At the beginning of each year, I usually dedicate my evening reading to one of my favorite series, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.  Right Now i am reading this adventure to my 5 year old. This  though is usually preceeded by the Silmarillion which is followed by the Hobbit. I enjoy reading them in order. The whole process takes about 3 weeks, usually in the evening. Yet, the question, really one would ask is why?

I mean why would I choose to dedicate 3 weeks of my time to a mythological fight over a tiny ring and a bunch over dramatic elves?

Well, like everything I do, there is usually a reason and the main reason is remind me, why I write and draw fantasy.

I enjoy the works of Tolkien for many many reasons. It also gives me hope in my own works through his own journeys and how he was 50 when the Lord of the Rings was first published. So as I approach 40 I realize there is still plenty of time for me in getting the bean completed how I envision it.

The next thing is the depth of the story he created. Tolkien wanted to create a mythology of his homeland. He was a professor, who loved history, poetry and languages. He drew  from his experiences and his love for mythology and crafted that into a tale, that is in my opinion one fantastic read.

He is the first true fantasy writer of elves, dwarves, goblins, wizards and fallen angels. His works have influenced thousands of writers, artists and film makers. Many other great series of books came about from their authors reading Tolkien as well a whole generation of gamers.

Yet to be honest it took a long time for me to actually enjoy the books. My parents had them when I was a teen and as I tried to read them, I found myself struggling to even get through the hobbit. So I put them down.

It wasn’t until I was in my 20’s that I found my appreciation for his works. I read the LOTR first. I was blown away, I did not realize how much I had missed. It was quite inspiring to see how much depth was in his books and his world. I found myself hungering for more.

Being a history nut, I found myself looking for more and more on what his world was about. I found it in the The Silmarillion. It made sense and helped me as I started to create my own world together.

Tolkiens work showed the importance of detail, cultural differences, legends, realistic settings and drawing on personal experiences.

His characters were enjoyable and I enjoyed the fact that many were noble, and though flawed still were able to overcome their difficulties. (something the movie felt it needed to take away).

He surprised us with the real hero of his tale, the humble sam, as well as the insanity of gollum, and the pride and vanity of Feanor, he was a real jerk. He set a standard that in my opinion has rarely been repeated.

The movies, are incredibly visual, yet I wish they had spent as much time developing the story as they had on creating the authenticity of the races and locations. I am so glad I found the books first before the movie.

I am not a nut. I rarely draw fan art, and I don’t feel a need to dress up. Yet I do draw on the creative influence he helps establish. I appreciate that. I pay homage to him and I am reminded that it is perfectly ok to take time to craft my story. I also understand not everyone gets it. That is ok, I am fine with that. He can be a difficult read, but when you finally get it… man… you will see the true gem hidden within his work.

So in a nutshell- that is why I read Tolkien once a year…. to stay inspired.

trav

]]> https://www.beanleafpress.com/comikazi-review-and-how-to-make-young-cons-better/ Mon, 17 Sep 2012 20:47:27 +0000 http://www.beanleafpress.com/?p=4292 Comikaze review-

This last weekend was Comikaze.  If you listened to what the promoters and owners said. It is the best/biggest show in SoCal. It was successful for fans, vendors, artists and the con itself. That’s what they said.

As a artist/vendor (because everyone that is there is selling something), my opinion of Comikaze is a little different than what the organizers claim. I do not think it is a horrible show, I just think that many times brand new shows miss the points on what makes a successful con work.

Now where do I get off on reviewing a con? Well I have been exhibiting at cons for the last 12 years. I average about 9 to 10 a year. I have gone as a guest, an exhibitor, an artist and a fan. I understand it’s a business and that the con, like the exhibitors need to make shows financially viable. I have done small shows and do the grand daddy of them all (SDCC).  The top two show in my opinion are Phoenix and Emerald City. They are run not by ego’s but by guys who want the fans and the venders to have the best experience possible. I also think that cons do not realize how many of us vendors talk about the shows we exhibit at. We grade them, we talk about how well they are run and/or how bad. We recommend them (go to Phoenix and ECCC) and sometimes we tell people not to go, because of the experiences we have had.

