Springtime Update!

It's been a long time since my last post and a lot has happened in that time! Notably, the snow has melted and the trees have leaves again. I'm also pretty close to having my second book finished and preparing for its release this fall. My life has been a balancing act between the very solitary act of drawing at a desk and the ultra social aspects of performing improv and attending comic festivals. I've also got a pretty steady routine (which I enjoy very much and miss when I'm traveling,) that consists of teaching a weekly improv class and taking aerial silks and contortion classes 2-3 times a week at a circus studio in my neighbourhood. I've been running a lot as well and I'm training for a 10km race at the end of June.

Aerial silks and my improv students back in February.

 In April I went with Conundrum Press to NYC for MoCCA (the Museum of Cartoon and Comic Arts Festival.) It was great to see some American pals there, and make new friends. I bought a ton of books, though not as many as usual because the exchange rate was super bad. Still, I had some good reading material for the train ride back to Montreal. 

MoCCA Day 1 at the Conundrum Press table, photo by Publisher's Weekly.

MoCCA Day 2 at the Conundrum Press table.

While there I stayed with my friend from the photobooth community, David Greg Harth in Brooklyn. My trip to NYC was very brief but Harth made sure I still used a chemical photobooth during my visit. He and I used this booth together, it's in a restaurant, The Smith, in the basement in the middle of the washroom. Our presence may have unsettled some bathroom-goers.

Almost two weeks ago now was, of course, TCAF (the Toronto Comics Arts Festival!) I knew this TCAF would feel different for me because I didn't have a debuting book but I did still feel that I had a good reason to be there because Photobooth: A Biography was nominated for a Doug Wright Spotlight Award. The real highlight for me this year was the number of new friends I made. I got to know some folks whose work I've admired for a while and got to connect again with friends from afar.  I feel super lucky to be part of this very supportive and friendly community.

TCAF Day 1 at the Conundrum Press table.

TCAF Day 2 after a panel on History Comics, photo by Jody Culkin from Publisher's Weekly.

Publisher, Andy Brown and I, photo by Christy Ann Conlin.

To my delight and amazement, I won the Doug Wright Spotlight Award, also known as "The Nipper." The award recognizes a work deserving of wider recognition and usually goes to an artist for their first or second book. The best about getting the award was probably all the silly and kind things that Seth (the cartoonist) whispered to me as we awkwardly arranged the physical award on stage. He's one of my art idols and it's surreal to me that he even read my book. On my way back to my seat, the legendary Lynda Barry squeezed my arm and congratulated me. (That woman just radiates joy.) All the nominees in the category were entirely deserving of the award and at the end of the day it comes down to the preference of the three-person jury (which changes every year.) I'm most happy that this means the book will reach a greater audience and more people will learn the story of the photobooth!

This week I'm off to perform in the Combustion Improv Festival in Toronto! I took a three and a half year hiatus from improv, and though I've been performing regularly for the last 16 months, I haven't played with these old friends. I've got butterflies in my tummy about it, good butterflies.

I've got a summer filled with more comics and more improv. Boy oh boy, I'm excited!

New Graphic Memoir- Long Red Hair

Two days ago Conundrum Press announced that we'll be working together again on my latest book project, Long Red Hair, which will be released in spring 2015. I'm really excited for this work to be out in the world. It's very different from Photobooth: A Biography in regards to the subject matter, the length, the narrative devices and the artwork (this one will be printed in duotone!) Though I think the readers will recognize my voice as it comes through in the introspection and attention to detail.

The full announcement and details are here. Below is the book's description.

Long Red Hair is Meags Fitzgerald's follow up to her acclaimed Photobooth: A Biography. In this graphic memoir, Fitzgerald paints a childhood full of sleepovers, playing dress-up, amateur fortune-telling and renting scary movies. Yet, Fitzgerald suspects that she is unlike her friends. The book navigates a child’s struggle with averageness, a preteen’s budding bisexuality and a young woman’s return after rejection. Fitzgerald takes us from her first kiss to a life sworn to singlehood, while weaving in allusions to witches in history and popular culture. Long Red Hair alluringly delves into the mystique of red hair and the beguiling nature of alternative romantic relationships.

