Amazon Cartoonist Contest

http://www.amazon.com/Comic-Strip-Superstar-Books/b?ie=UTF8&node=2128878011

Check out the 10 finalist for the Amazon Comic Strip Superstar contest. Sadly my comic isn't among them, but these are all pretty great, so I'm not too disapointed. Vote for your favorite.

A Little Color

BreaLincViniOak

What is the BreaLincViniOak? It's a band, and now a sort of animal one man band. This is the guy I created for my friend Evan, who is a band director. Creating a band from four different schools takes some creativity, and so we worked together to come up with a creative character that could represent his band. Part kid, part woodland creature....The BreaLincViniOak (Breaside/Lincoln/Ravinia/Red Oak schools).

Toys

I admit I'm a bit of a geek, but I'm not one who collects toys. I do have a Bob and Doug McKenzie toy from Todd McFarlane's company...wait, knowing that might make me a toy geek after all. Whatever, these toys are very cool...

http://store.projectsquadt.com/

U2 360

U2 kicks off thier north American tour tonight here in Chicago at Soldier Field. A big thank you to our friend Darby who suprised us with tickets to the show. Should be a great night to top of a day where I sent my comic submission to the Amazon Cartoon Star contest. I'm not thrilled with my comic, but I never am. I wanted to hand letter them, which I didn't get to do, and I could use some practice working on color. I feel good having sent my comic, and now I can move on to some other projects. I should have a new blog up and running pretty soon...overheardcomics.

Reading Material

Something tells me I need to purchase some of the books listed in this link. Oh Quimby's, how I miss you. I just don't read comics and graphic novels like I used to...

http://dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2009/08/25/ignatz-awards-nominees-announced/

I haven't posted sketchbook drawings in a while, so here are a few. These drawings are from my lunch hour on 7/29, I was sitting on the fountains next to the Tribune building, along Michigan Ave. My favorite is the girl at the bottom.

Chicago Tribune Cartoonist

After 9 years without a staff cartoonist the Chicago Tribune has finally chosen Scott Stantis. Check out this article in the Trib. It's about time that the Trib recognize the opportunity they have to stand out, and keep their newspaper viable. I couldn't be more thrilled.

Amazon Opportunity

http://www.amazon.com/books-used-books-textbooks/b/?ie=UTF8&node=2128878011

Amazon and Andrews McMeel Publishing are launching a contest for the next Comic Strip Superstar.

"...an international search for the next popular comic strip artist, sponsored by Andrews McMeel Publishing and hosted by Amazon.com. The winner will receive a publishing contract from Andrews McMeel Publishing, a $5,000 advance from Universal Uclick, and a monthly stipend for the development of 20 comic strips that will be considered for syndication."

Sounds great. I'm throwing my hat in the ring for sure. Looks like I'd better dust of my pens and get to work.