A bit too quiet!

Hi guys, sorry it's been a bit quiet on here recently. Basically I've been pitching a few ideas here and there and trying out a few new artistic mediums. Should have a couple of pieces finished to put up on here soon.

I'm trying out digital painting using my Wacom bamboo tablet, I'm really pleased with the results. I don't often paint, let alone digitally but it's something I've wanted to try for a while.

I returned to the hobby of painting war gaming miniatures after a break of probably 15 years! Blimey time flies. So loving that too. I hope to have some photos taken of some of my models to put on here.

The Dandy comic is being bombarded with ideas for silly comics, I'm hoping one will hit the target soon. If you have enjoyed either Daredevil Dad or Sea Dogs then please let the folks at the Dandy know, and who knows they may return. Here's some links:

Dandy website: dandy.com
Dandy facebook:TheDandyComic
Dandy twitter: @DandyComic

If you want to follow me on twitter hit @sjbeckettdesign

I've had two weeks with no paying work and going into a third! Things are getting a bit nerve wracking. But hey I've been in this position a few times before and things usually work themselves out. We have these quiet times for a reason. Sometimes it's good to reflect and maybe be pushed to step things up a gear, which is what I certainly intend to do. Before Daredevil Dad got picked up by the Dandy last year, I had never actually written a comic! I had drawn loads but always worked with a writing partner. I've now written 22 published comic strips and I think I've convinced myself I can write... a bit.

I just want to say I seriously urge you to support all your favourite artists. Buy the comics, make known your likes and dislikes and let the editors know. It really does make a difference.

I'd love to hear your comments. Cheers!

What it's all about!

One of my passions in life is to encourage kids and young people to be excited about drawing and expressing themselves through art. Be it with comics or more traditional methods.

In this weeks issue of The Dandy I had a lovely surprise when I saw this drawing published on the mailbag page. This young Dandy fan has drawn all his favourite characters and it was a real thrill for me to see the inclusion of my character Daredevil Dad!

For me, this is what drawing comics and entertaining children is all about.

Awesome!

In this weeks Dandy...

Who Stays?

The Dandy's 'Strictly Come Laughing ' contest is now in it's final week. Ending midnight 16th April the strip with the most votes stands to be commissioned for a full series and will become a Dandy regular.

Which is a big deal to all concerned. Us freelance cartoonists work really hard to come up with fun original and above all entertaining comics for you to enjoy, and any break can be a in real terms a financial lifeline.

We love the work we create and to see a character we have created and become attached to come to an end in such a way as this is frankly a bit upsetting.

This weeks Dandy is still on sale until Wednesday and if you haven't yet checked out the 4 contending strips in this competition please do so. They are all strong contenders and all deserve a longer run.

It's all good fun and for the individual(s) who win, it could provide a much needed boost to their career so please vote wisely. Once your mind is made up go here and cast your vote. I will add that of course I would dearly love to write and draw more Daredevil Dad stories but you dear readers are judge, jury and executioner.... Who Stays? You Decide!

Most of all ENJOY!

Daredevil Dad's Last Stunt?

On sale today! The Dandy this week features the final round of 'Strictly Come Laughing'. This means this will be Daredevil Dad's last appearance in the comic unless he can win your votes.

I would hate to see him killed off after only 6 episodes but it's out of my hands and over to you dear readers.

Do you want to see more of Dad's crazy stunts?

Will he stay? You decide! Cast your vote here.

you don't have to register or give any details to do so, so what have you got to lose? VOTE VOTE VOTE!

Many Thanks

Steve

Happy Birthday to me!

The very talented, budding comic strip creator Harry Rickard posted me this brill birthday card yesterday.

He's done a great job on Daredevil Dad and even captured my likeness!

Thanks Harry.

Voting is going well with Daredevil Dad creeping back up after plummeting into second yesterday. The competition is almost over. So please keep casting your votes at Dandy.com

Anyone for Ice Cream?

A middle aged man, dressed as Evel Knievel, popping across the road to buy an ice cream....

What could possibly go wrong?

Find out in this weeks Dandy. On sale today.

