2012 in Review: Ben Stenbeck

Ben Stenbeck cover illustration for North & South

What have been your personal cartooning/comics highlights of 2012?

I got to spend another year drawing funny books. I had 3 weeks in Europe a few months ago with a bunch of kiwi comic artists.  It took flying to the other side of the world for most of us to find out that we all had a lot in common and got on really well.  Also I started drawing covers this year which i was nervous about but its been fun.

Who are some of the comics creators that you've discovered and enjoyed for the first time in 2012?

James Harren.  Holy crap. His work simultaneously makes me want to give up comics altogether and make more comics. And hes only 25. Massimo Carnivale maybe my favourite painter of all time. Heres his blog with paintings from movies  http://sketchesnatched.blogspot.com

What is something non-comics that you have enjoyed in 2012?

'Adventure time' I cant get enough. And the soothing Viking death metal of 'Amon Amarth'. Dont you judge me, its fun music if you dont take it seriously and just enjoy it. And the game Skyrim, but dont tell my Wife or my editor about that one.

Have you implemented any significant changes to your working methods this year?

I set up a new desk just for Inking.  spicing things up.

What are you looking forward to in 2013?

I get to draw some stuff later in the year that will be significant for anyone whos been following Baltimore. Ill be doing More covers, Vol 3 Of Baltimore will be released (which might be the best one yet). And another year of drawing funny books! Also hearing all the explanations as to why the world didnt end on December 21st. My money is on no-one considering the possibility that it was all bullshit from the start. It'll be a gas. Merry Christmas.

http://benstenbeck.com/

2012 in Review: Ant Sang

Ant Sang

 

What have been your personal cartooning/comics highlights of 2012?

 

Having Shaolin Burning selected as a finalist (Picture Book category) at the NZ Post Children’s Book awards was great. It won an Honour Award in the end, and it was a fantastic night spent with so many talented authors and illustrators at the event. Another highlight was seeing Shaolin Burning artwork up on the big screens at the Frankfurt Book Fair’s NZ Pavillion (though I wasn’t there in person).

Who are some of the comics creators that you've discovered and enjoyed for the first time in 2012?

 

I’m loving the artwork of James Harren and Becky Cloonan. Becky’s artwork has a beautiful fluidity to it, and James’ work packs a mighty punch… the guy’s really on fire at the moment.
 

What is something non-comics that you have enjoyed in 2012? 

 

I loved Robert Harris’ novel Lustrum. A great retelling of a politically tumultuous, five year period during the dying days of the Roman Republic (after 63BC). Focusing on Cicero and told through the eyes of his slave, Tiro, the book is an amazing look at the politics of the time. Had me googling the history of Rome for days afterwards. TV-wise, loved watching all of The Wire (crime series based in Baltimore). And currently digging Homeland (post 9/11 terrorist schnanigans). 

 

Have you implemented any significant changes to your working methods this year? 

 

My working method hasn’t changed drastically this year. I’m still pretty old school and love working with brush and ink. I reckon my Photoshop colouring has improved this year though. I’ve been experimenting with more tones and depth and have been enjoying the results so far. 

 

What are you looking forward to in 2013? 

 

Planning to make comics and get into some filmmaking.