Robbie Williams - Take That

Robbie was the only one in Take That. A year or so ago they had a rather poignant documentary about the band deciding to reunite and tour and wondering, the other four that is, whether Robbie was on for it. Of course he wasn't, but they were hoping against hope, half believing that he'd join them in their reunion hotel. So the film moves from their encampment to Robbie at home, everybody being seriously emotional. Robbie said he'd only ever wanted their difficult-seeming manager to love him. He went on to say that Gary Barlow, who he'd been unflattering about for years, was talented and deserving. But the hard reality was that Robbie Williams never budged from Notting Hill. He was the only member to have made the Great World, and he wasn't going back. The others had nice enough places. Barlow had a big provincial spread somewhere Northern. There was something Grade II listed-looking in the Lake District and a West Country beach house. They had all done tolerably well but it sounded as if they weren't set up for life. But Robbie had a huge EMI contract worth £80m they said, one of those 10-ton new Rolls-Royces and a place with the cosmocrats in W11.

Robbie Williams always played it both ways, being authentic with Oasis and mainstream pop elsewhere, being interesting, "vulnerable", fat and thin in interviews, but completely triumphalist on stage. Swaggery and pimp-rolling but at the same time completely Olde Englishy camp, he worked on many levels, had lots of sub-texts and reference points for cultural studies types, RW's a favourite thesis subject and kept more people interested than his output might warrant. Somehow he'd Hoovered up London in the late 1990s becoming a metropolitan, getting to scale, learning what you had to do. Which meant being anthemic, an international stadium act, but being able to flex it with moments of 1940s pastiche, with videos that looked more like Frankie Goes To Hollywood than, say, Radiohead. Even the dull middle-class audience that loves dull middle-class acts like Coldplay could never completely dismiss him, could never deny the CD in the rack or singing along to "Angels". Now it's difficult to imagine what it's like for Robbie, though I suspect it feels like coasting, he's in a T-Mobile commercial. It's an ad that looks as if it's made to run wherever he's got a High Recognition factor.

Mad about Mad Men

What it boils down to is that I can’t stand the main character, Don Draper, ad whiz, ladies man and all around despicable guy. Sure, they try to explain how he became such a cold-hearted SOB in later episodes. But my heart hasn’t softened. I’ve tried to figure out why. He isn’t the first rotten human being to carry a TV series. Look at Dexter. He’s a serial killer. But he’s interesting to watch. And I kinda like him. Maybe it’s because I’ve worked with guys like Draper. My first job out of college was in a macho arena (wargame simulations for the defense industry - I know, I know, I can’t believe it either). Even though it was decades after Mad Men took place, I dealt with rampant sexist attitudes. Sure, I had the benefit of anti-harassment laws on my side. But still. Having to stick up for myself day in and day out took its toll. Who knew that the toll would include a visceral repulsion to what might be a high-quality show? So let them have their Nixon jokes, greasy hair product, and pointy-bra secretaries. They'll surely win more Emmys and Golden Globes. But me, I’ll stick with nasty characters who don't make my skin crawl.

Keeping You Blushing On

I don't think I could take it if I was judged. I wanted to proclaim loudly that I just read those books when my brain wants a break, or when I want to read something I know won't disappoint in its mediocrity. Who wants to admit they read something for the s3x? Not that I am saying I do. I like my happy endings and predictability. I am not my Aunt who reads romances by the bucketful to avoid her own marriage that seems completely devoid of any of its own romance (dirty family secrets alert). So what excuse can I use that doesn't sound like I am covering? I feel as if I need to supply one. One of my other aunts actually was trying to tell me and my sisters (Nora Roberts fans themselves) that the romance in the books they/we read is a fantasy (this aunt being married multiple times herself... I would tend to believe her advice if I didn't already know the truth of it). To have people question your grip on reality, to have people comment that romances are nothing but s3x in fancy wrapping (which I agree with a bit) can be tiring.

