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Drawn Together- Next MSCA Meeting In Person

Posted on July 28, 2021 by Lin Workman

It’s finally happening!

Only one week until our first in-person monthly MSCA meeting– in over a year and a half!

Tuesday, August 3rd- 6pm in Overton Park Formal Gardens.

Below is all the info from the MSCA President Kevin L. Williams:

Dear Ink Slingers, Digital Doodlers, Pencil Pushers, and Word Doctors,

IN PERSON GATHERING

The first IN PERSON gathering will be in the Overton Park Formal Gardens, Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at 6:30 pm!!  Bring your own chair, your own food and drink, artwork to share (I plan to have a table for us to put items on).  This area is under some trees and flowers, it’s wide-open so we can spread out.

CLICK HERE for directions. You can park in the road behind the Levitt Shell.

RULES: 

If you are fully vaccinated, masks are optional but not required.
If you are NOT fully vaccinated, masks are required.
We trust you to make the decisions that are safer for you AND our members, so do what is right and don’t be “that guy.”

You might want to bring some mosquito spray just in case…

RAIN OPTION:

If it rains, we’ll use Zoom* to gather and visit.

Future gatherings in person will be in the gardens of the Woodruff-Fontain House Museum, with more details to come!

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

*(You can email Kevin at midsouthcartoonists (at) gmail (dot) com for the Zoom link and/or to join the MSCA mailing list.)

Going into 2022 we are planning on being back at our usual monthly meeting joint- the U of M area Garibaldi’s Pizza. We’ll be meeting there on Walker Ave. the 1st Tuesday of each month- if all goes well! March 5, 2020 was the last time we all met there…wow!

There are a few other events happening around our area, and some within driving distance. Before heading out, be sure to check out our “Drawing Funny” Con Survival Guide episode for tips on attending and setting up at conventions and other events.

This week/weekend is the annual Superman Celebration in Metropolis, IL – July 30-August 1. The town festival is usually the second weekend in June, but like many events, it had to be cancelled in 2020 and moved this year because of COVID. It’s only about 3hrs north of Memphis, across the Ohio River from Paducah, KY.

Lots of artists, writers, celebs, events, vendors, costumes, and corndogs- plus a \S/uper-Museum and statues! Click here to see the full schedule.

‘INSIDE THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES’

July 23, 2021 – January 2, 2022. Graceland Exhibition Center, 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd. in Memphis, TN (just behind the Elvis Presley’s Memphis complex).

Elvis Week (Aug. 11-17) here in Memphis is just around the corner, but this 10,000-square-foot traveling  exhibit features Disney props, costumes and more will be in the M-town through January 2nd.

Tickets: $15 (adult); $8 (child, 5-10); free (4 and under). A $50 “Passport” allows a holder to visit the exhibit as often as he or she wants to during the six months. “VIP” tickets and other options also are available.

Numerous events will be held at Graceland in connection with the exhibit. For a full calendar and for tickets and other information, visit graceland.com/exhibition-center.

Comics & Collectibles has announced their plans for Free Comic Book Day, which is normally the 1st Saturday in May. It’s been pushed back to the middle of next month, and there’s a lot happening around town to celebrate this annual comics holiday.

Here are the details from C&Cs for this year’s FCBD…

Annual FREE COMIC BOOK DAY is Saturday August 14, 2021!
Due to the pandemic, this year will be a little different than previous events. Please see below…
1. MASK REQUIRED. No exceptions. This applies to ALL customers, including vaccinated individuals and children. Masks will not be provided, so don’t forget to bring your own. This is to protect everyone including those with weakened immune systems, our St. Jude patient customers, and children that are not old enough to be vaccinated. We appreciate your cooperation.
2. LIMITED NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS INSIDE THE STORE AT ONCE. We will have an employee at the entrance monitoring the number of customers in the shop, so there may be a wait to enter.
3. 20% OFF STOREWIDE – excludes, Sideshow Collectibles, new comics and previously discounted merchandise.
4. MINIMUM PURCHASE OF of $5 (before tax) required to obtain Free Comic Book Day books. Limit one copy of each book per person that makes a $5 or more purchase.
(Previous FCBD comics.)

