Hello everyone-

First, thank you to everyone who has added me to their watch list, both old and new. It's great that people like my work enough to follow it and see it grow.

More and more of my activities have been on Facebook. If you haven't added me as a friend yet, or "like" my page The Art of Nick Mockoviak [link], I encourage you to do so. I post all of my artwork there, as well as convention sketches and other commissions not posted here. I will still post here and stay active, but more and more of my energy has been on the Facebook and Twitter (@NickMockoviak).

Some status updates on projects: the concept for the children's book has been pretty much figured out. Now I have to do the hard part- writing it. This is going to be the hardest part for me, but should be rewarding in the end.
As well, I've been working on some ideas for comic strips. Dunno how it's going to ultimately shape up; might be two separate strips.

As well, I'm working on getting my Etsy store up and running. I'm aiming to have it a go by June. I'm working on some artwork to put up there, mainly sketch covers, sketch cards, and commissions. When it's live, I'll let you know.

Prepping for some cons later this summer. Have some ideas in mind for prints, so that artwork will find itself here as well.

Be good, and I'll see you soon.

~Nick~

Greetings everyone-

So, it's halfway through March (!) and man.....things are moving like they always do- too fast when you need time to slow down, and never slow enough to get your act together. That's what I've been doing since the beginning of the year: getting my act together. Not just on the art side, but all-around. I've managed to shave 17 pounds off my frame and run my fastest 5K last week, and damn- that makes me proud. I've got a banged up knee and wicked tinnitus, but trained smart (and hard) and accomplished something I thought I couldn't do. Next on the list: Run For Your Life in June, possibly a Color Me Rad run in July, and the pay-off: Tough Mudder in October. I've been lax this week with my training because I had my wisdom teeth removed, but it's time to get back on the wagon.

With my art....I don't know guys. It's certainly progressing- to where, I couldn't tell you at all. It's scary, exciting, dangerous even. To me, I feel like the concoction has almost all the ingredients; just a few more and then time for it to ferment. What's the game plan for all these animal sketches and other sketches coming down the line? I'm looking to collect all of them for an art book of some sort- most likely a sketchbook. So while this has been going on, I've been ever-so-slowly figuring out two projects I would like to get off the ground this year: a children's book and comic strips. Again, I don't want to give you (and me) false promises that I can't keep and make announcements that ultimately amount to nothing. Once the projects are tangible and have stable form, I will elaborate on them in detail and jam them down your throats. For now, they are still scribbles and notes.

There is one thing I want all of you to do for me: keep me accountable. Ask me every once in a while about the progress of the projects. No need to be a dick and harass me everyday, but like once a month ask about them. It will keep me motivated to work on them knowing people are interested. And hey- ask me about my fitness too. As I stated a couple of journals ago, we're in this together. Let's help each other out.

Now, I've got some sketching to do. Be good and take great care of yourself and each other.

Hello everyone-

Thank you all so much for the faves and comments on my animal series. I really didn't expect a lot of response from them (as much of my work doesn't have much response), but the support has been very reaffirming to me.

Thanks again, and I hope to keep up the good work!

~Nick~

Time to plug some show appearances! I will be at the Comic Geek Speak Super Show in Reading, PA on April 6th and 7th. Two weeks later I will be in Beantown for the Boston Comic April 20th and 21st. I am taking pre-con commissions- $75 for 11"x17", $40 for 9"x12", and sketch covers (price TBD). Message me for details.

See you out there!

Some thoughts I would like to share with everyone: for me, the biggest battle with my "inspiration" for creating art has been me. I have this huge trepidation with "what if"- what if I drew this picture this way or that way, what if I used this composition, what if this succeeds or fails?- and so on. I sit and speculate on these "what if?" so much that I don't do anything. That has been my biggest drawback.

I have had some fantastic discussions with many artists about this- Jon Riggle the most- and have come out wiser and ready to throw down. I would like to pass on some encouragement to all my friends, be it visual artists, writers, actors, musicians, etc:
- Establish a set of goals for yourself. Something achievable that will give you a sense of accomplishment, something that is progressively more challenging, and one "big" yet plausible goal.
- Get yourself on a schedule/routine. It's working out, but instead of reps or cardio you focus on making something.
- Accept that you will have good days and bad days. You're not a failure for being "uninspired".
- It takes time to adapt to your routine and to develop the desired skill sets. Don't quit.
- Don't be afraid to go in a different direction and challenge yourself. That's how you grow and develop.

I type these words not just for you, but also for myself. Let's all remember and push for greater heights, together.

Hey everyone:

Does anything else have issues from time to time with doing art? Like, you can't seem to motivate yourself or commit to making something? I've been feeling less and less motivated to sit down and create anything. I don't know exactly why I feel this way, but I've allowed myself to get distracted and not make anything.

Anyone else feel that way, or have?

~Nick~

Greetings all!

