Planning for Blake’s London: Final(ish) Plan!

Related Posts: Planning for London!, Planning for Blake’s London!, and Trying to Figure Out London!

***

Monday

1. Arrive Heathrow at 5:05 p.m.
2. Take the Heathrow Express, and then taxi to hotel.
3. I think I may get to my hotel around 8 p.m. Hotel is near Russell Square. Check into hotel and get situated.
4. Ask the concierge for a dinner recommendation near the hotel. Or…
5. Simon of shipscooksstuff.wordpress.com has kindly offered to “show [me] some of Soho’s pubs and give [me] some background on [his] home city.” So sweet! Hopefully, we’ll meet up either Monday or Thursday.

Tuesday: Special Event Day!

1. Before 10 a.m., explore Russell Square and surrounding neighborhood.
2. 10 a.m.: David Bowie is at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Afterwards, explore the V&A. Ask information desk about the “…four of Blake’s ‘fresco’ paintings on display permanently” as well as Arts & Crafts/William Morris and other must-sees.
3. Lunch: The Queen’s Arms and/or the V&A Cafe.
4. After V&A, Tate Britain: The new Blake room will open on May 6th. Ask information desk about the Pre-Raphaelites. Perhaps take a 45-minutes free collection highlights tour at 11, 12, or 3. 
5. Leave some time to relax and possibly nap in the late afternoon.
6. 7:30 p.m.: G. E. Gallas Invited to Speak to The Blake Society! at 17 South Molton Street.

Wednesday: Touring Around!

1. If exhausted from Tuesday, sleep in a little bit.
2. 10 a.m.: National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, or return to a museum from the previous day.
3. Lunch: Eat somewhere near/in museums.
4.  1 p.m.: Harrods Vintage Bus Tour of London with Champagne Tea at Harrods – Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, Hyde Park, the Houses of Parliament, The Royal Albert Hall, a cruise on the River Thames, and tea/scones at Harrods (until 6 p.m.).
   
5. 7/7:30 p.m.: Jack the Ripper Tour (option #1, option #2, or option #3).

Thursday: Blake’s London!

1. My friend Elena may come up from Barcelona for the day to see me! 
2. 10 a.m.: British Museum –  Department of Prints and Drawings, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, etc.
3. Lunch: Tea and Tattle (41 Great Russell Street) or London Review Cake Shop (14 Bury Place).
4. Blake historical sites: (a) St. James’s Church, (b) Royal Academy New Somerset House, (c) St. Mary’s Battersea, and (d) Bunhill Fields.
5. Either National Portrait Gallery (open to 9 p.m.) or  pubs with Simon.

Friday

• Depart: Back to San Francisco!

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on facebook, tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Keeping an Eye on Expos

In February, I made arrangements with my friend Tina and about 3-4 of her friends to go in together on a table at SPX (Small Press Expo) in Maryland. And, on March 30th, after a series of techinical difficulties, I learned that we got the table!!

That means I’ll be exhibiting at SPX later this year on September 14th and 15th selling copies of my upcoming zines, plush toys, and whatnots with some wonderful company. Can’t wait!

＊If anyone has helpful advice about SPX, I would be eager to hear it. I’m trying to figure out how many zine copies, plush toys, and whatnots I’ll need to bring with me or ship by mail. What to do? ╰(　´◔　ω　◔ `)╯

Disclaimer: I do not own this image!!

In the meantime, I’m compiling a list of zine fests/expos I hope to attend and possibly exhibit at this year.

***

August 31st & September 1st

San Francisco Zine Fest

Seems like a cute and fun event from what I can glean from their website. Plus, admission is free!

***

September 14th & 15th

SPX (Small Press Expo), Maryland

***

October 12th & 13th

APE (Alternative Press Expo), San Francisco

Related Posts: Plans for APE and Experience of APE.

As you may know, I attended APE last year — so I think I have a pretty good idea what it will be like. I have absolutely no idea about my chances of nabbing a half-table, but I did send in a form that apparently means they’ll inform me when tables go on sale. We’ll see what happens!!

***

December 8th-ish

EBABZ Fest (East Bay Alternative Book and Zine Fest)

Related Post: Experience of the EBABZ Fest.

I attended this one too last year. It’s a pretty small space packed with rows and rows of tables. Might be fun!

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on facebook, tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Brief Update

★ Don’t forget to check out my graphic novel, The Poet and the Flea!

