Talking with Dustin Evans of Imaginary Friends
So my second technical interview with an artist was offered to me about a week ago by a good friend, so I jumped on it and I'd say it went really well. That artist is none other then Dustin
Evans of Imaginary friends, Outlaw's second book which will be coming out this month. Dustin and I go over a lot of topics and had a blast with this interview, so enjoy!
Eric: So Dustin, how did you get started in the industry?
Dustin: It all began at the most magical place on earth ...Comic-Con! I finally scrounged up enough money to venture to San Diego in the summer of 2004. Armed with nothing but my portfolio and a naive understanding of what to expect, I spent every hour I could at the event. Mind you, this was the first comic book convention of any type I had ever attended. The mid-west is not so keen on conventions, so this was definitely culture and sensory shock for me. I showed my work to anyone and everyone who would look at it, including some representatives from Disney. Once the convention was over, I got a few call backs. One from Disney and one from Ape Entertainment. Two opposite ends of the industry perspective, but I loved working for both companies. I began working on an animated style version of Pirates of the Caribbean for Disney, and I started working on "Go-Go Gorilla and the Jungle Crew" for Ape Entertainment. I still had one more year of college left to graduate as well. My senior year was filled with multi-tasking to say the least.
Eric: That's awesome! What kind of stuff did you grow up on?
Dustin: Thanks! I actually remember certain books that stand out to me. The Death of Superman got me started. My brother got the comic book for Christmas, and I HAD to have it too. There was Frank Miller's Dark Knight, I was/am a recovering Batman-aholic. I was also really into X-Men also. The next book I really remember getting into was "Spawn". It was so different for its time. I loved every month of it. I kind of quit following comics for a period during high school, then I discovered this new company, at the time, called "Top Cow". I got hooked on everything they were putting out. It's funny that my artwork and style is so animated, because most of the books I read and enjoyed growing up were more traditional and had the sort of "Jim Lee" style.
Eric: Did you have a favorite artist?
Dustin: Hard to pick a favorite artist. There is so much talent out there right now. I would say that Skottie Young continually inspires me along with Humberto Ramos...I can't pick a favorite unless they battled it out in the Thunderdome for a winner.
Eric: Favorite characters?
Dustin: Batman will probably forever be my favorite character but following close on his cape are Lobo, Aspen and Spidey. An eclectic crew.
Eric: So obviously you have a strong sense of humor in both your work and in general, did you grow up watching a lot of comedy?
Dustin: Yes, I love comedy. I've always liked making people laugh ever since I can remember. I've found a way to do that through my artwork in many instances. I watched a lot of SNL, sitcoms, and Conan O' Brien.
Eric: How did you meet up with Jason Burns? I know he's said imaginary friends was his first comic work.
Dustin: I actually met up with Jason through a domino effect. I first worked for Ape Entertainment after SDCC 2004. They then introduced me to Viper Comics. Jessie Garza paired me up with Jason to work on Imaginary Friends. From that point on Jason has been one of my favorite people to work for. He's loyal to his artists to the end, and that's very, VERY rare in this business. I know he's got my back, and that's worth a lot.
Eric: Going into imaginary friends now, I have to say your style fits in a lot with the tone of the book, seemed you got to play with a lot of unique ideas?
Dustin: Indeed. Once we had all of the character designs down, they really let me have a free pass to be as creative and unique as I could. Jason gave great guidance in his script, and I just built off of that. I found myself sketching something out, then taking a step back to ask myself, "What would be even MORE extreme and surprising to the viewer in this frame?". The characters themselves were really so unique and carried such personality, it's as though they drove my creative process.
Eric: So imaginary friends was done in 2004? did you guys go back to re-add anything into this edition?
Dustin: Actually, Imaginary Friends started around the end of 2004, but we worked on the book until just last year in 2008. It was kind of an odd turn of events. Jason and I both were asked to head up a lot of different projects along the way for Viper, so Imaginary Friends was kind of set to the side from time to time, because we didn't want to rush through it and not produce something that we weren't proud to create.
Eric: Being a comedic artist...are there any comedic comic characters you'd love to get your hands on?
Dustin: I would love to really do some work on Plastic Man. Not only the humor intrigues me, but the way that I could draw him and have fun with the lines. It would be a candyland for my style. Though they're not traditionally known for comics, I would really like to sink my creative teeth in Ghostbusters or Army of Darkness. Those titles never get old for me.
Eric: Heh you'd be a good fit for Ash in my mind, someone should contact dynamite for you. ;p
Dustin: I would love to do something with Ash's character. I've been a fan from the beginning. Indeed, know anyone at Dynamite? lol ;)
Eric: So were you guys constantly going back to the project or was it on a hiatus for most of that period?
