milkyboots

Old Sketchbook Drawing #11

2012-02-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

Old Sketchbook Drawing #10

2012-02-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

Old Sketchbook Drawing #9

2012-02-09T14:13:00.000-08:00

Old Sketchbook Drawing #8

2012-02-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

Old Sketchbook Drawing #7

2012-02-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

Old Sketchbook Drawing #6

2012-02-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

Old Sketchbook Drawing #5

2012-02-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

Old Sketchbook Drawing #4

2012-01-30T14:10:00.000-08:00

Old Sketchbook Drawing #3

2012-01-28T14:09:00.000-08:00

Old Sketchbook Drawing #2

2012-01-26T14:09:00.000-08:00

Old Sketchbook Drawing #1

2012-01-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

New Sadie Piece and Top 10s!

2012-01-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

A little bit of catch-up today!

My latest comic for Sadie Magazine is up: Infinity Scarves!

The whole Sparkplug team has posted their Top 10 Comics of 2011 over at the Sparkplug blog.

Here is a post about our next graphic novel, Nurse Nurse!

I'm going to be posting old sketchbook pages for a couple weeks while I power through a couple comics due next month.

Nurse Nurse Fanart

2012-01-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

This is Gemma, from Katie Skelly's Nurse Nurse comic. It's really great and YOU should read it. I was going to try to do a "fanart Monday" regular thing for the blog, but it hasn't worked out.
So...I have work for three anthologies coming up plus my Sadie magazine gig, which is why I've been posting infrequently. It's good for me, boring for you. I will try to updates bits and pieces on here.

Calico Jack Fanart

2011-12-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to my friend Patrick - this is Alder and Pickles, two characters from his awesome space pirate epic, Calico Jack.

Holidays! Sadie magazine!

2011-12-21T08:46:00.001-08:00

Hey! First of all, happy holidays!
Second of all, I know I haven't posted in awhile - I have been working on semi-secret projects, such as this comic I did for Sadie magazine. There is another big project I hope to have done by the end of the year, so keep an eye out for it!

Writing

2011-12-04T16:08:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago my girlfriend and I got into a discussion about the fate of the queer characters in one of my stories, pointing out that they die about 10 pages after it is revealed that they are queer. It was a pretty interesting conversation and now I am rethinking how my queer characters are portrayed.
This conversation and others about race and gender have led me to want to reexamine all my fiction, so - and I can't remember if I've mentioned this already - there will not be a new issue of The Courier anytime soon because I've found a lot of really problematic ideas buried in it, written by a younger, less educated Virginia. Writing in a way that is responsible is something that is absolutely necessary to me, now, and I want my writing to be something healthy and realistic for people who aren't necessarily represented that way in a lot of fiction.
Anyway, as an apology to my girlfriend, I drew the two queer characters being very sweet, open and alive together. I am still thinking about how to rewrite them.

Ladies

2011-11-29T17:08:00.000-08:00

These ladies are either:

-characters from a story I wrote

OR!

-Pippa and Felicity from Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle Trilogy, as my girlfriend insists.

You can choose!

I think I might try to color this digitally when I have some time.

Karaoke at the Know

2011-11-27T16:50:00.000-08:00

On my new roommate's birthday we went to do karaoke at the Know. It was fun, and man, can those folks sing. I feel like everyone in Portland is really good at karaoke. I am not (that's me on the left). And I forgot the words.

I relisted a bunch of my older Milkyboots issues (#10-12) in my etsy shop!

Now I am Under

2011-11-14T13:57:00.000-08:00

This is a test run of a "splash page," haha, for my next comic. The text will be different; these are lyrics from a song by Florence and the Machine. Every time I do a drawing with song lyrics on it, I feel like a teenager again.
I am done comics conventioning for the year and it is a relief! I plan to not leave the house until March when I'll probably be in Austin. Last week was especially stressful; three events, no sleep, work and an injured kitty. Our vet is great though, and Lyra is doing much better after something got a hold of her tail.

Guys, how awesome has Community been this season?! That show is like my security blanket.

Recent Favorites

2011-11-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

I got back from MIX on Monday. I managed to get a little drawing done while I was gone, including this. There are more photos up on my flickr page (which I think you can get to by clicking on the image - I can never figure out how to link to my flickr.)

Minneapolis Indie Xpo

2011-11-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

I am at my folks' house in rural Wisconsin so I can't post any drawings - here instead is a picture of the cats trying to trick me into giving them lunch (It is 10:30 cats! You just had breakfast an hour ago!)
Anyway, I wanted to let y'all know I will be at MIX this weekend. I'm gonna be tabling for Sparkplug, but I will have a couple copies of the newest Milkyboots and Food Stamp Foodie. And by a couple, I mean like three of each ... I need to make more copies. So I guess if you want them, get there early haha.
Gotta go thrift store shopping with my dad now! TTYL

APE Trip, Part 4 & 5

2011-10-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

APE Trip Part Three

2011-10-18T09:10:00.001-07:00

I got my tooth pulled yesterday, and now there is a big weird hole in my mouth! It's an interesting feeling.

APE Trip, Part Two

2011-10-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

It was okay that Tim was late, and I really appreciate him bringing the books for us.

Anyone else remember the Streets of Old Milwaukee?

NEWS: I am going to get my one tooth pulled, the one that has been bugging me for about a year. I'm gonna do it on Monday, I think. Though I am going to the cheap clinic, some support would be wonderful - if you would like to help, please consider buying something from my etsy store! I'd really appreciate it!

Adventure Time Fan Art!

2011-10-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

Olie and I made this jam comic/fan art. BMO is my fave.

APE Trip

2011-10-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Two Stories from Yesterday

2011-09-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm channeling John Porcellino today.

My scanner/photoshop is still doing totally bizarre things to my scans - such as reversing images like the top one. It looks okay like that, so I'm leaving it.

Etsy Sale!

