No, I'm still alive - apologies for the lack of posts recently. Three weeks ago I did my back in and have been unable to sit at a computer or drawing board (or teach the guitar) since then! It was utter agony and I don't recommend it. I had to call out the emergency doctor, who filled me with pain-killers and anti-inflammatories, and at long last I'm on the mend.
This has cost me a lot of money, as I had to turn down a big commission and 3 weeks worth of guitar lessons! The problem comes from the 3 things I do ALL DAY:
1. Sit at the drawing-board
2. Sit at the computer
3. Sit teaching Guitar
Not enough exercise, not enough stretching. That's all going to change, as there's no way I'm going through this again (anyone who has had a really bad back will understand - you can't even sleep some nights you're in so much pain).
I basically took on too much work, which led to my back saying NO - had enough! Earlier this year I did the same thing when I injured my hand and couldn't draw, just overwork and not enough rest/exercise. So from now on, when I feel the pain coming I will say NO to big art jobs that come my way.
By taking on so much paid work at once, I eventually made a loss because of my resulting back problems! Now that's not good business...
Big thanks go to Elliot Elam for stepping up and taking over my Manitowoc job when I could barely even move, let alone draw a comic strip. Thanks also go to my better half Sharon for finishing off another job for the NHS.
Now that I feel almost human again, I have 2 cartoons for Global Integration the finish, as well as a commission for someone else, plus some new Dredd samples and Where Evils Dare.
