May, 2013 | Luis' Illustrated Blog

Artists! Here’s How You Get Your Art in a Book on Amazon.

May 30, 2013 in BOOKS, PODCASTS

BOOKS – Artists! Here’s How You Get Your Art in a Book on Amazon.

Simpsons Quotes:

I heisted myself to the bestseller list once again. And the most brilliant part is I don’t even know how to read. – Neil Gaiman

As artists, creating a book with our art has become something of a tradition. If we draw independent comics and we want to get them printed, we also need to find a good printer or a print on demand printer.

Today, I’m going to be talking about the print on demand printer Createspace.

You can watch the video below or simply read what I have to say under it. It’s the same info either way:

A Need For a Print Book

I have a drawing website where I teach drawing as if I was teaching Kung Fu. If you’ve read my blog frequently enough I’m sure you’ve heard me mention it.

One of the things I did on the site was put together a digital book with all the information on the site. This was done so that there would be a slightly more convenient way to consume the information without needing to go to the site.

But I also wanted to have a print copy of that book. So to do this, I went on Createspace which is a print on demand site owned by Amazon.

Now my experience with Createspace is through my wife. She uses it to publish her Grey Tower series of books. The print books really look good and are good quality.

The thing is that I didn’t know how it would work for a book that wasn’t just prose.

I said, “what the heck. Let’s give it a try,” and I created a print book on Createspace. Once I did that, I ordered the proof and I got it.

How Well do Art Books Come Out in Createspace?

It looks great, for the most part. I think the colors on the cover are too dark and I’m going to need to fix that. But the interior of the book, the way it feels, the way it’s bound, I’m very happy with.

I won’t lie, it was pain in the neck to put it all together myself. I created the interior pdf, I created the cover and use the template that was give to me, by Createspace for it.

You can have them do it but it will cost you a few hundred dollars. I wasn’t willing to spend the money so I did it myself. BUT now that I know how to do it, my next attempt will be my Angel Cowgirl digital book, that I give away for free if you subscribe to my newsletter. I’m going to make that a print book as well.

My point is, if you want to have a high quality book of your art or a children’s book or whatever, Createspace, isn’t a bad choice.

Once I finally approve the book proof, the book will automatically be submitted into Amazon and will be sold through there, which is great. You can’t ask for a better online store to be on.

Do I Recommend It?

So yeah, I’m happy with the results so far fromCreatespace. So like I said, for an artist that might want to get his work in some sort of print book, this is a very good option.

Have you used Createspace? Let me know, I’ll like to know what you’re experience with it is.

PODCASTS – Uploading a The Corner Booth to iTunes

I’ve mentioned this before but I’ll mention this again, I’m on a podcast.

If you’re looking for it in iTunes, you won’t find it. It’s because I haven’t uploaded it to iTunes yet. Even though we have four episodes published so far.

The podcast is called The Corner Booth and you can find it at thecornerbooth.net.

I’m in the process of putting the podcast up on iTunes. As soon as it’s up, I’ll let you know.

Besides the podcasts we’ve already published, we have SIX in “the can,” five of which are ready to go. As soon I republish all the original episodes, I’ll start uploading the new ones.

Stay tuned. There’s some great shows coming up.

For more comics and stories written by me: COMICS AND STORIES If you like what you read, please consider signing up to my rss feed.

I also have a store. Click Here and check it out.

2 Comments »

Three Books on Comedy Worth Having.

May 23, 2013 in BOOKS, THE SIMPSONS NEWS, VIDEOS

BOOKS – Three Books on Comedy Worth Having

Simpsons Quote:

Krusty: Did you hear about the blonde who tried to make ice? She forgot the recipe! How come you don’t see many blonde snowwomen? It takes too much time to hollow out the head!
Bart Simpson: [laughing] He sure got you pegged, blondie.
Lisa Simpson: You’re blond too, you know.
Bart Simpson: Blond boys aren’t dumb, they’re evil, like in Karate Kid or World War II.

If you’re as interested in storytelling as I am, you’ve probably read a of books on story.

Adding levity in a story is one of the many things one can do to make a story more fun. Today I’m going to be recommending my favorite books on comedy. I’ve found them to be very helpful, insightful and great reads.