You see even though we all sell different things, and compete for sales, we want each other to succeed and do well. We know what cons want the same for us and we promote those cons heavily. It becomes a win/win situation for both parties.

I will not hate on Comikaze. I think it has potential. Yet there are many issues that will  need to be addressed before I come back and exhibit at the show. I am also not alone. I know 10 other venders that feel the same way and had the same issues that I did. So as part of my review I will discuss them a little. I also believe that this show is dealing with some major growing pains. When a con grows to quickly, it raises problems that include, crowd control, long lines and frustrations from fans.

So what worked and what didn’t?

The pro – I saw a lot of friends and other talented artists. My neighbors were cool and we got along. We have seen each other at many shows and it is always nice to hang out with new people and old friends, Artist and vendors alike.

The fans. There were a lot of people there. It was nice to meet new folks. I drew a lot of FREE Sketches and kids loved them.

There was some cool stuff to see- Stan Lee is always a joy

Freeman were good. It ran smoothly (honestly if you just follow the directions, and be patient. Your experience with the Freemen will be just fine).

Nice signage to find where you were at

The stage was cool, I didn’t mind that.

Oh, and that I got interviewed by an spanish news outlet from Argentina and I got to do the whole interview in spanish. (If you didn’t know, yes I am fluent, dyslexic too if that makes a difference:))

I also recognize and appreciate the work that goes into a con. The set up and the desire to create an environment for fans and creators alike. I want to thank you for doing it. I also recognize that you have made some huge improvements from the year before. That’s a good sign and hopefully you listen to the feedback both fans, guests and exhibitors provide. Ponder it a bit. Take what you need from it and tweak the show a little. I do want you to succeed.

Now what didn’t

Now remember as an artist/vendor support for our work comes from people buying our products. Though there were a lot of people. Not a lot of money was spent. It was a general vibe through the show. Hey, sometimes that just happens. Good days/ bad days. One of the general complaints. After they bought their tickets, they still had to buy tickets (30 apiece) to do the zombie walk inside the hall.  Plus it seemed every couple of minutes, on the overhead – They were encouraging people to buy con merchandise.  I don’t care if a con sells t-shirts and prints to bring in more money. That’s cool with me, but to announce it every twenty minutes or so, was a little too much. It creates competition between the con and the vender.

I have seen shows that have no problem selling their stuff and try very hard not compete with vendors. That is important to exhibitors. We don’t want to compete with you – we want to work with you.

The microphone backlash. Seriously thy over-com was abused way to much. I had two interviews at this show where they had stop, because of the overhead speaker. It was loud, and spent more time pushing their own interest it seemed than anything else. My interviewers were frustrated because they had had this problem all day long.  Now, make announcements – that’s good- people need to know about signings, events, panels – that’s all good. Keep them at announcements.

Ok the EGO. It seems like this show has an ego. Even towards other shows. As an exhibitor I want to attend as many shows possible. The shows that have personal ego’s really turn us off. Look WE WANT CONS TO WORK TOGETHER IN A WAY THAT BENEFITS EVERYONE…. what I mean is talk, open dialogue on when shows are so you give vendors more opportunities to visit your shows and not compete on what show to exhibit at. I know that SDCC, Emerald and phoenix all make sure they work around each other’s dates. Why  do they do this? Well, they understand that exhibitors and artist, do a lot of shows, and we like the shows that treat us good. They know that if their show has a bad rap and falls on the date on another show, than we will more than likely do the other show than the show with the bad rap.  Seriously, the exhibitor helps create the environment for the fan to have a good experience. The con creates an environment with good guest and good organization that makes the vendor want to be there and the fan have an incredible experience that is affordable. I heard more on how awesome comikaze was from the staff, and it’s organizers than I did from the vendors.  If i had heard it from the vendors, I would believe it more. Exhibitors can create a buzz that makes more people want to exhibit (more money for the con) and give them free advertising by telling people how great a con is, then the con just telling you how great it is.