Will there be a time when I can read romances in public, if I want (which I probably won't), and not be embarrassed? I doubt it. Everyone seems to have an opinion too. And if someone actually is a big romance fan they aren't going to readily admit it. I had a class last week where the professor asked us (the students) what authors/books we read. They were silent. And the books mentioned were by well-known authors or foreign ones. Maybe kids nowadays don't read as much, and maybe they don't actually have a favorite author and haven't read anything beyond what they have been assigned to read (and even then you know they probably don't read it... I have that habit too). Perhaps they just can't talk about what doesn't exist. Or they just don't want to spill about books others consider publicly as "trash" and secretly gush over in the privacy of their own home. All this reasoning has lead me to think that romance books should not leave the safety of my bedroom. Not that that conclusion is the most satisfying. But in my case in might be for the best.

Romances: Keeping You Blushing

I was thinking lately, despite reading more and more romances, I am still embarrassed when caught reading one. I don't mind mild ribbing by my family, but basically they ignore my reading choices, or don't have much to say. The exception, of course, is a racy cover. Naked mens (intentional misspelling) will always bring comments. But due to a very recent incident (yesterday) I am examining my feelings about romance novels. I have always liked romance, but really romances contain a little more than just, "Aw, how sweet!" romance-y subjects. My constant comment to my sister (Mar) is that I am basically waving a big red flag and shouting, "Yo, I am reading about s3x, s3x and more s3xing! Hell yes!" I don't think I'd mind the reactions of others if it was something beyond creepy smiles and silence, which I usually receive (I think my mum still doesn't like the fact that I am an adult and can read "silly" books if I want to). Well, the incident in question was with my uncle, who had always been inquisitive about what I am reading. He never liked my manga (Japanese graphic novel) phase, saying I was just wasting my money (which I was, but hey, I was a ignorant baby then... and libraries were for oldies, well okay libraries just did not have lots or any manga). 

So he extends his hand and I reluctantly hand of over book. I do tend to tuck my book away whenever he comes around now, but this particular day I slipped up (I'd add a big "of course" in caps and a eye roll and maybe a shoulder shrug here). I actually started blushing when he picked the book and read the title, out loud! At least the title wasn't something like, The Man Who is Hung Like a Horse Seduces an Innocent Virgin (This actually sounds more like a title to a news article than a book title). Oh my Gat! It was cringe worthy just the same though. So my face is the same temp as the sun now and I am watching dear old uncle actually open the book; he likes to read some of it sometimes. He also has this bit where he tells me the "ending," which is something he makes up on the spot, trying get make me worried or make me laugh...not too sure which it is. So he flips through the pages. Now, this is a romance that has a pretty mild cover but a hugely steamy cover insert page. This one of course had the usual couple making out in an almost horizontal pose (ack), and they are in a certain stage of undress, their clothes exceedingly rumpled. Now, my uncle, most of the time, has something to say about the book. This time: nothing. Nothing at all. I ran. 

Hearing from Old Friends

Well, the theme this past twelve, eighteen months or so seems to have been “hearing from old friends”, and now i hear these old friends are coming out with a new album that is a “return to form”. Also, hearteningly, it seems Michael is as disappointed in their last album as i was, or nearly so. Maybe he wasn't disgusted like i was. I’m one of the untold thousands of people with an “i met them before they were famous” story (yeah, i know) but it’s been interesting to follow their career! Has it really been 26 years? And see how they have managed wearing the heavy mantle of “multiplatinum multimedia important artist / celebrity” status.

Even to the point of appearing on The Simpsons. Right up there with al gore. And the counting crows... Ed. But was al gore ever on sesame street? I ask you. Anyway, I went through being a friend, to being a fan, to being formerly both, and have come to rest maybe as somebody who has a history with them but can just observe them calmly and perhaps appreciate what they are doing in an abstract sense. i mean, none of us is ever going to be quite the fist-pumping, screaming REM fans we were around about “lifes rich pageant”... and shit, i’m old, the last thing i was fist-pumping and screaming about was guided by voices, or maybe a good sandwich... but from everything i’ve heard so far, “accelerate” may actually be worthy of, yikes! Going out to the store and buying. Must do that... I am old school what can I say...