A new page every Wednesday!

***

Here is a brief update on my current creative projects and endeavors…!

Monday, February 18th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Worked on first zine.

Tuesday, February 19th

1. Meeting with Gabe! Showed him some new work for Elias & the City of Cats. 
2. Worked on The First Reich.
3. Worked on Elias & the City of Cats.
4. Spoke with my high school friend Tina L. about SPX (Small Press Expo) in Maryland. We (Tina, some of her friends, and I) are going to try to get a table there this September! Also, Tina may share a table with me for this year’s APE!

Wednesday, February 20th

• Zest Books Internship, Day #7: Super busy with some editing/fact-checking work! Also, sat in on a Teen Advisory Board meeting, which was interesting. Going in again tomorrow instead of Friday to sit in on a meeting and meet a tight deadline!

Thursday, February 21st

1. Sent Hannah some follow-up answers.
   
2. Zest Books Internship, Day #8: Came in Thursday instead of Friday. Managed to complete a big project before the deadline. Finally met Dan in person (had only talked on phone before). Going to help Hallie with a photoshop project on Wednesday. Busy, busy, busy!

Friday, February 22nd

1. Day off from Zest Books Internship!
2. Worked on Elias & the City of Cats.
3. Worked on some extra assignments for Zest.

Saturday, February 23rd

• Feeling under the weather today.

Sunday, February 24th

1. Lunch with cousin Cheryl Ann.
2. Date night with Wes!
3. Nominated for The Very Inspring Blogger Award.

Monday, February 25th

1. Did some errands downtown.
2. Worked on some upcoming blog posts.
3. Worked on some extra assignments for Zest.
4. Nominated for The Liebster Award.
5. Contacted by potential director for one of my short scripts!
6. The Flea‘s First Fan Art!

Tuesday, February 26th

1. Correspondence with potential director.
2. Worked on Elias & the City of Cats.
3. Worked on first zine.

Wednesday, February 27th

1. Continued correspondence with potential director.
2. Zest Books Internship, Day #9: Did some more image research and worked on photoshop to convert images into multiple formats.

Thursday, February 28th

1. Continued correspondence with potential director.
2. Worked on Elias & the City of Cats.
3. Worked on The First Reich.

Friday, March 1st

1. Continued correspondence with potential director.
2. Zest Books Internship, Day #10: Little jobs here and there. Working on some projects for Little Fish. Took home a copy of Regine’s Book.

Saturday, March 2nd

1. Worked on some upcoming blog posts.
2. Attended a show at Gallerie Citi with some of my mom’s art on display.

Sunday, March 3rd

1. Hannah Meiklejohn Interviews G. E. Gallas for Lemonade Magazine
2. G. E. Gallas Invited to Speak to The Blake Society!
3. Date night with Wes!

Monday, March 4th

1. Celebrating 1,000 Followers on Twitter!
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
3. Research, research, research…!

Tuesday, March 5th

1. Planning for Blake’s London!
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
3. Research, research, research…!
4. First skype meeting with film director Josh! He’s interested in my short script The Man Who Never Smiled. Soon, he’ll be scouting locations and creating a shot list. Wants me to write detailed notes about the script and eventually create a simple storyboard. Set filming date for July. Extremely excited!!!
5. Worked on The First Reich.

Wednesday, March 6th

• Zest Books Internship, Day #11: Worked on a graphic-novel-related marketing research project.
  

Thursday, March 7th

1. Meeting with Gabe! Hoping I can finished illustrations for Elias in a few weeks, scan them, then meet with Gabe to get everything prepared to send out to publishers!
2. Worked on The First Reich.

Friday, March 8th

1. Package from The Blake Society!
2. Zest Books Internship, Day #12: Continued to work on a graphic-novel-related marketing research project. Received some very interesting advice about publishing.

Saturday, March 9th

1. Feeling under the weather today.
   
2. Worked on some upcoming blog posts.
3. Nominated a second time for Versatile Blogger Award!

Sunday, March 10th

1. Feeling under the weather today.
2. Worked on some upcoming blog posts.

Monday, March 11th

1. Ran some errands.
2. Worked on some information for the Blake Society.
3. Worked on some upcoming blog posts.

Tuesday, March 12th

1. Feeling under the weather today.
2. Worked on The First Reich.
   
3. Worked on some upcoming blog posts.

Wednesday, March 13th

• Feeling under the weather today.

