Thunder Punch Daily: Recent Episodes
Jerzy Drozd
It’s an anniversary episode! It’s also the 15th year I’ve been checking in with this journal microcast. And it’s somewhere around my 30th year making comics. So this episode I look at who Drozd was when he started TPD and how things have changed.
Comments are off on my site, but you can share your reactions over on the Doctor Baer Discord.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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Answering another Thought/Question/Wondering from the form:
I love the real world treasures that exist as physical charms that connect us to Dr. Baer! Extra points for cool glowy effects. Were these artifacts created before, after, or in tandem with the story?
In response I share my thoughts on how everything changed for me the moment I let go of the title cartoonist and embraced the word artist. That was the moment I became a lot more aware of what I call the Curiosity Loop.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- My month-long journey to creating a story of a train full of mummies
- Exploring Doctor Baer in-world artifacts
- Doctor Baer talks about the cat talismans in The Case of the Mummy Express
- Find talismans in the Doctor Baer store
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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A kind person shared this question on the TPD AMA:
What are some of your favourite stories (movies/comics/shows/games, etc.) that have stuck with you– the ones you still find yourself thinking about randomly from time to time, even years later?
So I share five stories (films, cartoons, comic books, prose) that have moved me over the years, and why.
Links mentioned:
- My Transformers podcast where I go on and on about The Burden Hardest to Bear
- A Christmas Carol on Libravox
- Scrooge
- The Wizard of Speed and Time
- Dinner in America
- Justice League of America #58
- One Cut of the Dead
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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It’s been a while since I’ve answered a Thought/Question/Wondering–but here I am with a response to this prompt:
How do you feel the modern expectation of artists being entertainers (YT, TikTok, Reels, Twitch, etc.) has affected your comics?
My hot take is, I’m not thinking being an entertainer, but I am thinking about offering presence. And I offer some important context to my perspective.
Links mentioned:
- Tony Cliff’s Delilah Dirk webcomic
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue is finally available for purchase! To celebrate I’m joined by my friend, beta reader, and advisor Marisa Szpytman. It was through conversations with friends like Marisa that I discovered my book was becoming a meditation on topics surrounding object and cultural repatriation. In the earliest days of the book’s creation, she was generous in helping me understand the ethical quandaries around collecting cultural objects, and now that the book is in the world she joined me again to have that conversation anew.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
Subscribe to the podcast
While making The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue I recorded a bunch of reflections on why and how I was making the book. These microcasts were shared exclusively with people who supported me on Patreon (I’m sharing the entire process of making the next Doctor Baer story there right now!).
To count down to the book’s release, I’m putting some of those reflections into the Thunder Punch Daily feed. Please note: the book was titled Baron von Bear and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue at the time of this recording. But baronvonbear.com does take you to the book’s landing page. Here’s the original post:
Another thoughtful question from the Doctor Baer ask me anything form led me to think about my weaknesses as a Teaching Artist/Cartoonist. And finally ask for what I need from you to support The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue:
This is a two-parter: 1) making comics for public/wider consumption today involves a lot of things that maybe aren’t necessarily the things that one excitedly looks forward to (or is even thinking about) as they are headlong and heart-deep in the thick of making their comic — things like marketing, and promoting, and keeping somewhat of a social media presence. How do you balance the joyful, flow-state, lost-and-in-love-with-the-making-of-the-comic side of things with the more business orientated part of the process? Is it something that you don’t even think about until after the book is made? When does that side of things start popping up on your radar? And how do you feel about it? and 2) What is the best way to support you when BvB releases? Pre-order at my local comic shop? Order on Amazon? Put an order request in at the local library? What actionable steps will help the most?
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
Subscribe to the podcast
While making The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue I recorded a bunch of reflections on why and how I was making the book. These microcasts were shared exclusively with people who supported me on Patreon (I’m sharing the entire process of making the next Doctor Baer story there right now!).
To count down to the book’s release, I’m putting some of those reflections into the Thunder Punch Daily feed. Please note: the book was titled Baron von Bear and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue at the time of this recording. But baronvonbear.com does take you to the book’s landing page. Here’s the original post:
Once again I go back 20 years to explore some themes that show up in Baron von Bear and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue. Recognizing our interdependence seems like an obvious thing to me, but it’s easy to lose sight of it in adventure fiction.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
Subscribe to the podcast
While making The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue I recorded a bunch of reflections on why and how I was making the book. These microcasts were shared exclusively with people who supported me on Patreon (I’m sharing the entire process of making the next Doctor Baer story there right now!).
