Response to Anonymous

I've received a lot of comments on the "Mr. Anonymous" update, and I got some great emails. I'm putting one here because it's an interesting response and one that I agree with. His voice is quite unique (not an "inside-voice") and he gets to his point without messing around. I see it as a great response to "Mr. Anonymous." Here it is, a bit edited (for brevity). From artist Tony Cabral:


I know you invited folks to be "as sincere and open as they are quick and crass", but I find quick and crass to be short and to the point.

F*** that sh**.

I probably don't have to tell you that people just don't get what caricature is all about. Caricature isn't about picking on people or 'being an asshole' or finding fault. It's just the opposite; it's finding what makes people who they are. The best portraiture is closest to caricature, and the best caricature is a thousand times better than that.

I'm a fan and a great admirer of your work, ESPECIALLY the live stuff. The one thing what's-his-face got right was that you have "the gall to do this shit" in a live setting. More like guts; it takes guts to approach a subject the way you do that close in that amount of time. You've got an immense talent and a particular genius for this particular brand of observation. I'm a fan of Frank Caliendo for the same reason I'm a fan of yours... The best comedians do it with words, the best musicians do it with sound, you do it with line.

I spent a brief, almost ineffectual time doing live caricature when I was in my late teens and early twenties. I got sick of drawing people's babies and toddlers and watching adults chicken out of sitting down. Those that did would say things like, "Now, draw me pretty!" How about I draw you quiet, doofus... It's something I do these days for myself only, when the mood strikes. The fact that your particular voice is so strong and vibrant is something that I admire greatly. I'm really looking forward to getting my copy of "REJECTS", because it strikes me as a great testament to a great talent against the people who, one way or another, just don't get it.

The only other thing I can think to say is that the one thing that keeps me off the internet with my own blog or website or whatever is that I am very much aware that, for every person you want to reach, you're going to reach a handful who don't get it, don't like it, or just have nothing better to do than piss all over you. I have little to no patience for that. Good on ya for braving the storm.

Anyway, just keep doing what you're doing. For the rest of us... F*** that sh**.

NFL on FOX

For FrankCaliendo.com

From Nice Mr. Anonymous

Every so often I get an anonymous comment on this blog. It is rare, but it happens. The funny thing about it is that the comments from the anonymous posters are usually statements in line with something you'd read on eBaumsWorld or YouTube, commenting in a snarky manner after a sincere video. This is the most recent one:

"dude, I just found your stuff. It's hilarious. But, you're still an ass-hole. Your funny, but I can't believe someone would have the gall to do this shit."

-anonymous

Now before I give a serious response, let me tell you... I'm flattered. There are many times when people will say, "Oh, you're so mean!" after seeing a drawing or caricature, both live and in print. This is just as much a rush as skydiving, for an artist, but not an accurate critique of the scene.

First off, I realize that this comment isn't as cutting as some of my blog replies, but it still shows a lack of understanding and eloquence. This individual can feel free to email me if they'd like, if they'd prefer to understand the art of caricature a bit more. I'd love to let them in on it, and explain why I'm not an "ass-hole", but rather an advocate of original caricature and artwork. It's clear that they aren't all bad, as they say my work is hilarious and funny. It's not like it was that controversial either... the reader commented on THIS update!

I care a lot about "this shit", but so long as people hide behind "anonymous", individuals like this will never have the chance to communicate with real humans. I invite this reader and others to drop an email to me (blog AT joebluhm DOT com) and be as sincere and open as they are quick and crass. I'm not angry or upset at all; I'm fairly non-plussed (as Larry David would say), especially in the neglect to credit one's own words.

I have to reiterate- I'm not accusing this individual of being a jerk or anything; quite the contrary. From knowing people's reactions, this person undoubtedly likes what they see and is a decent human. I am just amused.

Commissions for Friends

Chitown, TCAF, + digi.paint

Wizard World Chicago went great. I met some wonderful people and I'll surely visit again next year. My buddy Jason Seiler joined me at the convention and we had a great time with Alberto, Bobby, Kei, Steve, Pete, 'T', Matt, Joe, and others. Don't forget the name Matt Stewart... he's an animator and effects/character designer and his work is badass (+ he's a fun guy).

