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25/01/2021

Last week we ejected the Oompa-Loompa Emperor in favour of another Democrat Facsimile who, to his credit, has donkey years more experience. You know what they say about old men in professions where people die young. You may gather that I don't adhere to trivialised images of Good vs Evil found in the Media's canned chatter, regardless of brand, label or sponsor. Still, I look at the bright side of life, that's what's important.
Onto a happier note, imagine my delight to find a chipper review in my inbox for the Genma Visage series courtesy of the Zak Webber's Scifi Comic Nexus. I've mentioned this before but while I'm on a roll, I did get thumbs up and fair commentary of earlier editions of my work back in 2015 from the Indie Graphic Novels group. Be sure to check out both of these interesting reads.
https://scificomicnexus.blogspot.com/2021/01/review-genma-visage.html
https://www.deviantart.com/indiegraphicnovels/journal/Comics-Newsletter-September-2015-557591975
To give equal due shout outs, check out both of their works and practises in the links below along with the reviews of many other up and coming Indies, particularly Paul Schmitt's Roach series that offers much charm in tales of imperial Insect kingdoms.
SCIFI Comic Nexus
Roaches: A Graphic Novel
Overall, progress is trotting along nicely. I've got 2 more industry satire pics on the way before I get back to the real deal. Face Masks are first on my list for new merch. As previously mentioned a Patreon setup is in order for those interested in an exclusive outlet. A tier system is being planned, but I may start with a single unique tier and proceed to add higher tiers of cost based on experience, demand and what could viably be offered over time. I leave it to you, dear reader.
Lastly, there's the delicate issue of conventions.
It's up in the air if such outings will be a priority as before. I received a sweet email recently about MCM's plans to reopen this fall in London, sadly no Scotland however. The MCM group has always accommodated me fairly, more so than others, yet my business model is changing. Table costs are rising, and despite extra promotion conventioneers here just seem to have other priorities. Something has to give.
MCM has been exciting to see and visit but economically, it has to be worth my while to consider it further. Failing that, I'll change my business to a sushi-noodle-POP!-figurine hybrid to fit in.

13/01/2021

New Year and Seasonal Greetings, Guys! I know I'm running a bit late, but you can't say I haven't treated you well otherwise.

Bringing a few out there up to speed, the Genma Visage\ Tukeworks Productions store is now up and running. Some of the most iconic art from the series is now available in the formats of T-shirts, Prints, Masks and more on the outpost of Redbubble, with ambitions to include Merch unique items for purchase in the near future as well. https://www.redbubble.com/people/TukeWorks-GV/shop

In addition, over the last few months, the wheels of progress have turned for my side project of oriental wonder, covering greater ground on plot and design. Originally a spoof of a certain First-Person Shooter with Satanic imagery, Lust of the Dakini broke away from its parody roots in favour of a broader palette to work with. After years of chucking paints on the canvas and watching the bigger picture emerge, I've been happy for some time in the direction that I'm heading and ready to take the project to the next stage.

I'll be aiming to have a finished script complete by mid-spring, assuming not too many monkey wrenches get thrown into the program. Thereafter, the artwork will begin, and this may in fact be TukeWork's first full-colour comic. Between the two titles, Genma Visage and Lust of the Dakini look set to offer the Comicons more than enough excitement and failing that, take on the crowdfunding scene of Indie Comics blazing.

Disclosed is a selection of my recent Ink concept illustrations for the project, demonstrating an opportunistic focus for fantasy adventure.

For exclusive arts updates, Patreon will be taking shape in the coming months. I have ideas on what to provide but I'm open to suggestions on what people would like to see on such an outing. Just let me know what you think!

I offer my kindest regards, and I'm available for all queries and requests.

15/12/2020:

PUT DOWN WHAT YOU'RE DOING RIGHT NOW AND PAY ATTENTION!

Hey-Hey, guys. Hope I didn't keep you waiting, what with the Crimbo preparations and the occasional brush with Mr COVID (the common cold at least).

I'm delighted to bring to your attention that the Official Online Store of TukeWorks Productions is now open courtesy of the RedBubble outlet. Here you'll find my prize designs including the interiors of the Genma Visage Books themselves sprawled across fantastic, if not spooktastic, merchandise, and by that I don't just mean the T-shirts. With RedBubble's system, Prints, Phone covers, Coffee mats, mugs, and dare I say Facemasks with my pulse-pounding artwork are available for purchase. Order today to spice up your eggnog this Christmas and or make the bold plans to start 2021 with Kabang!

