Not long ago I was commissioned to create a biker logo for Down the Lane by Paul Lafferty. The name of the biker gang in the book is the Royal City Riders.
This is what I came up with after hearing some ideas from Paul:
It’s thrilling when your art is used in a book. In this case, for Down the Lane and its sequel, Down the Lane 2: Brantford.
Please go here to check it out more on Paul Lafferty and Down the Lane.
If you’d like original artwork created for your project, please see my art page.
Pretty sure I’m stuck in an accelerated timestream.
Anyway, I set out into 2020 with specific goals now that all my prelim work is pretty much done. (All discussed in my newsletter.)
And so . . . here is where some projects stand a couple of weeks into 2020:
Project Rebuild: First batch of second editions are my Undead World Trilogy. The new cover style–which looks incredible–is almost done. Layout to begin soon. Here is the original announcement.
Patreon: New tiers and options to be added once some second editions come out. Gigantigator Death Machine is the current feature playing as a serial novel with a new installment every two weeks. This will run until May, if I counted out the installments correctly. A new serial novel will start up after this first one is done. Please go here to start reading the previous chapters so you’re ready for the next episode.
Artwork: Putting the final touches on a commission. Have permission to share it on-line once the client receives it in the mail.
Freelance: In the middle of a project for someone and still have my client that requires two days a week. (Which slows down my published work output but, hey, need to keep the lights on somehow.)
New published work: This involves all the various projects I mentioned in previous blog posts and in the newsletter. As of this writing, the plan is to do a few second editions first then release something new then more second editions then new work, and so on. This plan keeps me at a pace I can manage, which in turn benefits you by giving you a pattern for 2020 and something to look forward to.
YouTube: The channel is growing and content is going up at, on average, a video a week. Your subscription to the channel helps keep the writing and art machine running so please subscribe if you haven’t already.
Daily blogging: Still on the Monday-to-Friday schedule. I’m doing my best to give you something each day that entertains or informs at least one person. Check back daily for new entries. If you check back and the blog hasn’t been updated, check back again later. Lately, my blogging hour has been shifting for various reasons.
Vacation: Though I took a break over the Holidays, it wasn’t really a break. In the end, I had a few days for a breather because it took me until Boxing Day to finally slow down and just relax. Throw in some Holiday activities during that relax time and I didn’t end up having a genuine break. I was back at it on the 30th. So, things are in motion for a legit winter holiday, but by the time all is arranged, that won’t be until February sometime. Watch this space.
Conventions and public appearances: One convention has been announced. I have irons in the fire in others and am waiting to hear back.
Posted through my social channels this morning:
“Hoping to find new inroads in the publishing world (books and comics) in 2020. I’m convinced the current standard system is terrible. That said, it’s up to creators to create the market, not companies. We need to get that straight first otherwise it’ll be same old, same old.”
I stand by the idea that creators create the market. Read my essay, “Why I Quit the Publishing Industry and Opted to Just Make Books Instead,” to find out my thoughts on the current climate and my general attitude toward it. If you’re a creator reading this, please check out the essay. We’re not at the mercy of various companies to get our work out. They’re at your mercy to provide them work to distribute. They don’t have a business without you. Take that to heart. Stand strong. Make new roads. Find out new ways to share with your readers. You and your readers are the ones in control, not these companies.
Okay. That’s all I’ve got for now. Thank you for checking in.
Welcome to my Inktober 2019 Artwork Video Showcase!
As promised, here is the video showcasing this year’s Inktober efforts.
My Ello account has also been updated to show the three collages created from 31 drawings.
Inktober was completed on schedule, with 31 ink sketches done in 31 days at a rate of one per day. Images were shared each day on social media, with Instagram being where I uploaded them.
Please watch the video below and please subscribe to my YouTube channel so you can ensure you receive notifications of each new video the moment they are uploaded.
With 2020 around the corner, it’s time for me to visit my freelancing Artwork and Publishing Services Rates again and adjust things for the New Year.
The following rates will be effective on January 1, 2020. If you book me before January 1, I will honor my old rates so this is a chance to book me now even if your project won’t be ready to go until early in the New Year.
The formula for the list below is Old Rate > New Rate
All rates are in US funds.
Editing (which is a full edit that covers everything from copy editing to proofreading):
Short stories (1,000 – 7,000 words): 1¢ per word > 1.5¢ per word
Novelettes (7,001 – 15,000 words): $250 > $275
Novellas (15,001 – 40,000 words): $325 > $350
Short novels (40,001 – 60,000): $425 > $450
Novels (60,001 – 80,000 words): $500 > $525
Blockbusters (80,001 – 120,000): $625 > $650
Doorstops (120,000+): inquire for quote
Formatting:
Paperback formatting – $200 > $225
eBook formatting – $150 > $175
Paperback and eBook formatting bundle – $325 > $375
Book Cover Design (includes the paperback and eBook files):
Using stock art/photos/art you acquired elsewhere: $275US or $350CAN > $300US or $400CAN
A note on stock photos: I do my best to seek out stock photos that are free for commercial use, however, sometimes the perfect photo needs to be purchased. Responsibility of cost for the purchased photo is the client’s. All proposed purchases are cleared with the client first.
NEW – Using my original art created for the project’s cover (which includes the use of the art plus all the design that goes into a stock photo cover): $500US or $675CAN
NEW – Artwork Commissions
Penciled only: $150 (for up to two figures; additional figures $20 each)
Inked: $200 (for up to two figures; additional figures $30 each)
Colored (digital or traditional media, depending on the piece): $350 (for up to two figures; additional figures $40 each)
Custom Artwork: If your project doesn’t fit the above commission guidelines, inquire anyway and we’ll figure out something that works for both of us.
These are the pieces available for sale. Please see my Instagram feed for a closer look.
It’s a superhero symbol art sale!
I love superhero emblems because of the message they send and the feelings they invoke.
Right now, I have original artwork for sale. It’s fan art, but since I don’t make prints of fan art, these are originals and one-of-a-kind. Please see my Instagram for the gallery of what’s available at the time of this writing.
The price breakdown is:
1 for $20USD/$25CAD
3 for $50USD/$65CAD
Shipping included. Each piece is signed and dated by year. They are also individually wrapped in magazine-sized bags and boards for safe keeping and/or easy display. Please send me an email or a PM to make arrangements.
As part of expanding my on-line creative showcase, I have added an Artwork tab to the menu above. Currently, it’s a work-in-progress and will be updated when new items are created. Right now it is in three sections to depict the areas of art displayed: Lineart, Shadows, and Mixed Media.
