Thursday, October 27, 2011

Condolences and Congratulations

This weekend is my dad’s birthday, my oldest daughter’s birthday and my birthday. I am trying to maintain some joy around these events. However, I am currently watching my dad succumb to cancer in a hospice facility.

To add to this, as I am watching one life end, I am also preparing for a new life to enter the world. My wife, Nora, and I recently found out that we are expecting our seventh child in the spring. Unfortunately, the first trimester is usually pretty rough on my wife, and this pregnancy is no exception. She has been battling some serious morning sickness most of the past month, meaning I have had to pull some double duty around my household to keep things in order. It also feels like most everyone I have been dealing with recently has been in a horizontal position.

It is not lost on me - the symbolism between this end and beginning. I was able to tell my dad about his impending grandchild and even in his diminished state, he was able to communicate that he thought it might be a boy. He also sounded happy about the news, which was good, because I think if this were a few years ago, he may have thought my wife and I were insane and been overly worried on our behalf. Believe me, there is enough worry to go around.

It’s a good thing I draw pictures for a living, because all this art has been very therapeutic for me. I certainly appreciate how busy you have all kept me over the past few months. Thank you for that. Also, keep going! With another child on the way, I will definitely need all the help I can get. (You don’t know how much my wife and I dread being beholden to the diaper and wipe industry yet again.)

I don’t have much else to say except thank you on behalf of me and my family for the support you have given my art. It fills my days and has enabled me to make a real living, something my dad always wanted for me. I know that he didn’t really “get” what I did for a living. Occasionally I would show up at my parent’s house with a new book I had illustrated or a deck of cards with my art on it or my computer open showing them how many people were ordering monsters or superheroes or whatever the heck I was drawing that week. They remain puzzled, but at the very least my dad knows that I’m not sitting at home pretending to be busy.

That’s it. My update. I’ve struggled with the issue of letting complete strangers know what is going on in our lives. I don’t know why I feel obligated, but I do. Maybe it’s my coping mechanism; talking to the people inside my computer. I’m off again, for who knows how long, to try and “get the big contract” as my dad told me to. Wish me luck. With everything. And say a few prayers for me as well.

Lord knows I need it.

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

In Search Of...

Hello. First off, let me apologize for the lack of podcasts. It's a lame excuse to give, I know, but "I've been busy." Once you read this post, maybe it will shed some light on why I had to take some time off from Jawbone Radio.

If you have following me on Twitter, you may know that I am currently in the market for a Business Manager/Brand Strategist. I've been searching for a person like this for over a year now. Someone to help rudder the Len Peralta brand. I've had spots of luck here and there, but for the most part, I've been doing everything on my own.

I had been reluctant to post anything formal because I was unsure about the type of responses I'd get from taking such a scatter-shot approach on a major social media platform. Also, to be honest, I wasn't completely sure what I was looking for. I've talked to other brand strategists and managers for some friends in new media and they have all given me valuable advice. (I would hire any of them given the chance) However, none of them really do exactly what I'm looking for. Not to sound self-important, but I feel in some ways that I am creating a new category here. This person would not be an artists rep. This person wouldn't be an agent. In a perfect world, this person would help me build and extend my illustration business and help me navigate through projects. I'm sure this person exists, but I can't for the life of me seem to find them.

What follows is a document I've been working on that was helping me clarify what I've been searching for. I admit when I was writing it, I felt like I was trying to write a personal ad. I have to admit, this is sort of tough for me to share. In some ways, taking a step back and admitting I need some assistance with my personal brand goes against what I feel I should do. But I think it may be time for me to take this step forward, if I have any chance of moving past where I am right now.

Take a look and if it sounds like something you can do, or you know someone who fits this bill, please pass it along. I'm willing to talk to all sorts of people, providing they are serious about helping me out.

Ok, Here goes nothing...

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SEEKING BUSINESS MANAGER/BUSINESS DEVELOPER/BRAND STRATEGIST

I am currently looking for someone to assist me in building my personal brand.

Over the past 10 years, I have worked tirelessly to help forge a strong brand identity for myself. I have had the great fortune of being able to work on some high-profile projects and the opportunity to work alongside well-known IPs and growing franchises. I am at a point now, however, where I feel I have done most of what I can do on my own. I am looking for someone who will work in tandem with me to help bring my brand to the next level.

To that point, I am not looking for someone who can just answer e-mails for me and free up some spare time (although I’m sure to start, there may be some of that, but this is not a secretarial position). I need someone I can throw the ball to, and they can throw it right back to me and challenge my expectations. I am looking for someone who can represent me in a positive light to potential clients. Someone who can run interference when negotiating and help set an equitable rate standard for my services. Someone who can be proactive in identifying, pitching and securing upcoming projects. And finally, someone I can trust completely to help rudder my brand amidst growing competition and uncertain financial times.

I am looking for someone who can assess the sub-brands under my main brand and build and maximize their earning potential.

The ideal candidate must:

Be fearless and be willing to work outside their comfort zone.

Be flexible.

Possess proven skills in marketing and branding.

Be able to think quickly on their feet.

Possess impeccable communication skills.

Have a broadband connection with current communication tools and ability to conference.

Current contacts in the entertainment, publishing or animation industry are a plus, but not mandatory.

I am looking for someone to keep in step with me throughout the entire process. I promise you, this will be fun. I won't settle for less. Does this sound like you? Write me at monsterbymail at gmail dot com. Please use the phrase “Business Manager Inquiry” in the subject line. Please provide a phone number for contact.

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Phew! *fingers crossed* Let's see what happens.