Shows
The Funky Flavor PodcastFROM THE VAULT Episode 2: Kraig Rasmussen of MONKEYGONGEpisode two of FROM THE VAULT consists of a "Whatcha Doin' in Comics?" feature, a new, upcoming interview show highlighting comic creators who are doing something different, something unique in the comic book industry beyond releasing comics, graphic novels, and crowdfunding. For episode two of FROM THE VAULT, I spoke with Kraig Rasmussen about The Monkeygong Comics Club, a comic book subscription service that delivers comics, exclusive art, sketches, mini comics, gifts, surprise merch, and more! Enjoy!Send us a text
2024-03-2224 min
Comics - Coffee - MetalC/C/M Podcast Episode #124: Kraig RasmussenThis week I am joined by ultra rad artist/writer KRAIG RASMUSSEN! We chat about his new comics subscription service MONKEYGONG, and a ton of great art, coffee, and metal chat! Kraig is great and you're gonna dig this convo!
Check out MONKEYGONG here!
Follow Kraig Here:
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/kraigcomx
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kraigcomx/
COMICS-COFFEE-METAL is hosted by DON CARDENAS
Twitter: @doncardenasart
BlueSky: @doncardenasart.bluesky.social Instagram: @doncardenasart
Website...
2023-12-082h 54
AIPT ComicsKraig Rasmussen on creating a new comics buying experienceVisit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon!NEWSWatch ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ trailer, see interior art, and more hereElvira takes on H.P. Lovecraft in new Dynamite comics series'Predator: The Last Hunt' #1 launching four-issue series in FebruaryVault’s ‘Beyond Real’ #1 reaches 100,000 FOC ordersComic Book Page Rates again: lower than they were 14 years agoOur Top Books of the WeekDave:Somna #1 (Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay)Hack...
2023-11-261h 23
Repeat ViewingAkiraIn what is surprisingly our first anime film, we cover perhaps the most famous of them all in Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira. Does this 32 year old animated feature measure up to today's standards of pyrotechnic visual marvel? Does it deserve it's rank among anime and cinema in general? What circumstances allowed a movie like this to get made? We dig into it all and more in this deep, fast paced exchange. (Akira is currently streaming on Hulu.) Subscribe to Repeat Viewing wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing with your film community. Please...
2020-08-2257 min
StorycraftTony Guaraldi Brown Returns!Tony, aka TGB Art, returns to discuss the evolution of personal projects on the way to completion, personal vs professional work, and the life epiphanies we gather along the way. Throughout it all, Tony ties everything to his ongoing project, and the reshaping of it as he reshapes his life. #aikidoyourself Follow Tony on FB & twitter @tgbArt, and on instagram @tony_guaraldi_brown. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing with your creative community. Please follow the show on twitter @storycraftpod, and...
2019-11-151h 35StorycraftJennifer Lynn SimpsonIn a breath of fresh air to all the comics talk lately, the engaging and talented Jennifer Lynn Simpson joins me for a great talk about her new album "All I Know", available everywhere, the long road of pursuing dreams, the benefits of appreciating the journey and one's place on it, and the powerful influence your creative community has to get you, and keep you heading in the right direction. Plus, naturally, we go deep behind the scenes on her creative process and the way her particular music brain works, in a very wide ranging and enlightening chat.
2019-10-261h 15StorycraftOdin Abbott reveals how Odin Makes a YouTube showYouTube Pop-Prop-Maker extraordinaire Odin Abbott breaks down the process behind his currently exploding YouTube show, and we peel back the fundamental personal layers of making things for decades. We simultaneously explore our decades long acquaintance only to find it's roots at a classic, but sadly departed, Northern California comic book shop. This epic chat was years in the making, doesn't disappoint in scope or entertainment value, and has some super fun reveals within! Watch & subscribe to Odin Makes on YouTube, and support the show on patreon. Follow Odin on Facebook & Instagram. Subscribe to Storycraft on...
2019-10-171h 58StorycraftWorking through grief 2 - Making Art of it!In another solo episode I tackle loss and family turmoil in the most practical terms possible, to share how I have been coping over the last handful of months. Although this is an intensely personal and somewhat emotional episode, I believe what I share could be helpful for all kinds of trauma, and all kinds of creators. Plus, I recommend a great book on entrepreneurial thinking and talk about combining intermittent fasting & stress! Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing with your creative community. ...
2019-10-0230 minStorycraftBon Voyage Mike Dubisch, see you soon - plus, selling art on ebayIn a hilarious, emotional, insightful and info packed episode, Mike Dubisch says goodbye to Phoenix and our regular think-tank sessions on the show. It's not a full goodbye, but indeed a huge change from what was, and in turn we discuss the way life changes affect our work, as well as using life's big hurdles to catapult yourself to mixing metaphors... waitaminute-- Support Mike Dubisch at forbiddenfutures.net, and by keeping up with him on the socials. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing...
2019-09-261h 40StorycraftCreator origins with Jack La PickVoiceover artist Jack La Pick chats with me about formative high school pressures, drama class & our early creative inspirations, the sometimes underwhelming realities of professional creative work, and finding your lane-- all through a healthy dose of hilarious anecdotes. Look for Jack to return in the near future! Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing with your creative community. Please follow the show on twitter @storycraftpod, and follow me @webcomictheater & @kraigcomx.
2019-09-191h 47StorycraftSocial skills are hard! With returning guest Stevie Rae BrownStevie Rae Brown (aka Stevie Spade) returns to talk about breaking into a new stand-up comedy scene after moving to Seattle in the spring, and how its hard to be a human with feelings. We also have a nice heart to heart about the emotional perils of doing conventions when you're down, and have an illegal amount of laughs. (I looked it up.) Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing with your creative community. Please follow @storycraftpod, and follow me @webcomictheater & @kraigcomx.
2019-08-241h 22StorycraftDiscussing the Crumb Documentary 25 years laterSeamus Smith & I talk Robert Crumb the man and artist through the lens of "Crumb", the mind-blowing documentary from 1994 by Terry Zwigoff. Even after 25 years, and having built my own art career in the meantime, I was still floored by revisiting this film, and stunned at how much artists are alike at their core, even when they go through hell to grow up like Crumb did. Subscribe to Storycraft & Repeat Viewing on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing with your creative community. Please follow the shows @storycraftpod, @r...
2019-08-1753 minStorycraftWilliam StoutLegendary illustrator & Production Designer William Stout shares captivating tales of his epic career and adventurous life. He's a huge inspiration to me, and throughout this conversation, he exhibits why, while simultaneously revealing all the wisdom you need to see your own creative career from a different perspective, and truly go after what you love. Film fans will also get loads of amazing behind the scenes anecdotes and reveals about huge movies such as Conan the Barbarian, Masters of the Universe, Dinosaurs & more! Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review...
