This software actually exists. And this is a AIL (art imitating life) toon… although I don’t spend nearly as much on coffee as Randie.
Did you know that Spill is a REAL person?
Yes, my-Spill is based on my pal, (real) Jill Spill, whom I met in Carmel at her shop/studio in the Barnyard Shopping Center. Spill has since moved on from Carmello-by-the-Ocean… and is planting roots in the Big Apple. But you can see why I had to “cartoonify” her… she screams artist. I’m afraid my rendition doesn’t do Spill justice though. You might say that, she’s a REAL CHARACTER!
Here’s her new shopping site… Have a look around… It’s a visual sensation! As is she… http://spillart.myshopify.com/

Hey, Squiddies! Just a blurb here to thank those who came out for the First Friday Silliness at the Cartoonery this past Friday. I must say, these little soirees are just a hoot! I want to thank stick-fig for the treats, Terry for the excellent wine (it was Frenchy!), Chris’ mom (for the culture), and Patrick for the amazing Mother Goose & Grimm book. It perturbs me that as a fan of said comic strip, this is my first book of Grimm. How is MG&G not in my library???? Thank you for adding it, Patrick. I have been enjoying Mike Peters’ amazing drawing style and his sick humor all weekend! And of course, I have to thank Judy for making her amazing cookies… gah… I had so many!!!
And thank you all … who blessed me with your presence… it would not be a party without partiers. And another big thank you to those who purchased Squid stuff. It helps with the overall stayin’ in business thing.
Hey, Squiddies… Recently, at Stumptown, the fine folks at Comic Forge dropped by… they picked up a book and have reviewed it over on their website.Check out the fine review Comics Forge gave Squid Row. Thanks Dan!
Comics Forge’s Review of Squid Row.
Okay, it’s been a few days now since I got back… I fell into a slow re-entry and a migraine headache (which did little to help)… BUT NOW! NOW I will post a few pics and remembrances of our amazing Portland whirlwind of a trip. Of course, it was fun. It’s Portland…. where the cool buildings and slick rainy streets meet the insanely green trees. … where the funky vibe and silly cartoony-ness sits over the city like a cheerful cloud. Stickers are slapped on street signs, newspaper racks and on any available surface. Coffee shops, brew pubs, swanky restaurants and upscale food carts are everywhere you look, … and there is a sense of hip and of cool.
The Jupiter Hotel embodied the cool hipness and although it was a fun place… sleeping and restfulness isn’t a quality the place is known for… but The Doug Fir was a great place for a bite to eat and apparently a place to see some great acts. The bar was slick and had I actually felt better on this trip, I would’ve have hung around more with a drink in my hand (or several)… as it was, the lingering headache/migraine was a form of prohibition. Out of respect, Harold laid off the drinks, himself. 
The Jupiter was the location of the Stumptown After party on Saturday night. The Gear, cartoonist Mike Allread’s sometimes band, was a pretty good listen…. from the hotel room (right next to the venue) as it was TOO LOUD to talk/and or mingle, so I pulled out the sketchbook and had some down time with the peeps in the groovy hotel room… Without the drinking aspect (for me) the After party seemed a bit less engaging… but that was just me. I re-entered said party for the “Best of” awards (which seemed like a Portland Cartoonist Popularity contest ) and the party picked up with the Art Battle… an improv cartooning battle (which was a highlight)!
Stumptown Comics Fest 2012 seemed smaller to me (than last year). I would be interested to know how many tables there were compared to last year. It was bigger than 2010 for certain, when it was at the Doubletree. But this year, I shared a table with excellent table-mate, Jack of “GULLS” comic strip (whom I met last year at Stumptown). We Rawked E-10… and Jack sold out of his new book! Rawk on, Jack!
I got some visits from some Squid fans! THank you for dropping by! Uncle Bad, having shared some blog conversation a while back about Alan Rickman, dropped by a copy of The January Man for my viewing pleasure… thank you, Unca Bad! You’re most thoughtful! Riley snagged some Harold time and was the first official customer of the festival! Portland Squid Fans are amazing! Ink on!
I also hafta shout out to Alan at Columbia Art (a groovy art store within walking distance of The Jupiter)… I went all gooshy when I walked in as it is a fine art establishment and parked outside was an “art scooter”… the sure sign the place was of high quality.
And Powell’s Books… no trip to Portland is complete without a trip to the City of Books. My amazing finds: Scatterbrains (a compilation of tooners), a Jim Mahfood poster book, Laugh Out Loud Cats Sell Out, and a Puddlejumping coffee cat t-shirt from the Powell’s Coffee Cafe situation. I could’ve stayed another couple hours there… in fact, I could NOT LEAVE… dat’s best. 
Shouts to Astrid (Eugene tooner of greatness), and Gavin (there needed to be more dancing) and Voodoo Donuts (you never disappoint!), and to Katie & Dave and kids (thanks for the groovy grub and the bike ride).

And as a lovely side note… the drive was lovely… despite the one day return trip. Shasta was bright and the color palette was amazing… several shades of yellow green, a boisterous pink (flowering tree), an amazing red-orange (soil) and brilliant white (the ridiculously snowy mountain itself). I couldn’t get over the healthy mountainous region at the north end of Calif. The last time I drove thru, it was drought-ridden and the water level was frighteningly low.
More pictures… soon. Stay tooned.
Oh… And First Friday… tomorrow… I can’t believe it’s been a month already! SHeesh!
If you hang out on FaceBook… you can keep up with Squid Row’s Stumptown silliness there! Go to the Squid Row Comics page on Facebook (and my Bridgett Spicer page, too) and see the madcap adventure as it unfolds! Harold has learned how to hold the iPhone and snap photos… don’t miss a Harold’s eye view.



