This cover was the hardest sketch cover I had to create so far! The cover stock, which is the paper the printer used for the cover, was GLOSSY!!!! A glossy stock is not compatible with art markers and most pens. Inking was easy, but using the markers was a nightmare. I seriously did not believe the paper would take my Copic markers. I would be sailing away only to see the blending begin to “mud up”. The markers dried so quickly on the glossy paper because there was not “breathing” going on since the paper was not porous. Blending was dang near impossible…. but I love facing the impossible when it comes to my art. My entire career has been facing one impossibility after another. Remember, everyone swore I would never land my comic strip in newspapers.

I love proving the nay saters wrong. Why else would I be chasing a dream to be a syndicated cartoonist?

I had to work quickly and keep the blending to short, quick strokes. I had to think out all moves beforehand. Once a blend was committed, there would be no going back.  As you can see, the blending worked, but it screwed up my markers, clogging up the tips. I estimate this cover cost me $30 in markers to produce… and the comic book cost me $5.

Then I sold it for $50. That was a TON of work for a $15 profit… but I will take whatever I can get sometimes, especially went a comic con appearance goes bad, I cannot tell you how many times a show ends up being poorly advertised and vets only a handful of attendees. This show was one of the “nightmares” when I could not even make table… meaning I did not cover my booth. The booth was just a small part of the investment too. Artists also have hotel and gas expenses to pay off. In the long run, I will look back at these days with a smile, knowing the investment paid off. Presently, I am just waiting for the syndicates to take note. My time is coming!

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