2019-07-171h 38StorycraftJ GonzoSelf-publishing comic book creator & brilliant designer J. Gonzo (La Mano Del Destino) and I share a blisteringly sharp conversation about the DNA beneath our work, writing deep characters without getting too highbrow, genre, ancient history, banking on yourself, and so very much more. Find out more about Gonzo and his amazing work at jgonzodesigns.com and make sure to read his terrific comic La Mano del Destino! Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing with your creative community. Please follow the show o...
2019-07-032h 13StorycraftMike & Kraig talk Moebius art tips - part 2Mike & Kraig dive back in to finish the second half of Moebius "18 tips to aspiring artists", and the results are a very engaged and nuanced look at the craft of comics, as well as the core of creativity. Moebius has given us a perfect roadmap, although it starts out lofty, to attain truly captivating, relatable results. This one was yet another delight to record, and left me with a lot to ponder about my own work. Hope it offers you the same! Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review k...
2019-06-281h 26StorycraftKraig & Mike on Moebius art tips - part 1Last week, an old transcribed lecture from master cartoonist Moebius, made it's way around the web once again. Mike Dubisch and I decided to sit down and address all 18 tips, point by point, since Moebius is one of our mutual favorites. The conversation turned out to be illegal levels of fun, hilarious, and thought provoking all at once, even if we lean on Moebius for some of that. Find the Moebius art tips at openculture.com or by searching Xurxo Penalta-moebius-william-stout. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly...
2019-06-211h 08StorycraftBen Gleib Returns, and he's running for President!Disclaimer: This is not a campaign endorsement. Really, the title says it all. Previous guest and friend of the show, comedian Ben Gleib returns to reveal why he's running for the highest office in the land, why he might be a very interesting choice, and just what the hell it's like to do what he's doing. Go to Gleib2020.com to find out more about the campaign. Follow Ben online @bengleib, listen and subscribe to his podcast Last Week on Earth wherever podcasts are sold for free. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher...
2019-05-2852 minStorycraftMike & Kraig - Art is PracticalFavorite sometime co-host Mike Dubisch and I talk about working through hardships, the misnomer that art isn't practical, the art market, and it's history. Plus we reveal a number of drawing tips & tricks, and share some truly excellent nerdy laughs. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before you share it! Please follow the show on twitter @storycraftpod, and follow me there and on instagram @kraigcomx.
2019-05-181h 02StorycraftStorycraft Chronicles 4 - Working through GriefIn a very personal episode, I go solo to share a very big change my life just encountered, and how I am attempting to cope with it while still producing creative work. (WARNING: this is an extremely emotional episode.) Thank you very much to all the friends who have reached out personally. I don't have enough words to express my true gratitude. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing far and wide. Please follow the show on twitter @storycraftpod, and follow me there and...
2019-05-1517 minStorycraftNatalie NgoProlific self-publishing comic book writer and convention queen Natalie Ngo joins me for a lively, hilarious chat about running a creative business, how to structure your business with the aim of actually making money, the ins and outs of conventions, and the ins and outs (so to speak) of modern dating. Follow Natalie on the socials @goldenassgwen & @ngobrainer, and follow theadventuresofgoldenass.com. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing. Please follow the show on twitter @storycraftpod, and follow me there and on...
2019-04-101h 17StorycraftMike WellmanWriter, Retailer (owner, the Comic Bug), and all around one of my favorite people in comics, Mike Wellman joins me to chat about the ins and outs of being in our community. We talk about the realities of life in comics, or simply life AND comics, community, cons, childhood inspiration and much more! Follow Mike Wellman on Facebook, @atomicbasement1, and visit the Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach or Culver City. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing with your community. Please follow...
2019-03-161h 11StorycraftTJ StormTJ Storm, Martial Arts Hall of Famer, Performance Capture Pioneer, and all around action film guy, sat down with me to talk about his path into the movies, fighting vs filming, and working with great directors. We also nerd out to a hilarious degree over kung fu, and kung fu movies. This episode is very close to my heart, just for that, and its a terrifically fun time! Follow TJ @stormzeye on instagram, @tjstorm01 on twitter and on his school's site, mindseyetribe.com. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and...
2019-01-111h 41StorycraftMichal Sinnott - Born That WayA couple months ago, filmmaker and actress Michal Sinnott blew my mind when she described her incredibly unique and powerful film project, Born That Way. We reenact that so you can join in as we discuss the film, it's personal roots, family influence on creative work, long gestating projects, and the lesson we learn about ourselves on the creative journey. This is one of the most inspiring conversations I've had the honor to share, and I' very proud to say it is equally entertaining! Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please...
2018-10-311h 18StorycraftMike Dubisch's Forbidden FuturesLongtime pal and sometime co-host Mike Dubisch returns after a long stretch to reveal his quarterly art & fiction magazine "Forbidden Futures" in a lively and idea packed episode. We also chat about our comics obsession, whether or not it is responsible, and whether or not we care if it's responsible. Plus, we get really practical about "getting hired" in comics. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing with your friends! Please follow the show on twitter @storycraftpod, and follow me there and on instagram...
2018-10-081h 16StorycraftKarina Wolfe on making your own acting careerActress Karina Wolfe talks with me about her recent, wonderful short film Thirsty Girl, Acting in LA vs SF, marketing yourself, and the skinny on LA auditions. We also cover her upcoming projects, her early film and stage work, including the brilliant Desdemona by Paula Vogel, and writing scripts for yourself. Plus, we discuss using your resources well, having proper representation, and how to maintain the hustle over time. Follow Karina's excellent work, and stay up-to-date at karinawolfe.com! Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly...
2018-09-161h 00StorycraftFred WilliamsonI have now had the absolute pleasure of talking with Fred Williamson on two occasions. The first was at a con in Palm Springs, when fortune happened to place our tables next to each other, and I was blessed with a weekend of his high energy anecdotes. The second is this amazing conversation-- a glimpse into 50 plus years of Hollywood and America, complete with all the details you'd want to know. We discuss director Robert Altman on M.A.S.H., co-stars Pam Grier, Franco Nero, and Jim Brown, Star Trek, football, martial arts, and more. This one is...
2018-09-061h 25StorycraftAlexis Lopez talks about her show Hustle & FlowIllustrator and Painter Alexis Lopez joins me to promote her gallery show in Phoenix, "Hustle & Flow", and to generally break down the life of making art. We discuss community, voice, splitting focus and allowing a project to arise from playing with ideas on the side. Please follow Alexis Lopez on Instagram @heavymetalalo, as well as on esty, and join us for the opening of her show at Megaphone PHX on August 31st. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing with your people! ...
