Free Comic Book Day THIS SATURDAY!

So far Mindy Indy's trip to the Windy City has been great!  C2E2 went pretty well - I've been drawing lots of dogs as super heroes lately.  I also had a signing yesterday at the Graham Crackers Comic store in the Loop, which also went well!  Been seeing some friends and family while freelancing in between all these events.  I'll also do a signing/drawings at another Graham Crackers Comic location (it's a chain) for Free Comic Book Day (FCBD)! 

What IS FCBD?  It's where you can go to any comic store in America and get a selection of comics for free.  NO, not every comic in the store is free.  It's a promotional thing.  And it's fun!  Always happens the first Saturday in May, which is May 2nd this year.  If you're in the Chicago area, I'll have CRAZY discounts on my custom drawings!  Here's where I'll be:

Graham Crackers Comics, 5443 N Broadway, Chicago IL 60640.  From 11A-4P.

I found out the other day that it's illegal for Chicago to have a "happy hour."  WHAAAAAAAA?  Apparently bars can have some discounts on appetizers, but not drinks, and they can't call it "happy hour."  That's a sad hour in my opinion. 

In NYC I get asked to happy hours sometimes but usually decline because I'm working on freelance stuff and it kind of interrupts my groove... If I had an office job and was already downtown sure I might go, but it doesn't usually work as well for my schedule.  After my signing Wednesday I caught up with a friend from art school around like 4pm and we found out this crazy fact.

C2E2 THIS FRI-SUN!!!

Super excited for my first time exhibiting at C2E2 this weekend!  (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo.)  If you'll be in the Chicago area, or know of friends who are, here's the scoop:

Friday April 24 - Sun April 26.  Show floor hours are Fri & Sat 10A-7P, with programming running til 9p.  Sun 10A-5P. 

Tickets are still available for all days!  Ranges from $30 for one day bought online  to $70 3-day pass paid at the door.  Kids get in for $5 on Sunday! 

It's at the South Building At McCormick Place.  2301 S Lake Shore Dr., Chicago IL 60649.  Looks like the closest subway is taking the Green line to the Cermak-McCormick Place stop.  If you're coming from the suburbs, you can take the Metra orange line to the McCormick Place Metra station.

Special guests include Stan Lee, Jason Momoa and Finn Jones from Game of Thrones, Chad Coleman from The Walking Dead, and many others!  There are all kinds of fun programs to see like stuff about medieval armor, to learning Chinese, how to combat cyber-bullying, to learning about the comics business.  See me and other amazing artists in the Artist Alley too - I'm table N17A!  Right by the food court!  Could be a strategic location - we'll see... Interestingly, artists with tables near the front of the alphabet are in the back corner...

Kids may enjoy my workshop "Sketching from Life with Mindy Indy" on Sunday from 11:30a-12:30p in the Family HQ (room N427bc). 

Looking forward to a very exciting trip!  I'm very lucky to be staying with some great friends in town :)  (Secret tip for cartoonists wanting to do conventions far away).  This time, since I'm flying AND taking Megabus later on to Michigan, I need to pack smartly.  Southwest Air still has 2 free checked bags, but you only get 1 with Megabus.  Gotta be under 50 pounds too.  Ok enough blogging and more packing to do!

I always have to check the weather before doing laundry...

Teaching Comics!

Recently I taught a special 2-session comics lesson at Baruch college!  Part of a literature class called "The Outsiders/A Hood Project," students read literature set in 21st century America where issues of race, gender, class, sexuality, religion, and mental health shape and are shaped by our understanding of adolescence.  One such reading was the graphic novel "American Born Chinese."  I was called in to teach some cartooning basics, because students could choose to draw their final project in comic form.  Since these were college students and not kids, I took the lesson to the next level, focusing on storyboarding.  It was great to see how the students caught on and they did great work! 

I teach every so often when requested.  I was privately tutoring a very talented 6-year-old for a few months this past fall.  He had all these fun characters and I showed him how to make his own 10 page comic, and we printed some copies and assembled them together.  Fun times!

I'm teaching a class next Sunday at C2E2 - "Sketching From Life With Mindy Indy!"  It's much like the class I taught at NYCC with some changes.  If you're in Chicago and are checking out the convention, stop on by the Family HQ room (N427bc) from 11:30A-12:30P.  Fun for all ages!

