What else can I say?...

I’ll rest in 2013

2011-12-29T14:58:00.000-08:00

So this will be my last Blog for 2011. And it’s awhopper. So, sit back and relax, read at your own pace, and we’ll get throughthis together, I promise. Hehe.

Relationships:

“What’s this, Greg? You’re going to talk aboutRelationships? You never talk about your loneliness, your desire to havesomeone constantly in your life, or publicly display your desperate need foraffection,” says you, reading this with a sarcastic tone to your brain. Buthere is the thing. I really am an outgoing personality. I don’t mind expressingpersonal issues in my life. I just generally don’t like to mention names oranything that would directly get people in trouble. So we’ll see how this onegoes…

So the topic leads off with thus - I have made the choicenot to date during the entire year of 2012. This is somewhat of a New Year’sResolution. But I honestly think those are trendy and people don’t take thatkind of change seriously when they make a trendy choice. The goal in this case thisis to take control of my social life and put it aside for the sake of my worklife. One of the main reasons behind my artwork and books not being completedover the years is because of depression and loneliness. And part of beinglonely is my constant need for someone to be in my life.

As an issue that would affect me daily, 365 days a year,before my marriage and especially after my marriage ended, I would wake upevery day wishing I had someone laying there next to me. I had a wonderful 6months with my recent ex-girlfriend who, while definitely a great person atheart, and was fun to be with, was just not right for me in the end.

So now in the past eight months or so I’ve been onceagain battling depression and feeling alone, along with the constant feeling ofco-dependency. And during this time I’ve had people in my life, and even atherapist, telling me I need to work on this issue - that it was making me giveoff an attitude of desperation and being clingy with every new girl I wouldmeet. And that kind attitude can apparently turn women away. It wasn’t until itfinally clicked in my head and I fully understood the feeling, and not just thewords people would tell me, where I had finally decided to take charge of thesefeelings instead of letting them take charge of me. The literal “Light Bulb”over my head clicked on.

The F word: Friend- So the most common frustration when it comes to women for me is beingfriends. From the time I turned 18 all the way up until a few weeks ago, I haveprobably made friends with as many as a hundred girls over the years. Maybe evenmore. But let us just say it was an even 100 girls. I would say about 90 ofthose girls are women I am attracted to. (90% for those desperate for me to dosome math. hehe). Let me share with you a YouTube video someone posted onFacebook the other day and see if we can’t touch partially on why this is anissue for the Greg:

Now I won’t necessarily claim this video containedfactual scientific research. But the basic point is made; guys generally do notwant to be friends with women. Most ofthe time, (not always) the guy hangs around the girl because he is attracted toher. At the very least I can say this is true of myself. If you are a girl whowas my friend and you are reading this right now, chances are I wanted to dateyou. Most likely though, you already know this. It never took long for me tospazz-out at some point and admit my feelings to a girl. Which in turn made myfriendships awkward. Thus ending most of those friendships. Especially the onesI made in the last two years.

So the biggest frustration for me is the fact that I endup being around girls I like, who only want to be my friend. And who do they call upon when theirrelationships fail; me. I give them an ear. Comfort them and show them thatthere is a guy out there who cares and can be there for them. But, do they thengive me a chance to be in a relationship with them? Nope. Do I blame them? Well,I honestly used to. It used to frustrate me every time it happened to the pointof falling asleep crying, wondering why the world was so unfair to me. I wasnot a confident guy growing up. And as time went on, I became needy, desperateand clingy and until recently, all I could do was blame the women for notgiving me a chance. Or be angry at Godor some higher presence for constantly dealing me a crappy hand in life. Andall these events pushed me to a breaking point these last few months

It has pretty much taken 15 years to get a betterunderstanding on all of this. So much so, that now I’m trying to wipe out yearsof knowledge and experience, so that I can start over with a betterunderstanding. And it hasn’t been easyat all. The most recent situation with a girl “friend” hurt me so deeply that Istayed up several nights in a row crying because I fell so hard for her, yet Iknew it was right to let her go. And I was sad because once again I didn’t getto have someone I cared passionately for.

Angry at the world, pounding my fists on the headboard ofmy bed, I let out that overbearing emotion. And then… towards the end of these two days, Iwas fed up. I had told myself two months ago already that I was done, and thenonce again I fell deeply in love with a “friend.” So much that when we had the inevitablecut-off point I had to tell her that I couldn’t even be her friend because Ididn’t want to make her new boyfriend uncomfortable with me being around. Because the obvious eventuality of where Iwanted things will go would not only hurt me, but hurt this new relationshipshe was forming with someone else.

Do I blame her for any of this? Hell no! She’s following her heart. I followed mine, and it wasn’t reciprocated. And so I sit here realizing that if I were tokeep playing the “sob story” every time this happened to me, I would continueliving a pathetic life. And I’m done with that choice.

And so I moved closer to deciding that I will not bedating for an entire year. But not before one more issue…

I’ll share with you a recent situation that, along withthe “Friend” situation, had pushed me to the breaking point, leading up to thisdecision - I finally signed up for a dating site. Zoosk.com. Now I’ve had aprofile on Zoosk already, but you have to pay them money to read the messagesand flirts and what not between you and other users. So the week ofThanksgiving I finally decided “why not?” And so I paid for a monthsubscription, went on there and started looking at profiles. Naturally you see aphoto and then go from there. A lot of photos really turned me off. Some werejust ungodly unattractive and I wanted to send a message to these girls tellingthem how to take a better photo. And the others were either obviously fake accountsor I felt if they were real, they were way out of my league. So when I finallyfound the ones that I thought were interesting enough, I sent them a flirt or amessage. I was honest and said I was skeptical of how some of the profilesmight be fake and that I was hoping to find real people on there to chat andget to know better. Eventually I sent around 20 messages sent out.

To my surprise, later in the evening, I got a response. The first day? It was a girl telling me to call her and she left her cell number in themessage. I was still skeptical. I had figured that this was just a fakeaccount to get me to call a sex-line and not a real person. But the number waslocal. So to test it out, I texted the number instead of calling. “Hey, this isGreg from Zoosk.” A few minutes later, Igot a response. “Greg?” And then followed by “Mocktales?” Because I forgot Iactually made my account the name of my comic book. (No discrete dating forthis guy. Hehe). Anyhow, so we started a texting conversation to get to knowone another. Asking the basic questions. “Testing the field” as it were. Andshe had asked if we could talk. I was still nervous so I said I was busy withwork and could only text.

I finally got the courage to call about 10:00pm and thatwas when things got really interesting. She had told me that she thought I washot and kept looking back at my photo. Wanted to know which photo was current (Ihad one photo with short hair from a year ago and one with my current longhair). After I said long hair, but stated I wanted to cut it in April, she wastelling me I shouldn’t. That she thought it was really hot. This girl wasreally expressing how much she was into me physically. I never get that kind ofattention from a girl I like and it felt great. And she constantly throughoutthe phone call said she kept looking back at my photo. I was both flattered andstarting to get a little paranoid because I thought it was too good to be trueto find such a nice person the first night on a dating site.

Then she started sending me photos. Now, her profilephoto was very cute. Got the glasses-thing going on and I thought she lookedadorable. (This was why I initially sent her a message.) But then she texted mea clear profile bust shot (from waist to head) and I couldn’t believe it. Shewas gorgeous! I was very thankful I had gotten to know her personality first,because she was not only attractive as a person, but very physically attractivetoo. Then some other photos followed that were very… VERY flattering. And sothe phone call went on until 1:00am in which we were getting along very well.We even got a little hot and heavy and had some fun and - I’ll leave it atthat. But we ended the night happy to have talked to each other and discussedpossibly meeting for coffee that following Saturday if she was free from familyobligations. She said she would call me around noon on Thanksgiving and let meknow. I fell asleep contently feeling very good about Dating Sites thanks tothis one particular person.

Thanksgiving arrived. My goal for the day was to go andget the kids in the afternoon and then come back to a wonderful dinner with thehousehold I live with. But I was feeling very good about the person I had metthe night before. So I sent her a follow-up text saying how grateful I was tomeet someone so nice on the site and wished her a fun time with her family anda Happy Thanksgiving. No answer. But no worries, I had my hands full with thekids and we had a great day and she was off to her own family gig.

Black Friday; (really wish they would change the name ofthis day). So I grabbed the kids and we started heading back to the south areato meet up with a friend to stay at their place for the evening. The roommateswere having a party and so I didn’t want to burden them with the kids. As wewaited for the bus, I got a text back from my Zoosk girl telling me she washung over from too much turkey and that she was out shopping with her mom. Isaid a few kind words, sent her another picture of myself in a nice sweater, towhich she complimented me again for sending. And then I asked once more; “Howwas meeting for coffee on Saturday looking?” She replied “Not sure. There is talk of a cabin.” And that was the lastI ever heard from her.

I texted on Saturday to see if she was available. Noresponse. I called once to leave a friendly message. No answer. So then I feltI was being too pushy. Everyone tells me don’t be pushy, let it happen oryou’ll push a girl away. But then other people tell me to take chances and don’thesitate, seize the moment! I had gotten to the point where I thought thisperson was really into me, that I thought it was okay to text her as much as Idid. And maybe it was too much. Maybe I forced the issue and ruined my chances.Maybe she and her family did go out for a weekend getaway and was busy. I can’tfault anyone for spending time with their family. But I’ll never know, becauseshe never responded.

So a week later, maybe one or two messages since, Ifinally decided to try one last time to see if she was free for the followingSaturday. Again, no response. I ended up meeting with a friend of mine whom Ihadn’t seen in many years. And the conversation came up about whether I wasdating anyone. I brought up the situation with the girl from Zoosk. And thisfriend isn’t exactly the most tactful friend. He grabbed my phone when I wasn’tlooking, got this girl’s number, and called it. I came back into the room andhe’s on the phone. No answer. And so he tells me what he did. “If I call frommy phone, and she answers, she’s avoiding your calls, Bro. But if she doesn’tanswer, there is a possibility that she is still out of town or busy.” Notcompletely logical, but I get what he was trying to do. And then, he gets atext on his phone. “Who is this?” Stillholding my phone, my friend calls her number and hands me my phone. “There yougo, Bro. Her phone works. She don’t answer, her fool-ass is ignoring ya.” Asyou can see, my friend is not the most clear-speaking kind of individual. Hehe.

No answer. Instead of leaving a message, I justdiscouragingly hung up. This was mere moments after her text. There was nodoubt at this point; she was ignoringme. I told my friend to delete her number and to just forget it. But he wasalready trying to text her back with some wild scheme that he was accidentallytexting another friend or something. Itold him to just let it go. That I was done. This was a lost cause and thesituation is already getting way out of control as it is. And in return, Icalled her again, left her an apology message about my friend and told her Iwas deleting her number and done.

In the span of a week my hopes were lifted and then fellback down to earth about the reality of things. And by the following week afterthat, I realized I was done with dating for a long time. I don’t have theknowledge or energy to play dating games. To try and understand “what womenwant?” In all the time I would spend trying to date and get to know women, Icould be spending that time finishing my artwork, saving money, and goingsomewhere in my life. Which had been wasted already in the last ten or moreyears. And in the end, the right kind of girl will know why I sacrifice my timein order to make a better future for myself and eventually for my kids whenthey can spend more time with their Father as well.

And a little word of advice to you ladies… no, not justladies - to people in general; if you’re signing up for a dating site orsomeone is obviously contacting you for the purposes of dating, give them thedecency to tell them that you’re not interested any more. Don’t leave themhanging. And on the other hand, if someone doesn’t call you back, don’t dwellon why. Just accept and move on. In the end, it sucks not to hear back fromsomeone you’re interested in. But it also sucks to assume that things are “meantto be” just because you had one “good” night or conversation with someonespecial.

