grOw/cinema, Ep. XVII, frame 5 completed!

In the last 2-1/2 days, I was able to complete 5 frames on the next Episode of grOw/cinema. (The first 2 days of the week was spent finalizing the script and the thumbnails, and I took a half day today for the upcoming US holiday weekend.)

Now, on to other musings: I have been asked a few times about how ling will grOw/cinema, "The Ever-Expanding Universe" will go on for, or when it will end.  My answer is that it's set up to go on for a long time (thus "Ever-Expanding" in the title). However, I also would say that I would go on to other projects from time to time, and come back to it. 

(Sorry this is so long. If it takes 5 minutes to read, know it took almost 2 hours to write.)

With over 3-1/4 years of this first grOw/cinema series behind us, I am looking into this "break" to go on to a new project.

I always touted grOw/cinema: “The Ever-Expanding Universe” as the succulent dessert to the main course of previous grOw/cOmics and grOw/stOries. (Note that cinema is a style, not the concept. Future projects will probably be done the in the cinema style, but not have the serial-what-happens-next-issue on-going aspect, but, instead, a finite storyline.)  

With a slow start in sales (probably due to it’s “new” and “unproven” idea), it soon became one of my most popular series. My readers and I couldn’t wait until the next release. (Tune in next week!)

grOw/cinema, series 1, was always meant to be like the old movie serials, when you “tuned in next week” to see what happened to our hero. I even used the scrolling text from the old Flash Gordon movies (and later done in Star Wars), to pay homage to this genre.

However, it dawned on me back in December 2019 that I was approaching the 3 year mark on this project, and DID start to contemplate working on something new. (Not the end “The Ever-Expanding Universe”, but to temporarily put it on hold.) I have had 3-5 basic storylines/concepts swirling in my head for a long time that all needed fleshing out. Coming up with basic concepts is easy. But the real work is in the details and the time it takes to build them up.

Creating the artwork takes time, thus the standard 2-4 months turnaround between issues. I can understand that, for many of you chomping at the bit for the next episode, this seems like a long time when waiting for the next project to come out, just like when we wait for the next movie in our favorite series to come out. On my end, it's nearly non-stop work, so it doesn't seem so long to me. So, my realization that it has been over 3 YEARS since cinema #1’s release truly shocked me. 

In general, most of the storylines I choose to make into grOw/cOmics or grOw/cinema have been in my mind anywhere from 2 to 5+ YEARS!  I come back to them in my head from time to time, adding details and reworking ideas when I’m not doing anything taxing, such as long, boring car drives. grOw/cinema’s idea, for example, came to me with all the calls for a continuation of the “Wishful Thinking” comics. THAT was a long time ago — maybe even 8 years since I started envisioning something similar to “Wishful Thinking”, but not simply re-doing it. grOw/stOry 15, “Succubus” was a rewriting of an old E.L. Pub book that I had acquired. I originally started the process with one writer in mid-2008. The stOry was finally completed by a different writer and illustrated by me, and published in late 2013!  grOw/cOmic 6, “Milking the Plot” started as an idea on a who-done-it, plot twisting narrative in Late 2012. I began conceptualizing the storyline in August 2014, and the first issue came out Nov 2016.

That said, I HAVE now begun putting one of the afore-mentioned 3-5 ideas to (digital) written word over letting it swirl in my cranial gray matter. I hope I can make it solid enough to begin to work on it. But this will take a little time. The current project (Ep. 17) is well underway, and will be continued to be worked on until completion. Episode 18 may follow as I have envisioned it as a “season ender” episode, completing the initial arc of Carl exploring his new powers. (Originally, I was going to make it an even 20 episodes.) During the time working on 17 and 18, I will spend a little extra time each day writing the new idea (and allowing it to “gel” when I am not working on it). Should I make great progress, I MAY even begin work on this before Ep 18.

At least, these are the current plans. Life, grOw, and other aspects may change this.

grOw/patreOn launches!

Introducing
grOw/patreOn

A new way to see new, monthly BustArtist art !

including a chance to request
a free Commission by me!

