Tag: zoom meeting

“Business As Usual” – New Drawing Funny Podcast Episode

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In this episode my fellow Mid-South Cartoonists Association members Kevin L. Williams, Greg Cravens and I pay respect and share stories about our friend and cartoonist Sam Ray who passed away in December, 2021.

I’ve been wanting to get together with some of the local cartooning gang to record a tribute to Sam, and in spite of some technical difficulties we were able to record for a bit during the MSCA monthly zoom call this week (thanks to some quick thinking by Kev.) Dale Martin was able to join us for a bit at the beginning of the Zoom call before having to cut out early before our recording..

Another left-hander, 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 writer on the “Hagar The Horrible” comic strip for 6 years.

Sam was a soft-spoken artist who was always willing to talk toons and swap stories with other cartoonists at our meetings and events. He was part of the MSCA since it’s creation in the late ’80s, and will be greatly missed.

2022 represents the MSCA’s 35th year of “drawing funny” and I got a recorded state of the association address from MSCA prez Kevin. He mentions some club history and discusses his future plans for our milestone anniversary year.

One of which is the upcoming group art show “’Murica”, which will be presented February 17 – 27, 2022, at Germantown Community Theater alongside the comedy play, “The Complete History of America (Abridged).” This art show shares a variation of art styles and techniques from different members Terence Washington, Jim Palmer, Dale Martin, Greg Cravens, Kevin Williams, and Lin Workman (me). For more info, links, and pics please check out the MSCA website at www.midsouthcartoonists.org, or previous episodes at www.drawingfunny.com. If you’d like to be a part of the show, you can contact me (Lin) at: podcast(at)drawingfunny(dot)com.

Stay safe, and “stay tooned”..!

Lin

“Drawing Funny” podcast – www.drawingfunny.com

Run time: 41min 35sec

MSCA Updates – “’Murica” And More

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

February 1, 2022

THE MID-SOUTH CARTOONISTS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS “’MURICA” AT GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY THEATER 

The Mid-South Cartoonists Association (MSCA) art show “’Murica” will be presented February 17 – 27, 2022, at Germantown Community Theater alongside the comedy play, “The Complete History of America (Abridged).”

2022 represents the MSCA’s 35th year of “drawing funny” and this art show will be one of a few big events planned for the year.  This show shares a variation of art styles and techniques from different members Lin Workman, Terence Washington, Jim Palmer, Dale Martin, Greg Cravens, and Kevin Williams.

“While the MSCA has done many themed shows for decades, we’re especially proud to partner with Germantown Community Theater to present our art show “’Murica.” It’s special as it focuses on American History – with a twist, of course,” said MSCA President, Kevin Williams. “And you can’t get more twisted than a cartoonist’s take on history.”

The play, “The Complete History of America (Abridged)” is described as a ninety-minute rollercoaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American History, reminding us that it’s not the length of your history that matters — it’s what you’ve done with it!  The play, written by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor is directed by Elizabeth Perkins.

Hours to see the show are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3037 Forest Hill Irene Rd. in Germantown, TN 38138.

Stay “tooned” for more info on our upcoming fall art show downtown…

There’s a new “Drawing Funny” podcast episode available for downloading: Ep35- “The Dragon Templar“. You can listen directly at www.drawingfunny.com or download at most any place you like to subscribe to your podcasts.

This episode I(Lin) talks to MSCA member Dale Martin and local writer Brad Starnes about their new comic, their origin stories, convention plans, and more.

The first issue is available now at 901 Comics (Memphis and Cordova), The Cellar Tabletop Games & Comics (Bartlett), and Quimby’s (Chicago), with more outlets to come soon! It is also available direct from the creators at www.dragontemplar.com.

Tonight is our monthly MSCA online Zoom meeting at 7pm. We will be recording some audio of some of our members’ memories of  cartoonist Sam Ray, who passed away back in December.

From MSCA founding member, Jack Cassady:

Hi Gang!  I see where you guys are mighty busy trying to get ready for the Art Show in Germantown. I wish you all the best of luck and much success in that fine venue.

I was greatly saddened at the news of Sam passing. It was a shock to me. I always considered Sam to be one of the charter members of the group. I enjoyed his company and talents. We were indeed fortunate to have someone like Sam to help us along the yellow brick road. Please note that I will be lifting a toast to Sam later this evening. He will be missed.

