Figure It Out #77 - A Spit of Color

Time marches on with Jared and Shawn on a new episode of Figure It Out!

Jared and Shawn discuss getting older and reconsidering goals and dreams as the realities of life evolve with time. Fun stuff!

Also, Shawn discusses upcoming comic work and Jared got a dash cam!

Thanks for tuning in this week! Come back next time as Shawn and Jared keep trying to Figure It Out!

Figure It Out #76 - The Secret History of Shawn Atkins

Shawn and Jared are back with another episode of Figure It Out!

This week the fellas examine Shawn's migration habits during his life here in Pittsburgh.

Shawn presents his Top Ten Short Films (plus some honorary mentions).

10. Tripping the Rift - There's a whole YouTube channel full of these but here is the pilot.

9. Pyrat

8. Power/Ranger

7. The Tell-Tale Heart

6. ZZZ Top by Aesop Rock

5. Kung Fury

4. Penelope Pitstop GT

3. Aloe Blacc "Femme Fatale"

2. Metroid: The Sky Calls

1. Work In Progress

And rounding out the Honorable Mentions...

Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood

Hong Kong Phooey

The Little Match Girl

There you go! Thanks for checking in this week! Come back next time as Jared and Shawn keep trying to Figure It Out!

Figure It Out #75 - PuppyMonkeyBaby

Shawn and Jared are back with a brand new episode of Figure It Out!

This week, Jared and Shawn discuss the Super Bowl commercials they liked and the ones they thought were just odd.

They also have a big ole's discussion on DC's current TV shows, namely Flash and Legends of Tomorrow.

Thanks for tuning in this week! Check back next time as Jared and Shawn keep trying to Figure It Out!

Figure It Out #74 - Drawing is Hard

Jared and Shawn stumble their way through another episode of Figure It Out!

This week the guys find themselves rather unprepared to host a podcast. After some scrambling Shawn recalls a story he heard about a sudden rash of YouTube users having their videos being taken due to copyright infringement. They try to make something out of that...

It turns out Shawn had discovered this story while trying to hone his abilities as a story teller by watching some educational videos on YouTube. The fellas then end up discussing honing one's story telling skills and once again discuss their approach to storytelling in comics.

The layout for the page on Jared's drawing board right now.

The Iowa Caucasus results came in during the recording of this episode. Shawn could care less, but Jared keeps tabs on the results as they were coming in. 

Jared attended an exhibition opening at the Toonseum in Pittsburgh this weekend. He relates the tale of his trip to Shawn and recounts meeting local TV personality, Rick Sebak.

Jared's girlfriend, Susan, with Rick Sebak.

Jared tries to understand the point behind Hourly Comic Day and 24 Hour Comic Book Day.

Plus, do other cities have signature foods a la Pittsburgh and pierogies? All of this...and more!

Thanks for checking in this time! Come back next time as Shawn and Jared keep trying to Figure It Out!

Figure It Out #73 - Ahead of the Curve

Shawn and Jared blaze a trail on a brand new episode of Figure It Out!

This week, Jared learns the importance of proof reading when ordering from a touch screen menu.

Shawn discovers the story of the militia that took over that wild life refuge in Oregon.

Jared's cousin recently brought an article on the recent trend of artists from the indie comics world migrating to animation for Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. This launches the guys into a discussion on whether or not they have a preference between making comics and making cartoons.

Shawn actually studied animation back in the day and the guys unearthed one of his animation tests.

From that same article, the guys examine the relationship between SPX and Nickelodeon and try to figure out where the line is on "selling out".

Finally, Jared is wrapping up his one page strip for the upcoming PIX Publication. Shawn is still unsure what he will do, if anything, for it. Jared workshops an idea that Shawn will or will not use.

Thanks for checking in this week! Come back next time as Jared and Shawn keep trying to Figure It Out!

Figure It Out #72 - Tell a Good Story

Shawn and Jared tackle the issues of the day on a brand new episode of Figure It Out!

Shawn is hard at work on his contribution for a horror anthology. Jared prods and pulls as much detail about this project out of Shawn as he can.

The guys discuss Pittsburgh deli meats, with a special guest appearance from Susan.

Jared read an article detailing the recent decline of DC Comics. They guys take a look at the article and offer their thoughts on how they would improve the line.

Thanks for checking in this week! Come back next time as Jared and Shawn keep trying to Figure It Out!

Figure It Out #71 - All About Helping Kids

Jared and Shawn are back with a Hall of Fame worthy episode of Figure It Out!

This week, Jared introduces Shawn to the cultural phenomenon that was Pro-Stars. A short lived 1991 cartoon series starring Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky and Bo Jackson.

Jared shares his progress on his one-page strip for the upcoming PIX publication. The guys discuss the proportions at which they draw their comics and share their preferences in art supply stores.

Jared posed for a new Artist Bio photo for his upcoming convention appearances. He shares the story behind posing for this gem with Shawn. The guys then fall down a Shawn Atkins related rabbit hole when they discover the list of the Top 25 Shawn Atkins on LinkedIn.

Eventually the guys get to their topic of the week. They read an opinion piece by an Artist Alley artist who railed against other artists doing "fan-art" prints. Shawn and Jared both have fairly strong opinions on the subject, neither of which coincide with the author of the this piece.

Thanks for checking in this week! Come back next time as Shawn and Jared continue to Figure It Out!