta up my production rate though!
February 4, 2008
I hope you've checked the Dead Squirrel Girl section of the site lately, because there are FOUR NEW PAGES UP!! YAY! The new story is titled "Flame Throw Me Somethin', Mister!" I was glad to have gotten the first 4 pages out BEFORE Mardi Gras, it felt like an accomplishment. By the way, I recently had the site reprogrammed with FRAMES, so that means I can't give a direct link to the comic anymore. I think you can find it though. I trust in you.
As I've been drawing these pages, I've needed some reference photos. But as I did them, the reference photos started becoming hilarious just alone without the context of the finished work. Thought I'd share them with you:
I like give myself a hand! I'm so helpful, thanks Kristin!
Come on Kristin, to action! That Skeeter is pretty terrible, I have to admit.
More of these coming, stay tuned, cause the next one is REALLY weird.
January 27, 2008
Behold! I am keeping my blog current for a change!
IRON ARTIST was a blast! I was very excited to have the opportunity to participate in such a fun program! The turn out was amazing! About 125 people showed up, all sorts of people too!
For a great write up, check out Alan Porter's blog. Here are a few pictures:
photo by Wayne Beamer
Coldtowne Improv troope hosts the show. The list in the background are audience suggestions of objects, animals and celebrities, we got points for each one we included in our drawing.
photo by Jesse Parker
Dat Boi Drew and Rivkah.
photo by Jesse Parker
Rob Osborne
photo by Jesse Parker
Dat Boi Drew's drawing incorporating as many elements from the list as possible.
photo by Jesse Parker
In this round, the audience gave us suggestions as we drew, so I started out drawing a hat, then thirty seconds later, I suddenly have to incorporate an air ship, etc. Someone suggested an octopus though, so yaytimes to that!
photo by Jesse Parker
Captain Squirrel Cheeks! This was the final round in which we were to incorporate one or all of these movies: Dumbo, Blue Velvet, and Willky Wonka. The little boy in my drawings says "Mr. Wonka? Why did that man cut off my ear?" Wonka responds "Eat some more chocolate, Timmy." There's an oompa loompa riding Dumbo in the sky.
photo by Wayne Beamer
Time ticking away! Draw! Draw!
Rivkah walked away with the official Iron Artist title with her Willy Wonka picture. Thanks to everyone who came out!! I think this event might start a sort of trend.....so look for more improv drawing events in the future!
On current news: I have been working my booty off! Pages 1-4 of the next DSG story are penciled and inked and currently being colored. Page 5 is almost inked. My goal is to have a new book out by the end of the year. If I can pull off 6 pages a month, it's possible.
One last note. If you're not reading WONDERMARK, you're missing a treat, friend. I highly recommend you check out this hilarious work by David Malki! I watched his movie last night (you can get to it via his site), and also found it very enjoyable. I rarely recommend things on the net, so take my advice on this one.
January 15, 2008
The spot on KUT sounded GREAT! I am so pleased! You can listen to it over the interweb right HERE !!Don't forget to come out to AMOA on Thursday night and support me in fierce competition!!
January 12, 2008
Hello dear reader! It's been a super long time since I updated ye ole blog. I apologize for that, but without going too much into my personal affairs, let's just say that life dealt me the TOWER tarot card round about August, and I've been sorting through the wreckage ever since. Things are only just starting to stabilize. So, it's time to wipe the blog slate clean.
The good news is: I now ONLY work at Blue Genie, 4 days a week. The rest of my time is now devoted to art. YAY! I am three pages into the next story, and it's going really well. My ultimate goal is to have a new book out by November of this year, which would mean between 50-70 pages of all new material. YIKES! I think I can do it, but it is going to be work and perseverance.
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar was VERY successful this year, I sold a lot of squids, a few original watercolors, and even a few books! More squids are on the sewing machine, my etsy store will reopen soon.
Events coming up you don't want to miss:
Next week: AMOA Downtown: Draw, Iron Artist, Draw!
823 Congress Ave.
"For this live drawing competition, Austin artists pay homage to two cultural phenomena: first to Roy Lichtenstein's comic-inspired prints, on view at AMOA, and second, to Iron Chef, the Food Network program with a cultish following. Artists have one hour to create comics based on audience suggestions, and the crowd determines the Iron Artist Champion. Coldtown Theater improvisation will emcee, referee, and provide live musical accompaniment."
I will be competing with three other artists who are all awesome, so I think it's going to be a ton of fun! Also, we did a spot on KUT yesterday for their "Arts Eclectic" segment, which will start airing next week, so tune in to 90.5 here in Austin!
I'll also be at the Antigravity Alternative Media Expo in New Orleans Feb. 23rd, and STAPLE! here in Austin, March 1st.
I applied for the MOCCA show in New York June 7th-8th. However, I have no clue whether I'll get in or not, as this is an immensely popular show, and there is usually a waiting list to get in! Fingers crossed, folks!
Oh! A special thanks to Ryan Dennis for redesigning the Dead Squirrel Girl homepage.
Hugs and puppies!
