Recently, my blogger buddy, Sara Healy, commented to my post Your Life as a Comic Strip saying,
“Lori,
First of all…I dare you to share your comics at your site :~) Remember it’s in the Blogger Book of Code that when given a dare, the blogger must respond or face the consequences of the very scary Blog Blob — trying saying THAT ten times.”
Before further comment, I must say Sara and her blog are delicious. She’s interesting, talented, and I adore her. Sara, you ROCK! Also, before continuing, I hope to all that is good in this world that her buddy (and my new pal, too) Tony Single is not reading this. Tony, Master Comic, if you do stop by I kindly request you to avert your eyes. And dear reader, please visit Tony’s site to experience tons of fun and great writing, too.
Back to Sara’s dare
At first I thought, Oh hells no! No way! I only do this for fun. Why would I want to do a silly thing like that? Expose my shenanigans to the world?
Then I let it simmer for a few days. And my insides started bubbling.
(Meanwhile, I’m frantically looking for more information about the Blog Blob, no stone unturned.)
Despite feeling like I’m showing up to class—and after I find my seat—I realize I’m naked, like I do in my nightmares sometimes, I decided to honor Sara’s request. Sweet reader, be gentle. OK?
To make this a little more interesting (maybe), I’ll show you my “artist process”—how I go about making a comic.
Step One: Get the idea for the frame. What will be the basic idea for the cartoon? I think this is absolutely the most challenging part. Seriously, try this and you’ll experience what I mean. For me, it’s fun making comics out of fairy tales or about goofy sayings we all spout forth. This time I decided to make a spoof about Humpty Dumpty.
Step Two: Start sketching. For me, this is probably the most enjoyable part. Here’s my sketch for the comic. I sketch in pencil first, then refine with pen&ink and erase the pencil marks:
Step Three: Scan in *.eps format to my Mac then transfer to my iPad and add a splash of color. Here’s the result thus far:
Step Four: Transfer back to my Mac, use Adobe Illustrator to add the text balloon, frame, and text elements. Finally, open image in Photoshop to add finishing touches (e.g., contrast, light adjustments, sizing, formatting for web, etc.). And, VOILA! I’ve avoided the Blog Blob, Sara!
Enjoy your day today, lovelies! Thanks again to Sara for issuing this dare. I had good fun.
My question for you: do you remember a time someone dared you to do something? How did it turn out?
P.S. RAOKA: Wisdom day is coming Wednesday this week (US time). If you care to add a post regarding your thoughts about wisdom or instances of wisdom you’ve seen, experienced, or passed on, write a post and link it to mine (see instructions about how to do that at my post Wednesday). Or play along in the comments! Email me if you’d like more information about the RAOKA Crusade.
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tim Piotrowski, JaneBeNimble. JaneBeNimble said: I responded to a dare from lovely @SBhealy at @JaneBeNimble eep! –> Avoiding the Blog Blob http://bit.ly/brDL39 [...]
Hi Lori,
That was fun watching your comic process. I don’t know how you people do this…I’m not talented in the area!
A dare…I was a Sophamore in High School and staying at a friend’s house in the city. There was a bar/restaurant near her home. We ordered a pizza and walked to pick it up. The cashier handed me the pizza and got distracted with another customer. We waited 5 minutes for her to come back so we could pay her…finally my friend said, “Let’s run!” We did. I stole the pizza. We never got caught and that was the end of my pizza lifting days!
Tess The Bold Life´s last [type] ..Freedom- Rapture -amp Being Alive
Hi Tess,
I don’t know how comic artists do this either, talented comic artists (like Tony) blow my mind. They’re sooo good! I just dink around and never had formal training.
Thanks for including me in the pack, though. I’ll never forget it.
