Austin & the world: Thoughts about cards

Thank you to everyone who came out to TCAF last week! Man alive, that was a fun show. I saw so many friends, picked up some really neat books to read, and enjoyed the city of Toronto in a pleasant and life-affirming way. I love that TCAF is in a library, and that it’s free to attend — it positions the show as a cultural event and something with a low barrier to entry, rather than a remote, cavernous media circus (or dingy swap meet aspiring to the level of media circus), and it attracts a literate, curious, and enthusiastic crowd. My kudos to Chris Butcher for his hard work putting the show together, and I already can’t wait till next year!

I hope this coming weekend goes just as well! The latest (and near-to-last) leg of my Absurdly Exhaustive Spring Book Tour finds me in Austin, Texas at the Renegade Craft Fair! It’s a FREE event held at Palmer Events Center this Saturday and Sunday, and I hope you’ll come check it out. This is an entirely new type of show for me, and I’m keen to watch it unfold, hopefully into a pleasing and elegant shape.

I’m hoping that you, the lovely and kind Wondermark reader with an easy smile yet distinct sense of boundaries, will come out to say hello, since I haven’t been in Austin for a while — but another big chunk of my time at shows is always spent meeting new folks, handing out flyers and sample comics, and doing my level best to spread the word about my little operation here. I’ve found that the success of the pitch is strongly related to the tenor of the show itself (insofar as certain events tend to attract certain types of people), and I’ve spent all week coming up with stuff for the table that’ll hopefully speak the language of this show in particular.

I’ve sold greeting cards for quite some time, of course — right now they’ve been shifted to a lower priority as far as online sales go, just because I haven’t had time to process orders between all the traveling of these last few months — but they’ve always been their own thing, a collection of gags that looked and sounded kind of like Wondermark but shared no overlap in content with the other stuff I create. It struck me yesterday that there’s no reason I can’t take some of my more interesting design work (for books or other projects) and adapt it all into art-print and note-card form in a way that might be arresting to someone wandering the halls of this craft fair, waiting for something to strike their eye — so that’s what I’ve spent a few days working on. I’ve now got a whole new complement of cards and prints I’m eager to share with you (and eager to test out in the world), and depending on how they do, we may see quite an expansion of my online card offerings. I’ve been very pleased with the reception my holiday and Valentine cards in particular have had, and I’m definitely keeping all the existing lines alive — but I’d like to do more, much more, as well.

So let me ask you: What do you look for in greeting cards, occasion cards, or note cards? What are the things to keep in mind, the occasions or themes you care about, or things that frustrate you about existing cards (mine or others out there in the world) that I could do better? I’m keen to hear your thoughts — please comment on this post, and I’ll take it all into consideration. Thanks very much for your feedback!

And Austin, you’ll get a sneak peek at the new cards! See you at the fair!

Center for Plain Language Awards! DEADLINE SOON

There are companies in this foul world that specifically hire people to make their policies hard to understand, in defiance of transparency, courtesy, and good business. And there are companies that, in concert with what is good and best for humanity and our shared society, work hard to make their policies easy to understand. The Center for Plain Language, a Washington, DC nonprofit, invites you to submit examples in both categories — good, clear business communications to be rewarded with shiny trophies at a fancy ceremony; and horrible, confusing, misleading and/or opaque business communications to be savagely mocked by yours truly in as ruthless a manner as possible.

The Center’s ClearMark Awards will recognize businesses and organizations that put normal human beings in charge of communicating to the public. We’ve all breathed sighs of relief upon encountering something that’s simply easy to use and understand. Why not reward the folks who get it by nominating your favorite example of user-friendliness for a ClearMark Award?

And then there are the WonderMark Awards. Send in the absolute worst examples of nonsense balderdash you’ve ever seen issue forth from a corporate lawyer or government bureaucrat’s bile-salted horror-fingers, and the Center and I will rub our hands together mischievously and make fun of the organization in as public and shameful a manner possible. It is the only way they will learn. (They probably won’t learn, but let’s have some fun anyhow.)

Here’s how to submit nominations. The deadline is very soon —Monday, March 1 — so don’t delay! DO IT NOW.

