Fri, 12 December 2014
Episode 31: Wendy and Adron have a delightful discussion with artist and YouTube breakout star Mary Doodles. You may have seen Mary’s gorgeous, hypnotic, and often hilarious time-lapse paintings and drawings on her YouTube channel. She also produces art tutorials in her “How to Art” videos. Her artwork and engagingly whimsical personality have earned her main YouTube channel almost 247,000 subscribers. She also has a secondary channel, “More Mary Doodles”, which hosts her video blogs about art and entertainment, which has almost 27,000 subscribers of its own. Mary was also recently featured in the "Ghostbusters vs Mythbusters" episode of Epic Rap Battles of History. (She played Mythbuster Kari Bryon.) |
Fri, 5 December 2014
Episode 30: We talk with serial entrepreneur, writer and comics artist Josh Blaylock, founder and publisher of Devil’s Due Entertainment. Devil’s Due currently publishes a number of creator-owned comic book titles, including Squarriors, Plume, Drafted, Solitary and Josh’s own Mercy Sparx. Josh also recently launched Blockhouse - his nerd-trepreneur incubator and umbrella for business endeavors outside and alongside comics. |
Tue, 18 November 2014
N4AL's Wendy and Adron talk with professional costume designer and author Kristin M. Burke! Kristin just finished a two season run on the immensely popular Fox television series Sleepy Hollow. And though that show has exposed her work to a broad new television audience, she’s better known for a resume of over 50 films, including The Conjuring, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, Insidious (1 & 2), Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2, Sex Drive, Crazy, Bring it On Again and many, many more. Kristin is the co-author of Costuming for Film: the Art and the Craft, a college-level textbook on the ins and outs of designing costumes for films. This book is also intended to reach industry professionals looking to broaden their understanding about the role of costumes in the collaborative medium of film. Her second book, Going Hollywood: How to Get Started, Keep Going, and Not Turn into a Sleaze, is in use at film schools and universities in 7 countries.
Direct download: n4al29-kristin-burke-costume-designer.mp3
Category:Film & Documentaries -- posted at: 4:38pm CDT |
Tue, 4 November 2014
Wendy and Adron talk with New York Times bestselling comic creator Cullen Bunn, writer of The Sixth Gun, Deadpool, The Damned, Magneto, Helheim, Lobo, and many, many more. He also wrote the middle reader horror novel Crooked Hills, and has produced numerous short prose stories. Cullen has been nominated for the Eisner Award, Bram Stoker Award, and Ghastly Awards, and won Broken Frontier’s Best Writer Independent Award. We discuss the process of breaking into the world of comics via the independent press, working to establish his personal brand and fan-base via personal appearances and social media, and how he maintains a prolific production schedule. |
Mon, 27 October 2014
Recorded live at GeekGirlCon 2014, our How to be a Nerd for a Living panel features guest speakers Susan Eisenburg (voice of Wonder Woman, Justice League Unlimited); Jaimie Cordero (CEO, Espionage Cosmetics); Heidi Gaertner (technology director, Big Fish Games); Jina Heverley (VP/general manager of PC, Mac & Cloud at Big Fish Games); and Rebecca Hicks (creator of Little Vampires). Moderated by N4AL's Wendy Buske. |
Wed, 22 October 2014
This episode captures one of our N4AL panels from GeekGirlCon 2014, The Business of Self Promotion: Marketing Your Art or Small Business Online. Nerd for a Living’s marketing director Wendy Buske hosted this discussion of how an individual or small business can work to establish their brand and promote themselves online. She was joined by Amanda Nuckolls, owner of GnomeAcres, and Christal VanEtten, the press and social media coordinator for Espionage Cosmetics.
