Trav’s Tidbits & Other Notes:

There is something to be said about a good comicon. If the show is good, it can do re-jump start an artist in a very positive way. Phoenix Comicon was that show. It was a show I needed this year and one that has put an extra boost in my step. Especially with how my year started. I have not been this pumped about my art and stories in a long time. Which is an incredibly good thing.

In fact I have some new energy and a new drive to put things on the right track and looking forward to accomplishing even more. I want to thank all those people that have supported me over the years and continue to do so. Thank you- as I read back through the last few posts and comic updates, I was touched by the support, even from those that lurk. You do not know how much this means to me or how much I need to hear it every now and then. Thank You.

I also came to a realization that the game is always changing. As an artist or creator, one needs to continually evolve. That’s a hard thing to do. Constantly figuring out how to improve and get ahead in the game. The phrase “Don’t tell me how bad you want it, show me.” has more meaning than ever before. That is a good thing.

The other thing I found out, is that my family backs me up and supports me. I am pretty humbled by that, as I watch my wife and children work very hard to keep our life afloat. If there is one thing that I could not stress more is to have a spouse that supports you and encourages you to keep going forward. A lot of great talent gets lost because there is no support network inside of the home, so they stop believing in their own talent and just wander through life living a bunch of “what if I had…”.

Phoenix also taught me the importance of getting guidance from the right sources. Young artist need to learn who to listen to. Listen to those that are already successful in the business. Follow their model. Don’t copy their style, copy their work ethic.  Learn from their devotion and their passion. Plus, when they give you advice, put yourself in the right frame of mind so you will actually listen and not counter with opinion.  Keep this mind as well, not all advice is good, remember that, but those that have been on the road longer than you are well worth listening to, than those that have just started.

Feeling rejuvenated is a fantastic feeling. One that is needed by all people, regardless of the field that you are in. Life is meant to be happy and though sad things happen, we still choose at the end of the day what our emotions we will be.

I find that the more my outlook is positive, the better my art gets. The more the ideas flow and the stronger the drive becomes.

ALSO – NEW SHOP TALK UP TODAY- CLICK TO READ. Subject – the power of webcomics.

So keep creating my friends, but most importantly – look for ways to just be happy. There is truth in the saying, “Count your many blessings”. It actually might surprise you.

trav-