When I was a kid, and just getting into the world of comics, it was all about the art; the pictures told me the story. Now when I read a good comic book, what http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/the-big-break-2/holds my attention is a well written story. I’m not saying there weren’t any good stories when I was younger, but without the top notch pencils, and inks that made the pages come to life, I probably never would have continued to grow a passion for them. I started reading comics in the 90’s which gave way to the “rock star” artist creators like Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, and even Rob Leifield one of the creators of Deadpool, and Cable.
One aspiring artist that would’ve fit in nicely with those rock stars in my opinion is artist Sean Damien Hill. Sean has worked for Zenoscope on “Evil Heroes” and “Death Force,” and is currently working for Terminus Media on their “Route 3” series. Sean’s pencil work is beautiful and dynamic; his artwork immediately draws you in making it easy to appreciate his detailed line work, as well as his use of space and backgrounds to make the story jump off the page and take life in your mind.
Sean is currently attached to the “Route 3” Kickstarter. They have not only reached their goal of $4,850 they have also hit their stretch goal of $6,700 for the original “Route 3” digital short story.
“Route 3” is about an ordinary teen living in Atlanta Georgia who is dealing with the recent death of his mother, and a less than ideal family dynamic with his dad, and older brother. Life gets more complicated when he is suddenly endowed with ancient abilities beyond his understanding. Suddenly he is thrown into conflict between government agents, crazed mercenaries and hired criminals. I talked with Sean a little about this, and what got him into comics initially.
You have a clean dynamic style Sean. Who are some of your influences?
Sean Damien Hill: There are really too many artists to name, but it starts with Bernie Wrightsen, and goes all the way to Gene Colan. Nowadays, it’s Mshindo Kuumba, and Ricardo Federicci, but a lot of people fill up that list.
What comics sparked your interest in becoming a comic creator?
SDH: My mom and grandfather would take me to the comic book shop when I was around 6 or 7. They were already into comics, so I would get into a lot of the stuff they read. Most of those books were DC comics, and to this day I’m biased towards DC titles. In any case I don’t think I thought about drawing comics until I saw a Spike Lee Levis commercial with Rob Leifield. That’s when I realized that there were people who actually did this for a living, and at the time I was trying to get my Grandfather Otis Hill to teach me how to draw. As I got older I became obsessed with seeing any and everything that would give me a peak into how artist drew comics. Naturally, I started reading Wizard magazine as often as possible.
How did you get involved with “Route 3?”
SDH: I first got involved with “Route 3” about 4 years ago. It was shortly after on of my first paid comic gigs with Terminus Media. The book was called “Terminus Team Up,” and the writer was Robert Jeffrey, the creator, and writer of “Route 3.” He needed an artist and he gave me the pitch, and I got really excited by the story. It puts a young man of color in the position of an average Marvel, or DC white teen character would be in. It comes across with a sense of realism with social issues naturally mixed in. the social issues are a natural part of the stories development. It’s smart and has great action so I hopped on board and have been with it ever since.
What are your hopes for “Route 3?”
SDH: My hope for “Route 3” are pretty simple. I want it to be another shining example of diversity in comics. Often when people work on titles their vision can end up being very narrow. They only compare to the big two. For me comics are comics, and right now we’re living in a time where creators are kicking out content on a quality level just as good as any Marvel or DC book. Sometimes better! Hopefully down the line “Route 3” will be another historic book that represents an example of Diversity in the Comic Book industry. I also wouldn’t mind a “Route 3” Netflix series. Lol.
Continued belowHow would you describe your crowdfunding experience so far?
SDH: The “Route 3” Kickstarter was the first one I’ve ever had a hand in trying to promote, and actually getting the word out. I admit I’m a pessimist, so believing thousands of people would just give money to a project just because I want to work on it seemed crazy. I soon realized I had to curb that way of thinking to be able to promote it as much as I did. When there’s something you love that you’re trying to tell others about, any doubts you have can get communicated along with what your saying. Even if you don’t intend for it to. I had to reframe my way of thinking because my enthusiasm for “Route 3” had to be obvious in order to inspire enough people to want to see it.
Where would you like your career to be in 5-10 years?
SDH: I hope in the next 5-10 years I’m working on my own intellectual properties. Comics are a freelance medium for the most part, and there are no retirement benefits to speak of, so you have to push your own creations. You have to invest in yourself for the future. I also have a few side projects I hope to fully flesh out in the near future.
Lastly what advice would you like to impart to aspiring comic book creators?
SDH: First work hard then work harder. Hustle is always more important than talent. Don’t look at an artist in your favorite comic, and start picking apart all the mistakes they make and get mad that there drawing for your favorite publisher and not you. You have no idea what it took for them to get there. Just prove yourself with the work you produce. Most people have excuses , but results don’t.
Second; progress is better than perfection. If you’re trying to produce a professional level of work, don’t beat yourself up and get discouraged when your last drawing wasn’t a masterpiece. Just keep drawing. Draw from life especially, don’t worry about style. That comes naturally as you keep going and try to develop your own voice as a story teller. That’s ultimately what you’re being hired for.
Sean’s incredible work can be seen on his website. Or on his Instagram, and Twitter @seandamienhill. Also please go check out the “Route 3” Kickstarter.
