February 10, 2013

I’ve been doing some soul searching the past few days. What events have brought me to this point in my creative life? What experiences have shaped my beliefs and passions? How have I molded these views into the stories I tell?

Of course most of the casting / molding occurred during a rather unconventional childhood. Hard and extreme, I wouldn’t change it.  It created an unbreakable foundation for the whirl of chaos you see today.

As I’ve grown through my twenties and into my thirties I’ve watched my views and beliefs change and flex. Suddenly I find myself a fully fledged adult with opinions and outlooks based on my own thoughts not others.

While these views are skewed though the kaleidoscope of a horror writer they are my own and I thrust them into each piece I create.

I fuck with religion, I’m irreverent to those supposedly in power and I don’t mind telling folks when they are being absolute ass clowns. I would hope they would return the favor should my own mouth get too big for my arse.

This is what creates my style, contempt hidden within the guise of humor and terror, a wonderful vintage which I quite enjoy.  

Please stop by the Cutter site www.facebook.com/cutter2013 to check our latest updates and upcoming conventions we shall be attending. Here's a peek at one of our variant covers - created by Tim Shay.

The Cutterverse Awakes

Quick updates on the forthcoming behemoth know as Cutter.

Our fan page hit 1000 yesterday. For independent creators this is a heavy milestone. Needless to say the entire team was ecstatic and of course we gave away some original art work in celebration.

We've decided to use our web page as more of an interactive tool. We solicit suggestion and comments from our fans.

We've asked them to help name one of our pivotal characters and ask for opinions on our current artwork and story arcs.

We post quotes from our characters and snippets of information about the Cutterverse and how life works there.

This is all preemptive to the release of  Cutter # 0

It's turning into this amazing little interactive universe and I have to admit, although it requires a feck ton of work I'm really enjoying it. I hope as the Cutter Team moves forward we can keep this interaction going and bring it with us.

 This is in no way an original idea, Steve Niles has been doing this same thing on his forum for countless years. I think being one of his disciples has shown me the importance of  being accessible and respecting your audience. Just another way a MENTOR has made my creative experience better and more fulfilling.

Christopher Gibbs and I are starting to commit to Cons around the country and the always being updated list is available on the events section of our Cutter page www.facebook.com/cutter2013
Please stop in and help us spread the Cutterverse disease!

Support for Independent Creators

I have to admit I am no millionaire but I have taken the initiative to support independent creators on Kickstarter and other sites.

These brave souls place their dreams at the mercy of strangers. To me this equates with placing your child on a sacrificial alter.

I don't have much but I give what I can. When I look over their projects and see the love and dedication poured into each detail I gain so much respect.

The creative community is moving forward and cutting out the middle man. We are taking the initiative and
offering our work directly to the masses. Unchanged, exactly how we see it, without interference from those worried strictly about profit.

No longer are we victims of others that can't understand our vision.

I am just ecstatic to be involved in this revolution and I encourage you to take a look and send your support.

Tasting Green and Feeling Orange

The impact of mentors on baby creators.

 Over the past several days I had the extraordinary opportunity to get advice, information and suggestions from someone I’ve admired (as a writer and artist) for years.

Just a few words and a little time have re fueled my creative fire.  I don’t think enough emphasis is put on the importance of mentors.

I know that those who’ve achieved success and have spent some of their time gifting ME with that hard earned knowledge have helped me avoid the pitfalls and failures that are almost required.  

Another kind writer has offered extensive advice and encouragement.  I credit him for teaching me the importance of making things happen on the merits of your own power.

Instead of being selfish and attempting to keep others from creating great things, a few have stepped up and quietly extended their hands.

They may even face the ridicule of their peers.  I watched an acutely cute version of this. The comments were meant in jest BUT it showed a clear divide between the person that respected me as a growing fellow creator and an individual smug and comfortable in their success.

If YOU are a mentor, THANK YOU….. If YOU have a mentor - you are a lucky bastard and must treat them kindly and realize how important they will be to your future.