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JMH: How long have you been writing/drawing/lettering comics?
CS: Been actively drawing/writing comics since early 2004, when I was working with LandMark Comics. I’d always drawn and written for my own enjoyment… wasn’t until then, that I actively pursued it in a semi-professional sense. I began lettering throughout the past few years between writing and art projects as a way to keep myself “in” the industry/hobby.
JMH: Tell CBI about yourself…
CS: Well, I’m a sometimes prolific writer of several different things. I enjoy telling stories as well as providing commentary. In the past several years, I’ve written columns for several comic book web-sites, including Broken Frontier, Independent Propaganda, Paper Dragon Ink, and Comicbooknews.info. I maintain a blog at http://aceofspadescomics.blogspot.com, wherein I post scripts, art, lettering samples, short stories, and reviews (among other things). The perpetually un-finished ACE OF SPADES COMICS has been my on and off focus for much of the past several years, I’m hoping to start the wheels moving on that again real soon.
JMH: Have you written/drawn other characters or only your own properties?
CS: I’ve primarily worked on my own stories/properties; however, I have dabbled a bit in other folk’s toy boxes. As much as I enjoy putting time into my own “opus”, doing some freelance work really helps me to shift gears and work on characters with back stories and established casts. It’s a lot of fun to just “play”. It’s also a nice feeling of community being trusted with someone else’s property.
JMH: What sources do you use for art references?
CS: Internet Image Searches for scenery, vehicles and animals, furniture catalogs for… well, furniture/appliances and G.I. Joes for poses.
JMH: How do you focus when writing/drawing?
CS: When undertaking any type of project, I like to begin by setting a schedule and daily goals either by page count or time spent. Ensuring I reach my goals is usually enough to keep my focus.
JMH: What other mediums or genres have you written for?
CS: Been dabbling in a bit of novel writing and screenwriting concurrently with any comics work I’d been granted. In 2008 I published my first novel, STRAITJACKET VACATION which started out as a 2007 NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) entry. Professionally, I’ve written technical and training manuals for several of my past employers.
JMH: What art training do you have?
CS: It’s probably apparent to anyone who’s seen my work that I have no classical training. I’ve been told I have a bit of “raw” talent, which, for all I know is a polite way of telling me I have no business putting pen to paper (laughs). Either way, this year I’m going to be taking some art classes to get my bearings back, and hopefully assist in my productivity.
JMH: How did you come to work for Red Leaf Comics?
CS: Working closely with Mark Davis of LandMark, and now Surprising Comics, has afforded me many opportunities to collaborate with talented folks. Was lucky enough to be offered a few gigs, and here we are.
JMH: What types of technology do you use to draw?
CS: Devouring as much comics “how-to” books and magazines that I could in my late teens and early 20’s I tried integrating as much “professional” art supply as possible into my arsenal. Unfortunately, having really nice pencils, inks, colors and Ames guides don’t suddenly give their owner immense talent. I’ve since become more comfortable working with standard mechanical pencils, and art board. These days I use a Sharpie to ink and do much of my lettering in PhotoShop or the Gimp.
JMH: If you could write/draw another company’s character which one would it be and why?
CS: I would love to write for the X-Men, Doom Patrol or JLI.
JMH: What future projects are in works?
CS: There’s a project I’ve been working and re-working over the past couple of years that I’m quite excited about. One that I’m very confident could translate from comics to film. I’m currently ironing out some plot points, and piecing together a pitch.
JMH: For anyone who wants to be a writer/artist, what can you tell them about the craft?
CS: I’m not entirely sure I’d have any kind of advice. I’m still rather inexperienced in the field as well. What I can say, is, at its core, at least for me… writing and drawing can be a terribly lonely undertaking. It’s often difficult for me to keep my motivation and inspiration without much unbiased input. The only advice I can give, is power through. Simply put, if you want to be a writer… write. If you want to be an artist… draw.
JMH: Chris, thanks for your time.
JT: Thank you, John.