Thursday, March 14th

1. Worked on a special illustration.
2. Worked on The First Reich.
3. Worked on The Poet and the Flea.

Friday, March 15th

1. Zest Books Internship, Day #13: Worked on image research and packing for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair!
2. Worked on notes for The Man Who Never Smiled.

Saturday, March 16th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Applications, applications, applications…!
3. Nice dinner with extended family in Palo Alto.

Sunday, March 17th

• Date night with Wes.

The Ice Cream Bar, San Francisco

Monday, March 18th

1. Worked on notes for The Man Who Never Smiled.
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
3. Applications, applications, applications…!

Tuesday, March 19th

1. Worked on notes for The Man Who Never Smiled.
2. Second skype meeting with film director Josh! Discussed casting and locations.
   
3. Talked with Tina L. over phone. Always so much fun!

Wednesday, March 20th

• Zest Books Internship, Day #14: Worked on research for graphic novels, London Book Fair, and literary agents.

Spring is here?

Thursday, March 21st

1. Worked on Elias & the City of Cats.
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
3. Dinner with friend Tina C. 

Friday, March 22nd

• Zest Books Internship, Day #15: Worked on research for London Book Fair and literary agents. Put together a bunch of packages to be mailed. Image research for computer/internet-related ebook.
  

Saturday, March 23rd

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Date night with Wes. Saw The Incredible Burt Wonderstone — actually much more entertaining than we were expecting. Bought David Bowie’s new album!

Yay!

Sunday, March 24th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
   
2. Received reply from a potential job — interview on Thursday.
3. Worked on The First Reich.
4. Worked on Elias & the City of Cats.
5. Packed for Passover trip.

Monday, March 25th

1. Passover trip — had Passover and stayed overnight at cousin’s house outside of Sacramento. Would be perfect location for filming Death Is No Bad Friend.
2. Received e-mail from local production company. Interview scheduled for April 11th!

Tuesday, March 26th

• Return drive from Passover trip.

Wednesday, March 27th

• Zest Books Internship, Day #16: Worked on image research and fact checking! Fact checking is definitely one of my strong suits — I have so much random knowledge stuffed away in my brain that I can immediately sense when something is off.

Beautiful but deadly pollen!

Thursday, March 28th

1. Interview with potential job unsuccessful, but that’s fine by me. Looking forward to next interview on the 11th!
2. Entered two screenplays (one full-length, one short) into Table Read My Screenplay contest. Wish me luck!
3. Check Out “The Poet and the Flea”!!!

Friday, March 29th

1. Zest Books Internship, Day #17: Continued to work on fact checking and image research!
   
2. Tina L. called to tell me we got the table at SPX!!! Now to buy plane tickets…

Saturday, March 30th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Arr, Ye Matey: “Assassin Bound” Ho!!!
3. Worked on The Flea plush toy.

Sunday, March 31st

1. Worked on The Flea plush toy.
2. Date night with Wes!
   

Monday, April 1st

1. Worked on The First Reich.
2. Worked on Elias & the City of Cats.
   
3. Worked on The Poet and the Flea.
4. Online research/shopping for Cannes/London trip.

Etcetera

• The Poet and the Flea: 63 pages of written script (1 page of script = 4-6 illustrated pages), and about 36 pages (1-30 completed, and 31-36 in progress) of illustrated work.
• The First Reich: about 1-10 pages of illustrated work in progress.
• First Zine: about 6-8 pages of illustrated work in progress.

To Do:

• Finish work on Elias & The City of Cats.
• Continue to work on The First Reich.
• Add more information to my Behance.net profile.
• Add more information to my Coroflot.com profile.
• Continue adding blog content to The First Reich.
• Complete script for The Poet and the Flea.

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on facebook, tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Planning for London!

by William Blake

As some of you may know, I was originally planning a trip to the UK for February 2013. Circumstances have changed a countless number of times and I thought I wouldn’t be able to go at all. But, thanks to The American Pavilion Cannes Film Program, I think I’ll be able to make my dream of seeing some of William Blake’s work in person come true (among other dreams of screenwriting, filmmaking, etc.). I’ll be in France for about two weeks, and I hope to tack on a few days in London during my journey back to the States!!!

