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Moving Ahead
Posted 10 years agoHeya, everybody! I'm back from BLFC, and life is starting to go well! Over the weekend I worked on much of my backlog, and the digital pieces I was able to do have gone out to their commissioners, while my real-media stuff is coming along, but hampered a bit as the glass on my scanner has fallen through and broken. I'm looking into a new scanner now, or cutting a new piece of glass and getting it to fit, and in either case I should be back up and able to scan in the next couple of days.
Regarding my backlog, I'm nearly complete. I have nine pieces remaining, and those should be done by this coming weekend, so I'm 100% caught up. In order to get things done, I've had to go out of order taken, because the mood would hit for one or another, so instead of getting bogged down on one piece I wasn't feeling at that moment, I moved on to others. I also have several pieces that were supposed to get in the mail a while back, but were set aside in their basket while I was cleaning my studio. They have been located, all safe, and will be going out shortly, though I will re-verify mailing addresses before they go.
The last several months have been incredibly stressful, but I have learned a lot about myself, how I work, and how to make it better for both me and you. This is going to result in a large change in how I take commissions, especially at conventions. Going forward, I will not be taking homework pieces if I have ANTHING already on my plate. It's not fair to anyone if I do that. Work taken at a con will be completed at THAT con. I'm much better about getting contact info that can be used at con to reach the commissioner, and get their piece to them if it's completed Sunday night after the den closes. But, this brings me to another change: commissions taken for completion at-con will now be only sketchbook/full-page drawings, in pencil, ink, or ink with grayscale Copic marker shading. On Fridays at a con, I will also be taking a very, very limited number of ink painting pieces, to be completed by Sunday morning.
Badges are moving to a pre-order status only, for the time being. Before each con, with my plate completely clean from commissions, I will be taking between 15 and 25 badge orders, that I can complete in the weeks leading up to the con, for AT-CON PICKUP ONLY. By completing badges at home, I can take the time they deserve, and have access to my full array of art supplies and my full cache of markers. What I used to take to cons was a limited selection of my colors, and I often found myself lacking a particular color I would need. Completing them at home eliminates this problem, and also ensures that you will be able to wear your badge for the full duration of the con, instead of perhaps only a day or two. It will also allow me to up my game, as the work I do at home I have the ability to get into more, and take the proper time on. I will continue my Doctor Who theme, but I will also be adding some new themes, such as Barbarians, or Star Wars, and Mad Max, for those interested. Of course, you can still have whatever you like as a theme, naturally.
Books! That's right! N'duk the Hunter is BACK! Off the market for two years, I have been painstakingly working on taking all five volumes and condensing them down into three larger books, correcting any typos, fixing continuity errors, and generally upgrading the stories from how they originally came out to what they always should have been. The new volume I was released as a limited, numbered run of 40 at BLFC, to great success. The remainder of that run will be split in two categories, now: one will remain as is, with the normal price of $20. The others will get a custom sketch on the inside dust cover, and will be $30. There will likely only be ten copies with sketches, and they will be up for grabs at Anthrocon. The final, unlimited version of volume I will hopefully debut at Further Confusion, providing I get a dealer table, there. It will have all new art, a full-color wraparound cover, and if I can work it, will even be available in hardback. Price for hardback not yet set, as I'm still working on a supplier.
Aside from that, I am still pretty busy, but I've realized the mistakes I've made in the past, and I don't ever want to repeat them. This is a new Mitch, a better Mitch, and the Mitch you should have always had. If you need to contact me, PLEASE email me at mongooseinkart[at]gmail.com Do NOT use notes on FA. My notes system has been absolutely unreliable for ages, now, and I can't guarantee I'll get what you're sending in a note. Please use my email, mongooseinkart[at]gmail.com .
For now, I'm getting back to work. There's a big piece I hope to finish tonight for Doman Ryler, and a few others I'd like to get more headway on.
Regarding my backlog, I'm nearly complete. I have nine pieces remaining, and those should be done by this coming weekend, so I'm 100% caught up. In order to get things done, I've had to go out of order taken, because the mood would hit for one or another, so instead of getting bogged down on one piece I wasn't feeling at that moment, I moved on to others. I also have several pieces that were supposed to get in the mail a while back, but were set aside in their basket while I was cleaning my studio. They have been located, all safe, and will be going out shortly, though I will re-verify mailing addresses before they go.
The last several months have been incredibly stressful, but I have learned a lot about myself, how I work, and how to make it better for both me and you. This is going to result in a large change in how I take commissions, especially at conventions. Going forward, I will not be taking homework pieces if I have ANTHING already on my plate. It's not fair to anyone if I do that. Work taken at a con will be completed at THAT con. I'm much better about getting contact info that can be used at con to reach the commissioner, and get their piece to them if it's completed Sunday night after the den closes. But, this brings me to another change: commissions taken for completion at-con will now be only sketchbook/full-page drawings, in pencil, ink, or ink with grayscale Copic marker shading. On Fridays at a con, I will also be taking a very, very limited number of ink painting pieces, to be completed by Sunday morning.
Badges are moving to a pre-order status only, for the time being. Before each con, with my plate completely clean from commissions, I will be taking between 15 and 25 badge orders, that I can complete in the weeks leading up to the con, for AT-CON PICKUP ONLY. By completing badges at home, I can take the time they deserve, and have access to my full array of art supplies and my full cache of markers. What I used to take to cons was a limited selection of my colors, and I often found myself lacking a particular color I would need. Completing them at home eliminates this problem, and also ensures that you will be able to wear your badge for the full duration of the con, instead of perhaps only a day or two. It will also allow me to up my game, as the work I do at home I have the ability to get into more, and take the proper time on. I will continue my Doctor Who theme, but I will also be adding some new themes, such as Barbarians, or Star Wars, and Mad Max, for those interested. Of course, you can still have whatever you like as a theme, naturally.
Books! That's right! N'duk the Hunter is BACK! Off the market for two years, I have been painstakingly working on taking all five volumes and condensing them down into three larger books, correcting any typos, fixing continuity errors, and generally upgrading the stories from how they originally came out to what they always should have been. The new volume I was released as a limited, numbered run of 40 at BLFC, to great success. The remainder of that run will be split in two categories, now: one will remain as is, with the normal price of $20. The others will get a custom sketch on the inside dust cover, and will be $30. There will likely only be ten copies with sketches, and they will be up for grabs at Anthrocon. The final, unlimited version of volume I will hopefully debut at Further Confusion, providing I get a dealer table, there. It will have all new art, a full-color wraparound cover, and if I can work it, will even be available in hardback. Price for hardback not yet set, as I'm still working on a supplier.
Aside from that, I am still pretty busy, but I've realized the mistakes I've made in the past, and I don't ever want to repeat them. This is a new Mitch, a better Mitch, and the Mitch you should have always had. If you need to contact me, PLEASE email me at mongooseinkart[at]gmail.com Do NOT use notes on FA. My notes system has been absolutely unreliable for ages, now, and I can't guarantee I'll get what you're sending in a note. Please use my email, mongooseinkart[at]gmail.com .
For now, I'm getting back to work. There's a big piece I hope to finish tonight for Doman Ryler, and a few others I'd like to get more headway on.
Life and Commission List Status
Posted 10 years agoHello, everyone. As you may have noticed, I haven't been around much, lately, and I feel I owe you all an explanation. Since the beginning of the year, I have been dealing with depression, again. I'm not sure what brings it on, but I know it can affect me quite severely, to the point where I essentially shut down, and don't do anything at all.
This is a very big problem for me, as while my body won't want to let me do anything, my brain is still going a million miles an hour, thinking up new ideas, new projects, all while I already had work on my plate. Work that needed to get done. Work for several of you. This compounds my problem, because once an idea comes into my head, it never wants to leave, and I'm quickly left feeling overwhelmed. When I feel overwhelmed, I start to lose hope, doubt myself, and the depression spirals faster.
Let's compound that with a sudden, and very intense amount of stress at my job, where I was once a star performer, but now with new management, everyone is fighting just to keep their job. First and foremost, I have to keep my job, and so most all of my energy has been going there, just to make sure I don't slip behind and get put on a possible chopping block. I know it's coming, I've seen what's happening in my department happen in others, and I simply cannot lose my job. Because of that, my art has suffered.
Not just suffered, it's ground to a halt. I love to draw, I really do, but with this pressure, my creativity and my passsion runs and hides from me, which makes me angry, and for every day I don't get something done, my backlog seems to grow heavier and heavier, to the point where it's almost impossible to bear. I want to get it done. I want to get everything done, but it's harder than I can put into words to get it to come out, because I know I'm behind, and I want to make things better and better to make up for the delay. Thus, the pressure increases yet again, and I fall further behind.
I haven't drawn anything for myself in two years. Everything I have drawn has been a commission. So much of my own work is on the back burner that it, too, becomes an overwhelming force, but I know I have to get commissions totally finished before I can do work for myself.
Sadly, there is some work I can't put off. Car repair, house maintenance, computer failure, incompatible hardware, my health, meeting bills, a big family crisis, everywhere I turn, I can't find a break, all of which feeds the depression spiral. Yes, I put on a happy face in person, I pretend like there's nothing wrong, but in the back of my head there is always the nagging guilt that I haven't done enough, that I'm not caught up enough. I've had some amazing opportunities open up that would allow me to branch out into new and exciting ventures, but I've had to say no because I haven't managed to clear my plate. The stress is unbelievable, and for the last month has taken a serious toll on my health.
For the last month, I have been feeling dizzy all the time, and it felt like parts of my brain were wrapped in gauze, giving me a sort of clouded thought process at best. Research into this indicated that I might be developing a brain tumor. Thanks to a recent test, though, this was ruled out, and it turns out I was suffering from ongoing exhaustion and serious sleep deprivation, because my brain won't even stop worrying when I'm asleep. I've adjusted my diet, and my sleeping hours, and I'm happy to say I'm starting to feel better, which does help.
This last weekend, however, helped nothing. Thanks to the storms that tore through the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I lost power for basically the entire weekend, and worse than that, I lost the project that I've actually been able to work on for the last three months - my book.
Many of you know I wrote the N'duk the Hunter book series, and I've announced that the revamp of the first collection was going to be coming out at Biggest Little Fur Con. Well, because I was stupid and didn't make a backup copy, my working copy has gone corrupt, eating 145 pages of Word document, single spaced in 2003 format, Times New Roman. I am gutted. I don't know how I can recover in time, but I am going to try. I have no idea how this is possible, but I'm not giving up. And, at the same time, I'm going to force myself back to my art table, get the dust off of it, and get back to work on art. It may be slow, at first, but I want to fully clear my plate before BLFC, no exceptions.
That said, I will not be taking any form of pre-orders for BLFC, and I probably won't be taking homework from sales at the con, either. I need to reduce the stress in my life, because it's hurting me both mentally and physically, and it makes it so I can't deliver what I promised I would do for you.
For those of you I still owe pieces to, I have not forgotten. However, this delay is my fault, and I certainly understand waiting for a commission, and when the timeframe can seem too long. If you want a refund, I'll find a way to get one to you ASAP. Please email me at mongooseinkart[at]gmail.com and be sure to include your Furname in the email, so I can be sure to properly cross-reference you with my list and get your money back to you. I don't like having to admit I have failed, but when I do fail, I still want to make things right.
Please, do NOT send me FA notes. I have had significant issues with notes. I have read and replied to every note I have been sent currently. Email at mongooseinkart[at]gmail.com is the best way to reach me, and I promise to reply as quickly as I can, work or sleep permitting.
Again, I'm sorry. You deserve better from me, and I want to be better for you. I've failed, and it's time I start fixing myself up. One small step at a time, but I'll get there.
-Mitch
This is a very big problem for me, as while my body won't want to let me do anything, my brain is still going a million miles an hour, thinking up new ideas, new projects, all while I already had work on my plate. Work that needed to get done. Work for several of you. This compounds my problem, because once an idea comes into my head, it never wants to leave, and I'm quickly left feeling overwhelmed. When I feel overwhelmed, I start to lose hope, doubt myself, and the depression spirals faster.
Let's compound that with a sudden, and very intense amount of stress at my job, where I was once a star performer, but now with new management, everyone is fighting just to keep their job. First and foremost, I have to keep my job, and so most all of my energy has been going there, just to make sure I don't slip behind and get put on a possible chopping block. I know it's coming, I've seen what's happening in my department happen in others, and I simply cannot lose my job. Because of that, my art has suffered.
