Musings

Cheers to all the Dads out there!

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:53:49 GMT

(stolen from shutterbox )

Have a fun day everyone! Happy Musings!

SB is OK!

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:04:07 GMT

Other personal struggles that my clients have been facing this year aside--there's this:

Tokyopop Revamps; Cuts Titles, Lays Off 39
by Calvin Reid -- Publishers Weekly, 6/3/2008 10:26:00 AM

The persistent rumors during BEA about the state of Tokyopop turned out to be mostly right. The Los Angeles manga publisher announced a major restructuring that will create two separate divisions—the Tokyopop Inc. publishing unit and Tokyopop Media, a digital and comics-to-films unit—under the Tokyopop Group’s holding company. The moves will result in the layoffs of about 39 Tokyopop staffers.
Tokyopop is also dramatically cutting by half the number of titles it plans to release (typically the house releases nearly 500 books a year) and will also pullout as a major exhibitor at the San Diego Comic-Con International, the most influential comics convention of the year. Tokyopop’s Japanese entity will be separated into two units as well: one under Tokyopop Media and the other will continue as the Tokyopop group’s holding company. Tokyopop’s European operations will not be affected.

The move comes just as Borders, the top retailer of manga in the U.S., announced a restructuring of its business resulting in over 270 layoffs. During BEA, many comics publishers were concerned about the impact of changes at Borders on the sales of graphic novels and manga in particular. But Tokyopop’s restructuring is also meant to highlight its efforts in getting its original manga content turned into film projects as well as to focus on the growth of its digital and mobile phone comics initiatives

Stuart Levy, CEO and chief creative officer of Tokyopop, said the restructuring was “the right business move,” and said the changes would align its publishing business with current book retail trends. “The time is now for us to focus our publishing business to overcome current market challenges,” Levy said in a release. “Fewer releases will allow for less cannibalization at retail. At the same time, the opportunity is significant in the digital and comics-to-film space. We must adjust our overhead to properly execute this new business plan.”

Tokyopop also announced two executive appointments. Tokyopop group president and COO John Parker will take over as publisher of Tokyopop. And Tokyopop director of marketing Marco Pavia has been promoted to associate publisher of the publishing division. In addition, current Tokyopop publisher Mike Kiley will now lead Tokyopop Media, the new digital and film unit.

Parker said he intends to “significantly reduce our annual output, focusing on the most successful continuing series and the most promising new titles.” He also said that Pava will focus on developing new lines. Kiley pointed to more than 25,000 pages of original comics and manga published by Tokyopop over the last three years and said, “with the relationships we have established in the past year, Tokyopop Media is ready to move quickly into the comics-to-film and digital markets.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Looks like TP has def downscaled their publishing output. Kodansha most likely woke up finally and decided maybe they can publish their own translated books for the US market. *ding*
Luckily, ShutterBox wasn't one of the cut titles-- and despite loosing some of the best editors we ever had on this book, pages march forward. We now have a new editor, Lillian Diaz-Przybyl.
Currently the last pages of ShutterBox vol. 5 are being created. Looks like the last of the editing and touch ups will happen at the end of this month. I'm not sure of the street date, but I have a feeling it won't be till around Fall this year- maybe the beginning of next year. All I know is we start SB6 this July. We received the returned contracts w/ Mr. Parker's shiny sig on them in the mail just yesterday. So its a positive sign of security to finish SB to the end. *phew* What a long road bumpy its been! ---and not quite over yet. We appreciate all the positive support from all of you out there.
I really need to update this LJ more often. Hopefully there's still a small audience out there....somewhere ::crickets:: There-see? ::デザートポッキーバナナショコラのタルト風がおいしいよ〜!::

Anime Ambassador!

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 08:20:26 GMT

This is too kewl... Only in Japan would they honour animation like this!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23716592

Also, apologies for the long, long silence. My clients were in a fit of a family & pet crisis. If you hadn't heard, all can be read here. Now, aside from Tavisha's eye infection, all is getting better. SB5 is officially off schedule, but it is getting done.

Thanx for your patience- I'll try to post updates asap.

cheers!