OMG, too funny about the pizza, Tess. Ha ha, Tess the Bold Life boldly takes a pizza and runs! Now, THAT’S BOLD! ha ha
A really long time ago, I was having lunch with a friend, and we got to chitter chattering, went to pay the bill, and somehow our wires got crossed (she thought I paid it and I thought she paid it). We were on a road trip of sorts, and about 40 miles down the road we see a police car with lights on behind us. He pulled us over for not paying our restaurant bill! (And, it was a Pizza Hut or something like that, not a high-brow place.) He escorted us back to the restaurant all 40 miles and I’ll never forget how awful it was to face the restaurant owner and try to explain what happened. “Falling on deaf ears,” is an understatement. All’s well that ended well, but it was really embarrassing!
Thanks for sharing, sticky pizza fingers.
~xo
Lori, your cartoon is very funny! I think that was a tragic decision on Humpty Dumpty’s part indeed!
I like your process. You had clearly thought out where the speech bubble would be within that layout and drew it accordingly (even some professionals forget to do that). And you clearly know what programs to utilise to get the desired result.
Being a philistine, I use a PC for all my colouring needs. Like you, I draw everything by hand (even the lettering and speech bubbles!), then scan it into Adobe Photoshop and do my colouring there. It’s a wonderful, calming process that I enjoy very much. Your process seems much the same!
Oh, and like you I have never come across the Blog Blob before. I may have to watch my back from now on!
Hi Tony,
Oh no, on no you di-in’t! You were supposed to avert your eyes! Eeeeeeppp!
OK, now I am a reader of your blog for life. You’re so kind, Master Comic Artist Tony. And, how kind to say nice things about my little goofy comic. That was very sweet. (*blush*) Thank you.
Well, except for the fact that you’re one of those PC types. Don’t worry, I forgive you.
You’re right, it *is* very calming. I’m sure 80% of the reason I draw is for art therapy. It really helps me feel good, especially the times I physically can’t type so well.
So, yes, Master Tony, please do watch your back. I created that little blog blob as I think it might look, but who knows, it could be anywhere!
Thanks again for visiting and your kinds words. It was very challenging for me to post this, so it means more than you know.
Hey Lori!
So the mystery is solved!! We now know what led to Humpty falling off that wall! (thank YOU!!)
And…I LOVE that you’ve shared this part of you here…so cool to see! (thanks, Sara, for coaxing this out…via the BLOG BLOB!!)
I recall a game we played in high school that involved a series of dares – spread out like clues. What a fun activity that was (perhaps it helped that we were in a group…)!!!
Lance´s last [type] ..My Hope For You
Hey Lance Mr. 26.2!
Aww, thanks Lance. I’m not sure why, but I really like to think of “backstories” for Fairy Tales. I think there’s always something going on behind the scenes. ha ha
You need to expand on that series of dares, Lance. It sounds awesome and like a good story! And, oh yeah, the group effect makes it 10X more fun (or scary?).
Enjoy Lance, enjoy!
~xo
Lori:
I’ve got to say your comic strip is awesome! I’m very glad you honored Sara’s request/dare and decided to share here. You might be onto something, you know. It was also enjoyable to see your creative process unfold. As far as the question you posed…I can’t remember the last time anyone dared me to do anything. BUT, I am at the point in my life that if anyone told me that I could NOT do something…I KNOW I would prove them wrong. Thanks for a creative, humorous post and for introducing us to some new people in your post!
Tim´s last [type] ..Rock Star Innovation- Thomas Edison
Hi Tim,
YOU are awesome. You always make me feel so good about what I do. I swear, everyone needs a friend like you — you really made my day, Tim.
I see that about you, Tim, your drive and spirit. You never let anything get in your way and take things in stride. I think it’s remarkable how you handle everything on your plate. I think you are graceful in your life — and I don’t necessarily mean in a physical way, I mean I an spiritual and emotional way that exudes faith and warmth even in times of strife.
Thumbs up, Tim, and maybe I might post another comic again and see where this takes us.
Hey Lori-Bug!
This is awesome! I enjoyed reading about your process. I always like learning about the thought processes that people utilize, so I enjoyed this post a lot! Plus the comic itself is hilarious! You rock!
