Category: Member News

MSCA Founding Member Sam Ray Has Passed Away

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We just learned that Mid-South Cartoonists Association founding member Sam Ray died back in December.

Sam was a great cartoonist/writer & created his “Business As Usual” comic strips which were published in The Commercial Appeal, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Boy’s Life, Reader’s Digest, Barron’s, Woman’s World, Forbes, and our first MSCA comic anthology.

He was also a ghost-writer on the “Hagar The Horrible” strip for six years, illustrated the book “Sane Investing For The Non-Financial”, and self-published a collection of his “Business As Usual” cartoons.

He had a great smile & was known to offer friendly advice with soft-spoken words to his fellow cartoonists at many an MSCA dinner meeting- usually while drawing a funny chicken, duck or penguin.

Sam will be missed.✏️😢

MSCA GCT Art Show Info Update

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Okay, good news/bad news…

Bad news first– since there’s been an increase of COVID the art show at the Germantown Community Theatre has been delayed a bit.

The good news– that gives anyone who wanted to participate but ran out of time a chance for a few more weeks to get their art completed and turned in.

Here are all the details from the MSCA’s president Kevin L. Williams–

Hello, Fellow MSCA’ers,

This is the update on the MSCA Art Show at the Germantown Community Theater:

The performance was delayed due to Omicron Covid-19; but, will resume in February- as will the art show. Therefore, we have until END OF JANUARY/FIRST OF February to gather all artwork for the art show. This means if you were interested in participating, YOU STILL CAN! Just let me know.

Special thanks so far to Greg Cravens, Dale Martin, Jim Palmer, Terence Washington, and Lin Workman for submitting their art already! There’s still room for YOU, too!! They may have us out for “friends and family” night at the theater, too. Whether you’re in the show or not, don’t forget to PROMOTE it for everyone.

THE DETAILS OF THE ART SHOW ARE:
Sales: Artist keeps 60%, the theater gets 40%.
Artwork DUE BY FEBRUARY 8, 2022 (first Tuesday in February).
Make sure your art can be hung easily. (wire on back preferred)
Information cards: 3×3” with piece name, artist name, media, and price (include your website as well).

Do you have a profile/caricature on www.midsouthcartoonists.org in our Members Directory? If so, I’m taking your profile and caricature from there for the show. If not, send an email to me midsouthcartoonists(at)gmail(dot)com and Lin podcast(at)drawingfunny(dot)com so we both have your profile.
(And don’t forget to connect: www.facebook.com/midsouthcartoonists

The show will be hung and available for viewing February 17-27, 2022.

THEME OF SHOW:
www.gctcomeplay.org/complete-history
Something that parodies American History. It doesn’t have to be current events, but think “founding fathers” and what can be made funny about that?

With a ten year run in the West End at the Criterion Theatre, The Complete History of America (abridged) ought to be funny. And informative. And it’s both. In the short space of ninety minutes, Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor take us through 600 years of History, from Washington to Watergate, from the Bering Straits to Baghdad, from New World to New World Order – The Complete History of America (abridged) is a breakneck rollercoaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American history.

Tackling such controversial questions as: Who really discovered America? Why did Abe Lincoln free the slaves? How many Democrats does it take to screw in a light bulb? – absolutely nothing is sacred in the authors’ unique satirical exploration of America’s past.

“History has never been this much fun. Or as delightfully mutilated.” Montreal Gazette

“This History of America should be a required course.” – Boston Herald

ART SHOW ART DROP-OFF/PICK-UP
Feel free to drop art work off at my work between 8am – 4pm Monday – Friday:
Crone Memorials, 811 S Dudley Street, Memphis, TN 38104 (Map above)

OR – let me know your address and we’ll make plans to meet there or somewhere so I can get artwork.

Be Safe, Be Happy, Be Well!
Your Pals,
Kevin L. Williams
& Muley the Mule

Kevin is working on trying to schedule another art show for later this year- fingers crossed! BTW- this is what the 3″x3″ cards should look like and how they will be placed. (Art by Greg Cravens.)

