I consider myself a very lucky creator that the most controversial topic among OP’s readership seems to be the length/existence of Marek’s beard. There are two very opinionated camps who are sad or delighted when it has appeared or disappeared. Myself, I am in neither camp.
The reason the characters’ hair lengths change is as arbitrary as physical changes on anyone you know. Sometimes Marek decides not to shave when he probably should. Then he gets sick of it one day and it’s gone. Much like the more fashionable leftovers in your fridge.
December 30th, 2008
I am now offering Octopus Pie books at wholesale prices to comic book shops. If you own, work at, or have a great deal of influence at a comic shop and would like to carry OP books, send me an e-mail and I’ll give you the very easy instructions for ordering. Read on if you’d like a little backstory on this decision.
Edit: Yes, it is very helpful if you’d like to e-mail me links to some of your favorite indie-friendly shops! Thanks to those who have already done so. 
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In the past couple of years I’ve grown quite fond of comic shops. Admittedly, there was a time in my young life - mostly during the unspeakable teen years - when these places made me claustrophobic and aggravated my shyest of tendencies. There was almost a porn-like shame attached to buying comics, particularly when I was the only girl to be found in such a place, and a childhood of wandering huge department stores had given me an awful fear of small shops (heaven forbid a cashier should notice me looking around).
Of course as I got older and traveled more, I realized just how many wonderful comic shops exist all over the place. Not only that, but I realized comics weren’t just read by kids and male collectors anymore, but by women of all ages and people of every interest group. I decided not only that these places were fantastic, but that maybe someday I could put my own work in them. Anyone who’s seen their book on a comic shop shelf knows what a pleasure and an honor it is.
Those who know comics are familiar with Diamond. For anyone else, they’re basically the only option for major comic book distribution. No other comic distributor has the massive reach of Diamond. I’ve considered using their services for a while now, and even sent out a submission package this past fall. But the longer I wait for a response, the more I wonder if it’s the right option for a small self-publisher. My numbers just aren’t high enough to make a profit from their services. I have a wonderful grassroots means of distribution right here on this site. And I’d certainly prefer to interact with shop owners myself, if I can help it.
So, in front of you all, I proclaim this as one of my many goals of 2009. Time to put OP in some comic shops!
December 10th, 2008
As 2008 draws to a close, we have quite a bit to reflect on. But fuck thaaat, all we care about is MUSIC! Somewhat spitefully, the girls have assembled some of their favorite tracks of the year. Without further ado:
-Hanna’s Diggety Dope Shit ‘08
-Eve’s Music About Feelings And Stuff ‘08
November 25th, 2008
As most of you know, Octopus Pie has only been my full-time business since April ‘08. In those short few months, I’ve upgraded my web host and my studio space twice. Things just keep on growing, and while this business is my favorite thing in the world to run, it’s starting to become too much for a single lady to manage. I’ve found that even small tasks, like e-mails and supply runs, will break my concentration when I’m trying to draw. And since the drawings are your reason for coming here, I’d like to focus on them as much as possible!
It’s difficult for me to delegate tasks to others, but I believe the time has come to find an intern.
I am looking for someone who is hard-working, reliable, knowledgeable with computers, and is near/can travel to Easthampton, Massachusetts. Those are the obvious qualifications, and certainly I could find someone like that locally. But I also want someone who is genuinely enthusiastic about webcomics and the business surrounding them, which is why I ask here. My ideal intern would be either an art student or a budding artist, who’d like a hands-on look at the business of webcomics and self-publishing.
This is not a paid internship, as much as I’d like to be able to afford that right now. I’m happy to do the necessary paperwork to give you college credit, and I will gladly buy my interns lunch and take them out for drinks once in a while. But if you need a salary to live, I’d like to be quite clear that I am not your gal.
If you’re interested in being an OctoPie intern in 2009, please drop me a line with a little bit of info about you, a copy of your resume, and a link to your portfolio/website (if any). Please also be sure to tell me when you’d be available - which months, days of the week, hours, etc. Looking forward to hearing from you!
