Habitat For Monkeys

The studio is where the heart is

The new studio room is finally assembled. I have a few things left to do, but it’s fully functional. Since you all asked for it (kidding!), here’s what it looks like…

Oh! Is that a window? Natural light near the art table! This was much needed. It helps a cartoonist feel less isolated from the world.

An important feature that I wanted for the studio 2.0 was a secondary work desk. I’m very happy that I was able to find a way to do this. Production has certainly increased because of it. I have my main art desk where I do all of my comic work and paintings, then on the opposite end, I have an electric adjustable desk. I can use this table as a writing desk, stand up drawing desk, or just as an assistant to my printer, which has actually been really helpful.

Most comic creators agree – scanning art SUCKS. It’s nice to have a convenient location for my heap of a printer, then the table right next to it is very handy. The process has become a little bit more digestible. Also, the extra table is great if an artist buddy comes over and wants to get some work done.

I have a metal shelf for my art supplies. Various papers, finished artwork, paints, and inking tools go here. I may need to upgrade it if the shelf gets too cluttered, but it should work for a while. I have a bookshelf in the studio as well. I’m trying to limit this shelf to art books, books on craft, and books that I’m really inspired by at the time. A big problem in my last art room was that ALL my comics and graphic novels were in there, so it got very crowded and just annoying. I’m trying my best not to let that happen again. It helps that we have a designated library area downstairs.

I also really wanted a TV in the room. It’s mostly there to put on background noise while I’m drawing. YouTube music, interviews, podcasts, and the occasional re-run movie that is easy to work to. This has been a great addition and has helped me focus and take breaks.

Lastly, I put some art pieces up on the wall. I still have a few more to hang, but these are my favorites. I’m not much of an original art collector, but I do have a few pieces, mostly small, that mean a lot to me. I hope to fill in all four walls in the future.

I think that working environment is very important for creativity. I’m a big believer in needing to enjoy your work space in order to have consistent productivity. If you enjoy your studio, then the more time you will spend in there, and guess what? The more art you will make. It’s sort of simple math. It’s crazy how freely I think when I’m upstairs working on the big desk versus working on something in the living room. Now, I need to keep up the organization in the studio so that my assembly line flow holds true. That’s a whole other story haha.

The Road Less Travelled

I feel like I’m a broken record when it comes to Jeff Lemire comics, but here we go again. And now, it’s Gabriel Walta on art, who is one of my favorite artists working today.

Phantom Road is a surreal horror-fantasy comic about a truck driver and an abandoned woman who need to transport a special item across an odd, desolate world. I’m purposely being vague. Trust me, you don’t want to know much going in. I’ve already waxed poetic about Lemire’s storytelling, so, of course, that mastery returns. Walta is such a unique artist in my opinion. He is very technically sound in his comic construction, but at the same time, he brings incredible style to his characters. It’s fascinating how he works at both ends of the spectrum.

I think that this is a big reason as to why he has worked on marquee books like Marvel’s Vision series, but at the same time, he does outside-of-the-box work like this and Sentient (another great read). His rendering lines are so smart and beautiful.

I spent half my time reading Phantom Road and the other half was me gawking at Walta’s art, trying to figure out how he does it. Two volumes are available now, and I believe that it will be six total. Huge recommendation from me.

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Here’s a landscape piece from my sketchbook. I get a ton of joy out of doing stuff like this. It’s a great break from all the comic book making.

Last thing - Reminder for Houston friends, I'll be at Heights of Imagination this Saturday. Come hangout!

Thanks for your time,