Chicago Comic Events!

I spent the first three weeks of June in Chicago for a slew of comics and photobooth related events. First up was the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (or CAKE, as it's better known.) I tabled with follow Conundrum Press author, Dakota McFadzean, who's one amazing storyteller/ cartoonist. Dakota is a graduate of the Center for Cartoon Studies, so the organizers put us next to other CCS alumni, who I got to know and befriend throughout the weekend.

There was a fair bit of interest in Photobooth: A Biography and all weekend long I had great conversations with people about the topic. I met a few photobooth fans that I hadn't met in person before and I may have converted a few casual photography enthusiasts into true blue photobooth devotees. (Which is the ulterior motive behind most of actions.)

Photo on the right by Megan Byrd of Women Write Comics

My only qualm is that I didn't have much time to look around at mini-comics and zines that I would have liked for myself. I did however get to hang out with folks after the expo wrapped each day. One major highlight was going to Headquarters, which is a huge bar filled with pinball machines that are set to "free vend"... yes that's right, unlimited pinball! I may be a photobooth fan but I've got a soft spot for the whole coin-op industry. Headquarters also has a backroom filled with arcade machines, including my very favourite, Street Fighter II. Chun-Li 4life.

CAKE was lead by a super team of volunteers who were incredibly organized, cheery and helpful. The venue, the Center on Halsted, is also a really awesome, queer friendly space. Thanks to everyone who made that an awesome experience!

Two weeks later I had a talk and signing at Quimby's Bookstore, which in addition to having an amazing selection of alternative books, they also happen to have a functioning chemical photobooth! The talk went well but the coolest part of the evening (for me at least) was the Q&A session afterwards that turned into large discussion. 

I also gave everyone who came to the talk a tiny envelope, which they weren't allowed to open until the end. Half the envelopes contained glamorous photobooth shots and the other contained grotesque shots. Sending photobooth art to each other is one way that members of the international photobooth community stay connected, so I wanted to give the attendees a taste of that. Together, at the end everyone opened their respective envelopes to delight or dismay. 

 

My good friend Elizabeth came to the talk, which was awesome because she appears in the book multiple times. Elizabeth, over the last eleven years has literally appeased me dozens of times by posing with me in photobooths. This occasion was no different, here we are in the Quimby's photobooth. We are beautiful grown-up ladies.

Elizabeth and I also went to go see the Neo-Futurists perform their signature show Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. I had heard a lot about the ensemble over the years but this was my first time seeing them... and my gosh, I can't believe I waited so long. It was one of the best live theatre experiences I've ever had. I highly recommend it!

More recaps about the rest of my trip to Chicago coming soon...

Chicago Events!

Yesterday I arrived in Chicago, where everything fun that I've ever wanted to do is about to happen.

First up, on May 31- June 1 is CAKE (Chicago Alternative Comics Expo!) This will be my first time tabling at CAKE, I'll be at the table for Conundrum Press. I'll be at table 52B with fellow comic artist, Dakota McFadzean. Chicago is known for having a great comics scene so I can't wait to make some new friends and buy lots of paper goodies.

The following weekend, June 6-8 is the International Photobooth Convention (IPC) hosted at A&A Studios. I'm one of the organizers for this year's convention and I'm really excited for all the programming we've put together. There's a good balance of events for photobooth artists, technicians, vintage photo collectors and for the general public too, who just like to have their pictures taken in these wonderful machines!


Lastly, on Thursday June 12th at 7pm, Photobooth: A Biography is having it's own book launch at Quimby's Bookstore! Quimby's is a pillar of the comic's community and they also happen to have a functional chemical photobooth in the store! I'm really excited for this evening, I'm working on a special presentation and attendees will receive a special treat!

