ArtsVisual Arts

Nerdy Mewzings

James Foster

A weekly comic book interview podcast where host & artist James chats with comic industry pros, collectors, creators, & average nerds about all things comics, art, & more. Keep it nerdy!

Website: nerdymewzings.com/podcast
Video version of episodes: youtube.com/@nerdymewzings
Patreon: patreon.com/nerdymewzings
X (Twitter) - Instagram - TikTok @nerdymewzings

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25 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 3 min
English

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#132
Monday · 1 hr 4 min
Travis Naught: Comic Book Dealer, Author, & Lyricist
Travis Naught of WC Collectibles joins the Nerdy Mewzings Podcast to talk about building one of the most welcoming comic book vending booths on the convention circuit, his passion for writing, and how he's turned his physical limitations into amazing opportunities! What started as a way for Travis to stay on the show floor in his wheelchair has grown into a family-run business that hits 10–12 shows a year across the Northwest. He breaks down the deliberate “treasure hunt” layout that keeps people digging, why they stay mobile instead of opening a store, and how they buy collections without taking advantage of people. Travis also shares his passion for writing (poetry memoir The Virgin Journals), the albums that came out of his 40th birthday celebration, and why Spider-Man 2099 and Department of Truth still hit differently than most superhero books! If you're enjoying the podcast please leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, & Keep it Nerdy! Follow WC Collectibles on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wc_collectibles Follow Travis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travislaurencenaught Catch WC Collectibles at Grit City Comic Con in Tacoma, WA Saturday, November 7th: https://gritcitycomicshow.com/ Patreon members get each week's episode 48 hours early, a shoutout on the show, and access to submit questions for upcoming guests! Join here for only $5 per month: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Meeting at cons & how the booth started 4:30 - Family feel, driving radius & show schedule 8:00 - Artists, voice actors & celebrity interactions 15:00 - The “treasure hunt” organization style 22:00 - Buying collections & free appraisals 28:00 - Writing, sport psychology & physical limits 34:00 - First book & music albums 42:00 - Comics that stuck (2099, Department of Truth, DCC) 52:00 - Upcoming shows & where to find them 1:01:00 - Outro
#131
October 26 · 57 min
Comic Book Writer Clayton Rozman on Yellow Moon Kickstarter & Western Horror
Writer Clayton Rozman makes his Nerdy Mewzings return to celebrate the successful launch of Yellow Moon on Kickstarter! Clayton and I talked about the three-year journey, what it's like working with artist Bruno Letizia on the moody, color-driven pages, and the stretch goals that have already been unlocked. He also shared the real side of creator life, such as a tough portfolio review at Rose City Comic Con, what he looks for in sequential artists, and why collaboration beats an assembly-line approach. The campaign runs through November 19th and can be backed here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/octoberpress/yellow-moon-a-western-horror-graphic-novel Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, and Keep it Nerdy! Follow Clayton: -Instagram https://www.instagram.com/claytonr_comics (DM him for a free 24-page PDF!) Patreon members get episodes 48 hours early, a shoutout on the show, and can submit questions for upcoming guests. Join here: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Welcome back & Kickstarter status 4:00 - First-time campaign experience & mentors 6:30 - Rose City Comic Con & the portfolio review 10:00 - Advice for aspiring creators 13:00 - Bruno Letizia's art & early reactions 14:00 - What Clayton looks for in artists (Patreon Brandon Mendoza's question) 21:00 - Collaboration process & ping-pong with artists 25:00 - Stretch goals unlocked so far 31:00 - Finding Bruno & the book’s tone 36:00 - Yellow Moon premise (Henry & Spango) 40:00 - Punisher zine with Raymar Brunson 44:00 - Mainstream vs creator-owned path 51:00 - Day job, medical, and the long game 54:00 - How to back it & follow Clayton
#130
October 19 · 1 hr 22 min
Artist Carlos Mendoza III on Animatronic Design, Toys & Responsible AI Usage
Multitalented Artist Carlos Mendoza III dropped by Nerdy Mewzings to talk designing for animatronics, toys, and what it actually takes to turn a cool drawing into a real product people can buy! After 20+ years in toys (Spin Master, SpongeBob, & more) and nearly five years as art director for animatronics, Carlos shares how he learned the hard limits of factories, motors, weight, and cost so the finished piece matches the art. He also breaks down his practical take on the use of AI in creative industries: How ever changing industry standards have influenced his use of it as a productivity tool for quick corrections and creating style guides based on his original artwork, but not to generate finished work, or copy other artists. Our conversation also covers why versatility (a “web” of skills across toys, pinball, animatronics, and vehicles) has kept him working when single-lane careers get hit by layoffs. If you're enjoying the episodes please take a moment to leave a 5 STAR review, share with a Friend, and Keep it Nerdy! Follow Carlos: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carlos3art Support Nerdy Mewzings on Patreon, get episodes 48 hours early, submit guest questions, and more here: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro, Jin Han connection & Texas move 3:30 - Giant skeletons, year-round displays & collections 10:00 - Funko saturation vs supporting friends’ toys 14:00 - ’80s cartoons, Nicaragua roots & brother’s shapes 20:00 - T-shirt shop, Top Cow visit & Michael Turner 26:00 - Jada Toys 2005 & Spin Master with Jin Han 32:00 - Mike Rayhawk’s brutal critiques 36:00 - Four years chasing Blizzard style 42:00 - Animatronic design & real-world limits 48:00 - AI as tool vs replacement 56:00 - Teams, burnout & one-thread careers 1:12:00 - Career web: pinball, animatronics, toys 1:18:00 - Where to find Carlos & outro