If you'd like me to teach a group or privately tutor in comics or drawing, please let me know!

The "i before e, except after c" rule does not apply to caffeine!

MoCCA Fest Recap

MoCCA Fest turned out OK, despite being on the 4th floor, I didn't suffer a loss like I feared.  But I certainly didn't do as well as in previous years, where all the vendors were on one floor in the Armory.  At Center 548, the stairs were really steep, there was only one small elevator, and lots of people didn't even know there was a 4th floor.  I think it's best for conventions to keep all the vendors in one floor, and have programming be on another floor if need be. 

But I sold 16 copies of my new comic "Apartment Hunt!"  I ended up swapping lots of crazy apartment hunting stories with people.  It's something everyone can relate to in NYC.  I did talk to some who got a great deal because they knew a landlord... note to self - befriend some landlords.  I wonder how well the comic will sell when I exhibit in other cities.  Apartment hunting in general is a pain, but nothing... NOTHING compares to the ridiculousness that is the NYC hunt.

Apartment Hunt Hot Off the Press! MoCCA Fest THIS WEEKEND!

I've just finished printing my newest comic:  "APARTMENT HUNT!!"  I made this comic to warn people of all the crazy stuff you may encounter while apartment hunting in NYC.  Based on a true story!  You may find it helpful if you'll be on the hunt yourself.  Be one of the first ones to get a copy this weekend at MoCCA Fest! 

I'm sharing table 416 with Nadia Burgess on the 4th floor (Blue Zone).  This year, the fest is 3 floors, and I'm on the top floor.  Please make sure you come up to see us and all the great cartoonists on the 3rd and 4th floors!  You won't want to miss out on a hidden treasure you may find there!

MoCCA Fest is at Center 548:  548 West 22nd Street in Manhattan.  See you there!

MoCCA Fest this Weekend!

I'm excited to exhibit at MoCCA Fest again this year!  I'll be tabling again with my friend Nadia Burgess both days April 11th and 12th from 11AM to 6PM.  MoCCA Fest is at a new location this year, across town at Center 548 near the Highline park in Chelsea - West 22nd St. between 10th & 11th ave.  Only $5 admission - very affordable! 

They have lots of awesome guests and festivities going on this week end the weekend as well: Aline Kominsky-Crumb, Scott McCloud, Raina Telgemeier, and lots of great international cartoonists too.  The Society of Illustrators has coordinated a "Comic and Cartoon Art Week" this week with screenings, presentations, sketch nights, and great networking opportunities!  See more on the Society's website.

I'm almost done with my newest comic, "Apartment Hunt," to premiere at MoCCA Fest!  It's crazy how much work goes into even a short story.  This one is based on real life, and has by far the most text of my stories. 

See you this weekend!

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Unless it's a sitcom... people don't usually die on sitcoms.

I just caught up on last week's episode of Vikings, and was very upset!  If you watch the show, and haven't seen the episode yet, I won't spoil it, but they kill off a very main character.  Very shocking.  I mean, it makes for an "edge of your seat" episode, but I don't think I'll want to watch the show anymore after that :/  At least not for awhile.

The King of All Daily Misfortunes

I also planned to reveal the winner of the Freezer Challenge contest I made last month.  If anyone had something in their freezer older than October 2008, they'd win a mini comic or chance to write their own Daily Misfortune.  The winner, Patrick O'Spiderski, of Miami FL, had a Lean Cuisine in his freezer from August of 1997!  Congrats, Patrick! 

APRIL FOOLS!  Nobody actually entered the contest.  Which is a good thing, because that means people are cleaning their freezers more regularly. 

Enjoy your normal day and beware of pranksters!

Women's History Month Comic

Every month I create a comic for the RLS Foundation (Restless Legs Syndrome, AKA Willis-Ekbom Disease).  Sometimes the foundation will ask me for suggestions for what we should do for the comic's subject.  I suggested something for Women's History Month, and some women in the foundation did research and found all the facts and picture references I needed.  With our powers combined, we created an awesome and informative comic!  One last hurrah for the end of Women's History Month!

