....will get featured in my journal. If you get featured, you'll have to do the same in your next journal. The goal is to spread the love of featuring other artists ^_^  

I will feature your avatar and post three pieces that I like

I was featured by and now I am paying it forward

Don't be shy get your feature on!


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Ruff, Rugged & Raw 2010 Sketchbook is still available.

You can order @ IndyPlanet [link]

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I just found out I will attending The Great Allentown Comic Con on March 17! If you are in the area stop by and show some  support. Okay off to rush and start getting my *ish together. More info here bio [link] The Great Allentown Comic Con [link]


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Ruff, Rugged & Raw 2010 Sketchbook is still available.

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Help keep The Journeyman Artist on da Grind!

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I know I haven't been posting much on deviantArt lately and I have missed being more active here but I have a few irons in the fire that are keeping me busy at the moment. I am currently working on finishing up Ruff, Rugged, and Raw: The Sketchbook Volume II so I can put it out this year and also i have really blown the dust off of my creator owned Legacy Saga project. So these are the things i have been diligently working on Volume II due out this year and the Legacy Saga I set for it's re-debut next year (if the world doesn't come to a sudden end).m i have also picked up my activity with The Xion Group. I am trying to be more active and get more things done going forward the status quo just at getting it for me anymore. Stay tuned and check editorial I wrote for March edition of The Xion Network's  blog The original post can be found here also [link]


March Editorial Letter 2012

Recently, there have been two things that really got me thinking about my art career. The first was a quote from last month's editorial by the great Sha-Nee Williams where she spoke about what Xion meant to her: "I networked with many people, became more outgoing with ideas, found great friendships and learned so much." The second, was the whole Marvel Ghost Rider copyright issue. I started thinking, what exactly does this mean for me going forward?
Marvel reminded all of us that at the end of the day, business is business. Copyright and trademark holders have rights and they must do what is legally necessary to protect and exercise those rights. Let's be honest, a lot of us are guilty of Copyright and Trademark infringement (in its simplest form) and yes, I did say "guilty". Is there a commission of a Marvel or DC character in your sketchbook or on one of your many social sites? Are you doing commissions of characters you own or have a license to use in the Artist Alley at one of the numerous conventions? When you set up your table at one of these conventions are you displaying prints of your slickest Spider-Man, illest Invincible or that wicked Wonder Woman poster?
Maybe, maybe not. I guess the question becomes- are we going to continue to labor under the threat of Big Brother raining fire and brimstone down on the freelance artist for drawing their characters or are we going to create for ourselves?
Everybody is running around screaming the sky is falling and actually I want to personally thank Marvel for waking me up. Honestly, I will never work at any of the big companies (you might and I ain't knocking you if that is what you're working towards) and that's okay with me...But nothing is stopping me from pursuing or living my dream of creating comic books. Dave Sims, Jeff Smith, Robert Eastman, and the founders of Image comics all had one thing in common- they all realized that when you work for the corporate machine basically they own what you create. The curtain has been pulled back and we ain't in Metropolis anymore. It's time to blaze the path to your own universe, create your own continuity, characters and stories.
We can be the creators of our own mythologies. We are the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby of our generation. Technology has really leveled the playing field to where we can create for a global audience. I don't know whether the Artist Alley will change or people will stop drawing their favorite Marvel, DC, Image, etc characters, but we must all be aware that the comic book industry is run by corporations.
To quote from an OutKast classic "You need to Get up, Get out and Get something", and I believe that is why The Xion Network was created. So we can help each other do just that. The reason I networked, put my ideas out there, gained friends and learned more about my craft was all in preparation from creating my own mythologies, and I encourage you to do the same. It's time to make it happen, "X Marks the Spot!"
Keep Grinding!
Mike "JMANARTIST" Colston
Proud Xion Member


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Ruff, Rugged & Raw 2010 Sketchbook is still available.

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It has really been a long while since I post in my journal. The last 9 months have been absolutely crazy in both good and bad ways.

The Ugly

I lost my job back in November and was out of work until May.

I wasn't able to really get much art done in that time frame (looking for work is harder than actually having a job)

I missed my launch date for Legacy Saga my OC comic

The Bad

I missed pretty much the whole convention season due to financial and family issues.