Patreon link :
http://www.patreon.com/bustartist

New Artwork, sketches, sequences, and process videos !
• 5 tiers of patronage and Rewards!
• A chance to request a Free single-character Commission each month!
• Vote on artwork! Suggest new images!
• See Works in Progress ("WIP")!
• Earn $2 or $5 coupon codes for bustartist.com!
• Watch speed process videos on the creation of artwork!
• See more in-production grOw previews!
• Support my work to keep grOw coming and coming!

The time in between grOw releases can be long, depending on the length and complexity of each issue.  My new Patreon page will help me continue to pay the bills more efficiently in between those times. And it means some more of my artwork on a regular basis for you!  There's even a chance to win a Commission from me (single-character), including those "themes" that you don't usually see drawn by me in grOw! (Details to come...)

Will my usual grOw series releases still continue?  Definitely!  Will this new Patreon page add more time in-between grOw releases?  Only a small amount. I've planned ahead and will be extending my work hours, as well as crafted out an efficient work plan to get Patreon awards out with minimal impact on grOw at bustartist.com!

Help support me on my new Patreon page!
Go there now to see FREE sample artwork, sketches, and video without having to join yet!

Work on grOw/cinema, Episode XIII underway! Annnd... something else.

For the last 2 weeks since the last release, I've been busy on many grOw fronts. Just a few minutes ago, I completed the initial script AND the full set of storyboards for the next issue of grOw/cinema, which will be Episode XIII. It is coming in around 66-70 frames again, so not too long, and not too short. I hope to start color previews next week!

I have also been working on another secret BustArtist project, creating brand new pieces for an exciting opportunity. When it begins, it will be concurrent with the release of new grOw issues. Details on this will be coming soon. I hope you will support me when it does! :-)

Stay tuned for more information!

Updates...

It's been about a week and a half since Episode IX was launched and I am glad to hear all the great feedback. I am glad you are enjoying the "Ever-Expanding Universe" series.

Episode X's Script is completed:  After some challenges to consolidate and solve the loose ends I left at the end of the last chapter, I was able to write the next chapter of the series. See below...

Episode X and blueberry girl:  While some have enjoyed the last episode and the artwork, they've expressed that "blueberry" is not their thing. Understandable. Not everything is for everyone. It is also a major departure for me, but I had fun experimenting and giving it a whirl. 
     The blueberry sequence was left in a cliffhanger and still has a ways to go. While I planned on completing the sequence in Episode X, I have decided to focus on doing so in the next issue. That is, the story will focus only on completing the blueberry storyline.
     Those who enjoy blueberry girls, can purchase and enjoy the issue when I complete it. Those who enjoyed the artwork and story, even if blueberry was not their thing, can also purchase and enjoy the issue. Those who would rather not purchase a mostly blueberry issue can simply skip Episode X and pick-up with Episode XI without getting lost in the story.
     Episode X will be a shorter issue for the above reason. Usually, I've played out the action following the previous issue's cliffhanger, then moved on to the next new stage in Carl's adventures. Instead, I will complete the aforementioned first part, and then end the issue.  The script I've written fills out full 50-frames in a satisfying completion to the sequence.
    The short issue also means the next Episode will be released sooner than past issues! 

New B.E. Parody Illustration:  I held a Poll at my DeviantArt Gallery and had people vote on what they would like as the next B.E. Parody illustration, which I do from time to time between issues.  The winner of the poll was Scoobie Doo (cartoon version).  Below is the result.  Enjoy!  (Note: the winner was just which Parody would be done first. There will be more done in the future based on this list and other ideas.)

Zoinks!

grOw/cinema, Ep.II, frame 73 complete, new pen arrives!

The new Wacom pen arrived late Wednesday of this week, allowing me to get back to work on grOw/cinema, Episode II.  Because of the delay, I didn't finish as many frames as I had hoped, but the days without a working pen for my Cintiq didn't go wasted.

I planned out a number of camera angles for the final frames of this issue, and rendered some of the backgrounds, so that I would be that much more ahead. I didn't need the Cintiq for this, so it didn't matter if I didn't have a working pen.

I also made a great progress on another project that I have been thinking about for a while: reworking my website. It currently is fairly outdated as it is not mobile compatible and responsive. 