I dropped off my cartoon piece for the art show, and hope to try and get at least one more finished in time.

Speaking of dropping off art, I recently dropped off some of my latest sketchcards to The Cellar out in Bartlett. I sell them and my sketchcovers through the shop –2737 Bartlett Blvd.

If you haven’t stopped by to pick up some of the freebie MSCA and Drawing Funny podcast swag, there’s plenty to be had. I left behind some more stickers and buttons, as well as some MSCA sketchcard blanks. They are all free and located near the front entrance.

If you draw on any, please post pics on social media and tag the MSCA– we’d love to see what you create. (I had these printed back before we had the new website or our Instagram account- (at)midsouthcartoonists.)

Oh, you can also pick up some MSCA swag while it lasts at Comics & Collectibles (on Poplar) and 901 Comics (Cooper/Young). I’ll try to drop off some sketchcard blanks by each shop the next time I’m in Memphis. The freebies are usually near the register- just ask if you don’t see any.

If you have any ideas for celebrating the MSCA’s 35th anniversary please let us know. Not sure when we’ll be getting together in person at Garibaldi’s Pizza again. We had hoped to be back in the big room this month, but they had to cancel groups due to the upswing in COVID cases in Memphis/Shelby County. For now we’ll be doing Zoom calls/video on the first Tuesday of the month, unless we can safely meet in person somewhere. If you’d like to be on our Drawing Funny podcast to promote anything you’re working on or have it mentioned on the show and/or this website please let me know- podcast(at)drawingfunny(dot)com.

That’s all the news for now. Stay safe and stay tooned!

Lin

 

 

Presidential Address: In Person Dinner Meet-Up Cancelled

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MSCA President Kevin L. Williams has sent out some news for our upcoming dinner meet-up and art show at Germantown Community Theater in January.

From Kev:

Hi, all,

JANUARY GATHERING
Garibaldi’s called and verified that due to the increase in Omicron in Shelby County they are not opening the meeting room in the near future.  Instead, let’s just gather on Zoom for January 4, 2022, at 7pm.  (Zoom link here.)

If we still want to meet up starting in February 2022, reply to let me know where you’d like to meet.

ART SHOW ART DROP-OFF/PICK-UP
As we aren’t meeting next week, feel free to drop art work off between 8am – 4pm at my work:Crone Memorials, 811 S Dudley Street, Memphis, TN 38104 (Map attached)

OR – let me know your address and I’ll plan to pick up the art Thursday. Need a reminder about what’s due for the artwork?  (Email Kev at midsouthcartoonists (at) gmail (dot) com.)

*Note: Show will be at Germantown Community Theater in January 2022 and will coincide with the play The Complete History of America (abridged). We’re allowed to sell the pieces keeping 60% and the theater gets 40%.

MSCA WEBSITE details – if anyone wants to be featured please send jpegs- RGB 300dpi at 450 pixels tall (doesn’t matter width). We could use 4-10 from each member.

If you aren’t already listed in the member directory on the site, we need a short bio, caricature jpeg (can resize it after uploading it), and whatever personal art website and/or social media links you’d like to share.

The images and info can be emailed directly to  podcast(at)drawingfunny(dot)com – just put “MSCA website” in the subject line. You can visit the site at www.midsouthcartoonists.org and feel free to share this information with your social media.  An image is attached for good measure.

35th ANNIVERSARY
2022 marks the 35th Anniversary of the Mid-South Cartoonists Association.  Do you have any ideas how you’d like to celebrate?  Message me with ideas! *(That’s a flyer for the very first meeting back in 1987

Be Safe, Be Happy, Be Well!Your Pals,
Kevin L. Williams
& Muley the Mule

If you need more info check out previous posts here on the website, or you can email the MSCA president or webmaster(s) at- midsouthcartoonists(at)gmail(dot)com.

Also, the latest “Drawing Funny” podcast episode is up- Episode 33 – “Priced To Sell- Or Sit..?”

“How much is that art in the window?” In this solo episode I discuss pricing and selling– or not selling my art, what some folks have thought about the prices I charge, and if my work is worth the cost.