2011-09-05T17:13:00.000-07:00

Nothing new today really, I've been busy actually relaxing this holiday weekend after going nonstop for the last couple months. It's been nice! And and and, this morning I remembered that season 2 of my favorite show Community comes out on DVD tomorrow. To celebrate, I am reposting this drawing I did of Britta and having a 20% off sale in my etsy shop! Just use the coupon code YEAHCOMMUNITY to receive the discount. Thanks! I am so looking forward to the start of season 3 on the 22nd!

Nat & Jo

2011-08-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

These two drawings are my piece for the "This World and the Next" show at Pony Club here in Portland. It should be a fun show; the theme is diptychs and triptychs. The opening is this Thursday!

News and Things!

2011-08-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

If you follow indie cartoonist/publisher news at all, I'm sure you have heard about what's going on with my boss, the head dude behind Sparkplug Comic Books. If you don't, well ... he is having some major health issues and those cost a lot of money. Folks much more eloquent than me have written about it, like Rob Clough (who is also a great comics reviewer). Dylan is probably the sweetest person on the planet, and a great boss, who gave me a job so I would stop bitching about Austin English stealing my carrots. If you would like to help him out, the best way is to .... order books from us! We publish a ton of great stuff and distro some really amazing titles too!

Here are my top ten Sparkplug Books (not in order):

1. Gay Genius Anthology (seriously, one of the best books I have ever read)
2. Flesh and Bone (weirdly sexual witchiness)
3. Whirlwind Wonderland (journal comics!)
4. The Heavy Hand (a bizarre, twisted trip)
5. David King's books (I don't understand them, but I like them. Also, his twitter is hilarious.)
6. Edison Steelhead's Lost Portfolio (drawings of girls and rabbits)
7. The Airy Tales (so, so pretty!)
8. Passage (Beautiful drawings. The story really reminded me of my adolescence.)
9. Reich Series (Orgone! Drama! Psychology!)
10. Asiaddict (a really cool travelogue)

Tomorrow I will try to put up my favorite distro books!

My other news item is that I will be doing the Pop-Up Shop again for Last Thursday. This month the artists will be Kortni Bottini, Patrick Devine, Andrice Arp, Emily Nilsson and Theo Ellsworth. The gallery is located in the northside alley between 28th and 29th on NE Alberta St. It's open from 5-10pm this Thursday, August 25th. Hope to see you there!

Milkyboots #13 available!

2011-08-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

Yay! I figured out that it was the work computer I was using (the one I'm on now, coincidentally) that was preventing me from printing. Actually, it wasn't reading the files, so there were just all these gray squares where the images were supposed to be, blah blah blah InDesign blah blah CS2 blah.
Anyway! It is complete, and I have copied it, and it is now for sale in my etsy shop! And you can get 10% off with the coupon code HELLOAUGUST. Issue 13 is a little bit different than other Milkyboots issues; there are only a few diary comics. The rest is sketches, experiments and some of the fiction comics I've been working on. Consider your self warned: I think this is some of the best drawing I've done, but it's not normal journal-comicy Milkyboots.

Food Stamp Foodie #2

2011-08-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

Hello all! I have finished the second issue of my cheap & easy vegan recipe zine, Food Stamp Foodie. It is available in my etsy shop (enter the coupon code HELLOAUGUST for 10% off!).

I have had a very eventful week with the Portland Zine Symposium; the little cat escaping and returning, and then going to the vet; my boss continuing to be in the hospital; receiving rushed orders for bags; and all the other, regular stuff like doing the dishes that just seems impossible sometimes. I'll be working both days this weekend and dogsitting, but mostly missing my girlfriend since she's leaving for a week and a half today.

I'm hoping that next week will be quieter and I will just be able to buckle down and get a bunch of drawing done, so keep your eye on this site! New art may be up soon!

Milkyboots #13 is done (it was actually completed before Zine Symposium) but due to CS2/CS3 issues and my own impatience after a long-ass day, I did not get to print it. But! I'm hoping to do it on Sunday, so it should be on my etsy next week.

Elfworld and the Zine Symposium

2011-08-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hello! Here are the first six panels of a three page story I think I've been working on for a year and a half? Nothing like a deadline to help you finish something, huh? I have submitted the complete piece to the Elfworld Anthology, which is edited by Francois Vigneault, one of the nicest people in the universe.

Next weekend is the Portland Zine Symposium! I can't believe it's already here. I'll either be tabling for Sparkplug or myself, I'm not sure which yet. I am planning on having two new zines: the second issue of Food Stamp Foodie and another issue of Milkyboots. If you can't make the Symposium, I'll put them up on my etsy page as soon as I make them.

I'm back

2011-07-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

I've returned from Louisville! Derby City Comic Con was great! My friend Laura (see ad to the right) is so inspiring! Exclamation point!

Okay world, you ready for me to roar through three zines, setting up a pop up shop, helping Neighbor Jenny with her quilt and making some sort of bow-involved birthday present for a friend plus working a whopping three days a week?!

Yeah, I know, I'm not sure either. But let's see how far I get.

The drawing above is of Carla, from the story that I was gonna call Just Sayin' but now I have to think of another name. I drew it on the plane! And I managed not to get any india ink on my fellow passengers.

Derby City Comic Con time!

2011-07-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

I have some news! But first, a painting of our cats as their spirit animals:

News item #1:
I will be in Louisville, tabling for Sparkplug Comic Books at Derby City Comic Con. Please stop by! I will have my own zines there as well.

News item #2:
I am going to try to have 3 zines done by Portland Zine Symposium next month! I think I can do it.

News item #3:
Well this is old news actually. I am broke! I've been applying for every job I can find for about a month, with no luck so far. If you have any advice, I would love to hear it. I hate asking for money, but if you would like to help, please consider purchasing things from me! 15% off at check out with the coupon code VAISBROKE. Thanks y'all.

News item #4:
A couple things I have enjoyed recently:

Ignition Zero
My friend Yumi
Anne Emond's tumblr
I sort of can't get over how awesome Mel Stringer is. I wish she lived in Portland instead of Australia.
My acquaintance Kjerstin's tumblr. She makes good rage comics.

That's all! <3 Bye now!

