The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

And I didn't get around to putting up a blog entry before now because WHOOPS, I guess, huurrrrr~

As I mentioned in a previous entry, I was to spend my Christmas in Spain this year with Ruari and my family. And I did! And it was jolly marvellous. Quite nice to wake up on Christmas day with palm trees and sunshine. And then go to the beach with dozens of other people for a BBQ. And then go back to the villa for traditional christmas dinner. And caviar.

It was a pretty swagged out Christmas and you're all totally jelly as beans, don't lie.

And at one point (I think Christmas Eve? Ish?) I won a HUGE hamper in a raffle at the German Restaurant Kopi's. It had various bottles of booze, a ridiculous amount of sweets and snacks, two vouchers for a two day hotel stay somewhere in Spain and an entire pigs leg of ham. God only knows how much it actually would have cost.

Pretty much the only time I've ever won something ever and I don't even get to take it home. I mean look at it, it's bloody HUGE. So I had to leave it with family and friends in Spain, dedicating the ham leg to the lovely couple who own the villa and flat we stayed at for the week.

My parents were especially gutted that we couldn't keep the ham so Ruari, being the cheeky beggar that he is, went and bought the pillow on the right. Yes, that IS a pillow. And yes, that pug hungers for it.

So, thats why I've been pretty quiet on social media and the internet in general this holiday season. I had planned on sharing a blog entry before I went to Spain but holiday preparations got in the way of that. So now, while I have some quiet time until New Year celebrations, I'm going to show you guys what I'd worked on before Spain.

Oh, just FYI, I'm not opening up commissions/starting any work until the 5th now, as I didn't realise the 3rd was a weekend. Screw that noise.

~***~

Earlier last month, I officially opened commissions with the hopes of bringing some more quick money in. And I'm pleased to see that a fair few people are taking interest! I've already completed a couple and have some work lined up in the new year.

My first commissioner was a very lovely person called Caroline Hey, who wanted to have a family portrait of herself with her husband Thomas and their dog for Thomas' birthday. She told me there wasn't really an image of the three of them together and I was more than happy to help her out.

Normally I have a tendency to colour my lineart but when I showed the options to the commissioner, she told me she preferred the black lineart. I've really found it growing on me as well. I might use it more often.

I am showing the commission with Caroline's permission and I've noticed, when she liked the Emmature Content Facebook page, she made it her Facebook picture. Colour me complimented!

The other commission work I was given was from Mum, who told me that Gran has wanted a portrait of her from me for a long time now. I could hardly say no. And not just cos of the payment, obviously.

Gran recently went to Las Vegas with my Uncle and his girlfriend, which as you can obviously see is the overall theme in this image. It was a bit of a task, trying to keep the background as simple as possible while still making it obvious that it was Vegas. But I think I pulled it off for the most part.

I was told that my uncle taught Gran how to play BlackJack while they were there, hence the two cards in her hand. Gran's a very classy lady and doesn't have a gambling bone in her body so I don't see her taking up the habit but in this case it makes for a very nice themed image. And it was really fun to work on!

This didn't take me long to do at all, mainly cos I could show Mum my progress instantly and she was immediately pleased with what I'd done. It's nice when a commission is smooth as cheddar!

As this was a present for a family member and that we'd be seeing them in Spain (due to the commission being their Christmas present), we printed out the artwork, framed it and wrapped it up to give to Gran on Christmas day.

I'm pleased to report that she was very happy with it, showing it to literally everyone who came by and standing it pride of place in the villa living room. It'll be cool to see it in her new house.

On the topic of printing and framing images, I've had people ask me why I don't provide this service myself for all commissioners. The reason is because I would have to charge a lot more, specifically to cover the cost of printer ink, frames, postage and packaging.

If enough people wouldn't mind doing this I could consider the possible costs and review my commission list to give people that option but for now, commissions are strictly digital only. Its a shame cos they don't look too bad framed, if I say so myself.

Now to check myself before I wreck myself.

