sam

John>> yeah speed-lines… I think it is a relatively easy way to make some thing look more dynamic. Plus you don’t have to draw a “real” background!

Derek>> thanks for commenting, Derek. One of my happiest creative experiences was working with you at Maverix, and in particular that 4 month period where you, Bosco and I all knuckled down and made our first self-published comic books.

As to your idea of a Darwinian environment forcing artists to fight for their visions, I think that definitely works for some people. I know that a lot of artists confess that deadlines and pressure brings out their best work. However, I think that other artists find that atmosphere creatively stifling and emotionally undermining, so I think it is a case by case sort of thing.

For me, I think I need a balance between the two. I like being part of a team or a community but I also need my alone time. Too much of either doesn’t work for me.

But you are certainly right that when we don’t have people pushing us we often don’t do anything at all. It is a constant source of disappointment to me that I am nowhere near as productive when working for myself on my own projects as when I am working for someone else…

i’ve always found that working from home, while it has distinct advantages and freedoms, can also be frustrating, lonesome, and nebulous. there’s a certain strength that can come from creating in context with other artists, and having a deadline that isn’t self regulated can help you break through those pockets of distraction and sluggishness…

i also love being surrounded by other artists because i’m constantly being reminded of other perspectives and methodologies…also, you get a fresh take on your own stuff, which can be vital in the darker patches of the creative process.

sometimes i wonder what the perfect harmony is…i know we all share fond memories of a shared studio space that has enough people for variety, but few enough to maintain intimacy. lots of folks who work in big studios can feel overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and the inevitable meddling of middle management. but strangely, i think those things can help the artist fight for their point of view…to better bolster their identity…i mean, if there aren’t wolves at the gates, are we capable of mustering the mighty forces required be a professional artist?