Boom Boom Drama

2011-07-02T16:06:00.001-07:00

Oh hello there. Yes, it's been forever since I posted. But I have been doing things! Comic things even. Here is the first page of a comic I did for my friends Gingham Ghost. If you want to read the rest*, you'll just have to subscribe to their e-zine, which you should do anyway, because Melinda and Aaron are amazzzzzing.

I've got large-ish projects going on for the next couple months, so I dunno how much I'll be updating. I have plans for new zines, and many more sewing things. If you really miss me, I post on my tumblr slightly more often, but not always comics. Yes, I know. I miss you too.

If you feel like helping me postpone getting a third job, consider purchasing some of my handmade things. If you think etsy sucks, send me an email and we'll work something out. I trade too! I could use some soap and chapstick, if anyone makes those.

I will be in Louisville for Derby City ComicCon! See y'all there.

*For now.

Unfinished Drawings from The Courier Pt.2

2011-06-05T14:51:00.000-07:00

I don't really want to make a habit of posting unfinished works, but I will be busy then out of town next week. Here are some unfinished drawings for The Courier Part Two. I've been enjoying taking my time working on things and including a lot more detail.

Sketch and Plans for the Week

2011-05-31T10:52:00.000-07:00

Just a lil sketch I did. It is available to purchase, if you'd like to!

I was taking photos for etsy and had the idea to take pictures of all my projects. So here are my plans for the week! The pink fabric and hardware are for an overnight bag I'm going to make. The rabbit plush toy is just for fun. The pattern is by the truly awesome Claire Sanders, who I traded with at Stumptown. And the ink and small drawing in the top right are for the illustrations for the next issue of The Courier.

Mural Process Pictures

2011-05-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

I've finally uploaded the pictures from my trip to Wisconsin, so here are some in-progress pictures from the mural, plus the completely complete mural!

Our canvas, the side of the loafing shed. Yes, it's really called that. It's a shed that's open on three sides, so the cows have some shelter during the winter.

My mom and Aunt working on the stream and trees.

My Aunt and I painting. I didn't realize there was a smear on my camera lens until yesterday, haha.

Almost done with the sky!

The sky is done, my mom and Aunt are filling in details.

All done!

Here is the original drawing!

Mural, mostly finished!

2011-05-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Here is the mural, mostly completed. I'll put up some photos of the process soon. This one was taken by my mom. She and my aunt did most of the painting. I did the sky - doing a gradient with exterior house paint was interesting for sure! Kind of difficult. We ended up with 8 yogurt containers of extra blues of various shades.

P.S. I put up some sketchies on my tumblr, including some Alison Mossheart fanart!

Vacation Jams!

2011-05-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

Some silly things for Thursday! John, Rachel, Hunter, Brian and I did this one while playing rummy, using the Trubble Club & Quimby's free Make Your Own Jams zine.

This one was just John, Rach and I, fueled by many margaritas. I know the scans on these make it look like I don't know how to use Photoshop, but my Photoshop is having some kind of cognitive dissonance which makes it unable to save cleaned up images, and I don't have time to figure out what's wrong right now.

I lowered the prices on a bunch of stuff in my etsy shop!

ALSOOOOO, I completely forgot to mention I will be at the Olympia Comics Fest on Saturday! It will be my first time at this (free!) event. I'll be tabling with Sparkplug and have some copies of my own zines as well. Many other awesome folks will be there, come check it out!

Mom's Day

2011-05-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

I had a busy week last week, and this was part of it: designing the mural for my folk's farm. I'm going to Wisconsin next week and we'll be working on painting it, so expect pictures soon!

I can leave stuff on the scanner now, cause the scanner is in my house.

2011-05-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know how it takes me a month to finish these, since I only work two days a week and can't really afford to do anything that requires more than $3.

In other news, I am working on a mural for the side of my parents' loafing shed (where the cows sleep). I think it will involve some cows.

So yeah, basically, I am taking commissions now! I'd be happy to draw something for y'all, just email me about it - vlpaine (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Radio Silence

2011-04-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been working on another super-textured diary page and also the above. I did the cover for Your Secretary #9! I'm only putting up one panel cause I don't want to spoil the surprise. It was fun and Jami is super nice. You can get your copy on her website: http://yoursecretaryisout.wordpress.com/

Bella pinup!

2011-04-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

I had the idea to do pinup-style sketches of the Just Sayin' ladies, so here is the idea for the one of Bella. I can sketch remarkably well after 2.5 beers, haha.

I discovered yesterday that more-well-known comic artist has a blog called Just Sayin', so I think I need to change the name of the comic. Anybody got any ideas?

Old News

2011-04-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

The Diary Page That Took Forever

2011-04-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

Yup, there it is! Sorry about the long silence. I don't even know what I've been doing with my time besides watching Blazers games and eating salads.

Hey, Stumptown Comics Fest is this weekend! I will be there at the Sparkplug table with a bunch of my own work. If you stop by, I will probably try to give you one of my brand-new business cards that I'm very excited about. I'll also at Drink and Draw Like a Lady on Friday and probably the thing at Pony Club on Sunday but who knows!

Hope to see you there!

UPDATE: I turned this page into a zine! Get yours here!

Page 7 of Just Sayin'!

2011-04-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

Yassssss...remember this? I have been working on it, and hope to have it done soon!

I put some pictures I took on my tumblr ... my camera sucks but I still try to be arty haha. So, I hope you enjoy pictures of cats and vegannaise jars.

Courier Fanart!

2011-03-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

My friend Patrick, creator of all things awesome, did this fanart of Meredith, the main character in The Courier! It is so so cool.

Also I now have both a twitter and a tumblr ... so add me or whatever if you feel like it. I'm still getting the hang of them.

Finally (for two things)!

2011-03-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

Check it out! This is the new ad I did for my awesome friend laurafauna. She's an amazing seamstress and creator of beautiful things. Take a look around her shop, I'm sure you'll see something you like!

Speaking of etsy...

I've finally finished my mysterious fantasy fiction project (well, atleast the first issue) and it's available for sale in my shop! Click here to peep at The Courier Part One! It's 32 pages, with illustrations.

I'm going to spend the rest of March and early April getting the first issue of Just Sayin' together, so it'll probably be a lot of stuff from that project until Stumptown Comics Fest.
See ya soon!

