Yes, AND my first Zine!
Some major developments in December: I started taking improv classes, I worked on a proof of concept, I collaborated on the designs of the Clean merch, and I made some pieces that would go in my first ever zine. I apologize, by the way, for the lateness of this newsletter. Last month marked a year since I graduated from college, and I have been plagued by an abysmal and seemingly never-ending job search. Until I can actually make money from my art, I will be seeking to work elsewhere in the mean time.
If you haven’t visited my crowdfunding page on my website yet, I can introduce you to the various merch designs for donors! There is a postcard print, a poster designed by Chanlyr Jordan, and a t-shirt also designed by Chanlyr and Kierin Padilla. A $50 donation will get you all three! so far we have made $1,640, so we are over halfway to our $3,000 goal! aside from that, the past two months I have been working on the storyboard for Clean, digitally drawing each shot as it appears in my mind when I read the screenplay. I'll attach some frames here that have varying degrees of effort, just to be transparent about my process.
Making a zine had been on my big art to do list for a few months now. Zines (from magazine) are self-published, small booklets about a unique subject. They have a political activist origin, and they usually contain art or text, or both. I struggled to find a topic with enough creative potential for a zine, so I ultimately decided to just compile some of my latest works, arrange them into two page spreads in free design software Canva, and then print some for family and friends. I have attached a spread here, which shows both a Lego DOTS scan and a watercolor from my sketchbook. I loved that I could put anything in here, scans of sketches, small collages, and even large pieces shrunk down. If you make art, I encourage you to try this. Compile some poems, doodles, photographs from your phone, even journal pages. Something about printing and binding the little book makes you feel very accomplished, and like handing them out to anyone you see. If you want a copy of my first zine, reach out and I would be more than happy to get you one!
I got to be on a set in December, assistant directing for a nostalgic 2003 period-piece proof-of-concept called Inbtweenrz. I think it turned out pretty neat, you can watch and support it here if you can spare eight and a half minutes.
My motivation for taking improv classes was to sharpen my comedic abilities and learn a little bit more about performing in order to be a better director. I have already learned so much, and not just zip-zap-zop and “yes, and.” Improv comedy is best/flourishes when it is kind and good-natured, and in a scene with more than one person it is important to be generous and listen. I have seen some very funny things come from these lessons, and been lucky enough to get some laughs myself. I made the mistake of thinking I would be good at improv right away, but like anything it takes practice and work.
My music recommendation was so easy, this new Alt-J album has so many majestic and cool songs on it, and Philadelphia instantly struck my fancy. It is sang from the perspective of a serial killer’s victim as they think their last thoughts. It is downright cinematic, with very dramatic strings and a little operatic sample too. There is a small lyric comic in my zine inspired by the song.
I have many new articles in the works, about topics like Hideo Kojima and art and cosmic horror. Until then keep on the lookout for more Clean promo material and spread the word! Thank you all as always for reading. Stay safe and warm this January.