1. Your art is transporting. What inspires the fantasy worlds you create?
So much of my art is intuitive. I try to approach the drawing with an open mind rather than a fixed idea of what I want to draw. Some of my best drawings are where I let my pencil wander until I see an interesting shape that reminds me of something— a face, a tree, a creature— and then I build around it. For that reason, my sketchbooks are very messy! There are drawings facing every which way and running off the page. Subject matter-wise, I come back to elements that are timelessly interesting to me, like monsters, nature, books, and try to mix them with random things that have struck my fancy lately— song lyrics, a book title, an interesting picture I saved on Pinterest.
2. What initially drew you to comics?
I'd say it was the other way around— comics drew me in and captured me! After I studied illustration at Sheridan College, I knew I wanted to illustrate stories, but I never really thought I'd draw comics. Even though I devoured comics as a kid, actually making them seemed like a pipe dream. But as it turns out, my very first job offer was to illustrate a kid's comic series . It was a learning curve for sure! But once I had drawn a few books, I fell in love with the medium and wanted to write my own. It's a unique way to tell a story, with so many nuances and possibilities. Plus, I'm the type of artist who likes drawing characters over and over again, which is a must for comic creators!
3. Please tell us about your latest project (I’ve had the chance to read an early copy and it’s lovely).
Thank you! Cat's Cradle is my first comic as a writer/illustrator, and it was inspired by a family dog— this huge pitbull who thought he was a tiny little lap dog. He had a habit of flumping down on top of me when I sat on the floor, and refusing to get up. So one day I joked that I should take him to the land of giants so he could finally be a lap dog. The thought stuck with me, and over time it grew into a full-fledged story about friendship and finding your true home. Naturally, I packed it full of things I love— monsters, magic and misunderstandings that result in dire consequences! I also tried to conjure up a certain atmosphere— a cute-yet-spooky feel that reminds me of my childhood. Back in the 80's, my favorite shows to watch were French-translated Japanese animes (The Blue Bird, The Mysterious Cities of Gold, Belle and Sebastien), because they didn't shy away from spooky moments and dramatic themes. They were filled with precocious children who made their way through scary but wondrous worlds, often to find their family. I tried to capture that here!
Cat's Cradle: The Golden Twine actually came out in 2012 in Canada, but due to many changes at the publishing house, I never got to continue the series. When I got the series picked up again by First Second, I decided to completely re-draw it in my new style, and I'm so glad I did! This version of Cat's Cradle feels a lot closer to what I saw in my mind originally. And it was so nice to rediscover my main character Suri the monster tamer— It was like rekindling an old friendship!
4. What message do you have for young creators?
First, follow the fun. I believe that stories should be both fun to read AND fun to create. I never approach a story from the angle of "trying to write a great story". Well, I did try that in the past, but it always led to a paralyzing creative block. Rather, I start with things that I already love and try to bring them together in a way that would be fun to me. And when I hit upon an idea that makes my pulse quicken, I know I'm heading in the right direction! That said, I want to assure you: creating comics is not meant to ALWAYS be fun. There will be snags, there will be things you have no idea how to draw, there will be times you write yourself into a corner, and that's completely expected! I encounter all of those on a regular basis. Which brings me to my second piece of advice: Try to finish more things— Both drawings and stories. It's something I still have to remind myself when my drawing isn't turning out, or when my story falls flat. I learn so much more if I push through and find a solution (even if it's not perfect!), then when I abandon it to start over with a new idea. I'm not saying to finish EVERYTHING, but if you find yourself starting new drawings and stories while hardly finishing any, set yourself the challenge of finishing 1 out of 3.
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