Another Storm...

You can try and try again a hundred times, you only quit once.

And with that said, I am back at it and writing again. How is it going internet? It's been awhile for sure but here we are again, trying to keep y'all up to date with all my ins and outs that are happening in my little slice of life on this planet. I think I will try to update more, but keep my posts a little bit shorter than some of my previous posts on this page. I want to be doing more and more in terms of art and comic books, so I will try to be posting here more often. There are also a ton of different comic book content that I would love to share with you, friends creating and some looking for funding on projects and they all deserve your attention and love. So let's help these creators out and make these dreams into reality! 

On my part, I am back in school this semester but I am also working away on my pages for Brewgatory. This has been an extremely big and ambitious project for me and I am learning just how much work is involved with making your own story and bringing it to life. But you know, I am so happy to be perusing this goal and there is nothing I want more than to make this comic book happen. I know it has taken me sometime and I thank you for those who have been anticipating this project, means the world to me, so thank you so much! 

Also I want to take this opportunity to talk about the awesome weekend that was Fan Expo 2018! Always great to see friends and colleagues in the Toronto comic book scene, so much talent and so much creativity! I am happy to be a part of it, truly a blessing. 

Thank you so much storm clouds, will be keeping in touch. Until then, keep chasing the Storm. ;) 

Be Alive...

Hello Friends, today is a pretty simple topic, being alive and being happy.

What a thought eh? But why is this such a big deal to me? Well I think it mostly comes from the fact that a lot of my ideas tend to have a dark undertone of sorts, And I think sometimes, especially with my own history, it's important to look at life and reflect on everything you have going for you. I get caught up at times with everything that I don't have, and yeah, I get into a slump about things. But the reality is, I've got a lot going on these days and a lot to look forward to as well. School has been a great learning experience for me, work has been good as well although I am thinking of looking for new opportunities. I have the ability to go as far as I want to go with my creativity and my craft, and I plan to go as far as possible and beyond. I don't want to become ruled by my fears, doubts and insecurities. 

I've got a lot ahead of me these next weeks as I aim to complete 22 pages of my very own first independent comic book, Brewgatory! It's exciting and fun project, but it's a lot of work! For anyone who has ever tackled this, I am in awe of your power! And for those who are thinking about doing one, by all means go for it, just know that it is a dedication, you can't half ass this one. I am missing out on a lot of social gatherings and outings, but I know this is the only thing that makes any sense to me, there's nothing more important for me. And when you find your passion, you have to go all in. 

I am still waiting to hear back from a certain comic book convention that takes place at the end of the summer, but here is hoping I can get a spot on the floor. This would be the first time on my own at a show, but with the experiences I've had with my friends and brothers in the comic book art scene I aim to take everything I've learned and make my mark in this business. I am not the prettiest, not the flashiest, but God damn it I plan to be a part of this world! Come hell or high water, I am going to be a comic book artist! 

So to you mt dear friend, if you are living with depression or anxiety or any mental health problems, take it from me. You are not your mental health, it is a part of you but it is not what defines you. And even though some days it is harder than others, fight, fight with everything you've got and create something incredible. I know you can do it. 

Until then, keep chasing the Storm. 

So August...

You ready for ChileanStorm?!

Hey storm clouds, plenty of news here to catch you all up on, so let's not waste time. First thing is first, I am going to be at Fan Expo this year! Hells yes, this storm don't stop! I am going to be at the Artist Alley, with my big brother and mentor, Vince Sunico and with my current employers, Guerilla Printing! And I will be there with plenty of new art products for you guys to take and enjoy, I am not going to give out too much, but I am working my ass off to make some pretty cool stuff, so be ready for it. I am going to be at A260, but be sure to look out for Maddsketch and the brand new Captain Zinc products, Kevin Briones at his own table, Spent Pencils will be there, Hugh Rookwood and so many other amazing and talented artist. I can't wait for Fan Expo!

That being said I am going to be really and I mean really really busy this month. The kind of busy you can't really prepare for, you just work all the way through. Needless to say a lot of time that I would have spent on my blogs are going to be placed into hours and hours here at the shop. I've got a lot to take care of here this month, but I promise to back on schedule with blogs.

So thank you guys for staying with me and get ready to make some noise this Fan Expo! Keep chasing the storm!