Not just suffered, it's ground to a halt. I love to draw, I really do, but with this pressure, my creativity and my passsion runs and hides from me, which makes me angry, and for every day I don't get something done, my backlog seems to grow heavier and heavier, to the point where it's almost impossible to bear. I want to get it done. I want to get everything done, but it's harder than I can put into words to get it to come out, because I know I'm behind, and I want to make things better and better to make up for the delay. Thus, the pressure increases yet again, and I fall further behind.
I haven't drawn anything for myself in two years. Everything I have drawn has been a commission. So much of my own work is on the back burner that it, too, becomes an overwhelming force, but I know I have to get commissions totally finished before I can do work for myself.
Sadly, there is some work I can't put off. Car repair, house maintenance, computer failure, incompatible hardware, my health, meeting bills, a big family crisis, everywhere I turn, I can't find a break, all of which feeds the depression spiral. Yes, I put on a happy face in person, I pretend like there's nothing wrong, but in the back of my head there is always the nagging guilt that I haven't done enough, that I'm not caught up enough. I've had some amazing opportunities open up that would allow me to branch out into new and exciting ventures, but I've had to say no because I haven't managed to clear my plate. The stress is unbelievable, and for the last month has taken a serious toll on my health.
For the last month, I have been feeling dizzy all the time, and it felt like parts of my brain were wrapped in gauze, giving me a sort of clouded thought process at best. Research into this indicated that I might be developing a brain tumor. Thanks to a recent test, though, this was ruled out, and it turns out I was suffering from ongoing exhaustion and serious sleep deprivation, because my brain won't even stop worrying when I'm asleep. I've adjusted my diet, and my sleeping hours, and I'm happy to say I'm starting to feel better, which does help.
This last weekend, however, helped nothing. Thanks to the storms that tore through the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I lost power for basically the entire weekend, and worse than that, I lost the project that I've actually been able to work on for the last three months - my book.
Many of you know I wrote the N'duk the Hunter book series, and I've announced that the revamp of the first collection was going to be coming out at Biggest Little Fur Con. Well, because I was stupid and didn't make a backup copy, my working copy has gone corrupt, eating 145 pages of Word document, single spaced in 2003 format, Times New Roman. I am gutted. I don't know how I can recover in time, but I am going to try. I have no idea how this is possible, but I'm not giving up. And, at the same time, I'm going to force myself back to my art table, get the dust off of it, and get back to work on art. It may be slow, at first, but I want to fully clear my plate before BLFC, no exceptions.
That said, I will not be taking any form of pre-orders for BLFC, and I probably won't be taking homework from sales at the con, either. I need to reduce the stress in my life, because it's hurting me both mentally and physically, and it makes it so I can't deliver what I promised I would do for you.
For those of you I still owe pieces to, I have not forgotten. However, this delay is my fault, and I certainly understand waiting for a commission, and when the timeframe can seem too long. If you want a refund, I'll find a way to get one to you ASAP. Please email me at mongooseinkart[at]gmail.com and be sure to include your Furname in the email, so I can be sure to properly cross-reference you with my list and get your money back to you. I don't like having to admit I have failed, but when I do fail, I still want to make things right.
Please, do NOT send me FA notes. I have had significant issues with notes. I have read and replied to every note I have been sent currently. Email at mongooseinkart[at]gmail.com is the best way to reach me, and I promise to reply as quickly as I can, work or sleep permitting.
Again, I'm sorry. You deserve better from me, and I want to be better for you. I've failed, and it's time I start fixing myself up. One small step at a time, but I'll get there.
-Mitch
FC Meme, and Under-Theres!
Posted 11 years agoHey, everybody! It's FC time, again, and I'm gonna be there! FC is one of my absolute favorite conventions, and I always love coming back! And, this year I even have a brand new product, Under-Theres! http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15446377/ Laminated badge tags to represent what you wear down there! Fun and goofy, I thought they'd be a great new way to express yourself! Only $5 each at my table, #E35!
Speaking of tables, I'll be between the wonderful
marymouse and 
k-9 this year, so come by and say hi! I'm gonna be working really hard on art, this time, so if you'd like a sketchbook drawing or a custom badge, make sure to hit me up early, as I tend to book up solid within the first 30 minutes of the den opening each day. I hope to see you there!
In the meantime, I'm finishing up a few commissions, and if I have time, I may post up a few more new surprises before the con!
And now it's time for a meme format stolen from
cooner !
-Hotel?
Yes, I'll be in one!
-Arrival/Departure
Arriving sometime Thursday afternoon, will be around thru early Monday.
-Means of transportation
Bipedal locomotion. I had a hovercraft, but someone filled it with eels.
-Sharing a room with:
Somebody! Platonic!
-Gender
Male
-Relationship Status
Single, not looking.
-How old are you?
33
-How tall are you?
5'11", or 6' depending on the shoes.
-Are you an Artist?
I sure am! And a writer, too!
-Do you have an artist table?
I sure do! Table #E35, located between the wonderful marymouse and k-9
-What will you be offering at your table?
Sketchbook drawings, badges, art prints, mini originals, Under-Theres! and more!
-Do you take commissions?
At con? Sure do!
-Do you do trades?
Not unless we talked about it ahead of time, and both have time for it. So, typically no, not anymore.
-Are you a Fursuiter?
Nope on a rope. I like suits, just don't have the time to even attempt wearing one at a con.
-Attending parties?
Parties? What are these "parties" you speak of? I know only work...
-Do you drink?
I do, yes.
-Can I buy you a drink?
While I appreciate the offer, I'm going to decline unless you're a close friend. No offense, but I have to know what's in my drink at all times.
-Do you smoke?
Only when I'm on fire.
-Are you attending any panels?
Nah, way too busy running my table and doing homework!
-How do I identify my self to you?
By carrier pigeon. Just kidding, just have your badge where I can see it, and say hi!
-Rules of engagement (physical contact)?
At cons, I'd rather not touch anyone, if possible. I get sick easy, and germs are way too easy to spread through physical contact. I give GREAT thumbs-up, though!
-How can I find you?
By using my secret government tracking chip, or by coming to table #E35 and saying hi during den hours!
-Can I talk to you?
But of course! I love to chat! Though, bear in mind if things are busy, I might not be able to chat for tooooo long at my table.
-Can I give you lots of money?
Yes. The answer to this is always yes.
-Can I hug or snuggle with you?
No. While I appreciate hugs, I don't really engage in them at cons, and snuggling is right out. Please ask before touching the Mitch.
-Can I hang out with you?
Er, hard to say. To be honest, I'm often busy running my table, or sequestered away doing homework. I really don't have any time to just "hang out" at a con.
-Can I take your picture?
Yep! Who knows, I might even smile!
-How do I know if you're not looking to socialize (angry, busy or upset)?
Usually by the look on my face, or by short answers. I try and be polite, but sometimes I just don't have the time, sorry. =(
-What's your goal for the con this year?
Have fun, do lots of art, make good sales, see friends and eat delicious Thai food!
-Any questions?
Why are taxes so high, and yet the government still can't make ends meet?
Speaking of tables, I'll be between the wonderful
marymouse and 
k-9 this year, so come by and say hi! I'm gonna be working really hard on art, this time, so if you'd like a sketchbook drawing or a custom badge, make sure to hit me up early, as I tend to book up solid within the first 30 minutes of the den opening each day. I hope to see you there!In the meantime, I'm finishing up a few commissions, and if I have time, I may post up a few more new surprises before the con!
And now it's time for a meme format stolen from
cooner !-Hotel?
Yes, I'll be in one!
-Arrival/Departure
Arriving sometime Thursday afternoon, will be around thru early Monday.
-Means of transportation
Bipedal locomotion. I had a hovercraft, but someone filled it with eels.
-Sharing a room with:
Somebody! Platonic!
-Gender
Male
-Relationship Status
Single, not looking.
-How old are you?
33
-How tall are you?
5'11", or 6' depending on the shoes.
-Are you an Artist?
I sure am! And a writer, too!
-Do you have an artist table?
I sure do! Table #E35, located between the wonderful
marymouse and k-9-What will you be offering at your table?
Sketchbook drawings, badges, art prints, mini originals, Under-Theres! and more!
-Do you take commissions?
At con? Sure do!
-Do you do trades?
Not unless we talked about it ahead of time, and both have time for it. So, typically no, not anymore.
-Are you a Fursuiter?
Nope on a rope. I like suits, just don't have the time to even attempt wearing one at a con.
-Attending parties?
Parties? What are these "parties" you speak of? I know only work...
-Do you drink?
I do, yes.
-Can I buy you a drink?
While I appreciate the offer, I'm going to decline unless you're a close friend. No offense, but I have to know what's in my drink at all times.
-Do you smoke?
Only when I'm on fire.
-Are you attending any panels?
Nah, way too busy running my table and doing homework!
-How do I identify my self to you?
By carrier pigeon. Just kidding, just have your badge where I can see it, and say hi!
-Rules of engagement (physical contact)?
At cons, I'd rather not touch anyone, if possible. I get sick easy, and germs are way too easy to spread through physical contact. I give GREAT thumbs-up, though!
-How can I find you?
By using my secret government tracking chip, or by coming to table #E35 and saying hi during den hours!
-Can I talk to you?
But of course! I love to chat! Though, bear in mind if things are busy, I might not be able to chat for tooooo long at my table.
-Can I give you lots of money?
Yes. The answer to this is always yes.
-Can I hug or snuggle with you?
No. While I appreciate hugs, I don't really engage in them at cons, and snuggling is right out. Please ask before touching the Mitch.
-Can I hang out with you?
Er, hard to say. To be honest, I'm often busy running my table, or sequestered away doing homework. I really don't have any time to just "hang out" at a con.
-Can I take your picture?
Yep! Who knows, I might even smile!
-How do I know if you're not looking to socialize (angry, busy or upset)?
Usually by the look on my face, or by short answers. I try and be polite, but sometimes I just don't have the time, sorry. =(
-What's your goal for the con this year?
Have fun, do lots of art, make good sales, see friends and eat delicious Thai food!
-Any questions?
Why are taxes so high, and yet the government still can't make ends meet?
Update Time!
Posted 11 years agoUpdate time! For the sake of those of you who follow me on Twitter, I'm not going to bring Rainfurrest up again, other than to announce that I got denied a table under their new selection process, so you likely won't be seeing me there again. Now, on to new things!
As you can see, I've not been active much here lately. Big reason for that was shortly after RF, life got very hectic, I went through being pretty sick, and then fell behind in other RL stuff, and long story short, I basically didn't draw anything for nearly three months, and basically withdrew from the fandom in order to get RL stuff in order. Was that a bad thing? Partially, yes: it meant I didn't get people's commissions finished, and the longer it went, the bigger the pressure was, and the harder to draw. But, having gotten life sorted, I'm back at the drawing table, and armed with some new tools, namely...
I got a Cintiq! It's a first-gen 21UX, but it's fantastic, and I'm amazed at how drastically it has improved my ability to work digitally. For ten years I've been using tablets, but this Cintiq is a real game-changer, and has helped to fire up my art in a big way. Expect to see more digital work from me in the future, and maaaaaaaaybe some streaming. Not sure on that, though, as I'm not totally sold on streaming, yet. We'll see.
Other things: Lost a few pounds, still got more I want to lose, and I'm losing more hair. Oh well, price you pay for getting older, and I'm not too concerned about it.
Now, about my books. Those of you who are used to seeing me at cons know I write, and have self-published my own series of five books, the N'duk the Hunter series. They are an action-fantasy collection of short stories following the adventures of the barbarian/adventurer mongoose, N'duk, in his travels and exploits around the globe. I've been writing them since 2005, and they first released in 2006, in an official release, and while they were well-received, there were problems with them. I've listened to feedback, and while some of it was harsh, it was deserved, so... I've pulled them entirely for the time being. For all of 2015, the N'duk books will not be available for purchase.
Why, you might ask? Because I'm completely redoing them, top to bottom, and making changes and corrections to make them the stories they should have been from the very beginning. I was too hasty, and in my urge to get them out on time, I don't feel they lived up to the quality you deserve. I was planning to do a big re-launch party for them at Rainfurrest 2015, but since I got denied a table, I'm now aiming for Further Confusion 2016, instead. The books will be reformatted from five volumes to three, with improved stories, and all new art. I have about 120 ink wash painted illustrations to complete for them, not counting color covers and color promotional work. This overhaul will be taking up much of my free time in 2015, but will definitely be worth it in the end. And, once done I can get back to work on the N'duk origin novel, The Serpent's Fangs, which I've been working on for two years. Hoping it'll be done for Anthrocon in 2016.