Jay´s last [type] ..On The Dark Side
Jay Bird!
Hey master Jay, Jay of all Jays, Maestro Jay, Jay of the Jukebox — how’s things?
YOU ROCK (!), thanks so much for being an awesome friend. You are so right on — I enjoy that too, learning how people think through things. I find it fascinating. I’m glad you agree. Thanks for laughing. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s a lot more fun than reading about your psoas, right? (LOL)
Lori, you have done something monumental here. I think the implications will be felt for years, nay, generations to come.
You have officially brought back the word…”RAD!!”
Your place in the blogging/cartooning/awesomeness hall of fame is secure!
Hi Joshua,
OMG, I just had the realization that I might be old enough to be your mother and totally dated myself with that comic (I’m laughing right now). What the hells do you mean, “…brought back the word…”? Where did it go? (Again, I’m laughing.)
OK, I’m officially framing your comment — blogging/cartooning/awesomeness hall of fame? Oh, no, you can’t be serious (said with my eyelashes fluttering).
You’re awesome, Joshua. Thanks for stroking my ego. I’ll take it any day — and twice on Sunday!
(ha ha) No, seriously, this was good fun, thanks for joining in the magic carpet ride.
Hi Lori! I’m SOOO glad I stopped by (getting caught up cuz I’m up at the lake) to see this talent of yours! What fun! I’m glad Sara challenged you (thanks Sara) and it is just great to see your joy explode in the blogosphere! Thanks for sharing!
Hugs
suZen
Hey Suzen of Sweet Awesomeness,
How ya’ been? I hope all is well. Great recent post about icky Micky Dees. I despise that chain. Always have.
Anyhoo, have fun at the lake! That’s very cool! Well, I’m not sure I’d call my post a talent, it’s more like art therapy for me. I don’t have to put very many words together to make a comic and can just scribble and color, just like in grade school. Like Tony says, it’s very relaxing.
Thanks for popping by — I think you’re the bomb.
~xo
Hi Lori!
Dudette, I love your comic! Maybe they should become a regular feature on here, aye?
Hmm this “very scary Blogger Blob” has me a little concerned. From the looks of it, it could wreak some serious havoc! I’m gonna avoid that dude.
Keep it up Lori, you’re doing good things here on Jane Be Nimble. It’s like a candle lit in a darkened room!
Keith´s last [type] ..Sunday Stillness
Hi Keith the Kind Man!
Hey, my friend, great to see you again. Seeing you here is like meeting one of my friends walking down the street. Awesome! How’s things?
You are amazingly kind and such a great guy. I’ve always enjoyed your posts and comments — thanks so much for all of them. A regular feature? Hmmm, well, hmmm, well, hmmm, well…thanks for putting the bee in my bonnet. I have to start thinking about that one. I suppose it’s like anything else, getting over that initial fear (not good enough, not gifted enough, people will hate it, etc.). I’ll keep the thought brewing.
Oy vey, such a nice thing to say — that my blog is like a candle lit in a darkened room. Keith, that’s really what I want this blog to be about. You captured how I really think about this blog, wow, that is very cool.
Keep up the great work, Keith. You’re awesome!
~xo
Lori,
Coolio! Yet another talent from our illustrious Jane!! I love it.
Good thing she didn’t double-dog dare ya, eh?
Lucky us, me thinks. More stuff to love ya about.
George
George Angus´s last [type] ..The Coffee House Internet Warrior
Hi George the Great Unplugged Master Blogger,
(I’m not sure why I’m making up nicknames for my commenters today, I guess this post put me in a punchy mood.)
Oh yeah, definitely being double-dog dared would have certainly had me pushing up daises. This was almost too much for me. You’re making me blush a thousand shades of red. You’re support over the year had been so lovely, delicious, and sweet. You’re kind of like that soft fuzzy peach that people want keep around all the time. I’ll do that, me thinks, as long as you don’t mind.
