Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas

The weather outside is frightful...

Hi Folks,

Well it’s that time of year once more – my favourite time of year for reflection and looking to new adventures.


Blogs have been a little light again this year.

Hopefully more Blogging in 2013 as I work to complete the pencil artwork ready for digital painting.

2012 has been a strange year, but one which for my family saw a new addition with the birth of my wonderful and beautiful little Granddaughter, Phoebie – our little Princess.

Thanks go out to all my family, friends, fans, colleagues and customers to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Thanks for your continued support – without which there would be no new books etc.

Just a quick note that we will be launching some completely new product ranges in 2013 – watch this space for more news soon.

In the meantime have a wonderful time and if you have to work through the holidays remember to take time to join in the fun when you get a chance.

Oh, yes, and try not to eat and drink too much!

Until next time, have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 25th 2012

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Deadlines, Conventions and Stocking Fillers

Or my NEW book, Malta and a Seasonal Offer

Hi Folks, well, with Christmas just around the corner, my deadline for finishing the brand new Worlds End Colouring & Storybook met and Malta’s yearly comic convention imminent I thought it would be a good time for a quick tri-promotional Blog before I find myself jetting to warmer climes.

 Okay first up, the new book is finished and, although it was a mad rush to get things done in time, I managed to complete the artwork and the design of the new book in time for a world exclusive Pre-Christmas launch once again at MaltaComicCon 2012 in a few short days time.

This has been a chance to draw some new scenes from the world of Gaeyrth on which the saga takes place. The artwork is purposely very open as it is a colouring book as well as containing some Worlds End back-story too. It contains some great action scenes and some more tranquil moments and includes all of your favourite characters, both hero and villain.

We have received some really nice complimentary comments and emails via our Worlds End and Wizards Keep FaceBook pages since we began to show some of the artwork a few weeks ago.

The new Colouring & Storybook will be available for sale on the website from Wednesday 5th December.

In the meantime for everyone that orders a graphic novel before Christmas, on the evening of Christmas Eve, even if you have missed the last Pre-Christmas post, we will include one of the new 40 page books, as a special seasonal stocking filler.

Here is a little teaser cover-art from the book:

 

The book has been produced to fill in the gap between the first two graphic novels in the "Science Fusion" series, Worlds End – Volume 1 – The Riders on the Storm and Worlds End – Volume 2 – A Hard Reign’s Gonna Fall.

In this book I am joined by three – yes three – guest artists. Dave Windett, Paul Eldridge and Lauren Hanratty.

You may remember that back in January 2009 we announced a new Worlds End project, which would launch after the publication of the first graphic novel. Three pages were left open for three lucky winners to fill in the book. It was just a fun thing and the competition was open to four categories – Professional, Semi Professional and Amateur. Dave won the Pro category, Paul won the Semi-Pro and Lauren won the Amateur category.

The Competition required the guys to draw a black and white line drawing of one, or more, of the Worlds End Characters. Well they did just that and after sifting carefully through hundreds of entries we decided on our winners.

So, please make sure you get your orders for the graphic novel in before Christmas day to receive your FREE Colouring and Storybook or if you prefer to order just the colouring book itself I am sure we will throw in some extra goodies for those fans/customers too, but as to what those may be - well, that will be Santa’s secret for now.
Well, Thursday will see me heading out from old Blighty, as a guest once more, for the sun-drenched island of Malta, home to some of the most enthusiastic comics fans and creators I have ever met, as well as some of the nicest folks ever to grace our wonderful planet.

This year’s convention has a great line up of guests and includes some big guns from the world of comics – a full list of which you will find in my earlier Blog here.

You can bet your bottom dollar I will be posting my thoughts and a great plethora of photos as soon as I get chance when I get back to the UK.

Excited, even though this is my fourth trip out there?

You bet I am, because having been to all of the conventions held there this time I know what is to come there. I will also get to share more moments with my Maltese mates, fans, and a lovely warm culture that will leave indelible memories in my heart once again.

If you have been thinking of going and need a little nudge as to whether or not to attend – do yourselves a favour and order your flight now! You won’t be disappointed.

If any of you reading this are going to be at the convention and would like to buy something in particular, please get in touch ASAP before I fly on Thursday to ensure I pack your goodies in the cases. That way you will make sure yours is included and won’t miss out.

I’ll just add here I can’t wait to see you all once again.

And now…

“What, there’s more?” I hear you say. Yes, a little teaser for you all. We are launching a NEW competition.

The Worlds End Search For A Superstar!

Okay, it’s just that time of year for us here at the Keep, so we’ll spill the beans already.

The competition is Free to enter and is open to everyone and the prize will go to someone very special indeed. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work on a special comic book project for real? Well, now’s your chance to find out.

So what do you need to do?

You are going to be invited to colour a page from the Worlds End Colouring & Storybook!!!

If you work traditionally with “real” paints, inks or coloured pencil crayons then you will need to create your masterpiece, scan your finished artwork and then send it off.

Please DO NOT send off original artwork – we cannot accept responsibility for any potential damage or loss.

If you work digitally you can scan the page from the book you intend to digitally colour and then work on the computer to colour it.

After which you need to email it to one of our email addresses.



OR you can opt to send full colour photocopies, or prints of your work via snail-mail to our studio address at:

Wizards Keep Publishing – 11 Walton Crescent – Whinney Heights – Blackburn – Lancashire – BB2 3TQ – United Kingdom

Now here is the prize – the winner will get the chance to work with us here at the Keep on a new Worlds End project as the colourist.

Yes, it’s a paid Gig and a chance to work alongside us here at the studio. Now, don’t worry you don’t need to leave home to come along here it can all be done virtually from your own homes. But the work needs to be of a professional standard and it is even better if you can do this digitally.

So there you have it in a nutshell.

The winner will be the colourist on the next Worlds End Project that we will announce following the prize draw!!!

Check back here soon for ALL the details and Good Luck when you enter.

Here is a copy of the Competition Flyer for you to pin on your notice boards...


In the meantime – I have some books and clothes to pack and a flight to catch soon, so as always…

Until next time, have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 5th 2012