#129
October 12 · 1 hr 22 min
The Fellowship of the Beats: Comic Book Artist Todd Beats Returns
Todd Beats is back, completing a TRILOGY of Nerdy Mewzings Podcast appearances, fresh off a much needed art getaway with his friend Joey Lee Cabral, and in the middle of prepping for New York Comic Con! We chatted about why school felt like torture for him, how creativity gets trained out of people, and why he posts the hard life lessons under the process videos instead of closing the door after a win. Learn the story behind why Todd keeps an overflowing change cup in his studio and how comfort in mediocrity is easier than another failure. By the time this airs he will have finished New York Comic Con (Dungeon Crawler Carl covers, Fox Mask Killer, retailer variants), with LA Comic Con (Oct 29–Nov 1), ChainKata covers in November, and a Japan/Singapore trip with Ryan Benjamin and Whilce Portacio still ahead. Honing his sequential art skills is the 2027 target! If you are enjoying the podcast please take a moment to leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, & Keep it Nerdy! Visit toddbeets.com and the newsletter for drops: https://www.toddbeats.com/ Follow Todd: WhatNot - https://www.whatnot.com/user/toddbeats Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddbeats TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@todd_beats X - https://x.com/toddbeats_art Subscribe to his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ToddBeatsART Patreon members get episodes 48 hours early, a shoutout on the show, and can submit guest questions! Join here for only $5 per month: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - El Paso trip with Joey Lee Cabral 6:30 - Kids, wonder & creativity getting boxed in 11:00 - School, shop class & homeschool 19:00 - Why he posts the hard stuff 22:30 - Rob Liefeld, closed doors & going to the audience 32:00 - Marvel house style, Image & Absolute copies 44:00 - Positivity that makes people angry 51:00 - Self-belief, world titles & lonely winning 1:01:30 - The change cup & chasing failure 1:07:30 - NYCC, LA, ChainKata, Japan 1:12:00 - Patreon questions: content, camera, up-angle heads 1:19:00 - Outro
#128
October 5 · 1 hr 7 min
Artist Brandon Mendoza: Marvel Snap, Character Design, and Creating Comic Books
Brandon Mendoza joins Nerdy Mewzings, going from a viewer and supporter, to featured guest! He is a Marvel Snap artist, character designer, cover artist, and teacher who is currently finishing his first sequential comic work on an upcoming, soon to be announced, project. Brandon talks about chasing his sports dream while pursuing a basketball career, how a knee injury changed his trajectory and helped him in rediscovering his love of art. He reflects on the comic book that pulled him back into the art world, Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato’s New 52 Flash. He talks about his regimen of nightly practice, YouTube and magazine drills, landing production work on Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur during the pandemic, and getting a Marvel Snap assignment after an art director reacted to his art on an Instagram story! We also talk about digital pencils versus traditional ink, influences from Brett Bean, Eric Canete, Kim Jacinto, Humberto Ramos, and Carlos Meglia, and the impact Daniel Warren Johnson’s livestreams have had on both of us. Keep an eye out, as a preview of his new comic project is aimed at New York Comic Con this coming weekend! Leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, & Keep it Nerdy! Follow Brandon: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bmendoza_art X - https://x.com/bmendozart TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@brandon.mendoza.art Patreon members get episodes early, a shoutout on the show, and can submit questions for upcoming guests! Join here: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Welcome & basketball before comics 4:00 - Jordan, Derrick Rose & drawing on cards 7:00 - Digital tools vs the feel of watercolor 10:00 - Cartoons, an uncle’s Spawn stack & the Flash rack 15:00 - Meniscus injury & leaving engineering 21:00 - Graphic design, practice sheets & homework after midnight 27:00 - Character design & Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur 34:00 - Pandemic silver linings 37:00 - Marvel Snap from an Instagram story 41:00 - Style: Bean, Canete, Ramos, Meglia 45:00 - DWJ, erasing & the mental side of drawing 51:00 - First sequential job with Juan Castro & Garrett Gunn 56:00 - Dream books: Flash, Batman Beyond, Daredevil 1:02:00 - Where to follow Brandon & outro
#127
September 28 · 1 hr 6 min
Author Maya Kurita: Writing, Importance of Art, & Ghosts of Ikari