Let's see how many people respond to this: I will do one (maybe two, depending on response) 5"x7" color head sketch for free.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Here's what you need to do: comment below and make sure you "like" my page on Facebook between now and January 23. ([link] I will then collect all the names and pick one at random.

Good luck!
~Nick~

......when your Facebook wall is inundated with "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!" comments and all of your students sing "Happy Birthday" and throw paper balls at you.


It's been a great day.


~Nick~

Wow.

2012 is already over? It felt like it barely started. Man, time flies when you get older.

Anyway, 2012 was a HUGE year for me on a personal level. I got married! Also moved out of my parents' house and all that jazz. 2012 also marked the year I saw print! The HVZA graphic novel was conceived and delivered in the fall; in which I was the art director, cover artist, and one of the contributing sequential artists.

2012 saw all this activity, but not a ton of art...on here. I've become much more active on Facebook and to a lesser extent, Twitter, by posting in-progress shots on my Art Page and some work not posted here. Harkening back a few posts ago, it's not that I'm leaving dA; my activity energies might divert to different places in 2013. I do envision dA being more of a finished work gallery over posting everything that I do. As well, I will keep everyone in the loop with projects and appearances- but the majority of my activity will be on my Facebook Page (facebook.com/TheArtOfNickMockoviak)  and Twitter (@NickMockoviak).........for now.


So, what does 2013 have on tap for myself?

Truthfully, I don't know. I like to keep it that way to a degree. I have ideas of what I am doing, what I would like to do, and such. I will share some of these aspirations with you.

- Very soon, I will be working on another graphic novel, serving as art director.
- Get into the habit of creating something on a daily bases; even for 15 minutes.
- Get myself a website!
- Go through my old sketchbooks and breathe some life into dormant ideas.
- Develop my own IPs.

Now, I can be very broad and state "I want to be a better artist, lose weight, bladdy bladdy bladdy", but those are all general statements that to me, are very wishy-washy. We all want to be better artists, or have better health, or earn more money. It's how we go about those goals that will determine our success or shortcomings.


Be good y'all!!

~Nick~

Hello all:

Here it is: the annual commission sale sponsored by Yours Truly. As a footnote, I AM available year-round for commissions, not just for yuletide cheers. Some ground rules regarding commissions:

   *Pricing here is for single character illustrations with minimal background details, bust shot and/or full body. Anything additional, such as a full ground or additional characters, will mean an increase in price.*
   *I specialize in pop culture, comic book, horror, fantasy, and cartoon illustrations. Please look at my gallery to see the type of work I do. I can do portraits and such, however pricing for that will be on a different scale.*
   *Turnaround time is 2 to 3 weeks. If you want your gift for Christmas, please let me know and order before December 18th.*
   *Shipping rates will vary, but assume a flat rate of $8.*
   *Payment accepted: Cash, check, money order, Paypal*

   Sizes available and prices:
   5"x7": B&W $5/color $10
   9"x12": B&W $35/color $40
   11"x17" B&W starting at $60/color starting at $75
   Blank comic book sketch covers: B&W (some color) $35

   Other sizes available: 11"x14", 14"x17", 16"x20", 18"x24". Pricing will vary.

   I will have 4 slots open at at time. Please direct all questions and inquires to nick.mockoviak.art@gmail.com.

   Thank you for considering a commission from me!
   ~Nick~

Hey everyone:

Been a while since I dropped a journal update on y'all. I've got some things on my mind that I want to get out and see how everyone feels about them....

- Does it seem like deviantART is "not the place to be" with regards to posting art? My pageviews have drastically dropped over the past year. I don't know if that's because my output is lessened, the quality of art is horrible, the content is not relevant...I don't know. It seems that less people are seeing my art, or caring about it. Can't say that I'm not affeted by that in some way.

- Speaking of posting art, what are some good alternatives? Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.....even another art community? I would like more traction and mileage for my art.

- Still trying to make my art more exciting. Meh.

- Projects are rolling together. News will sprinkle out over the next 18 months.

Overall, motivation is nil. Very scatterbrained. Been thinking about not posting here anymore.

~Nick~

Hello everyone:

I want to first thank everyone for the faves, comments, and watches over the past few weeks. It makes me smile that people still care about my art and support what I do. I hope that I will continue to have and gain support from you all and build up my audience. Thanks!

Now, there are some things that are coming up in the future that I would like to share with you guys. First, the "HVZA" graphic novel that I worked on [link] should be released in the next few weeks! Check out the cover for it . It was quite the ordeal to be the cover artist, contributing artist, and art director, plus moving and getting married while working a day job. So yeah......happy it's all done. As soon as I have some copies, I will let y'all know!!! I will post some pages that I did on it later today.

Speaking of graphic novels, I made a tentative announcement on Facebook that I do have plans to create my own comic!!! It's still way early and things are still in the embryonic stages, but I *hope* by next fall to have some news to tell/show you!!! All I can state is that it will involve.........monsters.