Now for the important stuff… (Silly women…)

MockTales – Books andArtwork:

First off, Project Molten – Originally I wanted to getthis book done by October 2011. But some of the test prints have come outoff-color and I have to re-adjust. On top of that, finishing all the designwork has taken me a lot longer than I originally planned. In addition to wantingto give up because of the (what I now realize as silly relationship depressionthing), I’ve put myself back into working hard and finishing the book.

Changes – I am taking out the 10-page preview ofMockTales: The Adventures of Tim Garn. This is due to how close the book isgoing to come out along with this first issue due to the delay. So with thatspace I am putting in more concept and design work. Maybe some morephotography. We’ll see how it all looks as I piece it together. I will be goingout to take more photos this week.

Legal stuff – I am going to be talking to someone about afew legal issues concerning the book. Don’t worry, no one is after me and I’mnot after anyone else. But I want to lock down some things with a lawyer beforeI start really soliciting the books and bringing them out to everyone. I’m notgoing to lie, I wish and dream my stories would get well-known enough to get amovie deal or cartoon or something mass-media. But I know the reality of thingsas well. So this step is towards being prepared and I feel it only costs me alittle time and money now to ensure a proper future for the product later.

GeneralOutlook/Future of MockTales – I am going to be looking to do the followingfor the first quarter of 2012:

MockTales: Project Molten – To be out by MegaCon, February 2012. Iwill be trying to bring a few copies to the show for people even though (atthis time) I don‘t have a table at the show.

MockTles: Ashcan Preview Re-print – I will be re-printing theAshcan I did with Rob Hicks’ artwork that we brought out a couple years ago.This time it will be a full size comic format with a couple extra goodiesinside. Right now I am looking for an early March release for this book. Andthen I will be bringing plenty of copies to Emerald City Comic Con and othershows through the year.

MockTales: The Adventures of Tim Garn – The first full releasecomic book I’m going for. We are bringing this book out at Emerald City ComicCon 2012, March 30, 31^st and April 1^st. I will mostlikely have the book on sale at the show so I can get it to as many people whoare interested in it. And then if all goes well, it will be available to orderonline or at Comic Stores interested in picking up a few stacks. And obviouslyand subsequent shows afterwards.

MockTales: Doctor Demolition – A 1-shot book slated for Fall/Winterof 2012. Right now I am working out deals with who the artist will be on thisbook. But I will announce that as soon as I finishing working those detailsout. This book will be “testing the waters” to see if people are interested inexpansion stories for the MockTales/Nexus Earth comic universe. If there isenough positive feedback, then I will slowly start expanding to my otherstories as well as time, money and interest allows.

Conventions 2012:

The following is my current convention list for 2012. Ihave a small code to show what I will be doing at each show:

(A) Attendee, no booth or table

(E) Exhibiting at a booth ortable

(M) MockTales booth with someone else working it.

Wizard World NewOrleans, Louisiana – (A) January27^th – 28^th. I will be helping my friend Jason Metcalf athis table. Stop by and support Jason at the show and see us both!

MegaCon ,Orlando,Florida – (A) February. Onceagain helping Jason Metcalf and attending this show with my own stuff. I ampushing for a table of my own, but they are sold out. I will update if I getone. Otherwise I will be walking around with books and meeting people whilealso helping Jason occasionally.

Emerald City ComicCon, Seattle, Washington – (E)March 30, 31^st and April 1^st. This is the big show forme. Bringing out all the books at this one. I will be set up in Artist Alleyagain and can’t wait to show everyone what I have in store for them. I willalso be trying to do some video at the show and getting tons more photos. Keepan eye out for the MockTales Girls walking around giving out fliers andcoupons.

C2E2, Chicago,Illinois – (E) April 13^thto 15th.

Spokane Comic Con,Spokane, Washington – (E) May19th.

Phoenix Comic Con,Phoenix, Arizona – (E) May 24^thto 27^th.

Crypticon, Seatac,Washington – (M) May 25^th to 27^th.

San Diego ComicCon, San Diego, California – (A)July 12^th to 15^th.

Wizard WorldChicago, Chicago, Illinois (E) August9^th to 12^th.

Dragon*Con,Atlanta, Georgia – (A) August 31^stto September 3^rd.

New York ComicCon, New York City, New York – (E)October 11^th to 14^th. Looking to bring out MockTales:Doctor Demolition at this show.

My New Campaign:

“I’ll rest in 2013”, my new campaign slogan for 2012 - whereI plan to focus on working hard for everything I want in life.

I will be working hard at my day job to clean up my debt, save up enough moneyso I don’t have to rent a room anymore and get a place of my own, and providemore for my kids because they deserve everything they need. The job I work athas great pay, good benefits and is secure. Or as secure as you can be in thisday and age. And I am grateful to have this job. So why not work hard, right?

I will be working hard on my own personal self-growth.Putting aside my wants and desires for someone in my life. Creating a strongerGreg who will be able to handle anything in life by himself. And after thisyear of self-growth, then I will be seeking out someone who is equally strongin their own self-growth.

I will be working hard on this dream I have put off forso long. My comic book. My story. Those silly little ideas I have had in theback of my head ever since I was able to consciously think. All of it willfinally come into fruition in 2012. And in order to do this, I cannot sleep-inon days off. I cannot take a day off, period. I cannot rest… in 2012. So, I’llrest in 2013.

Business Skills = Fail

2011-11-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

To start things off with this blog, I wanted to discussmy recent business ventures. Good and Bad. Because I think a lot of people havebeen under the impression that I know what I'm doing... [laughs].

The Business of Commissions:

I'm still on the last set of my commissions from earlierin the year. This was the first year I received a bulk amount of commissionorders. I learned a lot from both the success and failure of these commissions.- I’ve had people waiting a long time for their orders. I’ve also had peoplechange their minds and cancel. And unfortunately I’ve had to refund money topeople as well.

I’m willing to admit, I’m not very good at this. But, I have been learning to improved andhave been getting better as I push my way through the learning experience that2011 has been.

Some people would say “What’s the big deal? Why don’t youstay on top of things, Greg.” And I really wish I could explain everything and anythingthat caused all these problems. But there are too many to talk about. And not all of the issues are things I canmake public. A lot of it is personal. And a lot of it has to do with other people’s business; which I don’tfeel is something I should be speak about publicly.

What I can tell people is that I am doing all this on topof working a full time job, fixing debt from my failed marriage, finishing mydivorce and fighting depression. I don’tsay these things to excuse my actions. Butmerely to provide some answers and understanding about what I am going through.

Future Commissions: I’m looking to start up a new roundof orders in December. However, I will be setting up more firm commissioningrules. These are for protecting myself and the customer. This list will be available by December 1^stand posted in as many places as I can provide it.

WANT vs. CAN:

One of the problems I’ve been learning from is my “want”vs. “can” situation. I want very much tohave a vast comic book Universe to entertain people with. But since I am only one person, with only somuch time, there is only so much that I “can” do.

The problem; I tell everyone what I want to do and I havehad a lot of people asking “Where is the book? You’ve been talking about creatinga comic for 15 years!” Well, like manycreators, I’ve had ideas on my brain since I was 6 years old. And MockTales isan accumulation of all my years as a sentient being daydreaming about this andthat. I wrote the core of what you’llsee in the first book of MockTales in 2003. I adapted to a new version in 2007that gave it a little more edge. And then after my wife left in 2009 I wrotewhat I feel is the final version that has more character and plot development,and I am now going forward with now that I am single and have more free time again.

All these years I haven’t been ready, despite expressingmy want to have the book out. Andbecause of this, I feel I have let a lot of people get hyped or mislead that itwas going to happen. I wanted it tohappen. But I wasn’t ready. Want vs. Can.

So now that I’ve explained that tidbit, “where are you atnow”, you ask? As of this Blog this isthe following schedule for my art and comic activities:

MockTales: Project Molten – An 80-page concept design and art bookfor the MockTales Universe. This book is being moved to release in December2011. Delays are due to formatting issues with printers. Spending the next30-45 days tweaking and making sure things are right before final printproduction.

MockTales 2009 Ashcan reprint – Our 2009 Ashcan written by myselfand illustrated by Rob Hicks will be re-printed into a regular comic book formatand then re-lettered and colored. This will give everyone a look at Tim Garn beforethe fateful day of the first issue. Wewill be bringing this book out in February or March of 2012, prepping for thefirst issue of the main book at Emerald City Comic Con late March.

MockTales: The Adventures of Tim Garn #1 – Coming out at EmeraldCity Comic Con, March 30, 31^st and April 1^st, 2012,Seattle Wa. This is the book that I have been telling everyone about. Most ofthe book is done and a preview will be in the Project Molten Art book as wellas online in December. The current goalis to put out 3-4 issues a year.

Conventions:

I will be looking to attend as many conventions during2012 as I can. Initially I was going toschedule 12 shows (12 in 2012). However, that is a lot of money and seeing ashow I’m trying to get out of debt, I will be attempting to make it to conventionsonly if I can afford them and the time permits. You can guarantee that I will be at the local shows in my area; EmeraldCity Comic Con, Spokane Comic Con, Bellingham Comic Con and Jet City ComicShow. (Other formatted local conventions are TBA. i.e. Crypticon or Norwescon,ect)

My goal at conventions is to get as many people aspossible interested in MockTales. Advertise and spread the word on the UniverseI am creating. I’m not looking to make aton of money out of this whole venture. (Of course I won’t complain if I doeither). Drawing comics is what I lovein my spare time. I work a day job topay the bills. But if I can break evenat conventions, then I can schedule more and visit various areas of the States,let alone eventually making it to shows in other Countries as well.

Make it or break it - I’ll rest in 2013!:

In all honestly, 2012 is my “make it or break it” year. If I’m not able to make this comic book workin 2012 then that is pretty much it for me. I’ll pull back to doing occasionalcommissions and maybe a few 1-shot books once in a while. But no more creating a comic book series andUniverse.

The reason behind this is because I am going to be givingup a lot of my time to get this all going next year. And time is valuable to me. If it becomes a waste of my time and money,then I would much rather work my day job and just stay out of the comic book business.

However, if I can make some success or maybe break evenwith this venture, then I will keep going. So either way, I’m looking to work hard in 2012. And part of knowing whether or not this isworking is getting feedback from everyone checking out my work. Email me. Send me a message on Facebook. Or buy art and books from me and show me yoursupport when you can.

Thanks again everyone. This crazy train is about to leave the station!

MockTales: Project Molten

2011-09-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

As Greg slowly glances at another 11x17 photocopy sheet of paper filled with sketches, he smiles and places it on a pile next to his desk. Now approaching several hundred sketches, the artwork, time and effort going into MockTales: Project Molten has been tasking, but well worth the effort.

Well everyone, we're fast approaching the Jet City Comic Show in just a week and a half. The original plan was to have MockTales: Project Molten done by showtime. But because of a back injury I had a few months ago, I have been at least 3 weeks behind. In trying to catch up on things, I haven't been sleeping or eating properly and that has made me fatigued and sick. So instead of killing myself (chuckles a bit), I decided to delay the book a month and bring it out in October.

With the delay, this of course means that I was going to be leaving myself short of product at the Jet City show. However, in talking with fellow collaborators and creators I decided that I'm going to put together an Ashcan for the show with previews of stuff I have already finished for the book. This Ashcan will most likely be all Black & White and only $2.00 in price. I will be putting coupons in the back as well for MockTales: Project Molten, T-Shirts and the first Issue of the ongoing series; MockTales: The Adventures of Tim Garn.