Continuing on, there will be T-Shirt and Facemask-specific designs available in soon due course. I'm looking forward to showing the Emperor's new clothes at the next potential convention in 2021, which is apparently going to be a thing again assuming the government's cooperation and taking the purple elephant out of the equation. Whether this is the case, I do have some resources out there to produce some personalised swag that I can issue out personally on demand, the exclusivity of which I'll be sure to enrich. Quite possibly as well, I may enlist and upload my designs to other merch sites for a further reach of connection. In the future, I may anticipate all printing being done on an in-house basis exclusive to TukeWorks Productions, aiming for a high notch indeed.

As it stands I've laid down the core basics of my business plan on the table, bringing some of it from next year's plans at least. Until the day I'll be upping my game into other avenues, be it gaming, animation etc. I'll be focusing full-throttle on advertising and creating new work, particularly for Crowdfunding and Patreon ventures that will follow. 2020 has not exactly been everyone's favourite year, but ever the stalwart against adversity, my own steel toe cap Dr Martins are ready to kick further obstacles right in the particulars.

Looking ahead, I'm aiming to have my seasonal Yule tidings picture or two up by the 25th. Until then, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and splendid new year. Here's to making it a good one!

23/11/2020:

Righty-Ho! It's been ages since a good'ol news update besides the info in uploads on D.A. and Facebook.
First up: you may recall my registration for the New York x MCM Metaverse. Well, it turns out it came and went, almost without me knowing, with no follow-up email. I only clocked this by a chance google search. But yes, the organisers were kind enough to promote my site and wares on the Exhibitor section. However, it was just a link and description only and not (yet) the potential Zoom convention that I had envisioned. Video Podcasts were naturally prioritised for mainstream celebrities. Still, it's better than a kick in the head, and I would like to try other events in the future. If you're a new fan who's chased me up through the Metaverse, hello and welcome!

Layout changes have been made to the website. The social media buttons are more pronounced for the benefit of phones and tablets. I intend to fill the left menu bar with links and bonus ads in the future. The animated GIF at the top right highlighting the Hot Sales Item brings me to another prudent change; how to order products.
Now customers can pay directly through a Paypal button which rings my bell when each sale is made. Shipping out all printed books myself, originally I had an "email barter" system where customers mailed me personally asking for what they want and transfer the money. The idea was for me to give them a price based on destination. Upon observing crowd-funded models, I realised clients are less bothered about postage costs, so I decided to have a flat £5 charge on a Paypal sale, which is usually the price for shipping at the post office anyway. It may go up, may go down, but I'd say it offers a more welcoming sales interface rather than the email route which may have worried customers about "facing the dragon", so to speak.

Speaking of swords and sorcery, I hear we have a new Court Jester in the White House, but while everyone else was putting their faith in politics, I was doing research for my next book! Tickling my sweet tooth for info, I recently delved deep into Tantric lore and history, my attention arrested by statured couples making ancient whoopee. So much so that I've decided to rename a certain side project of oriental wonder.
After a tough call on shortlisted names I feel the new title, Lust of the Dakini best suits the story I want to tell, particularly with the fierce, lusty aspects of the mythological deities in question. With over 9 years development, such changes aren't new, but although it's a fantasy story with loose references, much of the influence at present leans towards Indus folklore, so why not streamline aspects in that direction? I'm insisting the character names will stay the same though. The creative history of LOTD is a tale for another day, but not being wasteful, "Marid" will be used for a future character.

As revealed in my recorded videos on my social media, I have many sketches and Ink drawings for both projects scanned and ready for viewing, the latter of which I'd like to colour in. I've got the software for Youtube now, giving room for testing. I have considered Twitch and Picarto as well, yet, my favoured channels are on youtube, and I intend to howl like a monkey at their doors for a spot in their shows. Additionally, my Youtube or Patreon may lean on what the masses have to say, unless of course said masses are cool with me going freestyle!
Finally, a store for T-shirts and Prints; It's going to be a thing, folks! I've registered with a few sites and I'm aiming to have products up hopefully by the 1st week of December, in time to get the Crimbo shenanigans going!
Until next time, I'm available for work, available for conventions \ podcasts \ interviews etc and I jolly hope you keep well. Newbies, if you haven't grabbed a book, GRAB IT NOW! It'll score you more birds than Baby Yoda Dolls. -Tuke

06/10/2020:

I've been a chatty chap for sure as of late!

