A grim illustration for a grim topic: the drug epidemic of so-called bath salts, which are legally sold in head shops as a bath product but in reality are ingested by drug addicts for a particularly lethal kind of high. While the addicts aren’t likely to be taking baths while high on the drug, it seemed the appropriate visual metaphor for representing the damage it does. Thanks to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski for the job.

It never once occurred to me that said author would not only read it, but then twitter about it. And suddenly, as if by magic, my blog hit counter stats have shot through the roof. Because apparently that’s what happens when an author with over 150,000 Twitter followers mentions your blog.

So. How ’bout them apples. Greetings to any Neil fans who may have liked the post enough to stick around for more. I’ll try to make it worth your while. And thanks to those who commented on the post in question—I was moved and flattered by all of them!

And now a question: for those of you who are faithful readers, what’s the stuff you like the best? The ridiculously long and in-depth process stories? Or the quick-hit sketch posts? I’m basically trying to write the kind of blog that I myself would want to read, but I’m open for feedback. If you’ve got a preference, let me know in the comments section.

Big ups to Johnny over at Drawn! (one of my favorite websites for finding out about cool new artists), for featuring me a few days ago. I found out about it right as I was leaving on vacation, so I’ve only just now been able to get on the internet and check my blog and website stats. There was a HUGE increase in hits, so I appreciate the Drawn! love and hope some of you new visitors will continue to come by every now and then.

Blogging has been a bit sporadic lately due to little Miss Natalie the Great, as we like to call her. But I’m back in the studio now and working on some fun projects, so more art is coming soon.