The Storm at the Expo...

A whole year has passed. It's crazy but when I wanted to start plugging this blog more and more, it was this time last year, after paying for my Fan Expo table and trying to imagine, me at the biggest show of the year here in Toronto, Canada, simply trying to make a name for myself. I couldn't even imagine it at all, I was scared and nervous, but I was also too hyped and giddy to let that show. And honestly, it's crazy to think back and realize that it just came and went, and I honestly couldn't be happier. But really I think back as well and I can't wait for next year as well, I can't wait for the next shows and all the different events that are coming up in the near future. So how exactly did my weekend go? With four days and three nights to cover, I will do my best to keep this as short as possible, but I can't make any promises, so grab a coffee...this may take awhile.

Day 1:

Set up day, man I was so happy to be there. Artist Alley, you know the guy who was jumping up and down, doing the Daniel Bryan "Yes Yes Yes" chant...yeah, that was me. I was so happy though, I couldn't believe it, me at Fan Expo. And seeing all my fellow Spent Pencils members, not to mention the new additions to the crew, the talented comic book artists and writer friends as well, not to mention everyone who was setting up, it was hard not to be excited. When the show started I decided to do a free warm up sketch, got to get working as soon as possible. It's a good way to get to meet new people as well, and I really do want to interact with as many people at these shows as possible. And before the night was up, I got my first commission of the show as well. 

After the show we decided to go out for dinner, which you know we did every single night, crazy but true. Afterwards a few us shared a few rounds of rum and drinks, which apparently I can't hold too well. Thanks Tea and Carly for letting me crash in the room.

Day 2:

Like any good day, I started this one by crashing to the ground. That will wake you up. Anyways, I had quite a few errands to run all over town, so I didn't get to the show until later in the afternoon. However, I did get to go and pick up the prints that I had ordered from Guerrilla Printing, and a big thanks to those guys on the amazing work as well. So as soon as I got to the show I set up all my prints in the my book and had them ready for everyone to take a look. I did pretty well during the day as well, sold a few of the Pokemon prints and got more commission homework to take home and work on.

But I didn't go home, after the show we went to get some dinner and afterwards it was on towards the Revival club for the Rue Morgue after show party with The Birthday Massacre! Man that show was awesome, I started watching the show at the back enjoying a few drinks, by the end of the night I was right at the very front. An amazing show, love the energy and the feedback with the crowd. I would love to go see them again and you should too, check out there work at this link, here: The Birthday Massacre.

Day 3:

Not much sleep was had, I was up and early to get ready for the biggest day of the weekend. I had to add some finishing touches to one of my commissions, an Adventure Time sketch cover with Marceline beating the crap out of Lemongrab. I loved how it turned out and it was a blast to work on as well, check it out as well and see what you think. After finishing one it's onto the next project, all the while selling a lot of my Pokemon prints and helping out to sell a lot of cap'n Sunico's prints, and any chance I get to help out anyone in my Spent family, I will do so! A lot of friends, old and new came by the table as well and it was great to feel all the love from everyone who has been with me along the way, thank you so much guys! And also a few of the band members from The Birthday Massacre came by our table, which was amazing! I had to hook them up with a few prints, totally blown away on how totally cool they were! Seriously, check these guys out!

The night we went out to Denny's for our traditional Spent Pencil eating joint, with a few of the new members as well! I was starving, I had three orders of food including a couple of pancakes, a burger and a wrap. Let me tell you, no sleep is better then deep sleep. Needless to say I passed out as soon as I got to cap'n Go's place, still ready for one more day.

Day 4: 

At last, the final day of the show, really bitter sweet kind of feeling for sure. I mean it's great to get back to a normal sleep pattern, but I had a blast all four of these days and could keep going on and on. But all things must come to an end at some point. I had all my commissions finished and picked up on this day and surprisingly as well I was able to sell a few of my blank covers that I've done, including a last minute purchase as well, which is always an awesome feeling.  But it was great show and a great experience, I had a blast spending my weekend with the people I care most about in this world, there's nothing I wouldn't do for anyone from the Spent Pencils family. 

And of course any day wouldn't be complete without Denny's.