Austin!

2011-03-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

And here's Melinda's much better version. Woohoo, I made it into someone else's diary comic!

Nib pens and bowties.

2011-02-26T18:39:00.000-08:00

As it seems very unlikely I'll get a diary comic done this week, I'm instead posting a drawing from my forthcoming fiction zine (YA fantasy if you must know). This is the main character, Meredith. I'm not great at texture or drawing with a nib pen, but I'm happy with the way this one turned out.
I probably won't be posting next week because I'll be in Austin, visiting slurpee connoisseurs Melinda Boyce and Aron Whitaker and also working at Staple!

I will be adding bowties to my etsy shop over the next couple days! Here is one being modeled by my lovely and patient girlfriend:

Aaaaannnnddd...since February's nearly over, it seems as good a time as any to revisit my monthly goals! This is what they were:

-Have an awesome birthday!
-Continue going to yoga twice a week and doing core exercises.
-Make bowties for Olivia's birthday and to sell in my etsy shop.
-Finish The Courier #1. It's mostly done, I just need to do a few more illustrations.
-Finish half of Just Sayin' #1 (with the long-term goal of having it done by Stumptown Comics Fest.)
-Make an apron for my mom's birthday.
-If I have the time or inclination, make an overnight bag for myself before I go to Austin for Staple.
-Do my taxes, because I'm one of those annoying people who gets them done early.

I did not do great this month - I got one through three done (though I missed a lot of yoga). I've been busier than I imagined I would be - I was invited last minute to be in an art show and the girlfriend and I's birthdays combined probably took up a week combined (including hangovers/recovery). I'm very close to having The Courier #1 done though! I'm sad to say I did not ink a single line of Just Sayin' #1, or make my mom's apron (she might just get a souvenir), or do my taxes. But that's okay! I think I was thinking February was longer and set my goals too high.

So March!

-Continue core exercises and yoga!
-Buy seeds and starts for the garden.
-Finish The Courier #1.
-Get most of Just Sayin' #1 done.
-Make a new cover for my bike seat.
-Work on my growing pile of fabric! Maybe a cover for my comforter, maybe some bags to sell?
-Taxes!
-Try to save. I went kind of wild with buying things this month, with the excuse that it was my birthday.

That looks more doable!

Boots

2011-02-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

I actually already spent this on fabric instead ... oh well! I do really need boots but crafting supplies are important too.

Mythological Water Creatures

2011-02-13T14:39:00.000-08:00

I want to include some notes for this entry:

1. I'm not so great at drawing amphibians - I think I was going for Counselor Troi in that one episode of TNG where everyone's devolving - but missed the mark, haha. At least Jenny looks cute.
2. I can never remember how to spell Bulleit. I imagine that it's a side affect of drinking it.
3. The rum is not squid-flavored.
4. Olivia is slightly obsessed with Justin Bieber.
5. I have no idea why Winchel kept taking his shirt off, but it was pretty amusing.
6. There was chocolate icing on everything the next day.
7. I'm an old lady.

So, yeah, it was pretty amazing! In other news, Milkyboots #12 is still for sale in my shop and regular reader E*Phi posted some fantastic Milkyboots fan art on her blog!

It's my birthday!

2011-02-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

Hey! How's it going? Today is my birthday and it has already been pretty sweet: breakfast and presents in bed, lots of nice wishes from friends, more presents from my parents, etc. I'm looking forward to this year for sure.
To celebrate, I have some special offers for you! I have put Milkyboots #12 up for sale in my shop. It is only two dollars! It has lots of cute cats in it! If you buy it today, I will include another issue of Milkyboots with your order for free!
Also also, if you make a donation to me today, I will draw a picture of what I spend it on (a la Donation Derby or Obsessive Consumption) and send it to you!

Art Show! This Thursday!

2011-02-02T09:18:00.001-08:00

So I am going to be in this art show, which is pretty awesome, since being in a Pony Club show is a secret wish of mine. Here are the details:

Opening tomorrow Thursday Feb. 3rd at Pony Club 6-10 PM TODAY'S ANOTHER DAY TO FIND YOU: Art based on A-Ha's seminal Take On Me video! Group Show! 625 NW Everett St., #105
Including art by Emily Nilsson, Chris Cilla, Tim Goodyear, Sean Christensen, Amy Kuttab, Patrick Nilsson, Dylan Williams, Andrice Arp, Greg Means, Virginia Paine, Julia Gfrorer, and more!

Here is a peek at my drawing (sorry about the quality - I still don't have a working scanner at my house, haha.):

The original video is here. And here's the version I grew up listening to!

N.B.D.

2011-01-30T13:25:00.000-08:00

As I have not had time to draw this week and since it's the end of the month, I thought maybe it would be a good time to revisit the goals I posted at the beginning of the month! Do you remember?

- yoga twice a week. It's two bucks and it's a five minute bike ride away. Easy peasy.
- finish a new zine by my birthday, doesn't matter which one. (February 8th. I'm turning 30!)
- get those damn clutches and wallets done by the end of the month.
- make myself draw and then post on here, at least once a week, for the rest of the month.
- start that sweater.

So, how well did I do? Pretty well, I think:
-I've been going to yoga fairly often. I missed two classes due to work and illness. Also the gf and I have started doing core exercises.
-Milkyboots #12 is pretty much done. I plan on printing it next weekend.
-I finished those damn clutches and wallets! They are for sale in my etsy store!
-I missed one week (this one). I suppose I still have a day to go.
-I started that sweater! My first intarsia project, which is being done very sloppily.

I also made gravy and granola bars for the first time this month, did a sewing trade for (massive) bike repairs, moved my gf into my house, went to a Trailblazers' game and made earrings! I'm lucky I enjoy being busy.

