Q & A
When did you start drawing?
I started drawing the moment I could pick up a crayon and color the walls, to my mother's dismay. But eventually I was given lessons and reams of "computer paper" to practice on. My mom and I would also play drawing games a lot, too.
How did you become a cartoonist?
The funny thing is that I didn't set out to become a cartoonist, as you might expect. I was offered the opportunity to be the cartoonist and illustrator for the Century City News due to my reputation around the office as "The artist".
What materials do you use to create your work?
I use Bristol Vellum paper. It's got a smooth feel that I like and it's acid free. I also use archival safe pens, like Micron. But I do all of my color and finishing touches with Adobe Creative Suite. I think it's the greatest tool for artists since the discovery of charcoal.
What was the biggest obstacle for you to overcome while creating your books?
Time. It's the learning curve of researching a plethora of details about printing and publishing and the hours to get all the details sorted out. I think the hardest part is to actually let it be finished, though. I always feel that there's something that could be improved. At some point I have to allow myself to just set it free. And once it's published, with it's ISBN stamped onto a beautifully printed book that I created from idea to print, there's something magical that makes me smile like a proud parent.
What is your biggest success?
It's the knowledge I learn. That sounds like something my dad would say, but it's what I thrive on. The opportunity to learn about a variety of subjects for my art is the most enriching part of what I do.
What is the most important lesson you would pass on to an aspiring cartoonist or author?
Go to school. Read tons of books. Observe the world around you and don't be afraid to be honest.
Who inspires you?
I'm most inspired by great musicians. Music is such a powerful art form to me because of it's invasive nature. You don't have to look at it, or touch it to feel it's effect and because I listen to music while I'm working it affects what I'm drawing. I'm inspired by people that can create something that powerful.
What do you like the most about being a cartoonist and published author?
I like knowing that my work makes people happy. I like that I can create ideas that people share with each other. I also love that it's a continual learning process and I get to feed my imagination without bounds.
How has technology affected the art industry?
Well, the simple answer would be that it's made a lot of the tedium of art less tedious. But I think most importantly technology has leveled the playing field for artists. Talented artists who might not have previously had an outlet to get their work to the public, are able to share their work next to seasoned artists, but it's a double edge sword. Established artists that have made their living with art such as comic creators have had to adapt to a shrinking print market filled with even more competition.
How can people find your book Sun Gone Nova: A Collection of Cartoons?
It's available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, Ryland Gallery and select retail outlets, but you can always request it at your favorite book store or library with ISBN: 1449558925. Merchandise is available on Zazzle.
And how can people find your book The Dream: A Bedtime Story?
Right now it's available at Ryland Gallery and it will appear on Amazon and Barnes & Noble soon. You can always request it at your favorite book store or library too, with ISBN:1461064228.
What should we expect to see from you in the future?
Well, I'm starting pre-production on a book of my fine art creations entitled Bellanova. And of course more cartoons! If you want to keep up to date on what I'm doing, please visit my website at RylandGallery.com or become a friend on Facebook. And hopefully I'll see you at my next book signing.