You can either watch the video or read the post below. It’s basically the same information:

The links below are affiliate links. Thanks for your support.

Getting Better at Being Funny

I’m really interested in comedy. I like writing jokes. I’ve been doing it since I was in elementary school.

I’m really interested in improving my comedy, because I enjoy doing comedic cartoons and comics.

I’ve three recommendations for books that I’ve found to be very helpful when it comes to comedy. So let’s get to it.

Three Great Books on Comedy

Comedy Writing Secrets: The Best-Selling Book on How to Think Funny, Write Funny, Act Funny, And Get Paid For It, 2nd Edition
by Melving Helitzer

This is the book fundamentals of comedy. This book is the book that gives you the foundations of what makes comedy work. It talks about funny words, reversals, the rule of threes,…just about everything you can think of when it comes to the traditional foundations of comedy. I say “traditional” because the view point of comedy in this book is very “retro.” It’s the kind of comedy you might hear Mel Brooks use. This book teaches very classic comedy troupes.

Don’t let that fool you though. What’s in the book is pretty essential to know. Great book.

The Eight Characters of Comedy: Guide to Sitcom Acting And Writing
by Scott Sedita

This guy watched a bunch of sitcoms and come up with the eight common archetypes that seem to be universal in all sitcoms. INCREDIBLY useful to have if you want to have a launching off point when creating a comedic ensemble of characters that seem to universally work well together.

The Comedy Bible: From Stand-up to Sitcom–The Comedy Writer’s Ultimate “How To” Guide
by Judy Carter

This book is the compliment to Comedy Writing Secrets. This is the application of comedy in a more modern way. It talks about doing stand up in the, “what the deal with…?” style. But not really like that. It simply gives you the foundation that most modern comedians use to write their routines, ways to test you work, and many many other things. I really think you should get this book and read it with Comedy Writing Secrets. You can get the fundamentals with one book and the modern application of those fundamentals with this book.

Serious About Comedy

So those are my three recommendations for books you should have if you want to get serious about comedy and get better at it.

If you have read great comedy books that you recommend, let me know, I’d love to know what they are.

If you get any of these books or even already own them, leave a comment and let me know what you think.

THE SIMPSONS NEWS – My Hiatus Ends and Dandelion Couch Gag

I came back to work this week. I’m currently working on the revisions for show 1 of this new season.

Meanwhile, one of the Couch Gags I scrambled to board last season is out and is being promoted. This is cool, so I thought I’d share it, so here you go:

VIDEO – Gaiman on Being Like Dandelions

Speaking of Dandelions, there’s this video making the rounds. It’s Neil Gaiman making a speech on many things. Mostly storytelling and publishing, BUT there’s also a bit on how to find the thing that will click with people. It’s very interesting and worth listening to:

For more comics and stories written by me: COMICS AND STORIES If you like what you read, please consider signing up to my rss feed.

I also have a store. Click Here and check it out.

Comments Off on Three Books on Comedy Worth Having.

Is 2D Feature Animation Truly Dead?

May 16, 2013 in ANIMATION, THE SIMPSONS NEWS

ANIMATION – Is 2D Feature Animation Truly Dead?

Simpsons Quotes:

“Don’t thank me, thank Hollywood for being completely out of good ideas.” ~ Herman Melwood

Are 2D feature animated films viable? Can they make money. Does the general public know the difference between 2D animated movies and CG animated movies? Do they care? Are American animated movies doomed to one genre of films? Namely, family movies?

There’s a lot of questions there. I don’t know the answers but I want to start the conversation here. This is what this week’s post is about.

You can either read the post or watch the video. The information in generally the same but not exactly:

Disney Throws Out Its 2D Department

As of the time of this writing, Disney pretty much got rid off all their 2D animators and have no plans to make any new 2D animated movies. They will all be CG.

I wrote about this a couple of weeks ago but I think it was kinda lost in the post. Especially since it was at the bottom the post and I didn’t make a video of version of my essay. I’m bringing it up again because I’d really like your opinion on this topic.

