Chances are, if you're on this website you have seen me at a comic con somewhere on the east coast. Obviously, this year has been complete crap for just about every one. Comic cons have been non existent which has actually given me the time to focus on what I want to do, and why, rather than figuring out which prints to do for whatever show is coming up.
When i was younger, maybe 7 or 8, a very important figure in my life asked me what I would do if I was ever rich. I happily replied that I would give some to poor people! (my little, uneducated mind had yet to learn the term "less fortunate") Long story short, I was laughed at. I was made to feel that helping others was stupid. I remember that like it was yesterday. I remember where I was standing, what I was doing at the time, and exactly how I felt. That single moment had a massive effect on my life.
Until now. I did a lot of thinking this year. Figuring out what i want to do, whether that be art or something else. About 2 years ago, I did a mural for my daughters' elementary school, completely free. My original idea was to keep doing free murals for different school to inspire kids to pursue art. With COVID, that would be nearly impossible for the near future. Although, I'm keeping this one in the back of my head for later.
This year has been hard on everyone, especially kids. Any one that knows me, knows i love kids and will generally do any thing for any given one, not just my own. Being out of school, away from their friends is difficult. Kids need friends. Even when school is in session and everything is back to normal, there's a lot of kids that don't have friends. So here's my idea; If you have a kid, or know of a kid that doesn't have any friends, or gets bullied and teased. There's now a form on my website under the "You've Got a Friend in Me" tab. I created a postcard, printed and donated by CheckMate Graphics in Elliot City, MD, that i will send to those kids. Each postcard will come with a unique smiley face drawn on the front and a positive message! (see examples below) All of this is completely free. I came up with a few social distancing friendly ideas that i want to do, but this is my favorite.
Originally, this was meant for kids mainly. After typing all of that out. Screw it, adults need friends to, so if you, someone you know, your dog, your neighbor, fill out the form and lets make someone's day! Fill out the form on the "You've Got a Friend in Me" tab today!