DeviantART Premium Membership Competition!

[Edit: 30-03-13 - Well this competition has only been running for a few days and has already drummed up so much interest on my website. I honestly cannot thank those of you who have entered enough. I have applied for some of the biggest cons of my life this year and having your support can really make a difference between getting a table or not. So, thank you. You still have until June 1st and the more people who enter, the more likely I am to add more prizes, so please keep telling your friends Thank you all again x]

While I have been a Deviant for 4 years and a professional artist for 3 years, I am still only starting out in the land of social media - a very useful tool for up-and-coming artists. Social Media figures; such as blog hits, favorites, subscriptions, Facebook 'likes' and Twitter followers (not to mention DA +watchers, favorites and page-views) are valuable tools for publishers, authors, convention promoters and general people who are looking to hire you. While this can all be seen as an annoying online 'popularity contest', these figures are actually vital for getting yourself noticed by these professionals.

So, while I have been trying to up my numbers, I have also been trying to reward my followers in the process. Each and every one of my watchers, followers and 'likers' alike is invaluable to me as they are not only my audience but my friends, my critics and my support system. I wouldn't be able to call myself a 'professional' artist without them.

I have recently finished a competition for those who follow me on Facebook and Twitter and now would like to spread the thanks and love on to my DA +Watchers.

So I am offering a 12 Month (!) Premium Membership to a DA member who fulfills the following simple criteria:

1: Visit my website www.anastasiacatris.com and comment on AT LEAST one piece of artwork ([link] or blog entry ([link]. Each comment counts as an individual entry into the competition - so the more comments you make - the more times you will be entered into the draw to win (Max. 20 comments). Make sure to mention your DeviantArt name in your comment or that you were referred to the site via DeviantArt.

2: Comment on this journal to let me know that you have entered. While this is not necessary (as I will have you contact details from the comment you leave on my website www.anastasiacatris.com), it will make it easier to gauge how many entrants we have and directly link me to your DeviantArt page (so I can check out your stuff and generally say thank you).

The closing date for this competition is June 1st leaving you plenty of time to enter (And tell your friends about it). Entrants will then be counted and entered into a draw to win the prize of a 12 Month Premium Membership to DA.

The more people who enter this competition the more likely I will be to add on extra prizes to the competition! This may include free artwork, sketch cards, points, etc... depending on how popular it is! So, please pass this journal onto your friends and encourage them to join in. The more people, the better the prizes

Once again, thank you all ever so much for your support. It really does mean so much to have such an awesome community of artists, critics and writers at my fingertips. Can't wait to see your comments over at www.anastasiacatris.com

P.S. Why not like me over on Facebook ([link] or follow me on Twitter ([link] if you would like to keep in touch

Hi all!

I have just submissted my first ever League of Legends art contests to the Off The Clock Competition running right now and would really appreciate your support! So, if you play League of Legends and have a Riot account - please check out my comic



And vote for it on the official contest page ([link]. I'm not looking to win a load of gear, I just kinda want a chance. This is the first time Riot are opening the votes out to the public and a lot of people on there have so many LoL friends to help them out - I'm just looking for a bit of support as a new Summoner

Thank you all so much

A big hello to all of my new watchers. The past few days since I posted my sketch card collection ([link] has seen a flurry of new and wonderful people, so hello to you all.

I have my first convention of 2013 this Sunday in Exeter at Exeter Comic Expo, a Fantasy Events Convention ([link]. This will be taking place at the Rougemont Hotel on Queen Street and runs from 11am till 4pm. I will be selling a whole host of new prints as well as giving away print-offs of my most recent comic strip, which I will talk about it in a bit.

Geek Pillow Talk, my first ever web-comic has now gone live and I'm actually quite proud of it. I will be posting one strip a week from now on and I really hope you enjoy it. You can find the original Tumblr where I came up with many of my ideas (under a pseudonym) at [link] The Tumblr will be getting an overhaul in the coming weeks leading up to Cardiff Con so as it's a bit easier to navigate and there are no double entries.