Having these goals written down made it a lot easier for me to keep them in mind and also to keep them manageable. My to-do lists tend to be long and continuously growing, which makes me feel like I'm never getting anywhere. I think keeping them short will help me not get burnt out. I also decided, after receiving some friendly criticism, that 2011 will be the year I actually finish projects I've been sitting on for years. So, my February goals are:

-Have an awesome birthday!
-Continue going to yoga twice a week and doing core exercises.
-Make bowties for Olivia's birthday and to sell in my etsy shop.
-Finish The Courier #1. It's mostly done, I just need to do a few more illustrations.
-Finish half of Just Sayin' #1 (with the long-term goal of having it done by Stumptown Comics Fest.)
-Make an apron for my mom's birthday.
-If I have the time or inclination, make an overnight bag for myself before I go to Austin for Staple.
-Do my taxes, because I'm one of those annoying people who gets them done early.

It looks like a lot, but I think it's doable. I will post art from the zine projects instead of or in addition to my diary pages. Okay, let's do it! Here we go February...

Color & Fan Art

2011-01-23T13:06:00.000-08:00

I got some colored pencils! Also, I really, really love the TV show Community:

Britta Perry! Maybe I'll draw Annie next.

I made some wallets and will be adding them to my etsy shop over the next couple days. Two are already up: a light blue floral one and a navy floral one!

Gossip Squirrel

2011-01-16T15:54:00.000-08:00

A little break from all the soul-searching I've been subjecting you guys to. Enjoy!

I am known for my people-rendering.

2011-01-09T14:19:00.000-08:00

So here's something weird: I have yet to put pen to paper in 2011. Okay, not totally true, I drew a friend's engagement party invitation. I get sort of stuck when people ask me to draw things for them (like the Sparkplug catalog cover) and am always like, what should I draw?! Birds, plants, cute kitties? And inevitably, people want me to draw people, because that is what I do, right? I am known for my people-rendering.

Anyway - I haven't really been drawing, but I HAVE NO IDEA what I have actually been doing! A little editing of some fiction for a new zine I'm doing? Hardly, since it's taken me three weeks to get seven pages done. Sewing the huge pile of wallets for etsy and the gf's sister's order of clutches? Nope, they are still sitting there with Scrabble and other things stacked on top of them. Fixing my white dress and all my falling-apart leggings? Knitting myself a new sweater?

I suppose I have been doing boring things that don't actually count as "doing things" like figuring out switching banks (Who can afford to pay $12/mo for checking?! Not me.), getting a new phone, making bread, hosting friends, cooking, watching Community and Skins, trying to entertain my bored cat, etc. I like winter because theoretically it means more inside, doing-things time with less guilt and I usually need to decompress after action-packed summers. Tho, summer 2010 never really got going ...

But also winter drives me crazy because I hate having to layer and it always seems like other people manage to wear way less clothes than me. I miss the sun. I hold myself way tighter because I'm usually cold. I think because of that I got a crazy knot in my back that made it painful to move my right arm for like three days! Winter makes me feel bad about myself and my body, it makes me feel heavy and old and lifeless.

I guess my point is, for all the work I think I will get done during the winter, I usually spend most of it just coping (i.e. beer) or trying to stay mentally healthy, even if it means spending three days doing nothing but reading the internet and playing RPGs. But even that is not particularly healthy. Nor is it actually helping!

So how about some new goals! I'll write them here to make them real, haha.
- yoga twice a week. It's two bucks and it's a five minute bike ride away. Easy peasy.
- finish a new zine by my birthday, doesn't matter which one. (February 8th. I'm turning 30!)
- get those damn clutches and wallets done by the end of the month.
- make myself draw and then post on here, at least once a week, for the rest of the month.
- start that sweater.

I think that's reasonable.

An unrelated note: I wanted to remind y'all about my etsy store! In it you will find various things I've made from skirts to earrings. You can also get the Milkyboots Super Awesome Pack (issues #8 - 11, only $10!); my vegan recipe zine, Food Stamp Foodie; an 8 page mini-dream-comic, Cannibal Corpse on the Turnpike; Warehouse on Poplar, which is a very quiet, magical-realism comic; and back issues of Milkyboots, of course.

Sketchiness

2010-12-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

Some sketchiness from yesterday and drawing I did of Inara from Firefly!

Indie Lit Roadshow!

2010-12-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

Hello all! I have no new arty things to post, but I should have something for Sunday. I had an awesome time in Brooklyn, where I was tabling at the Brooklyn Comics & Graphics Festival. I wanted to tell y'all that I will be tabling closer to home this weekend, in Portland, at the mall actually! There will be lots of Sparkplug's books and a few of my minis. Here are the details:

This Saturday Sparkplug in Portland at Indie Lit Roadshow!

This Saturday Dec. 11th in Portland Virginia and Emily will be coordinating the Sparkplug table and selling books at the Indie Lit Roadshow

REDEFINE magazine and PILOT BOOKS are teaming up to bring you an afternoon of literary readings, music, and a pop-up book shop just in time for the holidays. Come hang out in the mall — yes, the mall — for an afternoon celebrating independent press, literature, music, and a lot of anti-stereotypically-”mall” ideals. Saturday, December 11th, 2010
2:00pm – 6:00pm
PLACE in Pioneer Place Mall (3rd Floor)
700 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland, OR

(copied from the Sparkplug blog)

On Slumping in Public.

2010-11-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

Last night at a party my lovely friend (and talented artist) geminica sat down next to me and, despite not having seen me since August, said, "Are you in a slump?" "Why yes I am," I replied. It's true; I have not been drawing very much at all. I haven't felt like it, but I have been talking about not drawing a lot - with other cartoonists, with non-artisty friends, even with my therapist, who is actually the one who reminded me what this is called - A Slump! And now I'm going to talk to you about not drawing, because I am tired of apologizing for it.

First, why haven't I been drawing much? There are surface reasons - stress, depression, work, etc. But what became apparent as I talked to people is that there is a more ridiculous reason! And that is: I decided I was going to make money doing this someday. Like, it would be my career! I even told my parents that it was my plan, which was my ultimate downfall. Now the pressure is on and I don't want to draw a goddamn line, because every line must be perfect, a perfect money-making step towards my career as a comics artist!

This is, of course, all in my head. And now that I have found and labeled the fundamental cause of The Slump, I can start winding my way back towards what started me drawing comics - fun, self-expression, therapy. It has not been easy so far and has been complicated by the fact that I am remarkably busy for someone who barely makes rent every month.