The 'Strictly Come Laughing' competition is really hotting up! Rival competitors Harry and His Hippo are giving 'ol Daredevil Dad a real run for his money with only a few votes between the two!

Who Stays? You Decide?

VOTE DAREDEVIL DAD

DAREDEVIL DAD FLIES INTO THE LEAD!!

I want to say a big thank you to all who have voted for Daredevil Dad.

Over the weekend he went flying into the lead.

Lets' hope he can stay up there over the next few weeks. I received my complimentary copy of this weeks Dandy this morning and it's a cracking issue. More on this on Wednesday.

Hope you're enjoying the competition as much as I am. Remember guys VOTE DAD!!

THIS WEEK Daredevil Dad's Polar Challenge!

This week in The Dandy, Daredevil Dad is on a polar challenge!

Why not pop to the shops and see what happens to everyone's favourite stunt crazed parent.

The voting poll is now working properly and those wrestling maniacs Tag Team Tastic are now in the lead!!

Dad is lagging behind in third place but is catching up fast, now only 11 points behind second place contestant Harry and his Hippo!!

It's all to play for so go VOTE for your favourite strip TODAY!! You know who...

No, not the blinking Hippo!

KA-POW it's Dandy day

This weeks Dandy sports a rather nifty cover staring the mighty Bananaman.

This is the best cover of the relaunched run so far and I reckon a few more copies maybe shifted this week because of it.

Daredevil Dad continues, let's just say it's a good job mum went to Iceland!

In the voting poll Dad has broken the 100 votes mark and at the time of writing is only 38 votes behind the leader Harry and his Hippo. (Not counting the beserk Robot on Run).

If you enjoy Daredevil Dad then please do vote! (warning the Dandy online poll is still being a bit temperamental but votes are getting through so keep trying).

Robot Runs Amok

If you have been following The Dandy's 'Strictly Come Laughing' competition you will have probably noticed the online voting poll has gone slightly awry.

Robot on the Run a comic strip not actually in the competition is now winning the poll! Hence todays cartoon. The Dandy are on the case and the online polling page is due to be sorted out soon.

Robot on the Run is created by the very talented Alexander Matthews.

THIS WEEK... The School Run.

It's Wednesday! It's Dandy Day! It's Daredevil Dad Day! Hooray!

This week only in The Dandy, to Leon's utter horror Daredevil Dad does the school run!

Better fasten those seat belts!

Enjoy

And remember... VOTE DAD! HERE

Vote Potty Head!

Here's another plug for The Dandy's 'Strictly Come Laughing' competition.

There still appears to be a few gremlins in the online voting system at dandy.com which I'm hoping will be exterminated soon.

Some readers votes seem to be getting registered where as other are not due to a glitch. I'll keep you posted if I find out more.

Anyway enjoy Daredevil Dad being verbally abused by that naughty finger!

Phil's Finger is created by Chris McGhie.

Crikey, it's Dandy day!

Daredevil Dad's adventures continue today in the 2nd round of The Dandy's 'Strictly Come Laughing' competition. This week we introduce two more members of Dad's family. Hope you continue to enjoy the strip. I will keep you posted when the voting begins.

Vote Dad!

Cheers

Seconds Out... Round 2

The Dandy's 'Strictly Come Laughing' competition continues on Wednesday.

To celebrate I've knocked up a quick cartoon to drum up your support for my entry in the competition.

Here is Daredevil Dad battling rival contestants Tag Team Tastic whose adventures are usually brought to you by Robin Etherington and Warwick Johnson Cadwell.

Enjoy..

and remember VOTE DAD!

Daredevil Dad vs Hippo

One day to go until Daredevil Dad leaps into action in the pages of The Dandy.

Dad is part of the comics 'Strictly Come Laughing' competition.

So if you enjoy the adventures

VOTE DAD!

Cheers

The Countdown Begins...

Dare to Read Next Week's Dandy?

Crash Helmets at the ready... I'm pleased to announce that Daredevil Dad will begin to thrill Dandy readers next week!

Here he is, his first appearance on the back page of this weeks issue along with the return of Harry and His Hippo, by Dandy fave Andy Fanton.

If you enjoy the strip please let me know and more importantly let The Dandy know!

Who Stays? You Decide!