I have been recently swapping words with none other than Chris Braly of alternate Comic News and Media Site Bleeding Fool, who offered me a spotlight in an Indie article on their site to which I complied. I quickly knocked this picture out for my site and media accounts. I'll admit I'm blowing a bit of smoke, but more importantly I wanted to blow the cobwebs from my Newsreel, and what better way to do so than Firebrand on and on about my experience in comics, the creation process and influences.

https://bleedingfool.com/indie-comics/indie-comics-showcase-104-genma-visage-trumps-demonhunter-raven/

Shoutouts to familiar names including my compadre Curt Sibling are also abundant. Of course, because I'm 3rd one down, I don't mind insisting that you have a good glance as well at fellow Indie creators Nicholas Mueller and Roland Mann who offer most useful info on their delightful works, life stories and insights into crowdfunding. I'm chasing these guys up as we speak. Raise your fist in the air and celebrate the Indies, the future of the Comic Industry!

25/09/2020:

First up, as you can see, I'm going to be keep routinely adding a picture to the newsreel to make the future articles and minor updates more appealing to look at.

Above is a little something I worked on when submitting for the potential E-Virtual Convention scheme for this October from Reed Pop a.k.a the chaps who run MCM Expo, in coalition with the New York Comicon. Not much, but nevertheless, a mish-mash of different art pieces in the comic. I might have a go with alternatives such as the Book 0 part 2 unique emblem.

Sorry that I haven't been able to get much finished pieces out lately. I've got a pile lined up along with other ideas in the pipeline so I am productive. My Facebook and Instagram have showcased some of my sketches. Otherwise, I've mostly been working on marketing and networking duties as of the past few months, which means a good share of research, website \ social media tweaking and a massive chunk of email writing. All laborious stuff as one man, but surviving. Eventually, the finito button will be clicked and new arts will come pouring into this gallery. Until then, the best way to get me to drop everything like a ton of bricks is to commission me. Will speak more soon on the MCM update.

19/08/2020:



Boo! How's it going?

I recently added links on my website menu to my growing outposts to LinkedIn, Pinterest, Pixiv(!) and Youtube, the last of which I've resurrected from being an archive storage for early day animations. I dusted off the cobwebs and given the channel a new lick of paint. I can't promise when I'll start adding new videos just yet, but I would love to do art demonstrations, explain my techniques and I certainly haven't ruled out animations in the future either. All of which will include my commentary, the odd inoffensive rant here and there, and more content based on feedback and suggestions. Can I confirm if I will be dressing up like a Muppet just like the other famous Video Bloggers out there? Time will tell (and money talks).

Although I'll keep my LinkedIn account alive, I consider its presence on the site a placeholder as I feel the overall business etiquette there is different from the marketing personality of my website. What will take that spots place would be an upcoming link to a new Gumroad Account or something similar, whichever I think is great for selling Prints and T-shirts.
Otherwise, in the meantime, I'm trying my luck with Pixiv as an additional Art media. It'll be interesting to see how my manga-influenced work has an impact on the locals there.

Look after yourselves and keep well, my friends! x -TomT

14/07/2020:

Tuke's been on camera once or twice!

If you recall my outing to the ICE Brighton Comicon back in 2017, I did, in fact, get a bit of internet screentime throughout, particularly in this first video to be showcased where I stealthily slivered into view at about the 2-minute mark. Other folks may recognise their presence at this fair throughout this video.

Admittedly when I first watched this again I thought, "God! Is that what I sound like in recording? What a dope!" coupled with the fact that I think my attention was spread out like it normally is at an active convention plus I got up early to lug heavy luggage from London to Brighton. But other than that, nice to see I look cheerful on camera, and I more or less stick to every word mentioned here.

I'm just keeping my eye out now for the interview I did at the MCM's last year. In any case, to those who got me on camera, as well as to those visiting the table, many thanks again for your interest. :)

2nd video in question from Bleeding Cool with my brief cameo.

08/07/2020:

Okay, update on the Online store:
There is something of a project to be a had regarding getting items published on Comixology, including an approval phase and the workload phase on their end, which normally entails that it takes a month or so overall for Comixology to post their edition of the work. Ego, this may be a slow and steady project in my spare time before things come full circle.