Second, how exactly has it been difficult? Well - I agonized for like an hour over that scribble at the top of the page! I made a card for my friend's birthday that pretty much ruined my mood yesterday. I don't want to subject you to my bad-mojo-filled art! No matter how much importance I attach to getting feedback about it through this blog. I want to do this because I love it, I want to share it because I love it and I want to get back to where I was when it was enough for me to just be. And I will get there, because I am one stubborn, driven SOB, but I want you, dear blog readers, to understand and be patient. I still love you, but I'm not going to apologize about this anymore. This is my journey (I know I sound all hippywoo-therapy-BS) and you are welcome to come if you want.

Third, just what the heck have I been doing with all my time? Well, as I mentioned, I have been working my two jobs. My catering job is infrequent enough that the short, early early morning shift knocks me on my ass for the rest of the day and I'm good for nothing except napping and watching BSG. When I'm not working, I've been cooking and sewing. I'm working on another dress and also a bunch of purses for my gf's sister's wedding. It's not like I have become completely drained of artsy-ness, I'm just enjoying working in 3D lately. It's more immediately satisfying - I can wear the dress as soon as it is done, I can eat my delicious concoctions and I don't need to rely on the public - you - for validation, monetary or otherwise.

As for drawing - I did complete (and had to redo half of) a pretty large project for Sparkplug that took up a bunch of time. A word to the wise - do NOT leave your originals on the photocopiers at Kinko's. They will disappear. And yes, I did go through the dumpster.

Other projects: I have been really disliking doing diary stuff lately, so a new issue of Milkyboots will not be coming out anytime soon. I lost my steam on Just Sayin', but obvs I'll have to work on it in the extreme unlikelyhood that I get the Xeric. I would like to have two new zines done by Stumptown Comics Fest, which is ironic because neither of them will be comics. I am collecting recipes for another Food Stamp Foodie, because the other one was fun and well-received. The other zine will require some drawing, but I am trying to figure out how I can make it enjoyable for myself.

I have been in slumps before, of course, but that was pre-social networking and blogs. Now people who haven't seen me in months - like geminica - know that I haven't been drawing much. Now I feel that there are people relying on this thing I do, that started as something I was doing for myself. There are people watching me be depressed; how weird is that! It makes me feel guilty (which is not your fault, internet), not just because I'm not making money, but because I am letting people down. So part of the process of getting back to doing comics (and not just quitting entirely) is trusting that a) my audience will still be there when I get back and b) the desire to draw will return. But not a minute before it is ready. It will not be forced.

I let this particular Slump get pretty big. It leaked over into other areas. I have always been a big music person, but I haven't found a new band or song that I like in months. And I just can't get excited about anything. The fact that I'm traveling a lot fills me with anxiety rather than anticipation. I keep having to remind myself things like, "Hey, Virginia, did you know your job at a comic book publisher is really awesome?" or "Wow, you have the sweetest, kindest, most understanding and smokin' hot ladyfriend ever!" But the fact that I am remembering to remind myself these things is a good sign because eventually I'll get back to "Hey, remember how awesome drawing comics makes you feel? Let's make some right now!"

Making up for being gone!

2010-11-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

Three comics! Well, one comic and two sketchy pages. I realized after I drew this that Cylon #3 is actually Xena, even though I never watched that show.

Oops.

2010-11-12T13:49:00.001-08:00

Well, I forgot to post on Sunday because it was my roommate's birthday and because I have generally been really busy. Also I haven't really been drawing! I just haven't felt like it! I know that it makes some people disappointed and to them I say what I always say: "Write your own damn comics!"
So here is another page of Just Sayin'. I'm sorry that blogger sucks at images and it is tiny, but I don't feel like futsing with flickr and I only have like nine pictures left before they start deleting stuff or I have to start paying and I know $25 for a real account isn't much but, goddamn, it kind of is for me.
How about some good news? I am very, very close to getting my free-pile-find scanner working, which means more regular updates. Also I will be at the Brooklyn Comics and Graphics Festival at the beginning of December! Tabling for Sparkplug of course, but I will have some of my own stuff as well.

I have a cold.

2010-10-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

I swear this is at least the third time since I've had this blog that I've titled a post "I haz sick, boohoo" but oh well. I feel like butt, in case you were wondering.
Here is the rest of my September update, now that it will be November in a couple hours.

More Just Sayin'

2010-10-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

Another page of Just Sayin', because I have yet again failed to do a diary page this week! I'm not slacking, I've just been working on the cover for the Sparkplug catalog.

I want to remind everyone that my friend/former teacher Annie Murphy has a Kickstarter project called Gay Genius! Please give if you can, they have a month to go and are about halfway there. Hooray queer comics!

Hello!

2010-10-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you all remember, but there was a point in my life when I drew comics! I forgot too, I guess cause I've been feeling all burnt-out and "slumpy".
Anyway, here is a continuation of my catch-up stuff:

And here is a scribble I did at the Oakland Airport:

APE was fun and I got to meet lots of cool people and hang out with JWoolard (Remember her? She is still quite awesome!).

Busy Days.

2010-10-10T13:44:00.001-07:00

I forgot to grab my diary sketchbook before coming to the IPRC today, so instead I offer you page two of Just Sayin', that thing that I'm trying to get a grant for. Wheew, it has been a busy week and it's not going to get any less busy 'round here anytime soon!
I want to remind y'all that I will be in SanFran this weekend for the Alternative Press Expo! Come visit!
My friend Annie Murphy has a really awesome project up on Kickstarter called Gay Genius! I heartily encourage you to donate if you can.
And finally, some asshole is being an asshole to zinesters and stealing their work without permission. Read about it on Hello Amber!

I'm Back!

2010-10-03T12:22:00.001-07:00

Melinda is awesome, and her comics are beautiful. Check them out.

I'm back, sort of, and I have NEWS!

