Artists Are Jer…um, I Mean, Interesting People!
I’ve never been in any “leadership positions” in any of my jobs thus far, save for the occasional minion or two that got tossed my way. Thus, being “in charge” (big finger quotes there, I’m just the writer) of our first project at First Storm Manga is a new experience for me.
One thing I learned quickly is that artists are a lot like programmers. We are touchy-feel-y people, prone to being easily distracted, and believe that we are special because what we can do something that not anybody can.
Oh yeah, we can also be jerks…especially that jerky-jerk AUSTIN!
In the workplace, programmer ire is generally directed at management (for example, Dilbert). I am rapidly learning that artist ire tends to be directed at writers such as myself. It also doesn’t help that I am out-numbered.
I am the only person at First Storm Manga (so far!) that does not draw, I could call myself a “pure writer” with an exaggerated air of self-importance if I wanted to sound like an arrogant jerk. I was puzzled for awhile as to why I was getting all the writer-hate from the other guys. Actually, “writer-hate” is a bit strong, it was actually more like “treat the writer like a red-headed stepchild.”
After awhile, though, I figured it out: when doing a manga (or comic), the art is done first, and then the words are slapped on top of it. Thus, the more words I come up with, the more the art is covered up! So, yeah, I guess they have a point. I suppose the occasional barb or two is a small price to pay for seeing a “pure writer’s” story come to life in pictures, though. *smug*
They’re still jerks, though.
It Was (Just Over) 20 Years Ago Today…
I wanted to post this picture awhile back, but some (now fixed) problems with WordPress kept me from doing so. I still love music, although these days, I play with music more than actually playing it. In any event, I hope this brings a smile to my former classmates.
Eduardo “Edward” Soliz – Class of 1991
San Japanic!
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Our first First Storm Manga project is a commission: we have been ‘hired’ to create a short manga (a Japanese-style comic book) to promote the San Japan 2.x Japanese Culture and Anime convention. The manga is supposed to feature the convention’s four mascot characters: a bat named Dios (like most folks, I was all, wait, that means “God” in Spanish! I presume its something different in Japanese) a longhorn named Suzaku, an armadillo named Hinode, and a girl named Sana.
The story will consist of all four characters encountering some kind of (hopefully) funny situation as they voyage to the convention. I am the storywriter/editor (because I can’t draw) and we have three different artists working on the project. Its lots of fun working with them, and I think it will come together quite nicely when its all said and done. Click the picture above for the full image, and stay tuned!
Super Happy First Storm Manga Group Hey!!
Okay, so I got a little silly with the title…
First Storm Manga is a group of artists and writers that I joined recently. We get together on Saturday nights at the La Taza coffee shop to go over various projects that we are working on for self-publication. Our stuff is going to be done in the manga style of Japanese comics.
Well, the artists, stuff, anyway…since I can’t draw, I suppose that makes me a writer-slash-idea man.
I am working on a project right now, though I can’t say much beyond that. Its neat to have a creative outlet and to meet and work with other Creative Types. Its also like herding cats in terms of trying to keep things organized, and I admittedly don’t make things much easier, but we solider on, and if all goes well, we’ll have something to show for all our work.
I’m pretty excited about it, though, the thought of seeing something I created in words come to life in pictures is an exciting one!