Beyond Borders

"No artist is an island entire of itself; every one is a piece of the continent, a part of the main."

- adapted from John Donne

I've not created anything in a vacuum.  I've been influenced by many others before me, many of whom I have the good fortune to call friends.

I would like to take this opportunity to connect you to them, and their amazing work.  Please enjoy exploring their worlds.

As well, we are big believers in "shop local", and the idea of supporting our neighbours.  My definition of "shop local" is a bit fuzzy, and currently stretches to the other side of Canada, but that still fits with our philosophy.  Please support your local businesses.  In here we have also included some we recommend.

I'm not compensated for these words in any way, save for the genuine pleasure it brings me to be the hype man for my talented friends.

Drums of The Serpent

Dakota Alexander at Drums of the Serpent is a dear friend, and relentless inspiration to me - both artistically, and as a human being.  I am in awe of his work, and I dare say that you will be, too.  I feel his best works are his Ukiyo-e comic book illustrations, but that's only the start of his enormous talent and colossal output.



The Chalkmaster

David "Chalkmaster Dave" Johnston's work first blew me away as a poor university student, wandering around Toronto, attempting to be a photographer.  His sidewalk chalk drawings immediately grabbed my eye.  They added a masterful beauty to the often grimy and ugly walkways of Yonge Street.  Every time I found myself in the downtown core, weather allowing, I'd keep my eyes open for a new Chalkmaster Dave piece.  I was rarely disappointed (by an absence, not by the work, of course).

Years later, through Facebook, I was able to connect with him, and tell him how much joy his work brought me.  We've formed a digital friendship that humbles me.  Though I was never flush enough to tip him what his work deserved, I hope that this measure can, in some small way, compensate him for all he gave me unknowingly.  Please check out his beautiful paintings and sidewalk chalk.

Resolute

Kate and Andy at Resolute Strength Wear were instrumental in giving me the courage and push to get this damned thing up and running already.  So, if you're a nerd who also wants to bulk up and get all barbarian swole, let them hook you up with everything from equipment, to apparel, and, my favourite, Grip Jizz.
Kate does the lovely graphic design you see on all their work, as well as at her own t-shirt graphics company, The Shirt and Curlies.  Both are lovely people, and this wouldn't be here without their encouragement.



Clawsome Creations

Tracey Vega worked with me at the Call-Center-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.  This adorable, then, kid was bubbling over with energy and ideas.  She wanted to be an artist and go to Japan.  I told her, "do it, then."  And, while I don't think she's hopped over to my beloved East Asian island nation, she has gone on to be a very talented and hard-working artist.  It has been not only fun to watch her make it happen, but also motivating.  It helped get me off my ass and walk the talk.  Tracey walks the talk like a boss.  You can check out her work at Clawsome Creations.

Good Fortune

Elijah Buenaventura is a colleague, friend, and fellow photographer.  He's more talented than I am, and has a passion as big as his heart.  If you are into the DJ scene, skating, tattoos, and fast cars, I encourage you to check out his work on Instagram.

Wargaming Bunker

Should you find yourself in Welland, Ontario, take a moment to stop in at The Wargaming Bunker.  John is a lovely human being who may even offer to take you on a tour of the gaming rooms, and the YouTube studio for MiniWarGaming if you're extra fortunate.  He'll chat about all things bright and nerd-iful, while never missing a beat taking care of his customers.  He has a clear passion for the hobby world, and big plans to make it a mecca for gaming in the Niagara Region.  Every time I'm in the area, a visit to The Wargaming Bunker will be at the top of my list, and I think it should be at the top of yours, too.

Sheryl Boivin Fine Art

I went to high-school with Sheryl Boivin, out in Podunk, Ontario.  She was an amazing artist and inspiration then, and has only continued to improve with time.  Check out her work, buy her work, share her work.

And They Call It A Mine...

Would you like to get some great board games, in a place where you can play them?  Or some Tabletop RPG games and accessories, and playing at your place isn't an option?  Under The Mountain Games provides you that.  And they sell snacks and drinks on site as well.

Moonchild Creative

Many years ago, I worked with a fellow artist at a Scarborough Pool Hall.  Since those long-gone, cheese-loving days, AJ has become one of the people I admire most in life - for her artistic talent, her spirit, her strength, and her character.

I think all those qualities that I admire in her are on full display in her works, which you should absolutely check out at Moonchild Creative.  Take a moment to enjoy her art, and definitely buy some, or commission some.  You'll be bringing true, lasting beauty into your life.



Two Pillars

Two Pillars Brewery is a very short walk from our studio.  When you climb to the top of the hill leading from Chinatown to Crescent Heights along Centre Street, you can't miss their patio (and, yes, by all that is sacred, you need a beer after that climb).  The small scale brew pub does a wide and ever-changing range of Belgian and Belgian-inspired beers.  I love beer, but I have a woeful lack of knowledge on the subject.  I primarily make my choices based on taste and enjoyment.  When Mrs Borders and I went there for the first time, I got a flight of six to try.  My experience with flights is a mixed bag, and almost always carries at least one I don't like.  This was not the case here.  I found the Dark Strong and Wit particularly lovely.  I'm going to have to try the Saison next.  (Which I did a few weeks later, and it was a fantastic beer to enjoy on my balcony with a plate of BBQ pork ribs.)