My official website is now live and attracting quite a lot of traffic for its first week (my favorite being the hit counter at 666 on the 13th of this month). So please, if you have the time, go and check it out. Many of my deviations are on there as well as samples of my writing and an online store should you like to commission me for a sketch card or original piece of art.

You can also find me in all of the usual places including Twitter (@acatris) and Facebook [link] and the website is anastasiacatris.com Look forward to seeing some of you at my future conventions, in the mean-time - enjoy the art!

Okay, so I realize it's February, but my past month has basically been spent creating new prints, writing and generally getting ready for work this year. I hope you enjoy the new work I have posted recently. I know it's not much, but I am hoping to be a lot more active this year than I have for a while. My first con is only nine days away and I am very excited to be going to my first Exeter Comic Con. If any of you will be going along please drop me a line on here and it'll be great to meet you. I will also be a guest at Cardiff Expo on 2nd-3rd March and Wales Comic Con on the 28th April, with more cons to announce throughout the year.

Outside of the world of art I have been pretty busy getting my acting work on track. I actually have a part in my first ever feature film this year, which is incredibly exciting as well as several lead roles in some short films. Hence why I've been kind quiet recently. Writing is also going very well and I am looking to publish my debut novel by the end of 2013! Exciting but daunting. Needless to say, I have been pretty busy, but I am looking to spend a lot more time on DA.

Meanwhile, why not go and check out my brand new website/blog? It's still pretty scratchy and I'm working on some of the little design flaws and issues, but it'll do for now www.anastasiacatris.com

Well, convention season is over for me here in the UK. I managed to make it along to Cardiff Expo and Bristol Comic Expo as an exhibitor, but sadly couldn't afford to make Kapow and MCM. However, I have been invited along to Cardiff Expo in November, Thought Bubble, Leeds (also in November) and Bristol Con in October. This works out great for me as I will hopefully have a new book under my belt by then (see my previous entries on Seven Swords/Working Title with PJ Montgomery) as well as a whole Sumer's worth of prints and sketches and of course my WIP with Tamsin Silver's Moon Over Manhattan. So it's all pretty exciting right now, if not incredibly busy! Now that the cons are over I can finally get back to the real work of narrative art.

Meanwhile, I have set myself a little challenge...

Earlier this year I was lucky enough to appear at Cardiff Comic Expo as an artist and exhibitor. While I was getting my first ever Artist Alley table stocked, I decided to give sketch cards a go... Soon I was addicted. They are a brilliant way of practicing pin-ups, developing personal style, learning how to adapt large figures to small panels (perfect for comic book artists in training) and, of course, drawing fan art.

By the time Bristol Comic Expo rolled around, however, I was incredibly busy with other artwork, acting and helping out as a Senior Editor for Chaos Hour (www.chaoshour.com), so sadly I didn't have half as many sketch cards to offer. I had also recently been bought the best gift ever of Copic Ciao Permanent Markers which I broke in drawing requests at the con. So, I decided, as a learning curve for using the markers as well as a way of stocking up before next Comic Convention season starts (I am hoping to appear at Bristol Comic Con in October and Thought Bubble and Cardiff Expo in November) I would attempt to draw one sketch card every day!

While I know that there are some days where I will be away from my drawing desk what with filming, plays, traveling and festivals; it is also a really nice activity to do when I have that rarity that is spare time. So, on the 17th May I started my challenge, leaving me 155 days until my first convention next season. That's a possible 155 sketch cards between now and October!

You can follow my progress via my Facebook group ([link]. I will also be adding up summary pictures like the ones on my DeviantArt and updating my blog with how I am doing ([link]. You may also follow me on Twitter ([link] for up-to-date info on upcoming conventions, commissions and works in progress. Also, if you would like to commission a sketch card for yourself or a friend, then please visit my Online Store ([link] for more info on requests.

A few exciting new developments are on the horizon. Firstly, I have been named as a concept artist for an upcoming independent film being developed here in S Wales. The film is to be written and directed by a good friend of mine, Matt Brown, a BAFTA Award winning film-maker who I have had the luck and privilege to work with as an actress. So that is incredibly exciting and I will let you know more about that as things develop.