THAT being said, you can still grab Genma Visage right now off Artstation and Amazon Kindle! In fact, I hear if they're available on Kindle by proxy Comixology app users can purchase them as well, so it's still win-win at the moment!
Now you still have to register with Artstation to purchase like most online stores, so I still have the paypal and wetransfer option if people would prefer that. Take a view in the store section.

Looking ahead, reprints of the Books will still be done because that's still a biz that sells like hotcakes. Amazon through Kindle does offer a printed Paperback edition to which I shall take a view. Besides my current stock left over, as I whole I shall take a view on marketing strategy in the coming months and work from there. To the victor of strategies go the spoils!

26/06/2020:

I am pleased to announce that at long last, after years of toiling on my comics, of months of formatting on and off between real-life while sizing up the marketing, my works will finally be available on Comixology. I've sent the go-ahead along with the profile page of TukeWorks Productions and right now the Comixology developers are now looking over it to configure the books for their app. I could expect a hiccup along the way, but it looks like nothing I can't handle. We'll see how it pans out.

I've also made moves to have these books available on Kindle and Artstation. The files are in fact ready on standby, ready for a click of a few buttons, but along with Comixology's review process, I'm proofreading the terms and conditions right until the do-or-die moment. Additionally, to spread my reach further, Genma is likely to have a spot on Comichaus as well because why have one when you can have more? Pick your poison.

Until then, I respect the Apps as they are, but otherwise, you can, of course, get the PDF files straight from me personally!

Simply browse the book page, select the books you want, email me at tstuke@hotmail.com and I'll arrange the payment details and the transfer. I also have some hard physical copies left over which have been slashed in price and ready for mailing (postal fees apply). So what are you waiting for? There hasn't been a better time to grab London Underground's most high-impact Action-Horror Comic!

With this milestone, the question is where do we go from here, apart from more books maybe? Well, I've had my eyes set on Merch for a time, and have handpicked a selection to go follow that idea through. T-shirts and Large prints in full colour will be the next thing to splash across the store, and not a moment too soon when Summer is now here with soaring temperatures included. It's exciting days ahead, guys and you're welcome to be a part of it. Raise your glasses to the future. x -TomT

06/06/2020:

Ello-ello! I'm alive and well. I'm otherwise happy and I hope you all are as well. My recent art has more or less acted as my form of diary during the lockdown period as it has always done. I've had plenty of long walks and shaved my own head to boot. Because I'm a driven chap in my work, I seldom step outside to comment on outside topics in my journals the same way I may strike a conversation in real life. In this instance, I'll offer commentary on a certain subject that landed in my inbox a few weeks back.

London MCM Expo May 2020, the one I decided to forego, was initially pushed back and now unsurprisingly it has been cancelled. In fact, the MCM group has cancelled all their conventions up until October so far including Scotland MCM, my other staple convention, and I imagine all the others after will be out the window too. When San Diego Comic-Con is knocked on the head, it's an eye-opener for the future of the Comicon's existence. It's also an interesting time to be a Comic Creator, and with sheer hard work and persistent drive like I've always done, a man can allow for some optimism at the end of the tunnel. Since the steadily declining output of revenue at MCM London I always I wanted to explore pastures new, and the evolution of networking is something I'd have joy in growing with. I do hope that I can return to the joy of Comicons in the distant future, and not to mention on a personal note do some World Travelling as well. But we shall see. I reckon Zoom Conventions will be a thing if it isn't already.

Cutting to the chase, I've updated and added a truckload of new arts onto the website. Not only does this include my recent masterpieces but also a lot more into the sketchbook studies. In addition, I've decided, after much rescanning and sourcing out my photos to upload my gift art done for folks over the years on special occasions, birthdays and more. Certain people here will be more than delighted to see their work in the gallery I'd bet. The reason for this partly to with my wish to break into the Greetings card and festive poster market as a sideline amongst others. I often get the compliment that the card means more than the present. It's early days as I say this but with Lockdown still in effect and its legacy to affect people's lives for a time, why not give it a go?

Gotta crack on; more GV stuff around the corner. -TomT

14/03/2020:

Okay, Server updates!
I spent a few hours as of late researching and trying to sort out the SSL malarky on the Genma Visage website when the self-signing stick doesn't work. Google and popular browsers seem to treat non-SSL sites like a certain plague so it's commonly recommended for artists to be on top of the matter when designing. Like many, I've opted for a temporary certificates from Let's Encrypt that I have to renew every 90 days, which. Despite this, however, at the moment despite it being greenlit in my Cpanel, the website is still giving me that security gyp in the lock sign by the address bar. Either my web host is flat out rejecting it, or it could be part of the coding and how the website is made (i.e. notepad, Frontpage express and whichever trick with PHP and trick coding I can get my hands on). If it's the former it may seem that I'll have to register an SSL certificate, yet frankly not until I'm 200% sure it is necessary. By the way, my brain is as fried as most people on the subject.

