MockTales: Project Molten

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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...

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!

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...

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*