If you have any ideas or stories on selling art and/or how you price things, please give me a yell at podcast (at) drawingfunny (dot) com. If you’d like to promote anything you’re selling or doing in 2022 feel free to contact me about it. I’d love to hear from you. Always looking for member news and guests for the show. I’m seriously running out of things to talk about- especially about myself!

Oh, and don’t forget to snag some free MSCA and Drawing Funny swag at local comic shops in Memphis. You can find some at Comics & Collectibles (Poplar), 901 Comics (Cooper/Young), and The Cellar (Bartlett).

Hope you have a Happy New Year!
Lin

“Priced To Sell- Or Sit..?” – New Drawing Funny Podcast Episode

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New “Drawing Funny” episode is available- listen online here or most anywhere  you like to download podcasts.

“How much is that art in the window?” In this solo episode I discuss pricing and selling– or not selling my art, and what some folks have thought about the prices I charge and if my work is worth the cost. I’ve talked before about how I got into drawing funny for a living and how I’ve set up at conventions and art shows, but really haven’t mentioned why I charge what I do for my sketchcards, sketchcovers, paintings, prints, tees and more. I also talk a bit more on how I create my own art, where I’ve sold it over the years, and what expenses I’ve experienced. Plus if you’ve wondered what exactly is a sketchcard and/or a sketchcover, wanted to know how to get into doing them, or how much they pay- I talk about that as well.

I don’t have all the answers by a long shot, but if you’re struggling with what to charge for your work maybe this will help you understand art pricing and some possible avenues for selling and buying art. If you have any ideas or stories on selling art and/or how you price things, please give me a yell at podcast (at) drawingfunny (dot) com. I’d love to hear from you.

Shameless plug alert: Lonnie Easterling and I have several of my hand drawn sketchcards and a few sketchcovers available for sale at a comic shop here in Memphis- The Cellar. There are both official artist returns cards from companies like Topps, Breygent, Cryptozoic, and RRParks Cards and personal sketch cards drawn on my own custom blanks- with more to come after the holidays. If you’re interested in buying any of these please contact the shop. I don’t do commission work so this is the only way to currently purchase/collect any of my art from me.

Oh, and if you stop by The Cellar in person be sure to snag some free Drawing Funny podcast and MSCA swag. Lots of buttons and stickers are available while they last, plus they make great stocking stuffers!

The Cellar: Tabletop Games & Comics
2737 Bartlett Blvd
Bartlett, TN 38134
(901) 382-8623
If you like to shop online, be sure to check out MSCA member Antonio Johnson and ADJ Designs’ merch on his website. Lots of hats, tees, hoodies, art prints and more are available.
You can also order a copy of the novic book “Bluff City Blues” on their website, or at Comics and Collectibles on Poplar Avenue.
Merry Christmas- stay warm and stay tooned!
Lin (and Lex)

“What A Tool(s)” – New Drawing Funny Podcast Episode

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A new episode of “Drawing Funny” is available.

In this episode I (Lin) talk about the different tools and materials I use to create my art, and how I got into drawing funny for a living. (That’s me far left, and Greg Cravens with the hat at the Mid-South Fair in Memphis back in the late ’80s.)

I’ll be discussing my early days of airbrushing in malls in the ’80s, literally cutting and pasting art, starting off on working digital, creating early webcomics in the ’90s, working on independent comics, my sculpting experiences, how I got into using markers, and some other ways I like to get the job done. (Oh, above that’s the first tee I ever painted, and my old waistline.)

Plus I send out some congrats to fellow podperson Joe Stuber (aka “Stuberman“) for Comic Book Central‘s 400th episode and 8th anniversary (DF and I both get a shout out on his show)…

…and I give you some info on former guest Sal Abbinanti‘s new Kickstarter campaign for his creator owned “Atomika” omnibus. You can hear my interview with Uncle Sal about his first Kickstarter for “The Hostage” graphic novel in Episode 14.

