Cemetery Dance discussion thread

[ESW]

I find it very interesting to read these posts. As an artist, it can be devastating to read harsh reviews of work on which one has spend hundreds of hours, sometimes under tight deadlines, unless one has grown a skin thick enough to let such things roll off. I know there's work I've put out there that's good; and some--due to whatever circumstances--that's not so good. Hopefully none of it truly stinks, because professional artists always put forth the effort to do their best, at any given time. All artists have their own voice, their own evolution and rate thereof. Viewers apply their own experience, tastes, and emotions to their response to art, consciously or unconsciously--there is no way an artist can please everyone, and in my opinion there should be no such expectation. As for my own work, I know some changes are afoot; there may very well be a shift in its focus, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it leads.

[MandaBunny]

By the way, in case it's helpful to the discussion, here's the list of artists who have worked on our Stephen King books over the years:

From a Buick 8 -- Bernie Wrightson
The Secretary of Dreams Volume One -- Glenn Chadbourne
Blockade Billy -- Glen Orbik (cover) and Alex McVey (interiors)
The Secretary of Dreams Volume Two -- Glenn Chadbourne
Full Dark, No Stars -- Tomislav Tikulin (covers); Glenn Chadbourne, Jill Bauman, Alan M. Clark, and Vincent Chong (interiors)
It: The 25th Anniversary Special Edition -- Glen Orbik (covers), Alan M. Clark & Erin S. Wells (interiors)
The Dark Man: An Illustrated Poem -- Glenn Chadbourne
Doctor Sleep -- Vincent Chong (cover and color interiors), Erin S. Wells (B&W interiors)
Carrie -- Tomislav Tikulin

Brian

Well, I'm glad I didn't tick you off. I didn't want to offend the nicest guy on here.
If I'm not mistaken, Glenn also did the endpapers for Doctor Sleep, correct? That was something that I appreciated, I think the endpapers are often overlooked but it's one of the first things I look at when I get a new book. After all, it's kind of like permanent wrapping paper for the textblock.

[Brian James Freeman]

Due to a problem at the binder, we won't have our approval copies of Screamplays until next week. That certainly makes an April publication date difficult without some kind of time machine. So my guess right now is, due to the size of the books and how much handling goes into the packing, Screamplays and the trade edition of Smoke & Mirrors will actually ship in May.

The Limited Edition slipcase for Smoke & Mirrors is already rolling at the slipcase maker and they're saying they'll be done by July. I tossed a DJ on the dummy book when we were testing the approval slipcase the other week. This was the result:

For scale, the trim size is the same as The Secretary of Dreams but there are about 200 more pages in Smoke & Mirrors, so this book is considerably thicker.

Brian

[Brian James Freeman]

If I'm not mistaken, Glenn also did the endpapers for Doctor Sleep, correct? That was something that I appreciated, I think the endpapers are often overlooked but it's one of the first things I look at when I get a new book. After all, it's kind of like permanent wrapping paper for the textblock.

Yes! I'll add that to my list. Felt like something was missing, but I couldn't put a finger on it. Thank you!

Brian

[mistercrowley]

I like some of Glens art but I would just like to see less of it.

[MandaBunny]

I find it very interesting to read these posts. As an artist, it can be devastating to read harsh reviews of work on which one has spend hundreds of hours, sometimes under tight deadlines, unless one has grown a skin thick enough to let such things roll off. I know there's work I've put out there that's good; and some--due to whatever circumstances--that's not so good. Hopefully none of it truly stinks, because professional artists always put forth the effort to do their best, at any given time. All artists have their own voice, their own evolution and rate thereof. Viewers apply their own experience, tastes, and emotions to their response to art, consciously or unconsciously--there is no way an artist can please everyone, and in my opinion there should be no such expectation. As for my own work, I know some changes are afoot; there may very well be a shift in its focus, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it leads.

I love your comment Erin, it's always nice to see things from the artist's perspective. I hope that artists will follow what they want to accomplish and not pigeonhole themselves into what's expected of them. It's nice to see artists evolve. Sometimes with the evolution some fans are lost and others gained but its your passion to which you should always stay true. It's your work and the fans are just there to enjoy what you produce.
I wouldn't expect to like everyone's work and I understand how varied people's tastes are so I try to see things from their perspective but it doesn't change how I feel about it. Most of the time it's just a "I see your point but it just doesn't 'do anything' for me."

[ESW]

I wouldn't expect to like everyone's work and I understand how varied people's tastes are so I try to see things from their perspective but it doesn't change how I feel about it. Most of the time it's just a "I see your point but it just doesn't 'do anything' for me."

^ Completely valid! Many people won't even consider others' perspectives, and having one's own opinion is not a negative thing; as with your post and others, here, respect is key: open discussion is good, bashing others (thankfully it seems rare) not so good. Thank you!

[MandaBunny]

Due to a problem at the binder, we won't have our approval copies of Screamplays until next week. That certainly makes an April publication date difficult without some kind of time machine. So my guess right now is, due to the size of the books and how much handling goes into the packing, Screamplays and the trade edition of Smoke & Mirrors will actually ship in May.

The Limited Edition slipcase for Smoke & Mirrors is already rolling at the slipcase maker and they're saying they'll be done by July. I tossed a DJ on the dummy book when we were testing the approval slipcase the other week. This was the result:

For scale, the trim size is the same as The Secretary of Dreams but there are about 200 more pages in Smoke & Mirrors, so this book is considerably thicker.