I missed out on being a part of the Artmada team (I am kinda like the fifth member of the beetles with that lol). Artmada is a group which consists of that put out a book (Which is absolutely sick by the way!) this summer follow the link for more details [link]

The Good

I finished my Masters Degree this summer...finally!!!

I got a few commission pieces done over the my time out of work (One of which may included in a Print Run more to follow on that a little later)

I have started working Ruff, Rugged & Raw: Volume II (volume I is still available [link] hint hint)

I also have a work in progress on Trains, Planes & Auto-Mobility. Its a concept sketchbook that i am still fleshing out but it is gaining a lot of momentum

I have gone back and begun to rework the foundations of my Legacy Saga comic concept to make it better

My other less talked about comic concept Mission Creep also has a lot of WIP progress stuff going on right now

Me and my Sensei have been kicking around a lot of ideas for a collaborative project nothing concert but man has that been really fun just throwing ideas around.

My online presence is picking up again I am definately going to be more active with the purpose of showcasing more work and building the brand. You can always check me out and come along for the ride like me on facebook [link] and/or follow me on twitter [link] or just check out my blog [link]

So there you have it The Ugly, The Bad & The Good! I just wanted to thank all of my close friends here on DA that took the time to check in and check on me. Trust me it has really meant a lot. Well nuff said......back to da grind!


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Ruff, Rugged & Raw 2010 Sketchbook is still available.

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Featured Artist Spotlight!

This time around we're doing something exactly like Pay It Forward but not really hehe. Since had this up on his journal and featured me, I decided to do the same. So here's how this is gonna go down:

First you need a premium account to participate. It is just a technical aspect, but you can't post art, and thumbnails in your journal without one.

Next, be one of the first 10 people commenting on this journal entry, and I will add you to the "Featured Artist Spotlight List" in this journal. For each of the 10 first people answering this journal I will put his/her avatar and the three deviations from his/her gallery on the list that I find appealing and think represent your work well and might bring some new friends your way.

IMPORTANT: If you are featured you'll have to do the same in your journal, putting me on the list in the first place slot, and then completing the list with 9 other people who reply to you.

The idea of this is not to get free features, but more to spread art around for everyone.

1.


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Ruff, Rugged & Raw 2010 Sketchbook is still available.

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1st Friday, Old City Philadelphia, Brave New Worlds, and The Xion Group what more could you ask for come out and show your support!


It's almost here, the November Xion Gallery hosted at Brave New Worlds comic store. The show is titled "When Worlds Collide --Comics meets video games", and will feature work from Official Members of Xion. The show is free and open to any and everyone. In addition to that, November is also XION'S 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!! and the gallery will serve as a birthday celebration. Be sure to come out and join the festivities. For my Philly people of course.

Place: Brave New Worlds, 45 Nth 2nd St
Date: This Friday, Nov 5th
Time: 6-10pm
Music, food, and art--what could be better.


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Ruff, Rugged & Raw 2010 Sketchbook is still available.

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Ruff, Rugged & Raw 2010 Sketchbook finally 100% complete.
You Order @ IndyPlanet if you missed me @ The Baltimore Comic Con

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The drive down was way too long what should have been a 2 hour drive turned into a 5 hour drive but I had good company.  Me & Shawn got to catch up on a bunch of stuff and we found out we have very similar taste in music. I have been known to bust his chops about his knowledge of old school hip-hop but he was right on pint with some of the lesser know classics, he really shocked me when "Deeper" by Boss (If you don't know Google it) met JP, Adrienne, and Logan our gracious hosts really good people definitely made it feel like we were with family the whole weekend and I even got an extra bonus because JP is a former Marine, Semper Fi! Nothing beats hanging out with a fellow Devil Dawg.