While cleaning my studio, I found some old comic strips that I made years back. Been looking to do something with them, so hey......another item to keep on the look out for.

As well, with the excitement of moving and getting married and first year teaching settling down, you can expect some more artwork coming from this end. To start, I will have MONSTER MONDAYS here and on my Facebook page The Art of Nick Mockoviak [link] so starting this Monday October 1st expect to see some gnarly stuff!!!

That's about all I have for now. Thanks for reading and watching the skies!

~Nick~

Hey everyone-


Here's another silly contest: get a screen cap of you being the 89,111 person and you win........



...a toaster.

No seriously- you'll get an hour chat on Skype and a free sketch.


Go forth my friends!


~Nick~

Hello everyone:

First, I would like to thank everyone for the waves of faves over the last few weeks, as well as those who decided to watch me. It means a lot to me, so thank you very much for your support.

Second, some cheap plugs. If you haven't done so already, check out my art page "The Art of Nick Mockoviak" on Facebook [link] . I often post in-progress pics over there, and some work that won't be posted here for some time...or ever. Take a second to hit the "Like" button- please and thank you. If you have a fan page- let me know; I'll pay it forward.

Now...to the main event.....

Ever look at your artwork and not really like it? Not in the sense of technical skills, but overall appearance? I look at my work and I see....dullness. Over-labored and stiff. Chunky. In all cases, I see that my art is in need of some life injected into it. I think I've reached a point where I've become formulaic and rely on the same tricks over and over. I need to expand my palette and visual lexicon, as well as subject matter.

For me, it's time to break the mold and make a new one.

You can expect some funky sh!t over the upcoming months. Some things will be good, some things will be not-so-good, and some things are going to be down-right weird. I'm working to expand my knowledge of digital art, as well as super-charge my traditional skills.

We're all in for a ride.




~Nick~

Hello all:

As you know, I've been looking to further advance my own understanding and skill set when it comes to digital coloring. With Baltimore Comic-Con next weekend, I may be in a bind when it comes to me doing the colors. So, here's my questions:

- How much is customary pay for coloring, especially if it's a one-off/for a print?
- Is there a procedure for profit sharing?
- What is the usual turn-around time?

And...
- Is anyone available to color?

I may use someone for this show or in the future. Any info, let me know or note me.

Thanks,

~Nick~

Hello all:

I am in need of some help: I am aiming to do a drawing in greytone using markers, and then coloring it in Photoshop (very much what Adam Hughes does with his work). Can anyone point me in the right direction with either tutorials, or with first-hand experience?!?!?!?

Thanks!!!

~Nick~

Hello everyone:

I will be at the 2012 Baltimore Comic-Con, in artist alley at table A180. I'll have some new prints, old hits, and as always doing sketches!!!!

What's brand new is taking pre-convention commissions. I have 3 spots open with one of them already filled. These are on 11"x17" Bristol board, full color, starting at $75. If you are interested, please note me and we'll discuss details.

See you in Baltimore!

~Nick~

Hello everyone:

As I browse through the galleries of deviantART, I can't help but notice a few things that stick out to me when I see a piece of art: why is *this* particular work showered with praise and adulation, yet one that is of similar (sometimes superior) quality left to collect dust? Why is *this* work popular, while others of the same ilk are barely noticed? What makes *this* work a Daily Deviation instead of *that* one? I've been here long enough to know why (and thus become a grumpy old bastard- see this entry from over a year ago [link], but I want to open a dialogue with all of you and see where it goes.

* Is it due to subject/content matter?

* Is it due to technique/media used?

* Is it the user him/herself?

Share your thoughts.

~Nick~

Greetings everyone!

I don't know how many of you know or remember, but after a two year engagement period with lots of ups and downs, I am now a happily married man!! I officially became a husband on July 14th, so all is well in the Mockoviak household. We're set to take a cruise for our honeymoon on Thursday the 19th- can't wait!!!!

With the wedding over and the honeymoon on the horizon, I am jumping head-first back into the convention scene. I am now officially taking pre-con commissions for Baltimore Comic-Con [link] and for The Great Allentown Comic Con [link]!!! These are 11"x17" full color commissions; prices for ONE full body start at $75. I will have TWO spots for Allentown and SIX for Baltimore, with one already filled. Please message me here or email me at nick.mockoviak.art[at]gmail.com for what you would like. Please be mindful I will be away from July 19th to the 28th, so if I do not respond straight away bare with me.

Other than that- hope all is well!!!!!



~Nick~

Hey y'all:

I have to admit- I've been very unmotivated to draw or create as of late. I've managed some scribbles here and there- but I need something to sink my artistic teeth in to. So I need some suggestions from you guys: what should I do? It can be a subject matter, a medium, a style.......I'll work on posting the work as I complete it; right now I have a wedding in two weeks that's been hogging my attention.


~Nick~