On the art front, I'm making big changes to make sure I'm more organized, and never forget or miss anything anymore. I know I've been disorganized in the past, and quite frankly terrible at communication. No more. I'm not going to be amateur any longer, I'm taking things far more seriously than ever, because you deserve that of me. In addition to getting pieces done much faster than before, I'm going to be woking on at least a weekly new piece to put up, here, constantly testing new skills, or styles, so I improve overall.
I hope that those I've let down in the past can forgive me, and I'm working very hard on making sure I never let anyone down ever again. 2015 is the year of the new Mitch.
To paraphrase Sips, I want to be, "The real Mitch, the best Mitch."
As you can see, I've not been active much here lately. Big reason for that was shortly after RF, life got very hectic, I went through being pretty sick, and then fell behind in other RL stuff, and long story short, I basically didn't draw anything for nearly three months, and basically withdrew from the fandom in order to get RL stuff in order. Was that a bad thing? Partially, yes: it meant I didn't get people's commissions finished, and the longer it went, the bigger the pressure was, and the harder to draw. But, having gotten life sorted, I'm back at the drawing table, and armed with some new tools, namely...
I got a Cintiq! It's a first-gen 21UX, but it's fantastic, and I'm amazed at how drastically it has improved my ability to work digitally. For ten years I've been using tablets, but this Cintiq is a real game-changer, and has helped to fire up my art in a big way. Expect to see more digital work from me in the future, and maaaaaaaaybe some streaming. Not sure on that, though, as I'm not totally sold on streaming, yet. We'll see.
Other things: Lost a few pounds, still got more I want to lose, and I'm losing more hair. Oh well, price you pay for getting older, and I'm not too concerned about it.
Now, about my books. Those of you who are used to seeing me at cons know I write, and have self-published my own series of five books, the N'duk the Hunter series. They are an action-fantasy collection of short stories following the adventures of the barbarian/adventurer mongoose, N'duk, in his travels and exploits around the globe. I've been writing them since 2005, and they first released in 2006, in an official release, and while they were well-received, there were problems with them. I've listened to feedback, and while some of it was harsh, it was deserved, so... I've pulled them entirely for the time being. For all of 2015, the N'duk books will not be available for purchase.
Why, you might ask? Because I'm completely redoing them, top to bottom, and making changes and corrections to make them the stories they should have been from the very beginning. I was too hasty, and in my urge to get them out on time, I don't feel they lived up to the quality you deserve. I was planning to do a big re-launch party for them at Rainfurrest 2015, but since I got denied a table, I'm now aiming for Further Confusion 2016, instead. The books will be reformatted from five volumes to three, with improved stories, and all new art. I have about 120 ink wash painted illustrations to complete for them, not counting color covers and color promotional work. This overhaul will be taking up much of my free time in 2015, but will definitely be worth it in the end. And, once done I can get back to work on the N'duk origin novel, The Serpent's Fangs, which I've been working on for two years. Hoping it'll be done for Anthrocon in 2016.
On the art front, I'm making big changes to make sure I'm more organized, and never forget or miss anything anymore. I know I've been disorganized in the past, and quite frankly terrible at communication. No more. I'm not going to be amateur any longer, I'm taking things far more seriously than ever, because you deserve that of me. In addition to getting pieces done much faster than before, I'm going to be woking on at least a weekly new piece to put up, here, constantly testing new skills, or styles, so I improve overall.
I hope that those I've let down in the past can forgive me, and I'm working very hard on making sure I never let anyone down ever again. 2015 is the year of the new Mitch.
To paraphrase Sips, I want to be, "The real Mitch, the best Mitch."
The Life of a Dealer, Then and Now.
Posted 11 years agoHey, everybody, it's been quite a while since I've written a journal about something other than pre-con, post-con, or commission stuff, and I've realized that I don't really get the chance to talk to a lot of you, anymore. So, with that in mind, there's some things I'd like to say, and I'm not sure if any of you will find them interesting or not, but I'd like to express myself for a bit, here.
I came to the furry fandom indirectly, by means of a Redwall-based RP board, way, way back in 1999. At the time, I didn't know furry was even a fandom, and I just had fun playing my little character (who still exists, and whose story I love), and getting to know some new friends, most of whom were not typical furries either. We were fans of Redwall, and of storytelling, and through a small group I came to meet someone who is now my best friend, and has been my favorite (and constant) writing partner for fourteen years (
stormfire ). Through a bit of sketching, I met someone at my college who gave me a flyer for a convention: Conifur, which was a con in the Seattle/Tacoma area back in the late 90's-early 2000's. Not knowing what to expect, I packed up a little bag and went to my first furry con ever in 2002.
It was a truly magical experience, I have to say, and one of my favorite convention experiences I've ever had. I came in knowing only one person, who wound up not really being there, and so I had to meet and make new friends. These friends have been excellent, and I am still in fond contact with many of them. I was also introduced to the concept of a Dealer's Den, and the idea that one could do business selling artwork.
Now, I'd been to comic book conventions before this, but that's a very different type of con, celebrating more of the characters than the creators. A furry con made me realize that I, too, could be one of these creators, and after a truly splendid convention, I decided I'd be back, next year, as a dealer.
And I did. In 2003, I sat down at my dealer's table for the first time, not knowing what to do, or what to expect, and I winged the heck out of it. Oh, yes, I made many mistakes, but every first time dealer does. And, the other dealers around me helped me out. It lifted my spirits seeing how excited people were over my work, and I felt like a celebrity, even if nobody knew who I was. In those days, my gallery was only on Elfwood, which was/is a fantasy art gallery. There was no FA, no Weasyl, or SoFurry. The closest thing we had in those days was VCL, where looking for art was rather like hoping to find the right book in a library by walking up to a random shelf with your eyes closed. The furry community as we know it now simply did not exist back then, and it felt more local, more personal, and that drew me in.
I continued to deal, but as the internet developed, and furry sites grew, I learned about more conventions, and I started to travel. This was a great deal of fun, as I got to go to new places, meet new people, and generally have a blast at my table doing art during the day, and then going and hanging out with other artists in the artist lounge, or one of our rooms, in a big, laughing, silly art jam.
Oh, how I miss those days. In talking to Stormfire about his recent experience dealing at Fur Reality, it made me realize just how much cons, and I, have changed. And perhaps I haven't changed for the better.
You see, conventions used to be a lot of fun, for me. Eating on the cheap, working my butt off during the day so I could hang out with friends at night, go on silly adventures, draw things for free for each other just because we wanted to, and in general, make new friends and have a wonderful time. But, in my attempts to get bigger and better, flashier and appear as important as I felt (which was wrong), my focus changed from the fun con experience, to business.
Now, I'm going to break right there and say this: there is nothing wrong with business. Nothing.
But, as I pushed more towards the business side, I stopped being able to see my friends as much. Nightly adventures outside the con became one adventure per con, overall, then became just dinner, and finally, even dinners became difficult to plan. Manning my table, giving my customers the best experience I could, hosting panels and paying attention to my nightly workload took over the relaxing, fun unwinding I used to do. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't manage to find time to see some friends, even those I'd only see at that con, once a year. And I don't mean just Conifur, as it died out years ago, but every con.
I had changed gears from attending a convention as a participant to attending as a business. Instead of a fandom, it had become a trade show, and I was manning my booth for my product. It felt cold, impersonal, and I was left focusing on my production more than my interaction, no matter how hard I tried to make sure to be a real person behind the table, not a salesman. But I was a salesman, and when you're a dealer, you have to be. Cons aren't cheap to attend, and when they take up nearly all of your vacation time, you begin to worry about revenue per day, making sure that a con is worth going to, instead of actually taking some time to go on vacation and relax.
And, lately, after talking with friends, I've seen how much my change in viewpoint has hurt my enjoyment of conventions. For my past several cons, I couldn't tell you what the theme was, who the guests of honor were, or anything other than where the dealer's den was, where my hotel room was, and the hours in which I would be in either. Dinner was often my only escape, but even then talk would be about workload, not socializing. I had become a one-man corporation, not the man I used to be, and that bothered me.
It still bothers me. I want to be able to see a convention, to experience it. So much work goes into them, you wouldn't believe it. Having been on staff of a con for a short time, and knowing many people who are staff at many cons, the sheer amount of planning, effort and logistics that go into things are mind-boggling. And even knowing that, I couldn't even see it anymore. Instead, my blinders would go on the moment I stepped out of my hotel room in the morning, coming off only once I reached the "safety" of the Dealer's Den, where I could set up. And once the day ended, those blinders would go back on until I was behind the door of my hotel room, and could set up and work once more.
At an average convention, between Friday and Sunday, I might get seven to eight hours of sleep, total. I work. Hard. I do take my work seriously, because I want to give the best artwork, the best characters, the best badges and the best possible effort that I can give to my customers. I never, ever want to just churn something out, everything is unique and different, with the character always being the forefront of my work. It's demanding, exhausting work, but I enjoy it because if I didn't put in that effort, I'd feel I'd let people down.
But, it also takes a real roll on me, mentally and physically, and it's something I need to address. Perhaps I will be taking fewer pieces at con, perhaps I'll be trying to emphasize the artwork I've made before the con, for sale, or, maybe I'll come up with another solution. Not sure yet. What I am sure of is that I need to make a change for the better, in many aspects. One of which is being able to enjoy a convention again, like I used to.
I'm not sure how I'll do that, yet, but I want to, and I'll find a way. I want to be the happy, energetic, smiling person I used to be, at cons, instead of just a businessman. Because if I don't, I fear I'll be burning out very quickly, here, and soon won't want to even do cons, anymore.
To my circle of dealer friends who I usually do see and work with at cons, I'd love to talk with you, to see if it's maybe not just me feeling this way, and if maybe together we can help each other out. I've had friends burn out, and it saddens me that I don't get to see them anymore.
In any case, that's what I wanted to say. Well, that, and even after nearly fifteen years in the fandom, I still don't have a fursona. Perhaps it's because I came in through Redwall, where I had a character who was part of a greater world than myself. Perhaps it's that I enjoy being a creator more than a character. Or, perhaps, deep down, I'm just a Mitch, and always have been and always will be.
In the meantime, however, I'm heading back to my art table, to finish my current work list. Some overtime at work, and a nasty cold, set me behind, but that's no excuse. I'm going to get things done.
I came to the furry fandom indirectly, by means of a Redwall-based RP board, way, way back in 1999. At the time, I didn't know furry was even a fandom, and I just had fun playing my little character (who still exists, and whose story I love), and getting to know some new friends, most of whom were not typical furries either. We were fans of Redwall, and of storytelling, and through a small group I came to meet someone who is now my best friend, and has been my favorite (and constant) writing partner for fourteen years (
stormfire ). Through a bit of sketching, I met someone at my college who gave me a flyer for a convention: Conifur, which was a con in the Seattle/Tacoma area back in the late 90's-early 2000's. Not knowing what to expect, I packed up a little bag and went to my first furry con ever in 2002.It was a truly magical experience, I have to say, and one of my favorite convention experiences I've ever had. I came in knowing only one person, who wound up not really being there, and so I had to meet and make new friends. These friends have been excellent, and I am still in fond contact with many of them. I was also introduced to the concept of a Dealer's Den, and the idea that one could do business selling artwork.
Now, I'd been to comic book conventions before this, but that's a very different type of con, celebrating more of the characters than the creators. A furry con made me realize that I, too, could be one of these creators, and after a truly splendid convention, I decided I'd be back, next year, as a dealer.
And I did. In 2003, I sat down at my dealer's table for the first time, not knowing what to do, or what to expect, and I winged the heck out of it. Oh, yes, I made many mistakes, but every first time dealer does. And, the other dealers around me helped me out. It lifted my spirits seeing how excited people were over my work, and I felt like a celebrity, even if nobody knew who I was. In those days, my gallery was only on Elfwood, which was/is a fantasy art gallery. There was no FA, no Weasyl, or SoFurry. The closest thing we had in those days was VCL, where looking for art was rather like hoping to find the right book in a library by walking up to a random shelf with your eyes closed. The furry community as we know it now simply did not exist back then, and it felt more local, more personal, and that drew me in.