Over the last 3 months, I had been learning WordPress, and even built a WordPress site for someone. With that knowledge, I started on the redesign of the Bustartist.com website. It will be completely responsive to any device, and will make future updates much easier, once it becomes reworked using a CMS like WordPress. I really like how it's coming along so far, but there is still much to do. It won't be done before the next release (especially since, now that the new pen is here, I want to focus solely on completing Episode II).  While I work on Episode III, however, I will spend maybe 1 day a week working on the new website, while concurrently working on the next episode during the other 4 days.

It's on its way!

Yay! New Wacom pen is on its way. Then it's back to work!  (Note: that is US format date, so Apr 5th expected delivery...not May 4th   :)  )

2015: grOw's 10th Anniversary. Special Sale!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!   To celebrate 10 years of grOw (launched July 30, 2005) and heading into the 11th year, you can get 30% off your entire order during the first week in 2016 (December 31, 2015 – January 7, 2016, 11:59pm EST [GMT-4]). 

To receive this discount, enter coupon code grow2015 in the coupon code field in your cart and press the "Apply Coupon" button.  This will apply a 30% off discount off your entire order.  Hurry!  Expires January 7, 2016, 11:59pm EST [GMT-4].

To receive discount, you must enter coupon code grow2015 in the field in your cart and apply discount. Discount must be confirmed before you purchase your order. Discount cannot be applied to previous orders or any order that was intentionally or mistakenly made without the coupon code.

Here's to another 10 years!

And another...

And another...

grow/cOmic#6, issue 5 work begins!

For the past 2 weeks, since the release of issue 4, I have been working on getting ready to launch into the production of issue 5, titled "The Plot Revealed." This gearing up included a lot things: 

1. Clearing my plate of "real life' work projects I had put off to get issue 4 out as soon as possible.
2. Recrafting and writing more storyline so as to add more chapters. I was able to add 2 more for a total of 8! I had to do this before working on issue 5 to make sure the story stayed consistent with the new ideas for chapters 6 and 7. This included a slight rewrite of the ending of issue 5. While chapters 7 and 8 are not completely written yet, I have a good outline for them. I will be finishing up the writing for the last chapters between now and when I begin work on issue 6. When all is said and done, this series will wind up having between 144-150 pages in total!
3. Setting up Poser and Shade3D backgrounds for issue 5. Before drawing some of the scenes, I need to make sure I match my characters to the 3D background. Because of this, I stick a simple Poser figure in the 3D background and use it as a proportional model to draw the final figures from so that they meld with the scene.
4. And finally, beginning the actual drawing of issue 5. I have completed 2 pages and a small start on page 3 (page 77 of the series).  When I get more done, I will be posting a few pencil previews.

 

Happy New Year 2015!

Happy New Years everyone!  Sorry I couldn't get to a new page preview today (too much "end of year" stuff going on). Thanks for all your support this past year!  I cannot put so much time and effort into "grOw" without it!

grOw/stOry#18 production begins again

It's been a rollercoaster of a week, with delays and further issues with my computer causing some serious consternation and delays in working on grOw/stOry#18. Seems there are more issues with my computer after the "second" fix. Because this was missed twice, and there have been so many delays in getting my iMac back, they will be giving me a brand new computer to get me fully up and running.  Whoot!  In the meanwhile, I was able to work on my original computer for a few days while the new one is on order.

I did get some non-image work done, however, so that I did not waste too much time will my main computer was in repairs. Using my wife's older computer, I was able to spend the time working on the text layout of the stOry, the website, and some parts of the story in preparation for release. So, I was working, but just not on the images (which I needed the power of my computer and my Wacom Cintiq to produce).

In that time, I was able to complete 2 more illustrations (#6 and #7), and made great progress on #8! There may be a slight delay as I transfer files and apps from the old to the new computer, but that should be slight. Until that happens, I will be chugging along on the images.

Enjoy the preview!

grOw/stOry#18 hits slight delay, but hope to resume soon

Unfortunately, a few days after getting my computer back, it started in with the same issues as before — small multi-color squares appearing on the screen, sometimes the screen going dark, and sometimes the video just locking up. Why they originally only replaced the power supply, I don't know.  So, I had to bring it back in again.  The tech this time was surprised at the original diagnosis and said its obviously the video card (to which I agree... makes sense). Because of the misdiagnosis the first time, and the fact that I had to come back in, the video card repair will be FREE!  Whoo hoo!  