On the note of T-Shirts, we have our first set on order - MockTales: "Comics Make Me Horny". If everyone is sensing a "Spaceballs the movie, the t-shirt, th e breakfast cereal, the flame thrower..." theme to this, you're right. I'm hip to getting the name MockTales out to everyone and anyone who is interested. All the books I'm creating will have MockTales on them, and then their primary title will dominate the book cover. (i.e MockTales: The Adventures of Tim Garn or MockTales: Doctor Demolition)

With all the work I'm putting into this book, as well as other projects coming out later, I hope to finally show everyone the world I've had stuck in my head for quite some time now. I tell people that these books and stories are 8-10 years in the making, but in all honesty they will contain things I've dreamt up my whole life. Anything is possible as long as you try, work hard, and make things happen. I've fought depression and other obstacles to finally get where I am. And I will tell anyone that if you have a dream, and it doesnt hurt another person to achieve this dream, then go for it!

And lastly, I have a Kickstarter campaign set up to help fund MockTales: Project Molten. Fund raising is always tricky because you're asking people to contribute money to a cause they may not care or give a damn about. Even with incentives. But thankfully in this case we're looking good so far and if the progress continues, we'll have our funding goal achieved. If you're reading about it here first, the goal is $1000 and the deadline is October 15th, 6pm PST. You can contribute at any time and you won't be charged until October 15th, and only if we make our funding goal. So for those who say they won't get paid until next week, month, ect, you can still pledge and not get charged until October 15th. Head to the Kickstarter Link here: MockTales: Project Molten

Cover pencils for MockTales: Project Molten:

Sample sketch art:

Cosplay Girls

2011-07-27T12:21:00.001-07:00

A little off the beaten path (if thats the correct way to say/spell that). I thought I would entertain all of you with my thoughts on Cosplay. And specifically my thoughts on girls that Cosplay.

My first initial reaction to people dressing up in costume at comic conventions back in 1996/1997 was a bit laughable. I feel bad saying this, because that was when it was really daring to dress up. The costumes were crummy and horrible. Maybe someone had some funky wolverine claws, but that was it... and then they couldn't carry things around the show cause of the claws.

But then as we moved forward into the year 2000 things started changing. We started seeing women dressing up in costume. The Slave Leia's started showing up. The Electra's, Psylocke, Rogue... you name it. Girls were trying it out. Some girls (and guys), not to be harsh, should never had put spandex on. Now, mind you, I'm going to be direct here and say that it isn't so much about the weight on a girl. Even a little extra weight on a girl can still look healthy and sexy. It pretty much is when you say it like the comedian Gabriel Iglesias says; "Daaaaaaammn!" that we start to wish some people wouldn't dress up in costume.

As the mid-2000's hit and I was able to attend some of the larger comic conventions (Wizard World Chicago and San Diego Comic Con), and our very own Seattle show Emerald City Comic Con started getting larger, I had noticed a variety of what people would classify as "Hotties" showing up at conventions dressed in Cosplay. Some were "Booth Babes" hired to bring in the customer to the table, or get a flier for what they were advertising. Others started showing that even they were interested in dressing up for conventions. And suddenly it became apparent that the comic, geek, gamer and nerd industry was no longer just fat sweaty guys in their Mom's basements.

So I currently find myself single. Creating my own comic and art book. And it hits me (what was probably already apparent, but my mind finally caught up)... I should try to find myself a single Cosplayer hottie to date. On paper, in theory, wishfully, I would think.... that a girl like that should be a hell of a lot more compatible than what I have been dating. Without going too deep into things, a guy like me needs someone a little more understanding about the world I live in, think in, create in. And while I say I want to date a Cosplayer, what I really mean is that I'm looking for a girl that wants to live, eat and breath in my creative world.

And honestly, the best thing anyone can do is take care of yourself. Be self sufficient, self reliant, and watch how co-dependent you are on a relationship and having someone in your life. I'm making steps towards being a little more along the lines of being there for myself. But at the same time, I also know how truly amazing life could be with someone more compatible. And so I am on a quest while I work on MockTales, work on my life, work on everything I need to do.

I am getting more and more picky the more I think about the kind of girl I want to be with these days. And so because of this, oddly enough, I have finally become that which I was always annoyed with... someone who says "sorry, not interested" to a member of the opposite sex. But saying yes to the first girl who accepted me has proven to put me in bad relationships. My fault, her fault... doesn't matter at this point. They were bad relationships. So... time to be picky, build something special with someone, and ensure that quality is achieved.

Thanks for listening to the ramblings. Moving on to getting artwork done... and daydreaming about Cosplay girls.

Another brief update

2011-07-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Great news! My back feels great today. Yesterday was the first day in a while I was able to sit at the drawing table for a long time before experiencing any pain or comfort issues. My hand was steady and so I finished three Commissions (posting scans after work today).

I figure I am about two weeks behind on my plans for my art book MockTales: Project Molten. But I'll make it work. After my visit with my kids this weekend I'll be moving into overtime on drawing and people will start to see considerable results. While I don't want to release too much of what I've done already, I will most likely share with people two to three designs pages to give an idea of what the book is going to be like.

In other news - going to see Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows pt2 tonight. I'm anxious to see how things get wrapped up. Already people are telling me how good it is and the sad and cheerful moments. I know some people think Harry Potter is lame, but I look at it from the point of view as a creator. A world was created in 7 novels that inspired and entertained millions of people. If I could be even 1/10th as sucessful as this franchise with MockTales I'll be happy. But we'll see how things go. As always, its about getting the work done.

Health and Status

2011-07-13T13:52:00.001-07:00

Injury:
Well everyone, my attempts to get better and on track have once again hit a bad snag. The last two weeks I've been trying to keep my game face on while dealing with a hurt back. I made the bad decision to lift a TV by myself helping a friend (again, "my" bad decision in case she is reading this. lol).

So, thinking I was John Wayne or something, I just let things go and eventually it caught up to me this past Sunday and Monday when my body shut down and I was having chills and sweats. My body was achy like I had the flu.

Getting better sleep has helped my improvement and of course I went to the Doctor finally to get checked out. "A possible herniated disc" is what he says. Maybe even just a pulled muscle. But signs indicate that I am healing and I will need to keep resting and doing proper stretches for a few more weeks while on some miner pain meds.

Artwork:
So naturally I hurt myself shortly after I announced my Art Book for September. This has put me behind not only with my Art Book, but finalizing my script for MockTales #1 and of course the last of my Commissions from March/April. While I only have a few commissions left, people have been waiting and my first priority is still getting those commissions done and shipped out to everyone. (again, if you ordered from me it is always best to email me at mocktales@gmail.com and not comment publicly online).

Being Single:
So once again in my life, as of the last 8 weeks, I have become single. I was in what I consider a very good relationship with someone with whom I felt was very special. I attribute a lot of the good things in my life these days because of my interaction with my recent relationship. But unfortunately things didn't work out and we parted ways.

There are various different feelings I have been having when reacting to this whole thing; Confusion. Anger. Sadness. Joy. Disapointment. And more. I had what I thought was the beginnings of something really wonderful with someone and then all of a sudden (to me at least) it was taken away. It isn't just my fault or hers specifically. But in the end it just plain sucks and of course all you want is the good times you had before everything went wrong.

You then see the person after the breakup and your first impulse is to smile, to hug, to kiss... but then you remember that it isn't allowed any more. And the pain you feel at that moment is unbearable. But dampens with time.

In going through these past few months since my breakup I haven't been too happy to do much, despite my outward and outgoing attitude people see online or in person. I've been sad and depressed and hurting. But I'm learning the lessons this is supposed to be teaching me and, once again, all I can do is move forward.

There is more indepth things about this whole situation, but out of respect and love for her, I don't want to turn this into a rant. It just sucks and it feels good at least getting some of this out.

I miss her terribly...

Interviewed by Peter Palmiotti
On Sunday, July 3rd, I was interviewed by Peter Palmiotti on his Podcast. You can go to his Talk Shoe page at the link below. Check out my interview as well as many others. Peter is a nice casual interviewer and I had a great time chatting with him. Also look up is artwork on Deviant Art and add him to your networking sites! This is the first of what I am hoping will be many interviews helping spread the word of my artwork and the world of MockTales!

http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=74008&cmd=tc

Long Time Coming!

2011-06-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce that at the Jet City Comic Show, (September 24th 2011) I will be releasing MockTales: Project Molten. This will be a 60 + page book containing all the concept art and designs I have been doing for all the characters, creatures and places in MockTales/Nexus Earth. This art book will be available fully in print, and I will be showing some previews online all Summer.

I am also happy to announce that the 10-page preview of MockTales: Adventures of Tim Garn will also be in MockTales: Project Molten, as well as available online in September.

This has all been a long time coming. I have lots to do this summer and that includes everything I've been catching up on lately. Many of you have been patient. Others have not (understandably of course). All I can say at this point is that I'm working as hard as I can to make things happen and I'm looking forward to finally getting these books done.

Here is a sample of one of the cover sketches for MockTales: Project Molten

Selling Artwork

2011-04-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

I seem to be caught in an interesting dilemma; figuring out my artistic self-worth when it comes to pricing my art.

On one hand, I'm not as well known as I would like to be - in the comic book-artistic community. But I have been gaining enough attention that I feel blessed, thanks to so many of you already who have bought artwork from me lately. And to those who have helped spread the word. Thanks to many of you, hard work is paying off in more ways than one.

So, now I have come to a difficult decision; to sell my artwork at a higher price. I do not raise my price due to inflated ego, but because I feel plenty of hard work is ahead. And for this hard work, I plan to bring people what I have been promising for years; MockTales! And a world of amazing adventures, excitement and fantasy.

If all goes well, and this year's hard work proves me worthy, then my excitement for creation and art will come into fruition as promised to you all.

A brief bit of random creative writing for the Blog:

"Caught myself looking in the mirror again. *gasp* Am I actually feeling good about myself and body? Could this be? Could positive changes and hard work be paying off? My body, is more tone. My hair, longer and thick. My confidence, grows stronger each day. A timid boy is growing into a strong man. Tell me this pleases you, and you too shall know what it is like to enjoy this growth."

Public Transportation Girls

2011-04-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

So an interesting thought entered my brain as I was on the bus home from work yesterday. But I'll get to that in a moment...

Since my truck is essentially toast (transmission is almost ready to crash and burn), I have been getting rides from my girlfriend and using the bus to get to work. This has been a radical change for me, as I have always been used to driving myself places for the past 16 years. Since using the bus, I have felt like I have been dodging a cold almost every week. While the Sound Transit buses are fairly clean and comfortable, the Seattle Metro buses have, on occasion, smelled like pee and always have someone weird sitting up front right on your left after you pay, almost as if they want you to trip over them and purposely cause a problem. This isn't every bus ride, but seems to be frequent enough. But even still, I do enjoy the fact that public transportation is available. I have met some really nice drivers and had good conversations. And regardless of the condition of the buses, these drivers do seem to put up with a lot in order to get people places, drive through narrow streets with extra long vehicles, and do all this on a fairly decent timetable.

I love to drive. I am also an arrogant driver. While I may have seem timid about everything else in life, I honestly feel that I am very proficient in driving and that other people on the roads are idiots. What this means then, is that when other people are driving me around to places, I am uncomfortable for at least the first few drives before I can finally let my guard down. Sometimes longer. I feel that I see things that they don't, and I may scoff or jerk in my seat because I naturally feel I would have reacted faster or differently. And from what I'm told, I'm not the only one that feels this way. So now that I am without a vehicle, I do actually find myself letting my guard down a bit more and putting a lot more faith in other drivers (that I am being driven by). I still think people are idiots for not knowing how to use 4-way stops.