2018-08-291h 33StorycraftMichael McMillian, Bryce Johnson, Bigfoot Collector's Club Podcast, bigfoot, aliens, ufos, cryptids, podcasts, podcasters, acting, actors, Bobcat Goldthwait, Willow Creek, crazy ex-girlfriend, true bloodHosts of the Bigfoot Collector's Club Podcast-- stars of True Blood and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, & Willow Creek and Misfits & Monsters, respectively, join me to talk all things paranormal, podcast and professional creative career. It's a high energy, high concept dive into many facets of imagination, reality, and everything in between. Fans of True Blood, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and many Bobcat Goldthwait projects, will get a lot from this, along with the usual goodies about surviving and thriving in your creative pursuits. Follow @bigfootcollectorsclub, @McMillzz, @MrBryceJohnson, @adventurevancomic & @ryancody on instagram, as well as @McMillzz and @BryceOJohnson on twitter. ...
2018-08-221h 37StorycraftMalek Houlihan side A - Secret personal & business hacks, social mediaMusician, actor, all around maker, Malek Houlihan & I talk pitch meeting hacks, personal hacks and global hacks. This is a terrifically insightful, deeply practical, powerful episode, for everyone who makes anything, or wants to make anything out of their lives. Malek accompanies the podcast with his acoustic guitar to give a deceptively laid back ambience to one of the most incisively philosophical episodes I've ever done. I learned something big, and so may you. Buckle up! Follow Malek Houlihan on Facebook, @MalekHoulihan on twitter & @malek_houlihan on Instagram. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify...
2018-06-141h 37StorycraftMinisode3-Content Trap 2: Fake News Edition/NerdNite AnnouncementI take to the mic in a brief mini to talk about an upcoming event on May 10th in Sacramento, and some insanity from my recent online AND personal experience. The insanity comes in the form of 2 Fake News stories that affect me directly (mostly) and the fact that even exists. Plus, I talk about writing my stories with pictures as I go, and share 2 graphic novels I just read. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly before sharing with your pals! Please follow the show...
2018-05-0915 minStorycraftStorycraft/Repeat Viewing Podswap - Ready Player OneSeamus Smith & I tackle Steven Spielberg's "virtually" epic new film, complete with (mostly spoiler free) book to screen comparisons. After weeks of mixed headlines and a bravura box office take, we look at Ready Player One as filmmakers, artists, and fans of the book by Ernest Cline. We talk about the way the IP is handled, the deft script by Zak Penn & Cline, the terrific performances by the incredible cast, dig into the strong social commentary, and Spielberg as a filmmaker. Subscribe to Storycraft on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen, and please rate & review kindly...
2018-04-2039 minStorycraftStorycraft Chronicles 2 - Birthday Pod minisode!What I learned making stories this week was further wisdom from Seth Godin, for ask the doc I claim writer's block is fake, and I share what I'm reading. Hear the tale of my birth, 40 years before the date of this episode, then hear me gush about Seth Godin, how I love his new podcast Akimbo, and some of the great thoughts from his first episode that apply directly to storycraft as a show AND discipline. Also, I talk about a couple things I'm reading, one by Andy Diggle & Victor Ibanez, the other by Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle.
2018-04-1317 minStorycraftWhat I learned making stories this week - Solo minisode1It's a strange return to the original format of Storycraft, where I discuss things about my own work, share things I learn from making stories, and specifics from the freelance struggle, all by myself on the mic-- or, Kraig goes solo! (No relation. Zero wookies are involved in this episode, unfortunately...) My first one-man show since the earliest episodes of the show, now lost to time and my old harddrive. I take some time to welcome you to "what I learned making stories this week", and the companion segment, "Ask the doc!", in which I solicit your problems or...
2018-04-0624 minStorycraftMike Dubisch & Kraig on improving freelance client communicationMike and I talk about a couple of hidden pitfalls in art freelance that affect everything in our lives, and how to get out of them, while (maybe) also making a little extra cash. This is a sometimes rowdy debate about wrangling your time management, and taking back some of your agency with clients, to ensure you get paid for all the work you do, not just what you turn in. Please subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Also, please leave a 5 star rating on iTunes for a shout out thanks...
2018-03-221h 12StorycraftBlack Panther Special w/ DJ Roshay & Seamus SmithDJ Roshay, Seamus Smith and I discuss the first Marvel film of 2018, Black Panther directed by Ryan Coogler. We break down the vast social commentary, high level costume design, brilliantly lived in environments, and all the stellar characters played by a terrific cast. Also, ANNOUNCEMENT of the final delivery of the Solar Team vinyl from DJ Roshay. We have them in our hot hands! Available now from monkeygong.com/shop. $30 for the vinyl alone, $40 with a sketch. Please subscribe, rate, review and share this show on your favorite podcast app, or on all of them!
2018-03-031h 02StorycraftDJ Roshay 2 - Roshay Reviews films on YouTube and talks filmmakingDJ Roshay is as insightful and gifted with films as he is with music, and his YouTube channel Roshay Reviews has all the proof. In the second half of our previous conversation, we shift gears into film talk, discussing Wonder Woman as political device, race and gender in film and art, and how to have the most productive exchange about issues. We also cover lots of films from 2016 and 2017, talk favorite filmmakers, and explore hidden elements of cinema. It's the film nerdiest! Watch Roshay Reviews on YouTube, listen to DJ Roshay's music on spotify, (or preferably buy...
2018-02-171h 14StorycraftGraham ElwoodComedian & Filmmaker Graham Elwood (First Nations Comedy Experience, Comedy Film Nerds, Earbuds, Laffghanistan) talks about his blended life experience as comic and filmmaker, political vigilante and podcaster, revealing levels to an already mulit-layered persona that I did not expect. Between laughs, we engage in a charged discussion of corporate profit motives vs. identity politics, the intentional media distraction, and regular injustices we've grown blind to. But we also talk about 70s cinema, the rigors of making a documentary, his amazing doc Earbuds, the LA Podcast Festival, and infusing creative work with meaning.
2018-02-021h 38StorycraftDito MontielFilmmaker Dito Montiel (The Clapper, Man Down, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints) has quickly created a masterful library of powerful, tense, thought provoking films, and he's just getting started. He shares the keys to that depth of craft in a lively talk about his new film The Clapper (out now!), New York, family dynamics, personal history, and just going for it. He also reveals a few intense stories from being on set (and is ridiculously humble about the great performances he gets from actors). Additionally, we cover his long collaboration with his talented editor (and previous guest) Jake...
2018-01-271h 23StorycraftRene Mousseux, stuntman/producerYou have definitely watched stuntman Rene Mousseaux work, even though you didn't know it, from his role as Lt. Mur on Supergirl, to being Stunt Coordinator of the original "Old-Spice Guy", now he's making his own films. We peal apart the film business, talking micro budget filmmaking, owning your work to take control of your career (and life), and using your resources to work smarter. We discuss a handful of his numerous credits, how he went from making underwater documentaries for National Geographic to stuntwork, and plenty of anecdotes from his times on set with Steven Segal, Clint Eastwood...
