Episode 1 - “Infestation” double-sized part 225

Wednesday — March 9th, 2011

Episode 1 - “Infestation” double-sized part 225

Yes, it’s agents Campbell and Foster, back again. This cliffhangy comic marks the end of what will be Volume 1 of Cooties. I’ve got some changes to make and things to consider before I go on with any more of the story. I’ll have a post on the blog regarding said changes up soon.

Nick says...

Spring into action

Cooties sneak peek

Still plugging away at creating pages. Here’s a sneak peek. I’ll keep you posted here on the site when the story will start up again! Thanks for your enduring patience.

Hiatus is ending!

blog20120515

So yeah, Cooties has been on hiatus for over a year now. I am happy to announce that it is returning, hopefully within the next couple of months. I want to get at least 20 pages completed before I start updating (above is a small preview of the first 3 pages), so I have time to work on the rest of the first story without feeling rushed.

I’ve been creating the art entirely on my iPad, and doing the word balloons/lettering on my desktop with GIMP. I can’t tell you how hooked I am on being able to draw and color this comic wherever I feel like it. The freedom is very conducive to creating!

Secondly, I’m anxious to start getting Cooties made in print editions, too. The app Sketchbook Pro, with which I create my pages, supposedly can do it in high enough resolution that I can print them manga-sized through Ka-Blam. I’ll print a test issue when I’ve got enough completed pages done to see how it works. Wish me luck, and HECK YEAH I’M WEBCOMICKING AGAIN.

Going digital

Here’s my very first sketch from my brand new iPad! This was drawn in Sketchbook Pro, and features Jake.

I truly believe that the tablet computer is the future of comics; more specifically in terms of consumption, but possibly in creation as well. I’m looking into the possibility of creating Cooties strictly on my iPad if at all possible. Since it’s now the one device I don’t have to share, :) it’s likely my best option. I’ll keep you posted!

Coming soon - The Classroom Curses!

Classroom Curses cover

For those of you who have missed Cooties for the last few months, you may want to check out a short story I have created for Illopond’s Boo!: Spooky Tales for Kids, an anthology that will be released in October. I think it’s got the same vibe that I’ve put into Cooties for the last few years, and any fan of my comic will enjoy it. I’ll keep you posted as to when it will be available both in print and as a digital download!

Couple o’ goodies

No, everyone, Cooties is not dead. I’ve just finished up a fun project for the Illopond, and am ready to jump back in to this project in a more focused and professional way. I’ve learned several different things that I am anxious to incorporate into my work on my favorite characters and end “Infestation” in a satisfying way. I’ll be posting some of my process along the way as well.

In the meantime, here are a couple of Cooties-related fun things I’d like to share!

First, for my birthday a few weeks ago, my mother-in-law made me one of the best cakes possible:

Can I just say how awesome it was to see this on my birthday?

Second, one of my favorite webcomics, Ardra, featured Mr. Bell in the currently-running “Speed Dating” storyline. Go check it out!

Where I’ve been lately

During my break from Cooties, I’ve been assisting Michael Regina, creator of the wonderful all-ages comic Kevin and the Light of Destiny. Specifically, I’m helping him prepare some of his recent pages for digital coloring by a process known as flatting. His newest page is the first one I helped with, and I think Michael’s coloring turned out beautifully! Plus, I’m learning some great skills that are helping me put together a print edition of Cooties (yes, it is definitely happening). So go give Kevin a look and tell Michael I sent you!

Comic will be slightly delayed this week. Work & family obligations didn’t give me a chance to work on it, but I’ll get it up as soon as I can. It’ll be a nice double-sized shocker moment; make sure not to miss it!

Original art for sale

Happy Cyber Monday, everyone! I decided today would be the perfect day to unveil my new Etsy store. This is a place where I can sell some of my original artwork and at the same time help children who have been removed from abusive homes. 10% of all the profits from my illustrations will go towards the Salt Lake Christmas Box House charity!

My first series is for those of you (or those you know) who need another princess fix after seeing Tangled this last weekend. This is a 12-piece series of (mostly) non-Disney princesses from pop culture. They are 2.5″ x 3.5″ watercolor paintings on Bristol board, ranging in price from $5 to $8.50 plus shipping. Buy some, and help some abused kids have a better holiday season!

Princess LeiaShe-RaPrincess Buttercup
Princess LanaPrincess AdaPrincess (BotP)Princess Zelda
Princess CallaPrincess Pei PeiPrincess Angelina Contessa Louisa Francesca Banana Fana Bobesca the ThirdPrincess Fiona

Finishing up 2010

Hey, everyone; updates will be sporadic through the rest of the year while I work on some other art projects for the holidays. You can always make sure to catch updates by following me on Twitter or becoming a fan of Cooties on Facebook!

Hey, everyone! Don’t forget to become a fan of Cooties on Facebook!