So back to girls on public transportation; Last night I was riding home on the bus and I sat in one of those seats that faces sideways looking towards the other side at other passengers. This was a full bus leaving Seattle for North Seattle. And right across from me were three attractive girls, roughly early 20's, two of them with really nice legs. To my right view, in an attempt to look out the window past the middle accordion-looking connection piece, was two more attractive girls, also early 20's, and then to my left view was an extremely attractive late 20's business girl with nice legs as well. While I honestly don't want to sound like I'm complaining with the over abundance of attractive women on the bus, but I actually was tired and just wanted to rest until my stop. But I couldn't find a comfortable spot to just face and look. Every angle was covered and I didn't want these girls thinking I was staring at them. I'm confident in my life right now that if I find a girl attractive, I'll smile and make conversation. But last night I was just tired. The only option, close my eyes. BUT, if I fell asleep I might miss my stop. What a situation!! But, alas I made it through without a scratch. And in the end, the three girls in front of me smiled at me as they left, which almost made me feel like they knew what I was going through.

All you girls know guys go through this don't you? Don't lie... *laughs*

April Showers?! nah...

2011-04-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

So here I am, back again. Another attempt at keeping a Blog/Journal going. Lets do some catching up with this one.

Debt - So with the help of over 20-25 Commission orders and a Loan, I was able to get my debt issues caught up to about 80%. With this, however, I now have more artwork to do than I have ever imagined putting on my plate. Slowly, but surely I have been finishing and sending out everyone's orders. I would like to take a moment in this journal to thank those who are waiting patiently for their artwork, let alone everyone who helped me through this.

Personal Health and development - In the past few weeks I have been able to engage myself into "personal development" mode (along with help from people I love and care about of course). After not being able to make it to C2E2 in Chicago, I got really down and out about things. And one of the things I've had a hard time doing for the better part of my whole life, is working on my personal self-growth. I am reading The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck. While this book points out the obvious things we should all know in life, it also puts things into perspective. Various topics talk about how you are raising human beings, not just children. Then there is a chapter I am entering soon talking about Love and Cathexis and how we all think Love is one thing, when it really is another. I could go on, but I really think a good chunk of people I know should read this book to gain a better perspective on life. I even bought a copy for my soon to be ex-wife, because regardless of divorce, she is the mother of my children and it means a lot to me that my kids are around a strong and supportive person as they learn to grow and develop into the people they will soon become.

MockTales - I'm syked to look at my art desk and see more development artwork for my book. The MockTales Wiki has been getting more and more information as I have free time to write. Finally getting out things in my head that have been there for years, and seeing it in print online, makes this whole project that much more exciting. And then hearing back from a lot of people who have been reading and waiting for this, and telling me how they are enjoying what they are reading so far, pumps me up even more! At this rate, an Art Book should be out by Fall/Winter of this year, 2011. I can't say it is Official yet, but things are looking more likely than ever.

Happy April, 2011 everyone. This looks to be a very productive month, let alone 2011 being a very productive year. Here is to Productivity!!

2011 - A new beginning!

2011-02-16T15:56:00.000-08:00

Well, where do I begin?...

First of all, its good to start a new Year. I left 2010 behind as one of the biggest changing years of my existence. The Good, the Bad, the Ugly and then the Life-Changing circumstances of it all.

Here we sit in the year 2011. A good 40 days into it, in fact, with 325 remaining (at the time I’m writing this of course). In these past 40 days I’ve had to come to some resolutions in my life. Make choices that will break some ties, burn some bridges, and finally close some wide gaps with others. I feel like I’ve lost a lot of friends in the past 7 years. But in return, I have met an entirely new set of people as well. The core of these people are not the kind who will hold my hand and pull me along in life, but rather travelers on similar paths who will encourage me and in turn be encouraged by me as we continue on to our journey in life.

Artwork: I have reached a point now where I am slowly, but surely, getting back to the art desk. I am almost done with my first inked drawing since probably 2001/2002. I feel I have found inspiration once again. And I’m not rushing into it, but slowly easing myself back in to avoid burn-out. However, I’ve been trying to identify what is really holding me back from putting out my comic book; MockTales. And quite honestly I’ve been working on bits and pieces of this book since 2002/2003. I feel burnt out and pressured to keep trying to get an actual comic book and story put together that I’m always willing to give it up every three months to regain some sanity. So, with that note I’ve decided to put the actual “MockTales: Adventures of Tim Garn” book on hold until March of 2012. Most likely shooting for a release at the 2012 Emerald City Comic Con here in Seattle. With the actual book on hold, I will be using this time to develop a concept Art Book called “MockTales: Project Molten Magma.” This 50+ page book will contain characters and locations from the MockTales Universe, and even some random artworks too. I will be putting some of my Photography in this Art Book as well so people can see what parts of Seattle have influenced me, as well as some of the models I’ve been working with to learn to draw better. While I have had some really devoted people waiting for me to get the main book of MockTales done, at this point I feel that people really would like to just see me get something out and an Art Book is what feels right at this time. I can spend another year working with an Editor making sure that the story is going to be right and that fans will get a good quality book instead.

Deadlines and Promises: I’ve written about it before, but one of the biggest problems in 2010 was not following through on both self-created deadlines and also not following through on delivery of commissioned artwork. With the dream of making a comic book always cruising through my brain, I found myself getting into the position of telling people what I wanted, and not what I was capable of doing. As mentioned before, at the end of 2009 my wife left me, took the kids and asked for a divorce. “Who’s fault” and “details” on the situation are irrelevant and no one’s business but between me and my ex-wife. However, going through a divorce and suddenly going from family to single has had its good and bad moments. The bad has been depression and loneliness. Feeling lonely all the time made me feel like giving up on everything I want to do, including creating a comic book. Others would try to tell me to get my ass in shape and knock it off. But I found myself just wanting to give up even more when people did this. So, to help fix things I am going to counseling to get everything off my chest and find a good mental path to focusing and planning things better in life. I’m not ashamed to admit I need counseling. I feel it is best to get my priorities straightened out, especially if I’m promising everyone things and not following through. The other thing is that I am finally getting a team of people to help me. Which has been hard because I’ve been afraid to give up some of my creative vision in order to do this. But quite honestly, I have a whole world I am trying to create and I am but one individual. One person, or at least “me”, cannot do this alone. I have an assistant that has helped me get caught up on Commissions and shipping. And I am going to be working with an Editor to get the MockTales storyline set up for a continued set of story arcs once we get the first few issues out for 2012.

New Commission Prices for my art: With the new structure and organizing I am doing, I have decided I need to raise my prices for my rtwork. These new prices are part of me feeling better about my own self-worth, paying for shipping and supplies, and going into funding for my books and conventions. I will be attempting to re-post this elsewhere, but as of now these are my commission prices:
$10.00 - 5x8 Sketch Cards (Official MockTales Cards) with single character. Done in pencil
$75.00 – Single character 11x17 Bristol drawing. (+$25.00 inked)
$125.00 – Pagework. (Sequential and storytelling art.)
$200.00 – Covers or Poster and promotional art with background, action, ect.

Conventions: Due to 2011 being the first year I will owe taxes, I’m afraid I had to cancel my trip to C2E2 (Chicago). If I find some way to make it work in the next two weeks, and can still get my table, I will let people know. For now, my planned convention schedule is Emerald City Comic Con, Wizard World Chicago, Jet City Comic Book Show and Spokane Comic Con. At Emerald City Comic Con 2011 (March 4th, 5th and 6th) I will be selling Original artwork and prints and maybe even announcing some plans I have in effect. Hope to see many of you there!

Websites: I have three websites that I have up and running right now, and one more on the way; mocktales.com, elvesnextdoor.com and earthhaven.net. MockTales and Elves Next Door are both part of the same comic universe, but Elves Next Door will be an adult site version of what I have in MockTales. Earth Haven is a boffer group that I was running, and we are currently in the middle of deciding to keep going or to disband. In 2 years I will be starting my own group (as this was a group I had been voted in to help run and administrate). The new Boffer group will be part LARP with a heavy amount of action and sport. My new website that I am developing will be for all those interested in the SCA (Medieval recreation), Ren Faire, Heavy Fighting, Boffer Fighting, and LARP. I want to help create a resource for people to use to check out if there is a group in their area and help people find the fun they are searching for.

In the end, I feel that 2011 is going to be a good year. I am hoping that my continued enthusiasm and re-born energy helps me pave the way towards many great things. I hope to see everyone joining the new MockTales website and by all means, any feedback or information, I welcome it. (constructively of course).

-Greg Scott Bailey

My Daughter is now 6 years old...

2010-11-21T13:10:00.000-08:00

So my oldest daughter, Kyra, turned 6 years old last Friday (19th). Hard to believe it has been 6 years. I've been mulling this over the past two days on whether or not to post anything about it. As well as what and what not to post on Facebook or Blog about in my personal life. Things like; my divorce, not being around my kids, my financial problems, ect. I really want to be someone like Kevin Smith and post what ever the hell is on my mind without worrying about people taking it the wrong way. There is so much I've been holding back, and hopefully some day soon I will be able to talk about it. The things that have made me happy, sad, depressed, overjoyed. All of it.

So... back to the subject at hand; I got to talk to my daughter on the phone for (re-checks his cell phone) 1 minute 03 seconds on her Birthday. It happened so fast, she told me about getting presents and a cake and sounded really happy... and then she said goodbye and the phone was hung up. As easy as it is to assume and do something like put blame on others; I don't blame my ex-wife or her family. My daughter is young and probably just hung up the cell phone. But, it just... happened. And it hurt. It hurt, because I spent my daughter's 6th Birthday a mere 50 miles away from her. A simple 1-hour drive away. But I didn't have gas money. I didn't even have money to take her to lunch like I wanted to the day before her Birthday. And so I sat on my bed, in tears, missing my children, my wife, my family. And in tears because of the choices I make, right or wrong, that have lead me to this point in life.

Do I regret having kids? Getting Married? Meeting my wife? The short answer; NEVER! I still love my wife, I miss her, and I miss the love that we shared with one another. And it truly is a shame that we couldn't make things work. I suppose it doesn't matter who's fault it is. Mine or hers, or both? Who cares. It can be the children that suffer from this in the end. Both me and my wife can either get over our differences, or hold on to the grudges. But, the kids don't know why they have to live at Grandma and Grandpa's now (my inlaws). They don't know why they got to see their Daddy every other week for the first year I was sepparated from my wife. Visiting, a place they used to call home, instead of living there. And now, kids haven't stayed with me for over 3 months because I had to downgrade from the 2-bedroom apartment to renting a room to save money for the upcoming Child Support (now in effect).

It is very easy for friends to be on my side when you just read about my point of view. So I ask that anyone who reads this and may or may not know my wife to not pass judgement on her because of what I say. Blaming or putting fault on someone else is not the reason I write this, or any future Blogs about this Divorce situation. I am merely expressing what is on my mind and getting it out in words. If I were to truly write about this whole ordeal, it would be long, drawn out and bore the heck out of everyone because I don't know how to write very well. Maybe I'll be worthy of a book about my life some day, but I'm 32 years old, turning 33 shortly... I don't see me writing a book about my life until I'm at least 115. *smile*

Back in the Saddle Again?

2010-11-21T09:49:00.001-08:00

A good Aerosmith song, but also ringing true to my current status. I have been drawing and writing again. And it feels wonderful!