I continued to deal, but as the internet developed, and furry sites grew, I learned about more conventions, and I started to travel. This was a great deal of fun, as I got to go to new places, meet new people, and generally have a blast at my table doing art during the day, and then going and hanging out with other artists in the artist lounge, or one of our rooms, in a big, laughing, silly art jam.
Oh, how I miss those days. In talking to Stormfire about his recent experience dealing at Fur Reality, it made me realize just how much cons, and I, have changed. And perhaps I haven't changed for the better.
You see, conventions used to be a lot of fun, for me. Eating on the cheap, working my butt off during the day so I could hang out with friends at night, go on silly adventures, draw things for free for each other just because we wanted to, and in general, make new friends and have a wonderful time. But, in my attempts to get bigger and better, flashier and appear as important as I felt (which was wrong), my focus changed from the fun con experience, to business.
Now, I'm going to break right there and say this: there is nothing wrong with business. Nothing.
But, as I pushed more towards the business side, I stopped being able to see my friends as much. Nightly adventures outside the con became one adventure per con, overall, then became just dinner, and finally, even dinners became difficult to plan. Manning my table, giving my customers the best experience I could, hosting panels and paying attention to my nightly workload took over the relaxing, fun unwinding I used to do. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't manage to find time to see some friends, even those I'd only see at that con, once a year. And I don't mean just Conifur, as it died out years ago, but every con.
I had changed gears from attending a convention as a participant to attending as a business. Instead of a fandom, it had become a trade show, and I was manning my booth for my product. It felt cold, impersonal, and I was left focusing on my production more than my interaction, no matter how hard I tried to make sure to be a real person behind the table, not a salesman. But I was a salesman, and when you're a dealer, you have to be. Cons aren't cheap to attend, and when they take up nearly all of your vacation time, you begin to worry about revenue per day, making sure that a con is worth going to, instead of actually taking some time to go on vacation and relax.
And, lately, after talking with friends, I've seen how much my change in viewpoint has hurt my enjoyment of conventions. For my past several cons, I couldn't tell you what the theme was, who the guests of honor were, or anything other than where the dealer's den was, where my hotel room was, and the hours in which I would be in either. Dinner was often my only escape, but even then talk would be about workload, not socializing. I had become a one-man corporation, not the man I used to be, and that bothered me.
It still bothers me. I want to be able to see a convention, to experience it. So much work goes into them, you wouldn't believe it. Having been on staff of a con for a short time, and knowing many people who are staff at many cons, the sheer amount of planning, effort and logistics that go into things are mind-boggling. And even knowing that, I couldn't even see it anymore. Instead, my blinders would go on the moment I stepped out of my hotel room in the morning, coming off only once I reached the "safety" of the Dealer's Den, where I could set up. And once the day ended, those blinders would go back on until I was behind the door of my hotel room, and could set up and work once more.
At an average convention, between Friday and Sunday, I might get seven to eight hours of sleep, total. I work. Hard. I do take my work seriously, because I want to give the best artwork, the best characters, the best badges and the best possible effort that I can give to my customers. I never, ever want to just churn something out, everything is unique and different, with the character always being the forefront of my work. It's demanding, exhausting work, but I enjoy it because if I didn't put in that effort, I'd feel I'd let people down.
But, it also takes a real roll on me, mentally and physically, and it's something I need to address. Perhaps I will be taking fewer pieces at con, perhaps I'll be trying to emphasize the artwork I've made before the con, for sale, or, maybe I'll come up with another solution. Not sure yet. What I am sure of is that I need to make a change for the better, in many aspects. One of which is being able to enjoy a convention again, like I used to.
I'm not sure how I'll do that, yet, but I want to, and I'll find a way. I want to be the happy, energetic, smiling person I used to be, at cons, instead of just a businessman. Because if I don't, I fear I'll be burning out very quickly, here, and soon won't want to even do cons, anymore.
To my circle of dealer friends who I usually do see and work with at cons, I'd love to talk with you, to see if it's maybe not just me feeling this way, and if maybe together we can help each other out. I've had friends burn out, and it saddens me that I don't get to see them anymore.
In any case, that's what I wanted to say. Well, that, and even after nearly fifteen years in the fandom, I still don't have a fursona. Perhaps it's because I came in through Redwall, where I had a character who was part of a greater world than myself. Perhaps it's that I enjoy being a creator more than a character. Or, perhaps, deep down, I'm just a Mitch, and always have been and always will be.
In the meantime, however, I'm heading back to my art table, to finish my current work list. Some overtime at work, and a nasty cold, set me behind, but that's no excuse. I'm going to get things done.
Post-Rainfurrest Wrap-Up, Commissions, Projects, and more!
Posted 11 years agoHey, everybody! I'm back from Rainfurrest, and already back to work. I had a fantastic time at RF this year! Roomed and traveled with my good buddy 
balto, who also joined me for tasty local breakfasts and dinners along with 
buckhopper and 
quickxyk. Flight home was preceded by lunch with 
lauragarabedian at Ivar's at the airport terminal. Actually ate at Ivar's three times, hitting three of their four total locations. Deee-licious! Also had local treats at Taco Time and Pancake Chef! Love going back home to food I know and grew up with. =)
Artwork was the big seller at the con, with lots and lots and lots and lots of custom pieces, and virtually no sketch bin or print sales, which was a bit odd, but oh well! I stayed up late, my hand was killing me at the end, but I managed to nearly finish everything I took at con, and have made arrangements to mail out the rest, as well as my take-home queue.
Right now I am working on the oldest pieces in my queue, and will be moving forward expediently. I actually have very little left on my plate, and I'm feeling amazing, so art is really flowing well and I hope to have everything completed within the next week and a half. At that point I may be opening for a very small number of mail-out pieces, though I have not decided what exactly I will be opening for, or if there will be a theme. I'll decide once my plate is clear.
But, between now and FC, I do have a truly massive project already underway, and much of my free time will be going toward completing it. I'm in the middle of a full overhaul of the N'duk the Hunter book series, condensing from five volumes down to three. No stories will be cut (well, maybe one), but all are getting some minor revisions to help with continuity, and all are getting brand-new illustrations. I hope to launch the second edition of the adventures of N'duk the Hunter, everyone's favorite mongoose barbarian, at Further Confusion, if all goes well. I will also be re-opening the web store after a long closure once the books are done, so even if you can't go to FC, you can still get them delivered right to you.
Other things going on: I'm going to have my Rover fixed down at the shop, as the issue with it is beyond my ability to resolve. Selling a couple of my guns, as I don't need them. Losing weight (already down 12 lbs, hoping to lose 40 by FC to get down to 190, where I should be). Getting in shape by going back to the gym. And, last but not least, improving at my job so that I can move up the ladder.
That's about it, in a nutshell. I don't really play console games much, anymore, and my computer gaming has been mostly solo, so I'm not going to be giving out my gamertag any longer, as it won't really be useful to anyone. My FA Notes have been having quite an issue, lately, with me not getting notes, and other people not getting mine, so please avoid sending me notes. If you need to reach me, please use my email: art (at) mongooseink.com
You can also follow my random thoughts and grumpy comments on Twitter at mongooseink
That's about it for now. Just going to have dinner, then hit the drawing table. Catch y'all later!
balto, who also joined me for tasty local breakfasts and dinners along with 
buckhopper and 
quickxyk. Flight home was preceded by lunch with 
lauragarabedian at Ivar's at the airport terminal. Actually ate at Ivar's three times, hitting three of their four total locations. Deee-licious! Also had local treats at Taco Time and Pancake Chef! Love going back home to food I know and grew up with. =)Artwork was the big seller at the con, with lots and lots and lots and lots of custom pieces, and virtually no sketch bin or print sales, which was a bit odd, but oh well! I stayed up late, my hand was killing me at the end, but I managed to nearly finish everything I took at con, and have made arrangements to mail out the rest, as well as my take-home queue.
Right now I am working on the oldest pieces in my queue, and will be moving forward expediently. I actually have very little left on my plate, and I'm feeling amazing, so art is really flowing well and I hope to have everything completed within the next week and a half. At that point I may be opening for a very small number of mail-out pieces, though I have not decided what exactly I will be opening for, or if there will be a theme. I'll decide once my plate is clear.
But, between now and FC, I do have a truly massive project already underway, and much of my free time will be going toward completing it. I'm in the middle of a full overhaul of the N'duk the Hunter book series, condensing from five volumes down to three. No stories will be cut (well, maybe one), but all are getting some minor revisions to help with continuity, and all are getting brand-new illustrations. I hope to launch the second edition of the adventures of N'duk the Hunter, everyone's favorite mongoose barbarian, at Further Confusion, if all goes well. I will also be re-opening the web store after a long closure once the books are done, so even if you can't go to FC, you can still get them delivered right to you.
Other things going on: I'm going to have my Rover fixed down at the shop, as the issue with it is beyond my ability to resolve. Selling a couple of my guns, as I don't need them. Losing weight (already down 12 lbs, hoping to lose 40 by FC to get down to 190, where I should be). Getting in shape by going back to the gym. And, last but not least, improving at my job so that I can move up the ladder.
That's about it, in a nutshell. I don't really play console games much, anymore, and my computer gaming has been mostly solo, so I'm not going to be giving out my gamertag any longer, as it won't really be useful to anyone. My FA Notes have been having quite an issue, lately, with me not getting notes, and other people not getting mine, so please avoid sending me notes. If you need to reach me, please use my email: art (at) mongooseink.com
You can also follow my random thoughts and grumpy comments on Twitter at mongooseink
That's about it for now. Just going to have dinner, then hit the drawing table. Catch y'all later!
Rainfurrest! And, yes, I'm alive.
Posted 11 years agoSorry for being away so long. Real life has been rather eventful, and I haven't been able to devote time to art like I've wanted to. But I'm bang-on close to getting everything complete, at this point, and I've sent out emails to everyone, I believe.
So, yes, I'll be back in my old Seattle stomping grounds at Rainfurrest, this weekend! Dealer table is Mongoose Ink, not sure what my number is, but I'll be in the dealer's den. Sadly, no N'duk books this year, but if you want to know the latest news and updates about N'duk, and the books in general, please come by and say hi, I love to talk! And, speaking of loving to talk, I'll also be hosting three panels, this year! They are:
Friday, 10:00 PM: There is No I in Team - Collaboration in Writing. All about how to make the writing process work with more than one author.
Saturday, 3:00 PM: Self Publishing for Beginners. Learn the joys, perils and pitfalls (and absolute slog-fest of work) that come with being your own publisher!
Sunday, 1:00 PM: Development of the Character. How to make a character with depth, feeling and desires come to life, instead of being a ninja sharpshooter cyborg teenager psychic galactic overlord Mary Sue.
Art-wise I'll be doing my normal badges and sketches, as well as my special ink wash paintings. If you really want something fun, hit me up for historical warriors, or even better, barbarians! I love those. =)
Anyway, I still need to pack, here, so I better get going. See you in Seattle!
So, yes, I'll be back in my old Seattle stomping grounds at Rainfurrest, this weekend! Dealer table is Mongoose Ink, not sure what my number is, but I'll be in the dealer's den. Sadly, no N'duk books this year, but if you want to know the latest news and updates about N'duk, and the books in general, please come by and say hi, I love to talk! And, speaking of loving to talk, I'll also be hosting three panels, this year! They are:
Friday, 10:00 PM: There is No I in Team - Collaboration in Writing. All about how to make the writing process work with more than one author.
Saturday, 3:00 PM: Self Publishing for Beginners. Learn the joys, perils and pitfalls (and absolute slog-fest of work) that come with being your own publisher!
Sunday, 1:00 PM: Development of the Character. How to make a character with depth, feeling and desires come to life, instead of being a ninja sharpshooter cyborg teenager psychic galactic overlord Mary Sue.
Art-wise I'll be doing my normal badges and sketches, as well as my special ink wash paintings. If you really want something fun, hit me up for historical warriors, or even better, barbarians! I love those. =)
Anyway, I still need to pack, here, so I better get going. See you in Seattle!
Rainfurrest! And, yes, I'm alive.
Posted 11 years agoSorry for being away so long. Real life has been rather eventful, and I haven't been able to devote time to art like I've wanted to. But I'm bang-on close to getting everything complete, at this point, and I've sent out emails to everyone, I believe.