BTW: If after listening to this episode and still have any art questions, have suggestions on what types of tools and materials you use, or would like to come on the show to discuss your techniques and/or just talk toons, please give me a shout. I’m happy to give you any answers I can, or hear about how you create your art.

You can contact me at: podcast(at)drawingfunny(dot)com – would love to read your email’s and/or have you on as part of our second season! Don’t forget to snag some free Drawing Funny swag at local Memphis area comic shops- Comics & Collectibles, The Cellar, and 901 Comics.

Stay safe, stay tooned– and please subscribe and share with others..!

www.drawingfunny.com

A Junk Opera, Murals, Skateboards, and Ghosts…What’s Going On Here..?!!

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Hey, gang-

Nicki and I are doing some maintenance and redesign of the MSCA site, so things will be looking different here. Be sure to share your art/member news and links for future posts.


“What the hell are you doing..?!!”

Here’s what’s been going on and/or coming up in the MSCA…

Shockheaded Peter A Junk Opera

MSCA member Andrew Chandler emcees the play “Shockheaded Peter A Junk Opera” at Theaterworks!  CLICK HERE to learn more.

October 29 – November 14, 2021
Shockheaded Peter

Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00, Sundays at 2:00
ADDED DATES: Thursday Nov. 4 at 7:30, Friday Nov. 5 MIDNIGHT SHOW, 12:00 am
​Please note: Sunday Oct. 31 is sold out.

Created for the stage by Julian Crouch and Phelim McDermott. Original music and lyrics by The Tiger Lillies. Originally conceived and produced by Michael Morris for Cultural Industry, London
Directed by James Kevin Cochran
Musical Director Eileen Kuo
​
SHOCKHEADED PETER is a musical adaptation of the Der Struwwelpeter by Heinrich Hoffman, an 1845 German children’s book of short stories and poems about the disastrous consequences of misbehavior. SHOCKHEADED PETER features a sinister but incompetent master of ceremonies who leads the audience through the tale of a childless couple that has their fondest wish granted in the most delightfully dreadful way imaginable, accompanied by songs, puppetry, and vignettes in which the hilariously horrible fates that befall naughty children everywhere are brought to darkly comedic life.

Cast:
Emcee . . . . . Andrew Chandler
Lead Singer . . . . . Ryan Scott
Ensemble . . . . . Mersadies Burch, Patricia Carreras, Julia Hinson, Franklin Koch, Marianne Orendorff, Amy Rush, Ashley Trevathan, Johnathan Underwood, Jen Wood-Bowien

 

MAW Productions Murals

MSCA member Martheus Wade has been featured in an article about the mural featuring many characters from the MAW Productions Universe!


The mural was painted by the Jetta team- Martheus (top/L) & Janet Wade(bottom/L), Anakin Wade(sitting/C), Damarco Randle(top/R), and Kevin Williams(bottom/R).


CLICK HERE to read it on BLAC®, which is the premier lifestyle magazine for African Americans in and around Memphis.


Recently as part of #paintmemphis 2021, Martheus, Janet Wade, Anakin, Damarco, and Kevin were painting murals again downtown!


The Jetta mural took 17 hours over 3 days to complete.


If you’re in the Memphis area, head down to 660 BB King Blvd (on the Georgia Street side) for that mural and many more- including an awesome Avatar: The Last Airbender one by Damarco Ranldle– which took 40 hours of work!


Do you own a business or know someone who needs branding help..? Don’t forget to check out www.MAWProductionsLLC.com who can take care of all those needs as well.

 

Hernando Skates!


On Saturday, October 16th, Nicki and I went to check out the Hernando Skate Park 6th Anniversary event at Pidgeon Park in Hernando, MS.


The skatepark is just around the corner from us and Nicki had a new mirror-less digital camera she wanted to play with.


There was a great “Hernando Skates” turnout- lots of spectators, many bands performed, and several skaters of all skill levels took to the concrete.


There was even a landshark in the bowl..!


There was some serious defying of gravity going on…


…well, sometimes gravity can be a harsh mistress..!


Trust me, I was reminded the first time I tried going in!


