How did you get started in the illustration field?
I've just always been drawing, since I was a small child. I first became interested in comic illustration when I took a comic art class through Colorado Free Univesity from Squid Works co-founder, T. Motley in 1987, who assigned the project to illustrate a comic short story, the first one I ever drew. I never considered drawing for a living, but continued to draw self-published comic stories until getting laid off from the financial industry twice in three years, at which time I decided to actively market myself as a freelance illustrator. Fortunately, my work has been warmly received and my thirteen years in a sales profession has helped me market myself immensely.
How did you find your style? Has it changed since you started?
My style has always been cartoony due to need for immediate self-gratification -- it's just been faster. As I've begun freelancing, my art style has evolved and become adaptable. So, although my work is still very cartoony in nature, many of my portfolio items I feel have more appeal to publishers and industries that may not have considered hiring me before.
What is your process when working with clients? Can you run us through a typical job?
Typically, I'll try to get a good feel for the client's needs. Once that is clear, I'll draft up a contract and require a retainer for no less than 25% of the complete contract value. Progress payments are made upon completion of studies which are delivered to the client via e-mail as low-res image files. Final payments are made upon completion and approval of final work and delivery of high-res image files via e-mail, ftp upload or via mail by CD. If the clients needs may go beyond the original project, I may offer to add exercisable options into the contract if I'm happy with our initial negotiated pay rate.
What is your creation process (start with sketches, etc.)?
I don't often show clients pencils, since I feel my pencils are too rough, so I like to show them inked linework prior to proceeding to greytone or color my work. I color and do revisions via lightbox and Photoshop to keep my process quick to fulfill deadlines and keep my clients happy.
How do you market/promote your work?
I use iFreelance.com, have my website, go to comic conventions around the country and locally, I visit comic job websites and messageboards, and certainly word-of-mouth helps as well.
What was one of your favorite assignments?
Illustrating a 4-issue comic book mini-series for Ape Entertainment called, "SubCulture" has definitely been a high point for me. It didn't pay a ton, but it was definitely great fun, as a slice-of-life story that was completely hilarious -- right up my alley!
What is the best part about what you do?
Doing what I love and making a living doing it -- what could be better?
Describe your work setting.
My killer morning commute takes me from my bedroom into my dining room each morning. That's where the magic happens. Well, I also do much of my work on the computer, so that's in one of our guest rooms.
Do you have side projects you work on?
More than I can count. As a comic creator, I figure if I hit it big, it'll need to be for something I own the property to, so I'm currently writing and coloring a post-apocalyptic car adventure called, REVVVelations. I'm also planning to launch an alternative weekly comic based on my self-published graphic novel series, The Wang.
How do you maintain balance in your life between work and play?
When work is so much like play, it IS difficult. I DO set aside time for date night each week with my wife, and I'm trying to keep in shape by working out several times a week at the Community Center, where I engage in pick-up basketball and lift weights.
Do you ever have creative slumps? What do you do then?
I can't say that I ever have. I always have too much work going on, so if I'm having brain block on one project, I just move to another.
What do you do for fun/when you're not working?
Basketball, swing dance, movies.
What has been inspiring you lately?
A recent vacation to Hawaii has given me a lot of inspirational story material.
Any advice for others who are pursuing creative goals?