Got to the Convention Center Sat & Sun without a hitch got set up no major hiccups. I was pretty nervous at this point but I got through it. The doors opened and the floor was flooded the line was wrapped around the building until almost 2 o'clock. My 1st time behind the table was a blast. We got a good amount of foot traffic and plenty of lookey-loos.  Got to finally meet Will he was at the table behind us and he is definitely a cool dude, great artist. A quick shout out to a few people great to have met you neighbor, Antonio Clark definitely got your grind on and thanks for the tips, Danny Cruz I am big fan nice to put a face with the artwork, Them cool cats out of Charlotte [link] &   [link](I know I am missing one), My man Jack [link] was on the guerilla grind, no table just a hustler with a backpack and a portfolio (thanks for the kind words about me & Shawn in your Baltimore wrap-up). Also on the guerilla grind Eric Cooper and Blair pushing KnightSeeker (ya know I had to break a lil bread to pick the 1st issue variant up)and who who could forget the Brothers Cohen Ben and Jeff   holding it down at the Brain Food booth. I didn't forget about you guys!I many more awesome people and if you don't see your name don't think I forgot about I am doing this with my card book and program where I had my notes. I just didn't want anymore time to past before I posted my wrap-up.

Some con Highlights for me I sold my 1st copy of my sketchbook (Nothing as good as the 1st time) I met Billy Tucci, me and Shawn got a couple of pics with him. Then I'm behind the table head down sketching and I feel this presence I peek up and there is Brian Pulido standing there checking out the table. Really cool guy he even came around the back so I could get a pic with him. Cory Smith out of Chicago was a true highlight the things he was able to create with a #2 pencil are simply just sick and a real nice guy talked to him for awhile. All in all I had a blast the people in the industry that I had the good fortune to meet were all approachable and I got some good advice from quite a few.

I can honestly say I didn't have a one bad experience at the con. As I told a guy Sunday afternoon when he asked me how I was making out. I told him "I was having a ball!" He commented you must be selling a lot of stuff. I told him" I really hadn't sold much merchandise or even got any commissions" and he looked puzzled so I told him "Me having a ball and selling a bunch of stuff are not dependant on each other , I could be selling a bunch of stuff and be having a miserable time" he just walked away shaking his head. Don't get me wrong I would like to have sold more and recouped my costs, posted a profit, generated some capital to reinvest in the business (hey I figured I would give you some business speak so you know I am paying attention in my Masters program lol) But I got to test the waters see what works, what doesn't work, work my table and still squeeze in being a fan boy. That situation is win, win!

Okay off the soap box, the ride back was pretty decent. I was glad to be home until I got there. Baltimore was my high, the current drama at the crib is my low point.

I have been really blessed over my time @ the convention and as I unpack I will be reaching out making sure I keep in touch with my new friends. The Journeyman Artist is staying on the grind and I think you should too!

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and check out the goodies he is bringing along with him!

My Ruff, Rugged, & Raw Volume:I Sketchbook it will debut @ Baltimore and for those who aren't attending but still want to get their hands on it you can order it from IndyPlanet [link]


Well, The Van is Packed and I will be leaving work early today picking up Xion Founder Shawn Alleyne. Team Alleyne and Myself are hitting the road pumped about this weekend! I looking forward to finally meeting so many of the great artists I watch here on dA.

If you are in Baltimore stop by and pick up exclusive prints, sketchbooks, or just say hi! ...Very limited print runs on most items so find us early so you can be sure to get yours!

Artist Alley Table A189 come out and show The Xion Group some luv.

Also you might want to check out journal seems there will be a Drink & Draw tonight [link]

We are definately planning to be in the house!

For more info on the Baltimore Comic Con check out [link]

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and check out the goodies he is bringing along with him!

My Ruff, Rugged, & Raw Volume:I Sketchbook it will debut @ Baltimore and for those who aren't attending but still want to get their hands on it you can order it from IndyPlanet [link]


Hey all,


Join me Xion Member Mike Colston & Xion Founder Shawn Alleyne  

Live in the Artist Alley Table under The Xion Group Table A189 @ The Baltimore Comic-Con (Sat & Sun)!

Stop by pick up exclusive prints, sketchbooks, and more in Baltimore.
...Very limited print runs on most items so find us early so you can be sure to get yours!

We Can't wait to to see you there!

For more info check out [link]

Baltimore will be my first convention behind the table and am not sure exactly what to expect. Plus, I'm sharing a table in with my Sensei Artist Alley veteran The Xion Group and   founder so by all means stop by check us out !

See you in Baltimore if my Sensei doesn't kill me first!

X Marks da Spot an it's gonna be all over Baltimore!


The Xion Group Baltimore Comic Con Table A189

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and check out the goodies he is bringing along with him!

