RobGuillory.com

Art Sales.

2009-07-11T06:47:00.000-07:00

Alright...I've been avoiding this post like the plague, but here goes.

Thanks for everyone that emailed about original CHEW art. The response was not at all expected and totally overwhelming. I've been organizing these sales as best as I can, making sure everyone gets a solid page at a decent price that's fair to you and me. I avoided selling via eBay, mainly because I really feel like having you guys fight for the art would be annoying, greedy on my part and a major turn-off to potential fans. I'm not looking to make a fortune here. You guys have made this book a hit, and the alternative to getting these pages in your hands is for them to be stuffed under a pile of crap in my file. So it's a no-brainer.

So bear with me as this really is my first time selling originals of my comic work. It's quite strange. Sale details are as follows:

Price: Every interior page is priced starting at $150, and varies depending on complexity. Covers generally go for $400-ish.

What you Get: Each page is a black and white composition done with red graphite, inked over with pen and brush on a custom RobGuillory.com bristol page (Fancy!). Certain pages are not for sale (or may go for cheaper) because they have blank panels, which I leave for adding digital elements. Just pick up the book, and email me which pages you like already!

And to answer the question I've gotten more than anything: NO, I'm not selling the cover to CHEW #1. Keeping that baby to pay for my kids' college, or to sell should I be banished from comics down the road. But be sure to check back in about 10 years or so :)

Monthly Sales: I'll be selling a new batch of pages every month as new issues debut. Lotta pages equals a lotta chances to score one. So check back monthly. I ship out pages as their respective issue hits stands.

Commissions: Headshots go for $100, and price goes up per complexity. Allow a couple months for me to do them. I DO sleep from time to time. Sporadically.

Payment: Still working out the best way to do this. More than likely, Paypal. To be continued...

I'll be posting new info as I think of it. I'm refining this process as I find what works for me and doesn't interfere with the monthly work. Bear with me, you lovely, lovely people.

Peace,
Rob

In the Manner of Hotcakes.

2009-07-03T05:49:00.001-07:00

Page from CHEW #3.

Alright, if you haven't heard, CHEW #1 (Second Printing) and CHEW #2 are both sold out. In the case of the second issue, you might be able to find a few at a local comic shop if you're reeeeally lucky. But as for the second printing of #1, this is a case of the readers blowing our expectations. We set out to print a certain number, did it, then the demand for the issue totally dwarfed what we were prepared for. Which is friggin' fantastic for us, but you those who still haven't snagged a copy, it kinda sucks.

But, don't panic. On August 5, the first 3 issues of CHEW will be in stores. This is a PERFECT opportunity for new readers to jump on, and for others to catch up. So again, on that date, we'll be releasing:

CHEW #1 Third Printing
CHEW #2 Second Printing
CHEW #3 First Printing

That's a mouthful.
Also, don't forget, Layman and I will be hanging out at the Image booth at San Diego Comic-con. We'll be selling and signing books, doing sketches and generally shaming the Image brand, so stop by and say "Hey!"

And again, THANK YOU to everyone that has made this book such a huge "WTF?" success. Seriously. You guys took a chance on a total madman writer and a no-name artist, and we're dedicated to delivering the best damn book in comics (mainstream or otherwise). John and I think it only gets better from here.

Later for now. Pages to ink.

-Rob!

CHEW News and Art FAQs.

2009-06-15T05:44:00.000-07:00

First look at the cover of CHEW #4.

So, yes, if you haven't already heard the news, CHEW #1 sold out in 48 hours. Incredible. Thanks to every single person that picked up this book, and extra-special thanks to every person that blogged, tweeted or messenger-pigeoned about it shortly after reading. You guys rock, and we hope you stick around for the rest of the ride because it only gets crazier from here. CHEW is the most fun on comic shelves today. And I say this as someone that's read the first 6 issues.

Next up, on July 1, the second printing of CHEW #1 (with a crazy green logo) will be hitting stores side by side with CHEW #2. So be sure to pick both up. Issue 2 is Tony's first day on the job in the FDA, and it's a crazy one. As I said, there's more to being an FDA Agent than meets the eye. And there's friggin' ninjas.

Now, onto some FAQs.

1) Commissions: Yes, I do take on commissions from time to time. Generally, I charge $100 for a 9x12 headshot in pen and ink, and it goes up depending on complexity. For any inquiries, hit me at rob@robguillory.com.