Lori, your cartoon is hilarious. I love it! And you know, it would make a good New Yorker cartoon. Oh, and that Sara. She just has a way about her doesn’t she? She gently dared me to sing on my blog, and yes, I took her up on it. And it turned out fine. She did not threaten me with the Blog Blob, but maybe she was just being easy on me?
Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last [type] ..Meaning Mondays- Lazy
Hi Patty the Pearly Wisdom Teacher,
(Again, not sure why I’m making up nicknames as I go, just feel in the mood.)
You made a great point, I’ve had a subscription to the New Yorker for years and I always thumb though the cartoons first thing, then get to reading the articles. But, the cartoons come first. So, you saying this could be a New Yorker cartoon really made me smile. Tks!
Yes, Sara is very amazing and sweet. Agreed. Hey, I didn’t know you sang on your blog — I MUST go hunt for that post! THAT IS AWESOME, PATTY. I have to hand it to you — it’s one thing to post my comics, but to sing on my blog, no way! You’d have to force me to do that or face severe consequences! Eeeppp! That’s great that it turned out fine. It’s amazing what we can do with a little nudge, yes?
Enjoy your lazy days, Patty. Take a break. Take twelve. In this one life we get to live, what’s the rush?
~xo
Hi Lori .. I’m sure I’ve been dared something – and probably avoided it .. because I’d fail hopelessly – a trait so many of us seem to share!
Well done though .. and that was brilliant seeing process through .. I must come back and methodically follow it through – but I can’t use half those programmes .. so sometime in the future!
The positive worst that happened to me – was they gave ma gorilla gram when I left South Africa in a party format with all my mates – 100+ .. it was awful .. I hated every moment of it .. and had to really talk to myself to get through without being too mean and manky!! Hate those things .. fine for others .. but NOT FOR ME!!!!
Go well and enjoy the week .. Hilary
Hilary´s last [type] ..Hotspur- the Duchess and The Poison Garden
Hi Hilary,
Thanks for giving me some warm fuzzies about my comic. I can use all I can get! (ha ha)
I think I know what a gorilla gram is — is that when someone comes to you in a gorilla suit and embarrasses you? If I’m right, oh my, yes, I’d be the same way about it. I don’t like that, either.
Thanks for sharing that story, Hilary, I always enjoy your comments.
Enjoy your week across the pond!
Lori – you’re right .. just about the pits – I’d never thought they’d do it .. but I should have guessed I suppose – but I was blissfully oblivious until the moment – then my heart sank!!
Your fuzzy blob character is great .. wish I could remotely draw .. but no .. not for me! Like riding a horse .. or playing the piano ..
Still no doubt loads of other talents!! Look after yourself and have fun today .. Hilary
Hilary´s last [type] ..Hotspur- the Duchess and The Poison Garden
Lori,
I LOVE IT:~) I am so sorry I missed this. I love the Blog Blob creature and your cartoon is great. It’s so cool that you took up the dare.
I also enjoyed reading about your process. You did a great job with a new version of Humpty Dumpty:~)
Gotta another idea. The Blog Blob you created could become the blogging version of the I Dare You Award. You know how much we bloggers love awards:~)
It would go out when someone says something they want to do, but they haven’t done yet. The Blog Blob steps in and dares them???? You could lots of fun with this. I still can’t say it fast.
Oh, you are so creative and thank you for sharing this. You can now pass on the Blog Blob Award with honors!!
Sara´s last [type] ..A Parable Below the Surface
Hi Sara,
Hey, thanks for popping over here for a look-see.
You didn’t miss a thing, you started all this, and now you’re finishing it! (ha ha)
You are welcome to use the Blog Blob any time, Sara, I’m not so good at posing dares. Ever since I dared my girlfriend on the playground to do a double cherry drop and she fell and broke her arm, I avoid dares.
Look at you, though, all creative and such. I’ve been enjoying your site to the hilt and very much enjoyed your recent post about the parable with all the reader responses. How cool!
Keep up the great work, lovely.
~xo