My Ruff, Rugged, & Raw Volume:I Sketchbook it will debut @ Baltimore and for those who aren't attending but still want to get their hands on it you can order it from IndyPlanet [link]


Hey all,



Baltimore will be my first convention behind the table and am not sure exactly what to expect. I'm sharing a table in The Artist Alley with my Sensei and The Xion Group and   founder

Great artist so show him some love! Especially since I'm giving the whole pre-ordering commisions thing a shot and biting his idea pretty hard.

Pre-Order Commissions for PICK UP ONLY, from anyone attending the Baltimore Comic book convention, August 28th and 29th. Pin-ups, sketches, you name it. Check my gallery for examples of my work to see what I have to offer.

As low as $10 a pic AND you get the originals.
If interested just hit me with a note and we can work out the details.

Small
$10(bust)
Medium $20(8x10/fullfigure)
Large
$50(11 x 14/extra special)
*Each additional character $10


B-more con: www.baltimorecomiccon.com
Listed under The Xion Group


Another Shot out to my Table Mate

I am sharing a table in The Artist Alley with my Sensei and The Xion Group and   founder so by all mean check his journal [link] because he is also offering exclusive pre-order commissions for pick-up @ Baltimore. Great artist so show him some love! (besides I'm pretty much swiping his idea)

I see you in Baltimore if my Sensei doesn't kill me first!

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and check out the goodies he is bringing along with him!

Thanks to Everyone who came out this past Friday and joined us for the
opening of our Xion The Last Airbender Tribute Art Show(sigh, we wish we
could just say Avatar).

Congrats to the winners of the raffles and much love to Locust Moon
Comics [link] & [link] gracious host. If you missed the opening night, don't fret,
the artwork of all the talented artists will be up for THE WHOLE MONTH
OF JULY!! So take a little time to pass by and see it for yourself. And
remember, all the art is for sale, so if something catches your eye,
feel free to let one of the Locust Moon staff members know.

Locust Moon: 4040 Locust St, 215-921-8530

Xion: [link] & [link]



And a very, very, very special thanks to all of the Xion family who came out to support the movement. Nic, Jovan, Mike, and Monique. If I missed anybody give me a shout!

X marks dA Spot

L8R

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XION, the Comic Book Networking Group, has teamed up with the Locust Moon Comics Store in West Philly(41st and Locust), to put together an art show featuring the talents of Philadelphia's newest gathering of comic book creators and artists.

July 2nd marks the opening of The Last Airbender movie and serves as the inspiration for our Airbender themed gallery. If you've never watched the show you're doing yourself a HUGE dis-service. To get us revved up and get that imagination flowing, check out this month's Xion art challenge since it is Airbender centric [link] .

Place: Locust Moon Comics, 4040 Locust St
Date: July 2nd, 2010
Time: 6-10pm
Food, music and more

XION: [link]
email: thexiongroup@comcast.net
Xion on facebook: [link]

Other scheduled art galleries this year are:
September, South Philly Comics. Theme is Classic Cartoons--from the 60's-early 90's

November: Brave New Worlds. Theme is "When Worlds Collide"--Comics meets video games

See you there.

Keep Grindin'
Mike C, The Journeyman Artist
[link]
[link] . ..and don't forget to stop by The Journeymans' Shop [link]

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My son graduated High School on thursday so celebrations, visiting family, and such mad for a great weekend. So I was unable to make it over to Wizard World Philly but the Xion family was well represented.

The Wizard Philly Wrap-Up brought to you live and direct Shawn Alleyne

Copied from journal

Hot damn I had a great time at the Wizard show this weekend. Everyone thought it was going to a slow show but goshdarnit if it wasn't one the best shows yet, even breaking attendance records I heard. Peace to everyone that came through and supported as well as the wifey and allllll my fellow XION peeps: Ben and Jeff, Chris,   Mira, Tre, Ish, Eric 'KnightSeeker" Cooper and   Blair.

So of course my camera was acting up for most of the whole weekend. Between that and being crazy busy I didn't get too many pics, missed out on capturing a ton of funny moments and sketches, and didn't get to meet any of the stars that were there-actors and artists. Like Tom Raney, Mike Mckone and tons of independent guys who are such a source of inspiration to me. Maybe next time.

