Ced Pharaoh's Blog, page 6
November 27, 2015
Creator Spotlight – Colby R Rice, Novelist | Writer Extraordinaire
Peace and thank you for taking a look and read at this latest interview! Today’s Creator Spotlight is on fantasy novelist and writer extraordinaire, Colby R. Rice. Enjoy!
Who are you? My name’s Colby R Rice, and I’m a dystopian sci-fi, sci-fi thriller, and urban fantasy novelist! I also moonlight as a screenwriter, game writer & narrative designer, globetrotter, and gourmet kitchen ninja. And I have afro puffs. And I like taro pudding. And obviously, I love to write!
Give 4 words that describe you! Ambitious, curious, wanderlust, bibliophile
Favorite Music and / or Music Artist! That’s a toughie. I’m a serious sucker for rock, ranging from alternative to heavy metal. Some of my fav bands, though, include Halestorm, Disturbed, Evanescence, and even occasionally Breaking Benjamin. I need music that speaks to me, though, so ones with really seductive lyrics and haunting beats just pull me right in. On the other hand, I do love R&B and ambient music… all great genres to write to.
Favorite Visual Artist (besides yourself 
) Uh, I’m definitely not my favorite artist, and anyone who names themselves as their favorite needs to let the gas out from between their ears, lol!
In truth, I don’t know too many visual artists, but I do have a lot of authors, filmmakers, and screenwriters that I really admire. This includes but not limited to: S.D. Perry, Shonda Rhimes, Joss Whedon, SM Reine, Morgan Rice, JJ Abrams, Stephen King, JK Rowling, Susan Kaye Quinn, Octavia Butler, LA Banks, and CJ Lyons among many others. They are really talented and prolific in their respective genres and mediums. I really want to emulate their careers (with my own authentic brand twist of course)!
Project(s) you’ve worked on!
The Given (Book 1 of The Books of Ezekiel) — novel, audiobook, paperback
The Taken (Book 2 of The Books of Ezekiel) — novel, audiobook, paperback
Ghosts of Koa (Books 1 & 2 of The Books of Ezekiel OMIBUS) — novel, audiobook, paperback
The Fantasy Portal — multi-author novel bundle
Status Quo: Chronicles of a Universe at War — video game (dialogue & mission writing)
The Ethical Slut, Seasons 1 & 2 — web series (as Line Producer)
The Life, The Grind, The Music — music docuseries (as Executive Producer)
eHow.com’s “Travel Gear” — informational web series (as Executive Producer)
“A Good Long Kiss”– student film short (as Writer-Producer)
“Black Diamonds” — student documentary short (as Writer-Editor-Producer)
Current Project(s)!
The Iron Maiden (Book 3 of The Books of Ezekiel series) — novel
Blood & Ink (Book 4 of The Books of Ezekiel series) — novel
Asylum (Book 1 of The ASYLUM series) — novel
Kopernicus, Season 1 (Season 1 of Kopernicus series) — serialized novella series
Fallout: Lonestar — video game (dialogue & mission writing)
Dream Project! It’s hard to say what my dream project is, because for one, I have at least thirty. And econdly, I already work on my dream projects in real life! But I guess if I could list one? Honestly, if NBC really does go for a “Xena: Warrior Princess” TV series reboot, I would be first in line for a staff writing job, throwing my scripts at them, and screaming “Please, PLEASE hire me! PLEASE!” Lol.
Describe the inspiration and process that led to the creation of “The Books of Ezekiel”. The Books of Ezekiel had been in my mind since late 2008, and as a bunch of story notes. It looked a lot different from the final product. Originally, BOE was supposed to be a middle grade novel series, for the Harry Potter age-group, but as it evolved and I evolved as a writer; I knew I had to gear BOE to an older audience.
At the time of BOE’s birth, I was a Sociology major at Hunter College (go CUNY!) and on my way to a PhD program at UW Madison in the same field. So I’d been studying and observing a lot of unfortunate dynamics in our society– sickness, poverty, educational disparities, discrimination, sex crime, and a lot more. I knew that I needed an outlet, some medium, to address these issues in an interesting way. Thus, Ezekiel D’jihara Anon (the main protagonist of BOE) was born.
As for inspiration, though, I’ve always looked up to my author and TV showrunner role models for hope and encouragement.
Connect with me at:
Site: http://colbyrrice.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Colby-R-Rice/328675073827448
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColbyRRice
Instagram: https://instagram.com/colbyrrice/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/colbyrrice/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/colbyrrice/about
Google +: https://plus.google.com/+ColbyRRice/about
Email: colbyrrice@rebelragdoll.com
Thank you for your time, Colby! I really appreciate it.
Support INDIE Artists & Their Projects!
Peace, Power & Prosperity!
Ced Pharaoh
The post Creator Spotlight – Colby R Rice, Novelist | Writer Extraordinaire appeared first on 360BEYOND.
November 24, 2015
Creator Spotlight: Damian Duffy – Cartoonist & Writer
Peace, here is a Creator Spotlight on the talented Damian Duffy! He keeps busy! Take a read and enjoy!!
Give 4 words that describe you! Cartoonist, writer, letterer, Dad!!
Favorite Music and Artist! Hip-hop is probably my favorite music, and Outkast or P.O.S among my favorite artists.
Favorite Visual Artist (besides yourself ): Collaborators like John Jennings, Dann Tincher, Stacey Robinson, David Brame, because they’ve all been awesome enough to lend their talents to comics I’ve written.
