Author: John Fleskes

Realizing I had not updated my company profile for a while, I took a few minutes to write up a much needed revision. I feel the following description better reflects my mission statement, feelings about where the company is today, and my goals for the future.

About Flesk Publications

This year marks Flesk Publications’ tenth anniversary of promoting the arts through quality collections. “The company was founded as a direct result of my desire to publish the art books I wanted to buy myself,” states publisher John Fleskes. Flesk Publications pride’s itself on being different. A creative approach is pursued by exploring the aesthetics of each artist in order to design a package that serves as an extension of him or herself. The result is a unique and individual collection produced with passion. Flesk produces a full line of art books featuring the best of comics and graphic novels, fantasy, illustration, pinup and fine arts. “Animation and fine art are two areas I take great interest in expanding into,” shares Fleskes. “Our new Bruce Timm, Craig Elliott and Warren Chang collections are a testament to this goal.”

“One thing that separates us from other publishers is our absolute commitment to the quality of our books and the relationships formed with the artists we showcase,” continues Fleskes. “It’s not just about the books, but also about the positive future of the artists and making sure they are represented well and that their trust, in allowing us to collect their work, is not abused.” Fleskes shares a passion for the arts and feels a responsibility in making sure he represents his artists with the best books possible while also raising the art form. “We hope to educate the public to expect a higher standard from publishers,” continues Fleskes. “We take our work very seriously yet enjoy the process. Whether it’s a 16-page chapbook or a 300-page oversized art book, we give each collection our full attention to meet our standards first. I have a self-drive that makes this approach a natural part of what Flesk Publications is all about. It isn’t a policy, it’s who we are.”

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text © 2012 John Fleskes

Links:
Flesk Publications Company Profile

Our new title, Warren Chang: Narrative Paintings has arrived ahead of schedule. I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with Warren at his studio where he signed and numbered 50 copies of the book. These special copies are available to all who have pre-ordered the book and while supplies last. I expect us to go through them quickly. If you have already placed your order, you can expect your copy shipped by this Friday.

It’s always a great feeling when a new book arrives. Here, Warren and I enjoy the moment as we crack open the first cases of books.

I’ll have the back story about how this book came to be, a video tour of the book and a Warren Chang interview posted in the coming weeks.

Enjoy,

Enjoy,
John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text © 2012 John Fleskes
Photos and art © 2012 Warren Chang

Links:
Warren Chang: Narrative Paintings book details and ordering information
Warren Chang website

Craig Elliott put together a video preview of his new book The Art of Craig Elliott. The narration and flip through tour is by Craig. This will give you a great feel for the book as well as some extra details about the art pieces direct from the artist!

You can visit The Art of Craig Elliott book information page on our website for a larger screening. You can also visit the Craig Elliott Gallery channel on YouTube and his website for more videos by Craig.

Enjoy,
John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text © 2012 John Fleskes
Video and art © 2012 Craig Elliott

We’ve almost shipped out all of The Art of Craig Elliott book pre-orders. We should be caught up within the next two days. As a reminder, we have signed copies that come with an exclusive signed bookplate. The bookplate has an original sketch on the back. And it comes with your order at no extra charge. It’s a great deal and a special thank you for ordering direct through Flesk.

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text and photos © 2012 John Fleskes

Link:
The Art of Craig Elliott book details and ordering information

If you were wondering what we’ve been up to over the holidays and New Year, here is the answer; Processing orders and packing books has been a full time job around here. And believe me when I say that none of us is complaining about it.

This six foot tall wall of 120 packages containing the new Bruce Timm book was built over the course of a day and a half. Before they were shipped I couldn’t help but get a picture next to them. Making books is a blast and shipping them off is just as much fun, especially knowing that they will arrive into the hands of their owners shortly.

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text and photos © 2012 John Fleskes

Link:
Flesk online store

Let me start the year off by expressing my most sincere thanks to everyone who has supported Flesk Publications. For every book purchased, for each recommendation to a friend or store, for all individuals who have written a book review or mentioned us on a blog or social media site; all of these combined methods of assistance has gone a long way to helping us continue with our passion of making art books that reflect the spirit of each artist we publish. You have my gratitude and heartfelt appreciation.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Flesk Publications. It was in April 2002 that I received my first book, Franklin Booth: Painter with a Pen, from the printer. In mid-2001 I had the urge to make a book on an artist whose work I loved and set out to do it. At that time I had no thoughts of establishing a business, approaching other artists and turning my passion into a livelihood. I was solely committed to the one book. Holding the Franklin Booth book in my hands for the first time was like being injected with printer ink. From that moment on publishing was in my blood.