-Ade

The internet is a powerful tool, don't be fooled by it

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 05:36:26 GMT

First off, thanx so much for the kind & generous person who gave me some paid months on LJ. I know I've been bad at posting here, but really, its been insanely busy. Hope you understand.

So, how about that Cloverfield? I thought the Blair Witch was already a been there done that next to the old 1970's "bigfoot" footages- then again, maybe I've just existed waaay too long to be that impressed by anything Hollywood tries to "wow" at us lately. Not to say Cloverfield was a "bad" film, it has entertainment...value...had some ...moments.... in parts, however, to be fair, I did enter the movie house w/ low expectations and a very open-mind. I've been busy with the musings so I pretty much missed the internet buzz that somehow "justifies" this movie. But, it seems to me, this whole internet viral ad campaign only serves to hype up a mediocre film and save on the budget while it lures in a curious audience. In other words, its an experimental film w/ experimental marketing. Well, kudos on another Hollywood gimmick. After sitting through 84 mins of a hipster party gone sour, near constant clamour , and epileptic cam-cord spasms (wait, there was a few shots of monsters in here too, right?), it becomes glaringly obviously, the real entertainment was the anticipation of this film. So, yeah, there was an online buzz manipulated by the various websites offering glimpses and revelations of what this "monster" was going to look like. So much of a hype that when you DO finally get to see the monster its like a false orgasm. Wait. That's it?

::long awkward pause::

Conclusion: I think J.J. Abrams needs to understand that the Godzilla franchise is uniquely Japan's pop culture first (the world's second)- that markets primarily to children and those nostalgic of their childhood. Godzilla has earned endearment because its sincere, not serious and certainly not because its a kitchy teen slasher flick.

ps> Why is the monster even called "Cloverfield"?
pps> SB5 updates soon

The Ghost of Carby

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 02:19:40 GMT

So, this made it to the front page of CNN online:

http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/gas-station-ghost-caught-film-14777.html#comment-25999

...And I of all ppl had to try and debunk a ghost story. Yes, I'm "Nanofan".

Viva California

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 22:47:43 GMT

Ahhh...California- the land of Shake and Bake

...Never a dull moment here

Updated Tavicat Website!

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 04:46:07 GMT

•The new updated STUDIO TAVICAT site•

Finally! At last- its been updated! Now you can read Super Information Hijinks: Reality Check! (in full 32-bit colour!) that has been out-of-print for years! And not to mention those two elusive Ranklechick comics published by Slave Labour Graphics back in 2001! There's also first chapter previews of ShutterBox vol.1~ 5 (yes, 5) So have a fun time exploring and please report any bugs/typos you might find. Any other Qs please feel free to ask-

Thanx for the kind patience everyone & happy reading!

-Ade

NewsFlash: ShutterBox gets an "F"...

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:44:23 GMT

...from some cosplaying Bleach otaku.

http://hobotaku.blogspot.com/2007/09/shutterbox-manga-volume-1.html

"Maybe it's just me, but in my never humble opinion, unless you like stories involving inane girls arguing over their prom dresses (and I like a good dress argument) or plot that feels tacked on, I don't recommend this one."

ROFLMAO!!! Obviously this guy didn't read it at all! Not even 20 pages of it! There was no prom and there certainly wasn't any arguments over prom dresses! Isn't the basic plot Megan trying to find "herself" and her "place/purpose" in the world even if it isn't in "this world"? Far as I was musing, ShutterBox deals w/ some sort of spiritual journey that presents the ideals of a much broader scope of existence, and certainly doesn't pander to mundane life we already know exists here on earth. But, apparently this guy was skimming over images and making up the prom and dress argument in his head as he went along. LOL! I'm giving this reviewer an "F" for reading and comprehension. And an "E" for entertainment.

-Aj

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:55:01 GMT

Just wanted to post these gothic lolita designs my client has made for this year's Anime Weekend Atlanta (AWA) 's con badges. Enjoy!

My clients, Studio Tavicat, will be at AWA this year Sept 21~23 where they will be guests of honor! Please come by the artist alley & say hi!

