Dear Reader,
As the last of the ash from the ‘sunset fire’ settles on my balcony I find myself unsure how to start this telegram. This week has been a mix of shock, hopefulness and uncertainty in LA. I began the week unboxing new stock for the 2025 con circuit which pivoted to stuffing as much of my life as I could fit into the car when fire burst out across Runyon Canyon— we live a small ways outside of the evacuation zone, but growing up in Australia I’ve always been a believer that if you can walk to the fire then it’s time to leave. Being given time to collect your belongings and think out an exit strategy is a gift in these situations, one I was not going to take for granted.
It was a shock to see the hills at the end of the street burst into flames in real time— I’m still processing this. I’m thankful that the outcome was no more than a little shock but it has been an emotionally exhausting week, so many people have lost everything and sadly the destruction isn’t over.
As of right now there are 4 active fires in the LA county area, with 2 that have 75% containment and 2 that have around 11-15% containment. For anyone who is looking to help or find places to donate to, LAist has a great list of options here!
I wasn’t originally writing to you to reflect on the LA fires, I had hoped to share some updates for 2025, celebrate some Bad Blood news and talk a little about what I hope to achieve in the coming months. In the spirit of keeping sane I’m going to continue with this telegram in the hopes of focusing my attention on something productive— It’s a strange feeling to be surrounded by fires but also in a safe location.
Bad Blood DOTY Award Nomination
If I can have moment to make a 180 degree pivot in mood from the opening of this telegram— I cannot believe I’m writing this! This morning I woke up to an email from the Deck of The Year awards academy letting me know that Bad Blood was nominated for TWO awards this year, for both best pips and best extras— WHAT!?
This is a first for me, I’m very honoured to have been nominated and especially chuffed to be nominated in these two categories. Both the extras (the comic and the journal) and pips were key to bringing the murder mystery concept to life. This is a project I’m very proud of and it’s very heart warming to receive community recognition.
If you have 5 minutes to click the link below and give Bad Blood a vote I would greatly appreciate it! You can scroll through and check out the nominees at the top of the page— there are some truly incredible designs! The voting form is just below the scroller, you can vote for all categories or just the ones that tickle your fancy!
2025 Goals
At the start of each year I like to put my career hopes and dreams onto a vision board and into the world. It’s a silly little ritual I have, I like to think it keeps me focused— feels better than stacking my desk with crystals and rabbits feet?
This year I’m hoping to;
Land a job with a big company (Target, Disney, Pottery Barn)
Work on a children’s book
Complete a new deck of cards with a narrative concept
Better balance my freelance and convention income (market depending)
Let’s see how the year goes!
The Gallery
I’ve been continuing to work on pieces for my portfolio, leaning into more commercial concepts, buildings and scenes. I’m now only one piece away from finishing my postcards from LA series— I’ll have these available as a set as soon as I’m done!
I had a lot of fun last week with a mock design for a soup cook book, inspired by one of my go to home cooks, Brita Cooks.
2025 Shows
Myself, Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa and Eduardo Ferigato will be heading to Chennai Comic Con in India this February— an exciting start to the convention circuit! I’m very much looking forward to seeing some sights and indulging in local cuisine. If you have any travel tips or recommendations please drop them in the comments!
This is how the year is shaping up so far!
Pasadena Comic Con | Jan 26
Chennai Comic Con India | February 8-9
Nashville Comic Con | March 1-2
ECCC | March 6-9
Wonder Con | March 28-30
Comic Con Revolution | May 17-18
SDCC | July 23-27