You can read more about that time when Kevin Thorn, Greg Cravens, Mike Womack, their kids and I checked out the skatepark on my Have Geek travel blog.

 

MGB at Malco Olive Branch!


“Who y’all gonna call?”


Saturday, November 20, 2021 AT 12 PM – 2 PM
Malco Olive Branch, 6430 Goodman Rd, Olive Branch, MS 38654


The Memphis Ghostbusters will be in person at the Malco Cinema Grill in Olive Branch, MS to celebrate the release of the new Ghostbusters: Afterlife movie.


The local Memphis Ghostbusters franchise (founded by Kevin Williams and myself/Lin), will be in uniform to meet and do photo-ops with fellow ghostheads.


We’ll be set up outside the entrance to the theater, unless the weather is bad and then we’ll be inside the lobby.


We will be masked and socially distancing per Malco rules and guidelines.

 

2022 MSCA Art Show Scheduled

We have a chance to be part of an art show at Germantown Community Theater in January 2022, to coincide with the play The Complete History of America (abridged) (synopsis is below). We need MSCA members to commit to 12 medium to large size pieces which will work in their space and history of America theme, so if we have 6 – 8 artists commit we can fill it.

We’re allowed to sell the pieces keeping 60% and the theater gets 40%.

Who’s in?? Please let Kevin know VERY soon, and the art will be due by our first in-person meeting the first Tuesday in January 2022. You can email Kev at midsouthcartoonists (at) gmail (dot) com.

The Complete History Of America (abridged)
With a ten year run in the West End at the Criterion Theatre, The Complete History of America (abridged) ought to be funny. And informative. And it’s both. In the short space of ninety minutes, Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor take us through 600 years of History, from Washington to Watergate, from the Bering Straits to Baghdad, from New World to New World Order – The Complete History of America (abridged) is a breakneck rollercoaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American history. 
Tackling such controversial questions as: Who really discovered America? Why did Abe Lincoln free the slaves? How many Democrats does it take to screw in a light bulb? – absolutely nothing is sacred in the authors’ unique satirical exploration of America’s past.

“History has never been this much fun. Or as delightfully mutilated.” Montreal Gazette
“This History of America should be a required course.” – Boston Herald

Germantown Community Theatre is a non‐profit 501(c)(3) organization set in an intimate 98‐seat theatre located at 3037 Forest Hill‐Irene Rd. GCT provides both theatrical entertainment and educational opportunities for Midsouth families in an environment that nurtures creative expression and artistic growth. Our mission is to entertain, educate, engage, and enrich the community through theatrical programming.

Tickets may be purchased online (click here) or through the box office (901-453-7447). Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday 10:00am–3:00pm. During show days, the box office is open one hour before showtime. GCT accepts all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. 


This art show will be a great way for us to start celebrating the MSCA’s 35th anniversary year!

We’ll be discussing it and other plans for 2022 during our next monthly Zoom meeting call on Tuesday, November 2nd starting at 7pm. You can email Kev at midsouthcartoonists (at) gmail (dot) com for the link to join in on the comics conversation.

 


Hope you all have a Happy Halloween!

Lin

“It’s Showtime!” – New Strange and Unusual Drawing Funny podcast episode

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Show Notes: This episode is our 1 year anniversary show, and man what a strange trip and unusual year the first season has been- pandemic, snowpocalypse, layoffs, new job at Area 51, new equipment, learning curves, and lots of comic conversations! For the first episode of our second season I share some MSCA member news, what art projects I’ve been working on recently (RRParks Cards Halloween sketchcards and Grogu/”Baby Yoda” sketchcover), some of the podcasts I listen to, and my thoughts on self-publishing and some of the comics industry publisher news I’ve heard about on the interwebs.

(Run time: 47min 17sec)

Lots of “The Ghost With The Most” on this episode in celebration of mine and Nicki’s 10th wedding anniversary this month.

I proposed to Nicki at the Phoenix Comic Con‘s art show way back when I was emceeing their art show as Beetlejuice…and she said, “Yes.”…well, technically she shook her head but that counts- I had witnesses!