Next month, a friend of mine is getting married, but it's the same weekend as C2E2.  Did I post that I'm going to be exhibiting there?  Well now you know!  I'll be in the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo April 24-26!  I'll be going "on tour" because a few weeks later I'll be in the Motor City Comic Con in Novi, MI.  Very excited for this trip!  Although with comic cons always being on the weekend, it's not the first time I've had to miss a wedding, and it won't be the last. 

More Adventures with Intuos

More experimentation with illustrations solely on the Wacom Intuos tablet!  This is the Leopard Gecko.  They're so pretty!

Dr. Mac Attack!

This is the latest custom comic I made!  For my friend Susie's dentist - Dr. Mac!  He helped her a lot over the years as she's undergone various jaw surgeries, and she wanted to give him a special gift.  Years ago, our other friend Katie helped make a cape for him (pictured here, with logo [M for Mac and it's also a Molar]) and Susie took it a step further with this comic idea.  Susie also gave me great reference pictures for the specific tools her dentist uses, like the headlamp and special microscope glasses (pictured below). 

This is a great example of how custom comics can be for ANYONE, not just couples!  Custom comics can really highlight the amazing qualities of a special person. 

Left to right:  Dr. Mac, Mindy Indy, dentist's assistant, Susie. 

I made a special delivery and gave the comic to him at her appointment!  Quoting the Dr.:  "This is the coolest thing I've ever seen!"  SMILES ALL AROUND!

I actually have no fear of the dentist.  I always make the appointments super early so I'm too tired to care what they're doing.

Happy Friday the 13th AGAIN!

Two months in a row, how lucky can we get for Friday the 13th??  Also, yes even though the sun is out, YOU STILL NEED A COAT.

Maybe it's time for a little spring cleaning, hm?  My freezer challenge has remained unchallenged - if anyone cleans out their freezer and can find something that's older than October 2008, send me a picture and I'll mail you one of my mini comics of your choice for free!  Either that or you can write your own Daily Misfortune and I'll feature it with your credits!  Send pictures to mindy@mindyindy.com by April 1st 2015.

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I didn't do well at the Big Apple Con, but talking to other creators, I don't think most artists did well either.  I usually have a steady stream of drawing commissions, but I only got 3.  I think it was largely due to placement of the indie artists.  The convention was split into 2 levels, and even though you walked by the indie artists on the lower level as you came in, most people just went right on by to the main floor area of the 2nd level, and when they were done they could exit another way.  I like when conventions are all on the same level in one big space, like Boston Comic Con and Baltimore Comic Con.  

But the good news was that I did find someone to help at my table for when I was sick.  Hiring an assistant has been something I've been thinking about, but being sick gave me the push to try it.  I'm glad I got to do so at a smaller convention rather than take a big risk at NYCC.  Even though Big Apple was slow for the most part, it was a great opportunity for someone new to learn stuff.  If you table at conventions or any kind of show, and are feeling overwhelmed during busy times, I definitely recommend finding helpers! 

CARTOONIST ASSISTANT NEEDED @BIG APPLE CON THIS SATURDAY!

I've gotten sick and need someone to speak for me and help at my artist's alley table at The Big Apple Con this Saturday March 7th in NYC!

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be outgoing, friendly, and concise (don't ramble)
• Must be dedicated and responsible
• Must be ON TIME Saturday morning (10am)
• Must be able to stay the whole duration of the convention (10am-6pm)
• Must be in the NYC area
• Students wanting to get into the comics industry preferred

DUTIES:

• Greet people who pass by my table and ask them if they want a custom sketch.
• Explain brief details of custom sketch options.
• On either my iPad or a clipboard, get customers names, emails, and orders.

COMPENSATION:

• I'll buy you a ticket into the convention (worth $20)
• I'll provide lunch for you (worth ~$10)
• You'll get the last hour or 2 of the convention off to explore and have fun!
• If you do a great job, it could lead to other similar work because I table at many conventions, including MoCCA Fest and New York Comic Con.
• If you want, I will draw your own custom sketch of anything (worth $45)
• You'll get to "learn the ropes" firsthand from a professional cartoonist and can ask me anything about the comics biz.  Knowledge is power!

