I think I’ve rebranded my own site and logo at least a dozen times this year. But what artist isn’t? It baffles me that the blogs and designers I follow can keep the same consistent brand for years. But maybe it makes them a talented designer that they can create a timeless identity. How can you compartmentalize yourself into a single image? And when you’re a growing young artist, how can you know that the image that is supposed to identify you for years to come… will?

I have major identity issues. And not just as an artist. Yes, I can’t stick to one consistent illustration style. I want to make comics, do editorial illustration, while dabbling in comedy and writing. But I’m also an Asian-American. Naturally I don’t know if I identify as more Asian or more American. Some weeks I feel like I’m a comedian, doing open mics and unable to stop writing jokes on the subway. And other weeks, I stay in with my natural-light lamp late into the night making art  and comics.

So who knows if this logo will keep? But its an icon I keep revisiting in the branding process. I’ve worn glasses since the 3rd grade when I’ve needed them since Kindergarten. It’s how I see myself. It’s without them, my friends don’t see me when walking by. Or they do faintly recognize me, and just don’t want to appear racist if it isn’t me. Do I look like just another Asian dude without them? I don’t know whether I will keep wearing them as I get older, but I can’t imagine living without them. My parents suggested I undergo lasik eye surgery (because with the rate my eyes are going, I could be blind by 30). But I didn’t want to be another hipster that wears glasses ‘for the look’. Really? Not doing elective surgery because I’d rather be more handicapped. To appear unpretentious? I sound like Larry David or something. As for the hair, I’m pretty sure it won’t undergo a dramatic change. But a young Larry David has said that too. God, I’m neurotic.

So who are you? Okay. Don’t worry if you don’t know yet. You know what you can be, though? A follower of my new companion tumblr at jeremywinslife.tumblr.com. Thanks, and much love as always!

One of the best things about The Black Keys is that Aziz Ansari always introduces the Black Eyed Peas. Then he says that the Black Eyed Peas cancelled and some band was able to fill in last minute.

Funny thing, I was about to illustrate the BEP. But I don’t like them, so here’s this image of The Black Keys instead!

It’s been one hell of a year, so as my Christmas gift to you, I’m making my comic ‘Bands You’ve Never Heard of’ available online to read for free!

Preview page from BYNHO

This is a comic that I’m very proud of. I remember writing it about a year ago, spending hours just coming up with the concept.  I’m not usually a sketch writer, I’m more of a stand-up joke writer. I watched a ton of Mr. Show with Bob and Dave, and Portlandia, to figure out what kind of sketch I wanted to write. Those two shows are just off the radar of mainstream consciousness that I was comfortable pulling a comedic tone from.

Mr. Show is incredibly brilliant in slowly revealing what the joke of the scene is. You might find yourself not laughing at the beginning, because the set-up is taking you to one giant laugh that you’ll smile for til the sketch finishes. And what I love about Portlandia is that Fred Armisen draws from a life he knows too well about. He knows hipster culture and brings out the characters that exist in real life, but haven’t been satirized. From organic farmers to harajuku girls, or fixed-gear cyclists with chin beards, Fred and Carrie find the parts of my world that are so close to me that I overlook them. But I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for my next sketches.

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With a big move finally done with, and starting a new job well worn in, I’m making art again. And without a drafting table, I’ve explored some other avenues of illustration. Stranger than Fiction is my favorite movie, and it’s well-cast. It’s almost like a cartoon, how each character is given a distinct personality (and sometimes just one outfit). I’d like to work in Illustrator more, and on properties that most people aren’t cult-fans of.  But as much fun as I’m having here, I hope to get back into the groove of making comics again soon.

Yes! I like SPX a lot. I’m sharing a table this year with Mr. Nobody Loves Me himself, Pranas Naujokatis! Come check us out at table D3. My new comic Bands You’ve Never Heard Of will be debuting, so come pick yourself up a copy.