Sunday Comix #3
A day after Free Comic Day, you get a FREE COMIC! Enjoy this round of Sunday Comix!
It’s that time of year again! That time of year when people celebrate that most special holiday, May 4th. And you can see our lovely cover at the top made by Biojason to celebrate that holiday that we all treasure in our hearts: Life Day.
This issue, we’ve got a whole whack of comics for you to read, including some newcomers to the Sunday Comix fold.
But before we get started with comics, we thought we’d give you a little treat where you get to meet one of our wonderful artists, and we ask him our world famous PROCESS QUESTIONS!!
Part of what gave us inspiration to make Sunday Comix is the chance to engage with and interact with our fellow artists. The process of creation is fascinating, because everyone goes about creating in their own, personal way. Sometimes, we as artist want to learn about how other people engage in the process. Thus, we’ve created PROCESS QUESTIONS! This is an opportunity for you to understand the work that goes into the making of some of these wonderful comics.
This week, let’s meet MSnail! You’ll find his work in every issue of Sunday Comix with its intricate, detailed drawings and spectacular wit. Join us as we get to know him below.
Where are you from: New Zealand
Where do you live now: Australia
How do you balance planning your comics with allowing for spontaneity during creation?
I think spontaneous creative freedom is very important. Much more important than any of my laid-out plans. If I suddenly decide it's funnier to explode the heads of all the main characters rather than continue the story I might just do it.
What's your approach to developing character designs, and how do they evolve from initial concept to final form?
Most of my characters are 2 things I enjoy put together with the personality of one of the many colourful people I have meet in my life. One example, Frogs and wizards and that one crazy baker I worked with makes for an interesting character. Then I just make lots of drawings and decided what looks best.
How do you establish a distinctive visual style while still being influenced by artists you admire?
I spent a long time a few years ago developing my style. Over the years I have been refining it to suit me. I do take inspiration from some artists. But my style mostly stays the same.
What's your workflow from concept to finished page, and which stage do you find most challenging?
My workflow is a bit of a mess at the moment as I try to balance work, family time, sleep and my comic. I usually draw all my line work, characters and storyboards on my lunch break at work. Just with my pen and paper. Then when I get home, I have a small window to work on the colours and compositions of the pages before family time. The biggest challenge for me right now is when I get home from work my hands are tired. As I am a baker, I use my hands and arms at work. When I try to draw with tired weak hands my lines are wobbly inconsistent and uneven. I try to wake up early on the weekends to get some drawing done when I am well rested. I only sacrifice my sleep time for my comic I don't want to sacrifice any family time.
How do you handle creative blocks, and what tricks have you developed to overcome them?
I have not had a creative block for many years. I think this is because I have too many ideas and not enough time to complete them. I also write down all my ideas. If I was ever to get creative block I would just need to look at my large list of ideas.
What tools or materials do you prefer for different stages of your process (sketching, inking, coloring), and why?
I love pen and paper. I love the way it looks, and I love to see the pencil lines on the finished piece. Some might think that makes it look unprofessional. I think it shows the history of the drawing. Adds depth.
Lester's adventures in therapy continue. Perhaps a breakthrough is on the horizon?
Join the Maurice the Beaver patreon!
That’s it for this week! A couple of quick updates:
Remember that if there’s something you want to see in Sunday Comix, let us know!
We will have a pay/donation system coming soon! If you’re interested, feel free to contribute. But you certainly don’t have to!
Have a great Sunday!