Anyway, before I brought my computer back in, I was able to complete illustrations 3-5. As soon as I get my computer back, I will be off and running on the rest (hopefully, by Monday of next week).

But, in the meantime, I was able to borrow my wife's computer and use it to continue work on the text layout and typesetting, as well as the website updates for the release. I am trying not to lose any time on work that needs to be done anyway.

What's going on? What's next?

Well, after the great release of "The Blooming of Bonnie", I have not really slowed down at all. In fact, 4 things have been in my workflow since then.

I currently have 2 writers working on new grOw/stOries. The interesting thing on these is that both are "original works". While one of the new stOries came out of conceptualizing a rewrite for "Bonnie" interestingly enough, it soon became its own entity, allowing my recreation of "Bonnie" to come to fruition. The other stOry being worked on is also an original creation, not attached to the old E.L. Publications stories in any way. It IS a continuation of a series this writer has had out for some time — an exciting new chapter in this well received series. Once they get closer to completion, I will be filling you in to the writers and their stOries.

I have also been chiseling away at writing the script for the next grOw/cOmic (#6).  Currently untitled, this new series will be a sequel of sorts. While not featuring the same characters as the original, it will take place in the same setting. I had this concept floating around in my head for almost two years, and finally was able to mind-dump it out into a text file. I was surprised at all the problems I had encountered when I got to this stage, and little details threatened to seriously derail the storyline. However, I was able to resolve all of them all intelligently and in ways that fit the original cOmic. Currently, I have outlined the full storyline, which should stretch across 6 issues. In terms of the actual script, I was able to fully write all of issue 1 and most of issue 2.

I took a short break from writing the grOw/cOmic#6 script to create a BE illustration that I have wanted to do for months now. I titled it "The Big Boob Theory" and it is a parody of the show by the similar sounding name. I created three versions: the original (in 2 sizes) and an alternate only featuring the BE'ed girls, Penny and Bernadette. Super-sized version of the full-character image can be downloaded here. I really went high-resolution on this one:  4600 x 3420 pixels.

Enjoy these new BE illustrations!  It's time to get back to work on grOw!

Happy New Year! What's to come?

Here we are, approaching the dawn of 2014 and entering a new year.

"Succubus" has been well received, and I thank you for your support. Longbow9 was glad to hear of the positive feedback.

So what has been happening since its release about 5 weeks ago? A lot, actually, behind the scenes.

If you've gone to my website, you may have noticed the big improvements I made there:

• Larger and more previews.
• Larger Front page images.
• Sectioning the grOw/cOmics by one series per page for clarity.
• Sectioning the grOw/stOries by one 3-stOry-collection per page.
• And recently adding a "Help Chat"! Yes, if I am online, you will see a little chat tab pop-up on the bottom of certain pages (Main store, help, faq, contact) after a few moments of visiting the page. Click to initiate a quick chat with me if you have a question on your order! Instant help!

What about the next project?  They are well underway! And by "they" I mean more than one. Longbow9 will be returning to work on a new grOw/stOry. And while we were discussing the next rewrite of an old E.L. Publication work, we came up with two or three ideas which we liked. 

I also will be writing one that I became very passionate about. I think you all will really like it. It is a complete reworking of the very first E.L. Pub story called "The Blooming of Bonnie." I will most likely be keeping the title, as it works so well with what I have been coming up with.  Currently, I am about 85-90% done with the first draft of the story. While not as large as the last release, "Succubus", it will be the second longest stOry to-date, and will probably be in the area of 30,000 words. This one will be pure breast expansion and will include both male-female as well as female-female sexual scenes. It will also have a strong storyline, with some interesting plot twists, that I hope you will enjoy.

I also have been working on the basic plot line of the next grOw/cOmic series, which will be focused on breast expansion and lactation, and will include a number of women growing. It will be a "kind" of sequel to a previous grOw/cOmic series — that is, in the same "world", and tied into the previous comic, but with new characters.