To count down to the book’s release, I’m putting some of those reflections into the Thunder Punch Daily feed. Please note: the book was titled Baron von Bear and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue at the time of this recording. But baronvonbear.com does take you to the book’s landing page. Here’s the original post:
This time I share what it’s like to be in the part of the process I call the Tunnel: when I know I’ll be finished soon, yet I feel lost and impatient to be done.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
Subscribe to the podcast
While making The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue I recorded a bunch of reflections on why and how I was making the book. These microcasts were shared exclusively with people who supported me on Patreon (I’m sharing the entire process of making the next Doctor Baer story there right now!).
To count down to the book’s release, I’m putting some of those reflections into the Thunder Punch Daily feed. Please note: the book was titled Baron von Bear and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue at the time of this recording. But baronvonbear.com does take you to the book’s landing page. Here’s the original post:
I’m answering another prompt from the Thoughts/Questions/Wonderings form:
Having a collection of cursed items in your book is rife for pop culture references. What’s the cultural reference you’re most excited about, but are afraid people won’t get?
This one kind of goes in a lot of directions, but my hope is that it provides context to why BvB doesn’t have many easter eggs.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
Subscribe to the podcast
While making The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue I recorded a bunch of reflections on why and how I was making the book. These microcasts were shared exclusively with people who supported me on Patreon (I’m sharing the entire process of making the next Doctor Baer story there right now!).
To count down to the book’s release, I’m putting some of those reflections into the Thunder Punch Daily feed. Please note: the book was titled Baron von Bear and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue at the time of this recording. But baronvonbear.com does take you to the book’s landing page. Here’s the original post:
Another one from the Thoughts/Questions/Wonderings form!
I’ve noticed animals are a shortcut to mean ‘wholesome’. Do you think storytelling tropes like this have an effect on the types of children’s stories made?
So today I talk about why I chose to make the characters in my book talking animals.
And I talk a bit about Michael Meade’s Living Myth podcast, which is terrific!
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
Subscribe to the podcast
While making The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue I recorded a bunch of reflections on why and how I was making the book. These microcasts were shared exclusively with people who supported me on Patreon (I’m sharing the entire process of making the next Doctor Baer story there right now!).
To count down to the book’s release, I’m putting some of those reflections into the Thunder Punch Daily feed. Please note: the book was titled Baron von Bear and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue at the time of this recording. But baronvonbear.com does take you to the book’s landing page. Here’s the original post:
Another question from the Thoughts/Questions/Wonderings form!
How do you deal with personal, non-constructive, negative feedback about your completed work?
Which leads me to tell a story about this drawing and why it hurt:
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
Subscribe to the podcast
While making The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue I recorded a bunch of reflections on why and how I was making the book. These microcasts were shared exclusively with people who supported me on Patreon (I’m sharing the entire process of making the next Doctor Baer story there right now!).
To count down to the book’s release, I’m putting some of those reflections into the Thunder Punch Daily feed. Please note: the book was titled Baron von Bear and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue at the time of this recording. But baronvonbear.com does take you to the book’s landing page. Here’s the original post:
This time I talk about how the hero and villain of Baron von Bear and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue were partially informed by my own internal arguments and times where I haven’t shown up as my best self.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
Subscribe to the podcast
While making The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue I recorded a bunch of reflections on why and how I was making the book. These microcasts were shared exclusively with people who supported me on Patreon (I’m sharing the entire process of making the next Doctor Baer story there right now!).
To count down to the book’s release, I’m putting some of those reflections into the Thunder Punch Daily feed. Please note: the book was titled Baron von Bear and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue at the time of this recording. But baronvonbear.com does take you to the book’s landing page. Here’s the original post:
I’m answering another prompt provided by a listener!
Many children’s media creators have children and claim they are a huge source of inspiration. Do you feel like your storytelling craft suffers from not raising children yourself?