-I will be tabling for Sparkplug Comic Books at APE! It's October 16th and 17th in San Francisco. I won't have much for sale, but I will have the newest Milkyboots. Also, all the Sparkplug books are great and you should come check them out. I think I will be working with Julia Wertz of the Fart Party for a little bit. Should be interesting.

-There are several nice reviews of my new zines over on Hello Amber!. Also, her new distro, Fight Boredom!, is pretty great.

-I applied for the Prism Comics Queer Press Grant and the Xeric Grant last month. Phew!

-I still need another job.

-Check out my etsy shop! I still have lots of zines and cute things for sale.

-I will probably be in Brooklyn in December, for the Brooklyn Comics and Graphics Festival. Again, courtesy of Sparkplug!

-Sorry about all the exclamation points! I think I'm trying to counteract this grey, rainy day with exciting punctuation.

Just Sayin'

2010-09-05T12:38:00.001-07:00

What have I been up to, you ask? Working on the above comic in the hopes of getting a grant to have it published!

Also, a reminder: Milkyboots #11 and other zines/minicomics are available in my store! Or if you don't want more things in your life, you could make a donation, as I am still sadly (mostly) unemployed.

New Milkyboots Zine!

2010-09-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

Now available in my etsy store: Milkyboots #11! Also I just added two minicomics, Cannibal Corpse on the Turnpike and The Warehouse on Poplar, my recipe zine Food Stamp Foodie #1 and a specially priced four pack of issues #8-11 of Milkyboots!

This weekend!

2010-08-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

This is where I'll be! I'll have Milkyboots #8 - 11, two mini comics and a recipe zine for sale. Hope to see you there!

Milkyboots #11, Portland Zine Symposium, etc.

2010-08-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, Milkyboots #11 is almost done and will be ready for the Portland Zine Symposium next weekend (August 28th & 29th)!
I will also be selling back issues (#8 - #10) and some minis: The Warehouse on Poplar, Cannibal Corpse on the Turnpike and a food zine that (because I love to overwork myself) I made this weekend:

I hope to see you there! Both the new things should be in my shop within the next week. Also, I probably won't be posting diary pages for awhile ... I'm kind of burnt out on them, and I am going to be working on applying for a grant to have another project published. However, I will try to post stuff from that ...

Reeling

2010-08-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

But seriously, isn't that why we have cell phones?

Some things that have been on my mind:

- See all those black lines up in panel four? This is why. I'm not sure what I am going to do about it.

- I was reviewed in the Comics Journal! I am actually pretty happy with it (though some of the things he said are eerily reminiscent of complaints my ex had about how I express myself). It was flattering as well that the author asked to review me.

- Portland Zine Symposium. It will be here before we know it.

Injuries

2010-08-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

Trust me to get injured making iced coffee. Luckily both of us healed pretty quickly!

I keep forgetting to mention that I have been putting new/old artwork on my artwork blog. Check it out here: Do Everything At Once.

Fourth & Reading

2010-07-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

The incident involving the beer was not my fault, by the way. At least I'm pretty sure it wasn't.

I've been adding plenty of new jewelry and clothing to my shop, so please stop by! Or donate, as I am once again short on rent, despite my three (now two; I got laid off from one already) jobs.

Lots of jobs, lots of links!

2010-07-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

The new flickr is confusing me, so you can also view this here.

As of Thursday, I am back down to two jobs (the cafe laid me off already, lol!) which is kind of a relief. But Sparkplug! So awesome, all their books are great, you should srsly check it out: Sparkplug Comic Books.

I got a write-up on a blog I totally adore, Hello Amber!, done by the author of the zine Culture Slut. She does lots of zine reviews and takes awesome photos. Fight Boredom!

And finally, I lowered the prices on everything (except zines) in my etsy shop, as well as posting a couple new, cute things. Check it out!

Paintingz.

2010-07-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

Nothing new this week either, so I thought I'd put up some paintings I've been working on. The self-portrait was a request from Olivia, and the second one is an illustration for a story.

UPDATE: My friend Pam has a blog! She is an amazing artist and human being. For shizzle.

Reading! Tonight!

2010-07-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

That's right! I am reading with three other talented comics artists tonight at Reading Frenzy in downtown Portland. Hope to see you there!

Graduation

2010-06-27T15:13:00.000-07:00

I can't remember what Jesse's hair actually looks like, so I guessed.

Crying & Ironing.

2010-06-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

Um, yeah. I've been feeling better lately, partly because we've actually had some sun, and partly because I started taking my mood-stabilizing herb cocktail again. I've never been diagnosed as depressed, but I've been struggling with it at least since middle school. It comes and it goes and I try to find healthy ways to deal.

I started doing some watercolors this week but forgot to bring them downtown to scan. Maybe on Thursday! Also I put a bunch of new crafty things in my shop - please peruse!

Bleh.

2010-06-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

Not only is it totally miserable outside today, I have nothing to post! Father's Day means no IPRC shift means no access to a scanner. There should be a new comic on Tuesday though.

Update: I redid the design! What do you think?

Candidate? Candidate!

2010-06-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

I am still plugging along, about a month behind, with the diary. I hope to get caught up soon, but it seems unlikely since it *finally* got nice out here in Portland.

Some things for you to remember!

-Saturday, June 26th is the release party for the Stumptown Underground mythology/folklore issue, which I have a 3 page story in. It's at the Waypost; they didn't hire me last year but are still pretty cool.

-Friday, July 9th I am doing a reading! With other diary comics folk Jesse Reklaw, Clutch McBastard and Melinda Boyce! Jesse organized it, he was my teacher and also his book, Ten Thousand Things To Do, is pretty great. It's at Reading Frenzy, which is also pretty great.

Bitchin'.

2010-06-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

Popcorn is the best snack. It's cheap and easy to make and if you put nutritional yeast on it (which really you should, with a lil bit of sea salt) you get all your B vitamins and that makes you less crazy-feeling. Yay popcorn!

I've watched FLCL twice, and still, even after the second viewing (when I wasn't wasted on Bulleit and making out with my lady) I have no idea what it's about. There's a babe with a guitar, and a sad babe, and they're both in love with a little boy is what I got out of it. It's pretty awesome.

