It’s COMIC EXPO week here in Cincinnati. This week’s Small Business Focus post features the comic artwork of the Montgomery brothers, Jason and Justin - (Part 1 of 2)
What impressed me about Jason and Justin’s work was that they challenged each other on a weekly basis to create improvised comic characters. They encouraged, cajoled, and sometimes forced each other to do the work! And though neither is currently creating for one of the major comic publishers, that has not kept them from diving in and selling their own work.
JC: Where were you born, Jason?
Jason: I was born in Southgate, Kentucky and then moved to Edgewood, Kentucky.
JC: Where are you living now?
Jason: Well, I ventured " across the river" as they say around home. So, I now live in Cincinnati, Ohio.
JC: Did you study art in school?
JC: What got you interested in drawing comics?
Jason: Well, around our house, as kids, we drew. Sure, we played outside and in the woods a lot. But, when it was time to be inside, we drew. My mom is a great artist, as is my brother. We would all sit around and draw.
JC: I remember that, as you were getting back into the habit of drawing, you drew something almost every day at lunch. Talk about the difficulties you faced and the drawing challenges you created for yourself.
Jason: For me, it was remembering how to do it! Lots and lots of practice. Every single day. I would, and still do, draw on everything. Pizza boxes, napkins, Post-it™ Notes -- you name it, I draw on it.
(I’m) working at getting better. As far as characters go, friends and I have always come up with ideas for different superhero-type characters. I've currently been developing a "superhero" character for about the last 4 or 5 years. I have him drawn out, his outfit, back-story, and of course the tragedy that pushes him to this. This, in essence, sounds a lot like our favorite man in a bat suit. I think many heroes are based off that model. But, I really wanted mine to go in somewhat of a different direction. So, I've made him Native American. There are a few out there like Apache Chief and so on. But, I wanted something more realistic, earthy. Hopefully, I can get it off the ground and tell his story.
Jason: It makes me happy. It's been a lot of work to get it back, to where I feel it is viewable. But, also, it's an outlet, something I can do at any time and be home with my family.
Jason Montgomery is a friend and former co-worker whom I’ve known for quite some time. But it wasn’t until a few years ago (probably during an impromptu Dr. Who recap discussion -- I am a fan) that I found out Jason and his brother are both comic artists. At that time, they were just starting out, selling their work and exhibiting at the comic conventions. So, when I began blogging about small businesses and startups, their efforts immediately came to mind.
What impressed me about Jason and Justin’s work was that they challenged each other on a weekly basis to create improvised comic characters. They encouraged, cajoled, and sometimes forced each other to do the work! And though neither is currently creating for one of the major comic publishers, that has not kept them from diving in and selling their own work.
What follows here are Jason’s responses to my questions regarding his own efforts. Justin’s responses to the same questions will be featured in tomorrow’s post.
JC: Where were you born, Jason?
Jason: I was born in Southgate, Kentucky and then moved to Edgewood, Kentucky.
JC: Where are you living now?
Jason: Well, I ventured " across the river" as they say around home. So, I now live in Cincinnati, Ohio.
JC: Did you study art in school?
Jason: I took art classes in middle and high school. I was fortunate...programs like art and music were always available, if not required, back then -- which isn't the case these days. Some schools really struggle to keep programs like these, which I feel are still really important.
JC: What got you interested in drawing comics?
Jason: Well, around our house, as kids, we drew. Sure, we played outside and in the woods a lot. But, when it was time to be inside, we drew. My mom is a great artist, as is my brother. We would all sit around and draw.
JC: How long have you been drawing comics?
Jason: I had pretty much stopped drawing entirely by the time I was about 20 or so. I also play several instruments, and that's really where my focus was for a long time. I drew here and there, just for fun...nothing really serious. But my friends, brother and I were always coming up with ideas for comics. The ideas or discussions of comics never really stopped. So, getting back into art, and comics...my daughter really likes to draw. So, we would sit around and draw. Something I hadn't done in years. It is something we still do.
Jason: I had pretty much stopped drawing entirely by the time I was about 20 or so. I also play several instruments, and that's really where my focus was for a long time. I drew here and there, just for fun...nothing really serious. But my friends, brother and I were always coming up with ideas for comics. The ideas or discussions of comics never really stopped. So, getting back into art, and comics...my daughter really likes to draw. So, we would sit around and draw. Something I hadn't done in years. It is something we still do.
But my brother never stopped drawing. He's been hard at it a long time. He finally convinced me to get back into it. Plus, it is something I can do at home, and spend time with my wife and daughter. (Whereas) music, that is a nearly-all-day affair. With load in, sound checks, playing the showing and then taking it all down, and heading home.
So, to finally answer the question... I’ve been back, diligently drawing comic-oriented stuff for nearly 3 years now.
JC: How long have you been drawing as a part-time commercial venture?
Jason: This year will mark year 2 of being out there actually selling and creating art, either through Comic Cons or individual commission work.JC: How long have you been drawing as a part-time commercial venture?
JC: I remember that, as you were getting back into the habit of drawing, you drew something almost every day at lunch. Talk about the difficulties you faced and the drawing challenges you created for yourself.
Jason: For me, it was remembering how to do it! Lots and lots of practice. Every single day. I would, and still do, draw on everything. Pizza boxes, napkins, Post-it™ Notes -- you name it, I draw on it.
(I’m) working at getting better. As far as characters go, friends and I have always come up with ideas for different superhero-type characters. I've currently been developing a "superhero" character for about the last 4 or 5 years. I have him drawn out, his outfit, back-story, and of course the tragedy that pushes him to this. This, in essence, sounds a lot like our favorite man in a bat suit. I think many heroes are based off that model. But, I really wanted mine to go in somewhat of a different direction. So, I've made him Native American. There are a few out there like Apache Chief and so on. But, I wanted something more realistic, earthy. Hopefully, I can get it off the ground and tell his story.
JC: Why do you do what you do -- create original art?
Jason: It makes me happy. It's been a lot of work to get it back, to where I feel it is viewable. But, also, it's an outlet, something I can do at any time and be home with my family.
Sometimes people will commission me to do a piece for them. A relative, a pet, a portrait of them (or) their favorite superhero. For me, creating it makes me a bit nervous, but honored that they chose me to create something for them. We converse during the process. I'll send photos of the roughs and make sure it is going in the direction they are wanting. After that, they normally don't see it until it’s given or sent to them. The look on their face when they open it makes it all worth it!
JC: Anything else you’d like to say?
Jason: I've probably said too much! LOL! Go out and support your local artist! Be it painters, musicians, and so on. There is a vast amount of talented people out there. Go find them!
JC: Anything else you’d like to say?
Jason: I've probably said too much! LOL! Go out and support your local artist! Be it painters, musicians, and so on. There is a vast amount of talented people out there. Go find them!
Read more! Click for Interview #2, The Comic Art of Justin Montgomery.
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