I’m currently in the process of figuring out my travel arrangements. There are so many different routes to Nice, France, it’s difficult to decide the best way to go. Possibly, I could stop over in New York or Amsterdam or even Paris. I’m hoping my dad (Mr. Globetrotting Lawyer himself) will be able to find me the best deal. Or perhaps I’ll try a travel agent.

The wonderful Naomi Billingsley at The Blake Society sent me a fabulous e-mail detailing all the best ways to see Blake’s work and historical sites in person. She suggested that I make a list of what I want to see, so I’ll be making a number of lists on my blog in an attempt to figure out how to schedule everything into two or three days.

1. The Tate possesses an impressive collection of Blake’s works, but I believe many pieces just returned from Madrid and are not currently on display. I’m hoping that by May this will change. My #1 dream is to see The Ghost of a Flea in person — so I guess I’ll try contacting the Tate and ask them for more information. Naomi pointed out that there are a number of “view by appointment” Blake works at the Tate’s Print Room and that I could make an appointment to see them. I’ll have to browse their online catalogue.
2. The British Museum has some Blake works in their Print Room as well and they are accessible without an appointment.
3. According to Naomi, The Victoria and Albert Museum has four of Blake’s “fresco” paintings on permanent display and a collection of Blake’s watercolors in their Print Room, accessible without an appointment.
4. Naomi also recommended a really amazing page on the Tate’s website detailing Blake historical sites (http://www2.tate.org.uk/williamblake/lambeth/london_intro.html). All these sites seem like they’re in a pretty concentrated area, so I think I’ll be able to see a lot of them!!

From here, I’d like to further explore the museum websites/online resources and figure out how much I can see and what I want to see the most in the few days I’m in London!

***

Updates

January 28th

Today, finalized my travel arrangements! On the way from San Francisco to Nice, will be stopping over in Frankfurt. And on the way to London, will be stopping over in Belgium. Will be staying in London for three full days, staying at a decent hotel not far from all the museums and Blake historic sites. Can’t believe this is really happening!!!

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Brief Update

★ Don’t forget to check out my graphic novel, The Poet and the Flea!

A new page every Wednesday!

***

Here is a brief update on my current creative projects and endeavors…!

Wednesday, December 12th

1. Second day of cat sitting!
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
3. Helped my mom, the abstract artist, with developing her blog (irenezweig.wordpress.com).
4. “Correspondence with The Blake Society.”

Thursday, December 13th

1. Third day of cat sitting!
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
3. Worked on The Flea script.

Friday, December 14th

1. Fourth day of cat sitting!
2. Sent out some more fellowship/internship/job applications.
3. Worked on The Flea script.

Saturday, December 15th

1. Last day of cat sitting!
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
3. Worked on The Flea script.

Sunday, December 16th

1. Went to see The Hobbit with Wes and the folks! I was a major fan of The Lord of the Rings films when they first came out (and still am), so of course I was (and still am) super excited for The Hobbit. Even my dad, who was skeptical and didn’t really want to come, loved the movie (and even shed tears at the bromance between Bilbo and Thorin, I kid you not). (^-^) I know this is bizarre, but I think my favorite part was when the Great Goblin’s secretary cackled as he ziplined through the air!
2. Wes is so sweet and got me a Rose Vampire figurine from Super7 – IT’S SO CUTE!

Monday, December 17th

1. Signed up with Behance.net: www.behance.net/gegallas.
2. Worked on The Flea script.

Tuesday, December 18th

• Worked on The Flea script.

Wednesday, December 19th

1. As usual, great meeting with Gabe. Working out the next few steps for Elias & The City of Cats and thinking about our future projects.
   
2. 2:30 p.m.: Phone interview with The American Pavilion for the Cannes Film Program. I think it went pretty well. I’ll be hearing from them this Friday. Wish me luck!
3. Came up with a really cool idea for The Blanks screenplay collaboration. Wrote an e-mail to Gabe and waiting to hear what he thinks!

Thursday, December 20th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Applied to the Creative World Awards (a screenwriting competition). For more information, click here.
3. Worked on The Flea script.
4. Did some more research on fellowships/internships/jobs.

Etcetera

• The Poet and the Flea: 60 pages of written script (1 page of script = 4-6 illustrated pages), and about 36 pages (1-24, 27-30 completed, and 25-26, 31-36 in progress) of illustrated work.
• The First Reich: about 1-10 pages of illustrated work in progress.

