Q: What is your educational background? 

A: I took about a year and a half of art school before I dropped out.

Q: What artists influenced you?  

A: Growing up, my biggest influences were Erik Larson, Frank Miller, Art Adams, and Bruce Timm.

Q: How did you get into the industry? 

A: Viper Comics was starting up in my town and was conducting a search for local talent. I sent them my stuff and you know the rest. 

Q: When putting together a portfolio, what should an artist put in there? 

A: I'm really not the best person to ask. I never did the whole "convention-portfolio" route. In fact, the very first comic convention I ever attented was to promote my first book with Viper Comics.

Q: How was it working on your first gig? 

A: Just a thrill to finally be doing what I love.

Q: When did you know that you were going to be a comic book artist? 

A: Age 12. Sitting in the theater watching Tim Burton's Batman. I already knew I wanted to do something with art, but it was then that it all clicked.

Q: Did you have a back up plan if you didn't make it in comics? 

A: The only other career path I ever considered was going into movies, writing or directing. Beyond that, I never really had a back up plan. I just kind of knew I would make it. 

Q: How did you practice in getting your drawing skills up?

A: Just drawing constantly, studying what other artists do, paying attention to real life.

Q: Are you an artist that writes, or a writer that draws? Why? 

A: I don't see any distinction between the two. For me, it's all one process. I think the more accurate term is cartoonist. 

Q: Many people think that drawing comics is such a fun and easy job. What are some things that people that want to get in the industry should be aware of? 

A: Prepare to work double, sometimes triple regular work hours with a third of the pay. 

Q: How important is it to have a style? Or should an artist be flexible, being able to mimic any style or use any medium? Is there any medium you would like to use in a comic?  

A: Even if an artist mimics other styles, they still bring their own personal style to the table. 

Q: You have such an animated drawing style, have you thought about doing an animated project?  

A: Not on my own. If someone comes along and decides to make a cartoon based on my stuff, that's great. I'll even contribute in anyway I can. But it's something I don't have the time/energy/desire to pursue on my own. 

Q: You are currently writing and drawing two ongoing comics (Dead @17, Lost Books of Eve). What challenges are you facing doing them?

A: Keeping them both interesting enough so that people don't mind the fact that they alternate every month. 

Q: I have heard that you have/are working on a DC project. How did that come about? 

A: One of their editors contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in pitching them some ideas.

Q: Can you tell us anything about it?

A: The book I'm on is called Clubbing. It's written by Andi Watson, and I'm supplying all the art. It will be out in July.

Q: How different is it doing work for a big publisher compared to a smaller one? 

A: Completely different worlds. On one side I have a team of editors telling me how, when, and why. On the other I have complete and total freedom. But with the headaches of a bigger publisher also come bigger paychecks and bigger exposure. It all kind of balances out.

Q: Any other plans with the Big Two? 

A: I don't know...I hope so! Right now I'm inking Clubbing vol. 2. Who knows after that.

Q: What is your dream project?

A: I would love to do an animated style Star Trek comic.

Q: Any writers you would like to work with?

A: I don't know. Working with a writer (at DC) has been an odd experience for me. If the right person came along, maybe. But right now I'm happy doing my own thing. 

Q: Any characters from the big two?

A: Supergirl or Batgirl.

Q: Anything you want to say to the aspiring artist out there?

A: Study other artists. Learn what they do and why they do it. Then do it better.