~***~

Progress IS being made on the Bertie Blue book publishing. We wanted to have the book available for people to buy for Christmas but all sorts of ridiculous issues didn't allow that to happen.

We have a proof copy of the book but, due to a mess up on me not checking the website's options carefully, the pages are in black and white and lemme tell ya, I did NOT spend over a year on this for the coloured images to not be seen.

Sadly, with coloured images, it's too expensive to sell as the one book. The website refuses to sell the book at a price that won't give us any revenue. So chances are we'll need to split the novel up into two-three books to sell them at an affordable price.

I can, however, show you pictures of the proof copy so you get an idea of how the outside of the book looks. This design will now be a number of pages less and be 'book one' of the series.

I'm letting myself take things easy for a few more days so I won't be working on this, or any other project, until the 5th January but I thought I should at least update everyone as I haven't been able to say much on the Bertie Blue front for a while. Although I still haven't said anything different from "Watch this space" but at least this time it has photos!

~***~

Finally: Crumbs. Yes, it's being rewritten. Again. I keep feeling the need to have the story out NOW RIGHT NOW GOTTA GO FAST but the truth is, every time I do I'm never satisfied with it and then I stop working on it for weeks/months/years and then I start redoing it again.

So hopefully it'll be a case of 'Third time's a charm' but this time I'm being a lot more prepared. I have some very amazing friends with expertise in effective storytelling looking over my notes and giving me critique, advice and suggestions that have really helped make the story go in an extremely exciting direction.

I think what I'm going to do is get my notes for the introductory arc finished and once they're finalised, start working on the pages. I still have a new art style for the characters that I need to play about with so expect some new Crumbs concept art in the new year.

~***~

So, a quick summing up for my projects this upcoming year:

• Be able to actually sell the Bertie Blue novel(s)
• Keep up the commissions to support myself and my projects
• Design prints to sell
• Keep up with a buffer for Crumbs
• Have the intro arc of Crumbs in progress/completed on the website
• Begin the Staghound projects

… Oh yikes, I haven't even begun to go into Staghound. And this entry is long enough as it is. This is what I get for not blogging about stuff more often.

Ooh actually, on that note:

• Blog once/twice a week depending on amount of work to share

Ok, cool, got that covered. Where was I…? Oh right, Staghound.

I mentioned this before but Ruari and I have a number of ideas where we collaborate to create some creative content. One particular idea we have at the moment is Ruari's video reviews. I'll create a quick animated logo and title card for the reviews and once the video footage has been filmed, I can then edit the footage and create the final video.

It's a project we're both really looking forward to. Ruari goes into it in a bit more detail at his blog HERE.

Official release dates of these reviews have yet to be announced but keep your eye on this blog, Ruari's blog, my twitter, Ruari's twitter, my Facebook page, Ruari's Facebook p- well you get the idea.

… good lord, this was a long one. If you read all of that, have an extra shot on me tonight. Just don't blame me for any alcohol poisoning. Now, to chill and kill time before I see the Hobbit with my buddies tonight.

… oh, and I've decided to go with Emmature Content. New logo to come soon.

~*HAPPY NEW YEAR, DARLINGS!*~

Commissions and Identity Crisis

Thank you to everyone who has expressed interest in/shared information about/bought a commission so far. I've gotten some work out of it for Christmas and some work for after as well! Commissions are for life though, not just for Christmas. So if you have a birthday coming up or some other special event and want a unique piece of artwork for the occasion, hit me up!

Just a heads up though, I will NOT be able to take on/work on any commissions from the 20th December- 3rd January as I'll be with family in Spain for the Christmas week/visiting friends and family/getting drunk on New Years like everyone else. Once the hangover clears up though, I'll reopen them on the 3rd January for anyone interested.

I'm adding another section to the commission list, specifically discussing lineart. Sometimes, people have a reference on what lineart they want used for their image. Sometimes, people don't give a hoot. BUT it's good to provide an option just in case so here they are!

Featuring a new look for 'Crumbs'. Thinking of giving the pigeons more expressive eyes. I need to play about with the design for the other characters a bit more.