Writer Maya Kurita stops by Nerdy Mewzings and talks about the different kind of pressure that comes with calling yourself an author, working with a literary agent, and conquering deadlines leading up to publishing. Maya’s book in progress features monster hunting in Sengoku-era Japan, drawing inspiration from two of her favorite series, The Witcher and Shogun. It involves creatures from folklore, real historical figures in an alternate history, and a warden named Raiko who will not stop until he gets his brothers back. She recalls a first middle-grade manuscript she wrote for her daughter, a year of drafts after being told Japanese fantasy “has no market,” then finding her agent through Alex Tamaki’s The Book of Fallen Leaves. James and Maya compare comic deadlines to going on sub, talk the difference between comic and book conventions, meeting Matt Dinniman, the importance of writing groups, paying artists, and why AI covers and digital-only media make her want people to keep buying real books. Leave a 5 STAR review if you want more creators outside the usual comic-artist lane, and remember, Keep it Nerdy! Follow Maya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mn.kurita.writes Patreon members get episodes 48 hours early, a shout out on the show, and can send questions for upcoming guests, join them here: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Early mornings, MMA nights & warmup timing 4:00 - Pressure from fighting vs pressure from writing 7:00 - WorldCon, Rose City & book-community support 12:00 - Meeting Matt Dinniman (and not following him) 18:30 - Family in film, early reading & fantasy roots 21:00 - Elevator pitch: Witcher meets Shogun 23:00 - First manuscript, “no market,” finding an agent 27:00 - Deadlines: books vs monthly comics 33:00 - Who owns the work: indie vs Big Five 36:30 - Covers, paying artists & William Thompson 41:00 - Friendships, Japanese history group & feedback 47:00 - Basics over flash, drafts vs edits 53:00 - Online groups, resources, AI art & physical books 1:03:00 - Where to follow Maya & outro
#126
September 21 · 1 hr 3 min
Eric Canete on Absolute Batman, Designing Poison Ivy & Coming Back to Comics
Eric Canete returns to the Nerdy Mewzings Podcast following a trip to SuperManila Comic Con, which included a visit with family in the Philippines, and a year that saw him return to the world of comic books on Absolute Batman, featuring the debut of Absolute Poison Ivy! Eric talks about leaving a 15-year video-game job, getting pushed by longtime friends Matteo Scalera and Shawn Crystal to treat comics as the full-time gig, and how Ivan Brandon and Nick Dragotta opened the door for his return at New York Comic Con. We talked about the process of finding his rhythm on the project via sample pages he made while sick after the show, designing Absolute Poison Ivy as a monster first then using the “pretty construct” as a rug pull, as well as the one line from Nick Dragotta that unlocked his ability to properly portray Absolute Batman. He also covers his approach to using Otomo style screen tone, why he would train a new artist on six- and nine-panel pages before splash pages, creating Youngblood variants for Rob Liefeld, Skinbreaker variants with David Finch and Robert Kirkman, the possibility of Arc Athena collected editions, his time at Iconic Comics, and how storyboarding taught him to cut detail down to what the reader actually needs. Leave a 5 STAR review and share with a friend if this kind of process talk helps you, share with a friend, and Keep it Nerdy! Follow Eric: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ericcanete X - https://x.com/EricCanete TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eric_canete Subscribe to Eric's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ericcanete Patreon supporters get episodes early, have their name shouted out on the pod, and can submit questions for upcoming guests for only $5 per month! Join here: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome back & SuperManila Comic Con 2:30 - Family, academics & choosing comics 7:30 - Getting back in after the game-studio years 11:00 - NYCC, Nick Dragotta & Scott Snyder 16:00 - Sample pages, Poison Ivy design & the construct 23:00 - Drawing Absolute Batman like the Hulk 29:00 - Deadlines, pressure & finding a rendering approach 34:30 - How Eric would train a new storyteller 40:30 - Youngblood variants & changing his mind on Liefeld 45:00 - Skinbreaker, Kirkman & David Finch 48:30 - Arc Athena editions, Iconic Comics & Patreon Questions 54:30 - Animation habits on the page 57:00 - More Absolute? Terminal? Current Marvel covers 1:01:00 - Where to follow Eric & outro
#125
September 14 · 1 hr 5 min
Artist Jin Han on Diversifying Across Comics, Toys & Concept Art
