It’s Official…
I am moving to Portland… leaving the Central Coast where I have made my home for the last 20 years. It was no easy decision. I have built so many wonderful friendships here. I have so much history here From Santa Cruz to Pacific Grove, I’ve lived all over the Monterey Bay and have loved my home. And I will miss it.
But change is exciting. Change is what keeps us fresh and alive. Change is what keeps us young. And Portland, Oregon is a lively and fun area that promises to be a worthy new home. There are lots of cartoonists there and people who embrace the silly; there’s a vibrant art community and improv theatre scene and a foodie-food culture…. so I look forward to foraging a new home among the trees and their people.
For Squid Row the comic, there will be little change. There will still be a comic strip… there will still be postings… there will still be the Squid Row Gang… the difference will be that I will no longer live in the fictionalized “Cypress Bay Area.” Portlandia will now be home. Time frame for the move: late June/early July.
ps. If you wish to contact me to buy art or books before I leave, or just say ‘hi’, email me as always at brig@squidrowcomics.com … this email won’t change.
Hiya Ms. Bridgett, its me Zachary, remember me from Salinas Comic Con? I showed you some of my artwork and cartoon characters that I’ve been working on. It saddens me to hear that you’ll be moving. If it isn’t too much trouble, I have a small request I hope you can grant me before you leave.
You see, the photo my friend took of us was erased by a virus that attacked my laptop, and I was devasted. I can’t quite remember if you took a similar photo with your own phone and placed it on your facebook page? If it’s not too much trouble from you may I please have a copy of that photo if you still have it? You’ve inspired me so much over the years, it would mean the world to me.
Zachary….
I am so happy that you have been inspired in some way through Squid Row. I am sad, too, to leave such a wonderful group of people I’ve come to know over the years, (yes, that’s you!)… I’m really overwhelmed by all the nice well-wishing I’ve gotten since announcing my relocation. Also, I’m not going away entirely… Randie & Ryan and Squid Row will still be online! I just won’t be living here anymore, that’s all.
I’m terribly sorry that you lost all your photos! What a shame! I have gone over to my Squid Row Facebook page and uploaded all the photos that I took at SVCC last year… they are in an album labeled as such… so perhaps you could see if there are other photos you may need. You’re the fella with Harold there, yes? (Forgive me, I meet a lot of folks… but I DO remember you!!! I meet so few fans named Zachary!)
I hope you continue to read Squid Row/Randie & Ryan online… they’ll be ongoing! There is no foreseeable change there… Also, I will be coming back to The Alternative Press Expo in September… it’s in San Jose.
Keep drawing… we should never stop learning… so keep learning and finding exciting ways to draw. Please stay in touch! I mean it! I’ll be here online! Smiles and hugs!
Don’t worry. Especially don’t worry if you have to take a break in the before / during / after of your move. And good luck…and aren’t the taxes lower in Portland?
RN… Thank you… I do like to be consistent… so taking brakes kinda makes me feel like I’m not doing my thing right. But anyhow… There is no sales tax in Oregon… however the property taxes and income taxes are higher. As I understand it.
To quote Randie, ” It feels like someone just took the yellow out of my box of crayons.” It’s sad to hear that you are leaving the peninsula. I will miss our lunches, and seeing Randie in the window of your office as I drive by. Is your cell phone still activated? I have a question to ask.
Take care! Keith