2) CHEW Art for Sale: Yes, I will be selling every page of CHEW art in the coming months. Can't sell any just yet, but I'll be having a whole lotta pages to get rid of soon. Check back here for updates on that.

And San Diego Comic-con! John Layman and I will be parked at the Image booth, selling copies of the book as well as other assorted goodies. So stop by and say "Yo". I'll be doing commissions all week.

Later for now,
Rob!

THANK YOU!

2009-06-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

"CHEW is a great comic book – the type that grabs you by the ears, takes a bite out of your nose, spits it in your face and still leaves you laughing and hungry for more. After only one issue, it might be my favorite book on the stands. 9.5/10."

-IGN.com

"The most unsettling, most awesome piece of comic book material that's been published in quite some time."

-COMIC PANTS.COM

"How do I describe Chew? The perfect recipe for your comic book appetite: a healthy helping of police drama, a dash of humor, sprinkle in some action, and throw in some cannibalism for good measures. Chew has it all, just be sure not to read it on an empty stomach."

-COMICS ADDICTION.COM

"...One of the most innovative and all-around successful ideas in the market today."

-COMICS WAITING ROOM

"Layman offers a story so flawlessly distinct amidst a bombarding and suffocating genre without any pretense; he has given this genre a much-needed gasp of air. Beginning to finale, Layman prevents CHEW from festering in clichés and presents readers a refreshing, provoking and entirely entertaining new comic. Bon appétit."

-COMIX411.com

"Chew blends a dark, compelling crime-fiction atmosphere, biting political satire and over-the-top, absurdist humor to arrive at an entertaining and surprisingly compelling bit of storytelling that almost defies description."

-EYE On COMICS

Damn.

What a crazy-ass day yesterday was. I'm still processing it. Seriously, I've been grinding for the last decade, trying to break into this friggin' industry in some meaningful way. And from the moment John Layman put this project into my hands, it's been unreal ever since. And I just wanna take a second and show some love to you guys. Not in a cheesy, I just-won-an-Oscar kinda way. But you guys have been so great, and I feel so incredibly blessed that I feel "Thank Yous" are in order.

Thank you to everyone that picked up this book and tried something different from the norm. I love this industry and think that despite all the weird creative recycling that its been prone to lately, the best days of the comic industry are still ahead. There's still room for new, crazy ideas, and you picking up CHEW is proof of that.

And in a Soapbox moment: Who's to say that CHEW is a crazy idea anyway? This industry was built on grown men crawling walls in spandex, blue men with their blue penises flopping around and hairy midgets with metal shooting from their hands. It's only a crazy idea until someone chooses to accept it. Then it's all fair game.

And thank you, John friggin Layman. For bringing this unbelievably brilliant thing to a total newbie like me and trusting me with it. Seriously, I can't imagine a better collaborator, and I am completely spoiled now.

Now here's the thing: If you dig what we're doing here, then we need you to show love.

Spread the word. Post blogs. Share links. Twitter it. If you only have messenger-pigeons, then let them fly. We're putting all we have on the page to make CHEW the best book on the stands, indy or mainstream. But we still need you to sustain our little creator-owned baby. So if you dig it, why not tell somebody else about it?

Deal?

Thanks again,
Rob!

CHEW Day Treats.

2009-06-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy day ahead. My head is buzzing. CHEW #1 hits stands today, so please run down to your local comic shop and harass your retailer until he sells you a copy.

Here's some new goodies for today:

CBR has the complete CHEW #1 script online now, so check it out after you get the book. Later on, we're gonna be doing a type of Director's Commentary on the first issue, so check back for that.

The IND, a newspaper based in my hometown of Lafayette, LA, has a nice (somewhat cheese-flavored) piece on the book, as well as a brief 3 minute bonus interview with yours truly. So if you have a thing for watching camera-shy geeks, shoot on over there.

Mania.com has an interview up, in which I talk a whole lot about the story and art. Probably my favorite interview we've done so far.

Comic Addiction has a short, very positive review of CHEW #1, as well.

Catch you kids later,
Rob!

CHEW #1 Tomorrow!