Project(s) you’ve worked on! A lot of comics stuff. My published works include writing/lettering the psychic junky comic Whisp, Glyph Comics Award-winning sci-fi/horror satire The Hole: Consumer Culture, and the Glyph-nominated short comic Day 8. I’ve also co-curated comics art shows with my oftentimes creative partner John Jennings, which led to our co-authorship of the art book Black Comix: African-American comics art and culture.
Most recently I’ve co-created/lettered the hip-hop Dr. Who Kirby cosmic remix comics miniseries Kid Code: Channel Zero with John and Stacey Robinson. The first issue is out now from Rosarium Publishing, with the second issue being drawn as we speak…er, type. I also have a short comic in another Rosarium book, APB: Artists Against Police Brutality, that I wrote/lettered, and Robert Love and John did the art for.
I finished the final draft of the script for John’s(Jennings) and my graphic adaptation of Octavia E. Butler’s novel Kindred. It’s due out from Abrams ComicArts in January 2017.
I also have a bunch of other comics projects in various early stages of development. Stuff like Mann Versus with my Whisp co-creator Dann Tincher, Jenni Deth, with David Brame and John Jennings. Night Boy, with John and Stacey, roughly seventy-billion projects in discussion with John, who, little known fact, exhales story ideas instead of carbon dioxide.
Not comics, I’m working on a YA science fiction novel called Vampironaut. And finishing my dissertation.
Do you have a Dream Project? Honestly, I’m not sure what my dream project is because Kindred was my dream project for a number of years. I’ve loved that novel for a solid decade. It’s been kind of a long twisting road to getting to the point of actually being production on the graphic novel, and there were times where I was certain it wasn’t going to happen. Like, there’s no way I get this honor, no way I get to help make the first visualization of Butler’s work.
Of course, once you start working on something, it’s not a dream any longer, and you spend a lot of time worrying over cutting stuff from Octavia Butler’s prose to keep the graphic novel in its required page count and give the art enough room but still do justice to the story and…. all of that.
So, I suppose I’m between dream projects at the moment.
Describe the inspiration and process you that led to the creation of Night Boy sketch (with colors by John Jennings). This is a drawing I did of the character Night Boy, a supernatural superhero story I’m co-creating with John Jennings and Stacey Robinson. Night Boy is a teen hero in the Spider-Man mold, but he’s an art nerd instead of a science nerd. Night Boy actually hates the idea of superheroes. He thinks he’s only pretending to be one.
For more info about Damian Duffy!
Business Contact:
Email – damian@eyetrauma.net
Site – damianduffy.net
Thank you Damian for your time! I appreciate it! Stay focused and continued success!
Support INDIE Creators & Their Art!
The post Creator Spotlight: Damian Duffy – Cartoonist & Writer appeared first on 360BEYOND.
November 22, 2015
Creator Spotlight: Jarvis Sheffield of Black Science Fiction Society
Peace and thank you for taking time to drop by! This next Creator Spotlight is of Jarvis Sheffield, Creator of Black Science Fiction Society.
Who are you? I am a husband and father from Chattanooga, Tennessee. I have worked within higher education for over 12 years now. I am a social media marketer, site administrator and publisher. I have been involved in various forms of multimedia for over 20 years. I am a multimedia manager having done graphic design, web design, video and animation multimedia. In addition, I teach seminars, workshops, and classes on technology and education. I am a 20 plus year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary studies from Tennessee State University where I formed a foundation of determination by living the school’s motto- Think, Work, and Serve. I have further refined my skills with hard work and integrity by earning a Master’s Degree in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University. I am currently developing education video games and completing my Doctorate in Education.
I believe we should all take personal responsibility to be positive change agents in each other’s lives. I have dedicated my life to developing myself, others and our communities.
Favorite Music and / or Music Artist! At present, my favorite music would be Neosoul. Neosoul is sort of a throwback to music I grew up with that was categorized by live instruments and raw unmodulated vocals from the artists that had real talent. My top artist in the Neo soul genre is none other than Jill Scott.
What are some books or literature that are on your personal shelf or that you are currently reading? My bookshelf is immense. I have more books than I have space for on my books shelves. A few are; Genesis Anthology of Science Fiction 1 & 2, Discovery, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Warriors of 4 Worlds, COG, Immortal, Shadow Walker Chronicles, Renpet, Braking The Curse of Willie Lynch, Black Men: Obsolete Single, Dangerous, Asleep, Awake, Skinless and several Piers Anthony and Octavia Butler titles.
Favorite Visual Artist (besides yourself LOL, I am far from an artist. Creating things has always been something I enjoy doing however. It is a good way to express yourself. Some things you just do for yourself for your own edification like singing in the shower. LOL, I would have to say that my favorite visual artist is Maurits Cornelis Escher or better know as MC Escher. Escher he was a Dutch graphic artist known for his mathematically inspired artistry. His work often featured impossible constructions, explorations of infinity, architecture, and tessellations. His artwork is visually stunning, intriguing and timeless.
Did Art choose you or did you choose Art? I think art chose me to be honest. I never set out to create. Certain ideas and concepts kind of wanted out of my head. It was sort of like being compelled to do it. For me it happens in spurts. I wrote and entire book of poetry back in the 1990s that way. Then maybe 10 years later I penned a few Sci-Fi stories.
Who or What were your earliest inspirations and present influences that inspire your art? I think my earliest influences were Star Wars, Star Trek and Twilight Zone. I used to watch the reruns of Star Trek and Twilight Zone with my older brothers. Star trek had Lieutenant Uhura and a few other Black men sprinkled in. Twilight Zone had interesting storylines. When star wars came out that sealed the deal. It was action packed, flashy and had Billy D. Williams running Cloud City.