Regardless I got a few pics you can check out here:

[link]


So till next time people.

1

Baltimore here I come. X marks da spot!

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Come out one and all and support @ Wizard World Philly [link] this weekend!

Wizard--
Friday, June 11, 2010 - 12 NOON - 8pm
Saturday, June 12, 2010 - 10am - 7pm
Sunday, June 13, 2010 - 10am - 5pm


The Xion Group will be holding it down in the Artist Alley


Shawn Alleyne , Chris Williams , Ben Cohen Jeff Cohen, Tre Worrell , & Mira Morningstar all @ Table 921/923


Knight Seeker Author Eric Cooper @ Table 1234/1236/1238

Also & have confirmed they will be in the house and I am sure there will be more of the Xion family on the scene over the weekend. So stop by say hi support the home team.



X marks da spot, Baby!

I may get to pop in on Sat but it is still up in the air. My son graduates High School on Thursday and I have a ton of family in town so I am playing it by ear. But Xion will be in the building holding it down for the home team!

Last but not least The Xion Group is on Facebook check out the fan page [link] so if you are on facebook hit us up! Remember X marks da Spot!

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Well yesterday was Memorial Day and I usually don't make a big fuss about that kind of stuff but I read a few journal from some artist I admire and was surprised to find out they were veterans. So I figured maybe some of the people that watch me don't know that I served either. I enlisted in the Marine Corp in the summer of 1990 ( yeah I realize I am dating myself) right before I started my senior year of high school. I was going to go into the Army took the ASVAB and everything but the recruitor got on my nerves. I finally had to get my mother to call and shut him down (before all everybody starts with the momma's boy jokes my Mom is a veteran also she served 10 years in the Army. Hell momma dukes is so hardcore when she was in boot camp she found out she was pregnant with my sister and instead of opting to come home she finish boot was she was pregnant. like I said Hardcore.) The Marine recruitor was laid back and he said the magic words you can see the world. Well growing up in Birmingham, AL that was just the carrot I needed. I signed up and Desert Shield started by the time I went to Parris Island Desert Storm was over. I went through boot, MOS school, and then over to Iwakuni, Japan for my 1st duty Station. 11 1/2 years I got out due to physical disabilities but I have traveled the world set my foot on almost every continent, served during the Kosovo Conflict and Operation (whatever they are calling it now). I have met some cool people, made great friends, seen things that I never would have dreamed of seeing (both wonderful and horrific) and unfornately lost some good friends along the way. I just want to thank all of my fellow service members for their service and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I will end it with this "Look to your left. Look to your right. Some of you won't make it back alive but it is your job, your duty to do everything in your power to make sure not none of the sacrifices that are made today are in vain" ...Often used quotes before going into any hostile sitiuation and that is whay i say "Freedom is not Free"    ......Semper Fi




Okay Now on a different not all together there are now 88 days and counting until the Baltimore Comic Con. I know there are other cons between now and then but with everything going on with my family situation (good things) I may or may not be in attendance. But me and will be sharing a table reping so if you are planning on being in attendance look us up, stop, give us a shout! More to follow as the show gets closer! If you don't here much from me until know that I am working on getting myself ready. When you sit next to Shawn you better have your A Game on point!

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The Bronx Heroes Con was pretty cool. Believe or not it was my 1st time behind the table. The Xion crew had a table. I learned a lot from my boy most of it basic do's & don't but the man is a showman and once the doors open he is on his grind in a major way. Definately a nice way to get ready for my table @ Baltimore ( well I guess the cat is outta da bag now). At the Xion table we had myself, Mira Morningstar, , and the fabulous Mrs. Monique Epps-Alleyne , proudly waving the XION banner. Big shout out to for holding down a prime piece of real estate for the Crew. All in all, it a good con, small but we got to spread the word of XION a little.

Also not at the Table but in attendence was and Knight Seeker author Eric Cooper holding down their individual tables respectively. I got a few pics thorouhout the day. Feel free to stop by and take a look

[link]


Don't forget to check out the Bronx Heroes website, they've got a few books out as well.
www.bronxheroescomiccon.com

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I finally finished my entry :thumb162377249: for the Blade Collector :thumb158088471:  coloring contest that is having. Contest Deadline is May 2nd so you still have a little time if you work fast. Info on the contest can be found here [link]

I really enjoyed pushing myself on this one I literally threw everything at this and I think I figured out the right mix to keep. Well back to the drawing board.