Anyway, just to generally reclarify: the Genma Visage page is a portfolio site and will not ask for sensitive data \ information. Sales and business transactions will be done on-site on 3rd party sites such as PayPal, Patreon and so forth.

And that's about it. I'll tell you more when I know, and you all keep safe in this paracetamol-gobbling age. -Tommy

13/03/2020:

I've decided upon length that I will not be doing London MCM this May due to current business plans and also pleasant family matters taking shape within that time. I do still have my eyes set on Scotland MCM and London MCM October of which, all being well, you shall see me there.

Admittedly the Corona Virus is another factor, specifically how it'll affect the Health and Safety protocol of the event. A little birdy tells me that it's making huge events across nations loopy and haywire as we speak. With all the preparations I could make for an event that gets cancelled and whether I'll get my dosh back, it's a headache I can do without for now. Unless one of my favourite models is attending, then never mind the Corona Virus. I'll carry that big suitcase on bleeding stumps in the snow. :P

That all being said, maybe nothing will happen at all, the show will go on, and I myself will commend the first person to create a Corona Virus cosplay. I'm serious, there'll be at least one. ;P

But yeah. London MCM has been one of, if not the favourite of mine, but this year I'd like to take a breath of fresh air and seek other ventures to make up for my absence there. To those attending, do have a great time, keep safe, and I'll see you again in the future. x -Tommy.

20/02/2020:

Ayup chaps! First post of 2020!

I've had a recent buff to the website as of late to organise the gallery section. Because each section of the gallery is growing into its own exhibition, separating them I felt was the best way to avoid potential clutter in the future. As such my side project Lust of the Dakini has taken up (temporary) residence on the Genma Visage site with an updated summary of its premise. In due time I may register a new domain and new website design for it, but for the moment, I've barely touched my disk space for Genma Visage so I may as well make the most of things.

I've also updated my About page and personal bio section, of which I would like to thank Wayne Riley for providing the photo of me a while back (hope that's alright and I've added you to the credits). Taking lead from certain peers I've also been extra flash and added my credentials beneath my bio for good measure because you only live once.

So yeah, there's been general changes to the site, and Pteradon's head has popped into the side menu which I intend to try out something in the near future. Otherwise, truth be told, I've been putting off the Kindle \ Comixology thing mainly due to last-minute touches and advertising \ networking ventures to try and truly enrich the promotion, not to mention the Patreon that I'm looking into. This weekend and the next, I hope to let the axe fall and severe the last threads of perfectionism once and for all. Then truly it's on to pastures new.

There may or may not be something of a lengthy announcement in the coming weeks, depending on if I feel it's relevant but I'll let you know in pleasant kind. -TomT

25/11/2019:

As of late, although Linkedin can be seen as indifferent to what I do hence why other sites like Deviantart, Artstation and Instagram fill the bill, I've been giving mine a good shunt so that it appears a lot more up to date and vocal.

Unfortunately, the turbulent period for me is still present, and it has tempted me to start this post on a much more negative note. But I'm no Quitter!

Still, this will make some chaps snigger in the back row. I am contemplating something that proves that hell has not only frozen over, but it has also got a pack of Coca Colas in reserve.

I'm contemplating Patreon!

09/11/2019:

Many thanks and cheers to everyone who made London MCM a really swell convention this year. I made similar announcements on the FB but I just wanted to say that I now have a Twine page as well for the certain flair of commissioners to contact me through. My reach is getting stronger by the day, folks!

I've had a wee snag with firefox with this website, though Chrome and basic Internet Explorer seem to be running alright. Basically, there was a security certificate issue that my service provider alerted me, while I seem to have updated that for another 6 months, Firefox that I tried the site seems to give the alarm bell on website security, which blocks you (temporarily) from my site. It could be a setting on that particular computer at the time. Still, if anyone's having errors, give me a shout to let me know.

In any case, payment transactions won't be done through the website directly for the time being (there'll be PayPal and offsite stores for that), so there shouldn't be any risks here. Tom over and out.