For me, it’s all about taking a kid’s perspective, which we all have access to, since we were all kids.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
Subscribe to the podcast
While making The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue I recorded a bunch of reflections on why and how I was making the book. These microcasts were shared exclusively with people who supported me on Patreon (I’m sharing the entire process of making the next Doctor Baer story there right now!).
To count down to the book’s release, I’m putting some of those reflections into the Thunder Punch Daily feed. Please note: the book was titled Baron von Bear and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue at the time of this recording. But baronvonbear.com does take you to the book’s landing page. Here’s the original post:
Today I share how the Indiana Jones movies influenced Baron von Bear and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue, and how the book answers some mixed feelings I have about Indy.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
Subscribe to the podcast
Here’s an introduction to the general concept of The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue, along with a brief history of its development and some of the influences behind the book.
One of his earliest appearances on PPV: Pay-Per-View #2
If you look super close, you’ll also see him in the monster’s left hand next to the lady and the black cat on the cover of PPV #1.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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I was given the gift of a thought experiment via the Doctor Baer AMA form:
Indiana Jones grew much larger than its creator. How do you think you’d feel about being an artist and about Dr. Baer if it found great success and the Dr. Baer intellectual property grew beyond your control of it?
While I like to think I’d be able to let it go and see it turned into derivative works, I know I haven’t always felt this way. So I take a survey of my WHY over the last 30 years.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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I just got the advance reader copy of The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue!
It’s hard to articulate the emotions I felt holding this artifact of two years’ worth of effort in my hands.
Which got me thinking about this Thought/Question/Wondering from the Doctor Baer AMA:
Do you ever feel the tension between protecting time to work on your book against time that friends and family want you to spend with them? What does that look like, and how on earth do we find the best balance in this (that’ll bring the least amount of guilt, ha!) ?
So I take some time to explore the tensions between us and the world when we set out to make art.
Links mentioned:
- Four Million Years Later
- Tell The Damn Story episode 300
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
Subscribe to the podcast
A thoughtful question/wondering came to me via the Doctor Baer AMA form:
I know a big part of how you advocate for comics and a thing you’ve shared that brings you a lot of joy is the teaching part of what you do– teaching comics. Through the long journey that is making a graphic novel, do you find that you pick up new tidbits/angles/perspectives/lessons that you can apply to teaching your students in the classroom?
Whether or not you’re planning on working with students, reflecting on your artistic experience only enriches it. But I also share how it leads to teachable moments and lessons plans that are fun for beginners.
Links mentioned:
- Documenting Your Classroom Experience, a workshop I led for the Ohio Arts Council back in 2020
- How to be a Teaching Artist, a TPD mini-series I did for Art Soundoff 2020
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
Subscribe to the podcast
For my last Art Soundoff entry for 2023, I’m sharing a previously Patreon-only entry from 2022. It’s a longer entry, but I think it clearly states the reasons behind my love of making comics.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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For today’s Art Soundoff entry I talk about where I’m putting my creative energy right now.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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I missed a few Art Soundoff entries, but I’m back to talk about with my relationship with sleep, particularly the weird place we go when we sleep!
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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It’s time to reflect on what I’m grateful for during this year’s Art Soundoff.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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I think about how my relationship with the challenges of making art has changed for this Art Soundoff entry.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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The Art Soundoff prompt was WIP, so I talk about a drawing I’m working on. Thinking about the procedure, leaving space for story development, and how much I hope the line art will carry in the final piece.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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I felt some hesitation to start with today’s Art Soundoff prompt. That led to some curiosity and reflection for today’s entry.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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I spin this Art Soundoff prompt into a call for help regarding tool selection.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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For today’s Art Soundoff prompt I look at three ways I want to improve my relationship with time management.