But I just wanted to say a really big, huge thank you to everyone who came by the Spent Pencils table, we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you and all the support we get along the way, so thank you for the support and be sure to spread the word, tell friends and family and everyone you can, so we can make this Spent world bigger and bigger. And how it has grown, I am looking forward to meeting and working with all of the new pencils that have been added to the family, welcome guys to the crew and if there's anything I can do for any of you guys and girls, let me know. 

It's a brave and exciting world, and you know what...I can't wait for what comes next. Are you ready? 

Some YouTube Storm Vlog as well...

Feeling down...

...to Earth!

Okay, so that was a little bit of a troll move there, but I am feeling a little zen right now. I am just trying to seeing things with a light head now with only a few days left until the big show, Fan Expo. So this is a time for everyone to panic, but either I am really stupid or unaware, but I am not stressed. And I think there's something wrong with me because of this. I want to join this stress party, it seems fun or something. But honestly I see it like this, I wasn't able to finish my book in time but I am okay with this because I want to do a good job on the book. It's a blast though, I am trying to throw in as much content and as much small little easter eggs as well in each panel. It's a lot of fun but also labor of love and I want to do a great job, but truth be told it will be filled with mistakes, but such is life. As for  my prints, I still need to get them printed so I am guessing it will be a little late, but better late then never. Not to mention I like the look of these and I am excited to be working on more with my colorist, she did an amazing job. I am not worried cause I think of this weekend as a learning opportunity, honestly any sale I make is going to be awesome but I am expecting to make nothing. If anything I will be shorter on funds cause who doesn't want to pick up a few books while at the convention, not to mention food and drinks. But this show I need to watch, learn and meet new people, I need to make people know about me, my legend needs to begin here. I just really want to start a small following, something to get my name going.

And I am not sure what's going on with me, but I've always been a bit of a strange fella I suppose.

I am actually just looking forward to seeing my Spent family this weekend, I love these guys and girls so much, there are truly a big part of me and the next chapter of my life. But that also brings me to closing up things in the old chapter, I am a little worried about money making in the next few weeks but I have faith in myself. I will have to say goodbye to old friends and co-workers, but it will be a death and rebirth for me, one falls and a new Alvaro rises from the ashes. 

Next chapter begins soon...

No Time Left...

Damn it, I feel really bad when I haven't update in ages. So to borrow one from good old Mick Foley, to the dozens and dozens of ChileanStorm fans, I want to apologize to you personally for the lack of update on the page. Been busy with work, artwork, life, artwork and even more artwork, I can't tell you how much work I have to do, and I know that anybody and everybody who is going to FanExpo is working their butts off, so I want to say let's keep going guys, all of us, it's not easy what we do and we do it cause we love this more than anything. But I wanted to post up a quick little update to let you know what's going on this side of things.

Well after a weekend of rest I had to go down to the races that is work, takes a lot out of me but I am doing my best. Go to go back to the gym on Monday, which was awesome cause I have been due for quite sometime now, I need to keep this up for sure. Less flab, more abs. I also got a chance to hang out with my fellow spent twin, Tea yesterday as well. My favourite person in the world, I can't say enough amazing things about her. Although we have taken a few weeks off from Time Well Spent, but we will be back for sure, don't you worry! And for those who have yet to watch episode 9, take the time and watch it, a longer episode as well as we prepare for Fan Expo. And be sure to watch all the previous episodes and spread the word as well, one dozen can become two dozens and more and more, so please subscribe and comment like there is no tomorrow. 

In this episode we do take a look at Collider from Vertigo Comics in the Review section, and in the Spotlight I suggest readers to take a look at Regular Show and Tea plugs up one of our Spent Pencils originals, Little Dragonfly from Mark Feltham. So be sure to pick up a copy as well from our table at Fan Expo as well, it's an awesome book for sure! 

But take it from me, we are all totally crazy busy, so I apologize for the lack of updates but a lot of big things are on the horizon, so stay tuned and subscribe to this page and you know, tell your friends and stuff. And your pets too...why not. Much love, and keep chasing the storm! 

August Already!

Hot damn, it's already August! 

