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Interview with...
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JMH: Where were you born and raised?
RUSTY: Born in Brooklyn, NY - raised in Burbank, California mostly. When I was younger, I was a stage actor and did a Broadway play in NY. After it closed, the ensemble moved to California to tour, and we stayed there.
JMH: Tell CBI about yourself…
RUSTY: I'm a writer and artist that loves his family, and often talks to his cat (he doesn't talk back, so you know). I've worked on comics, cards, film/TV, newspapers, and magazines and loved every moment of it. Now, I'm working on a comic book for myself, and if my hard work pays off, God-willing it will be a reality.
JMH: How long have you been drawing comics?
RUSTY: I started drawing early, back in 1978. I got my first professional job in 1982 (a small 1x thing with a Marvel subsidiary). Since then I've done work for many different comic and card producers. And, when there wasn't any work, I created my own projects and worked those.
I also did a lot of advertising and marketing campaigns - sometimes as a writer, sometimes an artist. Those jobs can teach you a lot, and even give you more perspective on your comic jobs.
JMH: How did you break into the industry drawing comic books?
RUSTY: I don't know that I ever broke in really. I'm not a household name LOL - just a putz who's kept his hand in comics for a long time. I was lucky to have worked on the projects that I've done, and they people that I've met along the way. You have to take your opportunities where you can.
JMH: Do you have any formal art training?
RUSTY: Not really, I've picked up things as I've gone along. I learned mechanical drawing in high school, page layout from some newspapers I worked on, mostly experimentation. I Love to ink, it's my main thing... and I've experimented with many odd tools in working jobs... screens, sponges, weird curves or templates. Once, I finger-painted/inked a backdrop for a pinup LOL
JMH: Who are your artistic influences?
RUSTY: I was fortunate to have met, and sometimes worked, with my 'heroes'. I met Jack Kirby while in California, at one of Bruce Schwartz' 'Los Angeles Comic Book and Sci-Fi Convention' shows. He was a great guy. He gave me my first inking quill and art board. Gil Kane and Grey Morrow were awesome guys, God rest their souls. Kane worked on a comic I published years ago just before he died, and Morrow did a few 'mature' card and comic deals with me (he was great to talk to) - SKane taught me the value of keeping a 'pose-book'. Rich Buckler was a great guy, I loved his gruff mannerisms. I was fortunate enough to work in some deals with him (me in Las Vegas at the time, he in NY), and through him I met Joe Martino (Shadowflame) and John Orlando (whom I still consider the last of the great comic artists).
But I look beyond the comic genre when I think of 'influences'... I look at creativity in other forms of art. To me, true entertainers like Walt Disney, Tom Hatten, and Jim Henson were major inspirations.
JMH: How do you focus when drawing?
RUSTY: Radio, TV, DVDs on the laptop - I just zone out really. I never let my tea cup empty, and I just work away.
JMH: What types of technology do you use to draw?
RUSTY: Technology ?? Eww - I use pencil and paper - I'm not really into digital anything. That's not really drawing to me. The most I use the computer for, is to output work I have to ink. My printer outputs blue line onto Bristol board or sketch paper. Otherwise my kit is filled with pencils, ink pens, French curves, and markers.
JMH: What was the first comic book you ever read?
RUSTY: Action Comics #436 "The Super-Cigars of Perry White!" in June 1974. We had a boring family party going on, and I remember sneaking out of my bedroom window, and going to a store around the corner from my house. When I got back, I must have read it two times in a row. I loved the look of it. The cover was basic, but had a strong appeal... and Curt Swan's art was awesome. I still have it too.
JMH: Do you read any of the new comic books that are being published today? If so, which ones?
RUSTY: Not really, I think the larger publishers are ripping off the fans with poor storytelling, pinup girlie covers, and higher cover prices. I can't afford the money or the time.
The only 'major publisher' book really worth it now is the new "Star Trek" series from IDW - but, even though the story is great, I think they're off to the wrong start with so many variant covers. I buy whatever one I see, screw the collectability, and that's it. If I get the lesser valued one, 'oh well', I bought it for the story. Once publishers realize this they might find better results in the market.
In my opinion, smaller press is the way to go. A lot of these books have strong qualities that you can't find from 'major publishers'.
JMH: Print vs. Digital. Your thoughts…
RUSTY: I'm not really into digital anything really. In truth, this subject goes a little deeper than just the final comics phase - there's also the creation phase. I do all art and inks by hand, I've never cared for the look of digital art. People out there can groan all they want, but this is just a personal preference. Of course, digital has it's place... after initial print sales I would reprint digitally, no question... but it's not my favorite medium.
And, as for those that think that digital is the 'wave of the future', I disagree to an extent, but that's an argument for a later date.
JMH: What sources do you use for a cover image?
RUSTY: In the past, I've directed or chosen cover art based on elements from the story content. I believe that the fans are motivated more towards purchase that way. Since my new book is based on funny animals, I try to keep the 'theme' of the title, but look for a gag shot. Something that expresses the mood.
I'm not crazy about the newer style of poster or pinup image covers.
JMH: What other mediums or genres have you drawn for?
RUSTY: I've done work for TV and film on movies like the original Heavy Metal, Spiderman 2&3, Captain America, etc... advertising for a few years, as well as magazine and newspaper art. One of my earliest jobs was doing a piece of ad art for Comics Buyer's Guide. It was small, but it paid LOL
Lately, I've been doing a lot of sketch cards for trading card sets. I just finished a charity set for the March of Dimes under a producer called 5Finity. I've done others for Upper Deck, Breygent, Cryptozoic, etc.
JMH: What are your thoughts on the big DC reboot/relaunch?
RUSTY: I’m mot very happy with it. I'm a big fan of continuity, and relaunches/reboots break that. If I had a character with a 50+ year history, I wouldn't upset the rich history created for it. If the characters were good enough, I would also think that they wouldn't need 'overhauls'. The new argument of 'tailoring the characters for a new generation' is tired and lame.
I think that it's the wrong relaunch at this time. DC should've made an 'Ultimates' universe/book line... the Ultimates in Marvel is 'goofy' (pardon the pun), but for DC it would fit. A more mature, modern version of comics in a non-DC style might really raise eyebrows. But with the 'new 52', did we really need it? Flashy art and shock-jock tactics are clearly not as good as strong writing.
JMH: What do you think Marvel's response will be?
RUSTY: Marvel has their own concerns with continuity. Ultimate Spiderman is laughable. Next we'll see Capt. America starting out as a Boy Scout and the Hulk on Dancing with the Stars. They're no better than the rest. Modern comics are a cesspool, only licensed comics and small press have any real creativity going on.
JMH: What project are you currently working on at now?
RUSTY: I've mostly been doing sketch cards, like I mentioned before - I love cards actually. Back in the '90s, I actually created the first 'sketch card' for Clubhouse Diamonds, an adult trading card company. The story is online at:
http://adulttradingcards.com/?page_id=404
I'm really deep into my development of my new comic book project: "The Adventures of Mac and Trouble".
JMH: Mac & Trouble! What is it?
RUSTY: Mac and Trouble is a fantasy project of mine. I thought that it was finally time for me to do something for myself, after all these years.
Mac and Trouble are two ordinary house cats that fall through a wormhole and wind up exploring other dimensions. Think funny animals, in real life situations, and add in sci fi. Comics such as "Cerebus the Aardvark", "Captain Carrot", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", and "Howard the Duck" are major influences to the style of the book. The mix of 'funny animals' into 'real world' situations is key to the development... but in this case, we're utilizing time-travel and alternate reality hopping to set the scene.
The cats are my real life pets that I gave comic personalities to. Mac is the adventurous type - Trouble is the goofy, funny, sidekick, scaredy cat, clumsy clown. They're quite a pair both on paper and in real life. Mac is handicapped in real life, and has trouble walking as part of it. So a portion of the proceeds will go to animal charities. There are currently a few versions of them in the works. We'll see the cats as house cats in a news strip fashion, and, they'll be heroes in the comic book.
The characters really come to life with the fantastic art skills of Michael Mayne, his work is tremendous. I couldn't have done it without him. The project actually has a lot of great people attached to it... our first cover was done by Michael Mayne, Terry Pavlet, and myself. The #2 cover will be a cover jam featuring 9+ artists including Joe Martino, Jeff Austin, Makoto Prime, Austin Janowsky, Larry Jarrell, Russ Leach, and Mat Nastos, as well as Mayne, Pavlet, and myself. Then, Russ Leach returns and does a wildly funny sci-fi cover for #3. There's going to be a sketch variant cover and a special "Director's Cut" edition, but all with additional content and special features, to give the audience something 'different'. Series writing will be provided by myself, novelist Arthur Gibson, and a lot of friend and guests.
The whole project comes together under the imprint of Rusty Ink ! and will be published by WTF Comics under the direction of Larry Jarrell. The publisher has been wonderful through all of this, and very supportive which I find uniquely refreshing.
You can view the project here: http://www.indiegogo.com/The-Adventures-of-Mac-and-Trouble - The campaign has a lot of free rewards for investing such as signed comics, sketch cards and original artwork, and personalized desktop patterns. It's really a great way to get some awesome stuff.
JMH: What future projects do you have in the works?
RUSTY: Right now, I'm finishing up work on the 'Avengers' BBC TV show card set for Unstoppable Cards, and some pages for the 'Fables for Japan' book. I have a few card sets coming in this week, but I can't spill the names right now.
In the future, aside from Mac and Trouble, I have a few new comics coming out from WTF Comics and I'll be inking some things with them - a cover I worked on a while ago with the incredibly talented Jeff Austin for a new "Wraith" novel is coming out through Trinity Comics and Frank Dirscherl - and, I'm going to be doing sketch work for a new comic-based film.
JMH: Do you have any words for aspiring artists?
RUSTY: Try hard, very hard, to make your product look good and let your style stand out in your work. Never let anyone tell you that your work is bad in any way. Never get involved with public drama or comic book forum crap, and investigate every publisher you work with... there's a lot of unprofessional and petty people out there looking to take advantage of you.
Also, don't be afraid to do some free work to get your name and your art out there. During slow periods, I still do work on small press stuff, charity work, etc. There's nothing wrong with it - money shouldn't be your first concern in the beginning (within limits).
JMH: Artist, CBI appreciates your time. All the best.
RUSTY: Thanks a lot John. You have a fantastic site here; I wish you nothing but success with it in the future.
RUSTY: John, thank you very much!
Discovery Rusty Gilligan's comics here:
www.drivethrucomics.com/product/137208/Mac-and-Trouble-Convention-Promo
www.drivethrucomics.com/product/137207/Mac-and-Trouble-Amazing-Tails
www.drivethrucomics.com/product/141578/Mac-and-Troubles-Christmas-Freebie
www.drivethrucomics.com/product/137204/Mac-and-Trouble-1-Directors-Cut
RUSTY: Born in Brooklyn, NY - raised in Burbank, California mostly. When I was younger, I was a stage actor and did a Broadway play in NY. After it closed, the ensemble moved to California to tour, and we stayed there.
JMH: Tell CBI about yourself…
RUSTY: I'm a writer and artist that loves his family, and often talks to his cat (he doesn't talk back, so you know). I've worked on comics, cards, film/TV, newspapers, and magazines and loved every moment of it. Now, I'm working on a comic book for myself, and if my hard work pays off, God-willing it will be a reality.
JMH: How long have you been drawing comics?
RUSTY: I started drawing early, back in 1978. I got my first professional job in 1982 (a small 1x thing with a Marvel subsidiary). Since then I've done work for many different comic and card producers. And, when there wasn't any work, I created my own projects and worked those.
I also did a lot of advertising and marketing campaigns - sometimes as a writer, sometimes an artist. Those jobs can teach you a lot, and even give you more perspective on your comic jobs.
JMH: How did you break into the industry drawing comic books?
RUSTY: I don't know that I ever broke in really. I'm not a household name LOL - just a putz who's kept his hand in comics for a long time. I was lucky to have worked on the projects that I've done, and they people that I've met along the way. You have to take your opportunities where you can.
JMH: Do you have any formal art training?
RUSTY: Not really, I've picked up things as I've gone along. I learned mechanical drawing in high school, page layout from some newspapers I worked on, mostly experimentation. I Love to ink, it's my main thing... and I've experimented with many odd tools in working jobs... screens, sponges, weird curves or templates. Once, I finger-painted/inked a backdrop for a pinup LOL
JMH: Who are your artistic influences?
RUSTY: I was fortunate to have met, and sometimes worked, with my 'heroes'. I met Jack Kirby while in California, at one of Bruce Schwartz' 'Los Angeles Comic Book and Sci-Fi Convention' shows. He was a great guy. He gave me my first inking quill and art board. Gil Kane and Grey Morrow were awesome guys, God rest their souls. Kane worked on a comic I published years ago just before he died, and Morrow did a few 'mature' card and comic deals with me (he was great to talk to) - SKane taught me the value of keeping a 'pose-book'. Rich Buckler was a great guy, I loved his gruff mannerisms. I was fortunate enough to work in some deals with him (me in Las Vegas at the time, he in NY), and through him I met Joe Martino (Shadowflame) and John Orlando (whom I still consider the last of the great comic artists).
But I look beyond the comic genre when I think of 'influences'... I look at creativity in other forms of art. To me, true entertainers like Walt Disney, Tom Hatten, and Jim Henson were major inspirations.
JMH: How do you focus when drawing?
RUSTY: Radio, TV, DVDs on the laptop - I just zone out really. I never let my tea cup empty, and I just work away.
JMH: What types of technology do you use to draw?
RUSTY: Technology ?? Eww - I use pencil and paper - I'm not really into digital anything. That's not really drawing to me. The most I use the computer for, is to output work I have to ink. My printer outputs blue line onto Bristol board or sketch paper. Otherwise my kit is filled with pencils, ink pens, French curves, and markers.
JMH: What was the first comic book you ever read?
RUSTY: Action Comics #436 "The Super-Cigars of Perry White!" in June 1974. We had a boring family party going on, and I remember sneaking out of my bedroom window, and going to a store around the corner from my house. When I got back, I must have read it two times in a row. I loved the look of it. The cover was basic, but had a strong appeal... and Curt Swan's art was awesome. I still have it too.
JMH: Do you read any of the new comic books that are being published today? If so, which ones?
RUSTY: Not really, I think the larger publishers are ripping off the fans with poor storytelling, pinup girlie covers, and higher cover prices. I can't afford the money or the time.
The only 'major publisher' book really worth it now is the new "Star Trek" series from IDW - but, even though the story is great, I think they're off to the wrong start with so many variant covers. I buy whatever one I see, screw the collectability, and that's it. If I get the lesser valued one, 'oh well', I bought it for the story. Once publishers realize this they might find better results in the market.
In my opinion, smaller press is the way to go. A lot of these books have strong qualities that you can't find from 'major publishers'.
JMH: Print vs. Digital. Your thoughts…
RUSTY: I'm not really into digital anything really. In truth, this subject goes a little deeper than just the final comics phase - there's also the creation phase. I do all art and inks by hand, I've never cared for the look of digital art. People out there can groan all they want, but this is just a personal preference. Of course, digital has it's place... after initial print sales I would reprint digitally, no question... but it's not my favorite medium.
And, as for those that think that digital is the 'wave of the future', I disagree to an extent, but that's an argument for a later date.
JMH: What sources do you use for a cover image?
RUSTY: In the past, I've directed or chosen cover art based on elements from the story content. I believe that the fans are motivated more towards purchase that way. Since my new book is based on funny animals, I try to keep the 'theme' of the title, but look for a gag shot. Something that expresses the mood.
I'm not crazy about the newer style of poster or pinup image covers.
JMH: What other mediums or genres have you drawn for?
RUSTY: I've done work for TV and film on movies like the original Heavy Metal, Spiderman 2&3, Captain America, etc... advertising for a few years, as well as magazine and newspaper art. One of my earliest jobs was doing a piece of ad art for Comics Buyer's Guide. It was small, but it paid LOL
Lately, I've been doing a lot of sketch cards for trading card sets. I just finished a charity set for the March of Dimes under a producer called 5Finity. I've done others for Upper Deck, Breygent, Cryptozoic, etc.
JMH: What are your thoughts on the big DC reboot/relaunch?
RUSTY: I’m mot very happy with it. I'm a big fan of continuity, and relaunches/reboots break that. If I had a character with a 50+ year history, I wouldn't upset the rich history created for it. If the characters were good enough, I would also think that they wouldn't need 'overhauls'. The new argument of 'tailoring the characters for a new generation' is tired and lame.
I think that it's the wrong relaunch at this time. DC should've made an 'Ultimates' universe/book line... the Ultimates in Marvel is 'goofy' (pardon the pun), but for DC it would fit. A more mature, modern version of comics in a non-DC style might really raise eyebrows. But with the 'new 52', did we really need it? Flashy art and shock-jock tactics are clearly not as good as strong writing.
JMH: What do you think Marvel's response will be?
RUSTY: Marvel has their own concerns with continuity. Ultimate Spiderman is laughable. Next we'll see Capt. America starting out as a Boy Scout and the Hulk on Dancing with the Stars. They're no better than the rest. Modern comics are a cesspool, only licensed comics and small press have any real creativity going on.