2009-06-02T06:03:00.001-07:00

Yes, tomorrow is the big day. And guess what? I also turned 27 today, so you know what you can get me :)

Also, just in the spirit of keeping the news flow going, here's a bunch of recent press, plus advance reviews that we've been stockpiling:

AintitCoolNews.com Interview
Newsarama Ambidextrous Interview
TFAW.com Interview
ComicsWaitingRoom Advance Review
Secret Identity Podcast Advance Review
Eye on Comics Advance Review
Comixtreme Advance Review
Fanboy.com on the CHEW #3 Cover Art

And there's more to follow, including some cool stuff we'll be putting up on ComicBookResources.com over the next few days. Until then, how about some peeks at future issues?

UPDATED: CBR just put up a cool Process of CHEW piece that I scribbled up a while back. It chronicles the creation of the CHEW #1 cover and 2-page spread, from script to final image. Check it out, you process junkies, you!

The Process of CHEW on CBR.

Peace,
Rob!

CHEW #3 First Look.

2009-05-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

First Look at the cover to CHEW #3. Below is the full solicit.

CHEW #3
story JOHN LAYMAN
art & cover ROB GUILLORY

AUGUST 5
32 PAGES / FC
$2.99

Amelia Mintz is a food critic and a Saboscrivner. That means she can write about food so accurately, so vividly and with such precision, people get the actual sensation of taste when reading her restaurant reviews. Since the government prohibition of poultry, she’s lost her enthusiasm for the culinary world, and only reviews restaurants with a “D” rating or less from the Health Department. Her last review caused half the city to projectile vomit, and sent hundreds to the hospital with severe food poisoning. Agent Tony Chu has been assigned to arrest Amelia Mintz, but there’s just one problem with that… he’s madly in love with her!

Presenting the weirdest comic you will read all month, and maybe the best, as the deliciously twisted new series about cops, crooks, cooks, cannibals and clairvoyants continues!

-Rob!

Fast Food.

2009-05-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

First peek at a page from CHEW #2. More goodness to follow.

And don't forget to snatch a copy of Walking Dead #61, which has a special preview of CHEW in it. Walking Dead is a brilliant book (that I am absolutely addicted to), so it's very flattering to be featured in it pages. Check it out.

Peace,
Rob!

TFAW.com Interview and First Look.

2009-05-05T07:39:00.001-07:00

TFAW.com just posted a great interview with John and me. Tons of new discussion about story, art process and future arcs. Check it out here.

Plus, there's also a 4 page peek at CHEW #1's interior art with a few never-before-seen pages, so hit that here.

Peace,
Rob!

The Art of CHEW on CBR.

2009-05-01T06:37:00.001-07:00

For those that may have missed it, CBR has posted a mini-sketchbook of CHEW art at this link. It's a great behind-the-scenes look at my art process and gives a good peek at future issues. Hit it!

-Rob!

Chop-Sockey!

2009-04-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

Panel from CHEW #2. Bigger for the details!

-Rob!

CHEW #2 Cover.

2009-04-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

First look at the cover to CHEW #2. Yes, there are Ninjas. Ass-kickery ensues.

There are a few new interviews up at ChewComic.com, so check them out. More to follow. But now, back to work.

-Rob!

PREVIEWS Solicit and ChewComic.com

2009-04-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple scans of our write-up in PREVIEWS magazine. Pretty snazzy (though no one says "snazzy" anymore).

Also, the official CHEW blog is live here. Feel free to Twitter, MySpace, Facebook or Messenger-Pigeon it everywhere. The view is subject to change, so bear with us while we get our footing. We'll be posting new stuff over the next few weeks as new interviews and special goodies get released.

Also, here are a couple cool pieces of press from the last couple weeks, so check them out at Fanboy.com and ComicsWaitingRoom.com.

I also did a cool Making of CHEW feature for ComicMonsters.com. It's a look at the process of creation behind one page of the book. Fun stuff.

More to follow. But I got pages to pencil right now.

-Rob!

Breaking In.

2009-04-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

C.B. Cebulski just posted a six-page short we collaborated on a few years back, which was published in the HERO Initiative's Charity Anthology for that year. I'm slightly blushing over the age of the work, but feel free to check that out.

For those that don't know, C.B. is a writer and Talent Scout for Marvel Comics and has been doing a series of Twitter posts on Breaking into Comics. His posting of our short inspired me to share a bit of my experiences breaking in, a pretty long, but interesting ride.