Anyway, Jason Seiler is about to start teaching a class with Imaginism Studios, and has a lot to offer those looking to learn more about painting and caricature. If you are interested, check it out at Schoolism.com!

I'll be attending the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, this week. It's at Old Victoria College in Toronto, Ontario Canada. Driving me up to Canadiaville will be the snazzy Brendan Burford and the lovely Rina Piccolo. We will be in the room with AdHouse books, so drop by and pick up a copy of our books and show us the love. Anyone who brings me a cold can of sugar-free RedBull or sugar-free RockStar gets a free caricature!

I'm also working on more caricatures for Frank Caliendo. After doing a piece for comedian Brian Regan, I've been falling in love with painting again, and will be doing much more of it. Both digital and traditional hold their own challenges, and I'm really looking forward to tackling them head-on. Here's a peek at the unfinished caricature. Can you guess who it is?

ComicCon, PreOrders & Chicago

The NCN Comic Con booth was a total success. I can't even wait for the NCN convention in Reno this year... if you don't know, check it out here, and if you can make it, it's an artistic overload!


We completed 92 crazy caricatures by featured artists (for guest donations), sold nearly 70 books (by NCN members) and signed up 14 artists. It was a blast, and my book did pretty well. I unloaded all 99 books over the 5 days, and even received some bulk orders... it may go faster than I thought!


That brings me to the pre-orders. Thanks to everyone who ordered one (ore more) by August 1. I did a little doodle in every book (some quick, some not) of anything that struck me, from self-portraits to skulls (above) to baboons & canines. It was truly fun and great warm-up practice.


I had a blast and sketched for nearly THREE WHOLE DAYS. It was worth it, and this morning I'm mailing over 200 copies of REJECTS!


This week and this weekend you can find me at WIZARD WORLD con in Chicago, IL. I'll be at my first individual artist table selling REJECTS and individual caricatures, drawn live! I can't wait for this convention... it should be a blast. If you're in the area, drop by booth 4616A and say hi.

at Comic Con

The National Caricaturist Network is hosting a booth this year at the BIG Comic-Con in San Diego, CA. I will be working at the booth with many other talented artists, and we'll be drawing caricatures for convention-goers! We'll also be selling a few books to help promote the NCN, and mine is one of them! Drop by to get REJECTS, some caricatures, some books, and join the NCN, this week in San Diego.

July 25-July 29, booth 5507.
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FREE COPY!

So I promised a free copy of my book, REJECTS, to one person via random drawing of emails. My brother setup a virtual pool of names and generated one. Unfortunately the individual is not responsive, so after 4 offers and a deadline, I chose another email, and that came up a winner!

Congratulations to KEVIN REUTER for winning a FREE COPY of REJECTS! Kevin happens to be an old friend, a great caricaturist, and (fortunately for me) has already purchased TWO copies of the book, making this his third! Thanks for the support, Kevin. I'll have the free copy mailed with your purchase with a sketch inside, the first week of August.

And if you haven't already ordered the book, you can mail a check or pay via Paypal or any major credit card HERE.

I'm only drawing in and signing the pre-orders, and there's only two weeks left.

Orlando Magazine!

The folks at Orlando Magazine had me do the cover for their shiny and wonderful monthly publication. UCF President John Hitt is depicted hoisting a gold bar in the shape of a '1', as he's picked as this year's MOST influential person to Orlando. You can see the original illustration at JoeBluhm.com.

Thanks, Maria.

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Don't forget to order a copy of my new book, REJECTS - You get a sketch while you pre-order, and that only lasts another two weeks!
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READY TO ORDER!

My book, REJECTS, is on the ocean, the new website is up, and the book is ready to be pre-ordered!

All pre-orders (by August 1) will include a small art-print and an original drawing by the artist, and will be shipped the first week of August.

Drop by to order it today! Thanks!

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On a separate note, I want to find and thank whoever sent me this pointless and sweet postcard. There was a fun little sketch on the back, and the front had work from one of my newest and biggest inspirations, artist Glenn Barr. It came from Columbus, so I have a few suspicions, but let's just say I'd like to hear from the anonymous gift-giver and thank them. It made me smile.