Last week my colleagues at The Corner Booth went to the “hat building” at Disney and spoke to Dale Baer. We asked him about 2D animation and he confirmed that it was dead. At least, as far as feature film animation is concerned.

An Earlier Discussion I had About This Topic

And of course, I wrote earlier about the huge discussion over this topic I had with Richie Chavez and Paul Wee.

Here’s a little of what I had written in that post. If you want to read the whole thing feel free to go and read it:

I’m still hopeful about 2d. I think audiences want to see 2d animated movies.

Richie, had a different opinion. He doesn’t think audiences care. He doesn’t even think audiences know the difference.

The reality is that the last two 2d movies Disney came out with didn’t do well. Never mind the fact that one wasn’t all that well written and the other didn’t really appeal to most people…

That second movie was referring to here was Winnie the Pooh. A movie based on a Disney franchise, I think, ruined by it’s direct to DVD sequels. There’s nothing special or exciting about the franchise anymore. What did they expect?

…How about the “average” person who never thinks about animation at all? Do they feel the same way about 2d animated movies?

We discussed what “average” person meant and narrowed it down to: “parents/families.” Someone looking for something with good values they can trust.

But this begged the question:

Is that the ONLY market for animated movies. Why not target other markets like anime does? The answer from the discussion was this:

Anime which is released in theaters that target those other markets, don’t really make all that much money. Even Studio Ghibli movies.
Rise of the Guardians, was more teen centric and it didn’t do all that well (and it was CG!).

Different Genres in American Animation

I think the main flaw with testing different genres of animated movies using anime is that anime has a negative stigma attached to it in the eyes of many people. And Rise of the Guardians being marketed to teens…well…bad idea. No teenager is going to get all excited to go watch a movie about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny just because they look “hip.” That’s just bad foresight on the part of Dreamworks.

That said, there’s a few 2D animated European movies, like The Illusionist, which have gotten a lot of acclaim, yet, I don’t think they’ve made much money here in the U.S..

I’m still of the opinion that 2D animation would work with the right story.

If you’re a fan of 2D movies, you will go see them. But if you’re not, why not? Why don’t you watch them? What would get you to go watch a 2D animated movie? If you used to like them but now you don’t, what happened?

I’d love to know. Let’s discuss. I’m in the inside looking out scratching my head.

This shouldn’t be happening, but why is it?

THE SIMPSONS NEWS – My Hiatus is Almost Over

This week is my last week of hiatus. I actually had more fun and relaxed more than I thought I would. Thanks to having our tax return show up just in the nick of time.

I’m going to miss the time off and spending time with the kids, but I’ll enjoy getting the paycheck every week.

Though I relaxed, I’ve still done quite a bit of work too and learned a few things.

For more comics and stories written by me: COMICS AND STORIES If you like what you read, please consider signing up to my rss feed.

I also have a store. Click Here and check it out.

4 Comments »

A Manga about Manga Creators: Bakuman

May 9, 2013 in COMIC BOOKS

COMIC BOOKS – A Manga about Manga Creators: Bakuman

Simpsons Quote:

“I’ve spent my entire life doing nothing but collecting comic books… and now there’s only time to say… LIFE WELL SPENT!” – Comic Book Guy

Man, they make Manga about EVERYTHING. Case in point, I recently started reading a Manga about two guys who create Manga.

AND IT’S GOOD. Who would have thought that making a Manga about the process of making a Manga would be so compelling and fun.

In this week’s post I’m going to be talking about this series of books. You can either watch the video or read the post below. Either way, it’s the same info:

All the links to the books below are affiliate links. Thanks for your support.

The Manga about Manga

I went to the Pasadena Central Library and picked up a Manga called Bakuman. Bakuman is about to guys who decide to become professional Manga creators. I’ve actually found it be fascinating.

It’s a Manga from the same creative team who created the Death NoteManga, which was turned into two live action films and an animated cartoon.

One of the things I like about it is that it’s a story. It’s entertainment, BUT it’s also “infotainment.” You get information about what tools are used, the process of making a Manga, what the writing process is like, what the editorial process is like, how the magazine gauges popularity, how Manga assistants work,…etc. On top of that, at the end of every chapter you get roughs. You get the what they call storyboards, which is a type of illustrated script. This is taken by the artist and tightened up a bit more. You get to see this process at the end of every chapter.