Direct download: n4al26-business-self-promotion-geekgirlcon-2014.mp3
Category:Business and Marketing -- posted at: 4:08pm CDT |
Fri, 17 October 2014
We talked with voice actress Susan Eisenberg at GeekGirlCon 2014. Susan is best known as the voice of Wonder Woman from the DC animated universe's Justice League cartoon, video games and direct to DVD movie releases. She is also an in-demand voice-over artist working in commercials, and has provided voices for video games like Skyrim and Destiny. |
Tue, 7 October 2014
N4AL talks with Jason Anarchy, the creator of the tabletop RPG card game "Drinking Quest". We discuss how he created this very popular, social game experience, designed to merge D&D-esque questing with easy to learn rules and the extra (optional) complication of alcohol. Jason tells how how he used a background in sales and business management to help him bootstrap the initial marketing of the game, followed by successful crowdfunding campaigns to produce the sequel editions. Jason is currently in pre-orders for a new expanded Trilogy Edition of the game, and has released a comic book based on the Drinking Quest world.
Direct download: n4al24-jason-anarchy-drinking-quest.mp3
Category:Business and Marketing -- posted at: 12:13pm CDT |
Tue, 30 September 2014
We talk with the co-creators of the new illustrated children's book, "Archibald's Next Big Thing" - including co-writer Tony Hale (Emmy-Award winning actor for his role on HBO's "Veep", and Buster Bluth from cult-hit "Arrested Development"), co-writer Tony Biaggne, and artist Victor Huckabee. This funny and delightful conversation covers the creative collaborative process by a group of poeple (including artist Misty Manley) working together from around the country whilst juggling day jobs and other commitments. We talk about the real commitment required to take an idea to fruition, and the joy of seeing all that work fully realized and in print. |
Mon, 15 September 2014
We talk with Jaimie Cordero, Chad Downing, and Christal Summer from innovative, woman-owned Espionage Cosmetics. Espionage creates make-up, nail wraps and more products aimed at the underserved female nerd market. Based in Tacoma, WA, Jaimie stepped aside from her award-winning professional career in makeup for film, TV, and web to start a business around her interests, quickly recruiting an intensely passionate, hard-working team to make awesome niche makeup accessories. A year ago, they crowdfunded a new line of products via an immensely successful Kickstarter campaign. Now they look to do it again with an ambitious new campaign, new product licenses, new innovations and a growing staff devoted to making awesome makeup for awesome fans. |
Wed, 3 September 2014
This episode, N4AL’s Wendy and Adron talk with Lee Joyner, sculptor and special effects make-up artist, and director of admissions for Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles. Cinema Makeup School is dedicated to educating the next generation of makeup artists for the film, television, fashion and entertainment industries. They aim to provide students with all of the skills needed to succeed as makeup artists and to give them a solid foundation for any job they seek. In addition to makeup techniques, CMS students are taught professionalism, ethics, business, and history.
Direct download: n4al21-lee-joyner-cinema-makeup-school.mp3
Category:Careers -- posted at: 4:17pm CDT |
Thu, 28 August 2014
N4AL's Adron Buske talks with Robin Linn of The Third Floor, a previsualization studio that creates animatic storyboards for Hollywood film and commercial productions. Previs helps directors and producers pitch and plan films, saving money in the production by pre-planning shots, pacing and CGI needs. Robin is an artist manager, supervising, training, and recruiting animators for the Third Floor team. He has an extensive background in art, animation and film. But he started as a bank manager who only did sculpting as a hobby. Learn how a chance opportunity turned into a 25 year career in the film industry. |
Tue, 19 August 2014
N4AL talks with Dark Horse Comics editor-in-chief Scott Allie. Scott has been an editor on some of Dark Horse’s most popular books, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity, Hellboy, B.P.R.D., Star Wars, and many more. He gives us a really in-depth perspective on what that job is, the other editorial departmental positions that support it, and how he and Dark Horse hire their editors. Scott's been at Dark Horse for about 20 years, and he's still a hands-on editor even as he guides the ship. He also stays involved in the marketing and PR strategies with the company. |
Sun, 10 August 2014
From a packed room at San Diego Comic-Con 2014, we present the How to be a Nerd for a Living panel with guest speakers Lee Joyner (director of admissions, Cinema Makeup School); Tom Kurzanski (art director, TeeFury); Claire Hummel (production designer, HBO); Pat Loika (host, Loikamania Podcast); Brad Herman (lead product designer, DreamWorks Animation); and Karen Hallion (illustrator and T-shirt/apparel designer). Want to work in a fandom-related industry you're passionate about, but not sure where to start? These professionals discuss careers within gaming, film, comics, illustration, podcasting, and more. Our speakers share their career-building experiences. Topics include training, online resources, networking, and tactics to use (and avoid) for breaking into your dream industry. Moderated by Nerd For A Living's Wendy Buske. |