Dustin: We finished up the first two chapters, I think it was, then we had a few projects pop up. Once we finished those up, we got right back to the book and the last two chapters flowed out very quickly. I was ready to get back, and I know Jason was anxious to see it all come together.
Eric: So when following a script, how deep are they? Jay's being an example, do you have set instructions or just an over all idea to follow?
Dustin: It really depends on the writer and the editors heading up the book. I've worked with some companies that want specific colors on shirt buttons. It can be very tedious at time, but I know they have a motive in mind. Jason's scripts allow for me to have a lot of freedom, which I enjoy. He breaks down each panel, what needs to happen and be said in every panel on every page. It's up to me to illustrate the idea. If I ever miss my mark, Jason can let me know we were going for something in a different direction, etc...
Eric: How much do you improvise in your scripts?
Dustin: I don't stray far from the scripts. I respect the writers, and I don't want to screw up their vision for the story. I think I put a lot of myself into the pages in terms of expressions, style and overall flow. The script may say, "close on Mr. Bones". It's then up to me to determine what angle, how close, etc... we see Mr. Bones in the frame. I use film for a lot of inspiration on angles and story telling. It helps if you're ever stuck on an interesting angle or certain panel.
Eric: So who was your favorite character in the series? I am guessing it was the deer who's name I'm blanking on.
Dustin: Actually, I think my favorite character in the story was Shift Valentine. I've always had a soft spot for villains though. They're just so much fun to draw. On the hero's side of the story, I probably favor "The Bowler". Again, he was just fun to draw and explore as a character.
Eric: The bowler was a pretty fun character actually, you did a great job with the design.
Dustin: Thanks! We nailed his design on the first shot. Sadly, he's based off of real attributes I've seen, lol.
Eric: There were a lot of interesting locations to visit inside the book, must have been fun to go all out on those?
Dustin: Indeed! It was a blast to come up with all the different environments. My favorite place would be the Cloud 9 Bowl-a-rama. It's such a weird combo of a bowling alley and amusement park...I think they should explore opening an actual place like that up. Of course the Imaginary Friend's Headquarters was a lot of fun too, combining a traditional fairy tale castle with modern day surveillance, etc...
Eric: So are you exclusive to outlaw right now? Or do you have other projects in the pipeline?
Dustin: Outlaw is the only company I'm doing comic book work for at the moment. I always take on a few small illustration gigs as they pop up. I have another 3 chapter book in the works with Outlaw that should be out around Christmas. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to mention the title or anything, so you might check with Jason on it. After that is wrapped up, I'm finally going to get one of my own, original titles finished. I don't know who or if it will get published, but it will definitely be ready to go by Christmas as well. I can tell you it has ninjas, pirates and plenty of action/comedy to go around ;)
Eric: That was actually my next question Dustin, have you considered creator work of your own? You seem to have the energy and the creativity for it.
Dustin: Yes, definitely. I gave it a shot a while back, but I didn't have any success. I was pretty discouraged, but after nursing my wounded ego, I'm ready for another stab at it. The title I'm trying to create on my own is called, "Small Fry Ninjas". It's a story of four ninjas, who started out as little toys that accompanied a "Big Boy's Meal" at a fast food chain. Through magical powers, they were brought to life and increased in size. They of course work to rid the world of evil that comes in the form of a modern day pirate. That's the premise so far. I have eight pages scripted and sketched out. We'll see how it goes from there. I would love to see a title of my very own out on the market.
Eric: Heh that does sound amazing Dustin, I'll definitely read it with whatever company puts it out. So anything else you want to add to the interview? Obviously people should pick up imaginary friends when it comes out!
Dustin: Thanks Eric, glad you like the idea. I appreciate the support! Indeed, pick up Imaginary Friends in July 1st, 2009. Request a dozen or so copies from your local comic book person, please! We have a guest cover by none other than Josh Howard as well. Maybe a few links to plug. You don't have to add them if you don't want, but in case you do:
http://www.dustinevans.biz/
http://beta.outlaw-entertainment.com/ImaginaryFriends/
http://twitter.com/dustinart
Well that's if for this one folks, pick up imaginary friends from your lcs or book story on July 1st and join us here for the next edition of Why I love comics very soon!
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Eric Ratcliffe is a young writer/pop culture journalist/interviewer currently working on pitching a project named the Hunter chronicles. When not reading his weekly stack Eric can be found watching dvd's, playing on his 360 (gamertag: Zack Hunter) or just surfing online trying to find a scoop or two. Brand new to the Comic Related family, Eric is a fun new voice. Eric shops at TJ's Collectibles. Visit them on the web at www.tjcollect.com!
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