So, yes, I'll be back in my old Seattle stomping grounds at Rainfurrest, this weekend! Dealer table is Mongoose Ink, not sure what my number is, but I'll be in the dealer's den. Sadly, no N'duk books this year, but if you want to know the latest news and updates about N'duk, and the books in general, please come by and say hi, I love to talk! And, speaking of loving to talk, I'll also be hosting three panels, this year! They are:
Friday, 10:00 PM: There is No I in Team - Collaboration in Writing. All about how to make the writing process work with more than one author.
Saturday, 3:00 PM: Self Publishing for Beginners. Learn the joys, perils and pitfalls (and absolute slog-fest of work) that come with being your own publisher!
Sunday, 1:00 PM: Development of the Character. How to make a character with depth, feeling and desires come to life, instead of being a ninja sharpshooter cyborg teenager psychic galactic overlord Mary Sue.
Art-wise I'll be doing my normal badges and sketches, as well as my special ink wash paintings. If you really want something fun, hit me up for historical warriors, or even better, barbarians! I love those. =)
Anyway, I still need to pack, here, so I better get going. See you in Seattle!
So, yes, I'll be back in my old Seattle stomping grounds at Rainfurrest, this weekend! Dealer table is Mongoose Ink, not sure what my number is, but I'll be in the dealer's den. Sadly, no N'duk books this year, but if you want to know the latest news and updates about N'duk, and the books in general, please come by and say hi, I love to talk! And, speaking of loving to talk, I'll also be hosting three panels, this year! They are:
Friday, 10:00 PM: There is No I in Team - Collaboration in Writing. All about how to make the writing process work with more than one author.
Saturday, 3:00 PM: Self Publishing for Beginners. Learn the joys, perils and pitfalls (and absolute slog-fest of work) that come with being your own publisher!
Sunday, 1:00 PM: Development of the Character. How to make a character with depth, feeling and desires come to life, instead of being a ninja sharpshooter cyborg teenager psychic galactic overlord Mary Sue.
Art-wise I'll be doing my normal badges and sketches, as well as my special ink wash paintings. If you really want something fun, hit me up for historical warriors, or even better, barbarians! I love those. =)
Anyway, I still need to pack, here, so I better get going. See you in Seattle!
Anthrocon Wrap-Up
Posted 11 years agoWell, I had a good time at Anthrocon 2014, and really enjoyed meeting everyone I ran into at the con! I was doing a new thing with no books and just focusing on art, and it was nice to have that singular focus again. My ink wash painting pieces got attention, but no real interest, which was a bit sad, but I am still quite proud of them, and have plans for that style.
Overall, commission sales went well, and my work on productivity lately paid off in speed and quality, which I was very proud of. Great badges and pieces, this year, and if I did a piece for you, and you have a scanner, I would greatly love a copy of it by email, if possible. =)
As for the experience, it was awesome. Roomed with balto and my best friend, stormfire with nightly artwork production sessions, and daily dealer table banter. Also got a great visit from 
mad-monty-zuma for a night where we got to talk comics and cartoons into the wee hours of the morning, which was freaking fantastic! MMZ even got me a killer box set of Green Lantern action figures and comic trade paperback that I've been eying for some time, now, so huge thanks to him!
My homework queue isn't too big, and with my recovered determination and tenacity in the studio, I'm shooting to have everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, from my list done within the next week and a half. After that I might open up for online commissions, but that will depend on the workload of my day job. It feels very good to be producing, again, and there are many things I've wanted to do for myself, but have been backed up behind commission work for far too long. It's time that comes out.
In the background I will be working on a large project between now and Rainfurrest, hopefully set to debut there. It's a massive undertaking, but will very much be worth the effort. In the meantime, expect to see at least weekly uploads, here, and possibly more frequently on my sketch and production gallery,
mongooseinklings.
And, for any of you who want to follow my random musings, updates and photo rants about bad parking, you can follow me on Twitter at mongooseink
It's time I hit the hay, here, though, early flight in the morning. Great seeing you all at AC, and I hope to see you at Rainfurrest, too!
-Mitch
Mongoose Ink
Overall, commission sales went well, and my work on productivity lately paid off in speed and quality, which I was very proud of. Great badges and pieces, this year, and if I did a piece for you, and you have a scanner, I would greatly love a copy of it by email, if possible. =)
As for the experience, it was awesome. Roomed with
balto and my best friend, stormfire with nightly artwork production sessions, and daily dealer table banter. Also got a great visit from 
mad-monty-zuma for a night where we got to talk comics and cartoons into the wee hours of the morning, which was freaking fantastic! MMZ even got me a killer box set of Green Lantern action figures and comic trade paperback that I've been eying for some time, now, so huge thanks to him!My homework queue isn't too big, and with my recovered determination and tenacity in the studio, I'm shooting to have everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, from my list done within the next week and a half. After that I might open up for online commissions, but that will depend on the workload of my day job. It feels very good to be producing, again, and there are many things I've wanted to do for myself, but have been backed up behind commission work for far too long. It's time that comes out.
In the background I will be working on a large project between now and Rainfurrest, hopefully set to debut there. It's a massive undertaking, but will very much be worth the effort. In the meantime, expect to see at least weekly uploads, here, and possibly more frequently on my sketch and production gallery,
mongooseinklings.And, for any of you who want to follow my random musings, updates and photo rants about bad parking, you can follow me on Twitter at mongooseink
It's time I hit the hay, here, though, early flight in the morning. Great seeing you all at AC, and I hope to see you at Rainfurrest, too!
-Mitch
Mongoose Ink
Anthrocon! And Mongoose Ink Update!
Posted 11 years agoHeya, after a long period of being away busy with real life stuff and my new job, the Mitch is back! And not just back, but so very very close to being completely caught up! I've emailed and noted many people with their finished art, or progress, but there are a few of you out there that I do not have contact information for, due to a sketchbook that either went missing or was stolen. =( Those are mainly badges, though, and all are complete, so if I have a badge order from you, and you haven't heard from me, please please please send me a note! I likely have your badge all done and need to figure out how to get it to you!
Now, on to current stuff! I'm still in Texas, and don't have plans to leave for quite some time, as this state rocks. Been working on getting a very broken Land Rover up and running, which has been excellent for my mental health as I find I can relax while working on something mechanical. Finally been able to draw again, too, breaking the "art block" that I'd worked myself into, and I'm genuinely excited about art, again! So much so, that I've actually been sketching again! Examples of those sketches can be seen over on my sketch gallery, mongooseinklings added over the course of the next few days, as not to spam everyone. If you like those sketches, they'll be coming with me to Anthrocon, and will be available in the sketch bin at my table.
That's right, I'm going to Anthrocon, and I have a dealer's table! I'll be at table E08, in the same row as stormfire, balto and marymouse! Swing by, say hi, and ask me about the secret bananas! This year is a bit different, though, as this AC I'm going purely on an art focus. That means no books. I'm sorry for anyone who was hoping to pick up their next volume of N'duk the Hunter, but the books simply won't be at this con. Why? Because I'm actually performing a complete overhaul of the books, condensing from five volumes down to three, fixing typos and continuity errors and adding new art. Lots of new art. I guarantee they will be a million times better in their new versions, but those new versions just aren't ready yet, so it's just art this AC.
And speaking of art, I'm hoping (if I can perfect it in time) to offer a new art style this time, but at the very least I'll still be offering my customary lineup of regular and Jumbo badges, sketchbook drawings, ink drawings, and shaded ink drawings. Plus artwork prints, and other goodies you're just going to have to stop by and see! I was hoping to get in some badge pre-orders, but until my backlog is 100% clear, I'm no taking any more work before the con.
Still I hope to see you there, and if you can't make it, have a happy Fourth of July!
Now, on to current stuff! I'm still in Texas, and don't have plans to leave for quite some time, as this state rocks. Been working on getting a very broken Land Rover up and running, which has been excellent for my mental health as I find I can relax while working on something mechanical. Finally been able to draw again, too, breaking the "art block" that I'd worked myself into, and I'm genuinely excited about art, again! So much so, that I've actually been sketching again! Examples of those sketches can be seen over on my sketch gallery,
mongooseinklings added over the course of the next few days, as not to spam everyone. If you like those sketches, they'll be coming with me to Anthrocon, and will be available in the sketch bin at my table.That's right, I'm going to Anthrocon, and I have a dealer's table! I'll be at table E08, in the same row as
stormfire, balto and marymouse! Swing by, say hi, and ask me about the secret bananas! This year is a bit different, though, as this AC I'm going purely on an art focus. That means no books. I'm sorry for anyone who was hoping to pick up their next volume of N'duk the Hunter, but the books simply won't be at this con. Why? Because I'm actually performing a complete overhaul of the books, condensing from five volumes down to three, fixing typos and continuity errors and adding new art. Lots of new art. I guarantee they will be a million times better in their new versions, but those new versions just aren't ready yet, so it's just art this AC.And speaking of art, I'm hoping (if I can perfect it in time) to offer a new art style this time, but at the very least I'll still be offering my customary lineup of regular and Jumbo badges, sketchbook drawings, ink drawings, and shaded ink drawings. Plus artwork prints, and other goodies you're just going to have to stop by and see! I was hoping to get in some badge pre-orders, but until my backlog is 100% clear, I'm no taking any more work before the con.
Still I hope to see you there, and if you can't make it, have a happy Fourth of July!
Furry Fiesta Wrap-Up and More
Posted 11 years agoWell, as usual, had a lovely time at Furry Fiesta, this year. Sales were pretty decent, and more people became interested in my N'duk the Hunter books, but most of all, I had a really great time with marymouse, balto, 
fibre and quickxyk. Sadly, buckhopper was sick and could not make it, but we ate steak and drank beer in his honor.
But with TFF over, I am now moving into completion of absolutely everything that is on my commission list, and then on to finishing my next book. I will also be testing and refining a new art style, building my web store for books and prints, and hopefully starting to record the N'duk the Hunter audiobooks. An e-pub version of N'duk volume I may also be coming soon, as a test run.
In other news, I am fat and need to lose about forty to forty-five pounds. I plan to accomplish this by eating better, and actually getting back to the gym. Those who saw me at TFF, look for a big difference by AC. I will also be looking for a second car sometime in the next two months, and I am hoping to sell one or two of my remaining rifles at gun shows. In addition to this, I've lived far too long with a messy room, and that was a big factor in my depression last year, so I am making a big effort to change many aspects of my life involving better organization and getting rid of things I no longer need or use. Sometimes you just need a good tidy-up to help you move ahead.
Commissions? No, those will likely not be open online for some time. I really have a lot of projects of my own to do, and holding them back has also been a factor in my depression. This year is off to a good start, but I intend to keep making it better, and I hope to never fall back into the pit of extreme depression I was in. I have already finished many badges and pieces, and hope to get those out in the mail soon, though I will be needing to verify some addresses first, which will mostly be done via FA notes.
My con schedule for the rest of the year is currently: Motor City Fur Con, Anthrocon, and then Rainfurrest. However, MCFC might be cut if I can't get the time off at the job I am hoping to get, and this will likely be my last-ever Anthrocon. It has become far, far too expensive, there is no decent food around without a ton of walking, and there are so many dealers that it is my least profitable of all my cons. It just isn't worth going to, anymore, but I'm going this year because I've already paid. Next year I hope to add MFF back to my schedule, and I look forward to some real Chicago deep dish pizza. Preferably spinach.
marymouse, balto, 
fibre and quickxyk. Sadly, buckhopper was sick and could not make it, but we ate steak and drank beer in his honor.But with TFF over, I am now moving into completion of absolutely everything that is on my commission list, and then on to finishing my next book. I will also be testing and refining a new art style, building my web store for books and prints, and hopefully starting to record the N'duk the Hunter audiobooks. An e-pub version of N'duk volume I may also be coming soon, as a test run.
In other news, I am fat and need to lose about forty to forty-five pounds. I plan to accomplish this by eating better, and actually getting back to the gym. Those who saw me at TFF, look for a big difference by AC. I will also be looking for a second car sometime in the next two months, and I am hoping to sell one or two of my remaining rifles at gun shows. In addition to this, I've lived far too long with a messy room, and that was a big factor in my depression last year, so I am making a big effort to change many aspects of my life involving better organization and getting rid of things I no longer need or use. Sometimes you just need a good tidy-up to help you move ahead.
Commissions? No, those will likely not be open online for some time. I really have a lot of projects of my own to do, and holding them back has also been a factor in my depression. This year is off to a good start, but I intend to keep making it better, and I hope to never fall back into the pit of extreme depression I was in. I have already finished many badges and pieces, and hope to get those out in the mail soon, though I will be needing to verify some addresses first, which will mostly be done via FA notes.