To Do:

• Add more information to my Behance.net profile.
• Add more information to my Coroflot.com profile.
• Continue adding blog content to The First Reich.
• Continue to work on The First Reich.
• Continue to work on Elias & The City of Cats.
• Complete script for The Poet and the Flea.
• Sign up with Top Web Comics: Comic Rankings.
• Sign up with OnlineComics.net.

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Brief Update

★ Don’t forget to check out my graphic novel, The Poet and the Flea!

A new page every Wednesday!

***

Preview to upcoming post, “Experience of EBABZ (East Bay Alternative Book & Zine Fest)”:

***

Here is a brief update on my current creative projects and endeavors…!

Tuesday, December 4th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Sent out some more fellowship/internship/job applications.
3. Worked on the second rough draft for Elias & The City of Cats.

Wednesday, December 5th

• Under the weather!

Thursday, December 6th

1. Was supposed to go on a date with Wes, but I caught a nasty cold. （；へ：）
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!

Friday, December 7th

• Recovering from cold!

Saturday, December 8th

• Today, The East Bay Alternative Book and Zine Fest!

Sunday, December 9th

1. Today, was nominated again for the Very Inspiring Blogger award! Updated information on this post.
2. Hired to do a small freelance translation job (English to Japanese). Began working on first assignment!

Monday, December 10th

1. Worked on The First Reich.
2. Worked with client on translation job.

Tuesday, December 11th

1. First day of cat sitting!
2. Sent out some more fellowship/internship/job applications.
3. Worked on The Flea script.
4. Received e-mail informing me I have a phone interview, yay!!
5. Worked with client on translation job.

Etcetera

• The Poet and the Flea: 53 pages of written script (1 page of script = 4-6 illustrated pages), and about 36 pages (1-24, 27-30 completed, and 25-26, 31-36 in progress) of illustrated work.
• The First Reich: about 1-10 pages of illustrated work in progress.

To Do:

• Add more information to my Coroflot.com profile.
• Continue adding blog content to The First Reich.
• Continue to work on The First Reich.
• Continue to work on Elias & The City of Cats.
• Complete script for The Poet and the Flea.
• Schedule next meeting with Gabe.
• Sign up with Top Web Comics: Comic Rankings.
• Sign up with OnlineComics.net.

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Brief Update

Don’t forget to check out my most recent posts!:

• Work in Progress: Elias & The City of Cats
• Much Ado About Bubbie: Bubbie’s Mad About Hamm
• October 2010: VAMPS at Roseland Ballroom, NYC

***

Here is a brief update on my current creative projects and endeavors…!

★ “The Poet and the Flea 100 Day Countdown to the Premiere” is underway!! Join us on Tumblr, Twitter, and Facebook!

Tuesday, November 6th

1. Continued to work on application for Chronicle Books Children’s Design Fellowship.
2. Added information to my Coroflot.com profile.
3. Worked on The Flea script and the script for a comedic zine idea.
4. Applied to a publishing job.
5. Worked on my long abused Pinterest.

Wednesday, November 7th

1. Finished work on application for Chronicle Books Children’s Design Fellowship
2. Dropped off fellowship application at Chronicle Books!
3. Attended Scary Cow information session.

Thursday, November 8th

1. Took care of some errands.
2. Worked on The First Reich.
3. Worked on the second rough draft for Elias & The City of Cats.

Friday, November 9th

1. Worked on application to the Cannes Film Program.
2. Attended Cinema by the Bay with Wes.

Saturday, November 10th

1. Decided to apply to a fellowship at Wired Magazine.
2. Thoroughly enjoyed Skyfall. (´∀｀)♡
3. Did some more research on fellowships and jobs.

Sunday, November 11th

• Took care of some e-mails and applied to a few more jobs.

Monday, November 12th

• Took care of some e-mails, etc.

Tuesday, November 13th

1. Worked on The First Reich.
2. Worked on the second rough draft for Elias & The City of Cats.
3. Worked on some color samples for Elias & The City of Cats.

Wednesday, November 14th

1. Coming soon! — Meeting with the Bay Area Film and TV Connection (Connect with Others in the Film and TV Industry).

Etcetera

• The Poet and the Flea: 49 pages of written script (1 page of script = 4-6 illustrated pages), and about 36 pages (1-24, 27-30 completed, and 25-26, 31-36 in progress) of illustrated work.
• The First Reich: about 1-6 pages of illustrated work in progress.

