SDCC and Social Anxiety

Since I'm leaving for San Diego Comic-Con very soon, it occurred to me to address something that I experience every time I go to a convention: social anxiety.

I'm fine when I'm sitting at my table and interacting with people coming up and chatting. In fact, I love it. Small talk, comics talk, movie and TV talk, sports talk...I'll talk your ear off. But take me away from that comfort zone, and I clam up.

I suck at networking.

That's it; the bottom line. If I have to seek someone out,  I invariably worry about if they'll remember me (if I've met them before), if I'm blethering on too long or too much, if they're looking for an escape route...pretty much just worried that I'm imposing on their time.

So I end up feeling like Paul Schaffer as Artie Fufkin in this clip from This Is Spinal Tap:

http://youtu.be/cv5FwzRBc_Y

"Hi. Steve Bryant, Athena Voltaire." [shakes hand]

[puke]

This even extends to seeing someone I've met before away from the convention (for instance, I think I've run into comic artist Skottie Young about a half-dozen times and just looked away...and there are a bunch more examples, too)—all because I don't know what to say, or am afraid of imposing on someone's time, or because I'm afraid of being embarrassed if someone doesn't remember who I am.

So that's it; my deep dark convention secret. I'm going to try and come out of my shell a bit more, and interact more this year...but I say that every year. We'll see if it happens this year.

However, I'll be in the Small Press Pavillion, M-14, if you want to stop by and spare me the anxiety. ;)

Accepting Commission Preorders for C2E2 in Chicago

I'm accepting preorders for C2E2 in Chicago. I'm not sure if I'll be doing more than penciled headshots at the show (stagefright), so please consider lining up a commission before the show. If you're an art collector that prefers to have commissions done in your themed sketchbook, you can mail me your sketchbook and I'll be glad to bring it to the show.

If you're not going to C2E2, but want a commission, feel free to order one now, too!

PRICING

$45 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

I've been having trouble with my gmail account, so please contact me at SteveBryantArt at Yahoo dot com

Commission: The Rocketeer (AGAIN!!)

Seriously. I've done more commissions of the Rocketeer than any other character besides Athena Voltaire.

And it's always fun!

I'm not thrilled with the scan on this one: some of the subtleties of the clouds are lost (the darks are too dark, and the medium tones are blown out), but the original came out pretty well. Inks and grey marker on 11x17 bristol board.

The Buddy Commission Surgery Fun Drive continues! Information below:

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

Order a 9x12 Commission NOW!

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

Order a 11x17 Commission NOW!

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

I can bring the piece with me to Wizard World Chicago, if you plan on attending, or mail it to you.

More examples of my commissioned work can be found here.

Thanks!

Post SDCC Pre-Wizard World Commissions, and Dog Surgery

Most people that follow me on Twitter or Facebook have heard this, so I apologize for repeating myself.

About a half hour after my flight landed in San Diego for Comic-Con a couple of weeks back, I got a call from my dog's veterinarian. Buddy, my pooch, needed emergency surgery due to a twisted stomach and bloat. I was devastated to hear that the procedure had a 30–50% mortality rate.

Thankfully, he made it through in good health (YAY!) and is on the road to recovery (see photos: his stitches and him in a T-shirt to prevent chewing on the stitches).

The surgery and health care cost almost $2,000. The long and short of it is that I'll be doing commissions for the forseeable future. If you're interested, here are the details:

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

Order a 9x12 Commission NOW!

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

Order a 11x17 Commission NOW!

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

I can bring the piece with me to Wizard World Chicago, if you plan on attending, or mail it to you.

Examples of my commissioned work can be found here.

Thanks!

Commission: Wonder Girl

Today's commission is DC Comics' Wonder Girl. 9 x 12, ink and Copic markers on bristol board.

Additionally, I'm still accepting preorders for San Diego Comic-Con (July 20–24). As usual, I'm not sure if I'll be doing more than penciled headshots at the show (stagefright), so please consider lining up a commission before the show. If you're an art collector that prefers to have commissions done in your themed sketchbook, you can mail me your sketchbook and I'll be glad to bring it to the show.

Contact me at atomictikistudio at gmail dot com with any questions or requests.

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

Commission: Bikini Babe

Today's commission had a simple description, "under the vague heading of 'pretty girl in bikini' and leaving it to the artist at that point." With that in mind, I knew I wanted to have some fun with a retro pin-up approach.

