This being the start of a new year (the Jewish New Year, but a new year just the same), I can’t think of a better way to have started it than working SPX for Ross.

It was an excellent experience and I thank Ross for asking us to do it.  (Not that there would have been any question about it.)  I know Ross was not happy he couldn’t be there, and I totally understand that.  (I think he would have made more sales had he been there.)  Still, if one of his friends hadn’t been so inconsiderate as to have planned his wedding this past weekend, well, I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to have had as much fun as I did.  (Plus, I had a chance to see Ross–can’t ever pass on that!)

I’d like to thank everyone who stopped by to say, “Hi”.  I would thank you by name but I wouldn’t want to offend anyone if I left them out.  There were a number of people who thought we (Ross’s Dad and his brother) were the artist and when I explained that we were just subbing, they seemed surprised we would do it.  I don’t understand why, I am Rossmom, after all, why think I would do anything else?

Just to make it clear–there is absolutely no way I could come close to doing what Ross does–I don’t have his imagination and I certainly can’t draw.  Believe me, you would have a tough time being able to decipher one of my stick figure drawings.And, yes, there were still some people who came by and were surprised to see Rossmom–a real, live person.  Really guys, I am real; I do exist; I really was there!  (I am glad no one wanted to pinch me to make sure.)

As to what I expected, well, I hadn’t realized how much work is involved in preparing for a convention:  determining what items to bring and how much; deciding on the best layout; transporting everything to the venue; setting it all up to view at the best angle; making sure you are covered for breaks (of course, I didn’t want to miss anything so I really didn’t believe in any breaks except those when your body says–“Now”); getting a chance to see the expo; breaking the table down at the end of the show; transporting it all back; recounting the inventory, etc., etc. etc.  Whew, I’m tired just thinking about it.  And, Ross does it by himself!!!!!  Kudos to you!–that’s dedication and lots and lots of stamina!

Of course the payoff is worth it–meeting fans, making new ones and, last, but not least, selling merchandise!

I definitely got a glimpse of the work and the payoff:  I met many fans of the most excellent The System; hopefully garnered new fans and sold merchandise.  I made many new friends which is terrific and what I knew was verified–you are a great bunch!!!  I wasn’t at all surprised to see Ross has so many loyal fans; it was great to have a chance to meet and talk with some of you.

Anyway, thanks to all of you who were there and most of all, thanks, Ross for letting me in on some of your fun.  (I’m available anytime.) 🙂

Wow, so much to talk about!

The System at SPX This Weekend

Yep, you can find The System at SPX, the Small Press Expo, all this weekend! Unfortunately, I won’t be there. WHAT you say? What kind of RIDDLE IS THIS!? The answer is simple. I booked a table at SPX but then found out I had a wedding to attend. What’s a comic artist to do when he doesn’t have anyone else to fill in for him? What anyone would do. Ask the most notorious commenter on the site to fill in: ROSSMOM.

If you are attending SPX, be sure to stop by Table G4 where my parents will be happy to sell you prints, shirts, and comics from the HilariAwesome.com store. They’ll also happily tell you embarassing stories about the time my brother pooped in the corner and tried to blame it on me. It’s a real win-win.

Also at SPX on Saturday night is SUPER ART FIGHT. More info here!

Site News: Back Button Fixed

That’s right! After MANY emails and tweets, the great developers from up on high have spoken: A working “previous comic” button from the homepage! You can now use it at your whims. Next up is fixing the size of images in the RSS feed, which will happen soon.

Why the lack of updates?

Finally, a quick note about the updates. I was hoping to put together a heartfelt and insightful post about what’s been going on over here at The System, and I still plan to, but for now the quick answer is this. I’m starting a new design firm and have been busy with some tough decisions about grad school. I’ll expand from there later.

Have a great weekend, all!

Also too busy to draw new piles. Those are the same ones from 605.

Also also, Lori, our lovely (and very busy!) site developer, assures me that the “previous” button on the homepage will be done soon! Can’t wait!

Which makes the age of the Internet the most freeing and terrifying thing.

Any time bikes + design + pretty things shows up, I have to share it. It’s like some sort of weird rule of my life. This was made by STUDENTS (I’m jealous).

VELO from MOTIONLAB on Vimeo.

Found via Laughing Squid.