To Do:

• Apply to fellowship at Wired Magazine.
• Add more information to my Coroflot.com profile.
• Continue adding blog content to The First Reich.
• Continue to work on The First Reich.
• Continue to work on Elias & The City of Cats.
• Schedule next meeting with Gabe.
• Sign up with Top Web Comics: Comic Rankings.
• Sign up with OnlineComics.net.

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Announcement: IndieGoGo Update!

Dearest friends, followers, and passersby:

It has been a few weeks since launching my Indiegogo campaign: “The Poet and the Flea: Send G.E. to the U.K.”. Since then, I have received a number of contributions from generous funders. I truly appreciate these contributions and am eternally grateful to these funders for helping me inch one step further to achieving my dream.

That being said — I still need more help!!

There are 22 days left until the end of my campaign. That means 22 days left for you to contribute to my dream of becoming a professional screenwriter.

Please check out more information below, and don’t forget to visit my campaign page: http://www.indiegogo.com/send-GE-to-UK.

Thanks again,

G. E.

***

Dear friends:

Time is running out, and I need your help!

I am trying to raise funds to go to Northern England for the filming of my short screenplay The Man Who Never Smiled, a contemporary film noir about the tragic fate of a father and his daughter. As the screenwriter, it is important for me to be on set for any last-minute changes. But the production company is working on a shoe-string budget and has no funds to get me there or even pay me. Please help me make my dream of becoming a professional screenwriter come true!

My Campaign: http://www.indiegogo.com/send-GE-to-UK

Your support will contribute to my travel and lodging expenses. Earn more perks with every donation level. Every dollar counts!

Also, please help spread the word through Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Thank you so much!

–G. E.

***

My name is G. E. Gallas, and I am a screenwriter and graphic novelist (writer/illustrator). I will be making a trip to the U.K. early next year, and need your help to make my dreams come true!

1. My short screenplay, The Man Who Never Smiled (a contemporary film noir), is being produced by Dream Catcher Films in the North West of England. This film is being made on a tight budget, and there are no funds for me to get there. It’s important for me to be there during filming so that I can make on-the-spot changes to the script and get hands-on experience in film production.

2. In between filming will be the perfect opportunity to visit London to research the 18th-Century poet-painter William Blake, the hero of my graphic novel The Poet and the Flea. I plan to visit Blake’s grave as well as various museums that house his works. Seeing his works in person would be life changing. This would be my first time in England, and I hope to make this an unforgettable learning experience.

Your contributions will help cover expenses for transportation (airplane, train) and lodging. I truly appreciate any and all support, whether through contributions and/or spreading the word through social media (Twitter, etc.)!!

While in Europe, I plan to document my travels. When I return, I will share my photos and experiences with all of you through my blog gegallas.wordpress.com.

Thank you so much!

Gratefully,

G. E.

Homepage/Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Tumblr

***

Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Experience of APE

Related post: Plans for APE

***

Wow, what can I say about APE?

Well, this was definitely an experience!

Firstly, I believe that APE (Alternative Press Expo) was a productive endeavor. I learned much more about the nature of each publisher I’ve been tracking online. I hope that Shannon and I managed to get the names of our projects (The Poet and the Flea and The First Reich) out there just a little. And I learned a lot about what techniques make a successful table.

As far as the bigger publishers go (Fantagraphics, Drawn & Quarterly, Last Gasp, Top Shelf, etc.), I was glad to see them at the Expo — to see all their products laid out in front of me, rather than squinting at images on a computer screen. Some of them only had marketing representatives who didn’t know much about the submissions process, which was too bad. Others had more knowledgable people to talk to, who offered some useful advice. I guess it really just boils down to submitting material and seeing what happens!

I very much enjoyed talking to some of the smaller publishers. They were very enthusiastic, helpful, and informative. And just because they’re smaller doesn’t mean they have inferior products. They are extremely professional (but in a laid back sort of way) and their books are gorgeous!

I loved talking with the kind folks at Yam Books. Tim Hensley (creator of Ticket Stub) was shocked that someone in their twenties (me) was a Barbara Stanwyck fan!! Both Saturday and Sunday, we had conversations about the film noir starlet, exchanging movie titles and laughing away. He even drew me this awesome illustration of Barbara (see below) in Double Indemnity — bangs and sunglasses and all!

