Carlos Velez Podcast Debut: Artistic Journey to Pro Comic Covers in One Year!

Carlos Velez makes his world-exclusive podcast debut on Nerdy Mewzings! In just over a year of going full-time, this rising comic artist has already landed IDW covers (Power Rangers/Ninja Turtles), built a strong Whatnot streaming presence, and earned praise from pros while developing his dynamic style. Key highlights: -Early beginnings: Music (drums in church & jazz studies) → art as creative escape Transition to full-time: Leaving retail/car dealership, streaming on Whatnot, commissions & sketch covers -Artistic influences: Kael Ngu, Jason Fabok, Dan Mora, Ryan Benjamin, Greg Capullo, and studying pros via Proko/YouTube -Rapid growth: First published cover work, learning composition, speed vs. quality, avoiding burnout -Current workflow: Heavy digital focus, sketch covers, streaming with friends (Marvel Inc, Laced Canvas, etc.) -Mindset: Trial & error with schedules, finding your own rhythm, staying humble while pushing limits -Future goals: More cover work (especially Batman/Absolute Batman), sequential storytelling, and growing as an inker Carlos is a prime example of consistent daily reps paying off fast — perfect motivation for any aspiring artist! Follow Carlos Velez: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cmv_art_99 (main hub for sketch covers, process, streams) Whatnot - Search CMV Art 99 (live drawing & auctions) Website / Prints & Commissions - https://cmvart.bigcartel.com/ If you love sketch covers, rising comic artists, or creator hustle stories — Leave a 5 STAR review, share with a friend, and Keep It Nerdy! Join Nerdy Mewzings' Patreon and get weekly episodes 24-48 hours early, access exclusive content, submit questions for upcoming guests, and more! https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & World-Exclusive First Podcast Appearance 1:30 - Music Background to Art as Creative Escape 4:00 - College Struggles, Nerve Issues & Switching Paths 7:00 - Retail Grind & Art as Nighttime Sanctuary 10:00 - First Spark: Conversation with John Giang at Terrificon 13:00 - Going Full-Time After 1 Year & Whatnot Streaming 16:00 - Learning Speed vs. Quality & Avoiding Burnout 19:00 - Artistic Influences: Kael Ngu, Jason Fabok, Dan Mora & More 23:00 - First Published Work: IDW Power Rangers/Ninja Turtles Covers 27:00 - Collaborative Covers & Composition Challenges 31:00 - Current Workflow: Digital Focus, Sketch Covers & Streaming Friends 35:00 - Balancing Commissions, Covers & Future Sequential Goals 39:00 - Mindset: Staying Humble, Reps & Finding Your Rhythm 43:00 - Where to Follow Carlos Velez + Outro 46:00 - Support Nerdy Mewzings & Keep It Nerdy