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. 

Kris: StarSlip, Scott: PVP, Dave: Sheldon, Brad:Evil Inc.

Welcome to my final installment of my N.E.W.W. wrap up. Thanks for hangin’ in there with me. Much like STC, I’ve noticed this ended up being very detailed and long. So, hopefully (considering my schedule) you’re okay with the way I’ve chosen to do this. 

I saved the best for last. Below are some of the sketches I received from the con. I got the chance to do a few of them, but hated each one I did. Sharpies are not for me. Anyway, I hope you enjoy these.

Tim, Chuck, Dawn, Casey

As you probably already know, I spent most of my time with team “Geeky Voltron”. The second night, we decided to do jam pieces and drink beer. Sketchin’ with other comicers and drinkin’ beer together is the closest thing to perfection I can think of. Top right: Tim, top middle: Chuck, bottom left: Dawn, bottom middle: Casey.

Paul Southworth

This one was a cool surprise. Paul is on of my artistic idols and his work on Ugly Hill is amazing. I was really stoked to get some of his stuff.

I’ve got a lot of respect for Joel. He’s got a clever sense of humor and even though he’s somewhat new in the business, has really seemed to have figured out the business of this comic on the net thing. Perhaps this was one of his first ever con sketches? A collectable.

Perhaps the nicest dude in comics? Great actor too. He almost seemed as happy to meet me, as I was to meet him. Either way, meeting/ hangin’ out with Krishna was terrific. I still feel guilty for the terrible sketch I made for him.

Meeting R.K. Milholland was unexpected and awesome. I probably learned the most from talking to him then anyone else. While this was a quick sketch, it’s the one that got a reaction from my daughter.

Meeting Chris was also unexpected. Creating 1 panel comics is not easy. He sure makes it seem that way. He’s also a surprisingly quiet guy. It’s nice to meet a big timer for that’s so modest. …either that or he’s a serial killer.

And now the Show Stopper, the Head Liner, the Main Event!

Scott, Dave, Brad, Kris

When I met him, Scott was still waiting on his t-shirts to come in. Since he was waitin’, I offered give him some of my bristol board to do sketches on. I gave him that and one of my pens. He seemed unsure about taking my offering, so we compromised with a sketch. When asking me about what I wanted him to do, it suddenly occurred to me that maybe the HalfPixel guys could do a jam piece for me. Each guy went in order; Scott, Dave, Brad, and Kris showed up later. I offered each other guy money to do it, and they all turned me down. A lot of it was them maintaining an image, but these 4 were honestly amazing guys. They managed to keep their spirits and energy level high their whole stay. They answered my questions and seemed to really care.

Most of the time, meeting idols of yours don’t match your expectations. Everyone exceeded mine. Not included above; Danielle Corsetto. I ran out of time before getting to get one of her sketches. Purchased her books that she sketched in, however. Thank you to everyone I talked to, hung out with, and didn’t mention. Every minute there, made the drive worth it.

-C.