How important is it to study your art and how do you approach keeping your skills sharp? I think if you intend to make a living off your art or want to be professional, you should devote time and effort into it to make it the best it can be. However, that is not the focus for all artists or creators. Some people like myself like to create for the sake of creation. It’s therapeutic. I know this goes against the grain of some competitive people but some things should be done for the pure enjoyment of it. Not everything in life should have a price tag attached to it. Certain things should exist strictly for their intrinsic value.
Describe the inspiration and process you that led to the creation of the BSFS. I had the concept back in 2004 but didn’t move on it until 2008. I was tired of waiting on others to move us to the next level with sci-fi. My son was the reason I actually made the move to start BSFS. When we were watching a movie, he asked me, “Why are all the black people bad guys?” I explained to the best of my ability but got a bit angry that a child would notice that at such an early age. Also, then Senator Barack Obama was making his making his mark on national politics by accenting to the highest office in the country. So, I was motivated to push myself to be the change I wanted to see. I set out to make science fiction show positive images of Black people. That is how Black Science Fiction Society was born.
I have had the great opportunity to form www.BlackScienceFictionSociety.com; Black Science Fiction Society is a non-profit organization and social network that encourages racial and ethnic diversity through various forms of media. We highlight, celebrate and develop science fiction, speculative fiction, sword and soul, fantasy, horror, movies, games and other forms of media. Also, Genesis: An Anthology of Black Science Fiction is an anthology series that features Black themed worlds of science fiction, speculative fiction, horror and fantasy. Writers that are both seasoned contributed 25 pieces of the most entertaining, eclectic and enthralling stories that will capture your imaginations from around the globe. Genesis Science Fiction Magazine is The Only Print & E-Magazine in the World Dedicated Exclusively to the Black Science Fiction Genre. Lasty, Genesis Science Fiction Radio. The Genesis Science Fiction Radio features conversations with creators and consumers about relevant topics in science fiction from a black perspective.
Current Project(s)! Currently, I am actively involved in maintaining the projects already created such as the social network, book series, magazine and radio show with the teams running them. I am currently doing voice acting with Brandon Wright on his Deadstar Animated film series as one of the characters. Also, in that same vein of animation another major project in the works is our first feature film Earth Squadron. It tells the story of what happens when Earth is invaded by aliens, only to find that the only people capable of saving Earth are the planet’s social rejects.
A couple of other side projects involve game design and toy creation. There are things I have been studying for the last few years while doing coursework toward my Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology and my Doctoral degree In Education. I want to always be thorough with the things I am involved in and have the credentials to back it up.
Dream Project!My dream project would be everything we are doing now but with a big budget. Afro-futuristic Black Sci-Fi web, video, books, magazines, games, toys, the works!
The dream of blacks making science fiction as a concept has been in the minds of many of us since we were all children watching science fiction movies and television shows such as Buck Rogers, Star Wars, Battle Star Galactica and Star Trek. Most of us have however, found that the characters that are ethnic, as a general rule most often have been relegated to secondary roles, sidekicks, stereotypes, sex objects, dope heads, not in the show at all or my favorite – the first to die in the show.
We, however, feel it is only right to present science fiction with a different face, one that is not filled with the normal negative representation of ethnic characters. We think that it is essential for characters of all colors and creeds to be represented positively and fairly. Given that, this movement is not exclusive to Black People. It is for all people but with a Black focus. We welcome all races and ethnicities to partake of our wondrous gift Black Science Fiction. I look at it as a privilege to be able to do what I do.
For more info:
Business Contact: Jarvis Sheffield, M.Ed.
Email: info@BlackScienceFictionSociety.com
Site: www.BlackScienceFictionSociety.com
Thank you for your time! I appreciate it! Stay focused and continued success!
Support INDIE Creators & Their Art!
The post Creator Spotlight: Jarvis Sheffield of Black Science Fiction Society appeared first on 360BEYOND.
November 19, 2015
Creator Spotlight: Yorli Huff-SuperHero Huff & Publisher
Peace and thank you for being patient! Here is another great Creator Spotlight! This feature is Yorli Huff | Superhero Huff! Take a read and learn what makes her SUPER!
Who are you? I am a real life superhero! Despite a difficult childhood, I was an excellent student and that dedication helped land me land a position in 1992 with the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department as a Special Drug Agent at the tender age of twenty-four. One of the few African-American undercover agents in the task force, I excelled at my work, but my rise to the top brought with it racism and discrimination. In 1997, after trying unsuccessfully to deal with that discrimination on my own, I made history by filing a lawsuit against the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department, a battle which took eleven years to win.
I am a beast who is determined to empower through various art forms. I am a powerful, international empowerment specialist and motivational speaker. I creatively use concepts and images; to open the door to set your thoughts free. I promote out of the box thinking that leads to success. I strive to provide impactful material that will implode and invade to create atmospherical change. An entrepreneur at heart, Huff is the Founder, President, and CEO of Engendering Strength, Inc., a company devoted to inspiring and empowering people.
Tell us about your projects. My first book, The Veil of Victory, is an account of my life from childhood to my victory over the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department, was published in October 2010. I am currently at work on my third book, The Making of a Prince; Superhero Huff comic book volume 4; a feature film based on The Veil of Victory, a Superhero Huff active wear line, an Agent Huff toy and t-shirt lines. They are all based on my true life story. Everything is challenging and rewarding but its all in the entrepreneurial sprit.
Describe the inspiration and process you that led to the creation of the Superhero Huff. It was created by divine intervention. A gentleman that I used to ride the train with, who purchased my autobiography, “The Veil of Victory” suggested to me one morning at 5am, “They have comics”. I was thinking in my mind what the hell is he talking about? He showed me the local paper that was advertising the comic book convention while saying you should take your book down there and let them make a comic and cartoon of your character. I looked up at him and asked, “Do you know what divine intervention you just spoke?” He just looked at me and smiled then walked away.