Updates on SB5 sooooon!

Happy to announce!

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Sun, 20 May 2007 20:06:45 GMT

At last!

Pre-Orders for ShutterBox 4 on Amazon.com now available

Thanx for all your patience, everyone! Looks like they have the release date marked for Sept. 11th. But I keep hearing it'll be late Aug/early Sept.

Meantime, I'll be putting up some updates for SB5 very soon! --thanx again everyone for all the support in making these books happen-- My clients & we, the muses, really appreciate it!

Quiz

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 22:37:09 GMT

Last night my né-chan, gabycat convinced me to create a silly quiz of myself. Here it goes- and I don't expect for anyone to get it 100% --cheers!

Create your own Friend Test here

Saturday afternoon geekery

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 02:12:21 GMT

So, this is almost a complete group shot of the FFXI linkshell I'm a member of:

Server: Pandemonium.................................................................................................................... Linkshell: XIII

Love is...

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 12:25:34 GMT

Dying in an eternal embrace...

...Happy almost V-day ppl!

Oh- one more thing...

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 21:52:14 GMT

My latest Pocky obsession:

Winter Pocky!

Sb4 and all that stuffage

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 21:07:42 GMT

chapter break of "Tina" from ShutterBox vol.4

Well, after nearly three months, my clients finally got the wurd from their editor at TP that SB4 will not hit the streets until Sept. 2007. The reason for the long delay is due to the new ties TP now shares w/ Harper/Collins publishing. Apparently H/C needs ONE full year notice before any book is published. ---Soooo... sorry for the long wait ppl, but not much we can do about it when it's the bigwigs of the industry calling the shots.

The best news is, thankfully, SB5 is on schedule (so far) and now w/ a new comp & programmes all running stable- there shouldn't be any major crashes or setbacks for the rest of the series. Currently the watercolour (Dane & Khaa), sketches & layouts are being made for the first 50 pages. As soon as there's anything tangible, I'll share it here.

Thanx for your patience & support everyone!

And as always- if you got any more Qs- IM me- or leave them here & I'll respond asap

-Ade

Happy Xmas!

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 12:07:05 GMT

Ok- even muses get a vacation now and then- I happen to take mine in Vana'diel! Wherever you go for holiday, have a happy & safe one!

name:Ajdrien
race: Elvaan
WAR/37, MNK 14, RDM 13, RNG 10

chocobo: BlackJack (M)

server: Pandemonium

(p.s. thanx for the 2 months paid LJ!)

SB Art update!

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 07:39:43 GMT

Thanks for waiting everyone! At last the cover to SB5 is done! DONE! DONE! (The text is added by TP upon publication) More SB4 updates asap! ---and What happened to Halloween?!! I missed it!!! So what if its Nov-- I still want to hear any ghost stories, so if you have any please post!

More SB4 Updates!

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 07:05:23 GMT

Here's some more updates for SB4! Enjoy--more to come soon! Thanx for your patience everyone! (chapter break)

http://www.wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/crantwin.gif (Past life Adrien & Damien: 1880's)

http://www.wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/SB4p117.gif (Past life Megan)

http://www.wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/SB4p118.gif (Victorian hallway)

http://www.wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/SB4p120.gif (Sharing the book)

http://www.wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/SB4p122.gif (Past life AJ & Megan)

http://www.wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/SB4p124.gif (Ellie's tea party)

Some SB4 Updates!

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 02:30:25 GMT

Well, I'm late as usual, but better late than no updates, right? Here's few more SB4 page previews--
http://wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/SB4p112.jpg (Dane as a teen is a rare thing.)
http://wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/SB4p62.jpg (shared past lives)
http://wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/SB4p76.jpg
http://wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/SB4p87.jpg (The shirt logo "NaNa" was inspired by an 80's alternative shoe company)
http://wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/SB4p89.jpg
http://wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/SB4p104.gif
http://wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/SB4p108.gif
http://wiredpsyche.com/sbpgs/sbship.gif (The ship was inspired by a pregnant pappa seahorse from my last somnifery)
Detail of seahorse ship just give the piccy a click

The remaining pages are upon us-- well over halfway done to almost done. However, SB4 is still officially behind schedule. My clients just never got quite caught up from those awful first few months of loosing days to sickness and HD wipeouts. Sux. I TRIED guys- really tried to help w/ all the musing but there's only so much I can do.