Concept and Comic Artist Jin Han joins Nerdy Mewzings to discuss his career which has spanned comics (Spawn coloring and fill-in work), McFarlane Toys (lead concept artist), animation, and running Yellow Tracksuit Entertainment, which consults and designs for Hasbro, Mattel, Jazwares, Playmates Toys, Disney, Universal, and Sony. Jin and James talk about the importance of creative diversification, how original art collecting taught him scale and the penciler-inker relationship, and why he’s been moving back toward traditional work after years of digital. They cover Whilce Portacio’s early digital pioneering, Brian Haberlin’s advice to hide brush strokes, Travis Charest’s constant evolution, Mike Mignola’s economy of form, and the realities of the original art and collectibles markets. The conversation closes with a discussion about Marvel Studios laying off nearly its entire creative team, Disney’s AI partnerships, and how creators need to be prepared to pivot in ever changing times! If you work in comics, toys, or concept art — or just love hearing how artistic veterans stay working — Leave a 5 STAR Review, share with friends, & Keep it Nerdy! Follow Jin: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jinhan.art YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@jinhan_art Official Website: https://www.yellowtracksuit.com/ Patreon Nerdy Insider Members receive each week's episode 48 hours early, a shoutout on the show, and other perks. Join them there for only $5 per month: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Why Diversification Matters 4:00 - Original Art Collecting & Learning from Pages 10:00 - Traditional vs Digital Process 17:00 - Whilce Portacio, Brian Haberlin & Adaptable Artists 21:00 - Travis Charest, Mignola & Artistic Evolution 25:00 - Artists Jin Collects 29:00 - Emotional Value vs Market Value 35:00 - Collectibles Speculation, FOMO & Human Nature 44:00 - Yellow Tracksuit Studio & Going Independent 51:00 - Marvel Studios Layoffs, Disney & AI 1:02:00 - Where to Find Jin & Outro
#124
September 7 · 1 hr 7 min
Ghost Man Haunts Again: Comic Creator Raymar Brunson Returns to Nerdy Mewzings
Independent Comic Book Creator Raymar Brunson ( ⁨@artofbrunson⁩ ) returns to Nerdy Mewzings more than a year after his first appearance with a packed slate: Ghost Man Haunts Again (issue 3, 56 pages, out October from Cosmic Lion Productions), self-published Gatling Boy with Kevin Anthony Catalan, Pickle PI, Damu, and an upcoming flip-book collab with Erwin Papa. Raymar talks about jumping into comics in 2023 after years of photography and music videos, living at home to grind, networking with people already doing the work, and treating Ghost Man as a fun testing ground for his art. He breaks down digital pencils + traditional inks, tight thumbnails inspired by Chris Samnee, favorite tools, and influences from Bruce Timm and James Harren to Frank Miller, Jordi Bernet, and Alex Toth. We also cover printing for self publishing, saying yes to almost everything, and why he still loves the Punisher-inspired vigilante at the heart of Ghost Man (now with sidekick Head Hauntcho). If you love indie action comics, black-and-white storytelling, or creators who just keep shipping — Leave a 5 STAR Review, share with your friends, & Keep it Nerdy! Follow Raymar: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/artofbrunson X - https://x.com/artofbrunson TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@artofbrunson Buy Raymar's Comics: https://cosmiclionproductions.com/comics-shop/ols/search?keywords=brunson Snag Raymar's original art: https://www.panelpunk.com/collections/raymar-brunson Join the Nerdy Insider Club on Patreon for early episode access, a shout out on the pod, and bonus content: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Raymar Brunson Returns 2:00 - Ghost Man 3, Gatling Boy & Current Work 8:00 - Collaborations, Mixam Printing & Kickstarter Plans 15:00 - Process: Digital Pencils, Traditional Inks & Tools 22:00 - Speed, Quality & Working Multiple Projects 28:00 - Art Origins, Influences & Switching from Film 36:00 - Photography/Cinematography Influence on Comics 43:00 - Ghost Man Premise, Head Hauntcho & New Issue 50:00 - Distribution, Upcoming Projects & Saying Yes 56:00 - Dream Big Two Characters & Composition Tips 63:00 - Where to Follow Raymar & Outro
#123
August 31 · 1 hr
Artist Colm Griffin on Directing, Radiant Black, & Variant Covers
Artist Colm Griffin stops by Nerdy Mewzings and becomes the fourth Irish comic creator on the show! We talked about how he is balancing a thriving film directing career along with his lifelong passion for comic books. Colm shares about growing up in a small Irish town with limited comic access, the chance encounters that sent him into animation instead of fine art, and how versatility (penciling, inking, coloring, Adobe After Effects, editing) opened every door for his career. We cover his 225-page self-made comic he worked on during a production lull, early IDW work on Beast Wars, the game-changing Radiant Black “Tron cover” for Kyle Higgins, current Power Rangers and upcoming Ninja Turtles covers, and a newly signed (still secret) project. He also discusses studying artist editions, real-time feedback from Irish peers like Danny Earls and Declan Shalvey, treating art like a blue-collar job, and why he still draws for himself after a long day of directing. If you love variant cover artists, Irish comics talent, or creators who wear multiple hats — Leave a 5 STAR Review, Share with a Friend, & Keep it Nerdy! Follow Colm: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/artofcolmgriffin X - https://x.com/Colgriff84 Currently nominated for a Ringo Award (Best Cover Artist – Power Rangers) Become a Nerdy Mewzings Patreon member for early episode access, a shoutout on the show, and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/NerdyMewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Colm Griffin Joins Nerdy Mewzings 3:00 - Directing Career vs. Comic Passion 10:00 - Animation Path & Chance Encounters 16:00 - Early Comic Influences & Limited Access 22:00 - Artistic Influences & Style 28:00 - Breaking Into Comics: Beast Wars & Radiant Black 35:00 - Versatility in Film & Animation 42:00 - Studying Artist Editions & Mentors 50:00 - Storytelling from Film to Comics 55:00 - Upcoming Work, Ringo Nomination & Where to Follow 59:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings
#122
August 24 · 1 hr 2 min
Artist Nate Myers on Creator Owned Comics, Kickstarter & Self-Taught Art
Nate Myers joins Nerdy Mewzings to talk about his creator-owned series 'Predation', the joys and challenges of doing every creative role yourself, and launching successful Kickstarters from the Pacific Northwest. Nate shares childhood inspirations from Batman ’89, Ninja Turtles, ThunderCats, and Todd McFarlane’s Spider-Man/Spawn, plus later influences like Andy Kubert and Erik Larsen. A lifelong doodler who taught himself through practice and YouTube, he walks the long path from a 2000s Kinko’s made comic to finally feeling ready to publish. We dive into Predation’s story (hero Talis vs. overlord Ramus in a sci-fi/fantasy world blending Conan and ThunderCats vibes), his full-size thumbnail-to-Bristol process, traditional pencils/inks into digital color and lettering, and the lessons from his first successful Kickstarter. Issue 2 is nearly complete, with a new Kickstarter planned right after Pacific Nerdwest and ashcan editions ready for the show https://pacificnerdwest.com If you love solo creator-owned comics, process talk, or the indie comic book scene — Leave a 5 STAR review, Share with a friend, & Keep it Nerdy! Follow Nate: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/natescottart Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nate.myers.942 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealrealmcgarymyers Become a Patreon Nerdy Mewzings Insider and receive each week's episode 48 hours early, a shoutout on the show, and more perks to come: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Nate Myers Joins Nerdy Mewzings 3:00 - Childhood Influences: Batman, Turtles & McFarlane 10:00 - Favorite Artists & How Tastes Evolve 15:00 - Early Drawing Days & Self-Taught Path 20:00 - Deciding to Create Predation 25:00 - Elevator Pitch for Predation 30:00 - Solo Creator Process: Pencils, Inks, Color & Lettering 38:00 - Page Layout, Eye Flow & Tools 45:00 - Digital vs Traditional & Procreate Tips 52:00 - First Kickstarter Lessons & Issue 2 Plans 58:00 - Pacific Nerdwest, Printing & Where to Follow 61:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings
#119
August 17 · 51 min
Ryan Crowe on This Land Is Old and Dark, Scott Snyder & Horror
Writer and Comedian Ryan Crowe joins Nerdy Mewzings to discuss his new comic book 'This Land Is Old and Dark', a three-issue horror miniseries from Invader Comics featuring stunning art by Abel Garcia. Set in the late 18th century during westward expansion, the story explores themes of land ownership, the untamable wilderness, and humanity’s folly against primordial nature — all rendered in a striking black, red, and sepia palette born from smart creative constraints. Ryan shares how Scott Snyder mentored him through the Substack community, the economic and artistic choices that shaped the book’s unique look, discovering Abel Garcia on Instagram, and landing variant covers from legends like Michael Kaluta and Simon Bisley. We also delve into his comedy background (Drunk Theater), lifelong love of writing and comics (from Superman and Spawn to Moebius and underground work), and what’s next after issue one (releasing late August) already broke sales records for the publisher! If you love indie horror, thoughtful storytelling, or Scott Snyder — Leave a 5 STAR Review, Share with a Friend, & Keep it Nerdy! Follow Ryan: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/doctorcrowe Publisher - https://www.instagram.com/invadercomics Become a Nerdy Insider on Patreon and receive each week's episode 48 hours early, a shoutout on the show, and more to come: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Ryan Crowe Joins Nerdy Mewzings 2:00 - Abel Garcia’s Art & Limited Color Choices 7:00 - Elevator Pitch for This Land Is Old and Dark 11:00 - Meeting Invader Comics & Choosing the Path 16:00 - Early Writing Roots & First Comics 22:00 - Comedy Career & Finding Time for Comics 28:00 - Collecting, Influences & Favorite Artists/Writers 35:00 - Release Plans, Covers & Kickstarter Trade 42:00 - Future Ideas & Advice for Creators 48:00 - Where to Follow Ryan & Outro
#121
August 10 · 59 min
Maddax Mendonca: 12 Year Old Comic Book Art Prodigy & Creator of Infimind
Maddax Mendonca (maddaxdraws), the young comic art prodigy, joins Nerdy Mewzings for his first podcast appearance to talk about starting to draw as a toddler, putting in endless hours of practice, and creating his own comic Infimind inspired by his brother's health struggles. Maddax shares how Marvel, DC, Invincible, X-Men, and artists like Ryan Ottley, David Finch, and Todd McFarlane shaped him. He details putting in eight-hour drawing days as a kid, mastering colored pencil pieces that take 25–30+ hours, and studying Bridgman the way David Finch recommends. We cover his SDCC booth experiences (including news coverage since age 11), meeting pros like Todd Beats, Jim Lee, and Wil Shrike, art trades, live TikTok streams every night, and the inspiration behind his creator owned comic book Infimind — a story about his brother gaining superpowers after an eye-surgery mishap. He’s already writing AND drawing the interiors for issue two! If you love inspiring creators, colored pencil