MockTales.com:
Tonight on MockTales.com I will be putting up a short narrative with a drawing of the Elf girl, Lilly. I hope to give people a really quick summary of what the MockTales/Nexus Earth comic Universe is about. While MockTales.com needs a lot of work, I'm only going to be opening up more pages as they are done. Too many times have I said I was going to have something on the website, only to end up not having the time and/or knowledge of how to do it. My excitement for my ideas would get the best of me and then people are left with nothing in the end.

MockTales: The Adventures of Tim Garn:
The Script! I have once again re-written the MockTales script. I am currently on the final draft now. Why did I re-write it? Well the initial script was written in 2002. I have modified it a bit over the last few years, but it wasn't until 2010 that I really took a look at it and thought it needed some more substance to it. Those who have read the original script had said that it was too quick of a read and that the characters were accomplishing their tasks too quickly. So I have now stretched out the first story arc and even added a new character to the group.

In December I will be posting character profiles. You will start seeing the main cast of the first book; MockTales: The Adventures of Tim Garn. And then I will follow up with side characters and even characters who I have created for additional comics in the Nexus Earth Universe (as long as the first book does well).

Ballpoint Theater Has arrived!
Or at least it will arrive tonight if I finish the coding correctly on MockTales.com. Tonight I will be starting the "Ballpoint Theater" which will be my weekly attempt at showing artwork to everyone. The catch? This artwork will all be done with a Bic Ballpoint Pen. No pencils. No erasers. Just straight up drawing and whatever happens, happens. Check http://mocktales.com for the first piece between 8-10pm PST.

TRAFFIC RANT!
I'm going to add one more thing to today's blog. For crying outloud, how in the world do some people in this Country have a Driver's License? One of the things about me that my friends have learned lately, is that while I try not to be arrogant about a great many things in life, I am VERY arrogant about driving. I've always thought that if I could drive, anyone could do it. So get ready to see a lot of complaining about how people drive here in the Seattle area. I know, it could be worse. I've heard horror stories about New York and many other cities. And I know it would help if our cities were built with future planning and budgeted correctly, but it really would take just a few simple moments of awareness to help cut down on common traffic issues.

My first complaint; merging onto a Freeway. 1) The Merge: How hard it is to simply allow people to come on to the Freeway in a "Zipper", or "every other car", fashion? And additionally when you are entering the Freeway... give some damn space between you and the car in front so people see you are willing to allow the merge to work properly. If they don't work with you, don't stop doing it. The more people who continue to work hard, to make traffic flow, can eventually make a world of difference. 2) Get up to Speed!: A freeway ramp has ample space, 9 times out of 10, to allow you to match the speed of the current traffic on the Freeway. Focus on the traffic you are entering and get up to the proper speed. Sure the slow lane (right lane) has to be aware you are entering the freeway, and allow you that space to merge into as I mentioned above, but don't slow the flow of traffic down any more because you can't get up to the proper speed. 3) Patience: Unless the Freeway has a ridiculous design where you enter on the left, and immediately need an exit to the right (I-5 Seattle, southbound from the I-520 ramp to, I believe, the Eastlake exit?), there is no reason you can't just take the proper time to merge through the traffic lanes to get to your exit. And again, if you're on the Freeway and people need over to get to an exit, just let them merge through so they don't slow down traffic for everyone else. There is no need to "Be in first place" on a Freeway.

And please, for crying out loud, take a side road if you're not in a hurry. Why get on a Freeway with a 60 mph speed limit, where everyone wants to go 65-70 mph, and only drive 45-50 mph? Do you really want to be "That Guy/Girl".

Zombies and Undead

2010-11-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Just a quick rant;

So almost ten years after I wanted to originally start MockTales, the zombie genre has really exploded and taken a life of it's own; so to speak.

Everyone is doing zombies now. It even had me worried for a little while; if I should even bother keeping zombies in my story. And after some thought... HELL YEAH I'm going to keep them. I think we're approaching a time where zombies are becoming the new archtype-foe to put into the comic book format of villains and/or obstacles. You can mix it up now with either a slow zombie Horde, or fast smart-zombie running after you and out-thinking you. Left 4 Dead has different mutated versions of their zombies with different abilities due to the mutation. The sky is the limit at this point.

So this does get me to thinking that I may have to put more thought into my zombies. What will their infection rate be. Will there be a cure? Fast? Slow? It's going to be fun. But the decision has to come soon as the pages are finally coming together and the story is building more and more into a reality each day.

Murphey's Law?

2010-11-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

It could be Murphey's Law. Or to "Jinx" one's self. Either way, my advice to anyone is not to gloat and say "I don't get sick." Because guess what happened, I got sick. Bad.

Last week on Tuesday, while at work, I wasn't feeling too well. I talked to the boss and then I had left early and made it in home in time to pray to the toilet God's. And I did that praying for four days straight before I could finally get comfortable with regular food. I haven't been this sick in six years. Chances are it was the Flu. I never get the Flu, and yet here I am recovering from in. While I'm still fatigued, I'm getting more energy back every day.

So on this note, naturally, all my plans for MockTales on Halloween day fell through and everything I had planned couldn't happen. So I'm going to try and make up for that all this week as best as possible.

I did want to have something for everyone on Halloween so I sketched up a sexy Witch character. Just something fun and possible for a later story. I call her Red Bad Witch.

Back to the Grind

2010-10-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

Just a short blog. But I'm happy to say that I am getting back to the art table finally. I will be posting artwork tonight after I get off work and then follow up with more artwork on Halloween Day.

Brief History Lesson:
The actual concept of MockTales came to me winter of 2001/2002. Although I tell people this book is 10 years in the making, it actually contains ideas I thought of when I was as young as 6 years old. But in the same respects, I truly feel I haven't been professional and in the right position to put this dream together until now. The problem is, I have been promissing this book for years without realizing I wasn't ready. And because of that, I have let a lot of people down. (as I have mentioned before, so I won't go "broken record" on you all)

So where do we stand? Another deadline coming up and will Greg provide? Well the answer is yes, Greg will provide on Halloween day, October 31st 2010. I will be posting a lot of artwork on Facebook and Deviant Art. The MockTales website will be updated as well, with a few active pages. I am still deciding whether or not to get rid of the template I have been using the last few years and just code everything myself again. But that means more work on my plate.

On the horizon:
There is still no release date for MockTales #1. Not until I know for certain I can have the pages done and print-ready. But I will definately have a couple pages to view online on Halloween day.

Also, while I have a few well known comic artists in talks to help with Pin-up, concept and cover artwork for MockTales, I don't have any definate projects that I can announce at this time. When I have artwork in my hands and ready to print, I will most likely make announcements. I am very excited that I have a few people wanting to work with me on this book. So as soon as I know for sure I will announce who they are and what they will be helping with.

Additionally I am hoping to get some Radio time on the local Seattle stations and get the word out for MockTales across the rest of the country. I'll work on world domination in 2012... shortly before the apocalypse. Advertising for me will be more likely once I actually have pages available for people to view and the book is print-ready.

Want to help? Just let everyone know about MockTales.com and our networking sites. Email me with questions or concerns at mocktales@gmail.com.

(Art below by Greg Scott Bailey. Character: Bleü)

Las Vegas Vacation 2010

2010-10-17T07:28:00.001-07:00

It has taken me a while to write this blog. Erasing, deleting, re-writing, re-arranging and re-evaluating what I want to say. So as I sit here listening to Machines of Loving Grace "Butterfly Wings" and finish my final edit, I find myself with a smile on my face, a posative outlook on life, and happy to tackle what ever obstacles are ahead.

And so...

It is October 3rd, 2010. I have come home from work to my new place, a rented room at a house in North Seattle. Today is the day I leave for Las Vegas with Nirvana, my new best friend and confidant. We are heading to the City of Sin for a vacation, photo shoots and the Las Vegas Renaissance Faire "Age of Chivalry."

A couple hours into the drive, we have picked up a few extra camping supplies for the Ren Faire from a friend in Bonney Lake and decided instead of driving 30 miles back up north to I-90, we should just take Hwy 410 and drive through White Pass. The climb is steady as we get higher and higher into the mountains. Nirvana and I have been listening to a great assortment of music on her Android phone. With wonder and amazement, the trees just keep looking more and more beautiful as it is apparent Autumn is on the horizon. The rivers flowing by the road remind me why I love the Pacific Northwest so much. When we finally reach the summit area of the highway, the clouds are low and thick, giving us fog-conditions. The road also begins to narrow with caution signs that we should be driving slow. Nirvana and I notice that it would take much to drive off the road and down the cliff, so we naturally obey the speed limit.

After we made it through White Pass, we began travelling through eastern Washington. Passing through Yakima and then heading south to Oregon and further on into Idaho. During that trip Nirvana took over driving duties for a while. While my part of the trip seemed uneventful, Nirvana had to go through some crazy-ass construction. We even had a situation where a Semi and a Ryder truck had an accident. The Semi's trailer was taking up all the lanes on the road, with the cab mushed up sideways on the right. The Ryder truck had crashed into the back of the trailer, probably causing it to slide sideways. After careful assessment while sitting and waiting for emergency services, many of us drivers noticed we could probably squeeze inbetween the back of the trailer, the Ryder truck and the concrete barrier on the left side. So, Nirvana handed over the wheel to me and I slowly navigated the truck through, and we were once again on our way.

The rest of the drive was somewhat uneventful. Taking advantage of a Rest STop, we slept for a couple hours in Idaho. Breakfast in Twin Falls, Idaho, was breathtaking. You could see into a canyon there that was absolutely amazing. It even had a golf course in it. Storm clouds through northern Nevada helped keep the trip cool since we were travelling without air condidtioning. Then, after almost 24 hours from starting our trip, we saw the signs for Las Vegas and the happy, yet tired, smiles began to grow on our faces. We entered town just in time for Nirvana to make a Photo Shoot. The Photographer understood that we were trying hard to make it by Monday night and so it was great to be able to make it into town on time. After the photo shoot Nirvana and I went to check in to the Trump Towers. And what an amazing room and service. We enjoyed our stay so much that we signed up for a second night and even wrote a letter to the staff and management. They were polite, courtious and helpful. Both Nirvana and I plan on staying there again during the week next year if we go to Ren Faire 2011. Or possibly any other trip.

After checking out of the Trump Towers, we went over to a friend of Nirvana's near Lone Mountain and Shepard's Pass so that Nirvana and I could get our own photo shoot in. We ended up hiking a mountainside that wasn't so much difficult, but something I had never done. And at one point I really had to climb probably a 15-20 foot face area. Again, not something difficult, but something I had never done. This was a personal big step in my life, having never done this before and it was such a good feeling knowing I got to climb what I did. While taking some photos on the way up was fun, the real fun happened when we reached the top. We did a few wardrobe changes and then got started. After the shoot, there was a moment of amazement when you look out over the horizon at the city of Las Vegas and all the Mountains in the area. You just stand there in awe of everything, happy to be alive. After the climb, our third Hotel night was at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Our opinion is rather low of this Hotel unfortunately. If we were staying there, ready to party and have people over, then I could see this room being useful. But after the long day of climbing and such, both Nirvana and I were just ready to crash and burn. We were able to get out for dinner at a wonderful Italian eatery, but when we brought home the leftovers we realized there was no fridge in the room. Additionally we wondered if we could just put the left overs in the mini-bar, not realizing that all the items are pressure sensative so that even Ethan Hunt from Mission Impossible couldn't steal a mini-bottle of rum if he wanted. (I jest... of course Ethan Hunt could do it!).