So yeah, I'm gonna add that to the price list page. Hopefully it'll make things clearer if you're considering a commission.

***

In other news, I've been having a bit of an identity crisis… in terms of business identity anyway. I want to change my web address as 'Emma Friel Doodlebug' is just kind of boring. Well, the Doodlebug part is neat but it's just that and my name which is kind of meh.

Long story short, it's not what I want my business identity to be anymore. I'm planning on changing the address after the new year. But the problem is, I can't decide what to go with.

I've been under the name 'Emmature Media' for the past few weeks and it's a much broader name for all the potential creative pies I can stick my thumb into. However, the name 'Emmature Content' has been creeping up a lot lately (I even gave my new instagram that as a username) and serves a similar purpose. And it also sounds pretty cool.

So what I'm wondering is, do any of you lovely lot have a preference? Emmature Media or Emmature Content?

I confess, I'm leaning sliiiiiightly more towards the latter at the moment. But don't let that sway your decision at all. If you have a preference, speak up!

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to create more animation assets/yell on social networks about why there isn't any pigeon merchandise in the shops.

Open for Commissions

Hey everyone! Still not much news I can share on the Bertie Blue book or other projects just yet but I do have something I need to talk to you about and it's something you can help with.

I'm a freelance cartoonist. This is my job. And I'm constantly needing money. Art stuff ain't cheap and nor is living. And I kind of want art stuff and life.

SO! If you've ever been wanting me to create something for you, like illustrations, portraits, logos, tattoo designs and so on, I am now open for commissions! Have a look down below and see the services I have to offer.

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Artwork/illustrations

Simple

Coloured character(s), no background, no shading

$20/ £13

If you have a preference, specify if you want the lineart to be black, coloured or lineless.

Simple Shaded
Coloured character(s), no background, shaded 

$30/ £20

If you have a preferece, specify if you want the lineart to be black, coloured or lineless.

Simple B/G

Coloured and shaded with simple background: 

$40/ £30

If you have a preference, specify if you want the lineart to be black, coloured or lineless.

Detailed B/G
Coloured and shaded with more detailed background: 

$50/ £35

If you have a preference, specify if you want the lineart to be black, coloured or lineless.

Can add up to two characters for no charge, after this, it's $5/£2.50 per character.

No more than ten characters per illustration/commission.

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Logo designs

Simple Logo
One colour (up to three colours), no shading

$78/ £50

Complex Logo
More colours, shading

$149/ £100

Variations 
featuring mascots, banners suitable for social networks

$313/ £200

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Tattoo

You trust me enough to let me draw something that'll be permanently on you? Wow, that's intense. Hit me up and we'll talk custom tattoos. The below pictures are examples of particular designs I can do. I'll need as much help as possible to make the design of your dreams. Naturally, we'd want to do this right!

Simple

One colour

$39/ £25

Simple
More colour, unshaded

 $78/ £50

Complex
More colour, shading

 $149/ £100

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Portraits

Want a portrait of yourself/loved one/pet? Hit me up!

Portrait

$40/£30

Please specify if you want them to be cartoony/ realistic. Also mention if you want the lineart to be black, coloured or lineless if you have a preference.

No more than 5 people and/or pets per portrait. PLEASE provide a photo for reference.

Character sheets/designs

Want a one off character design? Or an in depth character sheet describing the character and their traits?

Character design
One off character drawing (ideal for mascots)

$30/ £20

Simple character sheet 

Shading/texture comparisons, some small detail 

$40, £30

Detailed character sheet 
expressions, details, character descriptions, colour palette

$50, £35

EXAMPLE TO COME SOON

____________________

Here are some conditions that won't take as long to read as Apple's. So y'all got no excuse!

~ I can only accept money through paypal, unless you know me locally and can pay in cash but other than that, we doin' this digital, yo.

~ Email Emmanimator@live.co.uk for commission orders and any questions you have.

~ I would appreciate you providing a reference of what/who you want me to draw. This is VITAL for the portraits. If I don't have a photo of who you want me to draw, I can't work on it!

~ Be as detailed as you can with what you want. I want to provide the best!

~ I work on a pay half now, pay half later rule. I accept half of the payment at the start, work on the sketch, show it to you and you let me know if everything's OK/anything needs changed. Once the sketch is approved, I'll need the second half of the payment and then I can finish the artwork.

~ As of now, I can only provide digital copies. They will be sent to your email/whatever email is provided on completion.

~ My prices are open for negotiation if I am providing multiple illustrations on the same project e.g. children's books, depending on detail and the time it would take to complete.

~ The finished image is yours and I will ask permission to feature the artwork on my website. I retain the right to feature it in my portfolio.

~ No family unfriendly commissions. Not hatin' on 'em, I just don't do 'em.

I've included a link to my price list with the links at the top. Have a look through them and hit me up if anything interests you. I MIGHT consider a christmas deal on some of the more expensive options but I'm still thinking about that.

Remember, contact me at Emmanimator@live.co.uk for more information/to discuss commissions.

Might be a rather unique christmas present though, eh?

Introducing GrumbleSquab

Now that I've made the decision to name my work under the umbrella name 'Emmature Media', I've been planning a bit of remodelling for my blogs and social networks alongside developing my other projects. You'll most likely have noticed the new blog title picture featuring mascots that you'll be seeing a lot more often.

I've been making variations for my portfolio and tumblr sites as well and I'm planning on making similar ones for my twitter and Facebook pages too. 

I've mentioned Bucky the pugalope before, the Staghound mascot who occasionally gets drunk on whatever tipple Ruari reviews at the time. But the big eared yeti is a new addition, one specifically for Emmature Media.

Her name is Squab. GrumbleSquab.

I really want to make a unique print out of this picture, possibly look into making some phone covers as well. But as of right now, here is Grumbles in her unique yetihuahua glory. Featuring the Doodlebug. Cos ain't no way I'm getting rid of that.

I'm debating making the background of all my customisable sites lilac with stars rather than straight black. If anyone has a preference, let me know but that's something I'll probably play about with when I have more time.

… does anyone else think GrumbleSquab sounds like something from a children's story? I pondered this heavily on twitter last night.

… I should probably stick to just illustrating stories, huh. On an unrelated note, Grumbles totally doesn't eat kids. Not after that one time.

~***~

Just a heads up, I'm planning on changing the URL of the website soon. Of course I'll update everyone once that happens, I'm mainly looking into how to be able to redirect an old URL to the new one. I'll keep ya posted.

Emmature-media.co.uk or something like that.

~***~

In other news, I know some folk have been really interested in obtaining a copy of the Bertie Blue novel. As of right now, we are currently looking into getting it out there. We were originally going to get copies printed and sell the, ourselves like we did with the picture books but it seems the price of a 140 page book as opposed to a 14 page book costs that little bit more. And by a little, I mean a LOT.

So we're still looking into other options. We have some ideas but we can't talk too much about that right now, not until we have some progress to share. All I can say is that the book itself is complete and we're just looking into the best options to get it out there and share with the world.

Watch this space, guys!

The Adventures of Bertie Blue Novel COMPLETE!

Published in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

… well, I very much couldn't post it ON the 11th hour, could I? I was doing the silence, obviously.

Yep, this little guy is one of the main reasons why I've been silent for a while. Certainly not because I have nothing to show. In fact, quite the opposite! It's just that the projects are either secret or need to be experimented with to see if such a thing can be done. I promise updates as soon as I can.

I'll just say that I need to start developing an online shop that sells more than just the Bertie books.

Anyway, lets not get ahead of ourselves. This entry is about the illustrated novel!

The book features all FOURTEEN of Bertie Blue's adventures in the war, in and out of the trenches. There are illustrations scattered throughout each story, all of which are based in historical facts and events. We're still working out a retail price and I'll obviously let everyone know the details as soon as humanly possible.

~***~

In news that I CAN share, however, I'm slowly going through something of a redesign. 'Emma Friel: Doodlebug' was a bit of a mouthful in itself and I missed the 'Emmature' nickname that I was often referred to. So from now on, the blog is going to be titled 'Emmature Media' to cover all of my creative aspects.

It spans over a few things. 'Emmature Doodlebug' for prints and artwork. 'Emmature Shopper' for my upcoming online shop. 'Emmature Productions' for animations. 'Emmature Hour' for my radio show/podcasts. If I ever get around to doing such a thing.

And so on.

I've just got to get around to designing a new logo for the blog and various social networks. I'm still planning to include the doodlebug logo in some way but also have it feature alongside a mascot. I've got some designs in mind if I can fit them in alongside these projects.

~***~

Speaking of mascots, I've been collaborating with Ruari in one of our Staghound projects. Long story short, a Staghound project is one where the two of us collaborate on something, be it proofreading, drawing/writing for the other, working on videos together and so on. It's gonna be big.

One of these projects is our little Staghound fella, Bucky, being illustrated alongside Ruari's beer reviews. So far, I only have one done for him but soon there will be more to Buck things up. Ain't he a cutie?

You can read the review he's featured in HERE. I'm buying ArtRage sometime this week so artwork including him, as well as others, should hopefully be that bit tidier. I'm experimenting with programs other than Adobe. Good to have more arrows in the quiver. If that's the right expression.

~***~

Crumbs is still a thing but as of now, it's strictly a passion project that I can only really work on when I have the time. I'm trying to organise my projects and life so I can start working properly on it again. Any advice for work organisation is appreciated!

~***~

And that's roughly all I can share so far. I'll try to stick to a weekly update on this blog but as the projects are mostly secret for now, it's a bit tricky. All the more reason to work on Crumbs more!

Oh yeah, I'm separating different projects in an entry with those wiggly line star breaks. I started doing it in the Bertie book and it's kind of stuck. Do you like it? I like it.

Oooh, glowy...

Yeah, you probably noticed that the blog looks a tad different now.

It was originally this.

Now it's more like this.

While I was working today and trying to repress a panic attack over how little I was getting done (or felt I was getting done), my mind wandered to how glow-in-the-dark tattoos are a thing and how I'll totally get me a little star tattoo if I ever land the cash. Then I thought about how glowing things are really soothing and enchanting and just overall rad.

Then I decided that I should totally show more of my love for glowing stuff in my work.

Hence, the glowing title and darker look for the blog.

I might still play about with it cos it seems a bit sparse. Although that said, I'm mainly meant to have my artwork and blog text do the talking rather than how it's designed. But we'll see. For all I know, I might get bored of it and go back to the white design. We'll play it by ear.

Anyway, back to the Crumbs buffer. To anyone who hasn't heard me endlessly blather on about my bird comic, you can read it from the start HERE.

And click HERE to visit the Crumbs patreon page if you're interested in supporting the project.

Crumbs on Patreon

I'm getting the Crumbs buffer chugging along nicely. I'm already covered for this week with two of next weeks pages sketched and the following weeks planned. I'd like to have a bunch of pages in the buffer for wiggle room in case I'm not able to work on any for a few days. It'll help me sleep better at night.

Speaking of which, here's another way you guys could help me do that.

Remember that Patreon I mentioned, to support my work overall? Well, to be honest, it felt a bit disorganised and vague. So, instead of having it cover all of my projects, I've decided to dedicate the Patreon page entirely to the Crumbs comic.

Click the picture to be taken to the patreon page. For those who don't know, Patreon is a website similar to Kickstarter but with their being no time limit. It's ongoing and patrons can fund as many projects as they want for as much/little as they want.

Guys, I'd really appreciate any funding/awareness you'd be willing to give to help this project progress. I've got big plans for Crumbs but I really need your help in making it happen. Even if everyone was willing to donate $1 a month, it would really go far in the long run.

And even if you're not up for donating, I'd appreciate anyone sharing the news, retweeting, reblogging, whatever you have to do. It's all appreciated.

For more information, have a look at the page. It should explain things in more detail.

I hope you'll consider supporting the comic!