Invent

 I have to re-invent myself for the next book.

Teaching

 I teach a lot. Well I do some teaching. This semester I have 5 classes going. Thing is I actually enjoy it and maybe I have some talent. Hard to tell. Anyways, would I do it if it wasn't for the money? I guess I would drop some of the classes, but which one? Open university classes might be the most rewarding. The group can be really heterogenetic, ages from 19 to 70. There also it seems people get a lot of enjoyment from learning, and it shows. These classes are in the evenings but the students arrive brimming with energy. 

Then there are the Comics Centre classes, many people there that I know from way back. These people are often extremely dedicated and serious about their work and I'm happy if I can help. This class is more about group, not so much about my opinions, I'm there to encourage people to share their thoughts. 

Recently I was told that the works of my students can somehow be recognized. I'm not sure if this is a good thing. It is true that I value certain things in a story and emphatise things like structure and maybe this shows in the works of my students. But I trust they will outgrow it 

Doing

 Classes classes classes! Feels there's nothing but. 

But meanwhile: I have lettered 5 new Suomaa strips and upon doing so, reached a point in the story where it takes an abrupt turn. Basically this could be the end of book one, if I'd decide to do a book (there are alternative plans). But who'd publish? 

The week also had this truly magical moment when I was GIVEN a vision of the true nature of comics. This will become a 2 page story for another book. There are however unresolved issues with this one and that's why I can't start for real, not yet.

And then: got an idea for a 24 page book, haha 

So it goes

Use

 But what's the use?

Thing

 This is the thing. I concluded three books during the 8 months of 2021. Now I probably should start to work towards their publication. I have little or no interest. Instead I'm getting started with 2 new books. And this is really the THING. Both need adjusting and writing before I can dream of drawing anything.  And I would like to draw. So should I start a book that I can like... Draw. Or what? 

Book launch

 Today at 14 I will start signing in Helsinki, Porthaninkatu 9. Launch at 17.

Looky looky

 

In a week

 Book will launch September 11th. I'm setting up to start on 2 new projects. One that I need to study for and one that I can start drawing almost immediately. I got an order for 6 portraits and should be able to finish those in two days. After that I will clean up the studio, look up the scripts for the other project, cut some pieces of scraper board to the right size and get going.

Unable

 Unable to look at the book. Think it turned out good, as good as possible. But I struggle with the urge to redraw everything. Need to move on, unable to move on. Book launch in a week, then the feedback. Much to take in. Started it 2011 October, do the math. Ha, it's over.

Out now