Besides your publishing success, what are some other career highlights? I have been featured on Allison Payne’s People to People segment, Monique Caradine Show, Perspectives, The Cliff Kelly Talk Radio Show on WVON, Lamont Brown Speaks and South Africa’s SABC radio. I was in South Africa in 2011 on a powerful speaking tour to empower, encourage and enlighten the people on matters of discrimination and abuse. I am also the recipient of the “2014 Black Excellence Award” in literature for The Veil of Victory, “Remarkable Women” award from America’s Time Out for Youth, Inc. I was honored as a “2011 Women on Top of Her Game” by American’s Time Out for Youth, Inc., and I’m on the scholarship committee for the Rhea of Hope Foundation.
What impact would you like your art to make on the world?Superhero Huff will empower, enlighten and encourage people globally to know that they don’t have to settle for anything no matter what adversity they face.
What are your favorite quotes or philosophies of life that help you improve as a person or artist? “Nothing ever really is what you think it is but you don’t know that until you get into it” – Yorli Huff
Give 4 words that describe you! EMPOWERING, ENLIGHTING, ENCOURAGING, DETERMINED
Favorite Music and / or Music Artist! Mali Music, India Ire, Chante Moore, Jill Scott
What do you enjoy watching? I enjoy seeing black people on the screen performing drama, plays and comedy.
Favorite Artist (besides yourself Mshindo
Is there anything else that you want the readers to know? I want the world to know that the impossible is possible. There is room for everyone’s success all we all have to is look up. We have all been blessed with unique talent, gifts and potential that is specific to the individual no one has it. All we have to do is tap into it and develop it, its like having your own personal guaranteed lottery ticket. Come on cash it in I DARE YA!!!
For more information on SuperHero Huff:
Business Contact:
Email – yorlip@hotmail.com
Site –www.superherohuff.com
Number 630-476-9191
Thank you for your time! I appreciate it! Stay focused and continued success!
Support INDIE Creators & Their Art!
The post Creator Spotlight: Yorli Huff-SuperHero Huff & Publisher appeared first on 360BEYOND.
November 15, 2015
Creator Spotlight – Willis Price/Glyph Sputnik, Illustrator
Peace, here is another Creator Spotlight! This time its Willis Price! Take a read and look at his art!
Tell us about yourself. My name is Willis Price Aka Glyph sputnik. I was born and raised in Chicago. I started drawing at an early age. When various adults and teachers noticed that I had a knack for drawing, they encouraged me to pursue art.
What was your earliest inspiration? I remember my inspiration clearly, my father Would doddle from time to time. Once I’d discovered that he could draw, I was all over him; asking him to draw this, or that. I’d even bug my dear Mom to draw from time to time. My fondest memory of my Dad’s drawing per my request. It was the first time he drew a picture of The Incredible Hulk for me. My Father was a pretty good artist, as far as I knew.
Favorite Music and / or Music Artist! I like 90s hip hop culture. It definitely gave me a source of inspiration. I also make music. I have a passion for music, as well as visual art. I feel that music and art are yin and yang; they must remain in balance grass hopper..lol.
My favorite artist changes from time to time, but I do love 90’s and 80’s anime styles; ninja scroll Akira ,and ghost in the shell to name a few of my faves. As far as comics, back in the day I was an Image /Marvel fan. Also, the graffiti styles and artistic expressions of other talented Brothers and Sisters inspired me to draw well. Brotherman was my joint as a kid. I remember going to the Black Expo with my Mom as a kid and seeing/talking to other artists. Seeing them sale and display their work was great for developing my entrepreneurial spirit. My childhood friend and artistic mentor, Antoine Adams, inspired me a lot also put me on to anime.
Project(s) you’ve worked on? I’ve done a lot freelance work over the years. My first big client was Lupe Fiasco back in like ’06 or ’07. He had a crew he called Righteous Kung Fu. I stay busy with doing art for various people, including Joe Currie’s of Strictly Underground Comix. I drew four issues Punx Of Rage. I’ve worked with Mathematics of Wu Tang Clan. I’m currently working on a comic book project for him and I’m doing character design for an indie game coming out soon. Also, a few other comic book projects are in the pipeline with La Morris Richmond of B.l.a.m. Comics. I’m also working on a few big projects with my sister Nikeya at House of Glyph. I stay pretty busy with freelance work. I’m grateful to god for blessing me with each opportunity.
Dream or Future Projects? I’d love to work with any and every one who is positive and who are willing to support my art. Of course, I’d love to work with the Pixars and the Marvels etc. and one day grow my own company to the level of Warner bros, Disney, or Spacely Sprockets, or Coswell Cogs, etc. Mainly, I’d love to put my own visions out there, into the main stream and receive a larger scale of recognition, appreciation of my work and higher compensation for said work.
Feel free to contact me for commissions
My email is address is glyphsputnik@gmail.com
My official web site is under construction .but for now you can check me out at glyphsputnik.deviantart.com
Thank you for your time and questions, Glyph! I appreciate it! Stay focused and continued success!
Support INDIE Creators & Their Art!
The post Creator Spotlight – Willis Price/Glyph Sputnik, Illustrator appeared first on 360BEYOND.
October 2, 2015
Cityzen/ship of Fellows | Welcome To The City!
