:: ComiXpress Experience: Part III ::

As I anticipated, I received an email verifying the arrival of my files to ComiXpress in NJ. I should be receiving an invoice by Monday the 27th and a proof will be sent out upon payment. Currently I'm slated to receive books by April 28th. Remember, the initial order was placed on March 13th via webpage and the files were received on March 18th (Saturday). If I had it to do over again, I'd send out the files prior to placing the order on the site. I think. Not sure if it would have made a difference. In any event, I'll post as many do's an don'ts for comixpress as I can. Obviously they have plenty of info in their FAQ sections.

:: ComiXpress Experience: Part II ::

I sent my package containing the files of two standard comics last Wednesday. When I went to the post office, I made sure I got a confirmation/tracking # which costs a little extra cash. If I had to do over, I would have sent it "priority" to get there a day sooner. My package was received on Saturday morning around 7:30AM. I haven't heard anything from ComiXpress yet.

Remember, this is my first time using ComiXpress. I don't know what to expect, but so far things are doing well. I hope to hear from them today. I do know that they were swamped last year and had to reconfigure. I'd love to try testing out all of the "print-on'demand" comic companies, but I hear ComiXpress is awesome and I just don't have that $$$ or the content to warrent trying them all out. I use Quebecor for my larger prints that go through Diamond. Like Catctching Lucifer's Lunch.

:: ComiXpress, On Demand Comic Printing ::

We'll be trying out ComiXpress.com for our latest print runs. We need to belt out a few hundred Ill Conceived (3rd printing with a new cover by Me) and a SUMM Media Guide to pass around at San Diego.

I sent out my CD with the files today and will keep you all posted on my first contacts and such so you can see how fast the process is. I would imagine the first time will be relatively slow since I have no idea what they prefer as file types etc...

They have a whole section on setting up PDFs on Mac. I usually use Mac, but recently have created the majority of my work on my PC seeing as it is much newer and faster. Both books were layed out in InDesign which is also an acceptable format according to their FAQ and file prep info.

I should hear back from them tomorrow or Friday when I will give them the payment to start. I'm not sure how long a proof will take. Keep in mind, I live in RI which isn't too far from NJ where they are located.

:: TOON ART BOOK ::

I don't think I remembered to toss this book on my "reading list" for you folks. This is a book by a friend of mine, Steven Withrow, and it's a great read and fun to look at. The design of the is a lot of fun and has a really nice coffee table book quality to it. It just feels really artsy. Anyway!

The book is full of artists trying to make it in their respective mediums and has a lot of insight to what inspires them and how they like to work. It takes a look at 3D animation, traditional comic styles, web comics and more. So, if you are interested in toonage, which I know you are if you're reading this, go down to your local bookstore, library or amozon.com and tell them you want to check out the book - ISBN 0-8230-5378-4

If you get the book, you should try and hunt Steve down and have him sign it. He's a fun fellow and he's full of topics to discuss. I've already got my autograph, now its your turn.