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| Art by Mike Hawthorne & Nathan Fairbairn |
Artist Mike Hawthorne has spent
years bringing Deadpool’s adventures to life and he’s had the opportunity to
illustrate Amazing Spider-Man, All-New Guardians of the Galaxy, Conan, and many more.
In the sixth edition of Comic Book Conversations, Mike talks about his career
as an artist, what it was like crafting a fight between the King of Wakanda and the
Merc with a Mouth, and gives some advice to aspiring artists. Now, let’s get to
know Mike a little better!
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| Art by Mike Hawthorne & Val Staples |
MIKE HAWTHORNE: Ha! Yeah, I did all kinds of stuff. I worked as a
cook for a while, after college, then began taking work as a designer and
advertising illustrator. I used to do work for the 76ers, back when Iverson was
on the team. Coloring books, print ads, TV stuff, etc. I used to do storyboards
for commercials and film, but always with an eye towards comics.
GK: When did you know you wanted to illustrate comics? Did anything in
particular inspire you?
MH: As a kid. Maybe 12 or
so. First time I saw a comic and figured out that folks actually DID this as a
JOB, it kinda blew my mind. Up till then I was drawing graffiti and stuff. I
used to earn money drawing people's names or a character for them, so finding
out you could do that on a bigger scale made it seem real for me. I knew then I
wanted to draw comics professionally.
GK: How'd you land the Deadpool gig and what's it like creating his
hilarious, brutal, and heartbreaking stories?
MH: Kinda by mistake. I was working on a French series, wanting to
take a break form American comics after a year on Conan, and Tony put my name
in the hat to pitch-in on the series. I'd turned it down at first, as my
schedule was nuts, but once I got to know Gerry and Jordan I realized this was
my kind of gang. Then getting to know Wade made me want to stray longer!
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| Art by Mike Hawthorne, Terry Pallot, and Jordie Bellaire |
GK: What was it like getting to choreograph the fight between Deadpool
and Black Panther?
MH: Dude, so much fun! It's great when a writer trusts you enough
to block out a chunk of script to let you do your thing, and it's one of the great
parts of having a long running partnership with another creator. Plus, it was
Black Panther!! Visually, one of the coolest Marvel characters to draw, and the
kind of ass-kicker I love having Deadpool go against. You kinda know going in
that Wade would get his ass handed to him, but not lose... if that makes sense?
SO, yeah, TONS of fun to draw!
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| Art by Mike Hawthorne, Terry Pallot, and Ruth Redmond |
MH: Oh man.... that's tough. I think for me the key is knowing when
NOT to do things. Early on I found conventions weren't really my thing, so I
stopped going, despite the accepted idea that you must go to them if you want a
career. You have to know when to turn down things, even if it seems crazy. I
once turned down a video game job, for a company that offered to double my pay,
because I knew my family and I wouldn't be happy. To quote Derek Sivers, if
it's not a "HELL YES!" it's usually a "no" from me. That
usually keeps me happy and sane.
I also try really hard to only be
about the work. As long as I feel good about what I'm drawing, I'm usually
happy.
All that other shit that is NOT
drawing is something for other people. I need to focus on the art and improving
my draughtsmanship come hell or high-water.
GK: Plenty of aspiring artists are told to keep drawing, but what's
some other advice you can offer them?
MH: There's a reason they're told that: Draw is life, dude.
Seriously, get good as fast as
you can. I STILL practice, I mean literally practice. I go to figure drawing at
least once a week, sometimes twice. I practice things I feel I'm struggling
with. Animal anatomy is one I've been on lately.
Besides that, I'd say you gotta
make stuff now. Don't wait for someone to give you permission, make your comics
or animation or film NOW, with whatever resources you have. I didn't even own a
computer when I self-published my first book, but I found a way. I went back to
my old high school and used theirs. Do whatever you gotta do to make your thing,
and good things will happen (given time). I promise.
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| Art by Mike Hawthorne, Terry Pallot, and Ruth Redmond |
GK: Do you read reviews of your comics?
MH: Yes. I shouldn't. Larry Hama yelled at me not to back when we
did G.I. JOE, but I can't help it.
Thing is, even when it's bad, I
try to see what that person saw and figure a way to tweak my art for the
better... unless they're clearly just hating. Then, pffft!
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| Art by Mike Hawthorne |
GK: What's the most difficult and most satisfying part about being an
artist?
MH: Most difficult is the feeling that you're shoveling your way
out of a hole all the time.
Most satisfying is when, while
digging, you hit treasure chest every so often. It might be a killer script you
get to work on, or a character you love, or a creator you respect.
GK: What's a big misconception about comic artists?
MH: That we're happy.
HA HA! Just kidding! We're always
happy!
yeah..
Happy.
GK: Congrats on the Amazing Spider-Man work! What's it like bringing
the wall-crawler's world to life?
MH: Dude... dude.... it's so incredibly weird. Spidey is one of
those characters I recall first drawing as a child, and getting to work on him
now is surreal. Thinking of the pedigree of artists who've worked on Amazing
Spider-Man makes me feel humbled and unworthy! It's a weird feeling, for sure..
but the book was even more fun than I expected! I'm a lucky dude!
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| Art by Mike Hawthorne, Terry Pallot, and Marte Gracia |
GK: Is there anything you would like to add about your career and
upcoming work?
MH: Just to say thank you to everyone who's been kind and
supportive. I feel like I'm one of the rare creators that got to connect with
people slowly and steadily, instead of all at once because of being on a hot
book or whatever... so I have folks who have supported me forever no matter
what book I'm on. I'm so grateful for that.
So, thank you!
GK: Thanks, Mike!
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| Art by Mike Hawthorne & Jordie Bellaire |
Hey, thanks for checking out the sixth edition of Comic Book Conversations – links for the other interviews are below. Go follow Mike on Twitter (and buy his art) and follow me on Twitter for site updates. Despicable Deadpool #300 is on sale May 9, 2018.
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| Art by Mike Hawthorne |
I really enjoy reading these pieces from professionals in the field. Getting a small peek into their thoughts on the field usually has one or two highlights that make me smile or think. Wonderful read, as usual! Keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Erik! More interviews are on the way :)
DeleteI really loved his artwork on deadpool! Awesome interview!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and yeah, Mike's great!
DeleteCool
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking out the interview!
DeleteThat Black Panther Deadpool fight was hilarious.
ReplyDeleteSure was, Dylan! Thanks for reading the interview.
DeleteMet Mike at a signing in Gettysburg such a stand up guy and he signed some comics and an action figure for my multi interest group. Very inspiring fellow and a kick ass artist to boot.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I had the pleasure of working with Mike for two signings while I was at Midtown Comics and he was a total blast. He was sincerely appreciative to all of the fans and made sure they had fun.
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