Now there seems to be some issues that have arisen surrounding my entry. I checked my account when I got back from the Bronx Heroes Con and I had a note from

"Hello their,

This is actually very tough for me write.
But I've got a claim that your entry piece :thumb162377249:
to be a mixture of 2 works. (Although I know you have applied your own work and idea as well but...)
One is
and

I have carefully analyzed your work and a lot of the shading has been confirmed to be identical to the 2 pieces I've mentioned.
Also the the original artists are not pleased with the situation. I believe they both want the credit they deserve.
I'm very sad to inform you but I have to disqualify your piece as the common sense and nature of the contest.

- Toshinho "

Now this is not designed to start any flame wars or stupid nonsense. At this point all parties involved have been very respectful and professional. I am a fan of both of there works! All that being said believe it or not this is actually my work, but i invite you to see all the pieces and make your own judgement.

Unfortunately for me I have deleted my working file so I can't show my progress on the work in question. This is a common practice for me that ends now. From this point forward I will always post a progressive works piece to ensure this situation doesn't occur in the future.

None of the parties involved made a big stink on dA and that just goes to dhow their professionalism. I try to be transparent in all my various activities and I could have sat on this and ignored it but I like to stay above board with my stuff. For me that is being professional.  To any I have offended or feel like I have wronged them I apologize. We all work hard at our craft.

These guys have my respect I truely enjoy their work and look to them as a place I am trying to reach. I take this as a challenge to prove this is my level of work as consistentcy has always been a struggle for me and by documenting my progressive work on a piece helps me and will provide some insight to those who watch me and since I don't have my working files I am taking dow the picture in question out of respect to the artists involved.

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I finally finished my entry  :thumb162377249: for the Blade Collector :thumb158088471: coloring contest that is having. Contest Deadline is May 2nd so you still have a little time if you work fast. Info on the contest can be found here [link]

I really enjoyed pushing myself on this one I literally threw everything at this and I think I figured out the right mix to keep. Well back to the drawing board.

Don't forget FCBD and Bronx Heroes Con May 1st!

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I am going up to the Bronx Heroes Con and if you are in the area you should too! The Xion Group is scheduled to have a table so I will absolutely have to represent! More Info Below

May 1st. Bronx Heroes Comic Con 2 @ Hostos College

Its a Free event for all ages, its Hosted by Ray Felix,Gary Camp ,Ed Mouzon and Sponsored by Bronx Council of the Arts. and Hostos College.
[link]

It's a great opportunity to meet New York's Indy Comic and mainstream Comic artist.

Buy Comics or Take a free course

Learn: How to Draw Comics, Secrets to Inking comic Art, or Plotting a Script for you Comic

Listen to the panel of Comic Pros and their Strategies to: Self Publishing comics, Finding the right Printer, or Finding Distribution

Join the Cosplay Contest and win a prize.

***All events are free of cost***

Now I guess I will have to hit up one of the local comic book shops in da Bronx since I don't want to miss any of the free comic books. Any suggestions on which shop to hit?

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Copied from journal. Details below ...once again it's on!

I apologize for the length of this journal but PLEASE give it a chance and read.

It took a little while but finally The XION Network DeviantArt home is ready to launch.

What is XION? It's the Philadelphia based comic book network group that's now ready to open on a global scale. It's a haven for those involved in the comic book industry, those who want to be or those who just have a casual interest in the arts. Whether it is to collaborate, network or just hang with other creative individuals, XION is designed with artisans (pencilers, inkers, colorists, writers, and the like) in mind.

Our Mission Statement is deceptively intricate in it's simplicity: To further push and develop the skills of XION members while building strong friendships and network connections.
To paraphrase a great quote: Ask not what your network can do for you, but what you can do for your network.

