Comics not showing? Read this!
By johnb on May 18th, 2012
Recently, I’ve been getting emails from readers that the comics have not been showing up for them. If this is happening to you, you are most likely using Internet Explorer and need to update to the latest version. Older versions of IE do not show PNG image files, and I recently switched over to PNG files for my comics (they are smaller files, thus making them load faster). Hopefully, that will solve any problems you have been having with our comics. Once you are updated be sure to go back through the archives and catch up with what you have missed. Thanks for letting me know about this, oh faithful readers.
You’re awesome.
Balance and Blend in Music, Stand Out in Life SHIRT
By johnb on May 14th, 2012
The Balance and Blend in Music, Stand Out in Life shirt is now available in the Tone Deaf Store. Go check it out. Super awesome and super comfortable.
Team Holst or Team Grainger Shirts- ONLY $10 each!
By johnb on May 3rd, 2012
We have two new shirts in the Tone Deaf Store, AND they are only $10 each. Go check them out. While you are at it check out the other shirts, posters, and books we have for sale, as well. Thanks for your support. You guys rock!
Thanks!!! (and a Day in the Life)
By johnb on April 30th, 2012
THANKS
First off, let me give everyone a huge thank you! If it were not for you guys I would not be able to do this full time. My wife is especially thankful as she gets to stay home now and raise our boys (which in turn gives me more time to write and draw comics). Every reader is important and is much appreciated.
Also, a huge thanks goes out to our sponsors on the site (YEA, Key Poulan Music, and Daniel Montoya Jr. Music). I love the fact that my ads now make sense with the site. They provide a big part of our monthly income so please share the love by clicking on their links and taking a peek around. They all have some pretty cool stuff.
I know I don’t say it enough but I really do appreciate the fact that I can do what I love and many, many people like it, too. That is totally awesome and gives me more opportunity to create more and better content for you guys.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
SO, what is a typical day in the life like for me? I know some people have asked this so I thought I would share it with you all (I would like to preface that it really isn’t all that glamorous…just a word of warning):
6:15 am- Hit Snooze
6:35- get out of bed
6:40- get the boys out of bed and prepare our 8 year old for school.
7:30- pack and ship orders from the previous day (I ship all orders the day after they are ordered, except in rare occasions). This normally takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
9:00-1:00- I use this time to write and draw comics (usually 1 a day but sometimes I can get 2 or 3 done). Or, I use this time to create new merchandise (normally 1 day a week). Essentially, this is my working time to get stuff done with the comic, but there is a whole bunch of business stuff that needs to be taken care of during this time as well. Such as, ordering new supplies, contacting conferences, answering emails, etc.
1:00- I get ready to go to work at Apple (on the days that I work at Apple which is not everyday. If I don’t work at Apple that day then I just have a whole bunch more time to work on the comic or spend with the family). I don’t shower each day until this time. My wife is not too fond of this schedule.
2:00- drive to Apple. It usually takes 40 minutes to get there, unless the tourists decide to slow down and stare at a bus sitting on the side of the road (then it takes longer).
3:00-10:00- work at Apple (I can start anywhere from 3, 4, or 5 o’clock but I usually end my time at 10). This is an awesome side job that I’ve been able to learn a lot from. I started working here as a way to supplement the income and for the benefits, but it is way fun.
10:00- drive home
11:00- fall asleep while watching tv with the wife. I can’t make it through anything anymore. I’m so tired!!!
The best part about this schedule (I’ve been doing it since January) is that I don’t have to stay up until 1 or 2 in the morning anymore to draw the comics. I can get them done during the daytime, which has been incredibly helpful. Also, starting in July my time with Apple with be significantly less so I’ll be able to spend even more time at home working on the comic and, especially, with my family.
But again, I would not be able to do this without you, the devoted reader. Thanks a lot and take care!
Orchestra Room Rules Poster
By johnb on April 14th, 2012
Not sure if you have checked it out yet but the Tone Deaf Store recently got a new facelift, and it looks pretty sweet (if I don’t say so myself). Why don’t you go check it out while you take a gander at the new Orchestra Room Rules poster that is now for sale? 10 seconds. That’s all I ask. Take a peek. What can it hurt?