After sorting out the "billing" issue and checking out of the room at the Hard Rock, Nirvana and I moved on to one last photo shoot for her, and setting up our camping at Sunset Park, Las Vegas. Meeting with members of The Port of the Black Sail, a guild eventing with the Las Vegas Ren Faire, I quickly began to realize what I missed about going to events both SCA and Ren Faire alike. A great assortment of people that, while it took me a while to warm up to, ended up being a wonderful group that I hope to event with again. They had a great set up complete with rope, fish netting, and the highlight for me; a 15-foot tall Crow's Nest. We spent a good portion of the event playing Pirates/Privateers. Our job was to bring people visiting the Faire from off the street in for Floggings and Drubbings. Floggings of course would mean they would be put into the stocks and flogged. And Drubbings they were put into a second set of stocks and drenched with water. With audience participation, everyone had a great time and joined the fun. We would ask the audience to count to three with us and told them that the louder they would count, the harder we would hit. (which of course was just part of the act). By Sunday, close of event, we were all tired and exhausted... but couldn't take a break yet, because it was time to break down all the equipment and store it in the U-haul truck.

By the end of the event we were heading back on the road again to Seattle. This time we ended up going to Northern California and then up through Oregon. Not because we wanted to, but because I went on the wrong highway. *smiles* Regardless, we knew how to get to I-5 and eventually made our way into Southern Oregon before we finally hit a major snag; loss of transmission fluid. We were climbing up a mountain hillside of I-5 near Sunny Valley when I noticed the accellerator was going all the way to the floor, and we weren't going any faster. Looking in the rearview mirror to get over to the shoulder of the road, I noticed a bunch of smoke/steam coming out the back. My heart sank as we got closer and closer to the shoulder and off the road, almost reaching the top of the hill. We were stuck and weren't able to go anywhere. Eventually with the help of some locals, we were able to find the cause of the transmission fluid leak, clamp it up, get new fluid, and then later that morning get back on our way. A situation that could have been worse, made simple.

As we pulled into the driveway, finally making it home, Nirvana and I both smiled...tiredly. We had a great trip, but it was also good to be home. It was time to go back to work and keep earning our way in the world. The start of many road trips and vacations together, Nirvana and I look forward to the next adventure!

A new beginning

2010-09-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

So.... holy crap its almost the end of 2010 and it has now been a year since my wife left.

I wanted to write briefly about my feelings lately. As you can imagine, 5-6 years worth of a relationship either married or just being with someone you love is hard to let go. Part of you wants to jump for joy at the sign of freedom. The other part of you misses the person that you had loved so dearly and would have done just anything for.

Learning to deal with these emotions can have a tremendous effect on someone throughout their daily lives. The depression can make it hard to follow through on commitments. Organization and "giving a damn" goes out the window. And people who have been depending on you, are let down to the point where they have no more faith in you.

Yesterday I left a message on my Deviant Art page and I will follow up with that here; I am effectively cancelling my launch of MockTales for late October/beginning of November 2010. When will the book be out? At this time I just don't know. I'm not giving up, but I just can't make the deadline I set for myself. The deadline that I keep setting over and over since 2004. Every year I say I'm drawing this book. Every year I tell people it is just a few months away. Every year since I started selling artwork at the Emerald City Comic Con, I would tell people it's almost here. And every year, I let people down. Including myself.

The idea was this; that I would move out of my apartment in Lakewood, and move into a room for rent either with my Niece, or eventually where I ended up living now, at a room for rent in Seattle. Since I have moved into this new place, my old life has been slowly drifting away, making room for my new life. I have met some of the most amazing people in the last year or so. And more recently, in the last 6 months, I feel like I have fallen in love all over again. Fallen in love with life, my mind, my art, my writing, and even with a woman who means a great deal to me. Where all of this will go, I just don't know. I'll read back on this in five years and tell you then. But for once, I'm not scared or afraid. Should I be? Am I too numb to feel afraid any more?

Someone had once told me, that when my wife slammed my thumb in between the door-frame and the car door (accidentally of course) that the reason I was not freaking or lashing out in anger because I was in shock. I've heard people say this so many times, but never understood it. I had complete access to my thoughts and actions and knew that I was injured, knew there was pain, but chose not to react to it. This makes it hard for me to understand why people keep using shock as an answer, and not just the fact that someone can choose how they will respond to a painful situation.

I paused a moment while writing this to look at the scar on my thumb.

After months of being alone. Hurt by two more women, my own actions, and even a few more bumps and scrapes along the way, I chooes to learn from this pain and continue to bee the happy and cheerful person I want to be. Some days won't be as cheerful. I won't have the energy. But then that will go away and once again I will feel upbeat and on top of the world. That is the person I am. And I know this bothers people, but I think it bothers people who can't deal with their own emotions, problems and pain.

Their day will come.

For me, my new life starts now...

Lost some of that steam

2010-07-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

Never got around to writing this. But figured the title was important since my December 2009 blog.

Full Steam Ahead!

2009-12-14T13:01:00.000-08:00

Today I released the pencils for my Demon Lord drawing at my Deviant Art page (http://mocktales.deviantart.com). This kick-starts the onslaught that will be MockTales artwork and previews all month long in December, while I finish drawing the pages for MockTales Issue #1. Then I move over to Colors and final production in January. I'm fighting hard to keep this book extra large so everyone has a lot of goodies to get out of it when I bring it to the public. Can't wait to show everyone what else I've got coming done the line.

This is an exciting time for me. Lots of personal issues that still need to be cleared out of the way. But, I am upbeat, optimistic and energized to get this sucker going. I've tackled a lot of depression and demons, and now that I'm getting out of this funk I hope to really bring something special to the table.

Tonight: I decide on final format of the book and then I hit the town run'n. If I can work the format out right, I think the book will be good both in print as well as online.

Organization Day + a YouTube Review

2009-11-30T07:22:00.001-08:00

Organization Day - So today is Organization Day when I get home from work this evening. I'll be planning out the next 60-90 days both in my personal life and with MockTales and the Elves Next Door.

For those just tuning in; MockTales is a comic book I am writing/pencilling/coloring, and putting out at the Emerald City Comic Con in March 2010. You can read more on this book at http://mocktales.com/. The Elves Next Door is the more "adult" oriented website for the MockTales characters and can be found at http://elvesnextdoor.com/.

So back to Organization; it looks to be a fun night tonight. If you can call organization fun. I plan on getting a couple hours sleep before hand, but I will then be up into the late hours making sure I get a game plan finished and in place to start Wednesday when I am done with my work week.

YouTube REVIEW! - (Just a reminder; my reviews are always posative and about something I like, unless otherwise mentioned)

I thought I would have fun with a YouTube Review to go along with today's blog. Today's Review is of "Ryan vs. Dorkman II". To recap; the initial fan film, "Ryan vs. Dorkman", by Ryan Wieber and Michael "Dorkman" Scott, was an entry to TheForce.net's lightsabre fan film contest in which both men (boys at the time) faught with light sabres, no wardrobe or exotic scenery. However, how the fan film was shot and the choreography is what sold their first piece. With such a high praise from their first encounter, a second film was created with even more donational support, amazing effects and of course the wonderful choreography that Ryan and Michael brought us in the first film.

With Ryan vs. Dorkman II you get more bang for your buck, in my opinion. The two creators/actors are now older looking and more determined and dedicated in this film. Once again set in plain clothes and located in a warehouse/factory type setting, the film now has many exciting moments you would want to see in a light sabre battle such as cutting through metal stairs and support beams, sabres melting into walls and equipment. Sparks shooting from the wet floor as a distractionary tactic, and of course who doesn't love the battle between two people using the force fighting over control of one object?

See for yourself below. I have linked to Michael "Dorkman" Scott's Official YouTube copy of the flim. If you ever wanted to create your own homemade light sabre battles, these guys are a great example of what do to to make a good flick!

The crazyness that is life...

2009-11-25T12:05:00.001-08:00

So things are pretty good today. I had a really crappy Monday morning and was pretty drained from the past weekend. However, Monday afternoon changed all of that, as well as Tuesday (last) night. I have a good friend in my life now that is helping me focus and get back on track with MockTales, as well as life in general. People like this deserve all the gratitude in the world when they take time out of their lives to help others. Think about that today when you get the chance. Do you have someone in your life, even in a small way, that has helped you get through tough times? Did you thank them?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and there are a great many things I am thankfull for lately. One of the biggest right now is this friend.

-Greg

Return of the Blog

2009-10-22T03:38:00.001-07:00

So I'm back to writing in this thing. The last time I wrote here I was talking about my life changing into a new direction. Not very descriptively though.

Well here is the deal; 1 year and 4 months later after my last blog I am now going through a divorce with my wife, ending our five years together as husband and wife. I am now alone in my apartment with debt pouring out of my ears and no one to seek comfort from in my time of need. However... I'm not massively in debt and honestly with a good 6 months of hard work I will be out of the clear and on top of things as long as I stick to it and work hard.

Since the initial stages of my divorce (starting back in August), I have been trying to figure a game plan out. What is the best way to be a father to my three wonderful children and continue to strive towards doing the things I want to do in life? I work a 40 hour a week job and I'm greatful that I make the salary that I make. I'm very lucky in that aspect. And if I can get all my ducks lined up in a row, I should be able to do what I want in life while being responsible at the same time.

I'm still trying hard to get MockTales drawn and out to the public. At this point I have a 1st issue planned to be printed by March 2010 and debuting at the Emerald City Comic Con here in Seattle. However, I have been trying to do this for the last, what, 8 years? Since I moved to Wisconsin after September 11th, I tried to put some sort of focus in my life towards my artwork. And after the emotional rollercoaster of the year 2001, I had come up with a concept for a comic book that I wanted to bring to the world; MockTales. I took everything I had sketched and planned out in my head with various ideas over the previous years and finally had a concept that I felt would work. This version of MockTales was relevant to me because of what I went through in my life at the time. However, since then I have been through five years of marriage and I now have three kids, and as mentioned above, I am now going through a divorce. So where does that leave MockTales; well I've started a revamped version of my intial script and story. And I think I've amped it up 150%. I feel more confident about the direction I'm taking the book. I think the story achieved more purpose and direction. And my artwork in the last 2 months, let alone the last 2-5 years has never been better (if I may be so bold).

So thats not the whole story. And unfortunately you won't get the whole story on this blog. But essentially I'm having a night where I was able to pour my heart out to someone very important to me and that person let me get a lot out this evening. I feel better every time I get to emotionally express myself. Most of the time I'm hiding back watery eyes because I think I have some sort of issue where they water up when I talk about something serious. I've been meaning to see a Doctor all these years about it. Maybe I'm really a woman and no one told me? Haha. Jokes aside though, I do seem to get overly emotional because I care a lot about things that most people don't realize or care about themselves. So because of that I try to keep those emotions locked up inside until I have to pretty much explode.

Where does that leave us now? Well if you're someone who happens across this blog and even gives a shit, thanks! I don't really care with the exception of finally getting to a point in my life where I don't want to keep things I think about on the back burner any more. I have wanted to do what makes me happy in life. You can read that in my last blog which was, again, 1 year 4 months ago. So what makes me happy? Well; Comic books and Women. Science Fiction and Women. Fantasy and Women. Women and Women. You will now see the theme about girls/women all the time from this point on from me. I'm not ashamed to admit I'm a lusting kind of guy. I've always loved the female form. Drawing girls in comics is one of my favorite passions. [on a side note; I say girls and I say women... they mean the same to me which is talking about members of the famle human race. I don't use the term girls solely to describe a female under the age of 18 like a lot of people. I use it to describe any girl/woman/female. Now back to our program]

Okay I'm done for now. I'll be attempting to write here more often. I think I might want to rant a bit about people's driving so we'll see about making that the theme of my next blog. I also want to address my issue with following through on promises I've intended to keep and try to explain to everyone why I've been fucking up there. But I will leave that for the next blog and that is a Promise!

