1. What is your origin story as a comics reader?
I started reading comics at about age 7, in 1972. I would see them in convenience stores, stationery stores (think today's Hallmark shops), everywhere! Since I already knew a bit about Superman and Batman, I just had to find out more about these characters and their friends! Of course, I soon started having favorites, and became a hardcore reader! Thanks to that, my vocabulary and reading skills advanced greatly!
2. Please tell us about your process as an artist.
Well, these days, I start with a thumbnail (a very small sketch of the idea). Then, once that's worked up and at a place I'm satisfied with, I may scan that tiny drawing and then pull it into Photoshop to enlarge and play with there. Once I'm happy with THAT, I may print it out, then trace it off (usually a lightbox) to my paper. I add more penciled details and final touches to that, then ink it or color it. I use pretty standard art supplies, like Copic inking pens and such, but also have used India ink with brushes, etc. That's pretty much it! Sometimes I'll scan in a finished ink drawing and color it using Photoshop, sometimes I'll use markers or watercolor or acrylic or colored pencils (or all of the above) when I add color. There is NO right or wrong way to create art! Find out what works for you!
3. Any advice for young creators?
My advice for young creators is to practice, practice, practice! Art is like anything else, be it basketball, music, sewing, dancing...the more you practice, the better you get! There is no replacement for it! Also, don't be afraid to expose yourself to other mediums and such. If you enjoy creating pencil art, try painting. If you only work with marker, try watercolor, etc. See what works for you, what you've comfortable with, etc. If you have only drawn with comics, force yourself to draw from life. Push out of your comfort zones sometimes!
Коментарі