Additionally, I'm still accepting preorders for San Diego Comic-Con (July 20–24). As usual, I'm not sure if I'll be doing more than penciled headshots at the show (stagefright), so please consider lining up a commission before the show. If you're an art collector that prefers to have commissions done in your themed sketchbook, you can mail me your sketchbook and I'll be glad to bring it to the show.

Contact me at atomictikistudio at gmail dot com with any questions or requests.

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

Commission: Athena Voltaire meets Modesty Blaise

More fun with team-ups! This time around, my favorite globetrotting aviatrix meets one of the most famous femme fatales, Modesty Blaise!

And I'm still actively seeking commissions!

Additionally, I'm accepting preorders for Summit City Comic Con (June 18, Fort Wayne, Indiana). I'm not sure if I'll be doing more than penciled headshots at the show (stagefright), so please consider lining up a commission before the show. If you're an art collector that prefers to have commissions done in your themed sketchbook, you can mail me your sketchbook and I'll be glad to bring it to the show.

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

Commission: Athena Voltaire and Friend

Here's another commission; this time around, it's Athena Voltaire and the gear of a friend. ;)

And I'm still actively seeking commissions!

Additionally, I'm accepting preorders for Summit City Comic Con (June 18, Fort Wayne, Indiana). I'm not sure if I'll be doing more than penciled headshots at the show (stagefright), so please consider lining up a commission before the show. If you're an art collector that prefers to have commissions done in your themed sketchbook, you can mail me your sketchbook and I'll be glad to bring it to the show.

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

Commission: Joan from Mad Men

I love AMC's Mad Men, so I had a blast doing a retro-style commission of the show's resident vixen, Joan Holloway.

And I'm still actively seeking commissions!

Additionally, I'm accepting preorders for Summit City Comic Con (June 18, Fort Wayne, Indiana). I'm not sure if I'll be doing more than penciled headshots at the show (stagefright), so please consider lining up a commission before the show. If you're an art collector that prefers to have commissions done in your themed sketchbook, you can mail me your sketchbook and I'll be glad to bring it to the show.

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

Open for Commissions/Preorder for Summit City Comic Con

Hey, all! I'm actively seeking commissions right now! A few things have fallen through and I need to keep paying bills...

Additionally, I'm accepting preorders for Summit City Comic Con (June 18, Fort Wayne, Indiana). I'm not sure if I'll be doing more than penciled headshots at the show (stagefright), so please consider lining up a commission before the show. If you're an art collector that prefers to have commissions done in your themed sketchbook, you can mail me your sketchbook and I'll be glad to bring it to the show.

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

Commission: Darkseid

Another commission today (see Iron Fists Danny Rand and Orson Randall from earlier today)! This time, it's Darkseid, Lord of Apokolips!

Commission: Iron Fists

Today, we look at two different incarnations of the Immortal Iron Fist: Orson Randall and Danny Rand.

I'm currently enjoying the most fun run of commission work that I've ever done. Thanks very much to those fine folks who commissioned me: you're challenging me and encouraging my growth—and paying me for the pleasure! Thanks!

And I'm still accepting preorders for C2E2 in Chicago. I'm not sure if I'll be doing more than penciled headshots at the show, so please consider lining up a commission before the show. If you're an art collector that prefers to have commissions done in your themed sketchbook, you can mail me your sketchbook and I'll be glad to bring it to the show.

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

Email me at atomictikistudio at gmail dot com

Commission: The Rocketeer

I've drawn the Rocketeer for more commissions than any other character, with the exception of my own creation, Athena Voltaire. And it never gets old.

I would love, love, love to draw a Rocketeer comic adventure one day.

And I'm still accepting preorders for C2E2 in Chicago. I'm not sure if I'll be doing more than penciled headshots at the show, so please consider lining up a commission before the show. If you're an art collector that prefers to have commissions done in your themed sketchbook, you can mail me your sketchbook and I'll be glad to bring it to the show.

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

Email me at atomictikistudio at gmail dot com

Commission: Duck Dodgers Green Lantern

The fun thing with commissions is to step outside your comfort zone. This piece is an example of such an event.

Plus, it was a lot of fun!

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

Email me at atomictikistudio at gmail dot com

Commission: Charlie Chan Comics

Another fun commission today. This time, it's a cover to Charlie Chan Comics (the original series being launched by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby). The commissioner specifically asked for both Charlie Chan and Number One Son, as well as some type/logo elements.

The other commission I did the same day (Daffy Duck Duck Dodgers as Green Lantern, which you'll see tomorrow) really demonstrates the variety of fun topics that people collect, in terms of sketches and original art!