- Learn more about The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
- Suggest a topic for TPD here
- TPD theme music by Eliott Drozd
- Intro VO by Tara Platt
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Closing out my Art Soundoff series with some reflections on why being a teaching artist is so meaningful for me. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd.Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet DigitalVoiceover by Tara PlattSubscribe through iTunesListen on Stitcher
Today I share some thoughts on a certain kind of adaptability that will aid you when leading workshops. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd.Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet DigitalVoiceover by Tara PlattSubscribe through iTunesListen on Stitcher
Today I share a principle I observe when thinking about my the performance I put on with every workshop or class. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd.Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet DigitalVoiceover by Tara PlattSubscribe through iTunesListen on Stitcher
Paying attention to how artists share their work and asking why can lead to some fun activities for your workshop. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd.Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet DigitalVoiceover by Tara PlattSubscribe through iTunesListen on Stitcher
If you get practice presenting in a classroom or at an assembly, you’ll get better at hand-selling your work. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd.Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet DigitalVoiceover by Tara PlattSubscribe through iTunesListen on Stitcher
Working with beginners and helping them find their path reveals the many paths available to you as an artist. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd.Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet DigitalVoiceover by Tara PlattSubscribe through iTunesListen on Stitcher
Today I share some thoughts on how you could be the first person to present an alternate approach to different kinds of learners, then close with some thoughts on how imporant it is to help beginners who are gripped by your medium. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by … TPD 282 – Reaching Different Learners Read More »
Sometimes we need to address the notion of “doing things right,” in order to free our students to be creative. Today I share how I model a sense of playful transgression to help the students feel safe to explore and connect with art. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Why Everyone Who Loves Comics … TPD 281 – Creating a Safe Place for Exploration Read More »
Building on yesterday’s entry, I share some thoughts on respecting the gap of experience and expertise between you and your students. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd.Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet DigitalVoiceover by Tara PlattSubscribe through iTunesListen on Stitcher
Teaching your art is more explicitly a service-driven endeavor, which means it’s not entirely about you. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd.Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet DigitalVoiceover by Tara PlattSubscribe through iTunesListen on Stitcher
Today I wrap up my entries for this year’s Art Soundoff by thinking about my comfort zones in journaling and how my feelings change when I consider that the audience ultimately gets to decide whether or not TPD is useful. Links mentioned: Jerzy’s Patreon (where you can find the Fabulous Secrets microcast) Art Soundoff #artsoundoff […]
Today I share some more reflections on how my work has changed since ditching a step. I also react a little to Owen Jollands’ comparison between mini-comics and strength training. Links mentioned: Owen’s Art Soundoff Jerzy on Mastodon The Black Hole Equation Mini-Comics (PDF) Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by […]
Today I think about how I use social media and why it’s easier for me to respond to responses than to initiate a conversation with a response. Links mentioned: Owen Jollands Dee Juusan Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet […]
Today I share some struggles I’ve been having with making fitness a part of my daily practice. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe through iTunes Listen on Stitcher
Today I re-learn a lesson on the dangers of working under self-imposed artistic edicts. Links mentioned: This year’s Boulder and Fleet December Desktop Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe through […]
Today I report on a new workflow that cut 45 minutes out of the time it took me to draw a page of comics, which got me wondering about artistic speed limits. Links mentioned: The Emergent Task Planner Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by […]
Today I reflect on yesterday’s TPD entry and think a bit on helpful and non-helpful fear in making things. Links mentioned: Ubehebe Crater Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe through […]
I’m back from a trip where the goal was to focus and reflect and I’m not feeling that focused or reflective yet. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe […]
Today I finished teaching a course on comics and reflect on why I’m grateful to be doing what I’m doing. Links mentioned: SRSLY Chelsea Jerzy’s Patreon Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on […]
Today I share some thoughts on suspicions I have about my reluctance to loosen up my penciling. Links mentioned: Zack Giallongo on Instagram Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe through […]
Today I respond to today’s Art Soundoff Prompt. DAY 11: How do you go about getting fresh perspective? Links mentioned: Science Comics: Rockets – now for pre-order on Amazon! Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara […]
Today I follow a prompt from Jim Zub and share my job journey from my first job to where I am today. Comic Pros: What’s your job journey? What jobs did you have before comics?#makecomics #creativejourney — Jim Zub (@JimZub) November 9, 2017 Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is […]
Today I share some reactions to the announcement that Clip Studio Paint is now available for the iPad. Mixed feelings! Links mentioned: Clip Studio Paint Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ […]