2018-01-201h 14StorycraftMatt NixCreator of the recently renewed X-men show the Gifted, as well as Burn Notice, The Good Guys, and APB, Matt Nix, shares incredible insights into the craft and business of writing. We discuss his approach to creating a show, building characters, structuring a season or more, and pitching concepts in Hollywood. Without a doubt, this is among the most engaging and informative episodes of this show. Fans of the Gifted, the X-men, Burn Notice and more, will get everything they want, on top of all the story craft talk! Watch the Gifted weekly on Fox, or stream...
2018-01-121h 48StorycraftThe Repeat Viewing Podcast - rewatching movies we loveArtist-Filmmakers Seamus Smith and Kraig Rasmussen discuss the art of cinema as it ages, and the surprisingly vital practice of re-watching movies we love. Ring in 2018 with laughs and an in depth, sometimes snarky discussion of unexpected film pairings. This is the pilot episode for the upcoming new podcast titled Repeat Viewing-- launching February 2018! Do you love watching your favorite movies repeatedly? So do we!! And we know why you love it. Tune in to find out! Hosted by Seamus Smith (@SeamusSmithArt) & Kraig Rasmussen (@kraigcomx). Listen to, subscribe, rate & review this...
2018-01-021h 03StorycraftJonathan KesselmanFilmmaker Jonathan Kesselman (The Hebrew Hammer, Jimmy Vestvood, The Hebrew Hammer vs Hitler) talks personal filmmaking, storytelling choices, and Rian Johnson's storytelling choices in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. We discuss the world's first and best Hanukkah movie The Hebrew Hammer (on Amazon Prime now!), it's amazing cast led by the hilarious Adam Goldberg and Judy Greer, and we talk about the upcoming sequel The Hebrew Hammer vs Hitler. Also, we cover his second film, the scathingly fun Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero, his work as 2nd Unit Director for Ang Lee on Billy Lynn's Long Half Time Walk, the...
2017-12-221h 15StorycraftSimon HorrocksFilmmaker Simon Horrocks shares the secrets of micro-budgert films, Kickstarter success, and creating work that merges life and art. We discuss his films Third Contact and Kosmos at length, reveal the common themes that drive them, and talk about the genesis of becoming the creator you dream of being. We also talk about the upcoming MoMo Film Festival, creating unique experiences to involve people in your work, and channeling personal experience into art as a form of very effective therapy. Every potential filmmaker, and anyone curious about very effective Kickstarter strategies, this episode has you covered in...
2017-12-151h 26StorycraftRyan QuackenbushIllustrator Ryan Quackenbush, (Perfect Circle, Dolls, Monster,) and I parse the connections between film and comic books as artforms, revealing our mutual addiction to cinema that stretches as far back as silent film. We discuss the interplay of the two related careers, our desire to make films one day, the state of film, and what it takes for art to endure. We also breakdown our many influences in film and comics, working outside the norm, and what we'd like to do with our work going forward. An interesting look at a unique artist, devoted to bringing something fresh to...
2017-12-021h 11StorycraftMike Dubish & Kraig talk men behaving badlyMike Dubisch joins me again to talk about the various scandals regarding men across American culture, how it affects us, how it affects our industry, and some root causes/solutions that lay primarily in the hands of men. We then break into the many interesting projects Mike has going these days, from his work in the Warren/EC style horror/sci-fi magazine "the Creeps", to his own upcoming magazine "Forgotten Futures", and a few of the other tidbits he's doing along the way. We close with what is hopefully not too murky a talk about fleshing out one's art...
2017-11-181h 04StorycraftStevie Spade CosplayUnique and talented cosplayer Stevie Spade talks to me about the hidden sides of cosplay, becoming a maker, social anxiety, awkwardness, and finding your community. We share several anecdotes about working comic book (& other) conventions, inhabiting characters, and using creativity to get results. The conversation is packed with jokes and laughs, but also reveals some interesting philosophical observations about our own minds, but also about the world at large. Follow Stevie on Instagram @steviespade and on Facebook, Stevie Spade Cosplay. Look out for her upcoming blog about using your craft to better your life at steviespadecosplay.com
2017-10-251h 05StorycraftJessimae PelusoComedienne Jessimae Peluso left me with a sore face from smiling after this blazing (literally), hilarious conversation about social injustices, John Carpenter's "the Thing", organic eating, and history. We also take a ride through her incredible impression skills-- prepare to have you ears fooled! On top of that we cut into a few very current events, discuss how America takes political correctness a little too far, we share some family oddities and quirks from our childhoods, and we also share a few of our more infamous exploits while drunk, stoned or just plain dumb. It's a ride for the...
2017-10-131h 25StorycraftAthena AktipisAthena Aktipis, Assistant Professor at ASU & co-director of the Human Generosity Project, talks to me about cancer from a very unique perspective. We discuss her study of cooperation across systems, from human generosity to cancer, her focus on specific parallels between cancer and human behavior, how that may be revolutionizing cancer treatment now and into the future. This is a jaw-droppingly intriguing episode for science nerds, people who've been affected by cancer, and those looking for a little ray of sunshine on the future. Read Athena's article on slate.com "Why Cancer isn't going anywhere". F...
2017-09-301h 08StorycraftThe Content TrapMike & I discuss something that has been nagging at me for some time, examining not just our relationship to the internet and technology, but to the content we all know, love, and voraciously consume. We discuss creative time management, content fatigue, quality vs. quantity, and the beauty of silence. This is a brainy, hopefully not-too-complainy, topical episode that applies to almost everyone, but is dedicated to the makers of free and/or regular content across multiple platforms that we have all grown accustomed to, as well as creators who feel the need to be visible on social media but...
2017-09-2322 minStorycraftJon BogdanoveJon Bogdanove, (Power Pack, X-Factor, Death of Superman & lots more,) sat with me after Comic Con Palm Springs to share a detailed and nostalgic dive into his history of working for the "Big 2" on some absolutely seminal works. He tells all the behind the scenes hub-bub that spurred the Death of Superman, his magical tale of landing his job at Marvel comics in the 80s, his knack for surrounding himself with the best of the best, and how openness & love got to where he is now. We discuss his diversions into being a stylistic chameleon, doing work that is...
2017-09-011h 28StorycraftShannon Wheeler Part 2In part 2 of my great talk with Shannon Wheeler (Sh*t My President Says, Too Much Coffee Man), we cover the perils of Hollywood, the beauty of teaching art, and being typecast as an artist. We also discuss breaking new creative ground, more stylistic choices, infusing our work with real life, and the importance of constantly considering the long game. This is yet another super insightful and entertaining chat, full of wisdom for anyone running a creative career. Pick up Shannon's amazing new book, "Sh*t My President Says", from Top Shelf Comics anywhere you buy books.
