Interview with Ben [graphitebite] on Whohub

Ben [graphitebite]

ILLUSTRATION

What is your specialty in illustration?

Mostly sequential art based projects such as Manga and Western comic books. But I also take on graphic design gigs every now and then to keep things lively.

What are your regular clients like? What do they expect from you?

My clientele can range anywhere from mainstream publishers in LA or NYC to a guy I know around the corner. Most recently I've worked with Tokyopop USA and Radical comics on a couple of projects.

Consistency and speed is a big thing they expect. But above all it's NOT blowing my deadlines, haha!

Is there a web address where we can see some of your work?

Yes, you can either check me out on my personal Blog at Graphitebite.Blogspot.com or my DeviantArt page which is graphitebite.deviantart.com .

Have you completed formal art studies, or are you self-taught?

I traveled the route most of us artist types did, which was a mix of both. I took studio art in high school then got an associates degree in Animation and media arts in college. In between all of that I was taking lessons from a mentor of mine in sequential art as well as gathering plenty of reference books to gain ideas and inspiration.

How did you get your first full assignment? What did it involve?

I guess my first professional published assignment came in the form of assistant work for my mentor. He was doing work for Devils Due press and needed help filling in a few minor pages in a monthly comic book. I wasn't credited for the work but I was so happy to see something that I touched put into publication that i didn't really care, haha!

What past or present day illustrators do you admire most?

That's a hard one to answer, since I admire almost anyone who works full-time in the field. I guess if i had to pin one down I would have to split it into two camps. One from the West and one from the East. From the West I would have to say Jack Kirby tops off my list. I really don't know where to begin to tell you how many people he's inspired with his work in the comic book industry. From the East it would have to be Akira Toriyama. He's the creator of the wildly popular series Dragon Ball, which has been around for more than 25 years now. His success has gotten him to the point where he doesn't need to work another day in his life and does projects basically for the fun of it. That's really something to admire right there.

How similar are your current drawings to those you did as a child?

I suppose the one thing that closely resembles my childhood work is the subject matter. As far back as I can remember it's been 'insert superhero name here' in a cool pose on a sheet of paper. Obviously, my work has obtained a more complex look since then. That's saying a lot, i guess, since I believe that I've changed a lot over the years but the love for what I do hasn't changed a bit.

What was your favorite comic book as a child?

When I was young I had an affinity for mostly Marvel Comic books. X-Men, Amazing Spiderman, and the Hulk made up the meat of my collection. Sadly, I never read any of them though, the artwork contained in them was more important than anything. I currently still read western comic books, although this time for the story as well as the artwork.

Do you have a particular style, or does it vary a lot?

Us artist people are jacks of all trades, so adapting myself to a clients needs is a must. For the most part my style won't change much from project to project, only minor aspects will change. For example, when I work on a certain project, I'll be sure to give the characters or whatever a certain look to compliment the story. Whether it be a comedic story or something more dark and serious. But what it all boils down to, for me, is always remembering to not lose my identity as an artist.