Today I was surprised by a student who brought one of my latest projects to class. Links mentioned: My Instagram post about the comic Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe […]
Today I follow the daily Art Soundoff prompt: DAY 6: What are the most useful constraints on your project? And share a story about how a technical snafu in my classroom led to a moment where I think I connected with a student. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is […]
Today I share my experience in giving a talk to a local community group. I always feel nervous before the event, and I wonder sometimes if my hesitation to get out in front is holding me back. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided […]
Today I visited the Detroit Institute of Ars and had observations on making comics, watching anime, and packaging products. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Japan Cultural Days #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe […]
Today I revisit an old topic–fear of starting something new. There is no respite! No relief! Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Dave Seah’s Emergent Task Planner #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe through […]
Today I wonder about whether or not I’d be better off putting my 8 hours in consecutively instead of distributed over an entire day. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Dave Seah’s Emergent Task Planner #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover […]
It’s November, so that means the Thunder Punch Daily podcast returns with daily entries for Art Soundoff! Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Rob Stenzinger’s Polytechnicast #artsoundoff on Twitter Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe through iTunes […]
I close out my Art Soundoff 2016 entries with reflections on what I got out of this year’s challenge. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Mining for Trouble Boulder and Fleet on Tapastic The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Music […]
This time I riff on the Day 28 Art Soundoff prompt and verbally work out why anyone should care about my art. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Mining for Trouble The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Music for this […]
Today I talk about setting an ambitious milestone for the week’s end. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Mining for Trouble The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam […]
This time I riff on the day 26 Art Soundoff prompt and talk about why I think food and the way we eat it is so darned funny. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Mining for Trouble The Boulder and […]
It’s Thanksgiving in the United States again, so this Thunder Punch Daily is about things I’m thankful for. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting […]
Some say the key to learning how to make comics is to “just make lots of comics.” Today I unbox that a bit and add an extra word to that advice. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Boulder and […]
Today I revisit the differences between cheating and economy in making comics. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Kirby, King of Comics The Front: Rebirth The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio […]
Today I reckon with the realization that I might like how my inks look with a brush and paper more than when done digitally. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Mining for Trouble The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Music […]
During my weekly meeting I realized that there’s a holiday in the way of my productivity. I share a few thoughts about how younger me and older me encounters this tension. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Mining for Trouble […]
Today I take a quick break from grocery shopping to share some thoughts I’ve been thinking on character design. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Science Comics Music for this show is by Eliott […]
I’m off to teach a class, and today I share some thoughts on comics storytelling that I find challenging to communicate to my students. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Music for this show […]
It’s been a penciling day, surrounded by comfort media. Today I share some thoughts I’ve been thinking about giving my brain a break. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire A Friendly Game The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Music for […]
Today I share some news about that graphic novel project I’ve been hinting at. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire First Second’s Science Comics announcement The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio […]
Today I check in to share a few thoughts about navigating the fuzzy and iterative nature of making a graphic novel. I’m in the fuzzy part right now. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign […]
Today I overslept and found myself indulging in distractions when I should have been working. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam […]
Today I started thinking about the week ahead and was reminded of some little rules I make about the characters I write in Boulder and Fleet. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Mining for Trouble The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign […]
Today I caught myself standing my ground on one workflow option out of pride. In this episode I try to sort out how I feel about that. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Music […]
During my drive home from class I dwell on what I can do as a cartoonist after the 2016 presidential election. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital […]
I was listening to an episode of Tyler James’ Comixlaunch podcast and was hit with an interesting prompt for an Art Soundoff entry: Proudly and enthusiastically naming the real reason you make what you make. I need some practice at this, so this episode is my first draft. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art […]
While attending to some self care I rediscovered when enough is enough on a page. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Mining for Trouble The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Unnatural Talent, by Jason Brubaker Galaxy of Super Adventure 16 – […]
