Q: Where can I learn how to do what you do?
A: You can enrol on an Illustration course or a Graphics course like Tim did at a local Art College or University. A tip is to visit lots of different ones to see which Colleges and Universities can walk the walk as well as talk the talk. Tim teaches a course on Fantasy Art at Livesey Children & All Age Centre in Blackburn, Lancashire, here in the UK entitled Fantasy Art Unlimited. Details can be found by clicking the link, or by calling the Centre on 01254 507950 and asking the receptionists for information. If you live local you can always enrol on the course. If you have any problems, just email him and he’ll endeavour to sort things out for you. The important thing to remember, however, is you need to draw, draw, draw and then draw some more.
Q: How Do I get into Comics?
A: You have to be persistent and most of all as an artist you must “Draw, Draw, Draw”. You need to build up a portfolio of your best artwork only. Never submit something you know yourself is not your best stuff. As a writer, “Write, Write, Write”. Again never submit below par stuff. Then keep sending off samples of your best work. Try to attend conventions and meet up with fellow creators and editors, etc. This way you are able to network eventually with the correct bunch of people, needed to start your career in comics. Never give up, for everyone that does places you that little bit nearer the top of the list.
Q: What Paper or Board do you use?
A: This depends on what the job entails. If the work is a pencil or pencil and inked piece then Tim would generally use either 220gsm Cartridge paper (Often sold in Pads) or else 220gsm Bristol Board. If the work is in full painted colour he generally uses Saunders “Waterford” 90lb – 200lb Hot Press Watercolour Paper. If it’s an oil painting he would generally use either a quality Canvas Board, or a piece of Gesso coated Hardboard/Masonite. If the finished piece is created in the computer then it would normally be produced traditionally then scanned into Photoshop where it would be digitally painted using Photoshop and/or painter.
Q: What Pencils do you use?
A: Tim uses a 0.5mm propelling mechanical pencil. The leads he prefers are produced by Pentel. He also uses a 2mm Clutch mechanical pencil. The leads for these are produced by Staedtler Mars. As a general rule he uses blue leads. Although if he is using graphite he will use HB, B and/or 2B leads.
Occasionally he will use traditional pencils to sketch with, although this is a rare occurrence nowadays.