I've managed to maneuver myself into a quiet zone devoid of deadlines, pressure and most importantly stress. But in doing so I've had to walk away from the "drawing board." Nothing permanent, just something I like to do to recharge my batteries. Having a full time job not related to art allows me that luxury. This usually happens in the winter, where conventions are non-existant...no art or inspiring conversations to jump start the imagination. But thanks to a local art group (www.sketchcharlotte.com) I may just sneak back in without telling anyone! Besides, the sketchbook isn't going to fill itself now is it?!

I'll be making my first ever convention appearance as a guest artist this Saturday, Oct 24th at the Greenville Comic Con! I'll have copies of the 2009 sketchbook, assorted sketch cards and a few other goodies available for sale. I'll alsobe sketching all day long!

Be sure to stop by and say hello!

The Greenville Comic Con
10 am-4 pm
Comfort Inn at 2756 Laurens Road Greenville, SC, Behind the BMW Dealership near I-85 Exit 48 B.

Admission is $3 with a flyer or $4
Ages 12 and under are free
Current or former Military Free with ID, thank you for your service.
Wear a costume Free!

For more info: info@greenvillecomiccon.com
[link]

We've had such a positive response to this year's sketchbook that we're now offering them online! $5.00 each (postage paid) to anywhere in the US. (send me a note for International orders) The book features 24 pages of never before published art from Mark Godby ([link]), Terence Hoskins ([link]) and myself. And as an added bonus, I'm doing free headsketches on the back of your choosing! You can see examples in my gallery.
I'm also taking commissions (inks on 9 x 12 or 11 x 14 bristol) again, examples can be seen in my gallery. I do trades (comics, tpbs/hcs) or cash...hit me up with a note if you're interested.

Thanks for reading,
Brandon/Big Dog

This year had to be the most fun I've had since I was a kid diving in quarter bins back in the late 80's! We amped up our involvement this year more than the previous two and it's starting to pay off! People recognized us and our sketchbooks and even requested sketches! The guys at the Dollar Bin (www.thedollarbin.net) hosted us and our sketchbooks this year and even let us occuopy their booth for a good chunk of the weekend, Between Mark, Terence and myself we must have done over 50 free sketches on the back of our 2009 sketchbook! If you came by the booth and picked one up, we thank you, it means a lot! I've posted a few that I managed to scan before they went out the door in my gallery.

I also got to participate in a very cool jam piece created for the Heroes art auction! (finished pic posted in my gallery) It's not everyday that I get to have my work next to the likes of Andy Runton, Chris Schweizer, Budd Root, Buddy Prince, Nat Jones, Bradd Parton, J Chris Campbell, Duane Ballenger, Rob Ullman, Ben Towle, Francesco Francevilla, Mark Godby, Faylnn Koch, Mitch Rogers, Roger Langridge, Dean Trippe, David Peterson, Loston Wallace, Josh Latta, Guy Davis, Christian Slade, and Danielle Corsetto. (yeah I named them all!) This was one of the highlights of the weekend for me. Not only to have my work stand with theirs, but to help collect their work for the piece...simply mind blowing! Thanks to everyone who participated and even moreso to Brian, Adam, Devin, Kris and Ted for making that happen! From what I hear Mike from Planet Comics in Anderson, SC won it, so I may just have to make a road trip!

As for the show itself, I touched base with old friends and made some new ones as well. This weekend is so special, makes me want take some time off and hit a few more cons (Dragon Con, Baltimore and the Greenville Comic Con are distinct possibilities!) It also kick starts my creative juices. So hopefully I can capitalize on this rush and kick it up a notch on the commissions I have remaining!

And while I have my creative juices flowing, I'd like to see what I can do to increase the traffic, and overall activity of my devART site! Which means I'll be doing some free sketches for a few lucky followers who participate on my site...stay tuned!

- Brandon/Big Dog

btw - Two of my Pro friends just joined deviantART...can't recommend these guys enough. Head over and check them out!
Jason Latour - [link]
Chris Brunner - [link]

Just like the last two years, we'll be debuting a new sketchbook at Heroes Con! This time Mark ([link]) and I are bringing a new artist into the fold...Terence Hoskins! ([link]) Each of us have supplied 8 pieces of original art for this year's model...24 pages with a cardstok cover!

And like last year...THEY'RE FREE! The Dollar Bin ([link]) are hosting our sketchbook this year, so swing by their booth, check them out and pick up a free sketchbook!

And if you get in touch with one of us before Friday, we'll do a free sketch on the back cover. Yep, that's right...FREE AGAIN!

And if that's not good enough for you, pick one up and if you see us at the show (I'll be wearing a Big Dog's Studio t-shirt most likely) ask us for a sketch!

Hope to see you at the show!

- Brandon/Big Dog