If you find yourself in Crescent Heights, or need an excuse to find yourself in Crescent Heights, come say "hi" to Boaz (the founder) and Todd (our dutiful and knowledgeable bartender).  Grab a brew, have a nosh, and enjoy life as it was meant to be enjoyed.  You may even solve the mystery of the Lego minifigures.



Compose a Dream

I often dabble with the idea of maybe writing a game system.  Maybe writing a campaign.  Maybe writing... at all.

So it's a delight to introduce you to Josh, who does that already, and sells his work on Compose Dream Games (and a whole bunch more).

Not only has he published his own stuff [link to Simple Superheroes], but he champions the CanCon RPG community - something I also hope to accomplish at Borders.

Don't forget to join his mailing list to keep up to date on the latest at his shop, and in the community.

Check out his Facebook page, too. 



Aardy Aar Aar

Sean at Aardnor Miniatures is a supremely talented crafter, whose work I admire, and he's also on our Muses page.  He also happens to be a neighbour, and has started a small, grass-roots RPG convention here in Calgary, called AardCon.

We were there in 2024 for the second year it was held, and it was a great time.  Sean and his team really know how to put on a convention.

And, he has sold his work to the likes of Joe Manganiello!  He doesn't really need me to tell you how good he is, but I am anyway.

Oh!  And he recently wrote this:



RPG Alliance

Vicster and Trevor of the RPG Alliance are simply lovely human beings.  They run the RPG Alliance Con at Dicken's Pub every November.  An intentionally LGBTQ+ friendly convention for gamers of all flavours.  It was the first convention that Mrs Borders and I went to in our new business venture.  They were all so welcoming and awesome that we decided to make sure we could be there every year, and support them as much as we can in return.  It was also the convention that helped me meet so many of the fantastic people in Calgary's gaming community.  I could not be any happier for having found them.

There are a ton of games being hosted each year, and I cannot recommend them enough.

A Public-House May Keep a Gentleman

If you are in Calgary, you probably know about Dickens already.  You should.  It's a landmark.  And it's great.  They generously support the RPG Alliance Con every year, and host monthly gaming nights onsite (as well as many other popular events).

If you haven't been there, then you need to stop reading, turn off the computer, or your phone, and get over there.  Now.  Get a beer.  Get a delicious burger.  Just get going already!



Into the Dungeon Fest

Into the Dungeon Fest is a grass-roots celebration of the punk, DIY spirit at the heart of the tabletop gaming and hobbying community. Sparked by the sheer willpower of Rat Boy Minis (@rat_boy_minis | Rory O'Dywer) and turned to flame by Charlie McLean, Andrew Nierenhausen, and James Hine, ItDF creates a space for nerds, punks and metalheads to abandon the competitive scene and come together to jam and play. The twin engines at the heart of this upstart venture are the Rust Punks and In Rust We Trust Discord servers, filled to the brim with the kind of degenerates willing to build boards, print stickers, run demos, and grow the community they want to see in the world.

Street Cats YYC

Street Cats YYC is a grassroots, street-level, one-on-one harm reduction organization dedicated to judgement-free help with drug addiction.  They run completely on donations.  I met a couple of their members at Into the Dungeon Fest, and was really happy to talk to them.  These are good people doing good work.  If you can donate anything to help, please follow the link to their website, and help save a life.  Not all heroes carry swords, and cool cats carry narcan.



There are Dragons in these Dungeons!

Carey at Dragons in Dungeons is doing a much better job of what I am trying to accomplish with this page.  Among other things, he creates campaigns, promotes other games around Calgary, hosts crafting videos, and promotes local TTRPG and table-top gaming businesses and organizations.  He also runs Dragon Fest, a local gaming convention.



A Mean Hand with a Brush

Jeff at Blackthorn Brushworks does WAY better miniature painting than I do.  And he does commissioned work, too.  I am happy to say that I have one of his, an excellent double-headed oni, at home, ready to terrorize my samurai and ninja tortles.  Check out his works, and order a piece of art.



One Deadly Kitty

Kat at Deadly Kitten Designs makes some lovely stuff, including lots of shiny math rocks, and is a very lovely person.  She had a table next to us at Aardcon 2024, and when we struggled to prop up a framed map, having not enough holders, she kindly lent us one she wasn't using.  A small gesture, sure, but it meant a lot to us.  Check out her linktree, and make a purchase in her shop.  You won't be disappointed, and you'll be supporting a very nice person.



Burning the Midnight Oil

At Aardcon 2024, I bought this delightful map of Alberta from Midnight Oil Shop.  I even had it signed, as it was honestly sick, and it warranted being signed by the artist.  If you want a copy, or something equally awesome, check out their work.



Hugh Rocks

I met Hugh Rockwood at one of his numerous visiting artist days at Comic-Kazi in Calgary.  I bought myself a signed poster of Donatello, the best of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turles.  You can check out his work on Istagram, and also at ChoZen Studios.  And you really, really should!



Quick!  To the Ryeburg!

Rye is another of those very much more talented than I miniature painters.  I got to see some of his excellent work at Into the Dungeon Fest 2024.  He drove all the way to Calgary from The Yukon, and that alone is an awesome level of dedication to nerdery that I cannot say I could replicate.  Check out his stuff, especially in person, if you can.

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There will be frequent updates here.  Please keep checking back for more.  But more importantly, check out their work.

I am not the greatest at updating this thing, either.  So, if we've talked about this, and you don't see yourself on here, feel free to drop me a line, and tell me to get off my can.