RSVP on the facebook event!


After all that, I'm staying in town for a few more days for the Blues Festival and to laze around with friends. Let me know if you'd like to laze around!

Book Launches! D&Q and TCAF

This last week has been one happy blur. Photobooth: A Biography officially launched on May 8th at the Drawn & Quarterly store here in Montreal (thanks to them for hosting!) I was quite sick leading up the the event and may have told my sister "I think I'm dying" that very morning. But all in all the launch, which was for Conundrum Press authors went smoothly.

Photo by Louis Rastelli

I really enjoy chatting to people while signing books. Everyone's got a story that has to do with photobooths. At the events in both Toronto and Montreal I was delightfully surprised to meet some people from the photobooth community for the first time. Here I am with photobooth fan, Carolina. 

Conundrum Press may have had the best table location at the Toronto Comics Arts Festival (TCAF) which happened on May 10th and 11th. Being right at the entrance, I bumped into many friends from the days when I lived in Toronto. The weekend was of course tiring but so much fun! Here I am with Joe Ollmann and Dakota McFadzean, doing the signature Conundrum Press arm crossing technique.
 

Photo by Andy Brown

Photo taken by my dad, Kevin.

I'm one lucky lady. My parents, two aunts and my grandmother all came to Toronto to support me. (They flew from Edmonton and Saskatoon!) My brother, Tiegh and sister, Eryn also came to route me on. I was still recovering from being "deathly" ill, so it was especially nice to have my family there to help out. Here's my mom on the left, my aunty Annette beside her and my grandma on the right. (I somehow didn't get a picture of my aunty Suzanne who was also there.)

On the Sunday I spoke on a panel for Non-Fiction and History Comics. It was moderated by Brigid Alverson, who really knows her stuff. I was flattered to included amongst many great authors. It was really fun, even if I sounded nervous! You can listen to the audio from it here. http://www.thecomicbooks.com/Audio/2014-05-11-TCAF-HistoryNonFictionComics.mp3  (Thanks to Jamie Coville for recording it!)

Photo by my sister Eryn. I talk with my hands.

Another high point was getting to meet Jillian Tamaki and thanking her in person for writing a blurb endorsing my book last July. The blurb helped the book get some attention and it gave me a much needed ego boost, as Jillian's been one of my long time idols.

Photo taken by my proud grandma, Doris.

TCAF was a huge success, by mid-Sunday we sold out of all of the copies of my book. Thanks to my friends, family and members of the photobooth community who showed up! Also a huge thanks to Andy Brown, the mastermind behind Conundrum Press.

Around the same time as the launches, a few interviews and reviews have come out. So far all the press has been really positive and supportive! Thanks to everyone who's read it and reviewed it! You can read them here:

Fun Interview- Open Book Toronto
Thorough Review- Dominic Umile
Mini-Review + Interview- Cult Magazine

If you're interested in buying the book, you can call your local bookstore and ask if they're stocking it. If you'd like a signed and personally inscribed copy, you can buy it directly from me at my Etsy shop. I'll also be doing signing at events in Chicago, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Halifax, Calgary, Banff and Brooklyn (in that order, I know, it's a weird tour route) and I'll happily sign copies then. More details and dates for those will come soon.

Book Trailer for Photobooth: A Biography!

Pages from Photobooth: A Biography

Here are a couple spreads from Photobooth: A Biography! And you can check out the new website for the book here, where you'll be able to order signed and personally inscribed copies starting on May 1st. 

Copyright 2014 M.W. Fitzgerald

Copyright 2014 M.W. Fitzgerald

Freelancer Resolutions

A few inked pages from the book before logging & filing them.

It's been just over a month since my last post because things have been busy, but I think I just needed a wee break from the internet too. This post isn't so much an update as it is reassurance to readers that I am still alive. Alive and making changes to start living better.

