Mark Mekkes's blog
Acting for Artists: Bringing Better Performances to your Cartoons, Comics and Character Illustrations
Submitted by Mark Mekkes on April 6, 2012 - 12:07
There are a lot of books on how to draw better and even a few that specialize in drawing emotions: but they all tend to give the same advice, “make a face in a mirror and draw what you see”. While there’ s no arguing that drawing what you see is the only way to advance as an artist, we’ve all seen enough bad acting to know that “making a face” is no way to create the kind of emotional attachment that’s going to draw a viewer into a narrative or a situation. Artists just aren’t taught the most effective ways to make that face in the mirror.
Acting for Artists: Bringing Better Performances to your Cartoons, Comics and Character Illustrations is a book that’s designed to fill that gap. So, if your New Year’s resolution was to try something to make your art better, then Acting for Artists is the book for you!
Going Solo
Submitted by Mark Mekkes on August 21, 2010 - 21:23
It's official, I'm off Keenspot. I know there's been a lot of debate about Keenspot and the way they've handled things, but I can't say that I have any complaints. For me the issue was the comics that I loved and respected, the one's that made me proud to be a part of Keenspot had all left. So there really wasn't any motivation to stick around.
It is a bit scary and intimidating, but I'm looking forward to starting fresh and doing some things differently. Most importantly I'm consolodating all of my comic works to a central hub, Entire Prise Enterprises. Stop by and see what's new.
Zortic to Return to Webcomics
Submitted by Mark Mekkes on October 2, 2008 - 12:09
Mark Mekkes announces that his original webcomic creation will return on October 4th.
Over 8 years ago the comic Zortic appeared on the internet and set the standard for comic parody. Zortic provided a wider range and faster tempo of popular references than any other comic before or since. But after an 8 year run and over 1200 episodes, Zortic wrapped up its current storyline and ended. Although the archives remained available, there hasn’t been a new Zortic update for nearly 3 months.
ETI-PI, a new comic from the creator of Zortic
Submitted by Mark Mekkes on June 16, 2008 - 13:18
After over 8 years of webcomics, I've decided to put everything I've learned into a fresh new project. Now's your chance to get in on it while it's still new; ETI-PI www.eti-pi.com/
The Entire Prize on There!
Submitted by Mark Mekkes on September 2, 2007 - 19:41
Is anyone familiar with There.com? It's one of those virtual communities where you can interact with people in a 3D environment.
Well residents of There can now purchase a 3D virtual version of the Entire Prize from the comic, Zortic! It's been developed by There designer Sojka and can be purchased in the There auctions.
Check out these screen shots.Â
 
2007 WCCA Categories
Submitted by Mark Mekkes on December 19, 2006 - 11:54
The WCCAs have finalized the categories for 2007!
First of all, we have decided to continue to use the “genre†categories, but we are shaking things up a bit. This year those categories will remain the same, however we will be adding a nomination category that will allow voters to recommend 4th Tier categories for 2008. The most recommended category recommendations will be considered by the committee while finalizing future category lists. We’re hoping that, not only will this help us to recognize the voter’s interest in these categories, but it will make these categories more fluid and help us in recognizing and presenting current trends in Webcomics for each year rather than trying to standardize a list of genre categories that can never be all inclusive.
Zortic hits 1000!!!
Submitted by Mark Mekkes on September 19, 2006 - 21:24
Others have done it first, and others will continue to do it, but there’s still something magic about hitting those 4 digit numbers. Today Zortic presents its 1000th official comic! It’s been a long, hectic ride that’s been a ton of fun.
Technically there are a lot more than 1000 comics available. In addition to the 1000 continuing storyline strips there are “director’s cut†added comics, an entire hidden alternate storyline, and a stand-alone introductory storyline for KeenPrime subscribers (now also available in book form from Indy Planet).
So if you haven’t started reading yet, there’s a lot to catch up on. So help celebrate by stopping by and enjoying Zortic now!
Final WCCA Voting Begins!
Submitted by Mark Mekkes on June 18, 2006 - 20:32
You've had a chance to check out the nominees, now you can log in and vote in the final voting round for the 2006 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards. Hurry over and cast your votes in all of the categories! http://www.ccawards.com/final_round.php
Also please be advised that after extensive review, it has been determined by the WCCA Committee that Foetus-X's nomination for "Outstanding Romance Comic" does not comply with the Outstanding Romance Comic category's genre criteria, as defined at http://www.ccawards.com/categories.php.
2006 Web Cartoonists' Choice Award Final Nominees
Submitted by Mark Mekkes on June 11, 2006 - 21:39
They're here! The final nominees for the 2006 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards are announced!
Although the final voting system isn't quite ready yet, this is your opportunity to check out all of the nominees and start discussing them. Then, once the final polls are open, you'll be ready to make informed and researched decisions that guarantee that the best comics will win.
WCCA Nomination's are Now up and Running!
Submitted by Mark Mekkes on May 26, 2006 - 13:54
After some bumps and bruises, the new and improved WCCA nomination page is now up and running smoothly. With the extension of the nomination round, you now have through June 5th to go to www.ccawards.com to put in your nominations.