Secondly, I have a new tiny side project going live on Monday 23rd April... or St George's Day as some of you may know it. This has been in development for a little while now and while it is only a small project, should prove very fun. I won't tell you any more about it just now except to thank Georgie Leonard, a fellow actress, for the inspiration.

Finally: I have a Facebook LIKE page ([link] After many years of putting this off (Probably because I don't want to put a number to how many people 'like' me) I have decided to utilize this awesome little Facebook tool. So, to launch the page, I have announced a competition exclusive to those who like my page.

I will be appearing at Bristol Comic Expo on the 12th and 13th May 2012, at which I will be selling exclusive prints, books, merchandise and original artwork. I will also be accepting commissions on the day for reasonably sized pieces of personalized artwork. However, this will also be a huge opportunity for me to gain followers. But what is the point in 'liking' me if you don't get anything in return? So, between now and until the end of Bristol Comic Expo I will be placing all fans who like my Facebook page into a draw to win exclusive goodies.

This will include a signed copy of my book: SuBo's Cat: The Imaginings of Susan Boyle's Pampered Pussy; a selection of prints including my exclusive BCE Print which I am currently working on (only a few to be produced); an original page from SuBo's Cat and a personalized sketchcard with a character/commission of your choice, signed and made out to you.

HOW COOL IS THAT!?!

Remember, you do not have to come to Bristol Comic Expo to be considered for this competition. You don't even need to be in the country (yes QBs, I'm talking to you). All you have to do is press 'like' on my Facebook Fan Page [link] That's it! And you will automatically be considered for the draw.

The cut off point will be midnight after the final day of the con (to give those told about the offer at the con a chance to sign up) which is May 13th. So please, please, PLEASE sign up and spread the word to all of your friends to do the same. You never know, if you pass the torch to some one else, they may share the loot with you.

That link once again is [link]. Thank you so much guys and speak to you soon!

Well it has been long time coming but SUBO'S CAT: THE IMAGININGS OF SUSAN BOYLE'S PAMPERED PUSSY has finally been launched digitally. As of 20th September we now have a:

Facebook group [link]
Twitter account [link]
Tumblr page [link]
Wordpress Blog [link]
Formspring account [link]

And of course a Deviant Art Account for all of y'all to follow

I said that this pussy would be taking over and I wasn't kidding!

For those of you who don't know SUBO'S CAT is the brainchild of HarperCollins Non Fiction department, who, in February 2010 took on a little bit more than they could chew in the form of work experience girl Anastasia Catris. During my time there, my editor was pitching a brand new illustrated book inspired by Susan Boyle and her love of cats. But, she did not have an illustrator. Upon learning that I had been to art school, I was asked to help illustrate and design the pitch. The pitch was successful and I was asked to sign up as the book's official illustrator.

Over the coming months the editorial team worked together devising jokes and visual comedy based on the rise of Susan Boyle as well as satirical comments on reality TV and modern popular culture.

Now, only 6 months, 24 holiday-free weekends, 2 weeks worth of all-nighters, 3000 cups of coffee and 2000 cans of Red Bull later (did I mention that I had a full time job as well as this 112 page book to deal with?) SUBO'S CAT is finally ready for publication!

The book will be published by HarperCollins UK in Hardback format on 14th October and will be available in all major retailers as well as for pre-order via various websites. So get your copy well you can! Susan Boyle may have dreamed the dream, but this is the story of her nightmare.

This is Susan Boyle's tabloid fairy tale as never told before - through the eyes of her beloved cat, Pebbles. But Pebbles isn't your average cute kitty; this pushy pussy engineered SuBo's rise to fame and fortune for its own ends. but with great success comes great excess. From bingeing on Miaow Miaow to blowing it all on diamanté collars, this megalomaniac moggy is a salient reminder of the perils of power in our times.

SUBO'S CAT is more than just the story of the woman who dreamed a dream and the cat who got the cream. It's the cat who got the cream and then projectile vomited it, Excorcist style, into the face of any who stood in its path.

Warning: This book is not for pussies... it's for people.