Jack

Sad news from writer Mark Waid about the passing of comics creator Brian Augustyn (aged 67):

This one hurts unimaginably: Brian Augustyn, rest in peace.

The Augustyn family has asked me to let Brian’s friends and fans know that Brian left us today after suffering a sudden, severe stroke over the weekend. I have spent a lot of time these last few hours writing a great deal about Brian, and I’ll share those thoughts soon, but for now I simply wanted to let everyone know. Comics has lost a very kind, very talented man who has been my big brother and one of my very best friends for nearly 35 years.

If you’ve ever been a friend, colleague, or fan of Brian’s–or, frankly, a fan of the work done by Humberto Ramos, Mike Wieringo, Mike Parobeck, Oscar Jimenez, Howard Porter, Travis Charest, or any of the many, many other creators who owe their careers to Brian, myself included–I’m asking you to send a card or a note to his wife Nadine and daughters Carrie and Allie to express your condolences and tell them what he meant to you. I believe it would mean a lot to them. I realize we live in an ephemeral era of emails and texts, but something tangible, something on paper, something they can treasure, would be appreciated. Send to the following address and I will pass everything along, so please keep it to letters and cards if you will. Thank you.

Send to:
Mark Waid for the Augustyns
c/o Humanoids
6464 Sunset Blvd, Suite 1180
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Some more sad news, MSCA member Martheus Antone Wade‘s mom passed recently. Jan Hardrick’s services will be held Thursday, February 10, 2022.  Visitation will be 9am, with services beginning at 10am, at M.J. Edwards, 1165 Airways Blvd, Memphis, TN 38114

If you’d like to send along condolences to the Wade’s, please send them to midsouthcartoonists(at)gmail(dot)com and Kevin will collect them to forward them to him.

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

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

MSCA Meetings And “Drawing Funny”

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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.

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

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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

Stay Safe, Stay Warm, and Stay Tooned! New “Drawing Funny” Episode and MSCA “Winter” Zine Available

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It’s been a while since we’ve gotten to get out of the house and visit together at Garibaldi’s Pizza for our monthly dinner meet-ups. It was always one of my reasons to get out of the house, even if my wife had to push me out the door when I didn’t feel like being social. I always felt better once I sat down and started talking toons with my fellow MSCA members. Hopefully we’ll be able to resume our group dinners and drawing nights sometime in 2021, but until it’s safe to get together in person we’ll continue to do our monthly MSCA zoom calls on the first Tuesday of each month.

Available online now is the Drawing Funny Podcast, Episode 10 – “Procrastination”. It’s the Mid-South Cartoonists Association’s December Monthly Zoom Meeting– well, most of it. We talked toons, discussed what’s happening around the M-town, swapped ideas on self-promotion/increasing eyes on our artwork, and how to make money with it and commissions during a time with no (or few) in person conventions.

We also discussed a couple of our favorite art books.

This monthly video call happened back on December 1st, and honestly with everything that’s been keeping me busy since this one was recorded it now qualifies as a “Flashback Friday” episode..! This one turned out to be a long episode and clocked in at just under 1hr 55min. As usual it was weird to not go hang out in the Garibaldi’s parking lot and talk for another hour or two like we tend to do in person.

You can find website and social media links for many of our MSCA members on the group’s Members Directory page, and the “Winter” zine issue is now available for purchase in local Memphis area comic shops.

901 Comics (Cooper/Young) – 901comicsmemphis.com

The Cellar Table Top Games & Comics (Bartlett Blvd.) – comiccellaronline.com

Comics & Collectibles (Poplar Ave.) – memphiscomics.com/wps

Next issue will be “Memphis” themed, and there is no buy in costs for members to participate. If you’re not on our MSCA mailing list contact El Prez Kevin L. Williams and he’ll make sure you get all the upcoming club info.

Happy Holidays– stay safe, stay warm, and stay tooned!

Lin

#supportyourlocalartists

#supportyourlocalcomicshops

#happyholidays

#wearamask

“Is this thing on..?” New MSCA ‘Drawing Funny’ Podcast Is Live And New ‘Magic’ Zine Is In Stores

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Hey, gang- as of this month I am a podperson again!

It took a little doing, but the new MSCA podcast Drawing Funny is now available online and I’ve got 3 (and a half) episodes in the can.