Be sure to check out some of my previous episodes from season one- several Kickstarter episodes and a great chat with comics legend “Uncle John” Ostrander. If you’d like to be a part of the show or have your comics project, event, or podcast featured on a future episode please give me a yell. You can contact me at: podcast(at)drawingfunny(dot)com – would love to have you on as part of our second season!

BTW: You can see a process blog post on how I did my recent Mandalorian/Grogu sketchcover on my art website www.linworkman(dot)com. It and some of my others are for sale at  The Cellar in Bartlett, TN.

My 2 sided sketchcovers- $75ea
My official artist return sketchcards- $100ea
My personal sketchcards- $25ea

The Cellar: Tabletop Games & Comics

2737 Bartlett Blvd

Bartlett, TN 38134

(901) 382-8623

ComicCellarOnline.com

Stay safe, stay tooned- and please share with others..!

Lin

Of Monkeys And MONSTERS!

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From MSCA member and “The Good, The Bad, and the Sketchy” editor/publisher, Dale Martin…

Greetings, comic readers & art fans! I hope your fall (or your “autumn”, as the case may be) has gotten off to a good start! And not as busy as the start of mine…

It seems like a lot of opportunities with short deadlines dropped in my lap since I wrote the last of these newsletters. They’ve all been good things to take part in, but I really had to hit the ground running after my summer vacation, and things haven’t really let up yet. I’ll tell you more about those following this month’s Watusi comic. Or NOT Watusi comic, since the overwhelming number of you wanted to see what lab monkey Mitchell would do when the Professor and Watusi rushed off on an emergency errand. Unfortunately, he was about to step on the remnant of Watusi’s meteorite…


I may regret offering more than just two options this time! Be kind with any suggestions…

‘What’s next? GIANT Mitchell? [other] Mitchell? or Watusi?’

MONSTERS: MARKETS AND MELEES!

I’m happy to again be part of one of the most exciting popups in Memphis: Monster Market! It’s operating as an online only store again this year, and is already racking up a surprising number of “SOLD OUT” buttons, so if you’re interested, check it out sooner rather than later! As always, it runs only thru 10/31.

After a soft debut at last month’s Memphis Zine Fest 6 (my first IRL event, which actually went pretty well), my new minicomic Monster Melee is getting its wide release as part Monster Market. I think it will be a good fit. Or at least as good as can be in a virtual shop where people can’t pick it up and play with it…

You can read more about Monster Melee on my blog.

BULLSEYE: ARROW RETAIL SHOP

I’ve been trying to find an ongoing retail spot in Memphis to carry my prints & merchandise for some time, and that’s finally a reality! Arrow Creative celebrated the grand opening of their new location in September with (among other things) the opening of their new retail shop … and I’m happy to share that I’m one of the inaugural group of artists in that shop! It’s a great looking space, located just off Central at 653 Philadelphia Street, open Thursdays 10-4 and 10-6 on Fridays & Saturdays. Stop in and shop for a wide variety of goods– including art, jewelry, soap, hot sauce, and more– all from Memphis creators!

ON THE DRAWING BOARD…

I’ve been doing a number of prints focused on Memphis’ musical legacy this year. These next two– that I plan to finish up this month to debut at my November event– spotlight storied recording studios Stax and Ardent!

SHOW & SALE DATES

I’m on “tap” to be one of the artists at Memphis Flyer’s Crafts and Drafts on November 13th. It’s been a great event in the past, and I’m looking forward to it, even while a little antsy about what the COVID situation might be like then. But, since that’s out of my control, I’ll try not to obsess over it. More on Crafts and Drafts (along with a proper spotlight on my new project, The Dragon Templar) next time!

In addition to Monster Market & Arrow, you can always shop a selection of my art & comics via my online storefronts:

  • TeePublic: the go-to spot to get my work printed on T-shirts & other merch! 35% off sale dates are scheduled for October 13-17 & 27-31; TeePublic’s disclaimer is that “site-wide sales are subject to change, so the dates on the calendar are tentative”, but they don’t change them often. And when sales are on, you can’t miss it when you visit the site! 
  • Square: your place for direct-from-the-artist comics, prints, & notecards. 
  • Selz: your site for instant downloadable digital editions of my comics. While I don’t enjoy them as much as the printed comics, they’re good in a pinch. And some of them are FREE, too!