Sunday is laundry day as well as weekly planning day, and this time I share some of my thoughts and approaches on how I plan each work week. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign […]
I’m making croissants today in celebration of hitting a milestone on a project, which leads to some thoughts on setting rewards for finishing projects. I close with a few thoughts on whether there’s room in journaling for dark thoughts. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder […]
It only took 3 days for me to encounter friction with scheduling an Art Soundoff entry, so this one is recorded on my walk to my car. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Music […]
Today I share some thoughts on why spreadsheets are a useful organizational tool and how I have to resist the allure of how good schedules look on paper. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art on Patreon – Help us get to $800/month! Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign […]
Here we are facing another Art Soundoff challenge! Thunder Punch Daily returns with some thoughts on watching one’s schedule and energy levels to find the best times for these reflections. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign Lean Into Art on Patreon Music for this show […]
In this final entry for Art Soundoff 2015 I share what I got out of the experience and what lies ahead for Thunder Punch Daily. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Boulder and Fleet Patreon campaign The Galaxy of Super Adventure #5 – Starting Music for this show is by Eliott […]
Today I share some thoughts about one of my favorite characters of all time, what makes him tick, and why that works on me. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Transformers: RID – The Fish Test Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital […]
Today I riff on the day 28 prompt over on the Art Soundoff site and realize that I got dropped right in front of the Magic Mirror Gate. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Art of Dramatic Writing Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital […]
It’s Thanksgiving in the USA, so I share a few thoughts on things I’m grateful for and how something Skottie Young said to me on CAG is inspiring me to approach next year with a more grateful approach. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Comics Are Great! 45: Balancing Act Comics […]
This time I share a few thoughts on why the 2008 Speed Racer film visually arrested me. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Popeye: The Movie Speed Racer Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe through […]
Today I got lost in the weeds when thinking about my work spaces. I share a few thoughts on how this is a blind spot for me and how I’m thinking about taking this challenge on. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting […]
As I get ready for another work week I share some ways I’m planning on doing an end run around “finished project” anxiety. Links mentioned: The Galaxy of Super Adventure Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Robo Force Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital […]
Today I share some thoughts about stepping outside of my comfort zone and making something just for the fun of it. Links mentioned: The Galaxy of Super Adventure Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Rob Stenzinger Zack Giallongo Ben Hatke Mr. Bill Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam […]
Today I share some challenges I faced when penciling the next Robo Force story: how to find the minimum amount of visual material to communicate the idea. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Ninja High School Robo Force Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and […]
In the final episode before #200, I ruminate about celebrating with rites of passage or just plowing on and making the thing. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe through […]
Today I share some thoughts on not being sure whether or not you meant to add something that works in your story and walking the balance between intentionality and the inadvertent. I also talk a little bit about naps. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Music for this show is by Eliott […]
Today I share some thoughts on catching up, moving projects on the calendar, and an invitation to vote on the next mini-comic I make. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Fish Don’t Have Teeth TPD 195 – Loosen Up The Galaxy of Super Adventure Cap’n Cat: Former Shark Hunter Pickles and […]
Today I share some stories about my very first “original” characters. We learn about classics such as Snaketooth, Claw, Fastfoot, Jailbreaker, and Silver (the last of which became the main character in one of my earliest comics, which you can read here). Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Silver and the Periodic […]
Today I share an old complaint–my finished pencils are always less energetic than my thumbnails. I wonder aloud about loosening up my pencils on my next project. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Fish Don’t Have Teeth Nightmare Pro Wrestling The Pentel Stylo Minicomics Day Music for this show is by Eliott […]
Today I share how my use of the ETP and Trello doesn’t protect me from unforeseen distractions or delays, nor should it. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Trello The Emergent Task Planner LIA 141 – The Emergent Topic Episode Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam […]
Today I share a few thoughts about hitting that friction point when learning new skills and how sometimes it’s simply a matter of drilling and practice. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Boulder and Fleet on Instagram Boulder and Fleet on Twitter The new Boulder and Fleet desktop TPD 189 – […]
Today I share some thoughts on how I think about eating scenes in stories and why I default to using them in the Boulder and Fleet webcomic. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The DC Comics Guide to Inking Comics Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam […]
Today I share a few thoughts on an important aspect of making comics: tricking ourselves into doing it all over again. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Galaxy of Super Adventure The Wacom Bamboo Feel Stylus Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital […]
