~ We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance. ~ Harrison Ford
So much has happened since September 19th, 1999, the day I finished page one of Chiaroscuro. It's been quite a ride and I have so much to be thankful for.
(Original cover art for Issue #1)
In my fledgling career as a comic artist I've been lucky enough to win a Xeric grant, 2 PEICA grants, and been nominated for an Eisner Award. The pipe dream of an animated Angora Napkin has been realized as a pilot and my graphic novels are available world wide thanks to IDW Publishing. I've traveled to many new places in North America in support of my comics and met so many amazing and talented writers and artists.
In my personal life I've seen many ups and downs. I've worked mainly in animation since 1996 and have worked with some of the greatest, coolest and most creative people that I happily count among my favorite people on the planet. I've suffered through a lot of devastating financial times, major geographical relocation, been married, divorced and witnessed the birth of my twin daughters Alicen & Hayden.
I'm in a very good place right now; like I hit the reboot button and I'm starting fresh again. I can honestly say I can't remember a time when I felt this good about life. I have the best kids, an amazing and wonderful girlfriend and time to draw and create.
(Hayden & Alicen sporting their Kochalka swag)
I was 27 when I figured out that comics were what I really wanted to do. I'm 37 now and one thing I've never been able to do is afford the time to do comics without having to work full time day job.
While that is probably still the case, I find myself currently without a full time day job. So I figure NOW it's time to buckle down and make a go of this comic thing! As of Thursday, Nov. 11th I've been working full time on comics and will continue to do so as long as I'm able. In the last three days I've inked 5 pages of the upcoming Angora Napkin web comic, roughed another page and did the first Mygrain comic in a loooong time.
So here's the plan: I'm going to work like a dog and crank out comics. I'll be mixing my time on Angora Napkin, Chiaroscuro Book 2 (Yes folks, it's still alive!) new Mygrain comics and developing some of the other ideas I have into pitches. In order to keep me focused on writing and drawing I've enlisted the help of a mysterious assistant known only as The Wa. He's ruling out pages, scanning artwork, colouring flats and doing all my general monkey work. I can't thank him enough for his help!
(The Wa and The Boss)
In my attempt to sustain this level of output I'm going to also need your help and support. I plan on having some merchandise available soon, selling / auctioning off original art and possibly taking a few commissions. I'm going to be more active on Blogger and Twitter to keep you in the loop as to what's going on. I experimented in Livestreaming recently and will schedule more soon. There will be lots here to keep you coming back and spreading the word I hope.
(Angora Napkin panel in progress)
Thanks to all of you for your patience and continued support over the years! I hope you enjoy all the new things I'm cooking up! Stay tuned for more!!!!