Also had good but brief conversations with the good people at A Raven Above Press and Never Press.

I’ve only recently become interested in learning more about the world of zines. And Tugboat Press seemed like a good place to start. I really admire what they’re doing. I’m glad I talked with them because I learned that, rather than taking submissions, they commission artists. I also received recommendations about which volumes of their anthology Papercutter to buy and realized that they are interested in a vast array of genres. I’m excited to really sit down and read my purchases.

Sunday, I finally figured out where Uncivilized Books got to (I just could not figure out that map!). Their chief Tom was excellent at patiently answering my questions and encouraging me to submit my work. I’m excited to start working on sending out some follow-up e-mails to everyone I talked with!

Also, I picked up a lot of interesting flyers, cards, stickers, etc. from around the expo and from the free table. Below are some of my favorites!!

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Here are my notes of what makes a successful table in case I end up getting one for APE next year!

(This is just a rough list for my personal use. In no particular order!)

• Need a billboard/banner advertising name of artist/graphic novel.
• Need a tablecloth.
• Need a sign (or maybe t-shirts) to hang off the front of the table.
• Wear one of your own t-shirts to further advertise your graphic novel.
• Perhaps a sign or two saying: “Pleas talk to us — we’re friendly!”
• Perhaps a big bowl of free candy.
• Attract customers with a selection of cheaper items ($1 pins or stickers?).
• Need a clipboard and form for customers to sign up for your mailing list.
• Provide plenty of business cards and/or postcards.

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Among the flyers and such was a postcard for the East Bay Alternative Book and Zine Fest, free and taking place December 8th in Berkeley. I’m very interested in checking it out!

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For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

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Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Brief Update

Here is a brief update on my current creative projects and endeavors…!

★ Please vote for The Poet and the Flea at the UnHate Unemployee of the Year contest!!

★ Send G.E. to the U.K.: http://www.indiegogo.com/send-GE-to-UK

★ “The Poet and the Flea 100 Day Countdown to the Premiere” is underway!! Join us on Tumblr, Twitter, and Facebook!

Friday, October 5th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Launched my IndieGoGo campaign! For more information, please visit http://www.indiegogo.com/send-GE-to-UK and/or http://gegallas.wordpress.com/2012/10/05/indiegogo-campaign-send-g-e-to-the-u-k/.
3. Entered The Poet and the Flea into the UnHate Unemployee of the Year contest!

Saturday, October 6th

• The Poet and the Flea was approved by the judges on the UnHate Unemployee of the Year website. Now all you have to do is vote!
• Busy promoting my IndieGoGo campaign.
• Went to see Frankenweenie and LOVED IT!!! (｡♥‿♥｡)

Sunday, October 7th

• Went with Wes to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park. It was quite a culture shock! But I had a wonderful time. (^-^)

Monday, October 8th

1. Working on character designs for Gabe’s children’s book. Looking forward to further discussion with Gabe on Friday.
2. On Craigslist, responded to a post — a production company interested in short screenplays. Wish me luck!
3. Continuing to promote my IndieGoGo campaign.

Tuesday, October 9th

1. The wonderful Infernal Reviewer wants to make a post about my blog and The Poet and the Flea. I’m so excited!!! (ﾉﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉ
2. ComicKick, “…a community dedicated to promoting comic book and graphic novel projects on Kickstarter, IndieGoGo, and other crowd funding sites,” has promoted my IndieGoGo campaign! Thank you so much!!
3. Continuing to promote my IndieGoGo campaign.

Wednesday, October 10th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Drafting ideas for The First Reich last-minute DIY postcards for APE.
3. Working on some upcoming blog posts and project ideas.
4. Interested in eventually creating a “zine” — brainstorming ideas!
5. The Infernal Reviewer published his post about me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Etcetera

• The Poet and the Flea: 47 pages of written script (1 page of script = 4-6 illustrated pages), and about 36 pages (1-24, 27-30 completed, and 25-26, 31-36 in progress) of illustrated work.

To Do:

• Add blog content to The First Reich.
• Begin sketching out first few pages of The First Reich.
• Continue to work on character sketches for Gabe.
• Meet with Gabe at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 12.
• Attend APE (Alternative Press Expo), October 13 – 14.
• October 19 – 23: I will be out of town!
• Sign up with Top Web Comics: Comic Rankings.
• Sign up with OnlineComics.net.

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For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

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Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas