Nerdy Mewzings

Illustrator Manuel Martinez: Red Tape, Artistic Journey, & Comic Cons

Manuel Martinez (creator of Red Tape, freelance comic artist & illustrator) joins Nerdy Mewzings for a heartfelt conversation about his path into comics, meeting at Emerald City Comic Con, and his dark comedy Red Tape.
Manuel shares how comics have been a constant in his life since childhood, from discovering Daredevil #208 (Mazzucchelli) to influences like Greg Capullo, Walter Simonson, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Pepe Larraz. He discusses teachers who nurtured his creativity (even non-art ones), the shift from fine art aspirations to freelance illustration, and why small cons feel more personal than massive pop culture events.
He breaks down his creative process, the challenges of self-publishing, and the story behind Red Tape — a hilarious dark comedy about angels, bureaucracy in Heaven, and a lost soul.
If you love comic creator journeys, indie books, or artist spotlights — Leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, and Keep it Nerdy!
Visit Manuel's Official website: https://manuelmartinezart.com/
Follow Manuel Martinez:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/manuelmartinezart/
Become a Patreon member and receive each week's episode 48 hours EARLY, your name mentioned on the pod, and more: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro & Manuel Martinez Joins Nerdy Mewzings
2:00 - Emerald City Comic Con Experiences & Shifting Vibes
7:00 - Early Art Love & Influential Teachers
13:00 - Discovering Comics: Daredevil 208 & Mazzucchelli
19:00 - High School Journalism, Cartography & Project Management Skills
26:00 - Freelance Illustrator Life & Layout/Concept Work
33:00 - Red Tape: Dark Comedy About the Afterlife
41:00 - Self-Publishing, Ten Ton Press & Cons
48:00 - Artistic Influences: Capullo, Simonson, Sienkiewicz & More
55:00 - Collecting Original Art & Artist Editions
62:00 - Where to Follow Manuel & Red Tape Updates
67:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings

Artist Tom Martin: Inking, Lettering, and Sharing the Secrets of Clip Studio Paint

Tom Martin joins Nerdy Mewzings for a fun, no-holds-barred chat about digital comics creation, Clip Studio Paint mastery, his Kubert School days, and the wild world of social media art advice. Tom shares his journey from traditional art school and Hasbro Star Wars packaging design to becoming a go-to creator for Clip Studio tutorials and vector workflows.
He breaks down his clever process for converting complex raster line art to clean vectors, why inking in Illustrator often fails, Procreate vs. Clip Studio Paint debates, and the frustrations of dealing with overconfident commenters. He also discusses lettering, favorite artists (Chris Samnee, Cory Walker, David Mazzucchelli, Jack Davis, Russ Wooton), and his new Patreon with in-depth tutorials and monthly group inking workshops (first one with Ed McGuinness pencils!).
If you love Clip Studio tips, digital inking workflows, or comic creator stories — Leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, and Keep it Nerdy!
Subscribe to Tom's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@undeadwizardart
Follow Tom:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/undead_wizard_art
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/tommartin.bsky.social
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@undead_wizard
Visit his Official Website: https://www.undeadwizard.com/
Signup for Tom's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/UndeadWizard (in-depth CSP tutorials, group workshops, direct Q&A)
Join Nerdy Mewzing's Patreon now for access to each week's episode 48 hours EARLY, your name mentioned, and more: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro & Tom Martin (Undead Wizard Art) Joins
2:00 - Dealing with Instagram Commenters & Vector Debates
6:00 - The Vector Conversion Process for Complex Line Art
11:00 - Kubert School Experience & Joe Kubert Stories
17:00 - Transition from Traditional to Digital & Hasbro Star Wars
23:00 - Manga Studio / Clip Studio Paint Journey
28:00 - Procreate vs Clip Studio Paint Workflow Comparison
34:00 - Actions, Quick Shape & Time-Saving Tips in CSP
40:00 - Favorite Artists: Samnee, Mazzucchelli, Cory Walker & More
47:00 - Patreon, Group Inking Workshops & Ed McGuinness
53:00 - Reading Habits, Battle Beast & Current Comics
58:00 - Where to Follow Tom & Patreon Details
62:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings

Yevgeny Sokolov Returns: Creating Pro Comic Book Covers and Teaching Fine Art

Yevgeny Sokolov (fine arts instructor turned pro comic book artist) joins Nerdy Mewzings once again to discuss his transition from traditional fine art and high school teaching, drawing professional comic book covers, and the creative process behind his work.
Yevgeny shares how he started drawing as a child, pursued fine arts in college, and made the leap to comics during the pandemic by studying David Finch tutorials and building comic-style fundamentals. He talks about his creative process, using photo reference for hands and poses, and why planning thumbnails is crucial. We chatted about influences on his style, including Mike Mignola’s use of heavy blacks, Frank Miller studies, and the importance of dramatic lighting in comics vs. fine art.
He also opens up about balancing commissions, teaching, and professional cover gigs for Ripperverse, the value of community (Uncanny Art-Men streams), and advice for aspiring artists: draw every day, study masters, and don’t be afraid to scrap work that isn’t right.
If you love comic process breakdowns, artist stories, or art tutorials — Leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, and Keep it Nerdy!
Follow Yevgeny:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yevgeny_sokolov_art
X - https://x.com/YVSokolovArt
Become a Patreon member to receive each week's episode 48 HOURS EARLY, a mention on the show, and more: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro & Yevgeny Sokolov Returns to Nerdy Mewzings
1:30 - Towering 6'10" Artist & Con Reactions
5:00 - Early Art Love & Fine Arts Background
9:00 - Pandemic Pivot: David Finch Tutorials & Comic Fundamentals
13:00 - Workflow: From Rough Thumbnails to Traditional Inking
17:00 - Influences: Mignola, Frank Miller & Dramatic Lighting
22:00 - Ripperverse Covers & Pro Break
27:00 - Balancing Teaching, Commissions & Personal Projects
32:00 - Advice for Aspiring Artists: Daily Practice & Community
37:00 - Comic Convention Plans & Where to Follow Yevgeny
42:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings

Noah Goins on Showcasing Comic Book Artists, Writing, & Social Media Success

Noah Goins (TikTok and Instagram comic artist spotlight creator, writer on I Feel Doomed) joins Nerdy Mewzings to discuss his path from childhood comics fan to building a massive following by celebrating artists, his writing journey, and heading to Heroes Con.
Noah shares how comics were always part of his life through Mark Bagley, Humberto Ramos, and Batman: The Animated Series, and how rediscovering them as an adult led him to start creating content that highlights the unsung heroes behind the pages. He talks about his process for researching and scripting short videos, balancing humor and insight, and why focusing on artists (not just covers) filled a missing niche. Noah also opens up about writing his first comic story in the I Feel Doomed anthology (launching at Heroes Con), his love for deep-cut characters, and the thrill of discovery through channels like Cartoonist Kayfabe and Robservations.
If you love comic artist spotlights, indie comics, or creator hustle stories — Leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, and Keep it Nerdy!
Follow Noah Goins:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/noahgoinscomics/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@noahgoinscomics
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@NoahGoinsComics
Become a Patreon member to get each week's episode 48 HOURS EARLY plus bonus perks: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro & Noah Goins Joins Nerdy Mewzings
1:30 - Childhood Comics Love: Mark Bagley, Umberto Ramos & Batman Animated
5:00 - Starting Social Media to Spotlight Artists
9:00 - Video Process: Research, Scripting & Highlighting Deep Cuts
13:00 - Influences: Cartoonist Kayfabe, Robservations & Jim Lee
17:00 - Writing I Feel Doomed & Heroes Con Debut
22:00 - Balancing Content Creation with Day Job
27:00 - Advice for Aspiring Creators: Just Put It Online
32:00 - Current Projects & Future Aspirations
37:00 - Where to Follow Noah Goins
40:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings

Jordan Morris on Writing for Comic books, Animation, and Comedy

Jordan Morris (writer of Predator: Bloodshed with artist Ruairi Coleman) joins Nerdy Mewzings to discuss his path from childhood comics fan to writing for Marvel, animation (Teen Titans Go, Jellystone), and creator-owned work.
Jordan shares how he discovered comics through Spider-Man and X-Men, learned the craft via Brian Michael Bendis’ Words for Pictures, and broke into comics with the graphic novel Bubble (based on his podcast). He talks about writing for animation, the joy of playing in the Spider-Verse with Spider-Versity (teaming younger spiders like Miles, Gwen, and Spider-Boy for a training camp story with big bad looming), and crafting brutal action in Predator: Bloodshed (an underground fighting tournament gone wrong).
He also opens up about balancing funny character moments with high-stakes adventure, why he gravitates toward deep-cut characters, and advice for aspiring writers: just write something and put it online — no gatekeepers needed. Jordan’s passion for blending humor, heart, and wild action shines through in every project.
If you love Predator, the Spider-Verse, animation tie-ins, or creator hustle stories leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, and Keep it Nerdy!
Follow Jordan Morris:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jordandavidmorris
Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/jordanmorris.bsky.social
Pickup Jordan's Current series: Predator: Bloodshed (Marvel) and Spider-Versity (Marvel)
Become a Patreon member NOW and get each week's episode 48 hours EARLY: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings 
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro & Jordan Morris Joins Nerdy Mewzings
1:30 - Childhood Comics Love: Spider-Man, X-Men & Archie
5:00 - Discovering Writing Through Podcasts & Animation
9:00 - Breaking into Comics with Bubble Graphic Novel
13:00 - Predator: Bloodshed – Underground Tournament Mayhem
17:00 - Spider-Versity: Younger Spiders Training Camp Adventure
22:00 - Animation Work: Teen Titans Go & Jellystone
27:00 - Balancing Humor, Heart & Action in Comics
32:00 - Advice for Aspiring Writers: Just Put It Online
37:00 - Current Projects & Future Aspirations
42:00 - Where to Follow Jordan Morris
45:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings

Thomas Healy: Writer and Editor-in-Chief of Todd McFarlane Productions & Spawn

Thomas Healy (Editor-in-Chief of Todd McFarlane Productions) joins Nerdy Mewzings to discuss his journey from comic shop manager to running the Spawn universe, his love of original art, and writing projects like Black Ritual and Scorched.
Thomas shares how he discovered comics through Avengers and Daredevil, worked at shops like Samurai Comics, and made the leap to TMP after a call from Shannon Bailey. He talks about the realities of managing continuity across multiple ongoing titles, giving feedback to creators, and finding new talent at conventions. Thomas also opens up about his writing process, the challenges of balancing editor and writer hats, and why patience and taking critique are essential for breaking into comics.
He geeks out over searching for grail art pieces like a Transmetropolitan page and Rex the Wonder Dog #4, his admiration for creators like Warren Ellis and Darick Robertson, and the thrill of the hunt in collecting. Current highlights include Scorched #51 and plans for more stories in the Spawn universe, plus his desire to one day write a Judge Dredd tale!
If you love Spawn, behind-the-scenes comic industry talk, original art collecting, or creator journeys — Leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, and Keep it Nerdy!
Follow Thomas Healy: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thomashealy/
Become a Patreon member to gain access to each week's episode 48 HOURS EARLY, plus other perks: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro & Thomas Healy Joins Nerdy Mewzings
1:30 - Comic Shop Life & Discovering Spawn
5:00 - Transition to TMP & Becoming Editor-in-Chief
9:00 - Managing the Spawn Universe & Continuity
13:00 - Writing Black Ritual & Scorched
17:00 - Original Art Collecting & Grail Pieces
22:00 - Advice for Aspiring Creators: Feedback & Persistence
27:00 - Judge Dredd Dreams & Future Projects
32:00 - Convention Life & Discovering Talent
37:00 - Balancing Editor & Writer Roles
42:00 - Current Spawn Titles & What's Next
47:00 - Where to Follow Thomas & Outro

Comic Creator Edison Neo: Snake Claws, Godzilla & TMNT Covers

Edison Neo (Singapore comic artist, creator of Snake Claws and No Brainer) joins Nerdy Mewzings to discuss his journey from doodling in school to becoming a full-time comic creator, landing covers for IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Godzilla, and launching his new art book Ink Trooper One on Kickstarter. Edison shares how he discovered comics later in life, learned fundamentals through YouTube (Jim Lee streams, David Finch), and dove deep into martial arts action inspired by Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Shaw Brothers films.
He talks about creating Snake Claws during the pandemic as a personal challenge, expanding into the anthology No Brainer with its mix of long-form stories and fun short pieces, and the emotional impact of Daniel Warren Johnson’s Murder Falcon. He also opens up about going full-time after a layoff, his tradigital workflow (digital pencils/roughs → traditional inking), and why he loves the freedom of creator-owned work while still enjoying mainstream gigs.
Ink Trooper One collects years of his hero and villain commissions (including many Big Two pieces) with commentary and is available to back on Kickstarter NOW: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/neocomicart/ink-trooper-vol-1
If you love martial arts action comics, Southeast Asian creators, or seeing the full creator process — Leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, and Keep it Nerdy!
Follow Edison Neo:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/neocomicart/
X - https://x.com/neocomicart
Become a Nerdy Insider member on Patreon and watch each week's episode 48 hours early along with other perks: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro & Edison Neo from Singapore
1:30 - Weather, Humidity & Daily Life in Singapore
5:00 - Early Doodling to Discovering Comics
9:00 - YouTube University: Jim Lee, David Finch & Learning Fundamentals
13:00 - Snake Claws: First Creator-Owned Project
17:00 - No Brainer Anthology & Mixing Long & Short Stories
22:00 - IDW Opportunities: TMNT & Godzilla Covers
27:00 - Daniel Warren Johnson Influence & Emotional Storytelling
32:00 - Trdigital Workflow: Digital Roughs + Traditional Inking
37:00 - Going Full-Time After Layoff
42:00 - Upcoming Art Book Ink Trooper One Kickstarter
47:00 - Advice for Aspiring Creators in Small Scenes
52:00 - Where to Follow Edison Neo
55:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings

Artist Katelyn Windels: Devil in the Herd, Mignola-Style Horror, & VeeFriends

Katelyn Windels (Kate Komics) joins Nerdy Mewzings fresh off Emerald City Comic-Con to talk about her path from rural farm life and discovering comics through Spider-Man DVDs, to becoming a full-time artist at VeeFriends, and launching her creator-owned horror comic Devil in the Herd with Invader Comics.
Kate shares how she always drew as a kid, found her love for comics through 90s cartoons and movies, and pursued a rare comic art degree at MCAD. She discusses shifting from traditional art to fully digital with Procreate, using photo reference and posing for dynamic work, and why Mike Mignola’s heavy blacks and storytelling remain her biggest influence.
She also opens up about building an audience with Star Wars fan comics, landing freelance gigs at VeeFriends, and creating Devil in the Herd — a Southwest-set horror story blending religious trauma, farm life, and actual Satan as the antagonist. Kate talks about the challenges and dopamine of consistent posting, the importance of fundamentals, and why she loves drawing other people’s stories while still carving out her own horror tales.
Devil in the Herd is out now (late pledges still open), and more stories in that universe are coming. Get it HERE: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/invader/the-devil-in-the-herd-a-supernatural-horror-western-comic
If you love VeeFriends, horror with heart, creator process videos, or Mignola-style art — Share with a friend, Leave a 5 STAR review, and Keep it Nerdy! 
Follow Kate Windels (Kate Komics):
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/katekomics/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@katekomics
Checkout VeeFriends Comics for FREE: https://veefriends.com/comics
Become a Nerdy Insider member on Patreon and get each week's episode up to 48 hours EARLY plus other perks: https://www.patreon.com/nerdymewzings
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro & Kate Windels Joins Nerdy Mewzings
1:30 - Early Art Love & Farm Kid Roots
5:00 - Discovering Comics via Spider-Man DVDs & 90s Cartoons
9:00 - MCAD Comic Art Degree & Traditional to Digital Shift
13:00 - Influences: Mike Mignola, Wolverine & Heavy Blacks
17:00 - Building Audience with Star Wars Fan Comics
22:00 - Landing at VeeFriends & Freelance to Full-Time
27:00 - Creating Devil in the Herd: Horror, Satan & Southwest Vibes
32:00 - Process: Photo Reference, Posing & Procreate Workflow
37:00 - Kickstarter Experience & Future Stories
42:00 - Advice for Aspiring Artists: Consistency & Fundamentals
47:00 - Where to Follow Kate & Support Her Work
50:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings

Comic Book Writer Ray Jamison: The Madcaps, Indie Comics & Storytelling

Ray Jamison (indie comic writer and creator of The Madcaps) joins Nerdy Mewzings for a fun conversation about turning his D&D homebrew campaigns into a fantasy horror comic, growing up with 80s cartoons, action figures, and comics, and launching his 3-issue miniseries on Kickstarter.
Ray shares how the unholy trinity of 80s cartoons, toys, and comics shaped him, from Transformers and GI Joe to Batman ’89 in theaters and the explosive 90s Image era. He talks about moving from RPG storytelling with friends to writing original characters and injecting real emotion into The Madcaps — a story of four tight-knit friends hunting a necromancer during a curse and zombie-like outbreak in their hometown. The book is packed with camaraderie, heart, horror, and that classic fantasy adventure feel.
He breaks down his creative process using Roll20 to map out scenes, working with talented collaborators like Victor Medina on art for issues 2 & 3, and Dan Kemp on colors. Ray also opens up about the balance between strong storytelling and dynamic art, and why he’s excited to bring this world to readers!
The Madcaps Issue 3 Kickstarter is currently LIVE on Kickstarter! Issues 1 & 2 will be available in the campaign along with variants, glow-in-the-dark elements, lava foil covers, and more. Perfect for fans of indie fantasy, horror with heart, and strong character relationships.
If you love creator journeys, D&D-inspired comics, or stories about friendship under pressure — Leave a 5 STAR review and share with a friend!
Back the Kickstarter NOW - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/philboentertainment/madcaps-issue-3
Follow Ray Jamison:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raymondthedm/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dm.ray.2025
Follow The Madcaps:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Madcaps-61551891676013/
Join The Nerdy Insider tier on Patreon and get each week's episode 48 hours early: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings
Keep it nerdy!
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro & Ray Jamison Joins Nerdy Mewzings
1:30 - 80s Nostalgia: Cartoons, Toys & Comics
5:00 - From RPG Campaigns to Writing Comics
9:00 - The Madcaps Story: Friendship, Necromancer & Fantasy Horror
13:00 - Creative Process: Roll20 Planning & Character Development
17:00 - Collaborators: Victor Medina, Dan Kemp & More
22:00 - Kickstarter Journey: Issues 1-3 & Variants
27:00 - Advice for Aspiring Creators: Just Ask & Balance Story/Art
32:00 - Current Projects & Future Plans
37:00 - Where to Follow Ray & The Madcaps
40:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings

Cartoonist D.J. Coffman: From Web Comics to VeeFriends with Gary Vaynerchuk

D.J. Coffman (VeeFriends comics lead, longtime web comic creator) joins Nerdy Mewzings to discuss his journey from 80s/90s comic fandom and web comics to leading character development and storytelling for Gary Vaynerchuk’s VeeFriends universe.
Key highlights:
-Early beginnings: Barbershop GI Joe comics, discovering comics as a viable career
-Web comics era: Digital Webbing, Hero by Night, Movie Poop Shoot, building audience online
-Transition to VeeFriends: Hired for daily comic strips, expanding into full monthly comics
-Working with Gary Vee: Rapid character development, blind bag comics, building community
-Process: Daily strips, story bibles, collaborative creation, using comics to inspire positivity
-Creator mindset: Paying it forward, staying encouraged, visualization & discipline
-Current work: VeeFriends monthly comics (2 per month), expanding series (Notorious Ninja & more)
VeeFriends comics are available to read for free at https://veefriends.com/comics – perfect entry point for new readers!
Follow DJ Coffman:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/djcoffman (main hub for process, VeeFriends updates)
X - https://x.com/djcoffman
Official Website: https://www.djcoffman.com/
If you love VeeFriends, web comics, Gary Vee, or creator hustle stories — Leave a 5 STAR review, share with friends, and Keep it Nerdy!
Join the Nerdy Insider tier on Patreon to get each week's episode up to 48 hours early, along with other bonuses, and perks: https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro & DJ Coffman on Nerdy Mewzings
1:30 - Early Comic Love: Barbershop GI Joe & Discovering the Medium
5:00 - 80s/90s Nostalgia, Image Boom & Extreme Studios Visits
9:00 - Web Comics Era: Digital Webbing, Hero by Night & Movie Poop Shoot
13:00 - Transition to VeeFriends: Daily Strips & Character Development
17:00 - Working with Gary Vee: Vision, Community & Positive Stories
22:00 - Building VeeFriends Comics: Monthly Releases & Blind Bags
27:00 - Process: Story Bibles, Collaboration & Expanding the Universe
32:00 - Creator Mindset: Staying Encouraged & Visualization
37:00 - Advice for Aspiring Artists: Reps, Passion & Paying It Forward
42:00 - Current VeeFriends Projects & Future Expansions
47:00 - Where to Follow DJ Coffman + Outro
50:00 - Support Nerdy Mewzings & Keep It Nerdy