-Greg Scott Bailey

Feeling a bit selfish: RIP Michael Turner

2008-06-29T10:03:00.001-07:00

So I took a week to cool off a bit. Clear my head and get some things into perspective. This weekend is my first official change over to day shift at work, so it feels really good to get some sleep and be awake when my family wants to have me close by.

The hardest hitting topic for me right now... the passing of Michael Turner (Fathom, Witchblade, Aspen Comics). A brilliant comic book artist who was not only battling cancer, but continued to enjoy the things he loved in life AND draw comic books on a regular basis.

I'm feeling a bit selfish now. Complaining about how tough life has been for me. While I won't take any of that back, I can still do better. Michael Turner did his best. Why can't I?

I went to my boffer group (Padded weapon fighting) Saturday fully rested and energetic. The heat got up to 88 degrees by mid-day, and I was running around in boots having a great time. I felt good. I FEEL good now. All this season I had been slowly walking around the field, maybe hitting a person every 5 or 6 battles. No energy. Barely any running. And by the end of the day I would be so zoned out, I'm surprised when I get home and I hadn't driven off the road. Amazing what the proper amount of sleep can do for you.

Maybe this is a new weekend. A new week. A new day. Right here and now, I can stand up for what I want in life. Live MY life to it's fullest. Do everything that I have ever wanted to do, and tell people to "Fuck Off!" when they tell me I can't.

Day 1... starts here

Bitter much?

2008-06-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I title this "Bitter much?" However, I don't think I'm honestly bitter, as much as I am really just finding out more and more about how I shouldn't expect anything in life. Anything at all.

I get a lot of crap for not getting my comic book done, despite working 40-50 hours a week and getting 4-5 hours of sleep between each work shift. There is more, but nobody is reading this shit anyways. See, I want to get my comic book done. I want to draw for a living. I want to entertain people with my stories and ideas. But I honestly don't have the professional quality or training needed to pull it off sucessfully. And I can already hear the crap that people keep telling me "Don't say that, your stuff rocks." or "Don't listen to those people, they don't know what real art is." Give me a fucking break everybody. My art sucks. I can't draw anything in a professional quality, I have a vague understanding of the human anatomy, I only want to draw women and I get enough shit for that. I don't understand lighting and design. I mean, what the fuck am I thinking? Why even bother? How the hell do I expect to even get a damn comic book going?

Am I bitter much? I wouldn't say bitter... just accepting reality. This comic book just isn't going to happen.

Slightly Aligned Synapsis

2008-06-19T01:35:00.000-07:00

Holy crap!? Two blogs in one week, what are the odds??

I received good news from my job announcing that I am now moving back to my old position with Monday through Fridays, day shift. This will ease up the tension in my family and sleep hours, and will hopefully lead towards a lower blood pressure and better health type living.

With these recent changes I will now be able to schedule out my artwork and plan out what projects I need to finish and work on. Recently I did a quick drawing of my main character, Tim Garn (above) and I feel like I didn't even put any effort into it at all. I'm kinda bummed about it.

But regardless, I press on with some good news. I have a whole assortment of projects lined up that I hope to be able to announce by the end of the month. With these new projects I will also be announcing artists, models and photographers who will be jumping in to help get things going. Some people are volunteering, others I've had to hire. Either way, if all goes well I will be able to get MockTales.com fully updated, upgraded and up and running by July 2008. This includes character descriptions, story previews, online comics, and even a wiki full of information about the Comic Book Universe of Nexus Earth.

The other projects, I don't want to announce too much about because I want to make sure I can get everything rolling. I can say however that I am putting together my adult site version of MockTales. While MockTales is a PG-13 to R rated style book and web site, the new site will be R rated to NC-17 and slightly softcore. I have no wishes to do full-on adult site work, showing intercourse or extreme vulgarity. There are plenty of sites out there for that, and that ain't my bag... baby. This new site will end up being a "members only" site and will require people to pay. However, I am still working this all out, so a bit of patience if you will. Thanks

If anyone reads this knows people who are doing photography or who model, and would be interested in helping out. Please tell them to send me email. mocktales@gmail.com

I ask in good faith about getting artists and models because I know there are people out there just like me who are struggling to find their way. To express themselves. (I said express, not expose. We'll talk about exposing myself after I get to comfortably stop working security. Thanks) Artisticly I see people all over the world on Deviantart.com, MySpace, Blogs, comic sites... ect. I see the talent out there. And with 6.8 billion people in the world (and growing), there are so many different ways people want to get their ideas out to the rest of us. I'm the same way. I have my ideas. I have my dreams. I want to share these with everyone and anyone I can possibly entertain.

I'll leave tonight's blog with this; if we are truly the masters of our own destiny, and mind really does work over matter, then what the hell is it that is preventing me from doing what I truly want to do in life... other than myself?

Mis-fired Synapsis

2008-06-18T00:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know why... I just can't seem to write a weekly blog. I think part of it is due to laziness and the other part is a side of me that doesn't want to "just let it all out." As someone who has always tried to listen to other people's problems, I found myself learning way too much about them. Personal information that, thankfully for them, I feel other people don't really need to know about.

But where do I draw the line on keeping all this information? And when the hell do "I" get to get these things off my chest without people telling me that I'm just bitching and complaining? Something like a blog is usually a good place to just write and let it all out. "To hell with the consequences." Right? Well in the same respect, I come back to that conflict where someone will read these things and the trust that others have put in me to keep their words silent may be broken. So this sucks.

";alskdjfivna'/zeignsa sear 14." Roughly translated "What the &$#@ should I do?"

I do not comprehend the world the same way as the rest of you. *points to the other 6.8 billion people on the planet* But to narrow it down, I've come to realize that even the most common things in life that people take for granted, I don't comprehend. People use to make fun of me for this lack of knowledge. And for this, I would shelter myself away, keep quiet around crowds, be shy and timid, take no action when action is needed. What else was I to do? I didn't know what questions to ask in order to learn the things that people commonly knew. I was a living paradox. I still feel I am to this day. I am easily emotional. I care about things that no one else cares about, but I don't care about things that people DO care about. ? ?

If you haven't figured out by now that I am just typing all of this as it comes out in my head, well... now you know. Am I being truthful? Yes. I believe myself to be one of the most truthful people I know. I see no reason to lie to anyone. I have had my fair share of Fish stories in the past, and I don't really feel happy knowing that I have embellished the truth. I think people should be happy with the way things are, without the white lies or exaggerating the truth. In fact, since I am on the subject, I am so sick and tired of people telling fish stories. While I won't mention names, I have to say the biggest Fish story culture I've been a part of is the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronisms). The SCA in itself is cool, and I love getting away and camping out in a medieval environment for the weekend. And I can understand people telling a story about a made up character that they are role-playing. But when people just can't let it go. When people don't understand that they they are being too far fetched... then it just gets on my nerves. And if they see that you're not believing their story, they push it further! WTF?!

And another thing, since I seem to be on a rant now; I am SICK AND FUCKING TIRED of people interrupting me when I'm talking about something. There is nothing more frustrating than to finally have people listening to me talk about a subject... to finally have the courage to talk to crowds of people... and to even have those people laughing at the jokes I tell, or ask me to tell them more about what I am talking about.... only to have someone cut in and interupt me. I had a situation not too long ago I was entertaining at least 12 people. They were laughing at my jokes, and for the shy and timid person I am, I was able to let loose and finally open up and have fun. Then all of a sudden something just HAD to happen which pulled everyone away and put a glum on the rest of the night. No one was having fun any more. No one wanted to talk to each other any more. And my weekend... ruined because someone couldn't just chill the fuck out, calm down and enjoy the evening. The situation was overblown, people flipped out when they didn't need to. ARg.... I can't explain without telling names, places and such. So I'll just stop here.

There is so much more that I can't really say without being able to just open up and let loose. Plus I don't know if anyone is even reading this. I don't know what to do with a lot of things in my life. I would like to keep working hard and and "Keep on truck'n" as people keep telling me to do. I have all these dreams and goals in my life. First and formost these days, my wife and kids come first. But I know there are so many people out there that are supporting their families with their skills.... why not me? Why can't I get my shit together and draw professionally; with better anatomy, better design, better work eithics, better... ugh... better everything. I feel that drawing is the only skill I truly have that I can make any kind of living with, and yet I can't seem to get it together. I can't seem to just.... CLICK. Why can't I click... ON, like a light switch. Why can't my damn synapsis fire and give me that light bulb above my head that says "AH HA, I GET IT NOW!" Well I don't get it. I fear I will never get it. In order for me to get anywhere with my artwork on a professional level I will have to step it up even further. Work hard. Work harder. Not hard enough, well damn it WORK HARDER!

Fin.... for now

Ed'jumacation! and Comics!!

2007-12-18T02:21:00.000-08:00

School:
Well, tonight was the official first night of my online school career. I'm going after my A.A. in Business. After 10 years of procrastinating I decided to actually get back into school and get a degree that can help me during my current Security career, as well as help push my business knowledge for getting MockTales off the ground.

One of my first assignments; read an article about blogging and write a summary about it. View Article Here. Definately a bonus in my opinion since I've been wanting to kick start this Blog again. I'm also looking forward to working on my grammar and sentance structure. While I'm pretty loose on this blog and most of my emails to family and friends, a more professional approach should be used (in my opinion) when it comes to the underline background of Inner-Reality Media and all of the stories under the MockTales banner.

Comics: (Warning- Spoilers!)
Picking up a few new comics lately. Thought I would attempt some reviews:

-Ultimates 3 #1 [Jeff Loeb and Joe Madureira]: Well worth the wait for this one. While the opening completely caught me off guard, I found it a nice touch to see that Jeff Loeb isn't softening up the story of the Ultimates. Joe Mad! provided amazing details in artwork that was just breathtaking. Definately feels good to have Joe Mad! back, even if he is (rumored) to be returning to game design after the Ultimates run. Additionally I would like to mention that the colorist, Christian Lichtner also did a brilliant job with Joe's art. I personally would like to see the process they both did to acheive that art. It would seem as though Joe provided his own shading with the pencil work and Christian colored accordingly, using it as a guide. Either way, just amazing.
Problems: None so far!

-Ant: Unleashed #1 [Mario Gully and Marco Turini]: Ant is back again! Mario Gully has stepped back to just writing while Marco Turini has now taken over the penciling (and inking) duties of our favorite little insect. Now being released through Big City Comics, we almost see Hannah escape the hell she has to live in, only to be dragged back into the fight once again. They just won't leave that girl alone! A set up issue, placing Hannah/Ant at her day job, avoiding the Landlord at her apartment, giving us a decent peak at her roomate while she's "on the job", and then showing us once again why we keep coming back ready to watch people get their asses kicked by a female red Ant with a booty to keep us smiling through the whole issue.
Problems: None so far!

-Iron and the Maiden #0 [Jason Rubin and Francis Manapul with Joel Gomez]: After wrapping up their main story, this book takes us back and gives us a little insight as to where Michael Iron came from, a short story about one of his first hits after achieving Steroid lvl 4.0, right up until he was saved and his arm augmented. Not too bad of a read. Nothing too exciting either. The humor is good as usual and the artwork as always is beautiful.
Problems: I'm ready to move on. I want more and don't want to look back too much on what happened before, but what will happen next. When/if this series continues, I'll look forward to picking it up.

