Valentin Ramon is a Spanish artist who frequently collaborates with Ryan Ferrier, including the breakout office drone series D4VE and the newer miniseries Hot Damn, which just came out in trade.
What current projects are you working on?
Sleep Inertia Pilot with Mark Bertolini, which is currently being Kickstarted.
Use one word to describe how you work.
Messy.
What’s your workspace like?
Well, my workspace is anywhere where I can plant my laptop and my ashtray. In the last two years I had been moving a lot (London, France, Barcelona, Asturias and back to Barcelona) so I even end up working while I waiting for the airplanes (but over there they didn’t let me use my ashtray).
What do you listen to when you work?
You could say that I divide my day in two parts. The first one I’m listening to music through my headphones very loudly to isolate me from the ugly world that surrounds us. At this moment I’m very into Gore the new album from Deftones. In the second part of my working day I listen to and watch (in a different screen) documentaries or podcasts on ancient history or any weird conspiracy theory . Eric Dubay is the new black.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Whatever you do, if you believe in it, never give up regardless of how hard it is.
A page from Valentin Ramon’s upcoming OGN Sleep Inertia Pilot.
How do you get into art mode?
I wish I had a way to get into art mode because that would mean that I’m an artist! The only way I know is to sit down, have a coffee and a cigarette and start with whatever I’m working on.
Is your work paper or digital based?
Unfortunately it is digital. I miss getting my hands dirty, I really do, but working digital is faster .
What’s the one thing you wish you could improve about your work?
E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. There is always room for improvement and still a loooooooooong way for me to arrive at the point where you see your work and think “That’s it, this is the best that I can do.”
When’s the best time to work?
I used to love to work at night but now the best time for me is mornings.
Who do you consider to be inspirational creators in your field (classic and modern)?
Love the work of Geof Darrow, Dave McKean, David Mazzucchelli and Frank Miller (as an illustrator).
Christopher Peterson has co-created series at Boom, Monkeybrain, Black Mask Arcana and Challenger and has also illustrated series at Dark Horse.
What current projects are you working on?
Villain for Stela and Coming of Age, a web comic.
Use one word to describe how you work.
Stressed.
What’s your workspace like?
Two computers set up for reference, browsing, drawing on (Cintiq) and a whole lot of mess.
What do you listen to when you work?
Usually music for pencils and podcast style videos or audiobooks for inking.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Just keep swimming.
Art advice specifically, from Ty Templeton. Using spot blacks to guide the eye/storytelling.
A strip Christopher Peterson and Alex de Campi did about MODOK’s social struggles
How do you get into art mode?
Prepare everything I need (reference, scripts, music, beverages) and everything done like emails, then dive in.
Is your work paper or digital based?
Mostly digital- attempt traditional when possible.
What’s the one thing you wish you could improve about your work?
Consistency – the looks and style of figures/faces sometimes changes page to page.
When’s the best time to work?
Currently- 12am to 8am.
Who do you consider to be inspirational creators in your field (classic and modern)?
Mike Mignola, Alex Toth, Frank Frazetta, Frank Miller, Anna Cattish, Jordi Bernet and Jack Kirby.
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