So, a new year is upon us and I must say I'm in a much better "place" than I was at this same time last year.
I've got a great job, working on Wargames Illustrated (the world's best wargaming magazine) with the lofty title of U.S. Editor. I get to co-ordinate articles and photos with U.S. contributors, visit wargaming conventions in the role of roving reporter, layout six or so articles each issue, and play an active role in the content planning for future issues. It really helps that I work with some great guys in the U.K. (and around the world).
I have some great friends (that I had at this time last year too). This blog and "social networking" activities have helped me stay in touch with them as well as reconnecting with many more. Huzzah for the internet!
And best of all my family has grown. Emily has been loads of fun! Watching her grow up has been a real treat. Although it has really eaten into my hobby time, I wouldn't have it any other way. Even now she's practicing pulling up on the couch and chewing on the edges : )
And my blog has grown quite rapidly (the Happy Birthday bit was for this blog, one year old today). I must thank you all for your support. It's great to know that folks enjoy the stuff I do. 75 posts in 2009 (just under 1.5 per week) was a pretty good pace, and 437 followers for the year is great too. I have a fun competition planned for when the blog hits 500 followers, so make sure you point it out to your friends ; )
Anyway, on to the toy soldiers! Last year I finished of a couple of commissions, including this trio of Pre-Heresy Emperor's Children Space Marines. A Chapter Standard flanked by Chief Apothecary Fabius Bile on the left and Captain Lucius on the right.
I realized I hadn't posted a close-up pic of the Standard Bearer, so here he is.
And although my original projection of five hobby days over my break has dwindled to around three, I did manage to get my Chaos Hellblade into it's cleansing bath. With only 12 pieces to it, it should be pretty simple to get it assembled, as soon as I straighten out a bend in the right wing.
Something else the keen-eyed among you will notice is that the Locust vector-fighter that Thomas and I are working on is a a bit bigger than the Hellblade. Mmmmm...
More Rapid Assault updates next time.
Cheers
Dave
Happy birthday blog mate, and congrats on the new job.
ReplyDeleteMust admit, I've liked WI for quite a while and was a little worried when it was taken over by the FoW guys but it's got better. Can't wait to see what you bring to the mag as an editor instead of just a writer.
Hope you have a good new year, enjoy the time with your little one, once she's got the hang of pulling herself up, she'll be chewing on your models and not the sofa. I still have nightmares about when my little lad tried to ram raid my display cabinet.
Glad to have found your blog. I really enjoyed all of your contibutions to white dwarf, very inspirational stuff keep up the good work dave.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear everything is working well for you :) As usual, those Emperors Children are beautiful. Will you be doing any more on commission or is that it?
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to a fantastic (and one of my favourites) blog!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a great job too, wish I could have a similar job combining this hobby of ours with making a living! Office hours and client meetings can seriously drag by comparison!
Looking forward to future growth in 2010. Also, I feel I must thank you for including my own blog in your blog roll. You have sent serious traffic my way!
I second that thanks for the add, I've only just noticed. Cheers mate.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys,
ReplyDeleteI feel I must clear up something that may have been poorly worded by me (ironically enough) about my job. I've been doing it for quite a while, but wanted to mention it as a significant difference to my unemployed state last January. Thanks for the kind words about the mag though.
@ sovietspace - I have one more EC piece to do for this client, but will be doing plenty more commissions for others (hopefully at a slightly slower pace).
@ Dante - no worries mate, you know it's your work that's drawing the crowd. Congrats on the Panthers victory over the Giants last week too.
@ Col. Corbane - no worries. I must admit, however, that I've been terribly lax about adding it. Should've gone on there sooner!
Cheers
Dave
Lol, cheers mate! Didn't want to rub in the Panthers game since you were very good about the last few!
ReplyDeleteThat's alright, you can't win them all.
ReplyDeleteStrangely enough I'm at a loss to put my finger on why the Giants have sucked so badly. A few years ago it was the deep chasm between the stars of the team and the coach, but they got that sorted out in 07. This year was weird and it'll no doubt be a stranger off season.
At least no I can get really drunk during the playoff games ; )
Cheers
Dave
Happy birthday, blog!
ReplyDeleteThe secondary was terrible much of the season because of injuries. Losing guys like Pierce and Webster and Ross killed any kind of cohesion amongst the defensive unit, leaving the guys who stepped in getting beat all over the field.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased with the way Matt Moore has stepped in at QB for us. Next season should be good if he can continue what he's started with his run this season!