Health and Traffic conditions

2007-11-19T23:02:00.000-08:00

So I have a couple new things to rant about tonight;

Personal Health: So I've had to visit the Emergency Room twice now in the last week. Once for my oldest daughter and another time for my wife. Everyone is okay, so thank goodness there. But its amazing what you hear when you are in the waiting room. Both times while waiting I had to listen to people who (in my opinion) were nothing more than hypochondriacs. People who don't know how to suck it up and just deal with every day normal pain and health problems.

If there is one thing I can't stand, its people who fake health problems for attention. It makes it harder for people who seriously need the help and proper treatment. And it isn't so much that people are hypochondriacs, but the dependancy of either the medicine and drugs, or the attention.

I could go on, but all I'm saying is for people out there who don't really have serious medical issues... for crying out loud just let it go, suck it up and work hard and stop complaining about health issues that people deal with on a regular and daily basis. Damn it, if I have to do it I don't see how hard it is for everyone else.

2nd issue; Traffic in Seattle: For this, I'm going to post a video blog when I get home. Just plain rediculous stuff I have to deal with when I drive to work every day.

(EDIT: I didn't do the video. After thinking about it, I figure I don't want this Blog to be full of rants about what ever I'm pissed off at. So I'll try to stick to topics that are a bit more upbeat.)

Keeping to the grind stone Pt. 2

2007-11-17T04:49:00.000-08:00

So as some of you noticed, my absence was apparent yet again online. The web site was down for a bit as well. Had to pay the bill with some recent donations, so I deeply thank everyone for the money sent in.

So here is the deal; I was suppose to have something put together for the Portland Comic Book show. I ended up getting a lucky break from my work and was sent to the UK for two different business trips, a month apart. During that time I was extremely busy with projects and couldn't do the necessary artwork needed for a show. At this point I'm putting out all new stuff for MockTales and a lot of the old stuff is going to be in literally a "bargain bin" at the next Emerald City Comic Con in 2008. We're talking a 8x11 inch b&w print for .50c a pop! Its gotta go. Old stuff out, new stuff in.

So as I further work on my business knowledge, I'm beginning to realize that I need much more then the self taught education I've been giving myself for over 10 years. Next month I will begin taking classes towards my Associates in Business. While some people may criticize me for this approach, I tend to think it is better to have the knowledge to back myself up than jump right in head first and crash like a fireball. I'm personally tired of not knowing where to go, or how to organize and structure what I want to do in life.

I have all these ideas and nothing to show for them. Many of you folks who have been kind enough to visit the web site or stop by my table at the conventions... you've all been very supportive and I thank you for it. Now its time for me to get my butt in gear and get all these ideas out. Its time to give you all content for the web site and then the Comic Book I keep saying is going to come out.

Its time

Keeping to the grind stone

2007-09-09T01:10:00.000-07:00

So we're hitting almost two months since my last post. Needed to situate things again.

As I've said before, it's a bit difficult to work a full time job, have a wife and three kids to support, AND try to get a comic book put together. I suppose I could just give it up and go with a carear in Security. What to do huh?

Well, for now I wanted to share a new thing for me. I did a quick 5 minute video blog on my comic Mocktales last night before coming in to work. I wish I had more time to draw because I've got artists waiting for concept sketches. However, I have time before my flight to the UK later on today so I'll probably put it all together then.

Video Blog #1

Celebrity waste

2007-07-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

Here is another rant in light of the recent news about Lindsay Lohan being arrested. (Arrested for DUI and posession of Cocaine):

"A shame" is something I'm hearing a lot from people when a celebrity is arrested or has died or what ever else is going wrong in their lives. To me, I don't say its a shame, I say what a waste. To use Lindsay Lohan as an example; she is popular, attractive, rich and has had until recently a very good chance to continue a sucessful carear as an actress making more money than most people dream about. Now, not to say she hasn't worked hard to get to where she is at, because I don't know what her life was like when she grew up. I know she was in movies as a child but I only started seeing her in movies like Herbie Fully Loaded and Mean Girls.

Now, that being said... the reason I say what a waste is because I can't understand how someone like Lindsay can waste all that opportunity of money and fame on partying, drinking and drugs. I come from a frame of mind where heavy drinking and drugs and partying just doesn't make sense. Why I think this way I don't know. But to me, if I had the money she has and if I was as well known as she is, life would be so much easier. And I challenge any celebrity to approach me and tell me otherwise. I would be able to stop working Security and finally get my comic book going. I wouldn't have to worry if I'm going to pay rent on time. Keep the power on. Or if my kids are going to have diapers and formula, let alone grow up with opportunities of their own.

But hey, who am I to judge Lindsay right? Its her life, not mine right? Well its not so much about judging as it is recognizing a complete waste of opportunity. And I'm starting to get damned determined to get myself out to a wider audience in this world to prove that someone can obtain wealth and fame without having to also party and do drugs. And I won't even start in about using drugs. But hey, I know there are a lot of Celebrities out there that aren't like this. And I personally wouldn't say that every celbrity is messed up like Lindsay is right now. We just hear about it on the news because people want to hear more about the tragic lives of celebrities and not the good things they do.

So what else can I say? Nothing much really. I got most of this off my chest tonight at work, so there isn't much to my post. I'll probably be posting more about comics tomorrow after I stop by my local dealer. lol.... dealer?

Hi, my name is...

2007-07-14T04:41:00.001-07:00

So last week when I started this blog I got off on a bit of a rant about Fast Food. Well I thought I'd give a little insight to who I am this week, and also touch on a few current events.

Who am I? Well I am Greg Scott Bailey, a comic book artist from the Seattle/Tacoma area of Washington State, USA. And by comic book artist I mean that I create, draw, some times ink, computer color and letter comic book art. I've focused on a wide variety of the comic book field as far as creating comics go, but because of that I don't have a really strong grasp on one specific area of comics. I can draw people, but my anatomy needs work. I can color, but I have a hard time understanding lighting and color theory. And as far as creating.... well I have a butt load of stories in my head and I've barely been able to start writing a lot of it down.

I want to create a world just like Tolkien did with Lord of the Rings (and other books mind you). Or even when you read a Marvel comic, you can read about the Fantastic Four in their book, and hear about what they did in a Spider-man or X-men book too. The continuity and the intermixed universe of characters has always intrigued me and I think of it every day when I think of my comic book, Mocktales.

So what do I do? Several times over the years I've tried to look for other artists and writers to help with the project. I've received submissions from some decent artists. Some that have probably surpassed me now and are going to be getting steady work in the industry, there is no doubt there. But I hesitate to accept anyone because its hard to let any creative control go. I want to do everything because I have yet to find an artist who can draw my characters in a comfortable fashion that I can deal with. However, this isn't any one person's fault but my own because I've barely let anyone see what my designs are. So how the hell can they work off my designs right? *laughs* Well the more I work on my Ego and my stubbornness, the easier it has been to accept that I will have to let some of the creative control go. BUT... not all of course. So again, what do I do? Do I try to become one of these artist in the world that people walk around saying, "Oh, he's an artist. He's allowed to be weird," and make my fame that way? Or do I become a commercial artist and do what the masses want so I can make a big paycheck?

Movies? TV shows? Animation? Hell, I want Mocktales to be anything. Action figures and T-Shirts. But why do I want this? Is it again, my ego? Am I still a child and wish to fullfill some George Lucas fantasy by turning my creation into a marketing empire? With three kids and a wife who doesn't work, selling out to a corporate entity wouldn't be too hard for me right now if the numbers on the check were pleasing. I'd say they have to have at least 6 zero's before the decimal point, US Dollars please. Thank you.

Introduction and Fast Food attack

2007-07-06T23:38:00.000-07:00

Just because I need to get this off my chest, I thought I would finally start up a blog and give my few cents on just about everything that impacts my life.

Fast Food
So here is the thing; My first over all job was at a Fast Food restaurant. A small burger and fries place owned by a guy who wanted to do his own thing. I was taught everything from greeting a customer with a smile and a "Hi, how are you today?" Additionally I was taught several key points in Food Service and I still remember most of them today.

I have been eating fast food regularly for the past year or two. My wife and I have 3 kids and its a quick solution to the "what should we eat for dinner" question, but of course ends up costing us in the end. But that's another rant for another time. So I'll give an example and get to the point; I was approaching the drive up at Jack in the Box. There was nothing coming out of the speaker, but as polite as I could be I waited. Eventually a female voice came crackling out of the menu sign and asked "What can I get you?" So it wasn't "Hi, how are you today?" which was fine so I proceeded. I had three orders and begain with the first. A simple order of Chicken Strips, curly fries and a soda, large size. The woman gives me the total and tells me the window where I can pay. *pauses to blink a few times* So now I have to tell her to hold on because I have two more orders. She responds back, "Okay *pause for 2 seconds for what I assume is her opening back up the order on the computer* go ahead." This slightly annoys me, but again I try to be a nice guy and continue with my order. A children's chicken strips meal and then my Jumbo Jack Meal with no onions. I was given a new total. I thank her and proceed to drive up to the next window.

Now, I drive an 85' Chevy Cavalier which is fairly low to the ground, and not by my choice. When I get to the window I have to hand up the money, a single $20.00 bill. When I get my change back, I get a few singles and some silver. The money is just lumped into my hand and the girl starts walking away to get my order without making sure I have a handle on it. I drop probably just a penny, but then start putting the change into my wallet. Before I can sort out the silver, the girl is handing out the soda to me. So now I just put my wallet and the change on the passenger seat and start receiving the soda when I realize that it is three sodas and I have no where to put them. I ask her for a drink carrier, she groans slightly and then puts one together to give to me that only holds two sodas. Again, I bite my lip, accept and move on.

Now this is the big part that brings me to this entire rant; I'm being handed out the food in bags at an angle that keeps my arm at an awkward position. I try to pull the first bag in with my other handon the bottom just to be safe and she starts shoving the 2nd bag out at me. Well I take my time in putting it in the passenger seat because I have the soda and my wallet with loose change now sitting over there. I go to get the 2nd bag which is the kids meal and she just lets go as I grab it and closes the window. No pause to make sure I got what I ordered correctly or to make sure I am situated. No "Thank you, have a nice day" said to me as I smile and drive away. There was no one behind me and I know for a fact they had someone at the front counter server only 1 person in the lobby. And to top it all off, the thing that bugs me the most, is that the opening to the bags of food were just left open when they were handed to me.

I was taught to seal the bags with a nice firm fold over and that helps to not only keep the heat in and keep food fresh, but also serves as a safe way to grab the bags of food. When a server just holds the side of a paper sack bag and hands it out, it has the chance of ripping on them and then spilling the food on the customer. Believe me, I've witnessed this several times. Now I know that this probably isn't a big deal to others and that I may be coming off as someone who has nothing better to do than complain. Bit the thing is, that if this was just the first and only time it happened I wouldn't even worry about it. I really am a patient man. I try to be kind and polite as best as I can because I know what it is like to work Fast Food or any other customer service industry. I understand that this person could have been just having a bad day. But the thing is, this wasn't the first time. This isn't the only resturant that this happens at. I get this at every fast food restaurant I get. And if I were to put a number to it, I would say 9 out of 10 places I get poor customer service.

So what do I do? Do I write all this up and mail it in to the company's? Would they even care? Do I take it to the local level and address this with their General Managers? Do I suck it up and take it like a man?

Oh, and my burger with no onions... had onions on it.

-Greg Scott Bailey-