Oh Boy! It's Lil' Erwin!

Today I officially received Lil' Erwin from the presses. I'm really proud of this book, and confident when I say that if you genuinely enjoyed my last book, you'll love this one. The narrative is a bit more cohesive, with plenty of short gag strips to break up the story. To say that I am excited for people to read this one is an understatement, which is a powerful statement for anyone who knows me.

Lil’ Erwin is a collection of illustrated autobiographical anectdotes from my childhood. This comic book of miniature proportions attempts to humorously capture the experiences of growing up as an awkward, chubby, sensitive kid with an active imagination, a tendency toward escapism, and an overinflated sense of romance.

Lil' Erwin is $5 a copy, and is available for purchase today through the link in the sidebar. Lil' Erwin will also be available to purchase in person this coming First Friday event downtown Bakersfield on the corner of 19th & Eye Street. I will be out selling and signing copies, along with my usual artistic cohorts, Patrick Spurlock and Carlos Fierros. The boys will be bringing out their own brand new original art. This First Friday is one you're not going to want to miss. I am looking forward to seeing everyone there. Thank you in advanced for all of the support.

ALTERNATIVE PRESS EXPO 2012

On October 13th, I will be packing my comics and heading north to The Alternative Press Expo in San Fransisco, CA. Available at the booth will be copies of The Plainest Pictorial Periodical Vol.1 as well as the brand new Lil' Erwin mini comic (details on that book shortly). I will also be debuting The Plainest Plane's Plainest Pictorial Periodical Vol. 2, as well as some brand new original art and prints.
I have the honor of sharing a booth this year with one of my best friends and true titan of towering talent, Stu Livingston. Stu's work has been published in several major comic periodicals such as PopGun and Flight. He currently does storyboard work for Rough Draft Studios, known for their work on Futurama and Napoleon Dynamite.
I also wanted to mention that I will NOT be attending First Friday Sept.7th in downtown Bakersfield. Lil' Erwin, and The Plainest Pictorial Periodical Vol. 1 reprint will not quite make it back from the printers in time for the event. Lil' Erwin will debut at the following First Friday on October 5th.
Speaking of towering titans of talent... Despite my absence from First Friday this week, I seriously urge everyone to still attend. Specifically to make it out to The Metro gallery event, Latination. My dear dear dear dear dear friend, and towering titan of talent, Carlos Fierros will be showing an incredible original painting.

Sold Out

I am officially SOLD OUT of  the first printing of The Plainest Plane's Plainest Pictorial Periodical Vol. 1! Soon I will be sending it out for a reprint, which will hopefully be back in time for next month's First Friday event. I know I say this just about every post, but once again, I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported me by buying a copy, telling a friend, and most importantly sharing their enthusiasm for my work.
I tried something new this month, and did a series of Avengers mini paintings (apologies for the poor scan quality). They went over pretty well (I sold out), and I'll definitely be doing more next month. I'd be happy to take requests and commissions. I'd like to do some similar non-comic ones, like maybe some classic movie character pieces, maybe Wes Anderson pieces, some Pro Wrestling ones... anything really. Please leave me ideas of what you'd like to see out there. I've never fancied myself a gallery artist, but perhaps The Alternative Press Expo in October, I'll look into doing some kind of mini painting show. I'd love to see a group show where we get a ton of artists to do a ton of tiny paintings.
Thanks again everyone. My last goal is to have the Li'l Erwin book finished by next month as well, so stay tuned for that.

Breaking Wind

I thought this would make for a potentially interesting post for those curious about my process. If you bought my comic: The Plainest Plane's Plainest Pictorial Periodical Vol. 1 (plug plug), then you're likely familiar with my short story "Hear The Wind Howl" or as it is more popularly known as "Wait What? What The Fuck? Did I Miss The Joke? I Don't Get It."TM
Above is the first page of an early draft of the story. Originally, the narrative was much more deliberate with a slower more methodical pacing. I was hoping it would be a little more representative of how I would like my story telling to play out.
The tramp (always wanted to refer to a homeless person as a "tramp") couldn't make money by pan handling alone, until he meets a stray dog. He quickly notices that people are quicker to donate money to him, and what follows is a short montage of him and the dog making money, and enjoying the spoils, as well as each other's company. When the dog (SPOILERS) dies, he loses a friend, but also goes back to being hungry, and not making any money as a mere panhandler. There was a not so subtle attempt at some kind of social commentary about how we tend to treat animals with more care than people... or something equally contrived. The keen eye may have noticed in the final draft, the tramp's cup is full at the beginning, but empty in the end, so I tried to slip that aspect in a little, but laid it on much much thicker in the original draft. Some would say too thick.
The main problem I ran into had to do with reducing the original artwork down. It was originally drawn on a great big 11 x 17 art board. When you reduce something that big down to 8.5 x 5.5, you tend lose a lot of the fine detail in the artwork. It was also about twice as long as the final draft, and I was running out of time. So I edited down, and simplified the artwork. My only real regret is that the quality of the linework, and pacing may have been rushed in the end. People have generally responded to it positively though, so I try not to dwell on what could have been.