We want to spread our mission and the crafts of our members to as many people as possible. The quickest and most effective way to expand the devWATCH base and Member base of the Group is for us the Artists and devWATCHers to spread the word about the Group. Let's shout the name of XION from the mountaintops.
So to promote the Group, the art and its artists, it's very simple and very quick:
*Put a one line entry in your next journal about the Group
*Put the Groups icon in your journal
*Submit your best works to the Group Gallery

*devWATCHers*
You don’t have to be a member of “The XION Network” to enjoy the great art that is submitted to the Group. Simply add the Group to you devWATCH and you’ll receive all the images submitted to the Group in your Deviations Inbox. Simply click the button in the left had side bar that say “+deviantWATCH”

*Applying for Membership*
If you were not approached but found out about XION and would like to be a member, you must first become a devWATCHer and all requests for membership will be carefully reviewed by the XION Advisory Board. To become a member of XION proper(meaning apart from being a member on DA), and to be entitled to premium benefits, just send a note, email or if you’re in the Philadelphia area come to a meeting and an admissions form will be provided. The opportunity now exists for artists not in the Philadelphia area to become official members of XION proper. To be promoted to special status within The XION DA group and receive all the benefits, you must first become a member of XION prime.

*Submissions*
Submit ONLY YOUR BEST images to the Group; get exposure for yourself via your best images not the average ones
LET’S KEEP IT QUALITY NOT QUANTITY
Any comic/comic book/cartoon/original character/genre mashing artwork can be submitted. While VERY LIMITED nudity is acceptable, we will try to limit the nature and content to ensure that the art is in good taste.
PLEASE NOTE: If you submit images that violate DA policies they will NOT be accepted and may get reported.

If you have any questions and or suggestions please feel free to “Send a Note”

If you've made it this far Thank you all and I'll see you in XION

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Done Color

Color

Color

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Ruff, Rugged & Raw 2010 Sketchbook is coming 55% complete.

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What is XION? It's the Philadelphia based comic book network group that's now ready to open on a global scale. It's a haven for those involved in the comic book industry, those who want to be or those who just have a casual interest in the arts. Whether it is to collaborate, network or just hang with other creative individuals, XION is designed with artisans (pencilers, inkers, colorists, writers, and the like) in mind.

Our Mission Statement is deceptively intricate in it's simplicity: To further push and develop the skills of XION members while building strong friendships and network connections.
To paraphrase a great quote: Ask not what your network can do for you, but what you can do for your network.

Brought together by Philadelphia artist Shawn Alleyne, the Xion Artist Group strives to produce great visual media in various forms.

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Xion Members on DA

We want to spread our mission and the crafts of our members to as many people as possible. The quickest and most effective way to expand the devWATCH base and Member base of the Group is for us the Artists and devWATCHers to spread the word about the Group. Let's shout the name of XION from the mountaintops.
So to promote the Group, the art and its artists, it's very simple and very quick:
*Put a one line entry in your next journal about the Group
*Put the Groups icon in your journal
*Submit your best works to the Group Gallery

*devWATCHers*
You don’t have to be a member of “The XION Network” to enjoy the great art that is submitted to the Group. Simply add the Group to you devWATCH and you’ll receive all the images submitted to the Group in your Deviations Inbox. Simply click the button in the left had side bar that say “+deviantWATCH”

*Applying for Membership*
If you were not approached but found out about XION and would like to be a member, you must first become a devWATCHer and all requests for membership will be carefully reviewed by the XION Advisory Board. To become a member of XION proper(meaning apart from being a member on DA), and to be entitled to premium benefits, just send a note, email or if you’re in the Philadelphia area come to a meeting and an admissions form will be provided. The opportunity now exists for artists not in the Philadelphia area to become official members of XION proper. To be promoted to special status within The XION DA group and receive all the benefits, you must first become a member of XION prime.

*Submissions*
Submit ONLY YOUR BEST images to the Group; get exposure for yourself via your best images not the average ones
LET’S KEEP IT QUALITY NOT QUANTITY
Any comic/comic book/cartoon/original character/genre mashing artwork can be submitted. While VERY LIMITED nudity is acceptable, we will try to limit the nature and content to ensure that the art is in good taste.
PLEASE NOTE: If you submit images that violate DA policies they will NOT be accepted and may get reported.
If you have any questions and or suggestions please feel free to “Send a Note”
If you've made it this far Thank you all and I’ll see you in XION
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