Thoughts on a T-shirt

Work has been positively crushing lately, and my to-do list at home as been rather full as well - so I haven't had much in the way of free time. That doesn't mean that I haven't been thinking about, and planning for the t-shirt challenge. I've been gathering supplies and materials for my run at a few ArtOrder t-shirts that I can take to IlluxCon. I'm going to try a few different techniques... I've got my screen printing gear primed and waiting to get swiping. I've grabbed a big bottle of bleach and a couple spray bottles and am planning a few distressed style ideas. I procured a fresh lino block, and have a stamping idea kicking around in the back  of my head. I pulled out a few sheets of plastic and talked with a friend that creates signage about cutting me some stencils (might just hand cut though). I've got some spray paint waiting in the wings to make it's appearance. The biggest issue I've got is time. I've seen a few ideas posted in the discussion forum for the challenge, and I'm looking forward to seeing more ideas and in-progress shots. Don't forget, the deadline is coming up fast. And in case you missed it, here's a look at Christopher Burdette's t-shirt design on TeeFury that prompted this whole challenge. Yeah I ordered my own bug shirt. Friday will feature a new challenge, one that can get published! Until then I'm off to dig through email and chat with the gang in the ArtOrder chat.

Cartoon Convention Do's and Don'ts

Do: Have a sign or banner that tells who you are. Have your website address somewhere in plan view. Have something free for people to snag with your contact info (business card or flyer). Have offerings tailored to the attendees (Manga at a Fine Art event, not a good mix). Have offereings with several price points ($5, $10, $20, $2000). Have tubes or other materials for shipping available for sale. Upsell folks! If your not a "people person" then consider bringing someone that can work the floor well. Bring an helper or someone that can help in your booth while you are eating lunch or taking a break. Consider lifestyle goods (t-shirts, mugs, and if you have artwork that works well in that medium). Start small if it is your first foray. Do go broke trying to do everything. Bring lots of change for that $3 purchase made with a $20 all day long. Consider having the ability to take credit cards (iPhone add-ons offers a cool solution). Don't: Make your sign with sharpies. If you don't respect yourself, neither will they. Cover every inch of your table with goodies. Allow space for customers to set down items, to be able to sign cards/prints. Eat or drink at your table, unless it's okay for your customers to do the same. Be a bad neighbor. Loud music, unruly crowds, and profanity are a great way to piss your neighbor off and get yourself barred from future events. Respect your neighbors space and the experience of all customers, not just your own. Stalk art directors or editors that are in attendance, or worse yet, have a lackey stalk them. Leave your space unattended. Aside from the fact that you can't sell something if no one is there, expecting a neighbor to protect your stuff while they are trying to earn a living is a recipe for disaster.

Bare Minimum. Gut check time... There's a lot to consider when you are going to a show for the first time. Don't panic. Breathe! Before you drive yourself crazy, ask yourself a simple question, why am I going? Give yourself a goal, and afford yourself the opportunity to be successful. Noah Bradley got into the IlluxCon showcase for the first time this past year. He went with a very simple goal, get his name out there. He went with a cool website www.cartoon-coloring-page.com and a very simple and effective strategy as well. He had some really nice large prints made of a limited number of images (4 or 5 if memory serves) that showcased his skills and talents. He gave (yes, gave for free) a print to each person that visited the showcase. Art Directors got additional images (I love mine)! It was amazing to see the buzz it created, and the fact that everyone that attended the Showcase was walking around with an 11x17 business card of Noah's. Should you do that? That depends upon where you are going (remember IlluxCon is a small con with a very limited attendance), the depth of your pockets, and your goals. Find a strategy that hits your goal(s). A bare minimum convention kit should include the following: A sign. Some prints. A portfolio for the customers to flip through. Business cards, post cards or flyers, some kind of free take-away. Tubes or sleeves to protect pieces for consumers. Change. Markers to sign cards, prints or draw on items. A great attitude and a really big smile. Last but not least. Every event is an opportunity to learn. Don't forget to learn as much as you can, every chance you get. Oh yeah, and have fun!