That’s a great question. I think sometimes, especially when we’re first starting out in the arts, we can get fooled into thinking that there’s a singular — or right — way to accomplish something. If you go to an art store there’s no shortage of expensive paints and tools … and I think it’s easy for us to believe that we need those things in order to create good art. What I admire about Barker and Sienkiewicz is that, time and again, they show that you can make breathtaking art by simply using whatever tools are at your disposal. Even comic artists like Jim Lee use cheap pencils and Sharpie markers to create absolute jaw-dropping masterpieces. Most of my work these days is for clients, and unfortunately it doesn’t give me an opportunity to do much experimentation. But it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to indulging in the future when I’m able to create work just for myself, independent of approvals of deadlines. WORKING FOR YOURSELF TAKES AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF DISCIPLINE AND SELF-MOTIVATION. HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CREATIVE FIRE STOKED AND MOMENTUM GOING? Some days are easier than others. The deadline is what ultimately always forces me to keep going, and since this is my livelihood, knowing that I need to pay bills with artwork is another big motivator. I do what I can to stay organized, but there are definitely some days where, a few hours into a piece, I’m still struggling to figure it out. I think it’s important for any freelance creative to be aware of burnout and do regular check-ins on their own stress levels. It can be easy to work late hours and through the weekends when you’re your own boss. But forcing yourself to have a work-life balance (that works for you personally) is the key to surviving many years in this industry. No. 130 MOST MEMORABLE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE. I’ve been really fortunate to have a lot of fun highlights along the way. But, one that definitely stands out for me was having dinner and drinks with Macaulay Culkin and his wife, Brenda Song, at their beautiful home in Los Angeles. They’re such a genuinely nice couple … it was a pleasure to hang out and just talk with them. BIGGEST OBSTACLE / CREATIVE BLOCK / U-TURN YOU’VE OVERCOME. That’s such a tough question. I feel like almost every project I’ve had some kind of challenge that had to be overcome. In general, however, the biggest challenges are always when you become too attached to a design or layout … and then a client asks for a big revision. It can become almost impossible to see how to implement a big change if you’ve fallen in love with your original concept. FAVORITE / LEAST FAVORITE PART OF BEING AN ARTIST? The freedom that comes with being an artist. Being able to set my own hours has given me the rare privilege of spending so much quality time with my family and my kids — and that’s honestly the most important thing in the world to me. And, of course, it’s just fun to wake up every day and make a living painting art for comics and movies. My least favorite aspect is definitely the business side of things. It’s a whole other kind of stress dealing with quoting projects, securing payments, dealing with taxes, etc. There’s a lot to learn if you want to do this kind of work full-time and run a successful studio. WEIRDEST RULE OR GUIDELINE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN WHEN DRAWING A CHARACTER. That’s a really good question. Because I work on a lot of posters where celebrities need to give their final approvals on the art, there’s usually a fair amount of rules and guidelines in place throughout the whole process. But I will say, when I created some artwork for Upper Deck/ Marvel, they included a 14-page document outlining what characters could be drawn and how they needed to look. Including some very specific requirements for Howard the Duck. I never would have guessed there were so many rules surrounding that character. WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE TO ASPIRING
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