In today’s Questionable Comics we talk to two colorists with some incredible credits at some of comics’ biggest publishers. Up first is Justin Ponsor, who currently works primarily at Marvel, but has also done work for DC/Wildstorm.
What current projects are you working on?
Spider-Man, Civil War 2.
Use one word to describe how you work.
Meticulously.
What’s your workspace like?
It’s begun a transition from a years-old setup & computer to a fresher reimagining. Thus, its state is a bit haphazard at the moment. Soon, it will be sparkling and new until clutter and notes start to settle on top.
What do you listen to when you work?
I cycle through four classes, listed in order of frequency:
1. Satellite Radio- Howard Stern & Jay Thomas mostly
2. Podcasts- Nerdist, WTF, Greg Fitzsimmons, Joe Rogan, ARIYNBF, lots of others (I tend to click on shows with guests I like)
3. Audiobooks- biographies, history, science, comedy, occasionally a fictional thriller or sci-fi
4. My iTunes music- I usually reserve this for chores, projects or commissions but sometimes use it for work
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Zoom out. Concentrate on the focal points. Make sure it reads easily. Separate planes when possible. Always seek to learn more. Try to see your work objectively and don’t be afraid to reevaluate your approach in response to shortcomings.
As far as how well I’ve implemented this advice, a few I’m still not heeding nearly enough.
Some coloring work Justin did for Guardians of the Galaxy
How do you get into colouring mode?
I have to block everything else out, which can be difficult. Then I either pick up where I left off, or start piecing together the lighting scheme for a scene based on the script, paying attention to making it stand apart from other scenes.
What’s your favourite colour?
One I didn’t have to choose? 🙂
My impulse is to say “none,” but I tend to choose the red game marker and use red as an accent color most in outfits or decor, so by action that must be it.
What’s the one thing you wish you could improve about your work?
Only one? Then I’d say balance. Balance between speed and quality, between overwrought and underdone, between skittles and grayscale, cartoonish and photo-real.
When’s the best time to work?
When I can sit still and be productive. This varies wildly relative to the clock.
Who do you consider to be inspirational creators in your field (classic and modern)?
This is always a tough question. Without hyperbole, there are at least fifty and probably closer to a hundred people from whom I’ve picked up an idea or noticed a technique. Almost everyone has something they can teach you, some fresh way to look at a problem. To me, learning is inspiring; progress is motivating.
So far, I’ve inadvertently sidestepped your question. A few of the people from whom I’ve derived the most inspiration are: James Gurney, Drew Struzan & Bill Watterson, as well as tons of the great painters. In comics, Adam Hughes, Daniel Acuña & Andrew Robinson are among the many, many people I have studied and admired.
And next is Kelly Fitzpatrick, who has been coloring some of comics’ most buzzworthy series, including Bitch Planet and DC: Bombshells, as well as the newly revived Dark Circle line.
What current projects are you working on?
Black Hood, Hangman, The Shield, Bitch Planet, Rockstars, Snowfall, Stolen Smile, Joyners, Constantine, and occasionally some Wonder Woman ’77 and DC: Bombshells. I’m also working on some secret projects. ☺
Use one word to describe how you work.
Digitally.
What’s your workspace like?
It’s really small. I work out of a corner in my apartment.
What do you listen to when you work?
I listen to podcasts, Netflix shows, music digitally and on vinyl, and audiobooks.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
When I first started coloring I used 0 K (black) to make sure my colors wouldn’t get muddy or too dark. It was mainly out of inexperience of how colors would print with each publisher’s printer and a general fear of colors becoming too dull when I wanted them vibrant. I had a conversation with Dave Stewart several years ago at ECCC and he told me he used black all of the time for objects to be receding into darkness and it blew my mind. It’s a great thing to be able to understand K and how to use it to darken or de-saturate colors. It’s also the only way you can create great blood when working in CMYK.
A sequence showing a page from Batman ’66 before and after Kelly’s colors
How do you get into colouring mode?
I’m never not in coloring mode.
What’s your favourite colour?
It’s probably phthalo blue, but I like many colors. My favorite colors to wear are black and purple.
What’s the one thing you wish you could improve about your work?
I really like limited palettes and emotive colors like how Lee Loughridge colors.
When’s the best time to work?
I work all day. There’s no best time.
Who do you consider to be inspirational creators in your field (classic and modern)?
Laura Allred, Laura Martin, Dave Stewart, Dave McCaig, Steve Oliff, Jordie Bellaire, Matt Hollingsworth, Matt Wilson, Lee Loughridge, Rico Renzi, Frank Martin, Bettie Breitweiser, Trish Mulvihill, Rikki Simons, Allen Passalaqua, and so many more!!!
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