I began making the push into comics around 2001, and it all started with a pretty simple plan. Now, I’m not saying this is the “Breaking-In-Plan-to-End-All-Plans”. This is just what worked for me as the 20-year-old, no-money-having, south Louisiana artist that I was at the time. My Break-In plan was cyclical and had a few different legs, as complex as that sounds. It went like this:

1) Hit a con. Walked the alleys, working past my own general awkwardness to meet, greet and get portfolio reviews from artists, editors and the occasional writer. Take note of whatever feedback I got in a sketchbook. Be polite and not too self-deprecating. Ask questions. Trade business cards for instant connection. Network!

2) Go home and Follow up. I’d email almost all of the creators that I’d meet, just as a thank-you and as a way of saying “I’m serious about doing this for a living”. Oftentimes, creators would encourage me to send them new work, and they’d respond with invaluable advice. Jim Mahfood was the first creator that did this for me, and it was a huge boost to me when things got hard. And since we’re on the subject of using the Net…

3) Post Work Online. I posted new work at least twice a week on at least five different message boards. Sometimes, people would respond. Sometimes, they wouldn’t. Sometimes, they were flaming assholes, but whatever. This was a priceless way to getting my work seen, getting feedback, and meeting people. I can’t count the number of professional contacts I’ve made just because the right person was surfing my site at the right time. This is how Marvel Talent Coordinator/Writer C.B. Cebulski found me via MySpace, of all places. I was just minding my own business when he messaged me one day, saying he dug my work, and asking if I'd be interested in working with him. Crazy. You’ll be amazed.

4) Work my Ass off. Apply what I’d learned at the last con and try some new things. Build a new portfolio and get ready for the next one.

5) Hit another con. I’d hit two conventions a year. Once every six months, roughly. Being from the south, going to these shows usually required an expensive trek out of state, so this gave me plenty of time to save the necessary cash, as well as produce a whole new portfolio of work for each con. Simple enough idea. Added bonus of hitting these cons regularly was that I became a face to creators. People remembered me and my work, often to the point that many of those folks are now good friends.

And that was it, really. I paid some dues by doing a bunch of non-paying indy stuff for guys I’d meet at the cons. Eventually, there was a snowball effect, and that free work became paying gigs as my work got better. Simple as that. Approaches and results may vary.

It's very odd how this stuff comes back around. FYI: C.B. was the guy that introduced me to Tokyopop President Jeremy Ross at a San Diego bar. Of course, Ross then hired me to work with Brandon Jerwa on a never-released pilot called Jason Mason. Jerwa, in turn, was the guy that referred me to John Layman, who hired me to draw CHEW.

You just never know...

Cheers,
Rob!

CHEW Pre-Order Info.

2009-03-25T15:32:00.001-07:00

A few rough "hashing-out idea" pages from my sketchbook. In this, case, I was contemplating cover ideas for Issue 1, along with general themes. For the Process Junkies. Also, a few character sketches for Issue 2.

The Diamond Pre-order code for CHEW #1 is out, so be sure to lock in your copy.

APR09 0337 Chew #1

Hit your local shops and order this sucka today. You're gonna love it.

Peace,
Rob

FINALLY....

2009-02-28T05:46:00.001-08:00

Finally, I can talk about this. All the secrecy and "don't show anyone" was killing me...

Alright, so the word is out. CHEW was announced yesterday at Wondercon 09 by my partner-in-crime, madman John Layman during the Image Comics Panel. And I couldn't be more excited. John and I have been working on making this the best, craziest damn comic on the face of the earth, and I'm friggin' ready to share just what it is I've been working on, because frankly, this project is the most fun I've ever had working in comics.

First, I think it's important to say that I'm not what you would call normal, either. I mean, sure, Layman's crazy, and the premise of this very book is batshit insane. That was my reaction from the second he pitched it to me. In fact, I remember the initial pitch going something like this:

Layman: "So, it's a police procedural. But taking place in a world where bird flu has killed millions, the FDA is the new Homeland Security, and there's a whole subculture that believes it's all a conspiracy. OH, and the hero's a psychic who solves cases using his psychic ability that gives him visions based on what he eats."

But here's the even crazier part: It works. By God, it freakin' works.

