...So naturally, I'm going to ignore it ;P

So on Tuesday I went to the Tokyopop portfolio review at their headquarters in LA. All in all, I'm quite glad I did go...it was even worth the ten bucks I shouldn't have paid for parking. ;) It was a smaller gathering than I imagined, but then again, it seems the TP office is just a small part of a much, *much* larger office complex. There were more older artists there than I imagined as well (I guess in my prejudice I assumed the vast majority of manga artists were of the young adult variety?)

As far as the presentation goes, to be honest, it wasn't anything I hadn't heard before, except for a few new points. I took notes during the presentation all the same. It was mentioned that they prefer making large changes at the thumbnail stage for graphic novel projects, which I was glad for, since I really don't like editing the finished pages. ;) It seems they're also really expanding into new publishing territories, what with now introducing original fiction with illustrations, *and* there's the possibility of short stories and anthologies. I would totally buy those if they came out...I love reading anthologies. ^^ It was fun seeing some not-yet-released covers for the new OEL manga that are coming out soon (woohoo!) and the editors had a *lot* of good things to say about the Pseudome forums, which I thought was cool. (Now if only the forums would come back up... *sob*)

What was *really* worth my time, I think, was talking to the editors themselves for the portfolio review. I got to talk to two of the editors, Tim and Paul (I think Tim Beedle? XD) and basically showed six pages of the 'Artifactory' story. Overall, they liked it, and had only a few nitpicky things to say: mostly that my toning needed some reassessment (duh), that I could do with some panel variation, and of course a bit of work on anatomy as a whole. Basically, most of it was stuff I already felt needed work. However, they said that a lot of this is worked out over time during a book deal. I was also really pleased to hear that they thought my inking and layouts were good, (both things I was unsure about) and they *really* liked my writing and dialogue. Best of all, they actually remembered the RSOM stories I entered into the contest several years ago! Apparently the Puca story at least was a contender for a place in the book, which makes me extremely happy. XD

They suggested that I team up with someone else to help with the art and such, since apparently they've had people back out of contracts because they couldn't handle the work. I wanted to blurt out "I can handle the work! I have the work ethic of a drone ant on speed! I finished a solo five-minute animation in one year WHILE doing full time-school and a comic on the side, for frell's sake!" Buuuut obviously, that's something I'll need to prove, not just say. And for that matter, I don't mind collaborating, provided it's with someone I know and trust.

Speaking of...Wyna, we need to get cracking on our collaboration RSOM entry! I know we'll completely rock as soon as we solidify a good story idea! XD

Bottom line for the review: they liked it, they remembered stuff I'd done before, and they wanted me to email them more work. Woohoo and party-ness! XD Along with next RSOM, I should really get cracking on a formal pitch for one of my story ideas. While I'd really like to do the werewolf one, after chatting with them about the Biker!Jesus RSOM entry (which was highly amusing!) we came to the conclusion that while the story idea may be interesting, the aspect of religion makes it an issue for the marketing department. Le sigh...why am I not surprised? *glares at religious and manga publishing communities for not accepting each other* It seems that story-wise, my best bet is to pursue the gas station story. I just wish I was more enthusiastic about that one...I know I can draw it, it's just a matter of drawing it for 450 pages straight. I'd like to tackle the 'Artifactory' story too, but it needs a definite middle and end.

Many, many possibilities to pursue...now to choose the right one... *contemplates*

All in all, I'm very glad I made it out to the TP headquarters that day. The portfolio review alone was worth me getting lost in downtown LA on the way home. ;) If nothing else, it's more incentive to work hard and improve my drawing skills! Hooray for editorial encouragement! *DRAMATIC POSE*

Also, the internship goes on as ever. Aside from the usual work, I've also been doing a bunch of storyboard editing. That's fun for me, since I love working with storyboards...I could easily see myself being a storyboard artist as opposed to strictly a character designer or animator. I'd probably need a lot more practice in actual film creation, however, and how cameras are used and such. I mostly love storyboarding and thumbnailing because I love planning how something will move and act on the finished product.

Methinks I need to start updating the journal more frequently, and in smaller incriments...I just tend to do it on a weekly or twice-weekly basis, it seems. o_O

Operator status Fairly busy, but that's to be expected.

SW: Episode III puppet show completion status: 5% Started writing the script for the parody. I wish I was more inspired, however, as the comedy's not quite coming to me at the moment. ;_;

Drawing: About 50% done with the next silly KH fanart. I finished drawing all of the pieces of the Hollow Bastion map, and now am moving on to the *very* difficult process of putting them all together into the finalized map. Sheesh, this reverse-engineering is complex...I have a newfound respect for game environment creators. o_O

Writing: Just finished beta-ing 1.12 of Red Destiny...it's on the site now, woohoo! XD We're finally getting back on track with that, and will probably have the rest of Book 1 up before Anime Expo. Swanky! Will also try and work more on the puppet show script today after lunch.