As always, thank you for your interest in my work. I hope you have a happy & safe October, 
– dale.

Dale Martin

Creating comics featuring his original characters since 1982, Dale is a Memphis-basedartist, writer, & publisher. He’s best known for a comic you’ve probably never heard of, Watusi the Talking Dog; fortunately, you can rectify that at www.watusithetalkingdog.com.

Inspired by Tim Corrigan and the small press scene of the mid-80s, Dale still enjoys self-publishing his comics. Crafting the finished form of a project is as much a part of his artistic process as the words or the pictures. In addition to his self-published work, Dale has had comics published in anthologies across the country.

Websites: watusithetalkingdog.com
smearysoapboxpress.com
Twitter: @smearysoapbox
Instagram: @smearysoapbox

New Drawing Funny Episode- “Play It Forward”

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New “Drawing Funny” podcast episode is available to listen to.

 

This episode is about “paying it forward” and some of the posts I recently ran across in the “I CREATE COMIC BOOKS” Facebook group and my responses to them. I’ve gotten a lot of help from others over the years, and I hope that this podcast helps anyone wanting to learn more about creating comics, and the business of promoting them. I mention some of the folks who helped me out along my art journey and touch on some of my art-anxiety, drawing-depression, professional-jealousy, and impostor-syndrome experiences.

I also talk a bit about what I’ve been up to art-wise, mostly drawing horror hosts/hostesses sketchcards for RRParks Cards, and give some advice on working with markers.

One of my official artist returns for this “Halloween Trick Or Treat” card set is this one of local Memphis horror host SIVAD..!

My sketchcards and sketchcovers (along with two by Lonnie Easterling) are available for sale at The Cellar. The sale of these helps to support mine and Nicki’s comics habit.

My 2 sided sketchcovers- $75ea
My official artist return sketchcards- $100ea
My personal sketchcards- $25ea

The Cellar: Tabletop Games & Comics
2737 Bartlett Blvd
Bartlett, TN 38134
(901) 382-8623
ComicCellarOnline.com

BTW: If you’d like to be a part of the show or have your comics project, event, or podcast featured on a future episode please give me a yell. You can contact me at: podcast(at)drawingfunny(dot)com.

Before I go, I want to mention again that we’ve got the 35th anniversary of the MSCA coming up in 2022. (That’s the original flyer for the first meet-up in 1987!). If you have any ideas about ways we can celebrate this MSCA milestone be sure to shoot me or Kevin an email at midsouthcartoonists@gmail.com or bring it up at our next monthly Zoom meeting. Due to current circumstances we are not holding any of our normal in person events such as our first Tuesday monthly drawing nights and dinners, but are doing them virtually. We had a decent turnout for this month’s meeting, and our next one will be October 5th at 7pm. Contact Kevin if you’d like to be added to our mailing list to receive the Zoom meeting invite links.

Hope you enjoy this latest Drawing Funny episode. Stay safe, stay sketchy, stay tooned- and please share with others..!

Lin (and Lena)

Back To Virtual Until 2022

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Hey, gang-

I have a quick few bits of MSCA news for you. First up is some meeting updates from our Prez Kevin L. Williams…

Hi, all-

With the latest details on Covid-19/Delta Variant from the Shelby County Health Department, I am going to cancel further in-person gatherings until January 2022. We will still gather digitally (via Z00m).

I look forward to seeing you all in a week at the zoom meeting!!  Have a great week, keep well, and keep safe

Sling that ink!
Push those pencils!
Craft those words!
Doodle those digitals!

Your Prez,
Kev

For the link to join in on the Zoom meeting or to join our mailing list contact Kevin at midsouthcartoonists (at) gmail (dot) com.

Hopefully if all goes well between now and the end of the year we will be back in person in the big room at Garibaldi’s Pizza near the U of M on the first Tuesday of January, 2022.