Cost for vendors. I can seeing paying $500 a booth for a two-year show. I am not talking about artist tables, thats a different issue. If a show has proven itself, I can see paying $1200 for a booth and will do so. Once again the show NEEDS to prove that it is worth that. Comikaze gave us the rates for their third year…. $900 a booth. I do not think this show has proven that its booth space is worth what they are asking.  That’s a $400 jump. So I know of 10 vendors that have told me they are not coming back, because they feel this is outrageous, a slap in the face. They are con veterans. They are willing to pay the higher booth space if they feel the con has proven itself. They need to make money as well. I do not doubt the con will pick up new vendors,  but they loose the old ones, and the new ones will soon learn the same lesson we did. Honestly, I will pay the higher amount, if the show has proven track record, I feel that I will do well, and on how well organized the con is.  Other shows have proven that and they have a much much smaller attendance record and yet I will always go back and I will always pay what they ask for for a booth space.  So earn the right to ask for the high booth rate. SDCC, Phoenix, and Emerald have all earned that right.

Not thrilled on next year’s dates. There are two other shows I enjoy going to that have been that same weekend for the last few years. (it seems that you are trying to push them out).

Other issues. There were a few security issues for vendors that I felt were not in our favor. (You can email me on that if you want to know those, I don’t think I will post them here).

The disorganization in the lines. They recognized this and good for them for trying to make it better on sunday.

And not but least the flipping of panels from day to day. This seemed to be a bigger problem than most shows I have been at.

The Wrap Up-

Was it all bad. No. Like I said I really enjoyed the company. Our booth neighbors were awesome. Than fans and the kids were for the most part excited. The costumes were good. Some were fantastic and some well… lets just say there comes a time when you need to rethink wearing spandex. I love drawing for people as well, to watch them light up and I enjoyed the time I spent with my son as ran the booth. I am lucky dad.

I enjoyed talking to my artists and publishing friends.  I am really glad there are other shows in SoCal. so I can see you there.

Comikaze has great potential, just a lot of kinks to work out. Sadly I will not attend next year. I plan to do the other smaller show which usually falls that same weekend.

I do hope that Comikaze will sit down and evaluate how to make things stronger for everyone. As an exhibitor we would love a really good strong show for the fall. There is just not one there on the west coast. Yet there is potential for two of you (long beach & Comikaze) to become that. Seriously, both of your cons can create a much stronger comic show for both fans, guests and vendors. You turn your shows into A shows or strong B shows and artists/exhibitors will flock to you. The fans will feel it and you will reap the rewards of it.

Will this be read? I am not sure, we will see, honestly I just want to see things work. I also hope more vendors start posting reviews of cons. Be honest, it helps us pick the best shows.

Overall rating for Comikaze: a solid C

If you would like other reviews about Comikaze – just follow the links below or if you have a review about the show just link us to you and i will put it up. The more the merrier, cons need to see honest feedback.

Zombie Ranch Review – Sophomore or less-

Veteran Attendee – Geek. Pirate. Mom – Whitney Drake Review- Whitney, TheBoy & Comikaze Expo

Comikaze 2012 Recap – From the eyes of a new exhibitor – by Ed Ouano

Keep creating
trav-

The Journal 17×22

In the last 50 years the art of journals has all but disappeared. Our children will never know our histories or our mistakes. We need to correct that and take a moment in our “busy” lives and write down what was important to us and what did in life. So others might realize that they are not so alone.

Anyways- keep creating

trav

That’s right only 10 days left to back the Bean Vol 3.  If you back this project you get all sorts of cool benefits — like your name in the back of the book and a free sketch in the front of every printed book. There are also other perks to backing the bean. 8 pages of new story, plus the higher the pledge the more goodies you get, including maps, artwork and even you as a character in book 4. Once again thanks to everyone that supports the bean and other great independent art projects.

Today’s comic update and other Bean news:

One of the questions I have, is how does a little dragon get a castle? I am working  pretty hard on finishing book 3 I have about 12 pages left to draw and ink and I am now drawing one of my favorite characters of the story. I’ve waited a long time to draw her, so I can’t wait to introduce her to you all.

well keep creating

travis

Sailing the Stars 17×22

Winken, Blinken and Nod sailed off in a wooden shoe to catch stars. I love this poem, more as an adult than as a kid. There is something very magical about it. I wanted to share my version of it, how I would sail off to catch stars.