Last week wasn't a good one- too much chaos! Let's hope this week makes up for it ::crosses fingers and gets another assignment from the muse kagi:: Damn-- I hate helping Dane in his political circles...
-Aj

Its the future

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 01:54:05 GMT

mmm...2006

No hovering cars yet-- but apparently there's now floating beds.

amuseZing B-day!

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 03:31:09 GMT

Thanx everyone who remembered!<-- (Excluding Dane) Unless your b-day falls on some holiday I tend to forget ...not intentionally-- just out of pure distraction. So, sorry, if you wished me a good one today and I forgot to wish a good one to you this year. Anyone who wishes, tell me your B-days--so I'll have NO more excuses.

In other news, under absolutely no circumstances should you *EVER* mess w/ an otter.

p.s. SB4 is well over halfway done & some updates will be posted here soon--Thanx again everyone!

-Ade

Its a CON!

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 06:05:51 GMT

A live stream to AX 2006! The sound is really choppy tho-

http://www.axbackstage.org/

SB Prints!

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 07:20:09 GMT

Many fans lately, have been asking if there's ShutterBox prints available other than at a guest appearance during a convention. The answer is yes.

Prints for sale here at AC Gallery -- thanx for looking!

The Art Conspiracy

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 22:38:09 GMT

For all of you just tuning in-- Its still there! And it seems to be running more steady too w/ an updated format- kewl.

My original ShutterBox pimp gallery: ArtMuse at The Art Conspiracy

This was first started back in 2002- back before there was a ShutterBox- back when there was just a muse w/ a bunch of art and apparently more time on his hands. Its kinda fun looking back at the old posts now and watching the crazy developments happen w/ the SB comic, etc. Which reminds me- I should post more updates for SB4 soon--
I will as soon as I get these last few pages rendred in time to turn in TP Monday! Oh- and updated costume designs for Megan's school uni too (haven't forgotten 4ecrying_koneko --just got caught up w/ deadlines w/my clients!)

wØØt!

-Aj

SB4 updates!

artmuse@wiredpsyche.com — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 07:15:37 GMT

Man. Apologies for not getting back here to post anything sooner! Its been a busy musey year and I need to learn to pace myself better each day to find a little more "free time" to post much needed updates of SB for my even busier clients. That sentance was really run-on- but you get what I mean. And to all my online peeps---again apologies for not chatting it up as I used to. I'm still around, leave a message if you want anytime--and I'll get back to you asap. I swear I'm never avoiding any of you--Just been busier this year--and I know a lot of you have been too--but hey, its all a good thing! Means things should be even smoother for us all next year. --HA!!!

One of the fun things happening to SB is there's a variety of new celphone screensavers available here at GoComics:

http://mobile.gocomics.com/GC/CharacterX.aspx?Comic=ShutterBox

And they're also starting to develope motion wallpapers as well-- as soon as those are launched I'll put a link up. But, somebody seriously needs to tell them that Caroline is anything BUT bright & cheery.

That all in the clear- here's a few of the SB4 pages I've been musing all these months:

http://www.wiredpsyche.com/DJ/SB430.jpg
http://www.wiredpsyche.com/DJ/SB437.jpg
http://www.wiredpsyche.com/DJ/SB444.jpg
http://www.wiredpsyche.com/DJ/SB447.jpg
http://www.wiredpsyche.com/DJ/SB4p56.jpg
http://www.wiredpsyche.com/DJ/SB457.jpg

I'll share more soon!
Also--Currently we've been inspiring a new cover art for SB issue #5. It'll feature Dagny on it---wøøt! Here's the line art of Dagny. Now imagine that image combined w/this bg. Neet, huh? As soon as its all coloured and done I'll post it again. I think this cover will be the first time Dagny's ever been officially published in colour.

That's all for now- cya in a few days as opposed to a few months

-Aj