Like usual, I'm busy with Photobooth: A Biography. I'm in the last stretch now and I feel great about the work and relieved that the end of this period is in sight. My tour and signing dates for May and June are all set and in the next couple months the plans for July and August should be confirmed too. Professionally, lots of things are moving and shaking but it's a little premature to share them now.

On a personal note, my winter holidays were a bit of a juggling act. It was wonderful to be home with my family but I was so swamped with my to-do list that I didn't get to take one full day off during the two weeks I was in Edmonton. I spent Christmas day inside working while my parents and siblings did fun activities. (That wasn't actually as bad as it sounds because my family celebrates the Solstice, not Christmas. But still, I will pout about it.) It sucks to have to work when everyone else is relaxing and there's no one to blame but myself. It's good ol' self-sabotage.

Being a freelancer can be difficult for so many reasons... lack of financial stability, no paid vacation time, no healthcare benefits, etc. But time management is obviously my biggest issue. When I get fully engrossed in a project, I view every minute of the day as a minute that I could be doing my creative work. I make detailed "time budgets" (that's what I call my daily schedules) and if at the end of the day, I haven't finished everything, I get upset with myself for how I may have wasted time by using Facebook for too long. Then I go to bed stressed, thinking about tomorrow's to-do list and sleep restlessly. These are obviously terrible habits.

I recently realized that I'm still learning how to be a freelancer. Maybe one of the reasons it can be so difficult for myself and others is that we didn't have any freelance role-models while growing up. There's just no one to emulate and learn from. Growing up, the adults I interacted with; my parents, my aunts and uncles, my teachers, my coaches, all had 9-5 type employment, mostly in offices. Later, during my BFA, there wasn't a class that covered the highs and lows of self-employment. I'm figuring this out as I go, so are most freelancers, so we have to remember to give ourselves a break sometimes.

After my bittersweet "holidays" it became apparent that I needed to set some serious New Year's resolutions. Self-care is at the top of the list, for me this means making time to 1. socialize and 2. exercise and 3. do not eat more than one frozen pizza per week.

1. I got in touch with the good people at Montreal Improv and have been performing with them once a week. At first it felt a little funny to be on stage again (after 3 1/2 years away) but it's not about the stage time anyway. It's about leaving my house, putting myself into a different mindset, hanging out with really fun people and laughing a whole bunch.  It's been an entirely positive experience and works for me because I can build the time into my weekly schedule.

Tonight's dinner, waiting for the oven to preheat.

2. I found the yoga studio I liked best near my house (there's about six all within a ten minute walk,) and signed up for classes. I've gone to one to three classes a week, depending on how busy I've been. I've really savored the exercise and the time to quiet my mind.

3. So far, so good.


I've learned a lot about creative work and about myself during this process. If in the future, I choose to make another 300 page graphic novel, I expect it will be A LOT easier. When this is all good and done I will make a list of the unexpected things that I learned as a reminder to myself and maybe it will be helpful for others too.

Montreal's Expozine

This past weekend was Expozine, a fair for indie and small press books, zines and prints. It was my first time at the event and I had fantastic time. I met so many great people and got to talk non-stop about my two favourite subjects: photobooths and comics. I even got to meet four other photobooth fans in person! 

I decided not to sell any of my own merchandise, instead I helped out at the Conundrum Press table. We put up a sign to promote my book's debut in May, which ended up being a great conversation starter (even if some people picked it up and mistook it for being a very large yet weightless book.)

The experience was very motivating! I still have many hours left of illustrating to go before Photobooth: A Biography is finished and Expozine was just the pick me up I needed. 

This photo was taken before the doors opened, it's misleading because the event was actually packed to the brim with attendees. I'm here with Dakota McFadzean, who's book Other Stories and the Horse You Rode In On launched this weekend. Photo by the mastermind behind Conundrum, Andy Brown.