APPLYING:

• Send an email to mindy@mindyindy.com AND mindy.ann.13@gmail.com by Friday March 6th at 3PM with the following:
• Name, email, phone number, Skype contact (if applicable), availability
• Tell me a little about yourself and why you want to get into the comics business

I will hold interviews near the Penn Plaza Hotel after I set up for the convention Friday evening at 6pm.  Exact location TBA to qualified applicants.  If you can't make it Friday, let's Skype.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!  I'd much rather get someone who's a friend-of-a-friend via Facebook, mailing list, or social media than go to craigslist.

HELP!  I need somebody, HELP!  Not just anybody

THANK YOU!!

Big Apple Con This Saturday!

The first comic convention of the year is this weekend!  The first day of spring brings the Big Apple Con at the Penn Plaza Pavilion featuring our favorite Tommy the Green Ranger (Jason David Frank) and many other guests and artists!  I'll be sharing a table with Nadia Burgess of Tough Spirit Creations. 

Big Apple Con http://www.nycbm.com/  Saturday March 7th from 10A-6P.  Tickets are $20.  401 7th Ave & 33rd St. 

See you there!

FREEZER CHALLENGE

Let's be honest, when was the last time you cleaned out your freezer?  When food goes bad in the fridge it's easier to tell, but it can lurk in the freezer - hiding - waiting - for years undiscovered.  I moved to my current place in September and bought all new food.  There was another girl already living there so some food was already in the freezer.  Wasn't until now that I decided to do a freezer clean sweep and check everything.  Found something from 2008!  SEVEN years ago!  Proof:

Posting this on 2/27/15.  Nope, it's not Photoshopped - I wouldn't bother to blog about it if it was.

The white crackle marks on the package are from the wrapper ink peeling off, not icicles. 

Let's have a contest - if anyone cleans out their freezer and can find something that's older than October 2008, send me a picture and I'll mail you one of my mini comics of your choice for free!  Either that or you can write your own Daily Misfortune and I'll feature it with your credits!  Ready?  GO!

Send pictures to mindy@mindyindy.com by April 1st 2015.

Tax Time?

This guy does my taxes, haha!  I'm fulfilling my New Year's Resolution of doing taxes early this year!  Last year I was so busy during tax time with conventions and freelance work that I had to do them a bit later and pay a fee.  But February is a great time to get your taxes done because it's a slow season for everything.  And it's cheaper!  For the past 3 years I've gone to Brass Taxes and they've been so helpful each time - I've really learned a lot and each year I become more organized when it comes to figuring out deductions and such!  If you're a freelancer, I STRONGLY encourage you to seek help from a professional accountant to help you with your taxes.  It's well worth the cost!  Cheaper than H&R Block by a long run.  Companies like H&R Block and TurboTax don't know how to give you the deductions you deserve, so seek out a person who specializes in taxes for freelancers.

Yes, it does still take time to sort out tax stuff yourself before you have your tax appointment, like finding all the documents you need, categorizing all the deductions, etc.  But wouldn't you rather be doing it now when it's freezing and you have no plans than be stuck inside on a beautiful April weekend?

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And sometimes he does it all day, which can be kind of distracting working from home.  I wonder if one day I'll run into him in my neighborhood and I'll be like "YOU'RE THE GUY!"  As of now, it's a mystery - my room faces a courtyard where there are hundreds of windows where he could be coming from.  At least he's not a bad singer or I might have called 311 by now.

Happy Mattress Sale Day!

As a freelancer, I don't get holidays "off" really.  But if you do have the day off, time to get a mattress!  FYI "E Pluribus Unum," according to the internet, "was the motto proposed for the first Great Seal of the United States by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson in 1776. A latin phrase meaning "One from many," the phrase offered a strong statement of the American determination to form a single nation from a collection of states."

Yeah come to think of it, our forefathers were pretty badass.  They're worth celebrating.  Have a beer!

Happy Friday the 13th!

Last night I was happy to realize that today is another Friday the 13th!  Perfect day for The Daily Misfortune!  I've always loved the number 13 because I was born on the 13th.  I'm not into scary movies or stuff like that, but I just think it's a special day :)  Take your umbrellas just in case!