901 COMICS EAST GRAND OPENING!!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 @ 10 AM CDT

FCBD will also see 901 Comics opening a 2nd location out in Cordova near the Wolfchase area- 8551 Macon Rd, Cordova, TN 38018. They have special guests Denys Cowan (Sat/14) scheduled for the grand opening, David Yost (Blue Power Ranger) on Sunday, August 15th from 12 PM – 4 PM, and more guest signings to appear later in the month.

They also have done some recent remodeling to their original Cooper-Young location. You can still find our MSCA zine, Watusi zines by Dale Martin, and Stoned Ninja comics by Greg Cravens there.

A new con has thrown its hat into the ring here in the Mid-South. The Covington Comic Con will be on FCBD- August 14th in Covington, TN.

Speaking of hats, congrats to our own Kevin “Nuggethead” Thorn. He’s wearing another hat around Hernando, MS moving forward. Kevin was recently appointed to the Hernando Planning Commission by newly elected Mayor Chip Johnson. Kevin will be helping the mayor and board of aldermen with the future growth of Hernando, which is the county seat for DeSoto County.

I (Lin Workman) recently just finished up some more ULTRAMAN sketchcards for RRParks Cards. These are the second batch I’ve done for this card set, and they will be randomly inserted in the card packs.

You can see my first set and some step-by-steps on my site- linworkman.com. I’ve got Zorro and Halloween/horror sketchcards on the drawing table next. I’ll have artist returns available for sale for each set.

I’ve got some of my Ultraman and other artist’s returns for sale at The Cellar over in Bartlett, TN. There are some sketchcovers for sale there as well.

Be sure to snag some swag while you’re there. Free stickers and buttons are available while they last.

Also, they carry copies of our MSCA Zine. You can also purchase some at Comics & Collectibles and 901 Comics in town and pick up some of the free swag, too.

That’s all for now- stay safe, stay hydrated, and stay tooned!

Lin

Meetings and Podcasting – What’s Up With The MSCA This Summer

Posted on June 24, 2021 by Lin Workman

Here’s the latest meeting news from MSCA’s President Kevin L. Williams:

Dear Ink Slingers, Digital Doodlers, Pencil Pushers, and Word Doctors,
The response to in-person meeting “outdoors” for now was positive, so we’re going to press forward as mentioned below!
JULY ZOOM GATHERING!!

The next MSCA Gathering will be Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at 7 pm on Zoom.

If you’d like to join in on the meeting and didn’t the most recent group email, you can request the link by emailing midsouthcartoonists(at)gmail(dot)com.

IN PERSON GATHERING

The first IN PERSON gathering will be in the Overton Park Formal Gardens, Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at 6:30 pm!!  Bring your own chair, your own food and drink, artwork to share (I plan to have a table for us to put items on).  This area is under some trees and flowers, it’s wide-open so we can spread out.
CLICK HERE for directions. You can park in the road behind the Levitt Shell.

RULES: 

If you are fully vaccinated, masks are optional but not required.
If you are NOT fully vaccinated, masks are required.
We trust you to make the decisions that are safer for you AND our members, so do what is right and don’t be “that guy.”

You might want to bring some mosquito spray just in case…

RAIN OPTION:  If it rains, we’ll use Zoom to gather and visit, but you’ll still be required to provide your own food, drinks, and chairs – J

Keep your eyes open for details about a possible, cooler, new place for outdoor gatherings!

MSCA WEBSITE STUFFS!

Lin Workman is working hard on www.midsouthcartoonists.org and still needs several folks’ caricature, bio, website(s), and preferred contact methods.

Send website info to midsouthcartoonists(at)gmail(dot)com.

Don’t forget to check out www.drawingfunny.com – our official podcast. If you are interested in being a guest on the show and/or want him to pimp your publications and wares, email Lin at podcast(at)drawingfunny(dot)com.

Hope to see you at each of the events above!

