May is the point in the year where I suddenly realise quite a lot of time has passed and panic about not getting enough done. The weather is nicer, so I can usually have this existential breakdown outdoors in the sunshine. I’ve got two conventions in June; one in Pittsburgh next weekend, and the Princeton Zine Fest on the 20th.

Due to a lot going on with work and life, I haven’t progressed as much on my current NewOldRare comic as I’d hoped. I’ve got the colour comps done and I’m moving on to finished pages this week, and I really want to see if I can get the right balance of loose/finished for watercolour comics in future.

I know digital colour is quicker and more flexible, but I usually spend the whole time I’m doing it thinking it would look better if it was watercolour. I’d like to work on this because digital is the right choice/look sometimes too.

My second t-shirt is based on my favourite road sign (I have one hanging in my bedroom). I’m not planning on doing a lot of shirt designs, probably one or two per year.

I was going to print dark green on yellow but everyone I asked suggested yellow on green, and I think it’s a solid choice.

I went to England for a wedding and then spent a few days in Manchester, where I lived for five years. I did not get to see everyone I would have liked, but it was fantastic to see the people I did.

Brexit changing the rules for employment visas in 2019 forced me out of England, and I miss it there. This trip was the last time I can leave the US until the government changes. My US passport expires in January 2027 and if I try and renew it, they’ll give it back with an F - if they give it back at all.

Beast of the Month

Sketchcards

Website Updates
As well as the Garden State Punk Rock shirt and tote bag (coming later this week), I’m slowly adding more existing items to my shop. Stickers and most prints are up, working on books next.

There are some prints I’m getting low on and I’ve decided I’m not reprinting, as I want to make new stuff. Any prints I have right now are likely not getting another print run. Same with the little NewOldRare storyboard books. I still have plenty, but when they’re out they’re out.

Upcoming Shows

3 Rivers Comic Con - June 6th and 7th - Pittsburgh, PA
Princeton Zine Fest - June 20th - Princeton, NJ
Flamecon - August 15th and 16th - Manhattan, NY

Recommendations

Permaset Aqua Supercover - because I know some of you are wondering. This screen ink is opaque as hell and I’m quite impressed because water-based inks often aren’t.

Antennas to Heaven - I stumbled across Funnier with a Plank on Myspace in 2006 and it’s been rattling around in my head for years.