Linework NW is at its heart a gathering of remarkable creators, editors, illustrators, cartoonists, and publishers who represent some of the best work that is being produced in these mediums today. Andrice Arp. Each day from now until the show we are going to be highlighting the amazing creators of Linework NW in a series of interviews conducted by the awesome folks over at Gridlords . Today’s spotlight is on cartoonist and illustrator

Which Spice Girl are you?

The one played by Richard E. Grant

What kind of process do you adhere to when you make work?

It depends on what I’m doing and it’s probably a little different every time, but for comics I use a lot of tracing paper. I work out ideas or stories in my sketchbook and then do rough panel layouts on small pages (2 pages to a 9x12 sheet) on tracing paper. Then I usually scan those, enlarge them to a full-size 9x12, print them out and trace on more tracing paper, refining the drawings and making changes as I go. Then I’ll usually scan that, enlarge it to the size I’m inking at, and print it on bristol in usually light blue, to ink or paint. I usually paint in gouache and watercolor, or just gouache, and do comics in ink and/or gouache. I also love oil painting and plan to do more as soon as I can.

How do you feel about backgrounds?

I have a troubled relationship with backgrounds. I don’t always treat them well and you can tell they resent me for it.

What famous artist or historical figure do you often psychically interact with?

Tell me about the tough comics crew from your town.

They carry a darkness inside of them. They will slice you up.

Watch out.

Is illustration your career?

Yes and no.

What do you think about fortune telling?

My sanity depends on not believing in fortune telling. The idea that the future could be predicted is the most terrifying thing I can think of. Because that would mean everything was predestined. Wouldn’t that make you feel like giving up?

What is the project in your head that you’d like to make?

I’d love to someday do a story about my relationship with my best friend between 6th and 9th grade, and the worlds we created. I want to do a really good job on it, though, so I want to make sure I have all the necessary skills before I get too far into it. The project I’m working on now is stretching my writing capabilities (always the weakest element with me) so maybe after that I’ll be ready to take it on.

What are you most excited to do at Linework NW?

I’m excited to see people from out of town, and after the show, look at all of the good stuff my friends found that somehow I missed. That’s usually the way it goes. I’m also excited about it being a juried show that’s free for attendees. Those seem to be the two elements that have made the best comics shows in the past few years. Also, Gridlords on Sunday night at Holocene , of course! Some puppets and/or some humans will be performing my comic.

Gridlords Interview by Suzette Smith