My con schedule for the rest of the year is currently: Motor City Fur Con, Anthrocon, and then Rainfurrest. However, MCFC might be cut if I can't get the time off at the job I am hoping to get, and this will likely be my last-ever Anthrocon. It has become far, far too expensive, there is no decent food around without a ton of walking, and there are so many dealers that it is my least profitable of all my cons. It just isn't worth going to, anymore, but I'm going this year because I've already paid. Next year I hope to add MFF back to my schedule, and I look forward to some real Chicago deep dish pizza. Preferably spinach.
FC Wrap-Up
Posted 12 years agoHad a lovely time at FC, this year. Weather was pleasant, and there was much good food to be had with friends balto, fibre, marymouse, quickxyk, 
Jaggers, 
farallon and buckhopper. Sales were good, and I was able to get a lot done. Book sales were down, for me, but that's my fault for not advertising better.
I do have a small list of homework to do, but I was able to nearly finish my previous backlog before the con, and I anticipate being fully finished with everything now within two weeks. Funds earned from sales this year willl now go directly to purchase of a new scanner, as mine is very broken. This doesn't mean I'll be opening for commissions right now, though, as I intend to finish everything on my plate, then attempt some personal work before Furry Fiesta in February.
In the meantime, once I get a new scanner I can scan everything already completed, get in touch with those waiting in them, and then get pieces mailed out. For random thoughts and occasional project updates, feel free to follow me on Twitter at mongooseink . I'll also be getting my Weasel account up and running soon, for the sake of wider distribution and visibility. For now, it's about time to board my plane home, so I better wrap this up. To all of you I met at FC, it was great seeing you, and I hope to see everybody at Furry Fiesta in Dallas, next month!
balto, fibre, marymouse, quickxyk, 
Jaggers, 
farallon and buckhopper. Sales were good, and I was able to get a lot done. Book sales were down, for me, but that's my fault for not advertising better. I do have a small list of homework to do, but I was able to nearly finish my previous backlog before the con, and I anticipate being fully finished with everything now within two weeks. Funds earned from sales this year willl now go directly to purchase of a new scanner, as mine is very broken. This doesn't mean I'll be opening for commissions right now, though, as I intend to finish everything on my plate, then attempt some personal work before Furry Fiesta in February.
In the meantime, once I get a new scanner I can scan everything already completed, get in touch with those waiting in them, and then get pieces mailed out. For random thoughts and occasional project updates, feel free to follow me on Twitter at mongooseink . I'll also be getting my Weasel account up and running soon, for the sake of wider distribution and visibility. For now, it's about time to board my plane home, so I better wrap this up. To all of you I met at FC, it was great seeing you, and I hope to see everybody at Furry Fiesta in Dallas, next month!
Off to FC!
Posted 12 years agoSorry for the late-notice journal, but I will be at FC, this year, and have a table in the Dealer's Den! Don't know my table number offhand, but I'll update with that.
Stop by, say hi, whatever! See you all in San Jose!
Stop by, say hi, whatever! See you all in San Jose!
Need some help! (update to my previous journal)
Posted 12 years agoHeya, everybody, I have a pretty urgent request, here. Are you, or anyone you know, going to Baltimore Comic-Con, next weekend? Stan Sakai, the nicest guy in comics, will be there as the GoH, and the theme of the convention is actually 30 years of Usagi Yojimbo. The reason I ask is that there will be a special, limited-edition Usagi Yojimbo art book for sale at the con, called the Usagi Yearbook, featuring art from many different artists. I really, really, REALLY want a copy of this book, but I won't be able to make it to the con, myself. If you, or someone you know is going, could you please help a die-hard Usagi fan to get a copy of this treasure? Please let me know!
Thank you!
And now, my previous journal:
Heya, y'all might have noticed things have gone quiet again, here. I've recently gotten a new job, and I've been very busy in training for it, and trying to get it down so that I KEEP said job, and that has been taking much of my focus, lately.
Also, due to a major disaster which may have been my own fault in some way I haven't figured out, yet, I suddenly find myself with about two weeks in which to finish a project that should take a year. As such, I'm going to have to put everything but work and this on hold for the next two weeks.
To all my commissioners, I WILL have everything I owe done before RF, but this project has a very strict deadline and I absolutely cannot miss it for anything. I am very sorry, I wish this hadn't happened, but I can't do much about it, now. =(
So, with that said, I need to get back to work, and I should re-appear here in around two weeks.
Thank you!
And now, my previous journal:
Heya, y'all might have noticed things have gone quiet again, here. I've recently gotten a new job, and I've been very busy in training for it, and trying to get it down so that I KEEP said job, and that has been taking much of my focus, lately.
Also, due to a major disaster which may have been my own fault in some way I haven't figured out, yet, I suddenly find myself with about two weeks in which to finish a project that should take a year. As such, I'm going to have to put everything but work and this on hold for the next two weeks.
To all my commissioners, I WILL have everything I owe done before RF, but this project has a very strict deadline and I absolutely cannot miss it for anything. I am very sorry, I wish this hadn't happened, but I can't do much about it, now. =(
So, with that said, I need to get back to work, and I should re-appear here in around two weeks.
Quick Update!
Posted 12 years agoHeya, y'all might have noticed things have gone quiet again, here. I've recently gotten a new job, and I've been very busy in training for it, and trying to get it down so that I KEEP said job, and that has been taking much of my focus, lately.
Also, due to a major disaster which may have been my own fault in some way I haven't figured out, yet, I suddenly find myself with about two weeks in which to finish a project that should take a year. As such, I'm going to have to put everything but work and this on hold for the next two weeks.
To all my commissioners, I WILL have everything I owe done before RF, but this project has a very strict deadline and I absolutely cannot miss it for anything. I am very sorry, I wish this hadn't happened, but I can't do much about it, now. =(
So, with that said, I need to get back to work, and I should re-appear here in around two weeks.
Also, due to a major disaster which may have been my own fault in some way I haven't figured out, yet, I suddenly find myself with about two weeks in which to finish a project that should take a year. As such, I'm going to have to put everything but work and this on hold for the next two weeks.
To all my commissioners, I WILL have everything I owe done before RF, but this project has a very strict deadline and I absolutely cannot miss it for anything. I am very sorry, I wish this hadn't happened, but I can't do much about it, now. =(
So, with that said, I need to get back to work, and I should re-appear here in around two weeks.
Mongoose Ink at Anthrocon!
Posted 12 years agoHey, everybody, it's that time of year when furries everywhere migrate to the great city of Pittsburgh for the world's biggest furry convention, and once again Mongoose Ink will be there!
While I can't remember my table number offhand (I think it's E14), I know I'm in the middle of the room next to my great friends balto and marymouse! And, if nothing else, you should be able to find me due to my tall N'duk the Hunter sign and huge TARDIS backdrop! So come on by and say hi!
Prices and products have changed a bit, this year, including a price reduction on prints! Here's what I'll be offering at my table:
Sketchbooks:
* Pencil - $30
* Ink - $40
* Ink with greyscale marker shading - $50
Badges, always full-color:
* 3"x4" Standard Badges - $30
* 4"x6" Jumbo Badges - $45
As usual, my original Doctor You! special of custom Doctor Who badges are still available to anyone who wants to be a Doctor!
Prints: Price now reduced!
* $5
Books: the entire N'duk the Hunter series!
* $15 per volume
Mini Originals: Small, full-color original pieces, framed!
* $15 each
Blue Bin Sketches: Sketches and concept drawings, often in blue pencil.
* $10 each
Ashcan Stories: A self-contained, one-shot N'duk the Hunter story, limited and numbered edition.
* Only $1! Seriously, only a dollar!
So come on by, say hi, ask about the secret bananas, and just plain have a good time! Oh! And please don't forget to also go visit my long-time writing buddy and great artist, stormfire in the Artist Alley! This is his first time dealing, and I think he's got some dynamite stuff, so go check him out and make sure to get a commission from him, too!
If you want to keep up with me, and with N'duk, we're both on Twitter, so go ahead and follow us at mongooseink and ndukthehunter
See you at AC!
While I can't remember my table number offhand (I think it's E14), I know I'm in the middle of the room next to my great friends
balto and marymouse! And, if nothing else, you should be able to find me due to my tall N'duk the Hunter sign and huge TARDIS backdrop! So come on by and say hi!Prices and products have changed a bit, this year, including a price reduction on prints! Here's what I'll be offering at my table:
Sketchbooks:
* Pencil - $30
* Ink - $40
* Ink with greyscale marker shading - $50
Badges, always full-color:
* 3"x4" Standard Badges - $30
* 4"x6" Jumbo Badges - $45
As usual, my original Doctor You! special of custom Doctor Who badges are still available to anyone who wants to be a Doctor!
Prints: Price now reduced!
* $5
Books: the entire N'duk the Hunter series!
* $15 per volume
Mini Originals: Small, full-color original pieces, framed!
* $15 each
Blue Bin Sketches: Sketches and concept drawings, often in blue pencil.
* $10 each
Ashcan Stories: A self-contained, one-shot N'duk the Hunter story, limited and numbered edition.
* Only $1! Seriously, only a dollar!
So come on by, say hi, ask about the secret bananas, and just plain have a good time! Oh! And please don't forget to also go visit my long-time writing buddy and great artist,
stormfire in the Artist Alley! This is his first time dealing, and I think he's got some dynamite stuff, so go check him out and make sure to get a commission from him, too!If you want to keep up with me, and with N'duk, we're both on Twitter, so go ahead and follow us at mongooseink and ndukthehunter
See you at AC!
Badge Pre-Orders Full, and off to AC!
Posted 12 years agoAll righty, everybody, I'm already off for a bit of vacation before going to AC, so if you don't see me online much, that's probably why.
For AC badge pre-orders, I have completely filled up, so I'll only be taking more work at the con itself, for now. And, between now an the con starting, I am officially on vacation, free of woes and cares and generally having a nice, happy time.
But, for those of you going to AC, I'll have a limited, numbered edition of a new N'duk the Hunter story, not included in any book, for sale for only $1. That's right, just one dollar gets you a complete, self-contained action fantasy story featuring the world's most famous mongoose barbarian! For those of you familiar with the books, it's a special little something you've never read before, and for those of you who haven't gotten into N'duk, it may be the perfect way to introduce yourself to my world and stories. Be sure to stop by early, though, because when they run out, they're gone!
Also, please be sure to stop by the Artist Alley, too, and visit my friend stormfire, who is dealing for the first time!
With that, it's time for me to get to dinner after a nice day at the shooting range. Brisket is calling my name, and I dare not leave it waiting.
AC Pre-Order Badge Slots: FULL! - DONE!
1:
vondwolf Jumbo badge! - DONE!
2:
chiaroscuro Standard badge! - DONE!
3:
pandez Jumbo badge! - DONE!
4: pandez Jumbo badge! - DONE!
5:
straycat74 Standard badge! - DONE!
6: straycat74 Jumbo badge! - DONE!
7:
runtt Jumbo badge! - DONE!
For AC badge pre-orders, I have completely filled up, so I'll only be taking more work at the con itself, for now. And, between now an the con starting, I am officially on vacation, free of woes and cares and generally having a nice, happy time.
But, for those of you going to AC, I'll have a limited, numbered edition of a new N'duk the Hunter story, not included in any book, for sale for only $1. That's right, just one dollar gets you a complete, self-contained action fantasy story featuring the world's most famous mongoose barbarian! For those of you familiar with the books, it's a special little something you've never read before, and for those of you who haven't gotten into N'duk, it may be the perfect way to introduce yourself to my world and stories. Be sure to stop by early, though, because when they run out, they're gone!
Also, please be sure to stop by the Artist Alley, too, and visit my friend
stormfire, who is dealing for the first time!With that, it's time for me to get to dinner after a nice day at the shooting range. Brisket is calling my name, and I dare not leave it waiting.
AC Pre-Order Badge Slots: FULL! - DONE!
1:
vondwolf Jumbo badge! - DONE!2:
chiaroscuro Standard badge! - DONE!3:
pandez Jumbo badge! - DONE!4:
pandez Jumbo badge! - DONE!5:
straycat74 Standard badge! - DONE!6:
straycat74 Jumbo badge! - DONE!7:
runtt Jumbo badge! - DONE!AC Badge Pre-Orders Open! ONE SLOT LEFT!