Enter Fan Mode:

The world that Layman has created is a wonderland of psycho chefs, shady FDA agents and a wide-ranging conspiracy plot that takes its characters everywhere. Every issue is a new turn on one big rollercoaster, and I am absolutely along for the ride. It's rich, unbelievably funny, and downright heartfelt at times. And I'm speaking as a fan that has read the first four issues worth of script. This is a book I'd buy. Something totally original and new. I think you'll dig it.

Check out the CHEW coverage so far here, here and here. There will be more to come over the next two weeks, including my Newsarama interview and an exclusive 6-page preview on Comic Book Resources. And as always, check back here for the occasional goodies, sketches and whatnots. I'll be posting the PREVIEWS pre-order code here as soon as I get it.

Until then, check out some preview art from the first 5 issues.

Peace,
Rob!

Chewed.

2009-01-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

Character sketches for CHEW.

John Layman makes me draw the craziest crap. Love him for it.

-Rob!

Late Resolutions...

2009-01-19T14:07:00.000-08:00

Man, I really suck at this updating thing...

Alright, so this is a few weeks late, but I figure now's as good as any time to show a few of the 09 projects I'm cracking away on. I've got three projects in development that are too early in the going to really chat about, but the stuff below is what I've got locked in so far.

1. CHEW

I've been posting the occasional peek at some of the CHEW artwork over the last few months, and I'll be revealing more until its release in May/June. We're starting it off with an initial five issue run through Image Comics, and I'm thinking there will be more to follow. My writer on this, John Layman, is a total mad genius, and I've had a blast kicking his scripts around. It's an edgier, more mature break from the kid-friendly stuff I've been dabbling in lately. Speaking of which...

2. St. Spooky's

Just finished Book 1 of Spooky's (9 issues, 4 page serialized chapters) for Random House's The DFC. This one's available via subscription only, and primarily in the UK, but US residents can order it with shipping costs attached. I'd highly recommend it. The DFC's an awesome way to get kids not only reading, but reading comics. We may be doing a Book 2 of this later in the year.

3. Teddy Scares

Yep, I'll be doing more Teddy Scares this year, too. So far, I've contributed to three issues (both on sale here, and the third will be on sale soon), and they were a blast. I'm a huge fan of infusing humor in my art, and the TS stories are always hilarious. Plus, the guys at APE have been really cool about letting me experiment with different techniques, which is always fun. For the new issue (above), I went with a dirtier, textured look.

4. Solo Project

This one, I've hinted at in a couple past posts. Keeping mum on this for now, except that 1) this'll be my first project where I'll be handling script and art, 2) it's sci-fi-based and 3) it's complete lunacy. More on this later.

5. Children's Book

This one's been a fun little break. Written by local writer Theresa Singleton, this is my first real foray into children's books, which I've thought of trying for a while. This was a great experiment with a really clean, simplified look. I'll be finishing art on this in the next couple days. After that, I'll post any info as I get it.

Also, expect a site and gallery update in the next couple months. It's time to dust off the cobwebs...

And that's it for now. Now that the New Year's blitzkrieg has settled, I'm gonna try to get back into the habit of posting new art on a weekly basis.

Fingers crossed...

Peace,
Rob!

Muzak.

2008-12-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

Side B Anthology Self Portrait, yo.

Wow. Has it really been over a month since my last post? Damn. Time does fly...

I'll be posting a peek at my 2009 work sometime in the next week, so check back for some goodies. It'll be worth it. I promise.

Peace,
Rob!

Duo.

2008-11-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

Couple more panels from CHEW #1. The first issue's wrapped, so I'll be starting the next this week. Progress!

Peace,
Rob!

Medium Rare.

2008-10-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Random panel from CHEW.

-Rob!

Back that Thang Up.

2008-10-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

A peek at some of my process for St. Spooky's.

-Rob!

Chewy Pieces.

2008-09-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

A layer from what will be a double page spread from CHEW.

-Rob!

"Just the Beets, please."

2008-09-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

-Rob!

Absentee Landlord.

2008-09-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the slow flow of updates, peeps. I've been really busy these days working on a bunch of stuff that I can't really show off yet. But things are good, so stay tuned for the real fun.

Above is a page from a new project that kinda fell in my lap a bit before Comicon. This one's written by the awesome John Layman. More of this to follow. But for now, I've got pages to ink!

Peace,
Rob!