Frequently Asked Questions

Getting into comics

How did you get into comics?

As with every job early on in my career, it came from me showing my portfolio to an editor or an art director. In recent years my previous published work serves the purpose of a portfolio, but the principle is the same, for the companies to be able to see in your work the promise of what you can create for them. Bigger companies prefer to see previously published work as that gives them the confidence that you are reliable and can see a project through.

How would you recommend I get into the industry?

There is no set way to go about this, if you talk to artists you will find that many have different stories. My best advice is to practice a lot and build a very strong portfolio. The internet means that these days it's much easier to get your work seen more easily, but don't discount the importance of getting to a show and meeting an editor in person for a portfolio review if you can. They can get a good feel for your work and for you as a person. Be persistent, but don't be a nuisance.

Creating the art

Can you explain your process? What materials do you use?

When working on a cover or a page, I produce rough sketches digitally. Once a final layout has been decided on, I tighten up the sketch and print it out. I then use a light box to transfer the sketch onto paper. I prefer smooth cotton paper like Fabriano or Arches watercolour boards, and I work at a size of 10"x15". I then create the piece using pencil, my current weapons of choice are a 2mm lead holder and a mechanical pencil, both 2B, and ink, including fine liners and brush pens. For washes I use watercolour or gouache, and occasionally use Copic markers, particularly for metallic surfaces. Once the piece is finished in greyscale, I then scan it into the computer and colour it digitally using Photoshop.

Purchasing original artwork from the website

How do I purchase piece from the website?

Once you've decided on the piece or pieces that you're interested in, please contact us using the contact form. We will then get back to you as soon as possible.

Do you have any other pieces for sale other than what is currently listed?

Everything available for sale is up on the site. We add new covers when we are allowed to show them after the books have been announced.

Commissions, sketches and signatures

Are you currently accepting commissions?

Not at this time.

How about commissions at shows?

Still no, but read on...

Will you do a sketch for me at a show? How much will it cost? What about signing books?

I almost always sketch for free at conventions and store signings, the only exception to this is if I am asking for donations for charity. I do head sketches that take roughly 15 to 20 minutes each. Please note that when I do free sketches, they be must signed and personalised to you, in pen. This is to prevent people queuing up to get free sketches purely to re-sell on eBay or other venues (thus preventing someone who genuinely wants a sketch from getting one). I will sign any number of books for you at no charge.

Will you sign my books for me, or do me a free sketch, if I post my items to you at home?

No, sorry. I do not have time.

Information for convention organisers

Will you attend our convention or festival, or do a signing at our store?

Thank you very much for thinking of me as a guest for your event. I attend a number of shows every year, but can't attend every one I am invited to due to deadlines and work commitments. However, if you can offer transportation and reasonable accommodation for my wife and me, then I will give your event serious consideration. Please contact Tamsin through the e-mail provided on the website with any queries relating to convention appearances.