A special No Bar Codes promo : guest-blogger David Baillie has a quick chat with small press superstars Ben Powis

Hi Ben, hope you're well! We haven't met, but I've read and admired your work, and can't wait to say hello. How would you introduce yourself and your work to someone at NoBarCodes next Saturday in Camden Lock Market who has never heard of you before?

Hi, I am very well thanks and really looking forward to next weekend! For an intro how about...
'Hello my name is Ben and I like to draw pictures' - that sums me up pretty well, even if it does sound like I'm about to host a cheesy gameshow!

You've had your comic Turtle Guitar on the LondonUnderGround Saturday comics table - how has that been for you?

It's been a fantastic, I have received some lovely messages from people who picked the comic up at the LUC tables, but its also been a great learning opportunity. Turtle Guitar is my first comic and being able to get it out to an audience who know what they like and aren't afraid to say so has been invaluable. It's also really exciting to hear about the great things the London Underground Comics guys are doing, I'm proud that my work has some small part in that.

What are you looking forward to most next Saturday?

Meeting everyone who comes along, including all the creators of the comics I have been staring at for so many months! The Internet is great for news and keeping up to date with the latest small press releases, but I am really looking forward to meeting people face to face.

Anything you're dreading?

Being asked to draw something, then getting exposed for the fraud I am! No really...I do draw...honest!

And finally - any message for the people out there, reading this, wishing that they too were a young, cool and sexy comics creator?

Don't do it, don't throw your life away!! Just kidding! If you have something you want to say, a story to tell, just do it.
Looking back, I wouldn't have imagined a year ago that I'd be doing what I am now. I really love it, its the best job in the world.
Oh one final thing, to anyone who is wondering when my next comic 'Where Grows The Bitter Herb' will be out...its finished and (depending on the printers) it might just be premiering at NoBarCodes next Saturday at Camden Lock Market - the only way to be sure is to come along!

Thank you very much, Ben Powis!

No, Thank you! :)


STUFF AT THE BOTTOM

No Bar Codes is a one day indie comics event taking place at Camden Lock Market this Saturday. Click here for more info.


Ben Powis can be found at www.benpowis.net and No Bar Codes next week. His Turtle Guitar comes highly recommended as does his Lost in the Woods illustration blog!

David Baillie is over at www.davidbaillie.net and the awesome new hardback edition of his fantasy adventure Tongue of the Dead debuts at No Bar Codes. Click here for an exclusive discount voucher redeemable on the day

A special No Bar Codes promo : guest-blogger David Baillie has a quick chat with indie superstar Paul B Rainey

Hi Paul, hope you're well! I've been an admirer of yours since someone first said to me 'Have you heard of Paul Rainey? You should read his comics, I bet you'll like 'em!' How would you introduce yourself and your work to someone at NoBarCodes next Saturday in Camden Lock Market who has never heard of you before?

I usually have a little summary of each of my comics worked out which I recite at potential customers. Then I stand back and look at them longingly hoping desperately that they'll buy something. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't but whatever the outcome I always feel I could sell my stuff a little better. I always feel that if I was a contestant on The Apprentice Alan Sugar would fire me the first week.

You've been a mainstay of the UK Indie scene for many glorious years (even though you're still in your first spurt of youth) - how have things changed since you first dipped your toe in?

Thanks to desktop printers and more affordable printing, production quality is significantly better and more affordable these days, and more shops seem receptive to carrying stuff (although not enough). Also, there are a lot more bald men, which I like, but too many young men with long hair, which I find disconcerting.

What are you looking forward to most next Saturday?

I haven't had the opportunity to visit the Camden stall before so I have absolutely no expectations from a sales point of view. I am looking forward to seeing friends there, making new ones perhaps and having a couple of drinks after. Any new readers would be great.

Anything you're dreading?

There not being any chairs there... I'm at an age now where I need to sit down every now and then. Losing my glasses... I worry about that a lot. Splitting my trousers when I bend over... Which is why I always carry a spare pair.

What's next for Paul Rainey, man of comics?

Part 8 of my long comic strip, or "graphic novel", There's No Time Like The Present, which I am currently writing and hope to have finished by the end of the year. Of course, like every good comic creator, I have a few ideas for other strips as well which I'm keen to have a go at.

And finally - any message for the people out there, reading this, wishing that they too were a young, cool and sexy comics creator?

Yes! Don't be intimidated by anyone out there! Draw the comics you want to draw, print them up, staple them together and get them out there!! Alternatively, whack 'em online. Whatever, the important bit is, get your stuff out there!! Now!!

Thank you very much, Paul Rainey!

I love you, Dave.


No Bar Codes is a one day indie comics event taking place at Camden Lock Market this Saturday. Click here for more info.

Paul can be found at www.pbrainey.com, The Book of Lists, 2000AD Prog Slog and No Bar Codes next week. Go on - click on one the above links and the surrender the rest of your day to Mr Rainey!

David Baillie is over at www.davidbaillie.net and the awesome new hardback edition of his fantasy adventure Tongue of the Dead debuts at No Bar Codes. Click here for an exclusive discount voucher redeemable on the day.


And thank you very much to Matt for allowing to hijack his blog for this!