WORK FOR ME

All right, it’s that time again — when I realize I’m trying to do way too much with way too few hours in the day, days in the week, and weeks in the metamorpho-cycle. I need your help. I am looking for the following:

FACEBOOK APP PROGRAMMER. I don’t know anything about programming Facebook apps. I made one once, but it only kind of works. I’d like to make something that posts the latest comic on your thing, and lets you share it with your Facebookfolks, and has a little excerpt of blog posts as well, and, you know, does all that. It can probably be built from my RSS. If you know how to build this, email me and bid a rate.

SPRING INTERN. I’d like someone to come into my office (in Venice, CA) once a week or so and help me with various projects! Duties will vary with your expertise but may involve scanning, inventory control, shipping, designing, web surfing, and helping me figure out my dang life. Meals will be provided each day! Ideally you are a student and can get some kind of class credit for this, but, you know, whatever. To apply, email me your resumé and a brief cover letter. If you’ve applied previously for this position, and you’re still interested, go ahead and re-submit.

I’ll probably have more opportunities later, but LET’S START WITH THIS. Thanks!

Wondermark in the wild

I’m always pleased when folks write (or Twitter) showing me how they’re enjoying their Wondermark tangibles, or (especially) how the folks they’ve gifted them to are enjoying them! This comes courtesy of Jeff, who has very handsomely framed one of my prints for his brother William:

I am not sure if William is cosplaying as the character in the comic or if I simply channeled him as I made it. (Minor note: this is an older style of comic print; the ones I offer now are somewhat larger and come unsigned.)

Twitter’s also great for getting these sorts of notifications — here are some other pics folks have slung my way recently (click each for their source):

KABAM

POW

LOOKIT THAT

AMAZING

CLASS THAT PLACE RIGHT UP

A longtime fan!

UHH…KABAPP (running out of onomatopoeias here)

Lastly, this picture of “Bones” comes from Erin, a medical librarian at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center (and recipient of a Thanksgiving Project book), proving that there is in fact a place for my personal unlicensed-and-highly-specious brand of medicine in today’s medical establishment:

Finally, Davey has someone to play with.

Thanks for the pics, everyone! And if you have (or can take) pictures of yourself or others sporting any manner of Wondermark accoutrement, please send them to pics[at]topatoco.com — we love seeing that stuff, and it helps future customers see what the goods actually look like on living, breathing, flesh-and-blood human beings! (Nothing personal, there, Bones.)

Thanksgiving Project results P.2: Bloggers

So many good submissions for the blogger portion of the Thanksgiving Project! It was very tough to choose just ten, but thanks to specious criteria and pure caprice, here they are (in no particular order), along with my many thanks for all the kind words! Each blogger will receive an Artist Edition of Clever Tricks to Stave Off Death. LOOK FOR THEM SOON FOLKS

(Click through to read each post in its entirety)

1. Amelie Cherlin / Bajira!

This is impressive.

What is this thing? I don’t even know! It is totally impressive though and I dig anyone who goes to any level of effort for something silly like this — to say nothing of the fact that Amelie has somehow seamlessly cracked my entire genetic code. Thanks, Amelie!

2. Jonathan Johns / Intercepted Messages

…From the penthouse suite at the top of the headquarters of TopatoCo, David oversees all daily operations of a team of thousands of highly trained operatives whose sole mission in life is to ensure that the ‘humors’ infecting David are expunged, and spread virally to all of us.

As it was told to me, David woke from a Slushee-induced sugar coma, trapped in the basement of the Los Angeles Central Library where he was surrounded by books depicting 19th century woodcuts and engravings. While in his stupor, the characters in the images began to speak to him, and challenge his manhood, calling him a pansy-artist and both taunting and provoking him.

I also like this bit:

He has had an impressive life up to this point

Man, that terrifies me for some reason.

Thanks, Jonathan!

3. Robin McKinley, Days in the Life*

***Yes. I have the t shirt. If I’d been thinking ahead I’d be wearing it so I could make my annoyingly alert and healthy husband take a photo. If it weren’t for the sleet and the howling gale and so on and the fact that even crouched over the electric fire chafing hellhounds all over my body I’m still cold. Maybe next year Malki can come out with wondermark Shetland pullovers.

Reading Robin’s blog is like reading a Mark Z. Danielewski novel. I respect anyone who can’t muster the conformist attitude to write in a straight line. Also she sent me a ton of traffic so that’s worth an extra 16 points. Thanks, Robin!

4. Cathy Hamaker / A Cautionary Tale

…I have a signed comic on my wall, and a copy of Beards of our Forefathers in my bathroom. (Yes, the bathroom. Shut up. Don’t judge me.)

The bathroom is the best place for books of comics. AUTOMATIC WIN

Thanks, Cathy! P.S. I get them from squid books

5. Bailey Shoemaker Richards / The Reading Corner

…One of my favorite things about Wondermark is that despite its overt weirdness, it’s still relevant. It’s still showing me, as a reader, something to laugh at and simultaneously making me realize that I’m laughing at myself (and the people around me). I am frequently laughing out loud in public places about the latest Wondermark strip, even when I’m not reading it. Then I definitely resemble the people at whom Malki ! pokes fun.

I will definitely take these kind words, though I also will fully own “overt weirdness.” Thanks, Bailey!

6. Shannon Saar / Wighthouse

…A righteous example of the past triumphing, overtaking, and yet melding with an ever-burgeoning future. An age-old tale that obliterates the tired shroud of the mundane. A graphic marvel carved from the monolith of time itself. A paragon of mirthfulness defined as much by what it doesn’t say as by what it must. A willful communiqué to a jaded, humdrum society. A cross-hatched fairy tale that huffs the æther of absurdity in great whoops and gasps. A sophisticated comment on raucous mores that cannot be ignored. A scrumptious brainchild of one peerless, punctuated individual.

I like that, reading the full post, I got the distinct feeling that Shannon took a long, deep breath, paused a moment, then rattled off that paragraph at full speed. That is the best way to rattle things off. Thanks, Shannon!

7. Lisa / two loose teeth

…It’s meticulously crafted with vintage engravings in Photoshop, too. I know that because I recently watched part of a Let’s Make a Wondermark live stream. It was somehow funny, voyeuristic, fascinating, and slightly boring, all rolled into one.

I will also own “slightly boring.” In addition, Lisa previously blogged about my 2007 video, Me Vs. Comic-Con: Who’s Better?, so I’m glad she’s stuck around for the rollicking years since. Thanks, Lisa!

8. Carapace / Cara Geeks

…And if you like snarking on said Victoriana, Malki’s your guy. There are also strips where people ride Piranhamoose, so good news all around, there. And if you like excessive verbosity and a highly affected writing style, well, he’ll keep you occupied while I’m dealing with students and craft fairs.

Man, I am learning all about myself today. Shall I own “excessive verbosity and a highly affected writing style”? I would hardly be the pauper’s pedant that I claim were I to refuse this steaming, dribbling chalice. Thanks, Carapace!

9. Johnny Despair, Esq. / Not For You Studios

…his aesthetic sense is poised to pounce upon the exposed jugular vein of the steampunk/anachro-fashion movement like a beautiful, misunderstood vampire eager to drink it dry and not even give a shit and not even be beautiful but a disfigured old monster with horrible claws and barely human anatomy because that is how my vampires roll and jesus FUCK can I stop seeing Twilight ads in my fucking convalescence pretty pretty fucking please I know bitching about Twilight is now about as cool as bitching about Fox News but honestly I am sick and I do not need this shit all up in my eyes

An aesthete, a wordsmith and a Tweet Me Harder fan to boot! YES PLEASE. I particularly like this bit:

True story about Tweet Me Harder: I once listened to it so harder, that I was unintentionally talking like a weird Kris Straub/David Malki ! slash-fic lovebaby for days. It took three hours of listening to the Sex Pistols to cure it.

You’re welcome. Thanks, Johnny!

10. Adalee Velasquez / Velasquez Artistry

I'm with W.M.

Again, I have a soft spot for folks who make cool stuff like this, plus:

Always silly, sometimes juvenile (yes, he does some poop-jokes…), and occasionally brilliant

If I pass on owning “occasionally brilliant” I think I may never get another chance.

Thanks, Adalee, and thanks again to everyone who wrote!