Kill Spiders, Buy Art

( Edited July 21st, 2:36 PM: I have gotten a huge amount of response about this whole situation, thanks to the guys over at BoingBoing and Drawn and many more. I have gotten so many emails of both sympathy and commissions that I have enlisted the help of my more managerial friend to come over this evening and help me go through everything. I have received a few Paypal transactions that as far as I can tell, are simply charity. This is by no means what I want to be happening. While the thought is extremely appreciated, I would really prefer that this money be given to a better cause. I am not looking for charity in anyway; I am looking for work. I am extremely uncomfortable accepting charity donations, and once things settle down a bit I am going to try and work out a way to either refund said donations or find some kind of trade through work. If you do wish to donate in some way and don't exactly want a commission from me, please take a look at the prints I have available.

I am truly humbled by the generosity that has been sent in my direction over the last few days. The response has been truly amazing, and I now have a list of commissions to work out that is a mile long. I will be getting back to everyone as quickly as I can.

Nothing I could type here would ever be able to convey the deep appreciation I am feeling. Your words and commission opportunities have lifted my spirits immensely, and I wish to send all of you my deepest most sincere thanks.

I went to a doctor's appointment this morning for a wound cleaning, and received good news. The wound is healing well, and there seem to be no complications. My cellulitis has subsided tremendously, and I am basically able to walk without too much discomfort. And to answer some questions that have been floating around; I was not bitten by a Brown Recluse…the real mystery of the whole situation is they do not know what exactly bit me, the venom of the bite was not the problem so much as the infection that spread from it. I also (thank god) have not contracted MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), though I can tell you there was a pretty real threat that I had. A special thanks to my bacteriologist brother, for helping sooth my fears of X-files like quarantine. )
____

On Monday of last week I was bitten by a yet unknown poisonous spider on my right knee. By Tuesday I was running a high fever and unable to walk. On Friday evening I collapsed and was rushed to the ER. After a series of x-rays and a whole lot of examination, I was informed that I had a rather large abscess and cellulitis due to the spider's bite. I was sent home early Saturday morning after having my knee surgically "drained", and in more pain than I have ever been in. After a doctor's appointment this Monday, another abscess was drained and I was informed that I would need to see a doctor weekly until the wound had healed, which could possibly take up to 8 months. Within these 8 months there will remain the very real threat of the infection spreading into the bone of my knee, as well as the possibility of blood poisoning.

As some of you may know, the world of freelance illustration certainly has its ups and downs. Unfortunately all of this came at the very end of a rather long down in my career. Not to mention the fact that all of this happened between changes with my insurance company, meaning the majority of my bills will have to be paid out of pocket. And quite frankly, I can't afford it. I was worried about bills as it was, and with the introduction of the doctor's bills I am terrified.

For a while now I have been considering taking on personal commissions, and not just company clients alone. Now it seems like a wiser decision than ever. So what does that mean? It means I am taking on basically any commission that comes my way. This can include anything from the tiniest drawing, to a larger project, and yes that even means tattoo designs. I have ignored a lot of emails in the past pertaining to such projects, and I will try and respond to some of the more recent ones in the next few days.

Any possible commission you could have for me; gifts, wedding invitations, cards, wall art, tattoos, anything. I am interested in the job. I will also definitely consider larger personal commissions, considering the work involved. I would prefer to only be working in black and white, but don't be afraid to ask about color. I haven't exactly figured out how pricing will go yet, but obviously pricing will be negotiable and varying, but for small to medium sized drawings I was thinking between $100 - $500 through paypal.

This will be the first time that I have really ever taken on personal commissions. And quite honestly, I am excited about it. Who knows if any one will even be interested? But if you can, please help me get back on my feet both literally and financially. And not only that, please give me something to keep my mind on while healing up.

If you are interested at all, you can email me here or get a hold of me through myspace or facebook. Like I said earlier on, I am going to try and contact people that have emailed me recently about such work, but if you do not hear from me feel free to email me as well.

Also, I still have a handful of prints available here (and many more will be added soon). I receive a pretty decent cut off of the prints of mine that sell. And like I said, anything will help.

Even if you cannot contribute, thank you so much for your support over the years. Your support has made my art and career what it is today, and I couldn't be more appreciative.

Also, thanks to David over at Cool Surface, I thought of something else. I know a lot of you fellow artists out there are in similar financial situations as myself. But if you have a blog or anything of the sort and could send anyone or any work this way, it would be greatly appreciated.

PS: pictures of incredibly gross knee-holes will be released upon request through email with finished commissions.