JMH: What project are you currently working on at now?
RUSTY: I've mostly been doing sketch cards, like I mentioned before - I love cards actually. Back in the '90s, I actually created the first 'sketch card' for Clubhouse Diamonds, an adult trading card company. The story is online at:
http://adulttradingcards.com/?page_id=404
I'm really deep into my development of my new comic book project: "The Adventures of Mac and Trouble".
JMH: Mac & Trouble! What is it?
RUSTY: Mac and Trouble is a fantasy project of mine. I thought that it was finally time for me to do something for myself, after all these years.
Mac and Trouble are two ordinary house cats that fall through a wormhole and wind up exploring other dimensions. Think funny animals, in real life situations, and add in sci fi. Comics such as "Cerebus the Aardvark", "Captain Carrot", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", and "Howard the Duck" are major influences to the style of the book. The mix of 'funny animals' into 'real world' situations is key to the development... but in this case, we're utilizing time-travel and alternate reality hopping to set the scene.
The cats are my real life pets that I gave comic personalities to. Mac is the adventurous type - Trouble is the goofy, funny, sidekick, scaredy cat, clumsy clown. They're quite a pair both on paper and in real life. Mac is handicapped in real life, and has trouble walking as part of it. So a portion of the proceeds will go to animal charities. There are currently a few versions of them in the works. We'll see the cats as house cats in a news strip fashion, and, they'll be heroes in the comic book.
The characters really come to life with the fantastic art skills of Michael Mayne, his work is tremendous. I couldn't have done it without him. The project actually has a lot of great people attached to it... our first cover was done by Michael Mayne, Terry Pavlet, and myself. The #2 cover will be a cover jam featuring 9+ artists including Joe Martino, Jeff Austin, Makoto Prime, Austin Janowsky, Larry Jarrell, Russ Leach, and Mat Nastos, as well as Mayne, Pavlet, and myself. Then, Russ Leach returns and does a wildly funny sci-fi cover for #3. There's going to be a sketch variant cover and a special "Director's Cut" edition, but all with additional content and special features, to give the audience something 'different'. Series writing will be provided by myself, novelist Arthur Gibson, and a lot of friend and guests.
The whole project comes together under the imprint of Rusty Ink ! and will be published by WTF Comics under the direction of Larry Jarrell. The publisher has been wonderful through all of this, and very supportive which I find uniquely refreshing.
You can view the project here: http://www.indiegogo.com/The-Adventures-of-Mac-and-Trouble - The campaign has a lot of free rewards for investing such as signed comics, sketch cards and original artwork, and personalized desktop patterns. It's really a great way to get some awesome stuff.
JMH: What future projects do you have in the works?
RUSTY: Right now, I'm finishing up work on the 'Avengers' BBC TV show card set for Unstoppable Cards, and some pages for the 'Fables for Japan' book. I have a few card sets coming in this week, but I can't spill the names right now.
In the future, aside from Mac and Trouble, I have a few new comics coming out from WTF Comics and I'll be inking some things with them - a cover I worked on a while ago with the incredibly talented Jeff Austin for a new "Wraith" novel is coming out through Trinity Comics and Frank Dirscherl - and, I'm going to be doing sketch work for a new comic-based film.
JMH: Do you have any words for aspiring artists?
RUSTY: Try hard, very hard, to make your product look good and let your style stand out in your work. Never let anyone tell you that your work is bad in any way. Never get involved with public drama or comic book forum crap, and investigate every publisher you work with... there's a lot of unprofessional and petty people out there looking to take advantage of you.
Also, don't be afraid to do some free work to get your name and your art out there. During slow periods, I still do work on small press stuff, charity work, etc. There's nothing wrong with it - money shouldn't be your first concern in the beginning (within limits).
JMH: Artist, CBI appreciates your time. All the best.
RUSTY: Thanks a lot John. You have a fantastic site here; I wish you nothing but success with it in the future.
RUSTY: John, thank you very much!
Discovery Rusty Gilligan's comics here:
www.drivethrucomics.com/product/137208/Mac-and-Trouble-Convention-Promo
www.drivethrucomics.com/product/137207/Mac-and-Trouble-Amazing-Tails
www.drivethrucomics.com/product/141578/Mac-and-Troubles-Christmas-Freebie
www.drivethrucomics.com/product/137204/Mac-and-Trouble-1-Directors-Cut
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