Be Safe, Be Happy, Be Well!
Your Pals,
Kevin L. Williams
& Muley the Mule
__________________________________________
Well, since Kevin mentioned the podcast…
A new “Drawing Funny” podcast episode is available- Ep. 23: Winston Gambro.
Winston Gambro is a graphic designer by day, and comic creator by night. He’s created the comedy webtoon “Gumshoe City“, which has detective Meatball Matthews journeying out of his element when his best friend disappears and leaves behind a dead body; his online cyberpunk mystery “Overflow“, that has Ava Lee, a private detective attempting to prove her brother didn’t commit a war crime and possibly stop the end of the world; and his anthology comic series “Rex Radley: Boy Adventurer“, an all ages book that was inspired by every awesome cartoon made to sell toys (and was successfully backed by two Kickstarter campaigns). Winston currently lives in Aurora, IL with his cat, Hazel.
“Overflow” webcomic – www.overflow.thecomicseries.com
“Gumshoe City” webcomic – www.gumshoecitycomic.com
You can purchase Winston’s comics at- www.gumroad.com/winstongambro
Speaking of purchasing comics…be sure to stop by 901 Comics in Cooper/Young.
Our own Greg Cravens has issues of his comic series “Stoned Ninja” available for purchase- only $4.20ea. I picked up a blank sketchcover variant issue. Sketch ’em if ya got ’em!
You can also buy our MSCA Zine, as well as Dale Martin’s “Watusi“. Issues of the MSCA zine are available at Comics and Collectibles (Memphis, TN) and The Cellar Tabletop Games & Comics (Bartlett, TN), too. Be sure to snag some free MSCA and Drawing Funny swag while you’re there.
Before I go, I’d like to say congrats to my wife Nicki Workman. She has officially completed her first year of grad school, and did great this week on her first test of this semester. She’s been attending classes online for the U of M. She has a ways to go before they award her a Masters degree, but she’s doing great- and while holding down a full time job in a pandemic! I’m extremely proud of how hard she’s been working towards this goal, and how amazing her grades are- she is the smart..!
Hope to see you on the Zoom call in July.
Lin

Superman Day And “Drawing Funny” Promo Spot

Posted on June 13, 2021 by Lin Workman

Hey, gang- Happy \S/uperman Day!

Normally, many of us would be up in Metropolis, IL this weekend for the annual Superman Celebration. Unfortunately, like a lot of things it was cancelled in 2020 because of Covid. Well, it’s back on for 2021, just a bit later in the summer than usual…July 30 – August 1.

If you’ve never been before, the real town of Metropolis is a bit more like the fictional Smallville, and the Celebration is more like a county fair than a convention- but that’s it’s small town charm and sets it apart from other events.

It has guest movie/TV celebs, artists, writers, and lots of cosplayers- but it also has a carnival, street vendors, food, music, Supermuseum, GIANT Superman statue and more. To find out more click here.

I will warn you- Metropolis is known to get hot during the summer, so stay hydrated and be sure to cool off when you can.

In other news…I just made a new promo spot for our “Drawing Funny” podcast. You can click the player below to listen to it.

So far there are 22 episodes to listen to. I’m working on lining up some more guests, and hope to record a bit on the road later this year- possibly while in Metropolis. I’m looking forward to hitting more shows in 2022.

You can find the podcast at www.drawingfunny.com as well as follow the podcast on social media.

My “Drawing Funny” social media handles are-

If you have any feedback, questions, would like to be a featured guest, or want to share some news for the show please feel free to contact me by email at podcast (at) drawingfunny (dot) com.

I hope you all “stay tooned” and keep drawing funny.

Lin

 

MSCA Meetings And “Drawing Funny”

Posted on June 3, 2021 by Lin Workman

Tuesday was our monthly MSCA Zoom meeting.

We discussed what all we’d each been working on, what we’ve been watching and reading, plus the status of upcoming meetings.

Speaking of meetings, we’re keeping an eye on local regulations and recommendations from the health department and City of Memphis, plus waiting to hear back when we can reserve the big room at Garibaldi’s Pizza again.  We have this announcement from MSCA President, Kevin L. Williams regarding the next two monthly meetings:

“Dear Ink Slingers, Digital Doodlers, Pencil Pushers, and Word Doctors,

The next MSCA Gathering will be Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at 7 pm on Zoom. 

