ADHD & Creative Blocks | How to START Something

In TRUE ADHD form, Let’s start with number 2 in my list of Powers, Setbacks and Workarounds:* Start your project in any tiny way you canAs I work on my next leather jacket project (Hammer’s Horror of Dracula!) I’m thinking about ADHD symptoms and how I’ve gone so long undiagnosed, struggled with the same problems, shortcomings and self-criticism. I’ve made some strides and cutting myself some slack on issues that had me hung up in procrastination and distraction, often to the point of self-sabotage.Here is a minute or so on just getting started. Maybe cleaning off your desk and setting out supples sounds dumb, even condescending. But it really does beat spending a week laying on the bed disassociating over solitaire. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cheapchills.substack.comI’m trying a new technique to quickly animate things by using screen capture and a new feature in Adobe Fresco. It’s a way to add some quick motion when you don’t have all day.Let me know what you think.*If this looks at all complicated its because I insisted on having an animated background and separate head for my character.

Apologies for the long gap between episodes. I’ve been chipping away at a few of my favorite kind of projects; the ones that don’t pay. So this podcast has had to take a back seat. It may come back at some point or may not. Follow me on Instagram at Cheapchillsfanclub and do me a kindness? Check out my Twitch channel, Cheapchills to see what’s next.This episode is really a break from a break because I have a special guest with a new book coming out.Mattie Lubchansky is an Ignatz award-winning graphic novelist. Their new book Simplicity comes out July 29. It’s a vibrant new graphic novel about a timid academic sent out from the walled dystopian security territory of New York City to investigate a cult in the wilds of the Catskill Mountains.Mattie and I talk about telling stories as an indie comic creator, political cartoons, podcasting about local government (corruption) and so, so much more!We did forget to talk about monsters though so at the halfway point I’ll tell you about a movie I just saw that really hit different; the 2017 Japanese stop-motion film, Junkhead.Get SimplicityMore at mattielubchansky.comWatch Junkhead free on Tubi, Kanopi, and Hoopla This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

For this episode I’m joined by Anders Nilsen, the artist and author of ten books including Big Questions, The End, Poetry is Useless and Tongues. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Poetry Magazine, Kramer's Ergot, Pitchfork, The New Yorker and elsewhere.On Art: We get into everything from pre-visualizing comic page layout to how Tin-Tin comics feel like plays. On Monsters:The two of entered into a challenge. To watch that movie that we’ve been avoiding our whole lives and compare our thoughts and feelings. For Anders, it was John Carpenter’s 1982 film The Thing which he had seen around age 13 and not since. For me it was The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. We also get into Repo Man, Harold and Maude and a whole lot of Terry Gilliam talk (Brazil, Time Bandits, Fisher King).More from Anders- andersbrekhusnilsen.comBen’s portfolio - benwalkerstorey.comBelow are some affiliate links. You can help support the show by clicking through at no extra expense to you. Thanks!Get The Thing on DVD/Blu-ray The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on DVD/Blu-ray The Fisher King on DVD/Blu-ray Brazil on DVD/Blu-ray Time Bandits on DVD/Blu-ray This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

Welcome back to Cheap Chills: On Art & Monsters. This week I’m joined by cartoonist Drew Rausch, co-creator of the comic, Sullen Grey as well as Eldritch!We talk about evolving art styles, David Lynch‘s influence on creators and all the time we spent watching gratuitous nudity on HBO even with our parents!Plus, what’s more terrifying or having a child who will cross the street in a busy intersection one day? We get into the weeds on what is “scary” in movies and real life.Find Drew:https://drewrausch.comhttps://www.instagram.com/drewrauschhttps://bsky.app/profile/drewrausch.bsky.socialAnd check out MEGA BIG TIME, my vintage pop culture collaboration with my wife Amanda of IrreverentFinery, We’re @megabigtime on Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

This week’s episode is a rerelease of my chat with Josh Herbolsheimer. You may know him from all the work he’s done with the epic toy company, Super 7 or from his appearances on The Toys that Made Us. He’s also a dad, husband, artist, monster and tokusatsu lover, and he’s an old friend from our Art School days. So there’s lots to talk about and it’s worth a revisit!Josh on Instagram: @jjoshuajhCheap Chills is now on Patreon!Check out the perks of supporting Cheap Chills on Patreon (aside from keeping us commercial free!)Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

