Nerdy Mewzings

James Foster
  • 5.0 (2)
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A weekly comic book interview podcast where host & artist James chats with comic industry pros, collectors, creators, & average nerds about all things comics, art, & more. Keep it nerdy! Website: nerdymewzings.com/podcast Video version of episodes: youtube.com/@nerdymewzings Patreon: patreon.com/nerdymewzings X (Twitter) - Instagram - TikTok @nerdymewzings

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

    1D AGO

    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

    59 min
  2. Comic Book Writer Ray Jamison: The Madcaps, Indie Comics & Storytelling

    MAY 11

    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

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

    MAY 4

    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

    1h 13m
  4. Danny Earls: Soccer Pro to Superman Artist – The Grind Behind the Art

    APR 27

    Danny Earls: Soccer Pro to Superman Artist – The Grind Behind the Art

    Danny Earls (former professional soccer player turned comic book artist) joins Nerdy Mewzings to discuss his remarkable transition from the pitch to the page, landing Superman: Father of Tomorrow, and developing his creator-owned horror project Hellfire. Key highlights: -Soccer career → art as escape → hyper-focused grind after retirement -Influences: Greg Capullo, Mike Mignola, Frank Miller, studying fundamentals (backgrounds as characters, composition, value) -Process: Focused daily study, thumbnails/layouts first, balancing speed vs. quality, avoiding burnout -First big breaks: IDW covers, Marvel Hulk fill-ins, landing DC's Superman -Creator-owned passion: Hellfire (Irish mythology/ghost horror) – in development -Mindset: Working-class roots, paying it forward, staying humble, "history will separate us" -Current work: Superman (May 27, 2026 release), Spawn Universe covers, more in the pipeline Danny’s discipline and love for the craft are infectious — essential listening for any aspiring comic artist or athlete pursuing a creative path! Follow Danny Earls: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dannyearls16 (main hub for process, covers, updates) X - https://x.com/dannyearls16 Enjoying the all the amazing creators on the pod? Please leave a 5 STAR review, share with friends, and Keep it Nerdy!  Join the Nerdy Insider tier on Patreon for only $5 per month and get each week's episode up to 48 HOURS early plus other bonus perks: https://www.patreon.com/NerdyMewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Danny Earls Joins Nerdy Mewzings 2:00 - From Pro Soccer Career to Full-Time Art Grind 5:30 - Work Ethic: Long Hours, Discipline & Staying Humble 9:00 - Influences: Greg Capullo, Mignola, Miller & Focused Study 13:00 - Backgrounds as Characters & Composition Mastery 17:00 - First Published Work & Breaking into IDW/Marvel 21:00 - Landing Superman: Father of Tomorrow at DC 25:00 - Process: Thumbnails, Layouts & Emotional Beats 30:00 - Creator-Owned Hellfire: Irish Mythology Horror Project 35:00 - Balancing Covers, Sequentials & Future Goals 40:00 - Paying It Forward & Irish Creator Community 45:00 - Advice for Aspiring Artists: Reps, Focus & Finding Your Rhythm 50:00 - Current Projects & Where to Follow Danny 54:00 - Outro & Support Nerdy Mewzings

    1h 9m
  5. Carlos Velez Podcast Debut: Artistic Journey to Pro Comic Covers in One Year!

    APR 20

    Carlos Velez Podcast Debut: Artistic Journey to Pro Comic Covers in One Year!

    Carlos Velez makes his world-exclusive podcast debut on Nerdy Mewzings! In just over a year of going full-time, this rising comic artist has already landed IDW covers (Power Rangers/Ninja Turtles), built a strong Whatnot streaming presence, and earned praise from pros while developing his dynamic style. Key highlights: -Early beginnings: Music (drums in church & jazz studies) → art as creative escape Transition to full-time: Leaving retail/car dealership, streaming on Whatnot, commissions & sketch covers -Artistic influences: Kael Ngu, Jason Fabok, Dan Mora, Ryan Benjamin, Greg Capullo, and studying pros via Proko/YouTube -Rapid growth: First published cover work, learning composition, speed vs. quality, avoiding burnout -Current workflow: Heavy digital focus, sketch covers, streaming with friends (Marvel Inc, Laced Canvas, etc.) -Mindset: Trial & error with schedules, finding your own rhythm, staying humble while pushing limits -Future goals: More cover work (especially Batman/Absolute Batman), sequential storytelling, and growing as an inker Carlos is a prime example of consistent daily reps paying off fast — perfect motivation for any aspiring artist! Follow Carlos Velez: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cmv_art_99 (main hub for sketch covers, process, streams) Whatnot - Search CMV Art 99 (live drawing & auctions) Website / Prints & Commissions - https://cmvart.bigcartel.com/ If you love sketch covers, rising comic artists, or creator hustle stories — Leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, and Keep It Nerdy! Join Nerdy Mewzings' Patreon and get weekly episodes 24-48 hours early, access exclusive content, submit questions for upcoming guests, and more! https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & World-Exclusive First Podcast Appearance 1:30 - Music Background to Art as Creative Escape 4:00 - College Struggles, Nerve Issues & Switching Paths 7:00 - Retail Grind & Art as Nighttime Sanctuary 10:00 - First Spark: Conversation with John Giang at Terrificon 13:00 - Going Full-Time After 1 Year & Whatnot Streaming 16:00 - Learning Speed vs. Quality & Avoiding Burnout 19:00 - Artistic Influences: Kael Ngu, Jason Fabok, Dan Mora & More 23:00 - First Published Work: IDW Power Rangers/Ninja Turtles Covers 27:00 - Collaborative Covers & Composition Challenges 31:00 - Current Workflow: Digital Focus, Sketch Covers & Streaming Friends 35:00 - Balancing Commissions, Covers & Future Sequential Goals 39:00 - Mindset: Staying Humble, Reps & Finding Your Rhythm 43:00 - Where to Follow Carlos Velez + Outro 46:00 - Support Nerdy Mewzings & Keep It Nerdy

    52 min
  6. Artist Shawn Crystal (InkPulp): Marvel, Spawn, Tattoos & Creator Freedom

    APR 13

    Artist Shawn Crystal (InkPulp): Marvel, Spawn, Tattoos & Creator Freedom

    Shawn Crystal (Marvel, DC, Spawn Universe, Deadpool, and co-host of the InkPulp Podcast) joins Nerdy Mewzings for a deep, fun conversation about his journey from late-blooming comic book fan to full-time creator, the InkPulp Podcast origin story, and pivoting into professional tattooing while still crushing covers and creator-owned work. Key highlights: -Getting into comics later: Discovering Dark Knight Returns, Todd McFarlane Spider-Man, and falling in love with the medium -Early grind: WildStorm Resident Evil, long gaps between gigs, teaching at SCAD Atlanta while hustling samples -InkPulp Podcast beginnings: Eric Canete (the "final boss"), Matteo Scalera, Jamie the producer, and building community through friendship -Creator mindset: Paying it forward, learning from legends like Walt Simonson, building your own audience via Kickstarter/direct sales -Tattooing pivot: Stepping into a new medium, re-igniting growth in all areas of art, balancing with comics -Current work: Spawn Universe covers, upcoming projects, and the power of independent creator paths vs. big publishers -Business lessons: Retailer relationships, newsletters, avoiding burnout, and why community corporate gatekeeping Shawn’s honest take on the industry grind, paying dues, and creating your own lane is pure gold for aspiring artists! Follow Shawn Crystal: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inkpulp (main hub for art, tattoos, updates) Website / Newsletter - https://inkpulp.tv (sign up for the free newsletter) Tattoo inquiries - https://www.theblackmarker.com/ or email inkpulp@gmail.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/inkpulp If you love McFarlane art, creator business talk, or tattoo/comics crossover—FOLLOW and leave a 5 STAR review :) Support Nerdy Mewzings: Free bonus content and full episodes 24-48 hours early for only $5 per month at https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Share with friends & Keep it nerdy! Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Collecting the InkPulp Final Boss 2:30 - InkPulp Podcast Origins: Eric, Matteo, Jamie & Friendship First 5:30 - Jamie the Producer Story & Behind-the-Scenes Antics 8:30 - Irish Creator Community & Danny Earls Shoutout 11:00 - Early Comic Discovery: Dark Knight Returns & McFarlane Spider-Man 15:00 - Late Start in Comics & the Hustle Phase 19:00 - Grad School, Samples & First WildStorm Gig 23:00 - Teaching at SCAD Atlanta While Grinding Marvel/DC 27:00 - Long Gaps Between Gigs & Industry Realities 31:00 - Paying It Forward: Lessons from Walt Simonson & Others 35:00 - Tattoo Pivot: New Medium, Re-Learning & Artistic Growth 40:00 - Balancing Comics Covers, Spawn Work & Creator-Owned Plans 45:00 - Industry Landscape: Kickstarter, Retailers & Independent Paths 50:00 - Current Projects, Spawn Universe Covers & Future Teases 55:00 - Advice for Aspiring Artists: Hustle, Community & Staying Consistent 1:00:00 - Tattoo Work, InkPulp Live Streams & Building Your Own Lane 1:05:00 - Where to Follow Shawn Crystal + Outro 1:08:00 - Support Nerdy Mewzings & Keep It Nerdy

    1h 20m
  7. Comic Book Artist Ruairi Coleman on Drawing Predator: Bloodshed for Marvel Comics

    APR 6

    Comic Book Artist Ruairi Coleman on Drawing Predator: Bloodshed for Marvel Comics

    Irish comic artist Ruairi Coleman (Marvel/DC, Iron & Frost, Son of Kal-El, and now Predator: Bloodshed with Jordan Morris) joins Nerdy Mewzings for a fun chat about breaking into comics, the tight-knit Irish creator community (shoutouts to Reese Hannigan, Danny Earls & more), and his journey from small press to licensed hits. Key highlights: -Early beginnings: Childhood Superman/Spider-Man, X-Men cartoon influence, fumbled path via psychology degree before returning to art -Breaking in: Dynamite (Tour Rock), Panini Star Wars, connections via Will Sliney, Kieron Gillen-era support -Irish creator brotherhood: Reese Hannigan (Star Wars Bad Batch), Danny Earls' work ethic/background mastery, mutual door-opening -Process: Penciling + inking own work, digital pencils with traditional finishing inks, regimented 5 AM starts, sustainability over burnout -Predator: Bloodshed: Underground fighting tournament, heavy/grounded Predator design, world-building in a concrete jungle, fun kills ramping up -Discipline & mindset: "Must do as a good master," small pragmatic goals, rest/recovery, showing up even on low-confidence days -Licensed work realities: On-model challenges, notes from Lucasfilm/20th Century, balancing speed with quality Predator: Bloodshed #1 & #2 are already out (series launched Feb 2026)—grab them at your LCS! Support Nerdy Mewzings: Head over to https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings for FREE bonus content! Follow Ruairi Coleman: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ruairicoleman (process, previews) X/Twitter - https://x.com/ruairicoleman Substack (Swingin’ Lead newsletter): https://colemancomicart.substack.com (free, bi-weekly updates) Love Predator, licensed comics, Irish creator stories, or discipline talks for artists? Leave a 5 STAR Review, Share with Friends, and Keep it Nerdy! Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Irish Creator Brotherhood (Reese Hannigan, Danny Earls & More) 2:30 - Early Beginnings: Superman, X-Men Cartoon & Small Press Roots 5:00 - Fumbled Path: Psychology Degree Before Returning to Comics 8:00 - Breaking In: Dynamite, Star Wars for Panini & Key Connections 11:00 - Irish Support Network: Door-Opening & Mutual Recommendations 14:00 - Process Evolution: Penciling + Inking Own Work, Digital vs. Traditional 18:00 - Discipline & Routine: 5 AM Starts, Sustainability & "Must Do as a Good Master" 23:00 - Predator: Bloodshed Overview (Underground Tournament, Heavy Design) 27:00 - Licensed Work Challenges: On-Model, Notes & Speed vs. Quality 31:00 - World-Building, Kills & Fun of the Predator Universe 35:00 - Balancing Superheroes, Licensed Books & Personal Projects 39:00 - Upcoming Work Teases & Socials 42:00 - Where to Follow Ruairi 44:00 - Support the Podcast & Keep It Nerdy

    58 min
  8. DaNi Returns to Mainstream Comics: Batwoman with Greg Rucka + Indie Journey

    MAR 30

    DaNi Returns to Mainstream Comics: Batwoman with Greg Rucka + Indie Journey

    Joining us all the way from Greece is the incredible traditional comic book artist DaNi (Coffin Bound, Batwoman with Greg Rucka)! We chat late-night Greek style about her journey from fine arts/sculpture to full-time comics, self-publishing zines, breaking into American publishers via conventions and connections, and her love for traditional tools (brushes only—no digital!). Key highlights: -Early influences: Mike Mignola, Charles Burns, South American artists, and discovering obscure 70s/80s horror/erotic comics in Venice -Indie Greek scene: Huge, diverse, political/erotic vibes; Comicdom Con turning 20! -How she broke in: Zines at cons leading to 2000 AD, IDW, Coffin Bound with Dan Watters -Working on Batwoman #1 (Greg Rucka, DC Next Level – out March 2026!): Research, mood boards, Greek-inspired city, action-packed issues -Process: Heavy layouts/planning, 2-3 pages/day pencils, deadlines fuel her, weekends off for life -Fun side: Naps as creativity recharge, hating alarms, cats (every comic artist has them!) -Advice: Do the work first, make friends at cons, find your creative soulmate collaborator DaNi's Batwoman series redefines Kate Kane—don't miss it! Find it at your LCS. Follow DaNi: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danistrips (main spot for art updates) Website/Portfolio - https://www.danistrips.com (books, Coffin Bound collections) If you love traditional comics art, indie scenes, or Batwoman—FOLLOW and leave a 5 STAR REVIEW! Support Nerdy Mewzings Patreon for FREE bonus content! https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Share with friends & Keep it nerdy! Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Greeting DaNi from Greece 1:30 - Late Nights, Early Mornings & Naps for Creatives 3:50 - Aging, Recovery & Loving Naps 5:20 - University in Fine Arts/Sculpture (Greek System) 8:00 - Combining Comics & Sewing for Uni Exhibition (Tales From the Strips) 10:30 - Origin of "DaNi Strips" Name & Double Entendre Fun 11:50 - Childhood Drawing, Redrawing Comic Endings & Greek Indie Scene 14:00 - European Comics Influence (Political, Erotic, Anthologies) 16:30 - Influences: Mignola, Burns, South Americans, Obscure Horror Comics 20:00 - Deciding to Go Full-Time Comics (2018, IDW Break) 23:00 - Meeting Dan Watters & Creating Coffin Bound Magic 26:00 - Breaking In: Zines at Cons, Connections Over Cold Pitches 29:00 - NYCC Adventures, Meeting Heroes & Greek/Italian Convention Cliques 33:00 - Cats, Parrots & Artist Stereotypes (Everyone Has Pets!) 37:00 - Current Work: Batwoman with Greg Rucka (Process, Research, Greek City) 42:00 - Traditional Tools Only (Brushes, CD Markers, No Digital) 45:00 - Character Development, Deadlines & Scheduling for Sanity 49:00 - Pace: Layouts Fry Brain, 2-3 Pages/Day, Weekends Off 54:00 - Excitement for Batwoman Issues + Upcoming Release 56:00 - Where to Follow DaNi + Outro 58:00 - Support the Podcast & Keep It Nerdy

    1 hr
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A weekly comic book interview podcast where host & artist James chats with comic industry pros, collectors, creators, & average nerds about all things comics, art, & more. Keep it nerdy! Website: nerdymewzings.com/podcast Video version of episodes: youtube.com/@nerdymewzings Patreon: patreon.com/nerdymewzings X (Twitter) - Instagram - TikTok @nerdymewzings

Information

  • Creator
    James Foster
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Nerdy Mewzings

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