So, Happy New Year to all ! And stay tuned!

Wherefore Art Thou, BA?

Whew, but it's been a while since my last post. I was in communication on other various fronts — DeviantArt, forums, and, of course, the continuation of the grOw girls for the Cintiq Fundraiser at my website — but now it's finally time to make an update here.

As mentioned in the previous blog post, the work on the next project has been underway for quite some time (since about April), and is coming to a head. The next release is going to be a new grOw/stOry, written by a new writer, Tristan Langley (a.k.a "Longbow9" on many forums, especially on the LPSG forum for his enormous, on-going serial "Medicine Show"). grOw/stOry#15 will be a reworking of the E.L. Publications story, "Lacula".

The stOry has just been completed, and Tristan/Longbow9 and I are going back and forth with the final edits and polish. While the stOry was being written, I started on the drawing the images. 16 images have been pencil drawn so far, and 2 of them have been completely colorized (inked and painted using the new Cintiq!). A preview of one of the color images has been attached to this post.

Part of my time "away" from the blog was due to an incredible deluge of "RL" work that hit me 2-3 weeks ago. I used to think getting hit with 4 projects at once was rough; but this time, I was inundated with 7 graphic design projects within just a few days. (I swear the clients planned it that way.) This filled my time during those 2 weeks in mid-September. Luckily, most are finished, with a just a few being wrapped up now.

But, in the meanwhile, Longbow9 continued his writing of the new stOry, "Succubus".  And writing, and writing, and writing. This release is an enormous increase in length of a grOw/stOry — the longest to date by far!  How much longer?  Well, in comparison, the last 2 grOw/stOries ("SororTITy Study Party" and "New mOOns Rising") were about 18,300 and 17,500 words respectively; and the 2 before that by Mr. B ("BEaver Lake Summer Camp" and "The BE InsTITute") were about 15,000 and 11,000 words.  The new, upcoming release of "Succubus" will be more than double the longest stOry to-date, at about 40,000 words!  This thing is a monster, and has plenty of sexy action, characterizations, growth fetishes (BE, lactation, PE and Ball expansion, Ass expansion, and even more BE), rich back story, steamy sex scenes, engaging plot, and plenty of expanding women.

I will be updating the blog with color image previews from time to time until the release.  I won't be showing all of them, as done in the past with other grOw/stOries, since each page is only 1 panel, unlike the cOmics which are multiple panels per page. It would reveal too much to show a piece of every image.

And, of course, the release will also contain the original story "Lacula" and images in the appendix.

What's Next? What's New? What's Naughty?

Here's a quick update on things that are currently going on behind, and in front of, the scenes in "BA-land".

grOw Girls continue to expand!

The grOw Girl images are continuing to be made for reaching the specific goals of my Cintiq Fundraiser. If you haven't seen them, image 8 is now up at my website and my DeviantArt Gallery.  The website versions currently have the advantage of being able to download the images without any text (see link above each image).

The new Cintiq is up and running!
This thing is a beauty! And it is already (if I haven't said so before) making a huge difference — in speed, in ease, in accuracy, and in lowering my wrist/arm fatigue. Each of these will take some time to fully come to fruition, but the borrowing of a friend's Cintiq during issue 5 of grOw/cOmic#5 helped me get a huge leg up.  I hope to write a full review later on with photos. Drawing details is so much easier when I can see my hand controlling the pen. Unlike my other, much older Wacom tablet (an Intuos3), I am not using screen feedback to see if my cursor is properly placed, and then drawing a line that may miss it's mark. While I have gotten good with the Intuos3 over the years of using it, the hand-eye coordination is much better on the Cintiq, and is so much more akin to what I've enjoyed when I'm drawing with pencil on paper.

The next project is fully underway! A new grOw/stOry!