2017-08-2553 minStorycraftShannon WheelerCartoonist and longtime con-pal Shannon Wheeler (Sh*t My President says, Too Much Coffee Man) chats with me about his new book from Top Shelf in which he Illustrates Trump's most insane & inane tweets, the confused state of America, and how this time has been on the horizon for decades. We also talk about the deliberate choice of art style and techniques, pushing to make stuff happen for yourself, Kyle Baker, and a bit about Hollywood... with more about tinsel-town in part 2 next week! Pick up Sh*t My President Says from Top Shelf, anywhere you buy...
2017-08-191h 22StorycraftTony Guaraldi-BrownIllustrator Tony Guaraldi-Brown (The Cone-Nose Saga, Always) and I escaped the madness of San Diego Comic-Con, [and the crazy-busy Artist's Alley], to talk studying art outside of comics, the pleasure of working within limits, major psychological elements that forge artists, family, and writing characters from the internal perspective. We also discuss the lack of great internal superhero stories, because we feel superheroes are often internally misunderstood by their creators, and Tony delves deep into his powerful ongoing web-comic the Cone-Nose Saga. We also cover how lots of characters are defined by the loss or lack of family (even our...
2017-08-121h 17StorycraftDJ RoshayAll around music making machine DJ Roshay (Aloe, Solar Team talks with me about community, incorporating diverse influences, owning your brand, and standing out in noisy LA as an indie talent. We also talk about processing the current state of American politics, cool 80s stuff we love, practical science fiction effects, and our work together on his album Solar Team, for which I did the art-- NOW AVAILABLE for pre-sale at monkeygong.com! I round off the episode with a special announcement about the above pre-sale, as well as a bunch of cool monkeygong related tidbits.
2017-08-051h 15StorycraftThe Gang Goes to Comic-Con/Seamus SmithIn true late night podcasting form, Seamus Smith, Pheobe Dubisch, Mike Dubisch and I share a bunch of laughs and "con-brain" moments as we recount the way our experience at San Diego Comic Con has changed over years in attendance, and how the con has changed as well. It's a love letter to "Nerding Man" that we attend yearly, but also a glimpse at creators in intake and networking mode, thinking less about story on the page, and more about story in the moment between people. Then I sat down with Seamus Smith one-on-one to talk about...
2017-07-2034 minStorycraftStephan FranckComic book creator & animator Stephan Franck (Silver, The Iron Giant, The upcoming Playmobile Movie) sat with me in his graphic novel packed art studio to discuss the different history of comics in Europe and how that shaped his mind, the "Spirited" results of his young fervor for animation, his tandem love for multiple crafts, working with Brad Bird on the Iron Giant, and a bonkers revelation about the childhood influence that led him to later create his comic SILVER. Follow Stephan on Twitter @stephan_franck & on instagram @stephanfranck. Please support the Storycraft podcast by subscribing...
2017-07-141h 50StorycraftCarolyn Watson-DubischChildren's book artist and papier mache master, Carolyn Watson-Dubisch joins me for a deep dive into art entrepreneurship, working for the long haul, the inner workings of the children's literary market, and how the residuals from one good project should be the goal, and could be a game changer for anyone's career in the arts. We also break down her recent art residency in Tetouan, Morocco, and discuss the incredible installation she built there, the experience of Ramadan as an American, living abroad for life exploration, how healthcare works (better) when you're in other countries, and challenging yourself, both...
2017-07-071h 25StorycraftAlex Schumacher part 2Alex Schumacher (Decades of (in)Experience, Mr. Butterchips) and I wrap up our career survival training talk with harsh truths about brutal honesty, pushing yourself to get your best, but only in a nice way, and intentionally working to make something outside of the "industry norm" whatever the industry. We also cover placing the right limits on yourself, tailoring your world to support you, finding the right relationships to provide that support, and that basically, though Murphy's Law may rule the day, Occam's Razor is the rule in the land of the creative-story arts: the simplest answer, (in this...
2017-06-301h 03StorycraftAlex Schumacher Part 1Illustrator Alex Schumacher (Decades of (in)Experience, Mr. Butterchips) and I shared libations and laughs a plenty as we discussed the hidden difficulties of an art career, losing and regaining your confidence after going "pro", and the seemingly thankless moments of making art. We also talk autobiographical work, subverting the usual comic book formats, growing (mostly) out of superhero comics, and making something personal. Then things get personal as we foray into managing the highs and lows of the job, integrating experiences into our work, and being patient with ourselves. This is one helluva fun time at the podcast...
2017-06-281h 16StorycraftJake PushinskyFilm Editor and friend Jake Pushinsky (Man Down, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Fighting) invited me to record with him in his editing office on the Sony lot. Getting to visit a place so packed with film history was the cherry on top of an excellent talk about the mechanics of film storytelling, naturalism, and his longtime collaboration with Dito Montiel that has yielded 7 unique & powerful films already. We get technical on the amazing scene in Fighting, which squares off Channing Tatum and real-life badass Kung Le, how that very experimental fight harnessed the power of Kung Le...
2017-06-241h 26StorycraftBen GleibComedian Ben Gleib (Neurotic Gangster on Showtime, The Idiotest on GSN) talks with me about the addictive nature of podcasting, technology's affects on society, clarifying the narratives in political & social debates, not needing to be right, valuing being wrong, and that the other side always has their own good reasons for feeling the way they do. We also talk about his recent travels to Israel and Palestine, the way he integrated that into his great podcast Last Week on Earth, starting conversations, and building communities. We share a ton of laughs, along with many large & small revelations, unique philosophies...
2017-06-161h 07StorycraftPaul Madonna/LIVE! Podcast Tag-Team @TheLostChurchThe amazing Paul Madonna (All over Coffee, Small Potatoes, On to the Next Dream) joined me, along with my teammates Erin Lim, Ange- aka Captain Party, and producer Char from Bitch Talk, LIVE on stage at the Lost Church in San Francisco to discuss the changing experience of a long term career and life as a working artist in the city. We also get into his unique approach to narrative subject, his deft use of emotional tone, his HUGE upcoming museum show opening in JUNE 2018, and the power of control we have in the stories we tell ourselves. There...
2017-06-111h 06StorycraftCody Goodfellow Part 2Cody Goodfellow and I round out our talk about wearing many storytelling hats and loving film, books and comics all the same, switching gears to grow creatively, and more. We also cover his great short film Stay At Home Dad, which is gooey awesome sauce, and his upcoming work. More fun times and lots of juicy takeaways... and sounds... Expect Cody back, due to all the fun we had, and a some cool things he has on the horizon. Find Mystery Meat Comics at mysterymeatcomics.com or mikedubisch.com, and get Rapture of the Deep from Hippocampus...
