Comic Book Conversations #6: Mike Hawthorne

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!

Art by Mike Hawthorne & Val Staples

GREGG KATZMAN: What did you do for work before becoming an artist?

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!

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!

Art by Mike Hawthorne, Terry Pallot, and Ruth Redmond

GK: It's a really competitive and tough industry. What helps you stay positive and focused on your career?

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. 

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! 

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!

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!

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.

Comic Book Conversations #1: ErikBurnham & Dan Schoening (Ghostbusters, TMNT)

Comic Book Conversations #2:Susan Eisenberg (Justice League, Injustice: Gods Among Us)

Comic Book Conversations #3:Michael Moreci (Superman, Roche Limit)

Comic Book Conversations #4: Vita Ayala (Wonder Woman, The Wilds)

Comic Book Conversations #5: Gerry Duggan (Deadpool, Analog)

Art by Mike Hawthorne