I’m delaying today’s strip due to artistic integrity. I always forget how hard it is to pull real people into my “style”. I needed to spend a good portion of the day doing sketches and figuring out the best way to convey real life people in my strip.

In that same vein, I’ve been perusing a LOT of web sites of illustrators, cartoonists, character developers and caricaturists. My current “style” (I use the term loosely) has served me well over the years, and it’s pleasantly evolved over time, but I find myself trying new things in doodling and generally broadening my artistic vision. Unfortunately, maintaining a cartooning schedule (along with other life stuff) does not allow much wiggle room for messing with my cartooning formula. Don’t worry though, I’ll keep on going with the fun-nay until I can figure out what to do. Perhaps a revamp of the look of the characters, perhaps even changing methods might lead to more evolution in my art (I’ve been toying with digital inking and different programs).

So, expect today’s strip today … just not right now.

Wel, as I sit here with my Star Trek sneakers on, my trusty WoW cap on my head and typing on a desk covered in toys (of which at least ninety percent are mine) I don’t quite feel 41. It’s not a milestone year, more of an after thought. But this past year has been a big one. A second daughter, the re-introduction of the AT crew into the strip, and a general feeling of hope for the future. I can sense that this coming year is really going to be a big one. I just hope to be flexible and alert enough to take advantage of any opportunities.

I do feel blessed to have people almost daily tell me how much they love the strip and how glad they are that I am back in the saddle (well, lately it’s been more like hitching up my britches again). The new work flow is a double edged sword in that I can get a bunch of strips done in a faster fashion (writing a batch, then penciling a bunch, then inking a bunch, then scanning and post production, etc.) WHEN I get the time that is. Between homework, a looming final and the littlest one not going to bed until midnight or later the work flow leaves me with batches of half finished strips. Perhaps there is something to be said for the slightly slower, yet more flexible one off process. Hmmm, something to consider in my fine tuning. Needless to say, expect a batch of strips soon.

But not tomorrow (well, maybe tomorrow) as my family is taking me to see the Star Trek exhibit as the Tech Museum here in San Jose. =)

Set phasers for FUCKING AWESOME!