2017-06-0239 minStorycraftCody Goodfellow Part 1My blazing fast and fun talk with writer Cody Goodfellow, (Mystery Meat, Rapture of the Deep, & the upcoming Snake Handler w/J. David Osborne,) is the perfect example of his unique mind and the type of playful energy he brings to everything. We cover a ton of ground in this engaging and hilarious Part 1, discussing Hollywood myth vs. reality, making something fresh in a rehash soaked era, buying what we are sold growing up and the vast unknowable mysteries/frustrations of being an indie creator. But naturally we also get down to why we can't give that up, as...
2017-05-311h 25StorycraftBrian Schirmer/Podcast Tag-Team Guest AnnouncementBlack Jack Ketchum and Ultrasylvania writer/creator Brian Schirmer returns with an amazing breakdown of how he built a 3-peat success on kickstarter, as well as how each campaign evolved and how he survived them. We also get into his great work behind the scenes and in the classroom as a leading figure in the comic book curriculum at the Academy of Art in San Francisco, our habits that keep us creatively fresh, what we watch or read while we are on a project, and some very literal keys to the gates of a comic book career. It is...
2017-05-271h 17StorycraftMike & Kraig find structureIn a slightly unconventional episode, Mike Dubisch and I use a handful of segments to garner our art-hustle-scattered minds and make sure we talked about something specific. We discuss particular breakthroughs we've recently had in storytelling, discuss who we are stealing from, get deeper into comics history while equating it to media being created now, and close out on surprise inspirations and a small shout out. Somewhere in there, Mike talks about some low level anxiety/hustle he is feeling about upcoming travel, and he reveals an interesting way he is going to experience his trip. A very practical...
2017-05-2154 minStorycraftScott Little - Electric Heart MovieOr: How to make a micro budget film into a masterpiece! Producer of the superb film Electric Heart, and also very longtime friend, Scott Little talks about the long road bringing this film to life, his incredible army of talented collaborators, why this film is so unique in the way it uses an emotionally & pumping powerful EDM soundtrack, and why it is the first of it's kind. We also detail the ins & outs of almost every facet of production on the feature, including both pre & post production talk, and some downright exciting news about the near future of the...
2017-05-191h 33StorycraftTomm CokerThe Black Monday Murders illustrator Tomm Coker chats with me in a familiar and somewhat noisy Hollywood motel room, about following your heart as an artist, navigating an idiosyncratic career, the flaw of superhero soap operas, and some strange perspectives on our work. Tomm shares an awesome story about a high profile portfolio gut punch that even I felt as he recounted it, along with some excellent inside peaks into early Image Comics as a company. We also talk around a strange connection we share from Sacramento, our mutual tendency toward Destructive Perfectionism (I'm soaking in it), tips about...
2017-05-121h 26StorycraftTierney Hamilton Returns/News on LIVE! Storycraft Bitch Talk Podcast Tag-TeamLast episode's guest, curator and art historian Tierney Hamilton returns for a short chat about what she's up to now at the Marin Cultural Association and how things have shifted, or rather been reinforced by national events. We kept things much more SFW this time, focusing on the absolute importance of communicating the importance of culture in times like these, parallels between now and the Summer of Love in 1967, some great insight about the psychedelic poster art of that time, a few historical tidbits, news about the related show she's building for the Marin County Fair (from June 30-July 4...
2017-05-0547 minStorycraftTierney HamiltonArt curator and art historian Tierney Hamilton sat with me for a deep, silly, and possibly naughty episode that went to some very surprising places. We chat about the story of art in society, how that story is presented in museums both in the U.S. and abroad, the value of art in modern times, how our connection to it has changed in the last century or so, and the destruction of Palmyra by ISIS being a sign of the times. We also delve into Bay Area changes, the mysteries of porn (yep), then (naturally) plastic surgery, before we...
2017-05-041h 22StorycraftKraig & Mike fix the planAfter our last co-hosting adventure, I realized that Mike and I had made a grievous oversight in our initial Storyteller Bio roster picks, which shined a light on an unfortunate truth about 20th century comics that I somehow never admitted to myself. HINT: like almost everything else in America right now, it has do with race and gender. We take great pains to recognize the problem for what it is/was, and discover that for us it may not really be a problem, because it opens all kinds of intriguing doors for exploration. In the middle of it all...
2017-04-2944 minStorycraftJim MahfoodJim Mahfood, (Grrl Scouts, Tank Girl, Clerks, Stupid Comics,) an iconoclastic, imagination powerhouse of a comic book artist, was my first guest on the original run of the Storycraft Podcast, and this is a much buttered-up-through-the-magic-of- editing re-release of that original episode. You would scarcely know it from how much better it sounds! The conversation remains as true today as it was then, in which we cover managing a 21st century art career in very specific ways, how superheroes do not represent all comics, but how they certainly created our love affair with the medium, and how that may...
2017-04-271h 43StorycraftMike & Kraig make a planMike Dubisch and I sat in the car to have a quick talk about our plan for a very cool series of Storyteller Bio episodes, as the podcast expands to bi-weekly (because we are clearly not busy enough.) We share our reasons for mutually wanting to do this series, including our feelings about digital vs. traditional media and techniques, our love of highly influential and/or [recently] departed creators, and the exciting mysteries of unearthing semi-forgotten storytellers or works. Then I lump in my obsession with great history and true crime podcasts, (shout out to previous guests Gareth Reynolds...
2017-04-2241 minStorycraftJ.M. DeMatteisProlific, mystically imaginative and, dare I say, iconic comic book writer, television writer & novelist J.M. DeMatteis (Spider-man: Kraven's Last Hunt, Green Lantern: Willworld, Seekers: Into the Mystery, JL Dark, Scooby-Doo Apocalypse... whew!) joined me via a relatively well-behaved Skype connection for a terrific new episode!! We talk about the metaphysical underpinnings of his work, how I'm unabashedly in love with Willworld, how much it inspired/inspires me, as well as the legacy of that book and J.M.'s collaboration with the late, great Seth Fisher. We discuss our uncanny variety of shared themes, our similar lifetime obsession...
2017-04-191h 29StorycraftNaomi GingoldPRI & NPR Radio Journalist Naomi Gingold sat with me to discuss looking at America from the outside in, why it's okay for journalistic objectivity to be a dubious concept, holding true to your ethics and ideals no matter where you are, and the varied but parallel stories she covered in both Japan and Myanmar(Burma/Yangon/Rangoon). We also enjoy a dive into her love of/obsession with Burmese Hip-Hop (and the associated, forthcoming book), understanding a people through their pop-culture, the hidden sides of journalism, how we wish the current American conversation was being handled differently, following your...