Here’s some good news:
The first IN PERSON gathering will be in the Overton Park Formal Gardens, Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at 6:30 pm!!  Bring your own chair, your own food and drink, artwork to share (I plan to have a table for us to put items on).  This area is under some trees and flowers, it’s wide-open so we can spread out.

CLICK HERE for directions.

RULES: 

If you are fully vaccinated, masks are optional but not required.
If you are NOT fully vaccinated, masks are required.
We trust you to make the decisions that are safer for our members, so do what is right and don’t be “that guy.”

You might want to bring some mosquito spray just in case…

RAIN OPTION:  If it rains, we’ll use this Zoom link to gather and visit, but you’ll still be required to provide your own food, drinks, and chairs – J

Hope to see you at each of the events above! “

 

Calling all pod-people..!


There are a couple new episodes of our podcast “Drawing Funny” that are available at www.drawingfunny.com – or wherever you like to download/listen to podcasts like Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.

Since many folks are heading to cons again or are gearing up to, for Ep.21 I thought I’d share some thoughts on setting up at and/or attending conventions. I’ve been doing it off and on since the early ’90s as an attendee, artist guest, volunteer, con staff, organizer- at one time doing a con a month or every other month..! I’ve stopped setting up as an artist/guest or putting on shows, but still love attending cons. There’s lots more I could have put into this episode, but figured this one was long enough at 45min. Plus, I remembered a few extras after I had edited it…D’oh! So, maybe I’ll do a follow up episode after attending a few post-pandemic events. If you’d like more info on conventions and portfolio reviews, or see some of the cons and events I’ve attended be sure to check out my LinWorkman.com art blog and HaveGeekWillTravel.com travel blog (lots of posts in the archives).

 

For Ep. 22 I had Marvin Wynn, writer of “The Edge” comic join me from Pittsburgh via Zoom.

We discussed his origin story, his upcoming show/store appearance schedule, the art scene in Pittsburgh (AKA “Comicsburgh“), plus his involvement with the live action “Herioneburgh” and its upcoming crossover with “The Edge“.  You can find Second Sight Publishing and “The Edge” Comic in Diamond’s PreviewsWorld catalogue.

If you’ve got a comics series you’d like to discuss on the show, have reading recommendations, con survival advice, or just have any questions about the show please shoot me an email- podcast (at) drawingfunny (dot) com. Always enjoy talking toons with comics creators, and would love to have some CONversations with show/event organizers and see what info/advice/stories they can share.

Stay safe, and stay tooned!

Lin

PS: If you have any questions about our meetings, members, being a member, or joining our mailing list email the MSCA at midsouthcartoonists (at) gmail (dot) com.

New “Drawing Funny” Podcast Episode- ‘Til Death Do Us Art

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Lin Workman

Hey, gang-

I did another Drawing Funny interview with my live-in tech support person- my wife, Nicki Workman.

For Episode 20- “‘Til Death Do Us Art” we talked about what it’s like to live with an artist like me- the pros and cons, and being a spouse of a pro at cons. During our conversation she shared some of her experiences of dealing with me and other artists/creators, her thoughts on making a marriage/partnership work (so far so good for us!), convention memories, her photography endeavors, going back to school, as well as dropping some useful business knowledge for artists and those who live and/or work with one.

Nicki’s other Drawing Funny episodes are Episode 17 – “I.T. Phone Home”, Episode 9 – “Nicki’s Mouse Report” and a Flashback Friday interview at the 2018 DonnieCon on Episode 4 – “Drawn Of The Dead”. I always enjoy talking toons with my wife, and we hope you enjoy this episode.

Waiting to hear back from some upcoming guests and am hoping to get back on a more regular schedule soon. Until then, stay tooned!

Lin

Sweet Things In Store For You At Local Comic Shops

Posted on April 10, 2021 by Lin Workman

This just in…the latest issue of “The Good, The Bad, and the Sketchy” zine! Issue #6 has a Memphis theme and features a cover by MSCA member Charles Ettinger. You can purchase a copy at any of the 3 local comic shops here in Memphis- Comics & Collectibles, 901 Comics, and The Cellar.

If you’ve missed out, there are still copies of issues #1-5 available, too.