Discovery Chris Sheehan's comics here:
www.chrisisoninfiniteearths.com
www.drivethrucomics.com/product/79843/Surprising-Theater-1?manufacturers_id=3187
CS: Been actively drawing/writing comics since early 2004, when I was working with LandMark Comics. I’d always drawn and written for my own enjoyment… wasn’t until then, that I actively pursued it in a semi-professional sense. I began lettering throughout the past few years between writing and art projects as a way to keep myself “in” the industry/hobby.
JMH: Tell CBI about yourself…
CS: Well, I’m a sometimes prolific writer of several different things. I enjoy telling stories as well as providing commentary. In the past several years, I’ve written columns for several comic book web-sites, including Broken Frontier, Independent Propaganda, Paper Dragon Ink, and Comicbooknews.info. I maintain a blog at http://aceofspadescomics.blogspot.com, wherein I post scripts, art, lettering samples, short stories, and reviews (among other things). The perpetually un-finished ACE OF SPADES COMICS has been my on and off focus for much of the past several years, I’m hoping to start the wheels moving on that again real soon.
JMH: Have you written/drawn other characters or only your own properties?
CS: I’ve primarily worked on my own stories/properties; however, I have dabbled a bit in other folk’s toy boxes. As much as I enjoy putting time into my own “opus”, doing some freelance work really helps me to shift gears and work on characters with back stories and established casts. It’s a lot of fun to just “play”. It’s also a nice feeling of community being trusted with someone else’s property.
JMH: What sources do you use for art references?
CS: Internet Image Searches for scenery, vehicles and animals, furniture catalogs for… well, furniture/appliances and G.I. Joes for poses.
JMH: How do you focus when writing/drawing?
CS: When undertaking any type of project, I like to begin by setting a schedule and daily goals either by page count or time spent. Ensuring I reach my goals is usually enough to keep my focus.
JMH: What other mediums or genres have you written for?
CS: Been dabbling in a bit of novel writing and screenwriting concurrently with any comics work I’d been granted. In 2008 I published my first novel, STRAITJACKET VACATION which started out as a 2007 NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) entry. Professionally, I’ve written technical and training manuals for several of my past employers.
JMH: What art training do you have?
CS: It’s probably apparent to anyone who’s seen my work that I have no classical training. I’ve been told I have a bit of “raw” talent, which, for all I know is a polite way of telling me I have no business putting pen to paper (laughs). Either way, this year I’m going to be taking some art classes to get my bearings back, and hopefully assist in my productivity.
JMH: How did you come to work for Red Leaf Comics?
CS: Working closely with Mark Davis of LandMark, and now Surprising Comics, has afforded me many opportunities to collaborate with talented folks. Was lucky enough to be offered a few gigs, and here we are.
JMH: What types of technology do you use to draw?
CS: Devouring as much comics “how-to” books and magazines that I could in my late teens and early 20’s I tried integrating as much “professional” art supply as possible into my arsenal. Unfortunately, having really nice pencils, inks, colors and Ames guides don’t suddenly give their owner immense talent. I’ve since become more comfortable working with standard mechanical pencils, and art board. These days I use a Sharpie to ink and do much of my lettering in PhotoShop or the Gimp.
JMH: If you could write/draw another company’s character which one would it be and why?
CS: I would love to write for the X-Men, Doom Patrol or JLI.
JMH: What future projects are in works?
CS: There’s a project I’ve been working and re-working over the past couple of years that I’m quite excited about. One that I’m very confident could translate from comics to film. I’m currently ironing out some plot points, and piecing together a pitch.
JMH: For anyone who wants to be a writer/artist, what can you tell them about the craft?
CS: I’m not entirely sure I’d have any kind of advice. I’m still rather inexperienced in the field as well. What I can say, is, at its core, at least for me… writing and drawing can be a terribly lonely undertaking. It’s often difficult for me to keep my motivation and inspiration without much unbiased input. The only advice I can give, is power through. Simply put, if you want to be a writer… write. If you want to be an artist… draw.
JMH: Chris, thanks for your time.
JT: Thank you, John.
Discovery Chris Sheehan's comics here:
www.chrisisoninfiniteearths.com
www.drivethrucomics.com/product/79843/Surprising-Theater-1?manufacturers_id=3187
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