2017-04-152h 07StorycraftChris ManciniChris Mancini, (filmmaker, writer, comedian, podcaster, co-founder and co-organizer of the Los Angeles Podcast Festival,) braved a cranky skype connection to record this terrific episode for writers, filmmakers, comic book makers and Kickstarters. He details the Kickstarter campaign for "Alton Wright & Friends," which opens the door to his notable kickstarter successes, how to survive a campaign, and how to use the built-in community within the platform. He reveals behind the scenes info about his in-progress graphic novel project "Long Ago, and Far Away," illustrated by Fernando Pinto-- which reveals how great Print Ninja is in their community outreach via...
2017-04-081h 10StorycraftRamesh SrinivasanUCLA scholar and Professor Ramesh Srinivasan joined me to discuss the future of the internet, humankind's relationship to technology, globalism vs. global community, and a lot more, as our first foray into his research and his book "Who's Global Village", (available now wherever you get your books!) Ramesh also shares very eye opening insights gathered in his ample time among indigenous and developing people's, from which our country could learn a thing or two, as well as perspectives we may want to adopt to have a healthy future interaction with both technology, and each other. This is a incredibly...
2017-03-2953 minStorycraftNeil McLeanStop-motion animator Neil McLean is building an amazing little empire in his rigorously crafted world of Dungeon, sure to impress a lot of people when the series debuts a little later this year! I sat down with Neil, accompanied by my pal, artist Seamus Smith, to talk about Dungeon the morning after I got a chance to be blown away by the first short, (watch it now at neilmclean.net.) We got way under the skin of the project, discussing how he came to be making such an arduous project and why he couldn't help but to do. As...
2017-03-181h 58StorycraftJimmy Palmiotti, Brian Schirmer & me w/mc Chris BrandtJimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western, Hype), Brian Schirmer (Ultrasylvania, Blackjack Ketchum), and I, moderated by Chris Brandt (Hero a Day, Independents), did a panel at Wondercon in 2013, in which we breakdown the mysteries of running a kickstarter and being an effective creator in the new entrepreneurial age. Both Jimmy and Brian bring incredible wisdom to the conversation, straight from their multiple kickstarter successes. So, if you're thinking of running a campaign, this episode has you covered. From planning and preparing, through the day-in-day-out of managing, marketing and succeeding at your fundraising goal. Throughout, Chris Brandt helps keep the whole thing...
2017-03-111h 04StorycraftJohn HyamsFilm director John Hyams sat with me in a noisy Hollywood motel room to discuss his solid career as a director, from his terrific documentary start, to his great work with Jean Claude Van Damme, especially the bravura surprise that is Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning, and his unique childhood that, along with art school and some illustration chops, helped prepare him to become the powerful filmmaker he is today. We get into the difference between directing for TV and feature films, how TV and movies have switched narrative places, the future of cinema, and some incredibly tangible mental t...
2017-03-031h 36StorycraftJim Woodring, Miriam Libicki, Derek Kirk Kim & me, w/ Andrew FaragoWay back in 2012 I was invited to join a panel at the Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco, entitled "Using Childhood Experiences to Create Adult Stories," featuring Jim Woodring(!), Miriam Libicki, Derek Kirk Kim, and mc'd by Andrew Farago from the Cartoon Art Museum. The panel stayed more on point than most and provides, as advertised, a slough of childhood tales, origin details, influences, inspirations, adventures and, naturally, misadventures. Despite some sound issues, which mostly clear up less than 15 minutes in, this is a terrific episode featuring and bunch of young upstarts (us) and a verified legend (Jim) sharing...
2017-02-2559 minStorycraftPeter KleemanPeter Kleeman (founder & curator of the Space Age Museum,) recently wrote a terrific article for Quartz entitled "If you want to change reality, read more science fiction." He did not pen that headline, which couldn't be more evident when you hear that his perspective goes far beyond just reading science fiction, an instead cuts to the core of the science fiction experience-- the fascination with space, imagination, long term vision and planning, society, spectacle, and of course, the enthralling sense of mysterious wonder for exploring the unknown. This is a tremendously inspiring, compassionate, universal talk...
2017-02-171h 14StorycraftJimmie Whisman & James PietragalloJimmie Whisman and James Pietragallo, comedians & cohosts of the breakout podcasts, Crime in Sports and Small Town Murder, joined me to record this in the green room at Stand-Up Live in Phoenix, AZ. It has the slightly rowdy, sarcastic vibe of a night out, while simultaneously delivering a keen perspective on comedy tastes, the difference in comedy styles, growing as a comedian, performing in the age of YELP! and some not-so-secret-secrets of how boys play with action figures. We also take a hard look at pop culture icons, why modern movies suck sometimes and much more with some big...
2017-02-111h 13StorycraftLonnie MillsapCartoonist Lonnie Millsap has been impressing me (and cracking me up) with his keen observations and high output for years. It was a long awaited pleasure to sit down and discuss the discipline of producing a regular comic strip, how to navigate relationships, how other people see artists, using social media for good instead of ill, convention hacks, life balance and a lot more. It is, unsurprisingly, also quite topical as the shadow of the orange tyrant looms over all the land, and is impossible to avoid discussing. Find Lonnie Millsap's current strip Bacon at gocomics.com...
2017-02-041h 25StorycraftGareth ReynoldsComedian/writer/podcaster Gareth Reynolds (The Dollop, Point vs Point, Maron, the Idiotsitter) shares keen observations about language & culture, how Trump was destined to happen, how Hollywood is like a certain very painful type of Shaolin Kung Fu training, as well as a handful of practical rules about how to manage social media and our tech obsession. Follow these simple rules, and "we will probably get a lot more done, and get a lot more pissed off..." Glad I got a comedian on here to talk about our scary new American landscape in an entertaining and thought...
2017-01-271h 11StorycraftNeil T. WeakleyFilm Critic Neil T. Weakley (comedyfilmnerds.com) joined me to hash out our favorite films, filmmakers, film quirks/sublteties that make films improve as we grow with them, a whole bunch of Star Wars talk, and what it means to truly critique a thing. There's a strong thread of allowing art to be what it wants to be, not what we want it to be. It's a playful, nerdy, detailed and altogether story praising episode. Hear us two fanatics dish on levels rarely seen on even this podcast! Follow Neil on twitter @FilmNerdNeil and read his writing...
2017-01-211h 20StorycraftAndy RistainoAndy Ristaino has managed to not only accomplish the completion of some gorgeous comic book art, but to also be indelibly involved in creating one of the great animated shows of the 21st century, Adventure Time. Serving many functions, and truly putting his stamp on that show, he learned his way around Cartoon Network and is now following that relationship to produce a brand new, top secret animated show of his own. We hash out what it's like to grind on the animation schedule vs. freelance, as well as the ins and outs of contracts, work/life pressure, staying...
