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.