This actually has been in the works now since around April. I have had the pleasure of welcoming a new writer on board who has been diligently reworking the latest chosen E.L. Publication "Tremendous Tit Tale" story. This has allowed me to focus on the last grOw/cOmic, and frees me up to delve quickly into the imagery of this new stOry as it is written. I had taken on the task of rewriting the last 2 grOw/stOries (#13, "New mOOns Rising"; and #14, "SororTITy Study Party"). The crafting of these stories took a lot of work, and THEN, I was able to begin the artwork and production — this added a lot more time between releases.
     Some of you may know this new writer from various forums, but most recently from his herculean, on-going saga of PE, BE, AssE, and all sorts of growth fantasies called "Medicine Show" at LPSG (Link). He goes by "Longbow9" in the Forums and he has been doing a great job of resurrecting a grOw/stOry that I've been trying to complete since 2008 — the reworking of "Lacula".  This new rendition features a whole new take on the secret of the growth, and features BE, lactation, PE, and Ass expansion with an expanded cast of characters! And it's going to be a big one — possibly in the range of the last grOw/stOry, "SororTITy Study Party."

Stay tuned!

grOw/cOmic#5, pencils completed!

It's been a while since my last update, but lots of things have been going on.

1)  Pencils for the last 15 pages of issue 5 (and, basically, of the whole series) were completed today!  Whoot!  Tomorrow begins the inking and painting of the final pages of "grOwing Appreciation".  I am, unfortunately, way further behind than I had anticipated (I was hoping for a release late June to early July). I hope, if things go just right, to have a released end of July.

2) The "Wacom Cintiq Fundraiser" is still being worked on, but I am getting close. I finally figured out the reward tier level structure. It will be a 2-tier structure in which rewards will be based on the amount you contribute, as well as how much everyone contributes as a whole. I will have a contribution mascot who will "grow" as contributions go up. She will sort of be like my old NaviGirls. However, what is even better, is that YOU will be able to determine the amount of growth and what kind.  Each dollar contributed will add growth to either breast, butt/hip, or height — and you can even mix and match.  More details to come.

Causes of the delay since my last post were a combination of creating many, many Poser "set ups" for the last 15 pages of issue 5, working on the Wacom Cintiq Fundraiser (and mascot), and general "RL" work. There are so many Poser-assisted panels in this issue due to the many dramatic camera angles, and more GTS to normal human size interactions. Maintaining proper proportions is key.

So get ready for a new stream of color previews over the next few weeks, leading up to the release of the final chapter in grOw/cOmic#5. I will focus on this issue more than the Fundraiser for now, to make sure there are less delays.

grOw/cOmic#5, page 76 completed!

I know it's been a while, but this can happen often between issues. There are a number of items that take place between issues before the ink and painting can occur, which leads to the previews. The replacement drawings pads have finally come in, so that I can now continue pencil drawing the rest of the issue. Seven of the 22 pages (yes, 22!) are already completed. While waiting for these to show, I continued working on the issue by inking and painting some of the 7 drawn pages. Here is the preview to the first page of issue 5 ("An Up and Cumming Star") which is page 76 of the series.

My Wacom Cintiq Fund Drive is also shaping up. Currently, I have the web page up explaining it fully. I just need to finalize the donation end. I am planning on having a 2-tier reward system.  One will be individual, based on the amount of each contribution. The other will be based on the grand total raised, and will most likely be a "fund raiser girl" who will grow as the donations grow.  ;)  Thank you to all who gave great input on this process!

A Review, a Dilemma, and a Question

On Tuesday of this week, I went into Manhattan to the "Wacom Cintiq 13HD Release Party" at TekServe on 23rd Street.  They demonstrated, and allowed hands-on experience, of the new, smaller Cintiq line of screen tablets by Wacom. It also featured a demonstration and Q&A by Joe Quesada (CCO of Marvel Comics & comic book artist), which was cool. He used some techniques that I use.  :)

The new 13HD was quite nice! Sharp and responsive, it gave a lot of power in a little package. However, it was a little too small for my normal workflow. Clicking tiny buttons in Photoshop was a chore. It seemed better for those on the go.

But they also had the other, larger models. And the ones with touch capabilities. Now, these are sweet!  I've have wanted one for a long time, but was always scared to even consider purchasing one without being able to try it out first. (Sure... you can return it. But for restock fee of about $400!) Of course, there was also the cost of these beauties.

Well, this Presentation gave me the chance to try them all out. And I loved them. Sure, it will take a bit getting used to, but not as much as my Intuos3, which I have been using since 2006. When I got that, I went from digitally inking and painting with a mouse!