Tue, 22 July 2014
N4AL's Wendy and Adron Buske talk with indie comic creators Rebecca Hicks (Little Vampires) and David Accampo (Sparrow & Crowe: The Demonaic of Los Angeles) about the craft of making and marketing comics, how to build and sustain a loyal audience, and how to carry over skills from your day jobs into your nerd passion projects. Networking and selling at San Diego Comic Con is a hot topic, and we veer all over the nerd culture landscape in this highly entertaining discussion. |
Tue, 17 June 2014
N4AL's Adron Buske talks with Dana Huth and Carol Mertz, co-founders of design and development firm Rampant Interactive and indie game studio Happy Badgers. Rampant Interactive is a St. Louis-based digital production company creating websites and mobile apps. But while this 4 person operation primarily pays the bills with client-focused online products, their real passion is game development. We talk about the joys and challenges of starting up your own business; developing your game plan over time to focus on what makes you happiest; the current state of indie game development; the obstacles an indie studio faces trying to make money in the casual gaming market; and the experience of being women in the gaming industry. Also of note: Carol is the chairman of the St. Louis chapter of IGDA, the International Game Developer’s Association. |
Tue, 10 June 2014
We talk with Marisa Stotter, director of the upcoming Respect Films documentary "She Makes Comics" about the genesis of the project, the successful funding of their Kickstarter campaign, and the challenges facing women creators - and fans - in the comics industry. Respect Films has previously produced documentaries on Neil Gaiman, Warren Ellis, Grant Morrison and the founders of Image Comics.
Direct download: N4AL15-Marisa-Stotter-She-Makes-Comics.mp3
Category:Film & Documentaries -- posted at: 12:25pm CDT |
Tue, 27 May 2014
Tom Kurzanski, art director for massively popular online T-shirt store Tee Fury, talks with N4AL's Wendy and Adron about his career in design and illustration. We discuss Tee Fury's method for artist support and community cultivation, the challenges facing freelance artists, the necessity for constant learning, and the power of customer feedback as a marketing resource. |
Tue, 20 May 2014
N4AL's Adron Buske talks to Andy Schmidt, owner of Comics Experience, the online school for comic creators. Andy is a former Senior Editor for IDW Publishing, and a former editor for Marvel Comics, where he worked on most of their notable properties, including Guardians of the Galaxy (soon to be a major motion picture in Summer 2014). We discuss his path to working in comics, the creation of Comics Experience, benefits of a stay-at-home career, juggling different roles and businesses, and the power of having cool nerd jobs on your resume. |
Wed, 14 May 2014
N4AL's Adron Buske talks with Canadian author Rhiannon Paille, creator of the young adult paranormal romance series 'The Ferryman and the Flame', including currently available novels 'Surrender', 'Justice', and 'Vulture'. Rhi recently signed to Kevin J. Anderson's publishing imprint Wordfire Press. We talk about self-publishing, online promotion of your work, Rhi's process and work habits, the challenges facing indie authors in a saturated media landscape and juggling other careers with writing. |
Fri, 9 May 2014
Recorded at Chicago's C2E2 2014, this panel of nerd industry professionals discusses different types of jobs that exist within pop-culture. Each speaker talks about their career path, from education to on-the-job experience. Topics include small business start-up, the challenges of working for yourself versus corporations, networking and more. Panelists include Lorenzo Lizana (art director, Lion Forge comics), Andy Schmidt (owner, Comics Experience and Brand + Entertainment Solutions), Jaimie Cordero (CEO and art director, Espionage Cosmetics) and Pat Loika (Comixology, the Loikamania Podcast). Moderated by Nerd For A Living's Wendy Buske. |
Tue, 6 May 2014
Recorded at Chicago's C2E2 2014, this panel of professional artists, illustrators, writers, business owners and web consultants discusses marketing and selling your art and services online. Guests speakers Karen Hallion (illustrator and T-shirt designer), Andy Schmidt (founder of Comics Experience and former editor for Marvel and IDW), Janet Lee (Eisner award-winning artist of Return of the Dapper Men), and Kelly Stephenson (SEO consultant for SSM Healthcare, social media expert at SageLark) talk about starting an online business, their experiences with different vendors, licensing, intellectual property and engaging their audience via Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and more. Moderated by Nerd For A Living's Wendy Buske.