Well that means it's crunch time for all of us comic book artist and writers, less sleep and more Monster energy drinks. Tonight will be my first night to be able to sit down and get working on some of my projects, I got a lot to finish but I think I should be alright if I stick to the plan and power through and make some awesome art work. I didn't feel great this morning, had to call in sick after throwing up bile all morning, I am pretty sure it was something I ate the night before. Although I am finding now in days my body is becoming more and more sensitive towards the things I eat, so I really need to be more careful about what I eat now in days. But I am feeling a little better, hopefully I can put in a few hours and bust out some good work. I am meeting up with the crew tomorrow for some work and of course filming the latest episode of Time Well Spent, it will be episode 9! I also want to do some promotional work for TWS, maybe some postcards and/or stickers for the Spent Pencils table at Fan Expo. Trying to get the word out on the show and get more viewer interaction, which would be amazing. We love doing the show, and I would love to share that with as many fans as possible, so spread the word and tell the world. Also if you have yet to see it, here is episode 8 in case you didn't get a chance to see it yet...

A very funny episode to shoot, it was hard to keep a straight face with all the shenanigans going on in the background. As for the Spotlight comics on this issue me and Tiffany take a look at two different one shot issues, Tiff takes a look at Marvel comics Wolverine: In The Flesh, a book which has Wolverine working with a celebrity chef to track down a cannibal killer. I take a look at Kaboom comics Adventure Time: 2013 Summer Special, a collection of mini adventures with the crazy casts of AT, a must for all fans. Then for Reviews we look at a local talent in Yuki vs Panda, an awesome martial arts comedy about one girls rivalry with a panda, I can't even make that up, it's awesome though with a colorful casts of characters and both fighters training for the ultimate showdown. A great ready and very fun read, highly suggest to check it out when you get a chance. And remember, if you know any great books that you think we should be reading, by all means let us know. 

And also, please be sure to subscribe and watch my video vlogs that I am doing, this is the latest if you haven't had the chance to watch yet, so by all means give it a watch...

I will probably do a quick video tonight as well as I work away in the night, so please subscribe and let me know what you think. 

But that's all the time I got for now, but sure to stay tuned for all news and ChileanStorm updates that are coming soon! Keep chasing the storm!

The Road begins...

I want to start off with a notice, to everyone and anyone who doesn't know, in 3 months time it will be Fan Expo, the biggest geek fest in Canada and it will be my first time having a table with my incredible team, Spent Pencils. So yeah, kind of a big deal. What this means though, is that any sort of free time you thought I had, I really don't have it anymore, it's crunch time. And yes this means less natural sunlight and less partying, but at this moment I need to make my name known, and no one is going to do that for me but me, the time is now. But who knows, depending on how fast I finish projects maybe I can afford a day off or two, but looking at what's on my plate as far as work to be finished and the amount of content I want to push out by Fan Expo, not mention holding down a part time job on the side, my time is something I need to manage wisely. But know that my legend is only beginning and if you thought I was a pretty talented guy now, well, you haven't seen anything yet. 

I wanted to take this time now and lay out some goals for everyone to see and share in with me, I feel like this is a good way for you to keep track of what I am doing and for me to have an idea of what I will need to finish. With that said, these are just a few of the goals I have in mind...

•Finish and release an 8 to 10 page issue 0 of Glass Prison, my first self published project.

•Have the website for Glass Prison up and ready to be followed and prepare to have issue 1 ready.

•Have a weekly comic strip up and going, a slice of art life comic.

•Have ten different fully coloured prints available for sale.

•Be able to create a network of communication with social media for free random sketches.

•A personal business card, I need one of those.

We got big plans coming ahead, not only me but everyone in the Spent Pencils family, including a lot of new projects and new issues of current series that have been on going so far. And not to mention a lot of new fan art prints that will be available to you at various different shows and conventions during the spring and summer season, so be sure to follows us at these different shows and on the many different networks and websites. If you haven't by now, be sure to like us on Facebook and keep track on all SP related news. Also I will be posting the links to various different sites and pages you should be following, also look for me soon on YouTube. 

It's going to be a wild ride, but I will be sure to be updating this blog here more often, with news and also plugging various different artist and their projects as well. So tell your friends and be sure to follow up daily, the road starts here, lets get going!

Links:

• https://www.facebook.com/SpentPencils
• http://spentpencils.com/
• http://www.maddsketch.com/
• http://www.youtube.com/user/maddsketch

Check this pages out, and tell your friends!