We had the good fortune of connecting with Halo Toons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Halo, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I think both Terry Parr and I have been wanting to create our own books and companies since we were kids. We just got more serious and focused on the business aspect when we met each other in the Artists Alley of the old Dallas Comic Con back in the early 2010’s. Sometimes you just know when there’s a spark, whether it be romantic or even project related. In our case, it was both. I figured that by combining our different art styles and skills, that we could handle bigger projects and more clients. So I guess it just kind of evolved from our love of art and the very real world need to keep food in the fridge.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe that our company, Shonuff Studio is unique in that yes, we do make and sell comics, art and entertainment but we also like getting involved with the community via volunteering, hosting events and even working with local comic shops to promote small press and indie art. I’m most proud of my new project, Kitchen Witches. I’ve put everything I love into this book series, which is currently on Kickstarter for their “Witchstarter” special promo for October. Terry Parr is most proud of Gemini Force, his new comic coming to Kickstarter in November. Shonuff Studio has evolved into a collective of creatives that all work together to produce and promote each others artistic endeavors. I think a lot of the challenges we face are quite similar to other small business owners, especially post Covid. Most of what we do is truly the epitome of, “Throw it against the wall, see what sticks!”.
Honestly, we wouldn’t have made it this far without the love and support from the geek community and indie artists. Our motto has always been, “We lift each other up so we can all succeed.”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Rad hang out spots: Texas Theatre, Collected Comics, Galactic Gallery, National Video Game Museum & Retro Madness. All of our libraries are pretty extraordinary too!

Thirsty?: 85 Degrees Bakery Cafe, Kokee Tea & Fruitealicious Bubble Tea and Smoothies.

Fun Events: Dallas Comic Show, SketchDojo, The MOCKY Horror Picture Show, Denton Comic Art Expo & Retro Expo. There are also several drag shows all over the DFW metroplex, all week long!

Meal Time: Zion Market. Lieu’s Vietnamese Restaurant and Coffeehouse, Ann’s Donuts & The Sassy Smoot Bakery.

Night Life: Sue Ellen’s, Urban Cowboy Saloon, Whatever fabulous insanity that Buck Wylde or May May Graves happen to be doing at the time you visit.

Local Attractions:
Fort Worth Water Gardens is where parts of Logan’s Run were filmed.
Several locations around Dallas were used in RoboCop, like Renaissance Tower.
Then you could end the week with a cryptid quest to Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge to try and catch a glimpse of the legendary Lake Worth Monster.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Let me tell you about a caring and creative human that has been helping out with all kinds of educational programs throughout DFW, TX and beyond. Matt (Starman) Morrison is a professional writer and librarian who’s works have been commented on and shared by brilliant authors like Gail Simone.
For years now, Matt has organized conventions, events, clubs and more for Texas kids and nerds of all ages at many of the surrounding libraries, colleges and even comic shops.
You can find some of his archived comic articles on sites like SuperHeroHype and Screen Rant, along with his blog, My Geeky Geeky Ways.

Instagram: instagram.com/shonuffstudio

Twitter: twitter.com/shonuffart

Facebook: facebook.com/shonuffstudio

Youtube: youtube.com/shonuffstudios

Other: Twitch Channel: Twitch.TV/ShonuffStudio Livestreaming art, games and more every Monday and Friday at 12pm cst. Kitchen Witches on Kickstarter: http://kck.st/3LLd6ix

Image Credits
Darren Tekforce Colombus Matt (Starman) Morrison Michael E. Ryan

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.