‘The City. No one knows how it began or when it will end. No one knows how we came to be here, 20 millions souls, 1500 different species all crammed together in plascrete and biosteel. No one’s been in or out of the city in 20 centuries. Some have their theories why, some don’t care. But no matter who you are, or what you are, you have a story, don’t you? The trick is finding someone that cares to listen…’ – Milton Davis
The concept was born when Milton Davis, indie publishing extraordinaire posed a synopsis to an anthology idea. It proved to be a great writing prompt. The imagination of writers was sparked and what developed were brief blurbs, prose and poetry centered around The City. As the ideas flowed, the entire world-building session of sorts was transported to its own Facebook page where the creativity continued. At some point, The City: A Cyberfunk Anthology was officially born!
But every city needs citizens and The City is no exception.
What does Cityzenship imply? It recognizes a place among peers in a unique province or domain. Gathered together to live amongst each other; to breathe life into thoughts and dreams. This is an Honor given to those that heard and heeded the Call;
Glitch by Brandee Laird
Mission: Surreality by K. Ceres Wright
Free Your Mind by Kai Leakes
The Man With No Name by DK Gaston
Street Moon’s Revolution by Valjeanne Jeffers
Welcome To Liberty by Howard Night
Collard Greens, Humming Birds and Spider Silk by Malon Edwards
Hunter’s First Rule by Gerald L. Coleman
Edge Of Innocence by Ced Pharaoh
The Runners’ Ball by Ashtyn Foster
The Score by Chanel Harry
How High The Moon by B. Sharise Moore
The City Mole by Alan Jones
Washed Pure, Washed Clean by Ray Dean
Dreamer’s Recall by Jeff Carroll
Darkest Light by Natiq Jalil
The Verdict by Balogun Ojetade
Move by Zig Zag Claybourne
Each Creator offers a view and perspective that individually; shines a light in various corners of The City giving a peek into the secrets and mysterious going-ons. Yet collectively, that light magnifies and illuminates the greatest achievement that Cityzenship can attain…A Community. I’m proud to be in this great company of creators!
In addition to the prose, visually Eddie Moody did a great image for the cover, with design by Uraeus. Natiq Jalil created interior artwork. Also, Otis Galloway created audio mixes inspired by the project! Spearheaded by Milton Davis/MVmedia publishing extraordinaire, this anthology is a journey waiting to be taken! Each author is a guide and once you are pulled in…you may never return. Why? Well, that’s another secret to The City. To find out more, do your imagination and curiosity a favor and pick up The City: A Cyberfunk Anthology.
Ebooks available for Kindle, Nook or Kobo! Or click to pre-order the book which is available on October 25, 2015. Thank you for your support!
Read More blogs about The City and its Cityzens (authors) below:
Black Sci-Fi’s Hottest Writers Unite To Create The City!
It’s A Thing! Milton Davis, Balogun Ojetade and Natiq Jalil Bring Us Cyberfunk with The City!
The City: A Cyberfunk Jazz Session by author and publisher, Milton Davis
The City – Cyberfunk Anthology
Kai Leakes Blog: August News and Updates
The post Cityzen/ship of Fellows | Welcome To The City! appeared first on 360BEYOND.
October 1, 2015
‘Nuff Ced – Call It a Come Back (and other ramblings!)
Technical Difficulties are like glitches in the matrix!
I’ve experienced a year’s worth of tech issues in the past week.
On this day, exactly 7 days ago, a great project, The City: A Cyberfunk Anthology published by MVmedia was released as an ebook! I was too excited! Why? I’m one of 18 writers whose work is listed in the book! Awesome, right? In addition, my new website was done and ready to go! Just one problem! My site was erased as I tried publishing it! Now, it could have been my fault but I’ve been doing this for sometime and…let’s just say the file upload interface had some issue on the hosting company’s side. Anyway, I missed my day(s) to promote on my blog and other co-authors of The City: A Cyberfunk Anthology because my blog was erased too!
It took some time but my files were reloaded! Yes!
No! Everything was out of order and the site was garbage!
Luckily, I back up most all of my raw files so after Fighting through Frustration, I said Fff…. IT and I scrapped everything!
Destroy and Build!
Now I’m Back!
I
WILL
NOT
LOSE!
So here it is! My new site! Click this >> Ced Pharaoh site!
Take a look and let me know what you think! It is brand new, so I’m tweaking it but I’m adding extra items every week!
Apologies to The City co-authors, for the delay and setback! I’m back on the promotion today!
Speaking of which, I have a list of artist interviews to drop in the next week. They were delayed due to working on the new site, sorting through the tech problems and rebuilding the new site. So here is a preview of interviews to be posted very soon!
Glyph Sputnik
Yorli Huff
Damian Duffy
Stacy Robinson
My son has a site as well! The Zion Show | The Art Of Life! It is geared towards all ages. He has a lot of cool interviews and reviews that he’s done. Please check it out and leave a comment on his site as well.
Final note! Creators, artists, in fact everyone…Back UP your data! Your images, conversations etc. Anything on the web can disappear forever. Social media sites are not excluded! If those business go out of business, all of your memories will be gone too! Take some time and make copies!
I’m behind on writing so that’s it for now. The next post is dropping soon about the latest project that I’m involved in – The City: A Cyberfunk Anthology!
Stay Healthy!
Stay Positive!
Stay Kinetic!
Stay Creative!
Peace,
Ced Pharaoh
The post ‘Nuff Ced – Call It a Come Back (and other ramblings!) appeared first on 360BEYOND.
September 22, 2015
Creator Spotlight – Kandie Delley, Designer, Author & Publisher
Who are you? My name is Kandie Delley, and I’m a creative hustler. ;-). I’m a screenwriter, TV/Film graphic designer and author of 7 novellas, including the upcoming action-fantasy, Doomsday League.
You have a very distinct style, what were your earliest inspirations and how did you develop your style? My desire to be in the film industry regulates my art. I’ve been told that my designs remind people of “movie posters”, which is a big compliment. I wish I knew how to draw, and paint, and eventually I’ll take beginner classes, but I think people like Steven Chorney are one of a kind, and although I strive to be the best I can be, I also know I can’t do it all. And sometimes collaborating works best.
Project(s) you’ve worked on! In addition to my own book covers, personal and business websites. I’ve also designed digital and print marketing collateral for speakers, authors, entertainers, and entrepreneurs over the years.
My current design projects and most rewarding projects so far:
A Sure Thing rom-com novella, (eBook Cover /poster)
A Day in the Life of Sarah Jane (short film production, movie poster + website) http://sarahjanefilm.wordpress.com
Also, I did the concept and original design of my upcoming young adult, action-fantasy “Doomsday League”.
Describe the inspiration and process you that led to the creation of the Doomsday League. Doomsday League is special to me because the story has been a six-year journey. Luckily, the inspiration for the cover design had already been inside me and waiting to get out. With Doomsday League novella, I created the cover concept and original design.
Here’s why I’m excited about it. I finally experimented with fantasy sequences for a cover design with a powerful, woman of color as the heroine. I had to do quite a bit of creative cloning, strategic photo-manipulation, color-grading and mucho blending. I also recruited my niece, Ke’Anda to be the face model of Ember Dawn.
Once my work was done, I turned it over the design over a phenomenal digital artist, Masoumeh Takvoli (Tava) to add some illustration, lighting effects and fine tune the manipulations. She took my design to the next level, and I’m extremely grateful that not only did she take on the project with her busy schedule, but she’s just as excited as I am about it’s release.
The “Doomsday League” brings a band of paranormal misfits together to save the world. But what happens when the world needs saving from them? On the eve of her high school graduation, Ember Dawn learns that she’s a Sentinel, protector of The Rune Stone of Rucker’s Keep, one of five magical relics used to defeat the evil sorcerer, Nero Ignis, from casting the Harvest Spell.
Now, after centuries of peace, there’s another threat to magic and all the realms, including the dead realm, Earth, and Ember, along with her aunt Maven, a spell caster, and Archemedes, a Griffion Guard, must recruit five magical beings in order to save them all.
What impact would you like your art to make on the world? Honestly, I just provide various forms of escapism drizzled with a positive message. I hope that somehow, my books, designs, or film projects not only entertain people, but make them look deep within themselves, to the core of their humanity and really think about how they interact with one another. I want to encourage people to be the best they can be. God is no respecter of person; what he does for one, he can do for you. But you have to have faith, and put in the work too.
What are your favorite quotes or philosophies of life that help you improve as a person or artist? Biblical: Philippians 4:6-8, 2nd Corinthians 4:8-10, Habakkuk 2:10 Quote: “A ship in port is safe but that’s not what ships were built for.’
Thanks for the interview! Please don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a paperback copy of Doomsday League on Goodreads.
Kandie Delley’s information is
Website: http://www.kandiedelley.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kankan929
Facebook: Author Kandie Delley
Email –info@kandiedelley.com
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Thank you for your time, Kandie! I really appreciate it.
Support INDIE Artists & Their Projects!
Peace, Power & Prosperity!
Ced Pharaoh
The post Creator Spotlight – Kandie Delley, Designer, Author & Publisher appeared first on 360BEYOND.
September 13, 2015
Black Age XVIII is Back Home Again!
Black Age XVIIIWhen speaking about the topic of indie comics; specifically of Black Creators, Publishers and writers of comics, the name of Turtel Onli will be reverently mentioned. Called “The Father Of The Da Black Age of Comics” , he produced the World’s first Black Age Comic Convention in February 1993. It was held in the South Side Community Center in the historic Bronzeville area in Chicago. Since then the Chicago event has been held in other locations but this year its back at the SouthSide Community Center at 3831 S. Michigan Ave.
I took the opportunity to stop by on Saturday, September 12th. And it was great to see so many talented artists in attendance; John Jennings, Damian Duffy, Ashley A. Woods, Joe Currie, Ytasha Womack, Tim Jackson, Anthony Piper, Yaounde Olu, PhD, La Morris Richmond, Stanford W. Carpenter, Dr. Auburn Ellis, Alex Bradley, Brittney Comer, Tiffany Brown, Ryan Miller and of course, Professor Turtel Onli!
The exhibition “Heroes And Villains” of indie art and projects by Black Creators will be on display from September 11th – November 8th. Workshops on the History and Impact of the Black Age Movement will be held on October 10th and 17th.
Take the time and Stop by and learn about about the artists!
Support INDIE Artists & Their Projects!
Peace, Power & Prosperity!
Ced Pharaoh
The post Black Age XVIII is Back Home Again! appeared first on 360BEYOND.
September 9, 2015
Creator Spotlight – N. Steven Harris, Award-Winning Illustrator
Peace to all of my readers and thank you for your patience. Summer’s done, school is back in session and now, I can catch up with my interviews. I have a lot to share. Next up is N.Steven Harris is an award-winning illustrator. Take a read, leave a comment and share!
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ARTISTIC/DEVELOPMENT
As it relates to your earliest memory as an artist, did Art choose you or did you choose Art? I believe art choose me. I accepted and embraced it. I was always drawing scenes since childhood; from war scenes with tanks and soldiers, to cars falling off bridges and then space battles inspired by my favorite animations and Star Wars. The summer before going into high school, I wanted to tell a story. I didn’t know in what medium. Animation was too much work, so I figured comics were the next best thing. But the only problem was not being adept, or, familiar with drawing the human figure. That inspired me to start collecting comics again. The main reason I started collecting again was seeing the X-Men on “Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends” with The Juggernaut. Anyway, I digress. Up until my senior year in high school, my drawings involved a lot of trial and error. In my senior year, I had my first real drawing teacher and she was difficult. I was not used to critiques and had to get use to her honesty and not take it personally. It prepared me for college, for the teachers and students alike, because a lot of upperclassmen helped me become a better artist too. This is a big reason, why I am always available to answer any questions from young artists; whether at conventions or social media. Now, back to art choosing me. I decided in my junior year in high school to go to school for art, and it was going to be art or bust. Art was and is an intricate part of who I am, as well as storytelling. I have to do it.
Who or What were your earliest inspirations and present influences that inspire your art/comics/writing? Right now, my writing inspirations are Chris Claremont, Chuck Dixon, L.A. Banks, Robert Garrett, and maybe Bill Mantlo for some of his Micronauts. I am sure there are more. Artists are Joe Luis Garcia Lopez, Art Adams, Michael Golden, John Romita Jr., Rick Leonardi, Barry Windsor-Smith, Larry Stroman, Paul Smith, Denys Cowan, Grey Williamson, J.C. Leyendecker and there are maybe more that I forgot.
How important is it to study your art and how do you approach keeping your skills sharp? Very important. Sometimes it can be easy, or tempting to get lazy toward the end of a frustrating day of drawing, a long project or the end of a book. During those times, it may be a good idea for me to take a break and maybe look at some of my favorite contemporary artists like Olivier Copiel, Greg Tocchini, Amy Reeder, Keron Grant, Sandford Greene, Khary Randolph, Afua Richardson and others. Doing so reminds myself, there is no room for slacking off. I would do myself, the fans, peers, teachers and the medium a disservice. I allow for mistakes, imperfections, and bad days, but slacking off can’t be allowed, unless there is a real tight deadline.
What are some books that are on your personal shelf? Now that is a long list. Uncanny X-Men from John Byrne to Joe Madd, Frank Miller Wolverine limited series, Walt Simonson Thor, Enigma, George Perez Teen Titans, John Byrne Avengers, Avengers Annual 10, Arthur Adams X-Men Annuals, Cinder and Ashe, Twilight, Atari Force (Almost anything Jose Luis Garcia Lopez), Outsiders Annual by Kevin Nowlan, David Mazzucchelli Daredevil and Batman Year 1, and the Daredevil Born Again Art Book. Moebius Silver Surfer, Dan Green’s Doctor Strange Graphic Novel Shamballa, Alien Legion, anything Larry Stroman and so much more.
Are there any titles that you are currently reading? Saga, Low, Black Science, Dead Letters, Concrete Park, Doctor Mirage, RunLoveKill, Cyborg, Shaft, Miranda Mercury, Names, The Hole, and anything my friends are doing, like Khary Randolph, Alitha Martinez, Afua Richardson, Ashley Woods, Robert Garrett, Chuck Collins, John Jennings, ChrisCross, Regine Sawyer, Sara Woolley, and anybody I may have missed.
WORK/STYLE
How is it working with a co-creator or partner? Having a co-creator is great because I can bounce ideas off with Rob (Robert Garrett co-creator of Ajala), and share in the work that needs to be done in promoting, hustling, printing cost, etc. Having a partner or team in this game is priceless. Especially, one that thinks similarly.
If Art can save the world, then that makes the Artist a Superhero; and every Hero needs theme music. Name the song or songs that you listen to for inspiration as you create? I don’t know, but I would probably choose a House Music tune.
What techniques & tools do you employ to bring ideas to life? Mechanical 3.0 size pencil with a B softness, primarily. I also use a 5.0-9.0 for thick lines or shading. I use a blueline or purpleline lead for layouts and sketches. The paper I use is a Bristol board surface. Sometimes I may try Vellum, but mainly Bristol.
How would you describe your writing style or artistic technique? Still finding my writing style. Hmmm…my artistic style is somewhat open, linear, and a stylized, dynamic realism. How is that?
SOUL/ART
In terms of personal projects, what is the Flagship creative project for your company and how did you come up with the idea for the concept? That would probably be Brotherhood of the Fringe ,which has been sorely neglected. I came up with the idea many years ago, because I wanted to deal with something surrounding revolution, fighting oppression, Black people doing cool and spectacular things. I had a grand concept, going back to the late 80’s early 90’s, but did not know how to focus it. I learned to do from Grey Williamson, not long after I joined the Studio in midtown Manhattan in the 1997. I started putting pencil to paper, both writing and drawing around 1999/2000. Later Robert Garrett (Ajala, Galtow) and Regine Sawyer (Rippers, Ice Witch) helped me with my writing with dialogue and storytelling with their input.
Ajala Book 3
Ajala Book 3, Page 1What are some of the most immediate/follow-up projects? There is Ajala, which has won a couple of Glyph Awards for Best Female Character in 2014 and 2015. We are looking to have the trade ready by New York Comic Con 2015 with added and updated dialogue and some extra art. Watson and Holmes Vol. 2 TPB should be coming out sometime in fall 2015. It will include; the multi Glyph Award winning issue 6, issue 7 (chapter 2 of the trade) written by Steven Grant and Hannibal Tabu and illustrated by Dennis Calero, issue 8 (chapter 3 of the trade) written by Lyndsay Faye and illustrated by Eli Powell, issue 9 (chapter 4 of the trade) written by Lyndsay Faye and Karl Bollers and illustrated by me, N Steven Harris. I am also getting ready for a few cons coming up this fall. MECCA Con in Detroit, SOL-Con in Ohio, New York Comic Con 2015, and maybe a couple unconfirmed cons in November and December.
Talk about the difficulties of being an independent artist and the hurdles you’ve overcome to produce and publish your own works. Oh boy! I wish I could do it full-time and have the books come out more consistently. Since I am not independently wealthy, I need to take on freelance jobs. Sometimes has its own issues, like clients not paying on time. That being said, it is easier for me than writers because I can do more by myself and make it look, at least, presentable. Writers have to either, collaborate, or hire an illustrator and rely on someone outside of their control to be reliable and professional.
What is your preferred medium for your stories; comic book, graphic novel, animation or movie? Graphic novel, because I love the storytelling medium. But, I would love for my property to be an animation or movie.
Here’s a fun question. Name a mainstream project/character or an independent project and/or character that you’d love to work on or revamp and what would you do to put your twist on it? For some reason, I keep coming up with Daredevil and Silver Surfer. They would just be fun to draw. I really loved the Mazzuchelli and John Romita Jr. issues.
For the independent artist, how has technology affected the way you are able to do business or make progress on your art? As far as promoting, reaching out to fans, networking, and making books…it has been a Godsend! I haven’t done work digitally except for Photoshop coloring, so I can’t speak on that yet.
What are the conferences that are on your yearly schedule to attend? Harlem Black Comic Festival at the Schomburg, C2E2, Kids Con, Bronx Heroes Con, ECBACC (East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention), Special Edition New York Comic Con, Onyx Con, MECCA Con, New York Comic Con and Urban Action Showcase. New this year was IBEON in Long Island, New York, and coming up in October will be SOL-Con in Ohio.
What advice do you give to aspiring artists of all mediums about the importance of events and how do you prepare to maximize your potential at these fairs? Doing events is very important. It gives me an opportunity to meet the fans and garner more. People like a face to face that social media doesn’t offer. Also, this give me an opportunity to compile a mailing list. I can keep fans and potential abreast of when new books come out, projects I am working on, events I will be attending, etc. Karama Horne a.k.a. Blerdgurl wrote in her blog on 25 Reasons Why You Don’t Make Any Money at Comic Cons. This is from a consumer point of view and it goes for those new to vending as well as veterens of the convention circuit. ( http://theblerdgurl.tumblr.com/post/121104481939/25-reasons-why-you-dont-make-any-money-at-comic )
LIFE/EXPRESSION
On the idea of Art Imitates Life or Life Imitates Art, is the role of Art in human existence a catalyst for behavior and community building or is Art a mirror to reflect the world of what was and what is? I believe art is more than a mirror to our condition or reality. Art is a means by which visions are proposed, and expressed. Not only can I illustrate a reality, but can I see a different reality? Can I describe a far-flung fantastic fantasy? Can I envision a possible solution to a problem? Artists are problem solvers, from solving a problem for a corporate entity to solving problems for social justice.
Due to budget cuts for schools, classes and after-school programs, primarily in black and Latino communities, the youth are not getting exposed or are exposed to very little physical education and the arts. How important do you feel the arts are to the lives of the youth? Art is very important. Art encourages thinking outside the box. It relates to the above question you asked. Art promotes seeing the whole picture and seeing how topics, world events, politics, history, and garbage collecting relate.
To bridge the gap between yourself and the world, do you belong to any artist groups or forums? Yes. While I belong to many Facebook groups, the most important one is organized by artist Khary Randolph, artist of Skybound’s Tech Jacket, DC’s We Are Robin. The group is Drink and Draw NYC which meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month. It’s important because we meet face to face, interact, and talk to one another. There is a model, drawing and drinking, and/or socializing and networking. Lots of shit talking too! I would say the networking is incidental because we have so much fun at the event. We sometimes go hang out and get something to eat afterwards. It’s something I always look forward to attending.
Give the name and address of your sites and forums where people can see your creativity and how people can get in contact with you for commissions and/or to follow your work? People can find my work at www.nstevenharris.deviantart.com www.nstevenworks.com I am on Twitter @NStevenHarris and Tumblr at nstevenh. Check me out on Facebook at NSWorks (https://www.facebook.com/pages/NSWorks/63578016859) Ajala: A Series of Adventures (https://www.facebook.com/AjalaASeriesOfAdventures) and N Steven Harris (https://www.facebook.com/nstevenharris). And of course, my e-mail, at harris_56@msn.com.
What impact would you like your art to make on the world? I would like my work to be seen and responded to, at least. At most, bring about world peace. Either way, if I can make a little money in the process as well, all of that would be awesome. I love doing storyboards but only a very few get to see that work and it does not speak to me like comic book storytelling does. Comic book or graphic novel storytelling allows me to express my vision and ideas and it has the potential to go worldwide and has gone worldwide when I did work for Marvel and DC. However, if Ajala or Brotherhood of the Fringe, which is more reflective of my ideas, were to get worldwide recognition… now that would be AWESOME!!
What are your favorite quotes or philosophies of life that help you improve as a person or artist?
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.”
― Frederick Douglass, Frederick Douglass: Selected Speeches and Writings
“There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance next time.” — Malcolm X
“Don’t be in a hurry to condemn because he doesn’t do what you do or think as you think or as fast. There was a time when you didn’t know what you know today.” — Malcolm X
And one last one is from the 10 virtues which can be found in the book Stolen Legacy . It ’ s sort of a code I and few other brothers try to live by. T he first 2 of 10 are:
Control of Thought
Control of Action
Is there anything else that you want the readers to know, feel free to elaborate? Use social media wisely. We never know who is looking.
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Thank you for your time, N.Steven! I really appreciate it.
Support INDIE Artists & Their Projects!
Peace, Power & Prosperity!
Ced Pharaoh
The post Creator Spotlight – N. Steven Harris, Award-Winning Illustrator appeared first on 360BEYOND.