art, Invincible, or original comics — Leave a 5 STAR review & Keep it Nerdy! Follow Maddax: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/maddaxdraws TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@maddax.draws (LIVE most nights around 7:30pm) Subscribe to Maddax on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@maddaxdraws Grab Infimind at https://www.maddaxdraws.com/ Become a member of the Nerdy Mewzings Patreon and get each week's episode 48 hours EARLY, a shoutout in each episode, and more to come: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Maddax Mendonca Joins Nerdy Mewzings 2:00 - Marvel, Invincible, Ottley & Finch Influences 8:00 - Starting Young & Putting in the Hours 14:00 - YouTube Learning, Mediums & Colored Pencil Focus 20:00 - SDCC Booth, News Clips & Meeting Pros 28:00 - Creating Infimind & Brother’s Inspiration 35:00 - Anatomy Study: Bridgman, Finch & Visual Library 42:00 - Comic-Con Experiences & Art Community 50:00 - Current Comics, Commissions & Second Issue 55:00 - Where to Follow Maddax & Outro
#120
August 3 · 1 hr
Rob Duenas (Sketchcraft) on Spawn Kills, Todd McFarlane & Career
Rob Duenas (Sketchcraft) joins James on Nerdy Mewzings for a wide-ranging conversation about his self-taught path, major career breaks from having a presence on DeviantArt and Instagram, to drawing Spawn Kills after a direct DM from Todd McFarlane! Rob shares about his childhood, growing up in San Diego with comics from Circle K and 7-Eleven racks, learning by watching portfolio reviews at Comic-Con as a teen, and how Gnomon Workshop DVDs (especially Scott Robertson’s perspective) transformed his skills. He details landing Toys for Bob work on Crash Bandicoot and Spyro from a single DeviantArt post, the unexpected TMP outreach, and going wild designing endless Spawn variants for the book. His influences range from Carlos Meglia and Bill Watterson to early Image and Mirage Ninja Turtles. He is currently streaming on Whatnot, prepping an art book, and stockpiling creator-owned scripts, Rob offers honest insights on Artist Alley changes, consistency, and never quitting! If you love Spawn, game art, self-taught journeys, or Whatnot creators — Leave a 5 STAR REVIEW, share with a friend, & Keep it Nerdy! Visit Rob's Official Website: https://www.sketchcraft.com/ Subscribe to the Sketchcraft YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/Sketchcraft Follow Rob AKA Sketchcraft: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sketchcraft/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RealSketchcraft/ Whatnot - https://www.whatnot.com/user/sketchcraft Become a Nerdy Mewzings Insider on Patreon and gain access to each week's episode 48 hours EARLY, a shoutout on each show, and more to come: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Rob Duenas (Sketchcraft) Joins 2:00 - San Diego Roots, Circle K Comics & Early Influences 8:00 - Self-Taught Path: Portfolio Reviews & Gnomon DVDs 15:00 - Mad Engine T-Shirts & Early Freelance Comics 22:00 - DeviantArt Break: Toys for Bob & Crash Bandicoot 30:00 - Todd McFarlane DM & Drawing Spawn Kills 38:00 - Carlos Meglia Influence & Artistic Identity 45:00 - Whatnot Streams, Artist Alley Changes & Consistency 52:00 - Art Book, Creator-Owned Plans & Upcoming Covers 57:00 - Where to Follow Sketchcraft 59:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings
#118
July 27 · 1 hr 11 min
Comic Artist Dan Farruggia: Marvel Sketch Cards, Absolute Batman & More
Dan Farruggia (Marvel sketch card artist, NiFe WARS variant cover creator) joins Nerdy Mewzings to share his path from childhood drawing and gaming to art school, a graphic design career, and a passionate return to illustration. Dan talks about growing up with Spider-Man, Batman, and X-Men animated series, the influence of Dragon Ball Z and Akira Toriyama, and how video games like Earthworm Jim sparked his creativity. He details his BFA in illustration, early concept art work, the five-year hiatus, and the epiphany that brought him back to drawing full-force. Now creating licensed Marvel one-of-one sketch cards for Topps, taking commissions, and celebrating his first published variant cover for NiFe WARS (out in September), Dan also dives into traditional Copic marker techniques, the pull of physical art in a digital age, Absolute Batman’s cultural impact, and Ryan Ottley’s Battle Beast. If you love sketch cards, variant covers, traditional comic art, or creator comeback stories — Tune in, share with a friend, & Keep it Nerdy! Follow Dan Farruggia: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danfarruggia_art Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dan.farruggia WhatNot - https://www.whatnot.com/user/danfarruggia_art Subscribe to Dan's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@danfarruggia_art NiFe WARS variant cover arriving in September! Become a Nerdy Mewzings Insider on Patreon and receive each week's episode 48 hours EARLY, your name shouted out on the pod, and more: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Dan Farruggia Joins Nerdy Mewzings 2:00 - Childhood Drawing, Gaming & Comic Gateways 8:00 - Art School, Concept Art Dreams & Graphic Design Path 15:00 - The Five-Year Hiatus & Return to Drawing 21:00 - Marvel Sketch Cards for Topps & Upper Deck 28:00 - Navigating Perfectionism & Building a Visual Library 35:00 - First Published Cover: NiFe WARS Variant 42:00 - Absolute Batman, New Readers & Industry Impact 50:00 - Ryan Ottley, Battle Beast & Current Inspiration 57:00 - Traditional vs Digital & the Pull of Physical Art 64:00 - Where to Follow Dan & Upcoming Projects 69:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings
#117
July 20 · 1 hr 10 min
Artist Bong Abad Returns: Hellboy Sofubi, Mike Mignola & Sculpting Journey
Bong Abad (Artist, sculptor, Gawakoto brand, Hellboy Sofubi collaborator) returns to the Nerdy Mewzings podcast to discuss his path from Jiu-Jitsu apparel and comic art to creating stunning Sofubi toys, including his major new Hellboy figure for Dark Horse. Bong shares how Mike Mignola’s work (especially Daredevil #208 and Hellboy) profoundly influenced him, his transition from resin to digital sculpting, and the story behind his unique Hellboy prototype — blending Mignola’s essence with Bong’s style. He talks about collaborating with David Mack on a BJJ gi, the challenges of sculpting, and how the Hellboy project evolved from an initial idea to an exclusive limited edition sofubi (vinyl) figure (only 200) launching at San Diego Comic-Con! If you love toy sculpting, Mike Mignola, or Sofubi figures, please share with a friend and Keep it Nerdy! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gawakoto (process, figures, updates) Visit Bong's Website: https://www.gawakoto.com/ Hellboy Sofubi: Watch for SDCC reveal and Dark Horse details! Become a Nerdy Mewzings Insider member on Patreon for only $5 per month to receive each week's episode 48 hours early, your name shouted out on the pod, and more: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Bong Abad Joins Nerdy Mewzings 2:00 - Jiu-Jitsu Apparel Brand Gawakoto & Comic Art Roots 7:00 - Early Sculpting: From Resin to Digital 13:00 - Mike Mignola Influence & Daredevil 208 19:00 - David Mack Collaboration & Gi Designs 25:00 - Hellboy Sofubi Prototype & Evolution 32:00 - Challenges of Sculpting & Digital Tools 38:00 - SDCC Launch Plans & Future Projects 44:00 - Where to Follow Bong & Hellboy Updates 48:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings
#116
July 13 · 1 hr 4 min
Artist Travis Hymel on Start Your Engines, Kickstarter & TMNT Covers
Travis Hymel (creator/writer/artist of Start Your Engines) joins Nerdy Mewzings to discuss his journey from childhood comics obsession to graphic design, anthologies, licensed gigs (TMNT, Trailer Park Boys), and launching his creator-owned Kickstarter! Travis shares how his mom fostered his love of comics at grocery store spinner racks, his path through art school and graphic design, and learning the hard way through early anthology work. He breaks down influences like Phil Hester, Alex Toth, and Mike Parobeck, why he’s going all-in on his own book, and the challenges of wearing every hat (writing, penciling, inking, coloring) on a creator-owned project. Start Your Engines is a fun, Saturday-morning-cartoon-style prestige format with two complete stories (racing action + dinosaur adventure) in one book — no waiting for the next issue! Share with a friend, leave a 5 STAR REVIEW, & Keep it Nerdy! Back the Kickstarter Live July 14th: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1218790823/start-your-engines-1-a-48-page-action-adventure Prestige format, exclusive variants, original art tiers, early bird deals Follow Travis Hymel: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/travis_hymel X AKA Twitter - https://x.com/travis_hymel Subscribe to Travis' YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/travishymel Become a Nerdy Mewzings Insider on Patreon for only $5 a month and receive access to each week's episode 48 HOURS EARLY, a shoutout on the podcast, and more: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Travis Hymel Joins Nerdy Mewzings 2:00 - Childhood Comics, Grocery Store Spinner Racks & Early Art 8:00 - Graphic Design, Anthologies & Learning the Hard Way 14:00 - Licensed Work: TMNT Covers & Trailer Park Boys 21:00 - Influences: Phil Hester, Alex Toth & Mike Parobeck 27:00 - Why Creator-Owned? Challenges of Wearing Every Hat 34:00 - Start Your Engines: Racing + Dinosaurs in One Book 42:00 - Kickstarter Details, Tiers & July 14 Launch 49:00 - Storytelling, Composition & Thinking Projects Through 56:00 - Where to Follow Travis & Back the Campaign 61:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings
#115
July 6 · 1 hr 10 min
Illustrator Manuel Martinez: Red Tape, Artistic Journey, & Comic Cons
Manuel Martinez (creator of Red Tape, freelance comic artist & illustrator) joins Nerdy Mewzings for a heartfelt conversation about his path into comics, meeting at Emerald City Comic Con, and his dark comedy Red Tape. Manuel shares how comics have been a constant in his life since childhood, from discovering Daredevil #208 (Mazzucchelli) to influences like Greg Capullo, Walter Simonson, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Pepe Larraz. He discusses teachers who nurtured his creativity (even non-art ones), the shift from fine art aspirations to freelance illustration, and why small cons feel more personal than massive pop culture events. He breaks down his creative process, the challenges of self-publishing, and the story behind Red Tape — a hilarious dark comedy about angels, bureaucracy in Heaven, and a lost soul. If you love comic creator journeys, indie books, or artist spotlights — Leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, and Keep it Nerdy! Visit Manuel's Official website: https://manuelmartinezart.com/ Follow Manuel Martinez: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/manuelmartinezart/ Become a Patreon member and receive each week's episode 48 hours EARLY, your name mentioned on the pod, and more: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Manuel Martinez Joins Nerdy Mewzings 2:00 - Emerald City Comic Con Experiences & Shifting Vibes 7:00 - Early Art Love & Influential Teachers 13:00 - Discovering Comics: Daredevil 208 & Mazzucchelli 19:00 - High School Journalism, Cartography & Project Management Skills 26:00 - Freelance Illustrator Life & Layout/Concept Work 33:00 - Red Tape: Dark Comedy About the Afterlife 41:00 - Self-Publishing, Ten Ton Press & Cons 48:00 - Artistic Influences: Capullo, Simonson, Sienkiewicz & More 55:00 - Collecting Original Art & Artist Editions 62:00 - Where to Follow Manuel & Red Tape Updates 67:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings
#114
June 29 · 1 hr 4 min
Artist Tom Martin: Inking, Lettering, and Sharing the Secrets of Clip Studio Paint
Tom Martin joins Nerdy Mewzings for a fun, no-holds-barred chat about digital comics creation, Clip Studio Paint mastery, his Kubert School days, and the wild world of social media art advice. Tom shares his journey from traditional art school and Hasbro Star Wars packaging design to becoming a go-to creator for Clip Studio tutorials and vector workflows. He breaks down his clever process for converting complex raster line art to clean vectors, why inking in Illustrator often fails, Procreate vs. Clip Studio Paint debates, and the frustrations of dealing with overconfident commenters. He also discusses lettering, favorite artists (Chris Samnee, Cory Walker, David Mazzucchelli, Jack Davis, Russ Wooton), and his new Patreon with in-depth tutorials and monthly group inking workshops (first one with Ed McGuinness pencils!). If you love Clip Studio tips, digital inking workflows, or comic creator stories — Leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, and Keep it Nerdy! Subscribe to Tom's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@undeadwizardart Follow Tom: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/undead_wizard_art Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/tommartin.bsky.social Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@undead_wizard Visit his Official Website: https://www.undeadwizard.com/ Signup for Tom's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/UndeadWizard (in-depth CSP tutorials, group workshops, direct Q&A) Join Nerdy Mewzing's Patreon now for access to each week's episode 48 hours EARLY, your name mentioned, and more: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Tom Martin (Undead Wizard Art) Joins 2:00 - Dealing with Instagram Commenters & Vector Debates 6:00 - The Vector Conversion Process for Complex Line Art 11:00 - Kubert School Experience & Joe Kubert Stories 17:00 - Transition from Traditional to Digital & Hasbro Star Wars 23:00 - Manga Studio / Clip Studio Paint Journey 28:00 - Procreate vs Clip Studio Paint Workflow Comparison 34:00 - Actions, Quick Shape & Time-Saving Tips in CSP 40:00 - Favorite Artists: Samnee, Mazzucchelli, Cory Walker & More 47:00 - Patreon, Group Inking Workshops & Ed McGuinness 53:00 - Reading Habits, Battle Beast & Current Comics 58:00 - Where to Follow Tom & Patreon Details 62:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings
#113
June 22 · 56 min
Yevgeny Sokolov Returns: Creating Pro Comic Book Covers and Teaching Fine Art
Yevgeny Sokolov (fine arts instructor turned pro comic book artist) joins Nerdy Mewzings once again to discuss his transition from traditional fine art and high school teaching, drawing professional comic book covers, and the creative process behind his work. Yevgeny shares how he started drawing as a child, pursued fine arts in college, and made the leap to comics during the pandemic by studying David Finch tutorials and building comic-style fundamentals. He talks about his creative process, using photo reference for hands and poses, and why planning thumbnails is crucial. We chatted about influences on his style, including Mike Mignola’s use of heavy blacks, Frank Miller studies, and the importance of dramatic lighting in comics vs. fine art. He also opens up about balancing commissions, teaching, and professional cover gigs for Ripperverse, the value of community (Uncanny Art-Men streams), and advice for aspiring artists: draw every day, study masters, and don’t be afraid to scrap work that isn’t right. If you love comic process breakdowns, artist stories, or art tutorials — Leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, and Keep it Nerdy! Follow Yevgeny: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yevgeny_sokolov_art X - https://x.com/YVSokolovArt Become a Patreon member to receive each week's episode 48 HOURS EARLY, a mention on the show, and more: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Yevgeny Sokolov Returns to Nerdy Mewzings 1:30 - Towering 6'10" Artist & Con Reactions 5:00 - Early Art Love & Fine Arts Background 9:00 - Pandemic Pivot: David Finch Tutorials & Comic Fundamentals 13:00 - Workflow: From Rough Thumbnails to Traditional Inking 17:00 - Influences: Mignola, Frank Miller & Dramatic Lighting 22:00 - Ripperverse Covers & Pro Break 27:00 - Balancing Teaching, Commissions & Personal Projects 32:00 - Advice for Aspiring Artists: Daily Practice & Community 37:00 - Comic Convention Plans & Where to Follow Yevgeny 42:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings

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