Direct download: N4AL10-C2E2-2014-ArtOnline.mp3
Category:Business and Marketing -- posted at: 4:47pm CDT |
Tue, 29 April 2014
At C2E2 2014, we spoke with the wonderful Abbie Heppe of Respawn Entertainment. Respawn is the independent gaming company that brought us TITANFALL. Abbie is Respawn's Community Manager, as well as the voice of 'Sarah' in the Titanfall video game. Her gaming career started in 2006 as an editor at Tips & Tricks magazine. Later she was the Senior Games Content Producer for G4, the co-host of the Feedback podcast with Adam Sessler and a reviewer for X-Play. |
Tue, 22 April 2014
We talk to writer and illustrator Drew Blank, a veteran of the convention and expo scene with a highly recognizable, humorous art style that attracts a crowd in every city. We discuss how the loss of his previous job kickstarted his career selling fan art, and how he juggles that with his true passion, writing. Drew is the author of the hit indie novel 'Memoirs of an Anti-Hero'. Find out more about him at DrewBlank.com |
Tue, 15 April 2014
This panel of professional writers, crafters, business owners and marketers provides helpful tips on promoting your art, and yourself, online. Topics such as starting your business, targeting your audience through advertising and social media, protecting your designs, time-management, and how to maintain an online shop are discussed. Moderated by N4AL's Wendy Buske, speakers include Ashley Schonberg (owner of Jayne Danger), Rhiannon Paille (author of "The Ferryman & the Flame"), Amanda Nuckolls (owner of GnomeAcres), and Adron Buske (owner of Armadian Creative; writer of "Loop & Hoodie" and "Good Intentions"). Recorded at Wizard World St. Louis Comic-Con 2014.
Direct download: N4AL07-WWSTL-ArtOnline.mp3
Category:Business and Marketing -- posted at: 2:28pm CDT |
Tue, 8 April 2014
Recorded at Wizard World St. Louis Comic-Con 2014. This panel of professionals discusses different types of jobs that exist within pop-culture entertainment, gaming, film-making, writing and more. Get tips on finding a way to a new career from those already working in the industry. Moderated by N4AL's Wendy Buske, panel speakers include: Rachel Rieckenberg (Sass and Slash Creations), Jeremy Corray (Coolfire Studios, Voltron), Amanda Nuckolls (GnomeAcres), Matt Raithel (Graphite Lab), and Genese Davis (author of The Holder's Dominion). |
Wed, 2 April 2014
At GeekGirlCon 2013, N4AL's Wendy Buske had the opportunity to interview television producer and screenwriter Jane Espenson - along with Husbands director Eli Gonda, as part of a group conversation. Jane is an award winning writer whose credits include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Battlestar Galactica, Game of Thrones, Once Upon a Time, Husbands and Warehouse 13. This group interview explores her entry into the male dominated world of writing for television, advice on pursuing a job in tv and film, how she juggles multiple projects, and more. |
Fri, 28 March 2014
N4AL's Wendy Buske talks with professional cosplayer and FUNimation brand manager Chaka Cumberbatch at GeekGirlCon 2013. They discuss self-promotion, costuming and gaining recognition in a niche industry.
Direct download: N4AL04_Chaka-Cumberbatch.mp3
Category:Business and Marketing -- posted at: 1:23pm CDT |