In this episode of Cheap Chills: On Art and Monsters, we sit down with artist and YouTuber BeeJayDel (AKA BeeJay DeLong) to talk about escaping the 9-to-5 and making money as an artist—without relying on employers or clients. Beejay shares why he dropped from studying graphic design early on, instead focusing on illustration and how he’s thriving despite the rise of AI-generated art. From selling physical products and custom digital brushes to growing his YouTube channel, he’s found ways to keep creative control while providing for his family.On the horror side, we dive into the movies that left a lasting impression on BeeJayDel—Tobe Hooper’s The Funhouse and the chaotic genius of Gremlins 2. From carnival creeps to corporate mutants, we break down what makes these films so memorable.Whether you’re an artist looking to make a living on your own terms or a horror fan who loves deep dives into cult classics, this episode has something for you!-Stay spoooooky!More on BeeJay DeLong:“BeeJay DeLong (BeeJayDeL for short) is an illustrator and graphic designer living in Northwest Ohio. He can also be found over on his YouTube channel, “Let’s Draw With BeeJayDeL,” where he makes tutorials for artists of all ages and skill levels!BeeJay’s style is known for its cartoon aesthetics, bold lines, and bright colors!”beejaydel.comyoutube.com/@BeeJayDeLCheap Chills is now on Patreon!Check out the perks of supporting Cheap Chills on Patreon (aside from keeping us commercial free!) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

This second half of my chat with Kepi has us talking about (of course) monsters and how their underlying metaphors work so perfectly for songs about misfit, teenage angst. We also talk about love, chemistry, break-ups, the synchronicity and other mysteries of the Universe. And what about Bob Wilkins (of KTVU Creature Features) and his alter ego as Captain Cosmic? The universe truly is a strange and wondrous place. Kepi on InstagramKepi's PatreonKepi on FBCheap Chills is now on Patreon!By joining you will get access to Cheap Chills watch parties! Once a month I’m hand-picking a movie and watching it along with y’all. There’s a chat feature on the side and maybe even video from me and special guests. Asteriks, I’m still working out the kinks on that stuff.Our first watch will be March First, its Psychomania A.K.A the Death Wheelers.You’ll also get some behind the scenes looks at my art-makin’ step-by-steps of my process and even extra podcast audio tidbits.So Join the Cheap Chills Fan Club over on Patreon and let’s keep this thing going!or just Buy me a Coffee!! (if you would be so kind...)buymeacoffee.com/cheapchillsThank you and StaAaAay Spooooky!-Ben This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

Hello! This week's guest is my friend, pop-punk Legend and artist, Kepi Ghoulie!Kepi founded Groovie Ghoulies in 1983 and has gone on to tour around the world with the band and solo. Kepi has run with too many punk bands to mention. They opened a bunch of times for The Cramps and there ARE stories. Kepi's still recording solo and touring, so catch him at the next show in your town!Kepi took up painting in the 2000s and we talk about why he started focusing on selling Art at his shows over CDs.We also talk about learning to show up and do YOUR best as an artist regardless of how many are watching. And how important it is to express yourself regardless of your skill level.Plus Kepi has some tips on how to get your Tom Petty records for cheap! Kepi on InstagramKepi's PatreonKepi on FB....................Cheap Chills is now on Patreon! By joining you will get access to Cheap Chills watch parties! Once a month I’m hand-picking a movie and watching it along with y’all. There’s a chat feature on the side and maybe even video from me and special guests. Asteriks, I’m still working out the kinks on that stuff.Our first watch will be March First, its Psychomania A.K.A the Death Wheelers.You’ll also get some behind the scenes looks at my art-makin’ step-by-steps of my process and even extra podcast audio tidbits. So Join the Cheap Chills Fan Club over on Patreon and let’s keep this thing going!or just Buy me a Coffee!! (if you would be so kind...)buymeacoffee.com/cheapchillsThank ya!-Ben This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

Welcome back! This week’s episode is a shorty, first about having “too many” creative pursuits and how they really can all come together in unpredictable ways.Then we take a minute or 10 to go through my “Continue Watching” list (mostly) on Tubi and I’ll tell you some quick thoughts on why I will or won’t be finishing these movies and shows. Not to spoil everything but it’s:Ninja Terminator —> https://tubitv.com/movies/592879/ninja-terminatorSpace 1999 —> https://tubitv.com/series/3253/space-1999The Bat-Woman (1968) —> https://tubitv.com/movies/100029264/the-batwomanThe Great Yokai War —> https://tubitv.com/movies/100014758/the-great-yokai-warThe Bat People (1974) —> https://tubitv.com/movies/100011938/the-bat-peopleFrogs (1972) —> https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/fr This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com