I think it's pretty safe to look back on 2007 as the year when I finally started to figure out how to make a career for myself in comics. January kicked off with a frenzy of inking that lasted until early March when I finally put the finishing touches on the The Homeless Channel graphic novel. I spent the spring learning the ins and outs of the publishing process from Larry and Mimi over at AiT/Planet Lar before engaging in an on-line barrage of publicity for the book. Summer brought the big release party at Isotope and the whirlwind convention season. Between trips, I set up my new studio in Berkeley, placed all the art from the book for sale on-line, and began to think about how I could really make the best of 2008.

Anyone who's spent any time around me knows I can't stay cooped up in a studio day after day after day. As much as I absolutely adore my new workspace in Berkeley, I simply enjoy being around real live people too much to shutter myself away from the rest of the world. That got me thinking... how could I create a workweek schedule that allows for plenty of time in the studio while keeping me in touch with the world around me. As the gears started to turn, I also knew that I had to find a way to make that time apart from the studio as important as the time spent at the art table itself.

I knew it was going to be a difficult trick to pull off, but I've kept at it and I couldn't be happier with the results. I think I've managed to come up with a three-part workweek that's everything I've ever wanted. So, without further ado, here's a sneak peak of what I'll be working on in 2008!


In the Studio

To get things started, I've scheduled three days a week for myself in the Berkeley studio. I'm looking forward to a strong cup of coffee downstairs at Cafe Clem each Monday morning followed by a couple days of solid work at my art table. The studio has really turned out to be both a sanctuary and a great place to get things done. One thing is for certain, creating the art on the next book is going to be a dream compared to the process involved in creating the art for the last book now that I have this baby at my side. For those of you that don't know, all of the work I did in Photoshop for The Homeless Channel was done with with my finger on the touchpad of my laptop as my only input device. I actually wore the finish off of Serena's PowerBook while completing the graphic novel. With the Wacom Cintiq in the studio, it's like upgrading from a Ford Pinto to a Ferrari. With the Cintiq, I can draw directly on the screen. If you've seen my process, I'm sure you can imagine how much time and effort this will save me every single day!


In the Shop

My next stop each week will be the comic shop!

When James Sime and Kirsten Baldock asked me if I'd be interested in working at the Isotope Comic Book Lounge once a week, I jumped at the chance. Before I finished giving my answer though, James stopped me and said, "Wait... there's a catch. You have to promise me that working at the Isotope won't get in the way of making the funny books."

Now, there's a guy with his priorities straight.

I assured him it wouldn't. As a matter of fact, I knew it would help. First, working at the Isotope gets me out of the studio for a day. It keeps me fresh and motivated. In addition to that, I've always wanted to be (as they say on the CBIA forum) a retailer friendly pro. I can't think of any better way to understand the trials and tribulations of all the retailers who work so hard to sell my books than to actually get down in the trenches and sell some comic books myself. That said, I have to admit that I also just enjoy working at a comic shop. Cracking open the UPS boxes on New Release's Day. Interacting with customers who are there to buy something that they truly love. Helping newcomers who've just stumbled into their first comic shop. Pairing readers with great books that match their interests and individual sensibilities. And, of course, nothing... nothing beats selling good comics to smiling kids.

So, here it is - my first official round of staff picks. I'm super proud to work at a shop where guys like special-effects guru Jared Guenther, bon vivant Ian Yarborough, and the super-talented Ryan Yount cut their teeth. In the end, I hope I can learn from and contribute a little something of my own to the world of comics retailing.

If you are in the San Francisco area, make sure to stop by Isotope on New Comics Day and say hi!


In the Classroom

And finally, here's the announcement I've been just dying to make. I'm finally teaching again! The California College of the Arts has hired me to teach their weekly graphic novel workshop starting in January. I've been waiting for the right teaching gig to come along and the CCA position was simply too good to pass up.

That makes three days in the studio, one day behind the counter, and then a trip to CCA's Potrero Hill campus each Friday to work with the next generation of comic book greats. It just doesn't get better than that. Nothing turns a more critical eye on your own craft than the act of teaching.

Can't wait for 2008!

So, there you have it. In 2008, I'll be making comics, selling comics, and studying comics with some of the finest artistic minds around. Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming weeks and months concerning specific projects and a couple new website launches I'm involved in. And make sure to sign up for my e-newsletter if you get a chance. It's the best way to stay on top of news and upcoming events!

Matt