It’s one of the many things you find out through out the Manga.

Lot’s to Learn About

This is read from right to left, Japaneses style.

There’s a lot of information here. Specifically on how to get published in Shonen Jump. Shonen Jump is a Manga anthology magazine in Japan written for boys.

On of the big driving factors for the characters in the book is to become so popular in Shonen Jump, that their Manga becomes animated.

As I wrote before, they talk about the editorial process. They really go into how to get an editor, what you show an editor, the relationship between the editor and the artists, what the editors functions are, what the artists functions are, what the magazine is looking for, how the magazine judges stories and artwork, what gets published, how it gets published, how you become popular. I mean, by issue three they even start talking about what the “secret ingredient” is to keep, not only the readers happy but what you need to do to make something that might actually be a hit.

Being a Creator

Who knew creating Manga could be so dramatic.

Which I find incredible. It’s very cool, specially if you’re in that world already of coming up with stories and ideas. The discussions that the characters have about that stuff is great. It so obvious that it’s the creators of the Manga that are talking about this to the readers, based on their experiences drawing Manga. And it’s done through this story, and none of it feels forced. It’s great.

It goes through the ups and downs of being a creator. But it shows you what it’s like to be a creator in a different culture. At least different from mine. I’ve worked in the comic book industry and have done professional comics, and what the characters in the Manga go through is very different from what I’ve gone through. Yet, there’s so much that’s the same.

If you’re a creator of comics, it would be a great read, if only to see what creating comics in a different comic book culture is like. While seeing what overlap is what similar struggles there is.

Yeah, so I highly recommend Bakuman.

Get Back to Me

Let me know if you pick the book up based on my recommendation, or if you’ve read it already. I’d really like to know what you think of it.

Feel free to subscribe to my newsletter. When you do, you get a FREE digital copy of Angel Cowgirl: The Art of Luis Escobar as my gift to you.

For more comics and stories written by me: COMICS AND STORIES If you like what you read, please consider signing up to my rss feed.

I also have a store. Click Here and check it out.

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Get ready to Get Inspired, the Art of Richie Chavez

May 2, 2013 in ART, THE SIMPSONS NEWS

ART – Get ready to Get Inspired, the Art of Richie Chavez

Simpsons Quote:

(At the museum)

Homer: Aw, why does art hate me? I never did anything to art. (notices that his arm is stuck through a painting) Uh, let’s get out of here.

Alright, so I came into work one morning and my friend Paul IMed me.

“Get ready to die,” he wrote and then attached a link.

I followed said link and died. Turns out his friend and my acquaintance Richie Chavez had a website with his art on in and it blew our minds.

Today I’m going to share that link with you and talk a little bit about Richie.

You watch the video below or you can read what everything I say in the text below the video. It’s the same info so you choose:

Who is Richie Chavez?

Richie Chavez is a concept artist for animated movies. He’s worked at Disney, Dreamworks, and Sony pictures, to name a few of his high profile studios.

ONE of the movies he developed art for was PRINCE OF EGYPT. He was on of the Art Directors in that movie.

If you own the Prince of Egypt art book, you can see some of his work. Work like this:

and this one:

And here’s a picture of Richie:

I got to know Richie because we took Kung Fu together. We were in the same class.

He’s a really great guy, he’s a really nice guy. In fact, I was working on a Simpsons bible story comic, and Richie let me borrow some books he had used for reference on Prince of Egypt. Which was very cool. I was very very handy and it was very nice of him to do that for me.

Richie’s Site

Well, it turns out that my friend and mentor Paul Wee knows him very well, because they went to school together. Paul has been bugging Richie about getting a website up online with his work.

Well, he finally got it on up. Richie now has his own website with his artwork and it’s mind blowing. You’ve got to go see it. It’s such good art.

He’s got stuff from Sinbad up there that. Oh man, it’s so awesome! The ideas and the artwork is just incredible. That movie had sooo much potential.

There’s work from the movie Surf’s Up there too.

