Arp Comics

Genesis Author Pro plugin: How to move the book meta

November 22, 2022January 15, 2019

This post is a tutorial for customizing how the Genesis Author Pro plugin outputs it content. I’m going to dig into some light code, which may or may not be useful to you. If you’re not here for the geekery, you can safely skip this post. If you’re a creative entrepreneur who runs their own website, read on! And if you’re a pro who wants to skip ahead to the actual tutorial, scroll down to the Customizing the Genesis Author Pro plugin header In my spare time, I’m a geek. I design, build, and customize websites, as well as market online the businesses those websites … Continue reading

How to download free brushes and other materials in Clip Studio Paint

March 7, 2023January 4, 2019

Clip Studio Paint is my illustration software of choice. The main reason is because it’s a great program for drawing and painting, with a particularly sweet brush engine. But there’s a huge bonus that it comes with: easy access to a ton of free brushes, textures and other materials. CSP is an oddly named program. Both Comic Studio and Manga Studio, two of CSP’s former names, make sense. Clip Studio Paint, on the other hand, is just a little off. It’s actually two separate programs that work together: I didn’t believe the Clip Studo portion existed when it was called Manga Studio – I just noticed it … Continue reading

Bandette

November 22, 2022January 1, 2019

The adventures of Bandette, a young costumed “artful dodger”, leader of a group of urchins dedicated to serving justice, except when thieving proves to be a bit more fun. The story of Bandette treads a thin line between Tintin and Nancy Drew, with a few costumes thrown in. Bandette and her crew at turns join forces and cross swords with the mysterious master thief known only as Monsieur, and one B.D. Belgique, perhaps the most harassed police inspector of all time. I haven’t finished the first TPB and I had to add it to my recommendations. Bandette is nothing short of … Continue reading

11 Things Portfolio Websites for Creative Entrepreneurs Need

November 22, 2022December 31, 2018

Last week we talked about why you shouldn’t put all your eggs in a basket you don’t own. This week we’re talking about portfolio websites – the basket that you do own. And what those websites need to serve as the ideal hub for your online efforts. (If you’re not sure whether you own your site or not, check out last week’s post on digital sharecropping.) What’s the purpose of portfolio websites? Knowing what the website is for helps to focus on what it needs. Portfolio websites need to Get you found online Tell people who you are Tell people what you create Help build a relationship … Continue reading

The Dumbest Idea Ever!

November 22, 2022December 28, 2018

Dammit – The Dumbest Idea Ever made me cry. For real. I guess that’s what happens when you read a memoir by someone who’s the same age, started making comics at the same age when you were obsessed with comics, and is making a living as a successful comic creator. Basically someone living the life I want and wish I had. Which is to say that his memoir – his origin story – is really good and relatable. You don’t have to be me to relate to it, though having grown up in the 80s would help. Or having gone to … Continue reading

Digital sharecropping & why you need your own website

November 22, 2022December 22, 2018

WTF is digital sharecropping? Well, it’s the digital version of sharecropping (duh). Sharecropping is when a person farms on someone else’s land and both share the production. It became quite common in the American South after the Civil War, and it heavily favored the landowners while keeping most sharecroppers poor AF. Sharecroppers would rent the land and lease the equipment from the landowner – while local laws would often make it so they could only sell to the landowner, resulting in bad deals for the sharecropper. The landlords had ALL the control. The sharecroppers got screwed. Digital sharecropping is the practice … Continue reading

Stand Still. Stay Silent.

November 22, 2022December 21, 2018

“Stand Still. Stay Silent” is a post apocalyptic webcomic with elements from Nordic mythology, set 90 years in the future. It’s mostly a story about friendship and exploring a forgotten world, with some horror, monsters and magic on the side. I started my recommendations with Stand Still. Stay Silent. for a reason: it is one of the best comics I’ve ever read. Period. I know taste is completely subjective and it’s got a few things that I enjoy going for it: Speculative fiction Mythology Worldbuilding Great characters Amazing art Great writing It’s hard to pinpoint what’s the best part of it because … Continue reading

You’re a creative entrepreneur, whether you like it or not

November 22, 2022December 15, 2018

Creators today are also entrepreneurs. You’re a creative entrepreneur. There’s no choice in this matter. Even if your ultimate goal is to get a job, you’ll still have to think like an entrepreneur to get that paycheck. Being an entrepreneur may be stressful, but it’s necessary. And with a bit of knowledge and a good mindset, it doesn’t have to suck. Wouldn’t you be happier if you could make a living doing what you love? We all know that’s a rhetorical question, so let that goal guide you. I’m finally focusing on being a creative entrepreneur – and I want to share what I’ve learned. That doesn’t mean that … Continue reading

The Art of Minimalism

November 22, 2022September 10, 2018

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla id ligula risus. Nam maximus laoreet justo, vel mattis sapien condimentum quis. Suspendisse egestas, est in mollis tempus, lorem neque accumsan lacus, eget condimentum lacus massa et libero. Pellentesque blandit nisi eu lectus iaculis dignissim. Duis quis tempus ex. Morbi in nulla sed diam elementum volutpat. Aliquam erat volutpat. Nam viverra egestas leo sit amet scelerisque. Suspendisse potenti. Integer sed tincidunt nisl, quis tincidunt ipsum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse ut viverra neque. Nunc mauris tellus, aliquet vitae lorem sed, egestas tincidunt dolor. Integer nec metus at … Continue reading

10 Stunning Portfolios

November 22, 2022September 10, 2018

Mini Comics

Fried Cheese Balls

The Rapper's Foot