BD Mead

A week of bad news. I found out that I lost two mural jobs and the school I teach at caught fire. Need a win soon.

“Me and the B-Boys” My contribution to the “Chillin Like A Villain” Pop Up show co-sponsored by @challengerscomicsconversation and @theseventhcornergallery. Show opens up at 6pm at 1845 N Western Ave on May 3, right after #freecomicbookday

Chicago artists! I have a drawing that I’d like to print out at 9x12 (maybe a short run of 25).

I don’t trust Kinkos. Are there any quality/quick print shops you’d recommend? Preferably on the NW side.

The still image. 🐊🌊

I made this illustration as a mural proposal for a Chicago EL underpass. I love drawing alligators and there was no theme on the mural proposal so I seized the opportunity. I asked my kids for some input. Hopefully I can put this up on a wall along the blue line this summer and share with you all.

A question for freelance artists, do you operate as a sole proprietorship or have you set up an LLC? I’ve been taking on larger jobs and public installations recently and have had to get insurance for these jobs. My agent recommended that I turn myself into an LLC to protect myself. Thoughts?

If you like free comics and great art, mark your calendar for May 3rd. I will be contributing an artwork to the group show hosted by Challengers Comics and sponsored by The Seventh Corner Gallery. Stop by for a great time!

Good suggestion. A little fresh air will make me feel alive.

I’ve got a 10yo and 6yo. I think I’ve worked out 4 times in the past 5 years. Focus on your mental health and stretch every morning. That’s all I can say.

Feeling a little burnt out today…

Where life is, hope is.

Wrapped up a portrait commission of Roberto Clemente this morning. There is almost nothing as satisfying as peeling that frog tape off a board after spend hours on a painting. Love that clean white trim. #art #painting #baseball

A few in drawings of knights (using office supplies) that I did in my sketchbook this week.

No longer wearing an Apple Watch has improved my life quality

Thank you so much!

It was my job to collaborate with researchers to depict the key insights and components of their action plan. Here are the illustrations that encapsulate their research.

New project reveal! Last summer I worked with the Illinois Department of Human Services and the University of Illinois Chicago on a report on a Mental Health Response to Firearm Violence Plan.

Which turned into this.
Don't be a monster aimlessly wondering the city, take the train!

FEMA firings are set to increase tonight, even after Trump approved FEMA funding for Kentucky. He calls FEMA worthless but then utilizes it?

What? That’s a bold claim…

But my wife is from St Charles, and she does love pickles. 🥒

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 13, 2025 CONTACT Gillian Branstetter, gbranstetter@aclu.org Tom Warnke, twarnke@lambdalegal.org BALTIMORE – In a victory for transgender youth, their families, and their medical providers, a federal district court today issued a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of a Trump administration executive order attempting to shut down access nationwide to gender-affirming medical care for transgender people under 19. The decision by Judge Brendan Hurson was issued from the bench with a written order to come soon. The nationwide restraining order prohibits federal agencies from conditioning or withholding federal funding based on the fact that a healthcare entity or health professional provides gender-affirming medical care to a patient under nineteen. “Good and decent parents of transgender kids should never be in the frightening position of having their child’s prescribed, medically necessary care canceled at the whim and threat of a politician. But that’s exactly what President Trump’s executive order did to PFLAG families with trans youth and young adults nationwide,” said Brian K. Bond (he/him), Chief Executive Officer of PFLAG National. “Today’s decision rights a grievous wrong to our nation's families and children, and PFLAG families will be vigilant to ensure our transgender loved ones receive the healthcare they need—as this legal ruling demands.” “Forcing providers to withhold medically-necessary, evidence-based care not only threatens patient health and well-being, but also undermines the integrity of our healthcare system in its entirety,” said Alex Sheldon (they/them), GLMA executive director. “Today's intervention by the court underscores the cruelty and recklessness that is embedded in this order and affirms our commitment to resist the administration’s extremist agenda that targets trans and non-binary young people and privileges political ideology over medical expertise. We are hopeful that…

In the first week after the order was signed, some hospitals across the country — in Massachusetts, Maryland, Washington, Colorado, and Virginia at least — abruptly halted medical care for transgender people under age 19, canceling appointments and turning away patients, including some who had been receiving this care for most of their life. This prompted protests of support for transgender youth and in opposition to the order nationwide. On Feb. 4, a lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal, the ACLU of Maryland, and law firms Jenner & Block and Hogan Lovells on behalf of transgender young adults and adolescents and their families whose health care has been disrupted by President Trump’s order. Also joining the case as plaintiffs are PFLAG National, the nation’s largest organization supporting LGBTQ+ people and their families, with over 550,000 members and supporters and nearly 350 chapters across the country; and GLMA, the country’s largest organization of LGBTQ and allied health professionals. "Across the country, this unlawful order from the president has sown fear among transgender youth and confusion among their providers,” said Joshua Block, senior staff attorney for the ACLU’s LGBTQ & HIV Project. “But today’s decision should restore both their access to healthcare and protections under the Constitution. Providers who’ve suspended healthcare for their transgender patients should be left with no doubt that they can lift those suspensions and continue to provide healthcare and act in their best medical judgment without risking their funding or worse. “The president’s orders sought to take away from transgender young people the very care that they, their families, and their medical providers all agree is best for them – medical care that is evidence-based and well-established. But these decisions are for patients, their families, and their doctors to make, not for politicians or Washington bureaucrats,” said Omar Gonzale…

Incredible news!

The Trump administration's under 19 trans care ban has been BLOCKED in federal court via a bench temporary restraining order.

The administration CANNOT withhold funds from hospitals providing trans youth care.

ACLU statement here:

Garbage Pail Kids style painting of RFK Jr with a worm eating his way out of the idiot's skull.

RFK JR by GPK artist Brent Engstrom.
#comics #art #cartoon

A new DeckHead card drawing. I know that I’m behind. I’ve been busy. Lay off me! 😡

Big news! I was selected as 1 of 3 finalists for a mural in a new facility. Now it's time to get to business and build a winning concept for the proposal. Wish me luck!

Dear Democratic Leaders: here’s a free idea, send members of congress into the buildings where Elons people are and see what they’re doing. Dare them to stop you.

Do something

Cropped picture of a shopping list that my son added parchment paper (the shit you bake with) to.

When your super cool 11-year old adds things to the shopping list.

Hey! Just getting the ball rolling on this new space. I’m an illustrator, teacher, and dad.

Looking for a space that promotes art, comics, books, learning, and caffeine-fueled existential dread.

Say hi! 👋

Don't sweat the technique. Another #deckhead for the stack. #dailyart #art #illustration #playingcards #15minutes

Question for experienced mural artists.

I'm applying to RFP for a couple murals in my region. These are larger projects than I normally do and involve interior and exterior paint, possible a lift rental. What do I need to consider when prepping a proposed budget for these projects?