Posted 12 years agoOkay, everybody, I've gotten up to the point where I feel comfortable opening for a slots for Anthrocon badge pre-orders. These slots are for badges to be picked up at Anthrocon ONLY. These will not be mailed out, and if you aren't attending AC, please do not order at this time.
I offer two sizes of badges, and they are always done by hand, in full color, using Copic Multiliner SP archival fineline pens, Copic and Prismacolor markers, with highlights in white ink, on acid-free Strathmore 400 series smooth-finish bristol stock.
Standard size badges run $30, and are the standard 3"x4" size, done in a vertical format. Please limit to one smallish prop item, and generally these don't go below mid-chest at most, due to the size constraint.
Some examples of standard size badges:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10916623/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10916630/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10916638/
I also offer 4"x6" Jumbo badges, which run $45, and let you you really want to stand out from the crowd and make a statement with a nice, big image! These are also done in the vertical format, but I can include more of the character, down to about the waist, typically, (no full-body badges at this time, please), and include larger and more detailed props.
Here are some examples of Jumbo badges:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10916649/
As you can see, many people have chosen to take advantage of my Doctor You! badge special, where you can be any of the Doctors from Doctor Who, or a custom one, or anyone else, really. If you're interested in this, I'd be delighted to help you become the Doctor of your dreams!
I will be opening FIVE slots only at this time. Payment will be due upon my acceptance of your badge order. (Gotta afford the gas to drive to AC, somehow!). If you are interested, please email me at my new commissions email address:
commitchions[at]gmail.com
That is NOT my PayPal address, so do not send money to it up front. I will send you a reply with the correct address to send payment to if/when I accept your badge order. Please be sure to include what you would like, the exact name you want on the badge, and links or attachments to any reference images of your character.
I will not be working in a first-come, first-serve order, but instead picking the five I most want to do, if more than five orders come in. Please don't be disheartened if I do not pick yours, as I am picking the five I feel the most amped to do, as the more I am interested in a piece, the faster I can get it done and the greater possibility of taking on more orders before the con.
Thank you, and let the badge orders begin!
Slots:
1: vondwolf Jumbo badge!
2: chiaroscuro Standard badge!
3: pandez Jumbo badge!
4: pandez Jumbo badge!
5: Open!
I offer two sizes of badges, and they are always done by hand, in full color, using Copic Multiliner SP archival fineline pens, Copic and Prismacolor markers, with highlights in white ink, on acid-free Strathmore 400 series smooth-finish bristol stock.
Standard size badges run $30, and are the standard 3"x4" size, done in a vertical format. Please limit to one smallish prop item, and generally these don't go below mid-chest at most, due to the size constraint.
Some examples of standard size badges:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10916623/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10916630/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10916638/
I also offer 4"x6" Jumbo badges, which run $45, and let you you really want to stand out from the crowd and make a statement with a nice, big image! These are also done in the vertical format, but I can include more of the character, down to about the waist, typically, (no full-body badges at this time, please), and include larger and more detailed props.
Here are some examples of Jumbo badges:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10916649/
As you can see, many people have chosen to take advantage of my Doctor You! badge special, where you can be any of the Doctors from Doctor Who, or a custom one, or anyone else, really. If you're interested in this, I'd be delighted to help you become the Doctor of your dreams!
I will be opening FIVE slots only at this time. Payment will be due upon my acceptance of your badge order. (Gotta afford the gas to drive to AC, somehow!). If you are interested, please email me at my new commissions email address:
commitchions[at]gmail.com
That is NOT my PayPal address, so do not send money to it up front. I will send you a reply with the correct address to send payment to if/when I accept your badge order. Please be sure to include what you would like, the exact name you want on the badge, and links or attachments to any reference images of your character.
I will not be working in a first-come, first-serve order, but instead picking the five I most want to do, if more than five orders come in. Please don't be disheartened if I do not pick yours, as I am picking the five I feel the most amped to do, as the more I am interested in a piece, the faster I can get it done and the greater possibility of taking on more orders before the con.
Thank you, and let the badge orders begin!
Slots:
1:
vondwolf Jumbo badge!2:
chiaroscuro Standard badge!3:
pandez Jumbo badge!4:
pandez Jumbo badge!5: Open!
AC Badge Pre-Orders should open Wednesday night.
Posted 12 years agoHeya, everybody. I had meant to be caught up enough tonight that I could open for a handful of pre-order badges for pick-up at AC, tonight, but I was not feeling well at all, and had to turn in early. Back awake for an hour or two in the middle of the night to get things done, but it won't quite be enough to get where I needed to be.
In light of that, I will be holding off opening up for AC badge pre-orders until at least Wednesday night, when I should be in a much better position.
For more up-to-date updates, please feel free to follow me on Twitter at mongooseink , and you can also follow my in-character account for N'duk the Hunter at NdukTheHunter .
For right now, I'm going to hit the drawing table for a bit, but like I said, I won't be open until I'm caught up enough to fairly take anything more. Only have a couple active pieces left, and that is a great feeling!
Oh, and for those of you who may have missed them, I've been putting up some sketch work over on my sketch account, mongooseinklings
In light of that, I will be holding off opening up for AC badge pre-orders until at least Wednesday night, when I should be in a much better position.
For more up-to-date updates, please feel free to follow me on Twitter at mongooseink , and you can also follow my in-character account for N'duk the Hunter at NdukTheHunter .
For right now, I'm going to hit the drawing table for a bit, but like I said, I won't be open until I'm caught up enough to fairly take anything more. Only have a couple active pieces left, and that is a great feeling!
Oh, and for those of you who may have missed them, I've been putting up some sketch work over on my sketch account,
mongooseinklingsI Live! And upcoming AC badge pre-orders!
Posted 12 years agoHey, everybody, I'm still alive! And what's more, in the last week and a half, I've completed nearly thirty outstanding commissions, and that feels GREAT! I still have a few left to go, but I'm making excellent progress, and should hopefully be all done by Tuesday with everything not already worked out with the commissioner, schedule-wise.
So, to celebrate that, I'm going to be uploading some of my recent work, as well as giving a nice little news update, here.
First off, I will be at Anthrocon, with a table in the dealer's den under Mongoose Ink, so please stop by and say hi, and make sure to ask about the secret bananas! (they're back!) Also, I'll be doing art and badges at the con, with a goal of completing everything I take AT CON. That's right, no homework, if at all possible. I've learned my lesson about biting off more than I can chew, and in order to keep myself from driving into a deep depression due to backlog, I'm making changes to make sure I'm a changed man. That said, another change will be no more full-color full pieces available at-con. Those miiiiight be discussed for take-home pieces, but they have been the absolute reason for me getting way behind with at-con work. I'll still be doing color badges, of course, but full pieces and sketchbook will only be available in pencil, ink, or ink and grayscale marker shading.
Next, I'm offering something a bit special at AC: limited-edition, hand-numbered copies of my latest N'duk the Hunter story, The King in Gold. This is a one-shot, self-contained story to help introduce the character and kinds of stories you'll find in my books, and best of all, they're only $1. That's right, only one dollar for a complete, limited, numbered N'duk story that has not been published in any of my other books! I've already sold many of these at FCN, so if you want one, make sure you head to my table quickly, because I'm likely to sell out.
What is N'duk the Hunter, you may ask? N'duk is my action-fantasy story series following a mongoose barbarian adventurer and his adventures in his world full of monsters, evil men, powerful magics, and tragic circumstance. The comparison of "furry Conan" has been made, though I tend to focus more on the fun of the adventure instead of the brutality of action that the great pulp master Robert E. Howard heavily used. If you like adventure stories, or action-fantasy, or just plain want to get lost in a fun, fleshed-out world of wonders, please give N'duk a chance. I'm fully self-published, and I try to keep my costs low so that you, the reader, can get excellent value for money, and that's why each full volume of stories is only $15. Sure, I could charge $20 like some other publishers do, but I want to be good to my readers, even at the expense of my own profit. Volumes I - V will be available at AC, but I can only bring so many copies of each one, so stop by early, because I do tend to sell out of full books before the end of the con.
Now, about those pre-orders I mentioned in my subject line... As I am nearly caught up, and have made arrangements for later completion for some of my pieces, I feel comfortable opening up to a small number of badge pre-orders for AC PICK-UP ONLY. This means if you order a badge in this pre-order sale, you must be at AC to pick it up. These will not be mailed out. I may open for mail-out badges at a later date. I anticipate opening for badge pre-orders on Tuesday, but that will be contingent on my getting caught up to where I need to be. I will no longer take any orders while I have others outstanding.
So, check back on Tuesday night and I should have a journal up either way whether I am opening for AC pick-up badge pre-orders that night.
And, if I owe you a piece and I have not already gotten back to you, please bear with me, as I'm still scanning and compiling everything I've done over the last week and a half, and I have a LOT of emails to send out!
Oh, and last but most certainly not least, please welcome my very good friend and long-time writing partner, as well as artist and musician, stormfire to FA! He'll also be attending AC, this year, and will be in the Artist Alley all three days doing sketchbooks and art! Please go check out his gallery, and welcome him to FA!
So, to celebrate that, I'm going to be uploading some of my recent work, as well as giving a nice little news update, here.
First off, I will be at Anthrocon, with a table in the dealer's den under Mongoose Ink, so please stop by and say hi, and make sure to ask about the secret bananas! (they're back!) Also, I'll be doing art and badges at the con, with a goal of completing everything I take AT CON. That's right, no homework, if at all possible. I've learned my lesson about biting off more than I can chew, and in order to keep myself from driving into a deep depression due to backlog, I'm making changes to make sure I'm a changed man. That said, another change will be no more full-color full pieces available at-con. Those miiiiight be discussed for take-home pieces, but they have been the absolute reason for me getting way behind with at-con work. I'll still be doing color badges, of course, but full pieces and sketchbook will only be available in pencil, ink, or ink and grayscale marker shading.
Next, I'm offering something a bit special at AC: limited-edition, hand-numbered copies of my latest N'duk the Hunter story, The King in Gold. This is a one-shot, self-contained story to help introduce the character and kinds of stories you'll find in my books, and best of all, they're only $1. That's right, only one dollar for a complete, limited, numbered N'duk story that has not been published in any of my other books! I've already sold many of these at FCN, so if you want one, make sure you head to my table quickly, because I'm likely to sell out.
What is N'duk the Hunter, you may ask? N'duk is my action-fantasy story series following a mongoose barbarian adventurer and his adventures in his world full of monsters, evil men, powerful magics, and tragic circumstance. The comparison of "furry Conan" has been made, though I tend to focus more on the fun of the adventure instead of the brutality of action that the great pulp master Robert E. Howard heavily used. If you like adventure stories, or action-fantasy, or just plain want to get lost in a fun, fleshed-out world of wonders, please give N'duk a chance. I'm fully self-published, and I try to keep my costs low so that you, the reader, can get excellent value for money, and that's why each full volume of stories is only $15. Sure, I could charge $20 like some other publishers do, but I want to be good to my readers, even at the expense of my own profit. Volumes I - V will be available at AC, but I can only bring so many copies of each one, so stop by early, because I do tend to sell out of full books before the end of the con.
Now, about those pre-orders I mentioned in my subject line... As I am nearly caught up, and have made arrangements for later completion for some of my pieces, I feel comfortable opening up to a small number of badge pre-orders for AC PICK-UP ONLY. This means if you order a badge in this pre-order sale, you must be at AC to pick it up. These will not be mailed out. I may open for mail-out badges at a later date. I anticipate opening for badge pre-orders on Tuesday, but that will be contingent on my getting caught up to where I need to be. I will no longer take any orders while I have others outstanding.
So, check back on Tuesday night and I should have a journal up either way whether I am opening for AC pick-up badge pre-orders that night.
And, if I owe you a piece and I have not already gotten back to you, please bear with me, as I'm still scanning and compiling everything I've done over the last week and a half, and I have a LOT of emails to send out!
Oh, and last but most certainly not least, please welcome my very good friend and long-time writing partner, as well as artist and musician,
stormfire to FA! He'll also be attending AC, this year, and will be in the Artist Alley all three days doing sketchbooks and art! Please go check out his gallery, and welcome him to FA!Post-TFF and Onward
Posted 12 years agoOkay, Furry Fiesta was great, and I had a wonderful time with my friends balto, marymouse, jaggers, buckhopper, quickxyk and more! I was able to finish most everything at-con thanks to a renewed determination, and I really had a lovely assortment of pieces to work on.