Life Aquatic

Unfortunately, one of the casualties of a busy freelance career, and 3 comics in the works, is a woefully neglected blog. Regardless, here is another set of Wes Anderson drawings. Owen Wilson came out a little funny, and I probably should have squeezed Cate Blanchett's head a little horizontally, but oh well. Maybe I'll perfect all these drawings for a future art print. We'll see.

Weezer Tribute Show

This past Saturday was the Weezer Tribute Show. In case you had the unfortunate fate of missing the show, the guys absolutely nailed it, and put on a truly spectacular performance. B Ryders gets a bad rap for being a "bro" bar, but I really think it is an underrated venue, and really did the band justice. The songs were spot on, and you can tell the guys really went the extra mile to put on a memorable show. If you missed it, do yourself a favor, and check out the encore show at Sandrini's, Friday the 25th at 9pm. Here is a the promotional flyer for the event.

I had the pleasure of setting up shop at the show and promoting my book. I met some really cool people, and got some really positive feedback on "The Plainest Pictorial Periodical Vol.1". This is the 4th event now in which I have, not only exceeded what I expected to sell (Which I kept track of with tallies on my arm throughout the night), but have gotten immediate positive feedback from people who bought the book. I sincerely hope everyone knows how much the words of encouragement mean to me. I am riding this momentum wave right into the next few projects I have in the works. If you liked this book, I have some really cool projects that I am right in the middle of. If you want to support this thing further, spreading the word is the best way to help me get my comic career off the ground. Tell a friend. Then tell your friend to tell a friend. Thank you to everyone who has been already been doing this. You're helping Li'l Erwin's dreams come true.

Grown-ass-man Erwin wants to give a very special thanks to everyone in the band: Zach, Sal, Pablo and Evan for letting me set up at the show, and saying some really kind words on stage. Thanks as well to Matt Munoz for giving myself and the band some exposure in The Bakersfield Californian.

The Whispy Keanu

Maybe it was my father who first inspired me to one day grow a manly beard. Maybe it was Commander Riker from Star Trek The Next Generation. Regardless, throughout my adult life, for whatever reason, I've always had to shave regularly. During my run as a freelancer, I've finally been given the opportunity to grow one out, however much to my dismay, not much hair grows beyond my jawline. Plenty will grow on my neck, sideburns, and jowls, resulting in what can only be described as a lion's mane. I've since shaved it off, and I am making another go of it. Not intentionally. I've just been lazy. I'm at the "Homeless Sexual Deviant" stage at the moment.
Speaking of facial hair, today is First Friday (I've always been terrible at segues.) If you haven't picked up a copy of The Plainest Plane's Plainest Pictorial Periodical Vol. 1, now is a great opportunity. I'll also have a handful of mini paintings available.
Come out and say hello. Gawk at my horrible ability to grow a beard. And check out other great artwork by my dear dear dear dear friends Carlos Fierros and Patrick Spurlock. The event starts at 5, but we will be setting up shop at 3pm. Hope to see you there.

-Erwin

Weezer Tribute Show

Saturday May 19th, some of my dear dear dear dear dear friends will once again be putting on a Weezer tribute show at B Ryders. Their last Weezer tribute show was phenomenal, and this next show is sure to be just as incredible.
My artwork is once again featured in their promotional flyer, and they were gracious enough to allow me to set up shop at the show, where you will be able to purchase The Plainest Plane's Plainest Pictorial Periodical Vol. 1. Come mingle, and listen to some great tunes. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
Cheers!