While you are there be sure to snag some free swag– MSCA, Drawing Funny podcast, and Memphis Ghostbusters items are available while they last- buttons, pins, stickers, magnets, and more.

At The Cellar you can purchase some original art by MSCA members!

There are hand-drawn sketchcovers…

…and hand-drawn sketchcards available, including official artist returns from sets like Star Wars, Transformers, Mars Attacks, and more.

Two new Ultraman artist returns from RRParks Cards were recently added to the inventory of sketchcards.

Each is a one of a kind original art piece drawn by Lin Workman (me).

I did 10 sketchcards for the set, plus the two artist returns. You can see how I created them and others on my site- linworkman.com.

April 2nd was World Autism Awareness Day, and April is Autism Awareness Month.
Southaven Arts Council is pleased to exhibit artwork by artists who participate in Little House Art Project, which is sponsored by The Arc Northwest Mississippi, in the M.R. Davis Southaven Public Library gallery. The Arc Northwest Mississippi is an advocacy organization for individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Gallery is open to the public during normal library business hours.

BTW- if you are interested in starting up a Kickstarter or other crowdfunding campaign for your own art project, check out some of the Drawing Funny podcast episodes. We will have other episodes on Kickstarter, Indiegogo, GoFundMe, and Patreon coming up. You can find links to other comics related podcasts on our MSCA links page.

“Drawing Funny” Podcast Contest

Posted on March 7, 2021 by Lin Workman

Have you heard me mention the “Drawing Funny” contest on recent episodes of the podcast..?

Well, if you’d like to own a set of the Mid-South Cartoonists Association’s Zine– “The Good, The Bad, And The Sketchy” issues 1 through 5, PLUS a free Samurai tee designed and printed by me, and some extra MSCA and Drawing Funny goodies, then here’s how to enter our first Drawing Funny Podcast giveaway…

  1. Record a 1-2min audio clip with the answer to these questions: What’s the best (or worst) advice you’ve been given and how did you apply it to how you do your art- or did you ignore it?
  2. Email that audio clip (MP3 or WAVE file) to midsouthcartoonists (at) gmail (dot) com and put “Drawing Funny” in the subject line. You can also just send your answers as text in an email. Be sure to put you name somewhere in the email, and feel free to add a link to your own website or social media account that you’d like me to promote.
  3. I’ve extended the deadline to April 1st (no foolin’), so you’ve got some extra time now to get them in. I will use them in a future episode of Drawing Funny.

That’s it! I will be adding some extra surprises for the winner and sending out some runner up prizes, too.

Even if you’ve got a set of the zines already and/or don’t want the tee and other swag, please still send in an entry- just let me know you don’t want to be entered to win. The more entries and advice I get the better for the upcoming episode.

I hope you’re enjoying the podcast, and I’d love to hear your feedback on the show and if you have any suggestions for future episodes or segments. You can email me at the same MSCA address above or message me on social media.

Oh, BTW- I’m not going to be on social media as often. I’m only going to be on to update the MSCA and Drawing Funny Twitter, Instagram, and /or Facebook accounts. Taking a break from my personal pages and scrolling, and scrolling, and scrolling. Hoping to get more projects done and other things accomplished with that time- and keep my blood pressure down…

Thanks, good luck, and stay tooned!

Lin

Monthly MSCA Zoom Time, and Talkin’ Tech With Nicki on Drawing Funny!

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Lin Workman

This Tuesday, March 2nd at 7pm will be the MSCA’s monthly Zoom meeting. This happens on the first Tuesday of each month, and just happens to be on former Memphian and MSCA member David Beaty’s birthday- happy birthday, Dave. Oh, and happy belated February birthdays to Anakin and Antone Wade.

Our in person dinner meetings were always free and open to the public, and we’ve tried to keep that going online- the only difference is you need the Zoom invite link to join the meeting. To get that, just contact the MSCA’s president Kevin L. Williams at midsouthcartoonists (at) gmail (dot) com and let him know you’d like to join in on the conversation.