Brian

That slipcase and dustjacket look very nice together.

[jhanic]

I find it very interesting to read these posts. As an artist, it can be devastating to read harsh reviews of work on which one has spend hundreds of hours, sometimes under tight deadlines, unless one has grown a skin thick enough to let such things roll off. I know there's work I've put out there that's good; and some--due to whatever circumstances--that's not so good. Hopefully none of it truly stinks, because professional artists always put forth the effort to do their best, at any given time. All artists have their own voice, their own evolution and rate thereof. Viewers apply their own experience, tastes, and emotions to their response to art, consciously or unconsciously--there is no way an artist can please everyone, and in my opinion there should be no such expectation. As for my own work, I know some changes are afoot; there may very well be a shift in its focus, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it leads.

Well said, Erin!

John

[Brian James Freeman]

Someone asked if I was serious about sending artists our way. The answer is YES. Send me scans of some of their work and their contact information, or have them get in touch. Try to keep the attachments under 10 megs total per email, though, because our email gets twitchy about that. Email address is brianfreeman@cemeterydance.com and I'll reply within 72 hours to let you know it arrived. Thanks!

Brian

[Patrick]

Great to see Erin posting! Thank you for sharing the perspective of a professional artist.

Brian, I hope we continue to see Erin's work in future Cemetery Dance productions.

Finally: That SMOKE & MIRRORS looks sweet. Looking forward to the S/L this summer!

[Brian James Freeman]

Brian, I hope we continue to see Erin's work in future Cemetery Dance productions.

We love working with Erin! She's one of the nicest artists to work with. She created a lot of great art for a project that won't be announced until later this year, but it turned into my favorite Signature Series books to date. Good stuff!

Brian

[Patrick]

Glad to hear it, Brian! I'll keep an eye out for it.

[Dolso]

"We're always looking for new artists to work with ..."

*ahem* rachelreadman

*ahem* I second Rachel and raise you one Harrison Ryan...

[webstar1000]

Like why not Rachel? Her stuff is amazing, she is nice as pie, she has a passion for these books that other artists don't, and did i say she is the shit? Brian did you see the Remarque she did for the Haven Fund? I think you would have a total win giving her a shot... And I know this whole site would rejoice for her. That's my story and sticking to it!!!!

[biomieg]

"We're always looking for new artists to work with ..."

*ahem* rachelreadman

*ahem* I second Rachel and raise you one Harrison Ryan...

Couldn't agree more, Dick.

[dnemec]

"We're always looking for new artists to work with ..."

*ahem* rachelreadman

*ahem* I second Rachel and raise you one Harrison Ryan...

I agree with both. I have a framed Harrison Ryan picture on my shelf that he kindly sent me (for free--he's that awesome!) which is beautiful!

[dnemec]

I find it very interesting to read these posts. As an artist, it can be devastating to read harsh reviews of work on which one has spend hundreds of hours, sometimes under tight deadlines, unless one has grown a skin thick enough to let such things roll off. I know there's work I've put out there that's good; and some--due to whatever circumstances--that's not so good. Hopefully none of it truly stinks, because professional artists always put forth the effort to do their best, at any given time. All artists have their own voice, their own evolution and rate thereof. Viewers apply their own experience, tastes, and emotions to their response to art, consciously or unconsciously--there is no way an artist can please everyone, and in my opinion there should be no such expectation. As for my own work, I know some changes are afoot; there may very well be a shift in its focus, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it leads.

Great points, Erin. And thanks for putting your website on your signature--looks like I'll need to find some free wall space!

[e_taylor]

I was going to wait to see how it did on the secondary market, but I decided to take the plunge and ordered the gift edition of Carrie.

This is my first order from CD in a long long time, and I'm excited to see how things have changed (I'm thinking back to 5-6 years ago when there were consistent delays). I'm really looking forward to these Doubleday Years books, and hopefully Viking Years (?) afterwards.

Are the Viking books something that might be in the cards, Brian?

[tippy4]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Insomnia-Ste...-/151279819667

What the $%*&#?!

[Aronstg]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Insomnia-Ste...-/151279819667

What the $%*&#?!

That is just crazy. I'm new here but I know that same book sold for like $50 on Betts recently. Why is this going for so much? Can anyone think of any reason at all? I notice that part of this high bidding is done with someone with a feedback of 2 but the current high bidder has a feedback rating of 163. Very curious. Good for CD I guess! Haha

[Randall Flagg]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Insomnia-Ste...-/151279819667

What the $%*&#?!

Odd.

[Merlin1958]

"We're always looking for new artists to work with ..."

*ahem* rachelreadman

*ahem* I second Rachel and raise you one Harrison Ryan...

So that's six for, Rachel so far by my count!!! Me included in case you were wondering.

[skyofcrack]

I'm really looking forward to these Doubleday Years books, and hopefully Viking Years (?) afterwards.

Are the Viking books something that might be in the cards, Brian?

Now hold on there buddy. It's one thing to spend nearly 2K for these 6 Doubleday books but there are 18 Viking books. That's another 6K!

[DoctorZaius]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Insomnia-Ste...-/151279819667

What the $%*&#?!

Odd.

Someone made a mistake on this one is my guess!