Some thing new on the horizon

from and independent collaboration, Steamer 8, an Anthology of Tales.

samuel E. kirkman Jr. ©2010 

There is something new on the horizon. Something so compelling to artists that I think we would all do well to have a look. It's actually been germinating and growing right before us for some time now. I allude to the internet and the social networks that are transforming the way the world communicates. For artists, the line between consumer and producer is blurring.  Established professionals can now communicate directly,  instantly with their fans and friends making our circle an intimate one. The fact that it is global in scope seems oxymoronic doesn't it? An intimate global community of creators. For those of us who's dream  has been to share our musings with someone other than our friends siblings or spouse, is enormously significant. It is as if the doors long barred to the unknown, unrepresented and unpublished is perceptibly dissolving. More and more independently produced properties of startling resonance are being discovered by an insatiable audience. Evidence of this is in the increase of conferences, book fairs and self publishing events nation wide. Even at the major media events such as Wondercon in San Francisco, areas designated for exhibiting independent artists and publishers are filling up earlier than ever. last year space was available up until November of 2009, this year, all available space is already booked! APE the Alternative Press Exposition also in San Francisco,
is now twice the size it was just the year before! Independent Publisher offerings now command close to 20% of the industries annual product. Yes! This is something new! Something that all artists with a vision need to take notice of and get involved.
                      

The Anthology Project

Folks its official! 

Soon, this incredible little 64 page book will be available for purchase from 

Indyplanet.com  

Book mark it because round about November it will be up. 

Significant because, one, it has turned out to be an amazing kids book,

and two, it shows what is possible when the creators are in control of their own project. 

7 other author/artists and I found each other on the web, banded together, and for the sheer 

love of laughter and story hammered out this little puppy.

My hat is off to Mr Christopher Tupa ! He was the instigator of the whole incident and took charge of our layout and file prep.

and to Mr Ben Powis who provided the scene for the crime.

Imagine! creators from all over the globe banding together to accomplish such a feat.

Imagine too that you could be a part of it! The welcome matt is out to any creatives interested in developing similar projects. To get involved, start by taking a dip over at the;

Illopond.com

See how our cadre formed and worked collectively to critique and edit each others work.

Further nods to;

Mark Harmon    http://harmonillustration.blogspot.com/ for his cover design and killer story Robo 6

Denver Wagner   http://denverwagner.blogspot.com/  for designing our table of contents, And     phenomenal The Call of Tooth Head

Michelle Kondrich   http://www.michellekondrich.com/ for her wacky     Pand In The Pantry  and for preparing our press release.

Craig Pirrall   http://craigpirrall.com/ for his Funny Go Froggy Go! and layout of our Bio Pages.

Lei Wiley   http://www.wileyillustration.com/    For his creative and colorful  Bradley's Crayons

   Collaboration is nothing new, but  in the way our little project has been accomplished, something new has been achieved. I really think we have stumbled on to something. Not that by our efforts we are trying to circumvent the Guardians at the Gates,  (One of the reasons we all became involved in such a project was to hopefully gain their attention.)  but perhaps we've helped lighten their load, so to speak. Like many out there minding the muse, our main objective is to bring smiles to as many faces as possible. 

So keep a watch for our lil Anthology project, and stay tuned, because we enjoyed this so much we have plans to do it all again!