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW

Amazon [link] ONLY £7

Play.com [link] ONLY £7.99

Waterstones [link] ONLY £7

Hey guys!

First of all a huge sorry for being away from this site for so long. Everything has been a little busy since I got back to the UK and I haven't had too much chance to update things. So, I thought I would give you a small run down of the things I shall be doing over the next few months to make this site a little better and more up-to-date.

- Adding all of my recent artwork

I know it's taken a while but I have been drawing honestly - just been a little busy with work and what not. One of my big pieces of news is that I am actually going to be a published illustrator as of October 2010! So I will be posting some behind the scenes exclusive internet content for  that book soon.

- Customizing the page/journal and adding links to a number of other projects I am working on

I have recently set up a movie review blog which is going quite well so far. All I have left to do is customise and add art work to it and it will have it's official DA launch soon. I will also be posting a blog for my upcoming book and links to fanpages/twitter accounts etc...

- Creating a seperate literature DA account

As some of you may know - I do a little writing as well as artwork and have been writing since I returned home. I will be setting up a seperate DA account for this so none of my artwork followers will be inundated with chapters and short stories.

So these are some of my ideas so far. I hope you are all good and I would just like to add on a personal note to the JKS guys and gals -  I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! I really, really miss you and hopefully will be back in the country to visit you guys soon! I am coming on vacation to Florida in the Summer but I am hoping to head up New York way for comic con in October too

LOVE YOU ALL! Hope you are doing well and the new school year is treating you good Love you guys xxx

P.S. For those of you who celebrated St David's Day with me last year - thank you, I watched teh video of that again the other day and it seriously made me giggle! Rememeber St David's Day is a day to celebrate art and creativity, song and drink It is on March 1st and I hope you will all join in some transatlantic celebration

Well. It seems my first year at the Joe Kubert School is over. It seems only yesterday I was walking into that hotbox that was the Carriage House and taking my first leap into the world of comic book art. Now, it's all over. Sadly I will not be returning next year simply because I kind of want to move on with things now. In case you didn't know, I actually did a 3 year Englsish Degree before I even came over to NJ and am kind of yearning to get into the big wide world now.

I'm not arogant enough to think that my artwork is anywhere near professional standard as yet, so I will keep practicing obviously. But the sad fact of the matter is that we all need a day job and I may as well make mine a good one, so I'm going into the big bad world of editing. It was always a plan that I would try this out and keep art going on the side, hopefully one day making it into comic book editing. So that's the plan I guess.

I just wanted to send a message to all my friends from the JKS to say thank you for making this year so amazing and memorable. I have enjoyed myself so much and made friends with some people I will not soon forget. I love you all so much and cannot wait to see you all again some day (and I will I can promise you that - you ain't getting rid of me that easy). I wish I oculd have got to know some of you guys better, especially some of the second years who it seems I only started to get to know near the end of the year. As for you wonderful first years, you have a lot to live up to in those guys but knowing all of you and being lucky enough to be friends with some of you - I know you are all up to the challenge - good luck to all of you next year.

So I thought in honor of saying good bye and to tie in with a theme that me and Carli concocted here is a list of fantastic things I would never have done this year had I not visited NJ. They are in no particular order.

Met Dan Aykroyd
Gone to NY Comic Con
Been taught by some of the most awesome commercial artists known to God or man
Seen Kings of Leon in concert
Been to the Frank Frazetta Museum
Dyed my hair bright blue
Started drinking again
Got moderatley good at bowling
Drawn comics every day for 9 months
Animated my own hand drawn cartoons
Discovered Deviantart
Seen snow in April
Sung opera at NY comic con
Dressed as Tank Girl and had guys oggle me at NY Comic con (ego boost anyone?)
Been to the Met Museum of Art
Been to a posh Art auction
Seen Kung Pow - yeah Carli that's for you
Met so many awesome Ghostbuster fans
Met so many awesome Ghostbusters
Been to the Chiller Expo
Learnt so many American phrases

And of course met so many wonderfully, talented, beautiful, friendly, awesome and hot people as I did in the Joe Kubert School. I love you all so much and will miss the Hell out of ya xxx