Shipping & COVID Update
over 2 years ago – Mon, Sep 13, 2021 at 10:10:07 AM

GOURMANDO FINANCES

To date we lost over $30,000 out of pocket on our Gourmando campaign with COVID rate increases, delays, and inflated shipping costs.  This does not include the cost of getting the books shipped out which will be an additional $5,000.  Budget increases are a risk with any Kickstarter and we took and accepted that risk.  We are one of many campaigns who got caught with the COVID port problems and Hong Kong shipping fiascos.  

HOW CAN I HELP

I've had a number of backers emailing asking how they can help.  The best way to help right now is to back the How to Draw the Animated Nexus and spread the word!  We have 8 days left and are currently 35% funded.  SteveRude.com/DrawNexus

I think I touched on this before, but we are running the campaign to raise funds to help Steve continue to work on Nexus, and also to pay for the last bit of shipping to get your books out to you.

HOW TO DRAW THE ANIMATED NEXUS PROJECT

The $20,000 needed for the project ensures all the past projects will ship quickly, we can do a print run of 1,000 How to Draw the Animated Nexus from a LOCAL printer, AND we can ship out all the past projects while paying our designers and shipping assistants for their work.  Note that this does not include any profit for Steve.  $20,000 is our break even.

SHIPPING GOURMANDO

Regardless of the outcome of the Animated Nexus project, your items WILL ship.  We have all the boxes and packing supplies here to get them wrapped up and shipped out in small batches as we are able to afford to do so.

COVID UPDATE

Steve was set to do several livestreams to promote the Animated Nexus project, however, his COVID took a turn for the worse and he's been in bed with a fever.  He's back to working a few hours a day, but until he's fever free for 24 hours we can't allow helpers back into the house.  

I had an allergic reaction to Benzonatate (almost literally every last side effect) and am slowly recovering, but working through it and some of you should have received shipping notifications already.  I am currently working on the next batch of 30 orders.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT

I am hopeful that this explains what is going on behind the scenes.  If you have further questions please feel free to ask.

Shipping Update
over 2 years ago – Sat, Sep 04, 2021 at 08:23:52 PM

STARTING TO SHIP

Since the last update I've been in the ER twice and sent all my helpers home until everyone in the house tests negative for COVID.  Steve and Brandon are still testing positive, but Steve is feeling better and has been doing short livestreams (See below for links)!  Brandon also feels better, but keeps testing positive.  I'm sure you'll be thrilled to note that to prevent delays I have been starting to ship out books on my own despite headaches, nausea and taking meds that are making me exhausted.

You will receive shipping notification as your order ships.  Once we are clear of COVID we will have Mike Baron in house for those of you who have the Deluxe books signed by Steve and Baron.  I will also be able to have my helpers back in house to expedite shipping..

ADDRESS UPDATES

Addresses are being locked.  If you have moved please email us at [email protected] and I can double check your shipping address.

THE COMING OF GOURMANDO

This book has to be the most difficult, full of crazy delays and unexpected expenses that we've ever done.  $30,000 over budget (which we are NOT passing along - that came out of our savings).  

RETURN TO THUNEWORLD

Steve has been working on this for over a year and since earlier this year exclusively between commissions which he has been completing several a day.  

DRAW THE ANIMATED NEXUS - KICKSTARTER

This was scheduled to start as everything else shipped.  We decided to keep the launch as funds will arrive in October which keeps Steve working on Nexus,   We found a printer here in Phoenix for this book to minimize delays.  The book is completed (see the sample on the livestreams) and Steve is excited to present this expanded edition.   www.SteveRude.com/drawnexus

FREE SKETCH OFFER THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16th!

As an added bonus, Steve is giving away a few sketches!  Going along with the "How to Draw Nexus" theme, back the project, draw your favorite Nexus character and post on social media (#drawnexus) and once the project ends, Steve will pick his favorites for a free sketch!  

Rude Dude Production Updates
over 2 years ago – Mon, Aug 23, 2021 at 03:33:08 PM

THE GOOD NEWS...

All 4 books arrived to storage on Thursday so the 2021 sketchbook regular cover, alternative cover, the Gourmando Deluxe hardcover and the Limited Edition are all in house.

THE BAD NEWS...

I was out of the office August 12-19 for my brother's wedding and came home  really sick.  My assistant is also out with COVID.   While my case is mild, a raging headache is keeping me from getting too much done.

STEVE AND COMMISSIONS...

Steve is roaring through commissions and once my assistant is back in house she will start attaching commission requests to hardcover books.

If you would like a commission we can offer them until your order is processed.  With nearly 700 orders to process will get everything out as quickly as we can.

DRAW NEXUS KICKSTARTER

My illness has caused a delay with this.  We are still planning to launch, hopefully within the next 2 weeks.  While I would love to get all our books out the door prior to launching anything new, bills do not pay themselves, and funds will allow Steve to work on his next Nexus project, THUNEWORLD, 

PROJECT PRODUCTION AND SHIPPING UPDATES
over 2 years ago – Wed, Aug 11, 2021 at 08:30:49 AM

NEXUS: THE COMING OF GOURMANDO

I have a call into the shipper for an update (last week the vessel had not yet unloaded).  This is very typical right now, and extremely frustrating as we are excited to launch our next project, How to Draw the Animated Nexus.

2021 SKETCHBOOK

This is currently in production with an estimated delivery date of August 17th for the alternative White Queen cover and August 24th for the main Wonder Woman cover.  This production was extremely limited (less than half our normal print run) and we have less than 100 copies left before it will be sold out.  We do not plan to reprint.  It is filled with sketches, studies, and handwritten notes from Steve.  Available at www.SteveRude.com/2021skb

HOW TO DRAW THE ANIMATED NEXUS

This is a much revised version of our 2006, How to Draw Nexus, Tips and Techniques.  We've added color, taken out the fundraiser sketches in the back, and added about 20 new pages of drawing tips and techniques! 

Further Shipping Delay
over 2 years ago – Fri, Jul 30, 2021 at 06:01:12 PM

This just in from the shipper:

"Unfortunately we are experiencing further delays due to port  congestion,  the vessel has not docked yet. It is estimated the vessel will unload  towards the end of the week. We apologize for these delays but will do  all we can to expedite delivery once the shipment arrives."

Thank you again for your continued patience.  

We are still accepting orders for sketches inside the books.  Email us at [email protected] or see previous update for details.