No More Making Promises I Can’t Keep!
Bill Myers Creations is undergoing yet another transformation. What will make this one different from the others is I will not set myself up for failure by making unrealistic claims about what will happen, and when.
Basically, I’ve decided to put my Web/graphic design ambitions on hold for the time being. There’s a very good and very logical reason for that, but I can’t discuss it at the moment. Let’s just say it’s not a bad thing. In fact, it could turn out to be a very, very good thing. I’ll let y’all know as soon as I am able.
Anyway, the timing is serendipitous. After my last re-design of www.billmyerscreations.com, I realized something was missing. Oh, there are some purty graphics and such, but I still don’t have a grasp of the fundamentals. There is too much I do not know. So I have embarked upon a period of self-study. I want to understand the principles of Web design, to learn about what are considered best practices and why they are considered to be so, in order to build a solid foundation upon which to structure my creativity. I want to stop stumbling around.
This has given me the excuse I needed to finally de-couple The Victory Streak from my would-be Web/graphic design venture. The two don’t exactly produce any natural synergies. People looking for a professional Web designer might get annoyed at the prospect of having to wade through stuff about The Victory Streak, and vice versa.
Given that I am putting thoughts of a Web/graphic design business on hold for the moment, it makes sense to re-position Bill Myers Creations so that it focuses solely on the creation, marketing, and distribution of The Victory Streak. I’ll be revamping the company logo and Web site to reflect that. If and when I decide to resume my attempt to dive into the Web design industry, I’ll set up a separate business name for that purpose.
As far as my self-publishing schedule goes… well, I’m not making any more announcements or anything until the first issue is penciled, inked, lettered and ready for the printer. I hope that will be soon. In the meantime, I’ll probably post some preview art and pages from my sketchbook here in the blog for those few die-hards who have been patiently sticking with me through this painfully slow process. When the book is done, I’ll not forget you folks. Your support has meant a lot and it will be repaid. How? Oh, that would ruin the surprise.
Thanks, all!
October 18th, 2006 at 11:14 am
Hmmm, some hopefully good news…I’m intrigued but if you don’t want to jinx it by saying what it is, I understand.
October 25th, 2006 at 9:42 am
So, how far have you actually got with the first issue? Redesigning web sites, new logos, restructuring, etc. are great, but… appear as classic delaying tactics. The only way the comic gets done is to sit down and do it, Bill. Once you have a solid product in your hands, then is the time to market it with web designs and promotions. Doing those things now just distracts you from the job at hand and uses up valuable time.
Come your next day off, get up at 7am, grab a cup of coffee, slip a pristine sheet of paper onto your drawing board, take up that 2H pencil, and start drawing.
Repeat above formula until you have 24 pages.
Trust me. You’ll love yourself in the end.
October 27th, 2006 at 2:25 am
Allan, I gave your words a couple of days to sink in, and you know what? I am forced to conclude that you are almost 100% correct.
You’re wrong about the pencil. I start with a 4H. Works better for me.
Thanks for giving me the face-full of cold water and the kick in the ass I needed, man.
October 27th, 2006 at 10:05 am
I’m gld you took it in the spirit it was intended.
I know all about delays and distractions, Bill, believe me. I’m the master at not getting things done. Every time I think about starting something, I’ll suddenly remember that I “have” to tidy that shelf; I’ve “just got to” clean the floor. Really and truly even posting on the blog is a way of distracting oneself from the real job at hand.
There comes a time when you have to put aside everything else and just go for it. What say, next year, you and I participate in the 24 hour comics challenge? Could be fun — and a way to blast those cobwebs! And, at the very least, by day’s end, we’ll have something solid and tangible.
Regarding the Victory Streak project, if there’s anything I can do to help out, just give me a shout.
It was a toss up between HB and 4H, so I compromised. I usually rough out with a 4H and tighten with an HB.
October 28th, 2006 at 3:56 pm
Well, I’m not giving up the blog because I’m addicted and that’s that. And I can’t give up housecleaning in its entirety. I like living in a clean house!
But your point is well-taken.
Participating in the next 24-hour comics challenge? Oh, I am going to kick myself later, but okay — you’re on!
And thank you for the offer of help with The Victory Streak. I may well take you up on it. Consider the offer reciprocated.
Folks, Allan Harvey is a talented artist in his own right and he does commissions. Check out examples of his work here: http://www.allanharvey.net.