This time I do some thinking aloud on how I wish I had made turnarounds for some of my characters and whether or not it’s necessary to publicly declare intent. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Galaxy of Super Adventure The Emergent Task Planner Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. […]
Today I talk about some cartoonists I respect, both in the work they do and the people they are. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Zack Giallongo JP Ahonen Tony Cliff Audra Furuichi Gale Galligan Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover […]
Today I share some of the design constraints in the Boulder and Fleet webcomic and how I’ve found them beneficial to shipping every week. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Boulder and Fleet on Instagram The Boulder and Fleet Patreon Extra Lean 74 Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio […]
Today I share observations about letting an audience see your improvisations, followed by some ways I think about composition in my work. Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe through […]
Today I talk about a lesson I’m taking to my new character design class, focusing specifically on comics villains. Links mentioned: The Art & Story podcast on iTunes Art Soundoff Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy […]
Art Soundoff 2015 is officially underway, and I make my first entry about my intended goals for this year’s challenge. Recorded on location in a Trader Joe’s parking lot! Links mentioned: Art Soundoff Lean Into Art Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire My Patreon campaign Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided […]
I’m back with an essay on dealing with fears and the whys and hows of a Patreon campaign. Why? Because I’ve launched a Patreon campaign for Boulder and Fleet! Links mentioned: Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Lean Into Art Rob Stenzinger Jake Parker’s YouTube channel The Boulder and Fleet Patreon Inktober My 2015 Inktober sketches […]
In this final entry into the Art SoundOff Challenge I reflect on how the challenge changed me, and offer advice to anyone who may be interested in starting a journal micro cast. Links mentioned: The Last Social Blogging Guide You Will Ever Need Rob’s Art SoundOff Reflections Ashley Knapp’s entry about “Crying in Public” The […]
Today I share some thoughts about hitting the breaks and recharging before diving in to a heavy week. Links mentioned: Tiny Expo The Art SoundOff Challenge Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe through iTunes Listen on Stitcher
Turns out I’m getting a cold after all. Between that and the holiday, I didn’t get any drawing done. But I did watch the 1978 Superman film and gathered some takeaways. Links mentioned: Saturday Supercast 41 The Art SoundOff Challenge Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital […]
Given that this weekend is Black Friday, and inspired by a recent email, I explore some options we have if when purchasing tablets. Links mentioned: The Gazelle Ebay Store Ray Frenden’s Blog The Art SoundOff Challenge Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy […]
My power went out today, which set off a chain reaction of scheduling re-ordering, which set me to wondering about how to prepare for this in the future. Links mentioned: Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire Owen Jollands Owen Jollands’ Art SoundOffs The Saturday Supercast The Art SoundOff Challenge Music for this show is by Eliott […]
I watched Over the Garden Wall this weekend and had some reactions to share about it. Links mentioned: Over the Garden Wall The Art SoundOff Challenge Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy on Google+ Subscribe through iTunes Listen on Stitcher
This time I share a few thoughts about moments I choose not to share and what I think the difference is between reacting and responding. Links mentioned: Starbunny, Inc. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland The Art SoundOff Challenge Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing and IndyPlanet Digital Voiceover by Tara Platt Jerzy […]
Today I evaluate how things are going with the Webcomics Lab and ask myself what I want out of a cartoonist community. Which leads me to ask–what do you want out of a cartoonist community? Links mentioned: The AADL Webcomics Lab The Art SoundOff Challenge Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting provided […]
This morning I noticed that I’m starting to feel under the weather, so I share a little bit about how I hope to manage my energy this week so as to not exacerbate my cold while still maintaining my deadlines. Links mentioned: Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The AADL Webcomics Lab The Art SoundOff […]
After looking at my schedule and realizing I have workshop and teaching events every day this week, I look at how I might manage my energy and time to fit my art work into smaller time boxes. Links mentioned: Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Saturday Supercast The AADL Webcomics Lab Gregg Schigiel The […]
Today I finished editing the latest episode of the Saturday Supercast and went to see Big Hero 6, which led me to some thoughts on violence in adventure stories. Links mentioned: Boulder and Fleet: Adventurers for Hire The Saturday Supercast The Transformers, S3 episode Fight or Flee The Art SoundOff Challenge Music for this show […]
Today I tried some painting techniques while working on the upcoming Robo Force comic, and before I dive into editing an episode of the Saturday Supercast I share some art journaling. Links mentioned: The Robo Force Comic Eva’s Art Soundoff series The Saturday Supercast Tiny Expo The Art SoundOff Challenge Music for this show is […]
I worked more on the colors for the upcoming Robo Force comic and taught a class today, and in this TPD I share a few reflections about them. Links mentioned: The Robo Force Comic Rob Stenzinger’s Polytechnicast The Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series The Art SoundOff Challenge Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio […]
I was triggered by an innocent phrase while listening to one of Ashley Knapp’s Art SoundOff reflections, which led me down a philosophical wondering about why we justify our choices. Links mentioned: Ashley Knapp’s Art SoundOffs Owen Jollands’ Art SoundOffs Ryan Estrada The Art SoundOff Challenge Music for this show is by Eliott Drozd. Audio hosting […]