Poster Variations:
Blue
Black
Red

Darjeeling Limited

Just a few drawings from The Darjeeling Limited. Thinking about doing a Wes Anderson art print of some sort... Apologies for the blurry scan.

The Fearsome Foursome

Last night was my second First Friday event in downtown Bakersfield. This time I teamed up with several other local artists including Patrick Spurlock (Center Left), Carlos Fierros (Center Right), and Jaime Contreras (Bottom Left). We drew a decent sized crowd around our booth with people interested in each unique brand of art each of us brought to the table (proverbially and literally). We even made the news!



If you missed us last night, mark your calendars next month, because we will be joining forces once again for the next First Friday event.
I did some inventory last night on my copies of The Plainest Pictorial Periodical Vol.1 and it looks like the book will more than likely hit a second printing in the near future. I sold way more copies of the book last night than anticipated, and the feedback I am getting is still incredibly positive. I'm feeling quite inspired and look forward to the future of my work and I hope everyone else is too.
At this point, my one request to my new found readers, is to tell a friend about my work. I am at a crucial point in my career, and could use all of the exposure I can get. Thanks again everyone for coming out to support me, and my work.
Cheers.

Lil' Erwin Adventures

With lots and lots of positive feedback on The Plainest Pictorial Periodical, I am excited to announce my next creative endeavor. "Li'l Erwin" was easily the most popular reoccurring strip in the book, so I am jumping right into a full length Li'l Erwin Comic. The book will consist of several short gag strips, as well as a handful of longer stories about my awkward childhood, growing up as a wimpy, emotional, chubby kid.
Above is my working cover, which I am not 100% crazy about, and may change before the book is completed. I'd love to hear people's feedback on the design.
This just one of three projects which I am currently working on. The other two I will make announcements on once I can iron out more of the details. Again, thank you everyone for the kind words of support. This is just the beginning of what I hope is a long successful career in what I've wanted to do since I was the just a Li'l Erwin.

Cheers!

- Erwin

First Friday 3.2.12

Thanks again to everyone who came out to support me at First Friday. The event was quite the success. I sold a metric-grip of books (fig. a), and met a lot of really cool people.
I had the honor of sharing the table with the significantly more talented artist, Carlos Fierros. He was selling an incredible acrylic painting (fig. b) of classic female professional wrestlers. If you're interested in the piece at all, send me an email at erwin@plainestplane.com and I'll put you in contact with Carlos.
Thanks to all of the people who I met that day, who risked spending $2 on my little comic book. I sincerely hope you all enjoyed it, and hope that if you did, you'll tell a friend.
Special thanks to: Robin Jane Sigel, Matt Orizaga, Chris Campise, Melissa Mejia, Oscar Fierros, Sarah & Ricardo Pacheco, Pat Spurlock, Mary Spurlock, Zach Smith, Gilbert Subia, and Viet Bui,
for helping at the table and offering words of encouragement and emotional support. I have really awesome friends.

Cheers!
-Erwin

(photos by Matt Orizaga & Chris Campise)

friday Friday FRIDAY!

This Friday is Bakersfield's monthly art event "First Friday," which takes place downtown. I will have a table set up where you can purchase The Plainest Plane's Plainest Pictorial Periodical Volume 1, as well as a few mini paintings I've been working on (above). I'm not exactly sure where downtown I'll be setting up because it is a first come, first serve basis. Come by and say hello and be aware I will be judging who my true friends are based on who shows up.

- Erwin

Der Plainest Plane's Plainest Pictorial Periodical Vol. Ein

-erwin

Plain In Print

Well, after two years, the wait is finally over, The Plainest Plane's Plainest Pictorial Periodical Vol. 1 is here and available for purchase!
So, now you're probably wondering: "Erwin, how do I get a copy of The Plainest Plane's Plainest Pictorial Periodical Vol. 1?" Well, you can purchase one via PayPal on the right hand side of this blog, or you can see me downtown at the First Friday Event on March 2nd, where I will have a table and these books available for purchase (more details coming soon). Lastly you can send me an email via erwin@plainestplane.com to request a copy, and we can coordinate a way to get you a copy, even if that means hand delivering it.
Thanks again for everyone's support, encouragement, and inspiration. Looking forward to making more silly drawings, so long as everyone stays interested.

Cheers!

- erwin