And I'm still accepting preorders for C2E2 in Chicago. I'm not sure if I'll be doing more than penciled headshots at the show, so please consider lining up a commission before the show. If you're an art collector that prefers to have commissions done in your themed sketchbook, you can mail me your sketchbook and I'll be glad to bring it to the show.

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

Email me at atomictikistudio at gmail dot com

Orson Randall Iron Fist Commission

Here's today's commission, the pulp-inspired, globetrotting 1930s adventurer, Iron Fist!

And I'm still accepting preorders for C2E2 in Chicago. I'm not sure if I'll be doing more than penciled headshots at the show, so please consider lining up a commission before the show. If you're an art collector that prefers to have commissions done in your themed sketchbook, you can mail me your sketchbook and I'll be glad to bring it to the show.

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

Email me at atomictikistudio at gmail dot com

Open for Commissions/Preorder for C2E2

Hey, all! I'm actively seeking commissions right now! A few things have fallen through and I need to keep paying bills...

Additionally, I'm accepting preorders for C2E2 in Chicago. I'm not sure if I'll be doing more than penciled headshots at the show (stagefright), so please consider lining up a commission before the show. If you're an art collector that prefers to have commissions done in your themed sketchbook, you can mail me your sketchbook and I'll be glad to bring it to the show.

PRICING

$40 for an inked single-character piece on 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12...depending on what I have lying around). Additional figures, email me for a quote. Plan on $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

$80 for an inked single character piece on 11 x 17. Again, for additional figures, email me for a quote. And again, $5 for Priority Mail shipping if you won't be picking up the piece at the show.

(ink wash added at artist's discretion...let me know up front if it's something you really, really, really have your heart set on.)

Email me at atomictikistudio at gmail dot com

New Stuff I'll Have at Comic-Con

New stuff for sale at Comic-Con in San Diego later this month!

The Art of Athena Voltaire
Hardcover
134 pages, 20 pages of color.
Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 500
$30.00
The Art of Athena Voltaire looks at the last 8 years of Athena Voltaire. The book features a color cover gallery, showcasing the covers to all of the AV comics, plus previously unpublished color promotional pieces and unused/unpublished color covers. An extensive section of pencils and inks, spotlighting how some of the work looked before being colored, as well as concept art, private commissions, thumbnail sketches, roughs, and photo reference.

I'll have about 30 copies at the show. Email me at atomictikistudio@gmail.com if you'd like to preorder one.


Cipher #1
Convention-exclusive b/w version of my upcoming series with art by the amazing JunBob Kim! $4.

Cipher follows the adventures of Doctor Ursula Wilde and her team of experts as they investigate impossible science. In the first series, Doc Wilde and her crew unravel the mysteries of Pope Sylvester II. Who was the "sorcerer pope," and what does he have to do with the disappearance of Ursula's parents 20 years ago and the end of the world..?

Summit City Comic Con promo piece

Here are the pencils to a promo piece for te upcomic Summit City Comic Con.

Jim Nelson will be inking and coloring the piece. I'm excited about the collaborative effort!

Comic Geek Speak SuperShow!

I spent last weekend at SuperShow, an amazing comics convention put on by the equally-amazing Comic Geek Speak podcast. A con like no other, the show is a celebration of both the podcast and the incredible comics community that has grown out of the CGS forum.

In addition to spending time with tons of incredibly talented artists that I'm proud to call friends, (among them: JunBob Kim, Alex Serra, Mike Norton, Morry Hollowell, Brent Schoonover, Ryan Stegman, Jamal Igle, Big Jim, Katie Cook, Dave Wachter, Erica Hesse, Lin Workman and more), I had the pleasure of meeting and reacquainting myself with bunches and bunches of friends who I have met on the CGS forums (NOT singling anyone out for fear of forgetting someone).

And, of course, it was a great time to catch up with the stars of Comic Geek Speak themselves, Bryan Deemer, Peter Rios, Jamie D, Kevin Moyer, Shane Kelly, Matt, Adam and Pants—friends one and all. A big thank you to Matt for putting me up (and putting up with me), Kevin (who picked me up at the airport) and Bob Bretall of the Comic Book Page podcast who hauled me to the airport at the end of the show.

In the photos: (1) a doughy pic of me—time to get to the gym! Pronto! (2) "Surprise, Steve, we're taking your picture!" In the background is JunBob Kim, and (3) from left: Big Jim, Shawn Pryor of PKD Media and me. In the background is the mysterious Mr. Serra.

Yes, I swiped these photos from other people because I'm too damn lazy to take pictures myself.

A wonderful time...