I’m no longer recording the entire meeting for the Drawing Funny podcast, but I will be recording members’ answers to their origin stories, and what advice they were given- good or bad, that they’ve used in their art. I’ll be using that part of the meeting for future Drawing Funny episodes.

Which reminds me, that’s what I’m looking for to enter you into our first ever Drawing Funny giveaway. If you’d like to win a full set of the MSCA Zine: The Good The Bad & The Sketchy issues 1-5, plus a cartoon samurai tee by me, and some cool MSCA and Drawing Funny swag, then listen to the latest “Drawing Funny” Podcast with guest Nicki Workman to find out what you need to do to enter and win. I’ve moved the deadline for entries back to March 20th.

I hope you enjoy Ep.17- “I.T. Phone Home” and my tech talk interview with Nicki. Be sure to check out the show notes for her links and some of the things we discussed.

As I post this, the latest issue of the MSCA zine will be having the finishing touches put on it and then sent off to the printer. Issue 6 is Memphis themed and will be available for purchase around the M-town at Comics & Collectibles, The Cellar Tabletop Games and Comics, and 901 Comics.

Once the pandemic has ended and we can get together in person I do plan on recording episodes at local comic shops, conventions, and our monthly meet-ups at Garribaldi’s Pizza. Until then I’ll be using Zoom, so if you’d like to promote your project, announce your event, kick off your crowdfunding, or just talk toons with me, then here’s your invitation to join me on a future episode. Again, I hope to be able to talk to you all in person. I really miss our MSCA meetings and drawing nights, and attending cons and events.

Hope you all are doing well after “Snovid-21“..!
Stay safe, stay warm, and stay tooned.

Lin

“All aboard..!” Talkin’ Toons With Steve Bryant About His “Athena Voltaire And The Terror On The Orient Express” Kickstarter Campaign

Posted on February 17, 2021 by Lin Workman

New “Drawing Funny” Podcast episode is available for downloading/listening!

This episode I continue my unintentional CGS and Kickstarter theme. Over the weekend I got to talk toons, kickstarting art projects, conventions, (not) traveling, going back to school, and local weather conditions with the “Athena Voltaire” creator – Steve Bryant. We discussed his early work at gaming companies and with Action Lab Comics, and his current Kickstarter for his graphic novel- “Athena Voltaire and the Terror on the Orient Express“.

 

From Steve’s Kickstarter campaign page:

An all-new 120 page graphic novel starring globetrotting aviatrix Athena Voltaire!

“Athena Voltaire and the Terror on the Orient Express“ finds the heroine reconnecting with an old friend during a personal trip on the famed train line. When an old foe sets a plan in motion, the voyage turns deadly, as Athena must find the source of horrific slayings that are terrorizing the passengers! Obviously, someone has to do something…

Planned for issues 9–12 of the Action Lab Athena Voltaire ongoing series, the prologue follows Athena on a mad dash to the train station. This sequence serves as a framing sequence to tell tales of the adventuress’ past.

Like every other volume in the series, Athena Voltaire and the Terror on the Orient Express works as an excellent introduction to Athena and her world. Each volume tells a self-contained adventure. Of course, when combined with the other volumes in the series, a larger story begins to take shape.

This part of the story seems like something we’re all dealing with this week..!

Best of all, “Athena Voltaire and the Terror on the Orient Express“ is already written, drawn, and lettered, and the colors will be completed by the time that funding is completed- which is February, 25 2021!

Lots of backer rewards and stretch goal incentives!

You can check out and back Steve’s “Athena Voltaire” campaign by clicking here.

If you’ve been considering crowdfunding your comics (or other) project, be sure to check out these last three Drawing Funny episodes with Sal Abbinanti, Dave Dwonch, and Steve Bryant. We not only talk kickstarting art campaigns, but how they got started in the comics industry as well as some info on their tools and techniques and lots of pro tips in general.

I’ll have another new episode up soon where I talk with my wife Nicki Workman where we discuss her experiences with backing crowdfunding campaigns as a fan, and some toon tech talk.

Oh, and be sure to listen to Episode 13 to find out how to enter our first Drawing Funny contest and be part of an upcoming episode.

Stay safe and warm, and as always- “Stay Tooned!”

Lin (somewhere on Hoth)