I actually went down to Sony when that movie was in development and had lunch with Richie and because my friend Paul where working there at the time. The artwork and development artwork on the movie was so incredible. At least you get to see some of it on his site.

He worked on Hotel Transylvania, Brother Bear…among many others.

The URL is www.richardpchavez.com

Go check it out and let me know what you think.

Subscribe and Get a FREE Digital Book

If your interested in having some art, then you’re in luck. I’m giving away a FREE digital copy of my art book, Angel Cowgirl is you subscribe to my newsletter.

THE SIMPSONS NEWS – My Hiatus…or not

Last Thursday my hiatus began. I should be back at work on May 20th. Well…at least that was the plan.

So I go on hiatus, and quite frankly, I can’t afford to do so. My wife and I have NOT be saving money. Any extra money we make goes directly to getting rid of debt. We’re trying to get rid of as much liability as we can so we can start having only assets.

The Money Problem

This basically means we’re risking it all to get rid of our debt. So far we’re doing great. We’ve only go one more credit card left to pay off and then we’ll tackle Alesha’s student loans. After that, our car payments.

Anyway, the point is, we’ve got nothing saved up at all and we got hit REALLY hard last month on our property tax (remember, we live in California). This left us without enough money to pay our mortgage. Then I’m sent on hiatus and hiatus is unpaid.

But don’t worry too much about us, our tax return helped us out. In fact, our state tax return came a day before I was put on hiatus and it helped us pay our bills for the month, just in time.

Back to Work?

Breathing a sigh of relief I settled into my hiatus and started trying to figure out how I could get my personal projects done while still spending quality time with my kids.

Just as I was figuring all this stuff out, I get a call on Monday from work. I was asked if I could come in for two days to help out on some storyboards beginning Tuesday. What am I going to say? No? Of course I said I was available.

I came in on Tuesday and began to work. As I was doing my thing, one of my directors come into my office.

“Remember the Couch Gag you boarded two weeks ago? Mike Anderson gave some great notes on them, I need you to apply them for Thursday.”

“But I’m only here today and tomorrow.”

“They haven’t told you? You’re going to be here Thursday too so you can add these fixes.”

“Oh…okay then.”

A few hours later, production came in and asked me to come in on Thursday only to find out that the director had jumped the gun and told me.

So two days has now turned to three, but hey, I’m not complaining, I need the money.
For more comics and stories written by me: COMICS AND STORIES If you like what you read, please consider signing up to my rss feed.

I also have a store. Click Here and check it out.

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Luis' Illustrated Blog

Artists! Here’s How You Get Your Art in a Book on Amazon.

BOOKS – Artists! Here’s How You Get Your Art in a Book on Amazon.

A Need For a Print Book

How Well do Art Books Come Out in Createspace?

Do I Recommend It?

PODCASTS – Uploading a The Corner Booth to iTunes

Share this:

Like this:

Three Books on Comedy Worth Having.

BOOKS – Three Books on Comedy Worth Having

Getting Better at Being Funny

Three Great Books on Comedy

Serious About Comedy

THE SIMPSONS NEWS – My Hiatus Ends and Dandelion Couch Gag

VIDEO – Gaiman on Being Like Dandelions

Share this:

Like this:

Is 2D Feature Animation Truly Dead?

ANIMATION – Is 2D Feature Animation Truly Dead?

Disney Throws Out Its 2D Department

An Earlier Discussion I had About This Topic

Different Genres in American Animation

THE SIMPSONS NEWS – My Hiatus is Almost Over

Share this:

Like this:

A Manga about Manga Creators: Bakuman

COMIC BOOKS – A Manga about Manga Creators: Bakuman

Simpsons Quote:

The Manga about Manga

Lot’s to Learn About

Being a Creator

Get Back to Me

Share this:

Like this:

Get ready to Get Inspired, the Art of Richie Chavez

ART – Get ready to Get Inspired, the Art of Richie Chavez

Who is Richie Chavez?

Richie’s Site

Subscribe and Get a FREE Digital Book

THE SIMPSONS NEWS – My Hiatus…or not

The Money Problem

Back to Work?

Share this:

Like this:

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