The Cintiq 24HD was the flagship, of course. Huge, solid — a battleship of a digital screen tablet.  But I actually gravitated towards the slightly smaller and more maneuverable Cintiq 22HD Touch. It was lighter, it rotated like a drawing pad (the 24 does not... too big), it was easier to grab and hold.  I fell in love.

While $1000 less that the 24HD Touch, the 22" is still a hefty $2699.  Right now, more than I can layout.  The benefits are incredibly valuable, however. As I tested out the 22", I was able to comfortably draw without my oft-appearing "wrist-ache" from holding the pen too tight. This comes from the slight "disconnect" I have by moving my hand down near my lap on something I see up on screen. After a productive day, it is not unheard of for me to sit in front of the TV with ThermaCare heatwraps wrapped firmly around my wrist for the next 8 hours. This is also why I continue to draw the grOw/cOmics in pencil first, and then scan in.

I discussed this with some friends, and they suggested I start a donation pool for those willing to help. No obligation, of course, but donating would help me raise funds to get this immensely helpful and productive piece of digital hardware. My friends suggested even a few dollars spread out amongst a lot of loyal fans could actually raise enough that I could pitch in the rest. The payback would allow me to produce the grOw/cOmics more productively, with less chance of injury, and with a quicker speed due to the natural drawing feel of the device. I also know that I seemed to get a better line quality when drawing on the Cintiq, which makes it easier to guide my hand visually as I normally do when I draw with pencil on paper.

I am not sure how I would set this up — maybe through PayPal. I am also not sure of the "response" to this would have — positive or negative backlash. I've seen other internet artists do this — some even for a new car! — but I couldn't do that. Any donation pool would have to be connected to my work. Don't get me wrong — I TRULY APPRECIATE all the support my fans give me already by purchasing the grOw/cOmics and grOw/stOries. Your support is the only way I could pull it off, as this is a one-person operation (plus the proofreading skills of my wife) — drawing, writing*, layout, inking, coloring, website creation, billing, credit card set-up and fees, etc., etc. (*I have hired a few writers in the past to help with the grOw/stOries.)  I couldn't pay the bills and spend so much time creating grOw without this support. Some have already asked me about donating further beyond the purchase price, but I've always declined in the past.

What is your take on the donation pool? Do you have a suggestion on this? I am all ears.

Thank you.

My website is up and down...

But it's not just mine. A LOT of websites are experiencing high-traffic causing latency. These websites are being hosted by Network Solutions, and they are monitoring and working on a fix. Hang in there. I am still around. Seems that "other country" groups are trying to bombard certain servers with denial of service traffic (my take on it).

Still here. The world goes on...

The Mayans were right. It was the stupid interpreters that were wrong.  :)  As far as the Mayans were concerned, it may have just been time to change their calenders on their walls from "Cute Catz!" to "Bodacious Mayan Mammaries".

Anyway, I am still here as well. I know it's been a long time since my last post.  Time between issues is usually slow on the blog, as I work my way through gearing up all the background planning for the next installment.  Unfortunately, this time, I was also hit with some serious "RL" graphic design work. Those who have followed me and my blog for a while may remember that this seems to happen at this time of year. Clients wrapping up projects before the year ends and they take off on vacation (or "holiday" for those non-US folk); while others start planning for projects to begin in the new year.  While this round of work is not over, it has eased some what.

However, this does not mean that work on issue 4 has not yet begun. On the contrary, quite a bit of pre-production has been accomplished. I just have not gotten to the stage to show previews yet.

Issue 4 is requiring a lot of Poser planning. There will be many dramatic camera angles and changes in sizes of ... ahem... a certain character that I need to get correct. I also had to finish planning out the layout of the issue. While the script was already written, I only had about half the issue drawn out in thumbnail form. In addition to all of this, I have been working setting up the backgrounds for rendering which takes time. But work on the meat of the visuals has started as well, as I have already pencil drawn the first 2 pages, and I am about to sit down to do more when I finish writing this blog post.

May your Holidays be filled with dreams of big boobs, giantesses, and growth sequences to your heart's content!  XD