what is your name?
Chris G.
how would you describe what you do?
“Cave art w/ accompanying text” is what I consider my stuff to be. But “comics” works just fine.
what are you currently working on?
Just finished my 6th episode of Space Shark. Hot out of the photoshop oven. After that I’ll begin working on a few pages of comic art for a project with the talented mo-fo’s of Digital Webbing.
what has had the greatest influence on your work?
Well drawing-wise, my greatest influences are other comic artists that have done most or all the heavy lifting themselves; Darwyn Cooke, Mike Allred, Mike Mignola, Eric Powell, and Ben Templesmith. And especially the “Venture Bros” creators, Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer
what is the greatest misconception about you or your work?
That just because I’ve created my own comics that I should automatically be rich and famous. It doesn’t work that way, guy! At least not for everyone! But yeah, gimme my Space Shark movie!
what do you see as the main strengths and weaknesses of the medium you work in?
As far as comics go, the biggest strength it has is that you can do anything with comics because they are words + pictures. Whether you’ve got the best pens and brushes or simply a dirty stick and a blank surface, you can make a comic. The only huge, blockbuster-y budget is your skills & imagination. There is no FCC or MPAA, or RIAA. I’m sure the bigger comic companies have a rating system, but I don’t think anyone takes it seriously anyway.
As for weaknesses, personally, I hate drawing buildings! I avoid them whenever. Which is why I tend to set a lot of my comics in a desert wasteland, or outer space ^_^
how has technology impacted upon the work you do?
The internet and Photoshop have been great assistants. My artistic style would not be what it is without that extra boost Photoshop wizardry provides an artist. But I try to never forget it is a TOOL and not a crutch.
what’s the greatest piece of advice you would like to pass on?
Listen closely, PRACTICE! Learn your anatomy an musculature. But also take as much constructive criticism as much as you can. Keep a pad and pencil on you at all times! Just keep drawing and keep yourself sharp. Also: check your ego at the door and don’t even think about bitching about how you’re not getting noticed enough after you worked sooo hard on something. Better learn to let that go early on, or it’ll eat you up.
where can we find you online?
Blog: http://teammummy.com
Twitter: @teammummy
ALL my comics: http://teammummy.blogspot.com
SPACE SHARK: The Sharchive: http://spacesharkcomic.livejournal.com
what are you reading at the moment?
I just finished reading the new Tom Strong Deluxe Hardcover. So glorious and full of retro-pulp goodness. Also “Shivering Sands” by Warren Ellis is so great.
what are you listening to at the moment?
Currently addicted to Them Crooked Vultures. Early Danzig is always great too.
anything else we should know?
Buy a high quality Space shark t-shirt at my Team Mummy Mall so I can have my $2 royalty! Haha