Book sales were also quite lively, in stark contrast to FC, and thank you very much to everyone who wanted to check out N'duk for the first time, and I hope you love his adventures, as there is plenty more to come!
For now, though, it's back to work, and I'll be continuing to work through my commission backlog. I'm not open to any new commissions at this time, and I'm hoping that this trend of productivity is something I can carry on with from now on.
Anyhoo, just wanted to give a quick update, and now it's back to the art table!
Oh! Also, please check out this wonderful piece I got got Christmas in 2010, done by the great and talented
chadkrueger, from quickxyk featuring Xyk and N'duk in a card game! http://www.furaffinity.net/view/9924474/
balto, marymouse, jaggers, buckhopper, quickxyk and more! I was able to finish most everything at-con thanks to a renewed determination, and I really had a lovely assortment of pieces to work on. Book sales were also quite lively, in stark contrast to FC, and thank you very much to everyone who wanted to check out N'duk for the first time, and I hope you love his adventures, as there is plenty more to come!
For now, though, it's back to work, and I'll be continuing to work through my commission backlog. I'm not open to any new commissions at this time, and I'm hoping that this trend of productivity is something I can carry on with from now on.
Anyhoo, just wanted to give a quick update, and now it's back to the art table!
Oh! Also, please check out this wonderful piece I got got Christmas in 2010, done by the great and talented
chadkrueger, from quickxyk featuring Xyk and N'duk in a card game! http://www.furaffinity.net/view/9924474/Furry Fiesta
Posted 12 years agoIt's that time again, and once again I'm woefully underprepared, and still behind. =(
Still, I'll be in the dealer's den, hawking my books and prints, but I'll be taking a drastically smaller workload this year as I am still behind on other pieces. Basically, just trying to cover costs, and once I hit that, I'll likely be cutting off my queue so that I can get things DONE. I do love working with people, and I really do want to do things for everyone, but I recognize how badly I've overextended myself in the past, and I won't allow myself to do that again until I can be completely caught up.
Also, as a change to the work I normally take at cons, I am no longer able to take orders for full-color full pieces. I'm sorry, but in reviewing my workload, it's these that have gotten me in the most trouble, and caused a great majority of the delays because they take such a phenomenally long amount of time to do, each. Perhaps in the future, once my backlog is 100% cleared, I'll be taking them as mail-outs, but for the forseeable future I don't expect to be taking any more full-color full pieces. Color badges, of course, but not sketchbook pieces.
I'm also going to be scaling back my range of styles I do at cons, too, in order to maintain a more uniform personal style which I feel I've been lacking for the last few years. Yes, I'll still do my full range of styles on request, but I'll often be defaulting to Classic or Animated, if left to my own devices, whichever style best fits the piece.
And, now on to books. As many of you know, I also write. But, many of you may not be familiar with what it is that I do write. My books, the N'duk the Hunter series, are classic American pulp-style action fantasy serials, set in a vast and complex world over a decade in the making. They're a rowdy mix of action, intrigue, mystery and humor, and have been a total blast to write. There's no adult content, other than violence, so you don't have to be afraid of friends or family picking them up, and I have worked very hard to tell new and original stories in a genre which has fallen so deeply into cliche. If you like action stories, or Conan, or fantasy in general, or just plain want to read about a shirtless and hunky male mongoose, check out N'duk. At only $15 a volume, I've also tried to make them excellent value for money.
So, come see me in the den if you can, but as a heads-up I will be hard at work most all of the con as I try and dig myself out of the hole I've gotten into.
Still, I'll be in the dealer's den, hawking my books and prints, but I'll be taking a drastically smaller workload this year as I am still behind on other pieces. Basically, just trying to cover costs, and once I hit that, I'll likely be cutting off my queue so that I can get things DONE. I do love working with people, and I really do want to do things for everyone, but I recognize how badly I've overextended myself in the past, and I won't allow myself to do that again until I can be completely caught up.
Also, as a change to the work I normally take at cons, I am no longer able to take orders for full-color full pieces. I'm sorry, but in reviewing my workload, it's these that have gotten me in the most trouble, and caused a great majority of the delays because they take such a phenomenally long amount of time to do, each. Perhaps in the future, once my backlog is 100% cleared, I'll be taking them as mail-outs, but for the forseeable future I don't expect to be taking any more full-color full pieces. Color badges, of course, but not sketchbook pieces.
I'm also going to be scaling back my range of styles I do at cons, too, in order to maintain a more uniform personal style which I feel I've been lacking for the last few years. Yes, I'll still do my full range of styles on request, but I'll often be defaulting to Classic or Animated, if left to my own devices, whichever style best fits the piece.
And, now on to books. As many of you know, I also write. But, many of you may not be familiar with what it is that I do write. My books, the N'duk the Hunter series, are classic American pulp-style action fantasy serials, set in a vast and complex world over a decade in the making. They're a rowdy mix of action, intrigue, mystery and humor, and have been a total blast to write. There's no adult content, other than violence, so you don't have to be afraid of friends or family picking them up, and I have worked very hard to tell new and original stories in a genre which has fallen so deeply into cliche. If you like action stories, or Conan, or fantasy in general, or just plain want to read about a shirtless and hunky male mongoose, check out N'duk. At only $15 a volume, I've also tried to make them excellent value for money.
So, come see me in the den if you can, but as a heads-up I will be hard at work most all of the con as I try and dig myself out of the hole I've gotten into.
Quick Update
Posted 13 years agoFC was fun, but really, really busy. I was able to get many things caught up before it, but I'm still working on finishing my backlog. My apologies for being a bit late in updating, here, but I also got a pretty nasty stomach flu on the way home, and was down for the count for a couple days. And, now that I was finally feeling better, my feet just got pulled out from under me at my job.
I'm not going to go into it, but stress just went through the roof, and I'm not in a very good mood, right now. I'm still trying to get stuff done, but that, and being sick, were wrenches I really didn't need getting thrown into my works, and now I have to repair the machinery before I can get back to normal.
So, yes, still alive, catching up, but still behind. Working on that, though.
-Mitch
I'm not going to go into it, but stress just went through the roof, and I'm not in a very good mood, right now. I'm still trying to get stuff done, but that, and being sick, were wrenches I really didn't need getting thrown into my works, and now I have to repair the machinery before I can get back to normal.
So, yes, still alive, catching up, but still behind. Working on that, though.
-Mitch
Mitch and the Ten Tons
Posted 13 years agoThis is a very difficult thing for me to write.
I have long thought of myself as a stand-up, honorable guy who does his best to keep his word, and that is what I do always strive to be. But, in the case of my artwork, I have sorely blackened this area of my reputation.
I'm going to come straight out with it: I'm very behind on commissions, and it's not because I don't want to do them, or I dislike what it is I have to draw, it's that I have let myself fall victim to my own fears and insecurities, and those have fueled a depression in me which feels like a ten ton weight upon my back, and has all-but crippled my creativity. This weight has been caused by many factors, some family, some medical, some work and some just general real-life stuff, but it has remained because I have not been able to get out from underneath it, and it seems to grow heavier by the day.
You have probably noticed that there is virtually nothing new in my gallery for quite some time, now. That is because for over a year, I haven't really done anything for myself, it's all been commissions and convention-related works. And, in the span of, well, more than the last year, I have found myself falling farther and farther behind on pieces I owe. The longer they go on, the better I want them to be in order to make up for it, and the pressure grows exponentially until it chokes off any ability to do anything. And what's worse, the more I get choked off, the more I worry and panic about all that I owe to the point where it has affected my health, possibly my sanity, some, and put me into some massive spells of depression that I have a very hard time coping with.
Thanks to the support of friends, I've kept myself from becoming absolutely bleak, but I've been very close many times. What's worse is that some of what I owe are for very good friends of mine, and that heap yet more shame upon me that I'm not caught up.
But, I know I need to stop this progression of doubt, fear and cowardice and come forward with this message. I WILL do what I said. I WILL be the man I wanted to be, and dammit, I WILL make things right.
If I am still working on a piece for you, and you are sick (and understandably so) of my cowardice and slowness, please send me a NOTE and I will issue you a refund as soon as I can. To everyone else, I am trying desperately hard to re-become the good guy I used to be, and I'm MAKING myself be better, and productive once more.
A ten ton weight can crush you, and pin you down, and in time only more weight piles on top, making your situation seem hopeless. But I want out from under this weight. I want to feel good again, and I want to prove to all of you, and myself, that I can be the man I want to be. Honest, with integrity and without fear. And a whole lot faster at getting things done.
And again, to everyone I've wronged through delay, lack of communication because I was ashamed of my failure, or anything else, I'm so very sorry, and I hope you can forgive me and give me one last chance. I never meant to do this to anyone, and believe me that it hurts me so very much to have had to come to this in order to get myself out of the pit of despair I have so selfishly dug myself into.
-Mitch
I have long thought of myself as a stand-up, honorable guy who does his best to keep his word, and that is what I do always strive to be. But, in the case of my artwork, I have sorely blackened this area of my reputation.
I'm going to come straight out with it: I'm very behind on commissions, and it's not because I don't want to do them, or I dislike what it is I have to draw, it's that I have let myself fall victim to my own fears and insecurities, and those have fueled a depression in me which feels like a ten ton weight upon my back, and has all-but crippled my creativity. This weight has been caused by many factors, some family, some medical, some work and some just general real-life stuff, but it has remained because I have not been able to get out from underneath it, and it seems to grow heavier by the day.
You have probably noticed that there is virtually nothing new in my gallery for quite some time, now. That is because for over a year, I haven't really done anything for myself, it's all been commissions and convention-related works. And, in the span of, well, more than the last year, I have found myself falling farther and farther behind on pieces I owe. The longer they go on, the better I want them to be in order to make up for it, and the pressure grows exponentially until it chokes off any ability to do anything. And what's worse, the more I get choked off, the more I worry and panic about all that I owe to the point where it has affected my health, possibly my sanity, some, and put me into some massive spells of depression that I have a very hard time coping with.
Thanks to the support of friends, I've kept myself from becoming absolutely bleak, but I've been very close many times. What's worse is that some of what I owe are for very good friends of mine, and that heap yet more shame upon me that I'm not caught up.
But, I know I need to stop this progression of doubt, fear and cowardice and come forward with this message. I WILL do what I said. I WILL be the man I wanted to be, and dammit, I WILL make things right.
If I am still working on a piece for you, and you are sick (and understandably so) of my cowardice and slowness, please send me a NOTE and I will issue you a refund as soon as I can. To everyone else, I am trying desperately hard to re-become the good guy I used to be, and I'm MAKING myself be better, and productive once more.
A ten ton weight can crush you, and pin you down, and in time only more weight piles on top, making your situation seem hopeless. But I want out from under this weight. I want to feel good again, and I want to prove to all of you, and myself, that I can be the man I want to be. Honest, with integrity and without fear. And a whole lot faster at getting things done.
And again, to everyone I've wronged through delay, lack of communication because I was ashamed of my failure, or anything else, I'm so very sorry, and I hope you can forgive me and give me one last chance. I never meant to do this to anyone, and believe me that it hurts me so very much to have had to come to this in order to get myself out of the pit of despair I have so selfishly dug myself into.
-Mitch
So, yeah, I'm on Twitter, and you're welcome to follow me, if you like. I might not follow back, but if you want to see a little bit of what goes through my head every day, or every other day, just follow MongooseInk
There'll be book updates, random thoughts, work observations, and my daily Weather Cars, where I pick the best car for my weather and mood that day.
Also, I'll be reviving N'duk the Hunter's in-character Twitter feed, and you can follow him at NdukTheHunter His hashtag is #NtH if you're interested, too.
Well, been able to settle back in at home after RF, now, so I'll be back to work on finishing up commissions both new and overdue, with a goal of being completely caught up in short order, here. Follow if you want, just figured I'd put that out there.
There'll be book updates, random thoughts, work observations, and my daily Weather Cars, where I pick the best car for my weather and mood that day.
Also, I'll be reviving N'duk the Hunter's in-character Twitter feed, and you can follow him at NdukTheHunter His hashtag is #NtH if you're interested, too.
Well, been able to settle back in at home after RF, now, so I'll be back to work on finishing up commissions both new and overdue, with a goal of being completely caught up in short order, here. Follow if you want, just figured I'd put that out there.
