In this week’s Questionable Comics, we spoke with two great, rising indie artists, Brian Level (The Mantle, Quantum and Woody) and Sami Kivelä, who does Deer Editor with Loser City friend Ryan K. Lindsay. Up first is Brian Level…
What current projects are you working on?
Hellblazer and some self published stuff.
Use one word to describe how you work.
Erratic.
What’s your workspace like?
It’s a total wreck. Paper coffee cups nesting into one another surrounded by ceramic coffee mugs with dried coffee remains in the bottoms. Inked pages and pads of paper on the rest of the surfaces. The computer area stays in decent shape though. Because I have been penciling digitally it saves on mess. My printer/scanner is on a rickety shelf and random pens and templates are strewn about. Few pair of pants are typically on the floor.
What do you listen to when you work?
Norm MacDonald’s podcast. Some friends and I often chat on Skype and Google Hangouts. I’ll also run through seasons of shows that I’m semi-interested in. And that new Pale Chalice record is pretty great.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
It was regarding tattooing, but I absolutely believe it applies. It was, “If you want to keep getting work for the rest of your life, be a good person.” I really do believe you’ll continue to be a person that others want to work with.
How do you get into art mode?
I’m never really NOT in that mode. It makes doing other normal life things difficult.
Is your work paper or digital based?
It’s a mixture of both. I do thumbnails (sometimes very detailed) on paper with pencil. I’ll scan or photo them to Manga/Clip Studio for penciling. Then print onto boards to ink traditionally. Then scan and do any fixes digitally. Lots of back and forth.
A standout page by Brian Level from The Mantle, his series with Ed Brisson
What’s the one thing you wish you could improve about your work?
I really wish I was pushing things more. Exaggerating things. Acting, anatomy, wide and close shots, cartooning.
When’s the best time to work?
I suppose first thing when I wake up. I’m fresh. But I rarely have that opportunity with two kids, haha. Late is fine, but tends to feel like I’m slogging through at times.
Who do you consider to be inspirational creators in your field (classic and modern)?
Stefano Gaudiano and Lee Weeks are two people that just aren’t spoken of enough. Incredible artists and humans. Elizabeth Breitweiser is a complete mind-blowing and idiosyncratic genius. JRJR, Mignola, Denys Cowan and Frank Miller are consistent and classic go-to people when I want reference. Emma Rios, Rick Remender, Dave Stewart, Dave Johnson, Vanesa Del Rey, Jay Leisten, Chuck Forsman, Greg Smallwood, Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman, James Harren, Ron Wimberly, Emily Carroll, Duncan Fegredo… Oh no. This is going to go on if I don’t stop now. Comics and their creators are wonderful.
What current projects are you working on?
I’m currently drawing Deer Editor, an anthropomorphic crime story written by Ryan K Lindsay. We also have another creator-owned project coming in 2016, and I hope we can talk more about it soon.
Use one word to describe how you work.
Chaotically. 🙂
What’s your workspace like?
I have a small home office where I have all the necessary tools close at hand and original art from some of my favorite artists hanging on the wall.
What do you listen to when you work?
Mainly rock radio and now and then comics related podcasts. I’m also a big fan of heavy metal music so I often listen to CDs from my music collection.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Draw every day and never give up.
How do you get into art mode?
With energy drink. 🙂
Is your work paper or digital based?
90% paper. I’m quite an old-fashioned guy but I couldn’t work without digital tools.
What’s the one thing you wish you could improve about your work?
I’m very critical about my own work and I feel that there’s always room for improvement in everything I do. I’m constantly trying to grow and learn as an artist.
When’s the best time to work?
I don’t really think about time. I used to work late at nights but nowadays I usually draw in the daytime. I get up in the morning and work until I have done enough for the day, depending on the project and deadlines.
Who do you consider to be inspirational creators in your field (classic and modern)?
There are way too many, but to name a few: Alex Raymond, Jean Giraud (Mœbius), Nicola Mari, David Mazzucchelli, Jim Lee, Tim Sale, Sean Phillips, John Cassaday, Frank Quitely etc… I could go on and on, as every artist inspires me to some degree.
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