Also I am curious should I keep posting these? Do you look at them and enjoy them?  I never hear anything about them so I do not know if I should continue.

Anyways- keep creating

trav

Ravna’s Fury ($4750 promised piece) – Ravna dealing with a patron

For every $250 raised with our kickstarter project I do a specialized piece for the bean and post it. We started this at the 4000 mark. I will post one at a time for people to enjoy. If you want in on book 3 visit me at My Kickstarter site!

– (I have a bunch more to add- we will add one snapshot at a time. To get the books before anyone else and help us print a special book of snapshots come here

Please Share, the more support we get the better the rewards for everyone.

Keep creating-
trav

WOW! we hit it in 3 days!!!!! WOW! WOW! WOW! well we have 57 days left- so for those that want to continue to invest in this project and we would love to have you part of this. As the funding grows I am going to add some stretch goals.

I figure at the 10000 mark I will add several more pages to the book

at the 20000 mark- I will add a whole new book dealing with all the side art. I will figure out how to add this into the rewards…. but if we print two books i want the backers to get 2 books.

Thanks again so much for the support and help- lets see how hi we can make this go to help keep these books in print.

PLUS-

every time we go up $250 I will post a new piece of artwork about the bean story on kickstarter.

Keep creating.

trav

Can you believe we are about to break the 390 mark. I am a little blown away by that. The scary thing is we have a long ways to go and I am just at the tip of the ice-berg.

Well last night we got in at about 12:30. I am a little tired. Some of you might have noticed that I hadn’t posted my normal update with the comic. After 4 days of traveling and 3 full working days at a show, I was thinking of only one thing last night and that was sleep.

So here I am now, with a quick report of the ACE comic con in New Mexico. I will give a more in-depth review later.

The show was fun. I saw a lot of neat people, some familiar faces and many new ones. Talked with some old friends and also got a few pages drawn. My wife went with me and let me tell you, she truly is an incredible lady. She ran that show and the constant shoulder rubs were fantastic. I really enjoyed working with her. We were kidless this  last weekend, which made for a unusually quiet, yet adventurous weekend. We were also mugged. I met yet another Travis Hanson, and had Stan Lee walk by us and tell us good morning. That was nice. In a nutshell, I had a good time and if they invite us back I will prob go. I will though be posting a full review later.

Other than that, I get home to a full workload before SDCC. Several Commissions and ton of Bean and Bear work. It’s gonna be a wild few months.

Well keep creating and more updates to come-

trav-

I am traveling today to the ACE show in New Mexico. If you are in Albuquerque stop on by to the Albuquerque Comic Expo. As usual if you are in the area and want a FREE sketch stop on by.

It’s been a busy week and there have been all sorts of projects old and new that I have been working on. Some are for the show, a few new commissions and two books.  I am plugging away pretty hard on Vol 3. There is just so much to tell. I am now starting chapter 12. Only 38 pages to go before we start the kickstarter project for it,

As several people know I like to do a lot of small b/w art pieces. None of them have much to do with Bean. Until now. In fact if you just scroll down you will find 6 new pieces that are dedicated to story of the Bean- before the events of our story. I really like telling a quick story with one picture. So if you want to get some close personal glimpses of the Bean and his friends of Silver Dagger, just look below. I think they will enhance the story- and maybe add a spoiler or two. Click here to enjoy the artwork.

NOW for the other big news. I finally have felt that it is time for the Teddy Bear Pirates of my print series to have their own book. Yes it is time for an adventure and these Bears are the stars.

I will start posting Bear pages in a few weeks. I am having a blast working on these pages along with the Bean. It has been a long time coming.

The main difference is the bears are a picture book and will not be a comic book. I could not handle to epic stories in comic form, but a picture book will not be a problem. It feels right.

Also the Bears will be available pre-order as a kickstarter project as well. I will post people the updates as soon as I know. Yet the only way this will work is with everyone’s help.

Well I think that this is enough excitement for one day. I sure appreciate everyone’s help and I look forward to seeing where the future goes.

Keep Creating- Trav-

prepping for ACE this weekend- I will post more in a bit- promise.
keep creating
trav

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-