Life
This journal I've been keeping started out as just that--a journal, and has largely turned into a newsblog about my goings-on in comics. That's due in part to realizing I can't dedicate time to having much of an online presence, and in part because I didn't want to feel vulnerable, or embarrass myself somehow.
At one point I had this critique of my work blown out of proportion and cross-posted on the blogosphere with everybody arguing this-way-and-that and it all traced back to my own weakness as a starting point. I became very aware that anything I said on the matter would be scrutinized, and started to watch myself in future posts, entertaining what faults people might find with whatever I might say. And eventually, Nothing was the best answer.
I don't know why I share that because that's not the point of this entry. I'm not upset about it nor do I need reassurance; goofing off online was a vice that was hard to avoid and I've always been prone to putting my foot in my mouth. It was a healthy check. I guess I share simply because this is the stuff that generally interests me about others...introspection or whatever. And I find most people are the same.
So to the point, finally: I wanted to quickly share some personal things because they actually prove useful even in a blog about my work.
The first of these is that I now live in New York! I used to live in Denver so this is a BIG move, and took a chunk of time out of my schedule, which means I'm working like the dickens! It also means I probably won't reply to you, but what's new, haha! I appreciate your comments nonetheless. Anyway, back to the move, that means if you're a fan and you live in or near NYC, I might finally get to meet you! I'll be sure to post here for any signings or events. I am going to MOCCA in a couple weeks, but I think just as an attendee, unless Vertigo's coming. If you recognize me glaring at art, please say hi!
For those of you in Colorado, never fret; I'm actually going to be a guest at Denver Comicfest in three weeks! So mark your calendars. After that, I'm hoping to be caught up on deadlines so I can finally enjoy my new city!
The next bit of news is-what-it-is...I'm getting a divorce. It's a big life change for me and it hasn't been a joyride...but honestly I can say it's been the most peaceful, friendly divorce I've ever heard of. And that fact has actually caused its own batch of problems, trying to explain to people why I'm doing it in the first place. It's made me even more private! All I can say is I'm happy and excited for the future and feel strongly that I (and he--it was mutual) have made the right choice.
I chose to keep my maiden name Reeder in book credits not because I was skeptical about my marriage...no, my reasoning was much more base--it was revenge at my arch-nemesis in school who loved to draw comic book characters, whereas I had never shown any interest. I wanted him to know it was me, haha! Not to mention I wear the name like a badge because people used to say "Reeder" with scorn...we were such a nerdy bunch!
So the part that applies to you is that I'm working toward simplifying my name in comics to Amy Reeder. You are now informed; if you would like to use the name or say "Amy Reeder Hadley" instead of "Amy Hadley" you'd help the cause. It's weird to ask because I keep introducing myself as "Amy Hadley"...perhaps I'll make it a point at MOCCA to change that.
And finally, my work-related announcement is that at some point there may be an announcement...about various work-related things. Uh...not sure when those will come, and if they'll be peacemeal, but they're very, very cool and I hope they will stretch me because I'm due for a good stretching.
So...that's that. This will once again be my place for announcements, not-so-much the personal stuff. But, that doesn't mean it'll be so sparse or uninteresting. I've got to get my feet under me right now, but I would really like to get back into the teaching side, and do some regularly-updated youtube drawing tutorials. I may also make occasional "columns" about my opinions on things like keeping a schedule or various discoveries I make about the nuances of art and storytelling. So I'll be more active in being a resource.
The resource thing may or may not be on this blog, but if you want to find out about it, here will always be the place to check!
At one point I had this critique of my work blown out of proportion and cross-posted on the blogosphere with everybody arguing this-way-and-that and it all traced back to my own weakness as a starting point. I became very aware that anything I said on the matter would be scrutinized, and started to watch myself in future posts, entertaining what faults people might find with whatever I might say. And eventually, Nothing was the best answer.
I don't know why I share that because that's not the point of this entry. I'm not upset about it nor do I need reassurance; goofing off online was a vice that was hard to avoid and I've always been prone to putting my foot in my mouth. It was a healthy check. I guess I share simply because this is the stuff that generally interests me about others...introspection or whatever. And I find most people are the same.
So to the point, finally: I wanted to quickly share some personal things because they actually prove useful even in a blog about my work.
The first of these is that I now live in New York! I used to live in Denver so this is a BIG move, and took a chunk of time out of my schedule, which means I'm working like the dickens! It also means I probably won't reply to you, but what's new, haha! I appreciate your comments nonetheless. Anyway, back to the move, that means if you're a fan and you live in or near NYC, I might finally get to meet you! I'll be sure to post here for any signings or events. I am going to MOCCA in a couple weeks, but I think just as an attendee, unless Vertigo's coming. If you recognize me glaring at art, please say hi!
For those of you in Colorado, never fret; I'm actually going to be a guest at Denver Comicfest in three weeks! So mark your calendars. After that, I'm hoping to be caught up on deadlines so I can finally enjoy my new city!
The next bit of news is-what-it-is...I'm getting a divorce. It's a big life change for me and it hasn't been a joyride...but honestly I can say it's been the most peaceful, friendly divorce I've ever heard of. And that fact has actually caused its own batch of problems, trying to explain to people why I'm doing it in the first place. It's made me even more private! All I can say is I'm happy and excited for the future and feel strongly that I (and he--it was mutual) have made the right choice.
I chose to keep my maiden name Reeder in book credits not because I was skeptical about my marriage...no, my reasoning was much more base--it was revenge at my arch-nemesis in school who loved to draw comic book characters, whereas I had never shown any interest. I wanted him to know it was me, haha! Not to mention I wear the name like a badge because people used to say "Reeder" with scorn...we were such a nerdy bunch!
So the part that applies to you is that I'm working toward simplifying my name in comics to Amy Reeder. You are now informed; if you would like to use the name or say "Amy Reeder Hadley" instead of "Amy Hadley" you'd help the cause. It's weird to ask because I keep introducing myself as "Amy Hadley"...perhaps I'll make it a point at MOCCA to change that.
And finally, my work-related announcement is that at some point there may be an announcement...about various work-related things. Uh...not sure when those will come, and if they'll be peacemeal, but they're very, very cool and I hope they will stretch me because I'm due for a good stretching.
So...that's that. This will once again be my place for announcements, not-so-much the personal stuff. But, that doesn't mean it'll be so sparse or uninteresting. I've got to get my feet under me right now, but I would really like to get back into the teaching side, and do some regularly-updated youtube drawing tutorials. I may also make occasional "columns" about my opinions on things like keeping a schedule or various discoveries I make about the nuances of art and storytelling. So I'll be more active in being a resource.
The resource thing may or may not be on this blog, but if you want to find out about it, here will always be the place to check!