Also, I got a write-up on the Bitch Magazine blogs! I'm totes stoked! If you are my parents, though, please don't read it because I'm still processing some of the things quoted in the article, haha. No, seriously, mama, don't read it (I love you!).

What do I do ...

2010-06-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

When I'm not doing diary comics? I know you ask yourselves this all the time, right? (Har har.) Well I usually sew or hang out with the gf, but sometimes I do other drawing projects!

I do a fair amount of illustration work for my job at the Independent Publishing Resource Center. Like the promo flier you see above.

I work on other projects too. Last month I submitted a three page story to the anthology Stumptown Underground. We'll see if it gets in! Here is a sample.

I'm also very slowly starting a project that is fiction about a bunch of queer and hipster kids in a town remarkably like Portland (or it might be Portland. I haven't decided yet). I hope to have the first issue done by the Portland Zine Symposium. Aaannndddd I am hoping to finally illustrate and publish the really long fantasy fiction stories I wrote a couple years ago. I am thinking about putting them out a couple chapters at a time in zine form.

I guess I look for a job a lot too, but that's not as much fun.

If you would like me to draw something (or sew something) for you, you can contact me! vlpaine at yahoo dot com. I like money, but am also willing to trade.

Put your hands up, up!

2010-05-30T15:40:00.001-07:00

I have a new unhealthy fixation! It is with the Sims 3. If anyone has a copy, I need one so I stop hogging my girlfriend's computer.

Stumptown Day 2

2010-05-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

Stumptown Diary, Part 1

2010-05-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

Links-heavy Post

2010-05-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

You can find Geminica and La Nina's comics online! They are both fantastically awesome.

I have been reading these lately:

tiger beatdown

the sexist

Melinda Boyce

Derailing for Dummies

Also, Milkyboots #10 is available to read on QZAP. If you choose to read it there, I highly recommend donating either to them or me! Keep the zine-lovin' alive!

And, if you have any other extra money, my boss T Edward Bak, has a Kickstarter project for the book I am helping him with: WILD MAN! The rewards for pledging are pretty awesome - Mr. Bak is a fantastic artist.

I was thanked in my friend's trainhopping zine, so no one can tell me I'm not punk anymore. I think?

Back to Normal-ish.

2010-05-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

Hello all. I'm going to try to get back to my usual once-a-week schedule, though the blog might go through some changes or a move in the next couple weeks.

Don't forget! The new Milkyboots zine/minicomic is still for sale in my shop! It is pretty fantastic.

Milkyboots #10 - now for sale!

2010-04-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, you can now buy Milkyboots #10 on my etsy! Click there or on "Shop Milkyboots" in that column to the left. Isn't Lyra a lovely model?

If you don't want to buy a copy, please consider donating! I am still unemployed and a little strapped for cash.

Stumptown Comics Fest was a lot of fun and much less stressful than last year. I hope you had fun too - it was great to see a bunch of y'all there!

IT'S STUMPTOWN TIME!!!

2010-04-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder: this weekend is Stumptown Comics Fest! Above is what I will have available for you. I will be tabling on Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon. Also, Friday night I will be at Drink and Draw Like a Lady at the Secret Society in lovely NE Portland. There will be tons of awesome folks at both events. Oh yes, and Sunday is also the QZAP talk at the IPRC!

Officially done.

2010-04-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

As this page indicates, Milkyboots #10 is complete. Because I'm evil, I will not be selling it until this weekend, which is Stumptown Comics Fest. Actually, I will also have another new comic as well, that is fiction! About cute girls! And weird stuff! I will be tabling Stumptown with my IPRC certificate program classmates, and we will all have things to sell. Plus our class anthology! Which is awesome!

To summarize - Stumptown Comics Fest is Saturday, April 24th and Sunday, April 25th, from 10 am to 6 pm, at the Lloyd Center Double Tree in Portland. You should come!

I want to make something beautiful.

2010-04-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

Again, lagging on the posting, and not much I can do about it right now. Here is the page from my last post, completed. So you can kind of see my process - people like seeing the process, right?

Deadlines, Lost, etc.

2010-03-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

It does not look like I will be completing a diary comic this week as I have to watch a lot of Lost with my girlfriend and finish my stuff for my class anthology. This extremely terrible scan is a preview of that project (It's extremely bad because my pencils are really light and also I don't know how to use Photoshop, really.) It's about my roommate, who is one of the strangest and funniest people I have ever met.* If you want to see more of this story, and my vastly-more-talented classmates' work, you'll just have to come to Stumptown Comics Fest and get a copy. I know the website doesn't have my name on it, but I will be there, working the IPRC tables.

Also at Stumptown I will have for sale: a fiction mini-comic called "The Warehouse on Poplar," Milkyboots #10 Winter 2010 Diary, some back issues of Milkyboots and some other surprises.

*Olivia and I have been tempted to create a fan page for her on the FB, but think that it might creep her out.

Another Day, Another Burrito.

2010-03-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the ink blotches, I did this with my nib pen!

Spring Break!

2010-03-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been too busy doing zine camp promo stuff and other things, so I did not draw a diary this week. I know it's a cop-out, but this was the only new thing I had, from a mini-mini I made with the kids last week at the comics jam. It was called "Fun Things to do in the Springtime if you are a Robot in Portland." I don't really care about robots, but it was prolly about time I did a robot comic.

Thanks to everyone who donated, it's GREATLY appreciated! I will be sending you little treats in the mail soon!

Selfy

2010-03-17T16:21:00.001-07:00

I have been working at the IPRC more, which means more access to scanners, which means more bloggy posts. Here is a self-portrait I did today, which will hopefully turn out alright as a screen-printed image.

I don't like to ask, but if any of y'all want to drop a little in my tip jar to the left there, I have two bills due on Monday that I don't got the funds for. I can send you a screen-printed postcard in exchange. Thanks!

Mail-Order Stripper

2010-03-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

I was drawing this yesterday and thinking about how I was being kind of snarky about the just-dumped guy and how several of my friends are going through similar experiences ... I started to feel kind of bad. So - sorry you got dumped, hipster dude, and I hope everything works out for you.