Hello, welcome to The JEFF Blog, written by yours truly, Jeffrey Kam! I’m a Canadian illustrator and cartoonist based in Markham, ON, right outside of Toronto. I graduated from Sheridan College in 2019 with a Bachelors of Illustration and have freelanced illustration since then, taking jobs from editorial, publishing and the music industry.
On social medias, I feel more careful about what I post since they’re my portfolio spaces. Writing a long thread about process work feels like it gets lost and posting a psychotic meme feels out of place. For a potential commissioner or AD, I always want to keep my social media feed clean for them to look through.
And so I gave birth 👶 to The JEFF Blog, a safe space where I can share a life update, a recent obsession and a meme or two in a light-hearted fashion.
I plan to make blogs bimonthly (twice a month). Published on the first Wednesday of each month will be “Cloud Thoughts”, where I’ll share some general updates, interests and a meme or two. Published on the third Wednesday of each month will be “The Idea Thing”, which will dive into my process for previous projects and pieces, including sketches, time lapses and thought processes.
Cloud Thoughts will always be free to read. The first few blogs of The Idea Thing will be free, but will eventually be for paid subscribers only. I want to work on the format a little and I think a few free posts for The Idea Thing will give readers a good idea of what they’re opting into. Also, maybe writing two blogs per month will be too much for me? Writing these, drawing shit, promoting on multiple platforms, it feels like a lot but I will try it out.
At the moment, THERE ARE NO BENEFITS TO PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS. Only pay to subscribe if you really REALLY like me.
Enough with the specifics. Here’s some quick updates and recent obsessions:
I have made an art. Recently, I’ve been exploring my older sketchbooks and been having fun revisiting some ideas and drawings. I have a bunch of forgotten sketches from my sketchbook and other illustration jobs that are nice to fall back on when I’m looking for something interesting to build off of. Please use your eyeballs to observe it.
I’m going to Japan! It’ll be my first time in Japan and a long time since I’ve travelled (last time was a Vancouver trip in 2018). Mostly hovering around Tokyo and Kinugawa, any suggestions are welcome. Have I mentioned I’m allergic to peanuts, nuts and (here’s the home run) seafood? I’ll be keeping my Benadryl close.
Any fans of Freebird Games? They’re a small group of devs based in Toronto responsible for To the Moon, Finding Paradise, and Imposter Factory (all priced around $13 CAD), some of my favourite, sappy stories. They’re having an art exhibit in a Markham Library, something I’ll definitely check out when I’m back. Check it out if you’re in the area as well, or play one of their games if you need a good cry.
DEATH IN THE MOUTH: Original Horror from the Margins Volume 2 is now LIVE and funding on Kickstarter! DITM2 is an illustrated horror anthology showcasing 40 BIPOC and ethnically marginalized writers and artists from around the world. I had a lot of fun drawing the cover illustration for this volume. Support the project! We all need a little more horror in our lives…
I have enough manga opinions to warrant it’s own full-spoiler section in the blog, but it’s also embarrassing to be a weeb and a sucker for Shonen. A mix of weekly and monthly releases, current ones I’m up-to-date and reading are:
My Hero Academia (mid-bad, a little boring)
One Piece (alright)
Jujutsu Kaisen (current fav, current arc is good)
Chainsaw Man (current 2nd fav)
Blue Lock (alright)
Kaiju No. 8 (mid, a little boring)
World Trigger (current 3rd fav)
Kakegurui (alright)
Berserk (very good but slow)
What have I been listening to recently? I’m usually an indie pop/rock/RnB/MCR’s Black Parade kind of person but nowadays, I’ve been enjoying Bleach’s Hueco Mundo Arc OST (1, 2, 3, etc.). I have my gripes about Bleach, but there’s something about the fun Spanish, guitar with some nostalgia that makes for a good vibe.
And here’s the funny video of the month. Also a chance to mention Northernlion, he’s funny AF and good at adulthood ranting. His morning streams are my background noise as I work and do chores. He’s not the most high-octane gamer but he’s Canadian and we love seeing great people from the maple leaf motherland.
I’m sorry, one more epic meme. I just couldn’t not put in GLIZZY OVERDRIVE while the NPC tiktok meme is in full stride. The NPC tiktok meta is an interesting one. Watching it, I half-cringe but also give half-admiration at the consistency and acting of some of these tiktokers. Gang gang, ice cream so good.
Thanks for reading, I appreciate any and all readers interested in this! Things are subject to change as I find my footing in this Substack world. Next post will be mid-September for the first The Idea Thing, stick around for more of The JEFF Blog!
So excited for this launch Jeffrey! I love how you've decided to structure this space and can't wait to follow along. Also what a trove of recommendations 😍
I am so excited for your blog! And also lowkey I'd love to hear your Bleach thoughts!