Episode 0 is the pilot/introductory episode, Episode 1 was our last meeting Zoom call…

Episode 2 was an interview with the MSCA President, Kevin L. Williams, and Episode 3 was with local Memphis comic creator Matt Bowers.

I’ll be recording more episodes soon. As soon as it is safe enough for us to get together again in person I’ll be taking the show on the road to our dinner meet-ups, to comics shops, conventions, and other events to record.

Please be sure to “like” and subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Radio Public, Pocket Casts, and other places you can get podcasts.

You can also follow this show or contact us on social media:

Twitter- @drawingfunny1
Instagram- @drawingfunnypod

I’ll be recording our next monthly Zoom meeting, which is next Tuesday, November 3rd.  If you’d like to attend the virtual MSCA meeting please contact Kevin– midsouthcartoonists (at) gmail (dot) com, and be sure to put “zoom invite request” in the subject line.

Lots to discuss this month, including the latest issues of the MSCA Zine. Issue #3 “Magic” is in stores now, and #4 “Animals” (with a Jim Palmer cover) will be out in mid-November. Copies of issue #1 “Horror” and #2 “Space” are still available at Comics & Collectibles, The Cellar, and 901 Comics. Deadline for entries for the “Winter/Holiday” #5 issue is coming up soon, so be sure to get your art sent over to our editors Dale Martin and Jason Negan.

Speaking of 901 Comics, you can pick up Matt Bowers’ Memphis comic there. Issues #1 & #2 are available for sale there now. He had a singing at the shop last weekend. Matt was also featured in the October 22, 2020 issue of the Memphis Flyer.

Matt Bowers’ Memphis: Superheroes in the Bluff City
It’s Here: Matt Bowers Signs Copies of Memphis No. 2

BTW- if you missed the last MSCA Zoom Meeting, you can listen to it on DrawingFunny.com (Ep1 – “Calling All Cartoonists”)and hear some MSCA history by the man responsible for us all being drawn together- founding member Jack Cassady. I’m hoping to edit some of the video together to use for our new YouTube channel Kevin is putting together. We will be uploading some drawing/painting videos to it soon. Would love to see some of your work on there, as well as in the MSCA website’s Members Gallery I’m currently curating, too.

Kevin and Muley have been very active over on YouTube with their “Muley Reads” videos, where just like the title suggests, Muley reads some fun, entertaining, and educational books. Fond out more info over at MuleyTheMule.com.

 

Stay tooned!

Lin

Our 2nd Zoom Meeting Was Out Of This World!

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We had our second MSCA virtual dinner meeting on Zoom Tuesday night.

Thanks to Kevin “Nuggethead” Thorn for setting it up for us. He couldn’t stay for the meeting, but turned over the reigns to me (Lin) to let in folks who wanted to join in on the call.

We had a special VIP guest show up for the meeting- MSCA founding member Jack Cassady stopped by to catch up with us.

We got up close and personal with Jack for a minute or so, but as soon as he and Kevin Williams got their web cameras situated we got to talkin’ toons. We talked a lot about how the MSCA came into being, the first meeting, Jack’s other group he started in Florida, his teaching job, the NCS, and him repeatedly jumping out of perfectly good airplanes- over 1000 times…!

We also had a special appearance by Jason Negen’s new puppy! My wife Nicki and Jim Palmer’s wife JoLynn also popped in to say hi. Nicki even brought me chicken wings to eat.

Kevin Williams and Antonio Johnson had cooler backgrounds and spfx than the rest of us.

We spent several minutes at the beginning of the meeting just laughing at Kevin in outer space and the digital pizza party hat or sunglasses he was wearing.

Towards the end of the call Greg Cravens was able to join us for a bit. He was working late on a project and had finished just in time to join in on some of the virtual fun. Was glad to have Cravens join us and get a chance to speak to Jack.

It did feel weird that when we got done with the meeting we couldn’t walk outside Garibaldi’s Pizza and talk for another couple hours like we normally do when we meet in person.

We’re planning on making this a monthly event on the first Tuesday of each month until we can safely meet up in person again. If you’d like to be a part of it shoot Kevin Williams an email for an invite- midsouthcartoonist (at) gmail (dot) com. Just put “MSCA Zoom” in the subject line.