2017-01-061h 13StorycraftKraig & Mike Workshop itIn a companion to the last episode, but not a continuation, my epic recording session with Mike Dubisch took a turn into hypothetical territory, where we engaged in some epic brainstorming on his behalf. It turned into a de facto business strategy planning session (and almost squarespace add,) while diving deep into how to build a comic once you have the art, how to print it, present it to publishers or self publish it, market it and sell it. Truly a practical episode if I ever heard one. On top of all that the whole thing has the energy...
2016-12-3151 minStorycraftMike & Kraig's Interruption-castMike Dubisch and I sparred with each other as we dissected our approach to process... not a talk so much about art process as our actual thought process about that process, more engaging than you'd think, since we happen to be a couple of passionate weirdos when it comes to making art, and that lead to a rousing good time. So much of a good time, that this is one of two episodes recorded that day. Not part one, just the first of two very separate conversations. Join us as we cleave away the old pretenses and myths we...
2016-12-2848 minStorycraftJeff JohnsonComic Book artist Jeff Johnson (Wonder Man, Way of the Rat, Bornehome) sat with me to breakdown the life impact of making comics, especially on relationships, how using "art as an emotional escape is great training, but bad business [and life] planning", the value of practice, long term career stability, staying healthy and a whole heckuva lot more! It is a terrifically connected and insightful episode, and makes clear why Jeff's work is always inspiring to behold. A must listen for comics amateurs and pros alike, as well as for those who are driven to pursue a passion or...
2016-12-191h 40StorycraftKraig & Mike talk distractions, time, and defining yourselfMike Dubisch joins me on this solid three-peat of our co-hosting adventure, in which we peel away the layer of distraction and concern caused by current events and our reactions/overreactions to them. In addition, we get very specific about time management, time perception, following the muse/flow, and putting in the extra effort to do work that grows you as an artist, to find the maximized version of you and your work. It's a terrific look into our weird (but productive) heads, and a very personal glimpse at a little of our respective craziness. Another one I'm proud...
2016-12-101h 29StorycraftBrian HibbsBrian Hibbs, owner of Comix Experience in San Francisco breaks down the retailer-creator relationship as we navigate a multi-layered chat about comic books and retail in the digital age. The talk takes some surprising turns and was far more creator-centric than I ever expected, proving that Brian has a keen grasp of everything that goes into comics, and passion for the medium that rivals the most fervent creators. This is another episode to take notes on for future use. We also delve deep into his monthly Graphic Novel Club (graphicnovelclub.com) as we explore the nature of the comic...
2016-12-0358 minStorycraftJason McNamaraJason McNamara sat down with me on some steps at Duboce Park in San Francisco to record this talk nearly four years ago, and it's easily still on topic for this show. Taking a breather from the current national blowback and the holiday crush, this episode features an interesting talk at a key moment for both of our careers, when things were about to shift, and we really, really wanted them to. Numerous insights and laughs fill an energetic discussion about breaking in, staying in, doing work that matters to you, feeling like outsiders and seeing things from that...
2016-11-261h 36StorycraftMike & Kraig talk dystopia/utopia, fiction/reality and politics (sorta)!After a week of sitting in stunned, post-election silence, (actually, we recorded an angry episode last week that promptly/conveniently/thankfully vanished,) Mike Dubisch and I convened once again to discuss the state of craft in the midst of tumultuous social and political upheaval. The conversation takes incredible turns from art and reality merging to powers behind the throne and on to why some storytellers are able to prophesize the future of society so accurately. It's an amazing recovery from the emotional mulligan that is the election of President... (bleh!)... Donald Trump. And don't worry, we do a pretty...
2016-11-181h 09StorycraftKraig & Mike discuss the Chelsea Cain incident+Mike Dubisch joins the Storycraft podcast as the abby-normal co-host, bringing a new, much needed pulse to the show. We get in neck deep right away with a bristling indictment of misogynist Twitter trolling, fear of feminism, an obvious schism in American society, as well as the dreaded upcoming Presidential election and a whole helluva lot more. If you have the habit of trolling people online and being vulgar, belligerent, threatening or hateful, this episode is ABOUT you, but probably not for you. Unless you just can't resist... But maybe just do us all the favor and...
2016-11-041h 54StorycraftMick GraySuperman inker Mick Gray joins me to talk about everything from managing a career, watching the trends, explaining those trends, hashing out our two cents about fine art vs commercial art and a bunch more. It's an energized and deep cutting episode throughout, but pay close attention to the last 20 minutes for some great anecdotes from the comic industry in the early 90s, including one featuring Jack "The King" Kirby. Mick cements his place in my pantheon of the nicest people in comics and once again reminds us why a good vibe and positive mindset will win out any...
2016-10-141h 26StorycraftErin LimErin Lim and I wrestled skype to get an incredibly layered, entertaining, informative, and life changing, yes, life changing discussion about the gamut of working in around the creative arts, making stuff, having family stuff and dealing with it as best you can, and what makes a good podcast! (I think we passed.) Listen up for a particularly cool section regarding filmmaker Ryan Coogler. Very excited and grateful for this excellent chat. Subscribe to the Bitchtalk Podcast on iTunes now! @BitchTalkPod on twitter. Follow Erin Lim on twitter and instagram @ubhick...
2016-09-241h 25StorycraftChris GoreFounder/Savior of Film Threat Magazine, Film writer, TV Host, Stand-Up Comedian, and podcaster Chris Gore sat down with me for an entertaining, very deep and practically prophetic discussion of life/work balance, health hacks, universal elements of creative process, and of course, tons of film talk. We range from remakes to blockbusters and film of all shapes and sizes, trends, industry frustrations and making your own break. This will remain one of the most satisfying and full episodes for a long time to come. Head to kickstarter now to fund the last few days of the...
2016-09-221h 15StorycraftMatt BrundageComic Book artist, mixed martial artist and comic book history encyclopedia Matt Brundage joins me to discuss his current project Art Ops, written by Sean Simon, with art by Matt and inks by Mike Allred- published by Vertigo. Matt's career has taken a varied course, bouncing him from comics to the ring and back again, always reminding him of his love for the funny books. I could type more, but this episode does all the talking and then some. Comic book history and art nerds, rejoice! This one is for you.
2015-12-181h 37StorycraftDave CroslandComic book artist, painter and super heckuva guy Dave Crosland (Titmouse Animation, upcoming Invader Zim comics, Ego Rehab,) chats with me about relationships, childhood, inner drives and inspiration, managing workflow, keeping after it, movies, cons, deep stuff, things that get funny, creative blah blah... Truly, I'd rather you just listen to the show... Enjoy!
2015-12-101h 31