Couple Tidbits

Wow, it's been a while since I have updated my blog, which is definitely a reflection of how busy I've been lately. I've got lots of news that I'll be able to share at the end of August/ start of September. For now, here are a couple tidbits.

I'm really excited to say that my animation LaCuna is an Official Selection of the Edmonton International Film Festival and will be screened on Sunday September 29th, as part of their "In Our Own Backyard" programming. I made a simple website for LaCuna, www.lacunaanimation.com, and this short video on the Making Of LaCuna. Personally, I love to see behind the scenes stuff.

The Making of LaCuna from Meags Fitzgerald on Vimeo.

Right now, I'm putting the finishing touches on some material for my publisher, Conundrum Press' catalog, which is a preview of their upcoming books and recent backlist. For the catalog, I drew this "author's portrait" of myself.

Graphic Novel News!

I'm delighted to announce two pieces of excellent news.

Firstly, today I signed a book deal for Photobooth, A Biography, the graphic novel that I've been working on for the last year. Conundrum Press will be publishing the book as part of their Spring 2014 line up. I'm thrilled to be working with Conundrum, who've published several of my favourite artists/writers including Jillian Tamaki and Michel Rabagliati. The press is ran by Andy Brown, who has a soft spot for photobooths, so this partnership should work out perfectly.

Secondly, early this week I got a letter informing me that a grant application I wrote in January was successful! The Alberta Foundation for the Arts has awarded me the full amount I applied for, which will cover most of my expenses until I finish Photobooth, A Biography. I feel so fortunate to be able to treat this book like my job. I feel very grateful and quite happy.

I haven't shared any content from the book in many months, I'm supposed to keep it under wraps. But today is special, so in the spirit of the good news, here are two of the newer Photobooth Portraits.
 

Copyright 2013 Meags Fitzgerald

At the base of the Mountain

I've been pull-my-hair-out busy, so I haven't had a chance to post in a while. I'm chipping away at my to-do list and making good progress on small illustration jobs here and there. But the real work is my graphic novel. I've been illustrating it steadily this month and feel like I have comparatively little to show for it. I've already spent a year on this book and when I look around, I still feel like I'm at the base of the mountain.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid of this mountain and I see a pretty clear path up. It's just that now I'm accustomed to projects with quick turnarounds and I love that feel of satisfaction of when I finish a work. It will just be a while until I get that feeling with Photobooth, A Biography.

Here's a snippet of a page of a chapter I just finished (sans text). Now I've got to get back to base camp!

From the Archives: 2009 Comic

I recently found this short comic that I made 4 years ago while I was finishing up my BFA. It's about a brief incident that happened in 2008 while I was living in Toronto. When I made it I was really focused on fibre arts and not at all serious about comics, so it's funny to look at it now. My storytelling and illustration skills have improved, but I don't mind it at all.

My Engagement(s)

This morning I got up at 11 AM and ate a piece of chocolate cake.

Yesterday afternoon I handed in a grant application that I spent weeks working on. When I got home my body had an allergic reaction towards my to-do list. So, I brushed it off for the day and  instead I cooked myself a nice meal, made the illustration here just for kicks and watched Moonrise Kingdom, again. The relief I feel is nice but will be short lived.

I have so many deadlines coming up that it's sorta overwhelming, but I'm also really excited for the projects. Aside from work for clients, I'm making some new portfolio pieces before I send it out to editorial Art Directors. I'm also finessing a stop-motion animation that I will be submitting to film festivals. I'm very please to say that Jason MacIsaac of the Heavy Blinkers will be composing the animation's score! (Seriously, this is amazing, I feel so lucky.) And, now I'm working full steam ahead on the illustrations for my graphic novel, Photobooth, A Biography.

I haven't had a break in a while, so fortunately, my brother Kieran and I are taking a three day trip to Saskatoon next weekend to see my lovely extended family. It's not exactly an exotic destination but the break in the routine will be much appreciated. I can't wait to hug my grandma.