Here is some MSCA member news…

Member Jim Palmer let us know that he’s acting in “The Secret Garden” starting this month at Theatre Memphis. We all know it’s no secret that Jim and his wife JoLynn are terrific thespians!

Jim says, “I play the “crusty ol’ gardener” BEN WEATHERSTAFF, (a nice, but small role).  Of course, ALL this could change due to Covid, but, for now, this is the plan.”

The Secret Garden                

Next Stage

Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Adapted and Directed by Jason Spitzer

Touching and Sentimental. Foul-tempered, young Mary Lennox is an orphan sent from India to live in her distant family’s gloomy mansion on the desolate English moor. Once there, she discovers a sickly cousin who has never seen the light of day, a magical boy who can talk to the animals, a mysterious uncle haunted by the memory of his dead wife, and a long forgotten, secret garden hidden behind a locked door. This new adaptation of a timeless classic will open the door to the innermost places of your heart.

THE SECRET GARDEN is scheduled to open Fri. September 24 at THEATRE MEMPHIS, & continue Sept. 25, 26, 29, 30, Oct. 1,2,3,6,7,8,9,&10.  All evening performances will now begin at 7:30pm & Sunday afternoon shows at 2:00pm.

For information contact Box-office at 901•682•8323 or email theatrememphis.org .

The MSCA would like to welcome cartoonist Tim Jones to our group!

Tim is a self-syndicated comic strip artist from Rhode Island where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Cartooning for over 20 years, he created his comic strip, Sour Grapes, in 2013, which is currently published in multiple newspapers throughout Rhode Island, Southern Massachusetts, California and Texas. Tim is a member of ARIA (Association of Rhode Island Authors) and a member of The National Cartoonists Society.

You can read his comic at sourgrapescomic.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

I (Lin) got laid off this summer from my printing day job. Since most of what we printed was event and school related orders, COVID had caused printing orders to slow to a trickle. I was able to pick up a part time job working at Area 51 Ice Cream a couple weeks ago. The new/larger location is still on Commerce Street in Hernando, MS. It’s within walking distance of our house, so I don’t have to risk my life driving on I-55 and 240 every day- well, unless they need me to fill in any at their Crosstown Concourse location! I’m also working on some new tee designs for them and will post those later.

Nicki and I have known the Cubbage family who run A51 for years now. We stopped in for Nicki’s birthday right after they opened and have been frequent customers ever since. Oh, I’m not the only “Lin” at the shop- their alien mascot shares my name. The ice cream is scratch made in-house and several of the flavors feature produce grown locally. Great seasonal flavors, shakes, drinks, and baked goods are available. Check out their Facebook page for their daily menus, or stop by and sample some.

I recently dropped off my latest sketchcover to The Cellar out in Bartlett. It’s a “Suicide Squad” Polka-Dot Man comic with a wraparound hand-drawn cover. Done in pencil, Copic markers, black Pigma Micron pens, white Gelly Roll pen, and white Prismacolor pencil.

Lonnie Easterling’s two sketchcovers (top left and center) and my three- Polka-Dot Man, Dr. Who, and The Riddler are for sale at the shop.

I also still have several of my sketchcards that are available for sale- both official artist returns from companies like Topps, Crytozoic, and RRParks Cards and personal sketch cards drawn on my own custom blanks. The profits from those sales help fund my comics and art supplies habits..! I recently did sketchcards for an Ultraman card set, and am finishing up a Zorro set this week.

Be sure to check out the MSCA Zine The Good, The Bad, And The Sketchy at The Cellar- issues 1-6 are available for sale.

Don’t forget to snag you some free MSCA, Drawing Funny Podcast, and Memphis Ghostbusters swag while you’re there. It’s near the front door. Lots of stickers and buttons to choose from.

The Cellar: Tabletop Games & Comics

2737 Bartlett Blvd

Bartlett, TN 38134

(901) 382-8623

ComicCellarOnline.com

Hope you all are having a Happy 901 Day!

Lin