My N.E.W.W Update (3 of 4)
Below are the pictures I’ve taken with the webcomic celebrities that I look up to. Considering that I’m usually the short one in the pose, I end up looking up to just about everybody. Let me begin this with a couple of notable exceptions. First, Krishna of P.C. Weenies. The guy that got me into doing podcasts and the one who was the reason I started doing Twitter, I really regret not having taken a picture with him. Hopefully I’ll see him again and make sure not to repeat that mistake. The other was Paul Southworth. The mastermind behind Ugly Hill, I had the chance to meet Paul on Twitter then short after, in real life. I’m sure I was one of hundreds to him, but I this guy’s art style in high esteem. If you’ve never checked out his recently concluded Ugly Hill, you’re doing yourself a disservice (but beware, it’s so good you might not come back here).

Meredith and Me
Well, clearly the cute one is Meredith Gran. The creator of Octopus Pie, Meredith was the whole reason this event took place. It was an honor to get a minute of her time.

Joel and Me
Meeting Joel Watson, from Hijinks Ensue, was a top priority of mine. Not only to I appreciate his point of view his comic provides, but his podcast is easily in my top 5 must listen to’s when it shows up on my iPod. As I’ll show you in my next update, I managed to get a sketch from him as we had exchanged artwork on Saturday. Very cool.

David Willis and Me
I talked briefly with David Willis. He is the creator of Short Packed. It’s just occurred to me that I take all my pictures on the right side. I wonder why I do that.

Gene Ambaum, Me, and Bill Barnes
Gene the artist, and Bill the writer of Unshelved were a couple of nice guys that have made some brilliant decision in creating a brand and marketing to niche. I have so much I could learn from these two. Wini would probably leave STC if she knew this comic existed.

Me and Chris Hallbeck
Chris is the creator of the Book of Biff. It’s a wonderful single panel color comic, who’s humor is a gag a day style. So, pretty much the opposite of STC. And so is Chris. Tall, thin, with hair…quiet. We both wear glasses though.

Me and R.K. Milholland
It was an unexpected honor and privilege to me this guy. The mind behind Something Positive, R.K. gave me some of the best advice I’d received the whole weekend. Incase you’re wondering, they were announcing last round.

Lar deSouza, Me, and Ryan Sohmer
And now, the big three. The following three pictures will probably go in my hall of fame for creators that are universally loved and respected…by me at the very least. These two guys are the creative force behind Blind Ferret’s Least I Could Do. I had the chance to meet these two back in August when STC was beginning to make its first push into relevancy. That push is still continuing, mind you. This time around I had the time to ask them both some questions that’ve been on my mind, and they were very helpful and engaged to answer them. Lar is a hero of mine. One of the best artists on the web, Lar’s ability to produce sooo much high quality work simply amazes me.

Danielle Corsetto and Me
Jealous? What an honor it was to meet Danielle. If you didn’t already know, this is the creator of Girls With Slingshots. A wonderful writer and artist, I was able to talk a little with her as well. And why wouldn’t I? She called me “gun show”.
Kris Straub, Scott Kurtz, Me, Dave Kellett, and Brad Guigar
The reason why you have to read my crud twice a week? Blame these guys. I was excited that I could tell them, they are the reason why my art has direction. I’ve spent the last 20 years trying to figure out what to do with my ability to draw. It wasn’t until a little over a year ago that I stumbled upon Webcomics Weekly. Listening to their opinions of webcomics, and seeing that I don’t have to do long form for to achieve success, I purchased their book (How to Make Webcomics). I’m currently on my third read through and am still learning from it. I of course have tons of respect for their style, abilities, and was stoked to not only get my picture taken with them, but was able to talk to them several times throughout the show.



Gun Show? Man, how come I never get a cool nickname like that?
“Wini would probably leave STC if she knew this comic existed.”
Leave STC – NEVER! *Tim whispers to Winnie that Bullfinch has punch and pie* …Peace, bitch!
Seriously – these updates are really fun to read and endearing. And they make me pissed that NO ONE called me to come, and why not – because I have neither a modicum of artistic talent nor a webcomic?! DRAWCIST bigots! *glares at Carlisle, then at Lionel Richie while he’s Dancin’ On the Ceiling… All Night Long*
…But that’s okay – that just means no one got to eat the Pop Tarts *I* made for dessert!
these pictures look…. familiar…. ;0)
We all had a great time, Carlisle, but I think you made the most of it.
It’s interesting to read about who really inspired you and who you and other web comics artists think are really great.
It reminds me a bit of when I did stand-up (mostly bumming around the open mic scene in back in 1989) and we had those comedian’s comedians who had a HUGE following among their fellow comics, but never got a big public following.
I think that being exposed to the ins and outs of producing a form of entertainment influences your tastes. You gravitate towards those who you see as being skilled in a favorite sub-discipline, or who are strong where you perceive yourself as weak.
Knowing who you consider to be influences gives an insight into your art and storylines. Thanks for sharing this.
“It’s interesting to read about who really inspired you and who you and other web comics artists think are really great.”
Thanks for that feedback Greg. It never occurred to me that that would be interesting. Perhaps I should blog more about that kinda thing some more in the future. I still view myself as having so much further to go before I can make commentaries on my influences.
-C.