Cameras, Collecting & Chicago

Where to start?

Well, I arrived in Chicago almost two weeks ago and it’s been a whirlwind of activity. Finally things are starting to level out. I’ve got a good sense for the city and I’m starting to carve out a routine. Personally, it's been so nice to see some old friends here and I've had a lot of support, particularly from the improv community with settling in for these few  months. I’ve spent most of my time at A&A Studios, where I’m doing an internship. I’m helping out with a few projects at the studio, while still doing my regular illustration/ design jobs for Canadian clients. The studio is the perfect backdrop to work on my graphic novel, it's filled with inspiration- gems from bygones eras, analogue technology and smatterings of little collections everywhere.

Anthony, the President of A&A has let me loose on a beautiful Model 11 they have in the showroom. He put colour paper and chemicals in the machine for my visit. I’ve used a lot of colour machines that have been converted to B&W but never the other way around before, so it’s been a nice treat. I’ve been experimenting with the exposure, filters, acetates, magnifying plastic, mirrors and backgrounds. You can see a selection of my shots at my flickr.

Originally the plan was that Anthony would teach me how to service a chemical photobooth, the plan has since evolved so that together we'll re-build one. It’ll be the best way for me to learn the ins and outs of these machines. This is the booth we are starting with, there’s not much there and I’m sure I will get very messy figuring this thing out.  I have no doubt that it’ll make interesting content for my book.

Speaking of the book, I’m happy to say that Julia Caron has signed on as my editor. Julia is the journalist who produced the CBC Radio story about photobooths in the spring.  She is an excellent writer and we know from the radio story that we work well together. 

And lastly, I’ve got some fun news to share but I should keep my lips sealed for another few days as the last details are finalized. But for the sake of intrigue I'll tell you that it involves a plane ride, an all-nighter, a couple of photobooths and probably some kissing too.

Back from Europe & At the Dartmouth Comics Arts Festival

I'm back! After putting the blog aside for three whole weeks I'm back at the keyboard. Why was I away for so long you ask?

Well... first of all I was in Europe researching photobooths until August 10th. Lots of friends have asked me "how was the trip?" And it was amazing but it was also a business trip. It was less romantic and whimsical than people seem to think, truth was that it involved a lot of time on trains and many frustrating language barrier moments. That said, I'm so happy I went, it was so great for the book and good for refreshing my outlook on life in general.

The other thing that has kept me busy was the Dartmouth Comics Arts Festival (DCAF). This was the first year of the festival and no one was quite sure what to expect. Fortunately it was a huge success both from the artists' and fans' perspectives. I got to sit behind a table and talk to people about photobooths all day, so that was pretty great. Some people even recognized me from the CBC story I helped with about photobooths that has gotten a lot play across Canada in the last two months. 

Everything that I had at my table at DCAF I'm now selling at my Etsy shop. The items include a Second Edition of the Concept Art Booklet (I revised it to include my trip to Europe), a new Photobooth Portrait of a rare booth I got to visit in the Netherlands and the last few tote bags I have. 

And lastly... I've been busy with preparing to move and tie up loose ends here in Halifax. I have less than 9 days left in this city and a whole lot of work to do and an amazing bunch of friends to visit with. I've got a few illustration jobs on the go as well, just to add an extra layer of challenge to it all.

Over the next few days I'll be posting updates from my Europe trip, so stay tuned for that.

Concept Art Booklet is Ready!

Since I got back from the first leg of the Photobooth Expedition (Los Angeles & Montreal) I have been working away at the concept art for Photobooth, A Biography and it's finally ready! The people who contributed to my IndieGoGo campaign and selected the Combo Pack perk will be getting one in the mail shortly. For anyone else interested in having a copy, you can buy it now on my Etsy page, Two Hands Two Crowns.  It's $15 Canadian plus shipping. Every copy is hand bound and the pages are printed in rich black.