I think ten years of publishing is worth celebrating. I would like to do this by making some fun and exciting goodies (some will be free and others very exclusive) throughout the year to say thanks to all of our supporters. Be on the lookout for these items at shows and online.

At the moment we are processing all of our orders and pre-orders for the new Bruce Timm, Craig Elliott and Warren Chang books. The Bruce Timm deluxe is flying out the door. We’re down to 200 out of the 1000 copies. I think it is safe to say that this edition will sell out.

The event I am most looking forward to this year is the inaugural Spectrum Fantastic Art Live in Kansas City, Missouri running from May 18-20. I have reserved four booths for the show and will have William Stout, Gary Gianni, Mark Schultz and Petar Meseldzija with me. Craig Elliott will have his own booth, too. I’m delighted to have all of us together again. (Our first trip together was for the Strip Festival in The Netherlands last September.)

I am currently working on the keepsake art book that will celebrate the five guests at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live. Brom, Mike Mignola, Iain McCaig, Phil Hale and Andrew Jones will each have a gallery showcasing their amazing works. I consider each to be an icon. I am embracing the challenge, pressure and high expectations of my working with these five superb individuals to make something fresh that I hope will properly pay tribute to each and to the show.

There are plenty of new books in the works. I’ve been talking to a few artists about collections of their work. Some may seem like a natural fit with other artists I’ve published, while others might surprise you. If anything, I don’t want to follow any set of rules or conventions. As I enter 2012 I am energetic and eager to continue publishing.

To wrap this up I would like share how thankful I am for the opportunity to publish the works of the following outstanding gentlemen, and for the friendships that have been created as a result. To James Bama, Warren Chang, Terry Dodson, Craig Elliott, Gary Gianni, Petar Meseldzija, Steve Rude, Mark Schultz, Jim Silke and Mr. Bruce Timm. I would also like to recognize the great and sorely missed Al Williamson, and my thanks to his wife Cori who has allowed us to continue with future publications featuring his legacy.

Happy New Year!

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text © 2011 John Fleskes

Link:
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live

Flesk Exclusive Bookplate Sample (unsigned).

The Art of Craig Elliott has arrived! We are packing all of the pre-orders and will begin shipping the books on January 3 (after the New Year holiday). As I mentioned in a previous blog, Craig Elliott has generously offered to sign an exclusive 4 x 6 inch bookplate. He is drawing an original pencil head sketch of a lovely woman on the reverse side. Each drawing will be unique. Sorry, no requests please. All copies of Craig’s book ordered direct from Flesk Publications will come with one of these special bookplates at no charge. We will continue this special arrangement with Craig as long as he is willing. It won’t last forever. Now is the time to take advantage of this gift!

Also, Craig was in the area a few days ago and signed a few cases of books for us. The books will also come signed in the actual book while supplies last.

Reverse side of bookplate with original pencil sketch by Craig Elliott.

Front side of bookplate signed by Craig Elliott.

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text © 2011 John Fleskes

The upcoming Flesk books Naughty and Nice: The Good Girl Art of Bruce Timm and The Art of Craig Elliott are getting closer to arriving in our hands and at the stores. The shipper has let us know the books will be arriving with us on December 29, and with Diamond Comic Distributors by January 10. All of our pre-orders will start shipping immediately. I estimate we will have them all out the door by the end of the first week of January. The books should appear in the book trade and comic stores in mid-January.

While we are waiting for them to arrive, Craig Elliott and I have been discussing ideas about how we can make his book even more special. Besides the three covers to choose from, you will receive an exclusive bookplate when ordering direct from Flesk. Craig has offered to sign and provide a quick sketch on 4 x 6 inch bonus bookplates. This plate will have a design printed on the front with a space left for his signature. Then the backside will have a head sketch in pencil. Sorry, but no requests. You will receive this special bonus gift at no extra charge. This is a way of saying thank you for buying direct from Flesk.

Craig and I have also been discussing an exclusive 100 copy ultra-deluxe edition. These will come with a slipcase. Just wait until you see what we’ve come up with! The slipcase will be non-standard and very unique. And even more exciting is that the book will come with an 8.5 x 11 inch tip-in of a giclee print of a pencil drawing on archival 100% cotton watercolor paper that has been hand painted in watercolors by Craig. No two will be alike. These 100 copies will have a personal touch that will be beautiful in every regard. The pricing will be announced in the next few weeks. Be sure to email Flesk Publications at info@fleskpublications.com if you would like to be placed on the waiting list.

Craig’s first sample. The pencil sketch is printed on archival 100% cotton watercolor paper and then the watercolor is painted on by Craig.

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text © 2011 John Fleskes. Artwork © 2011 Craig Elliott

Links:
The Art of Craig Elliott book details
Order The Art of Craig Elliott
Craig Elliott Gallery official Craig Elliott website