I was in one of the gig of the popular

J BROTHERS band . The show was great as always. This band is consists of brothers Jay, Joy and Jim Jimenez.

Yes you heard it right, our artist Jim Jimenez is more known here in Manila as the drummer of one of the hottest band in the music industry.

Their songs had been always in the play list of radio stations here in Manila and they already released 3 albums . After their gig, Jim called me to join them in their table.

I was introduced to his brother jay and Joy and some couple of friends in the table.

Great show guys. Congratulations! Anyway, I don't want to take much of your time so I will start with my questions now. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in BICOL ,that's why there's an URAGON blood running thru my vains..heheh but we also stayed in CEBU. And there I spent my teenage life. 

That's the time where I've found out I'm in too drawing 'coz my yaya was a guy and whenever I cry, he just draw and draw then I stop crying...hehehe

Where did you got your degree or art training if any?
I've spent my school days in a lot of schools 'coz we always transfer. From BICOL to CEBU to MANILA..well, 'bout ART TRAINING..just a like I said, it started with my yaya..then when we're in MANILA.. we got our first job in GASI . I think, there was no formal training..

What things - both in art and otherwise - have you worked on, besides comics? 

Well, we had our experience with ANIMATION. the time of GUMMI BEARS , WINNIE the POOH .

I started as IN-BETWEENER, then I stopped when I was doing X-MEN and THE MASK as LAY-OUT ARTIST.

Me and my brothers got our own band, also they are into comics and animation.

How broke into the business-was it really hard? When you held first published work in your hands, how did you feel?
It all started when I was still in highschool. While we were having our gig at MOLAVE CAFE , our alternate band saw me and my brothers making some doodles. 

Then he said that he got a brother whose an editor in COMICS, OLLIE ROBLE SAMANIEGO . He helped us into comics and we were all excited when we saw our first published comics.

How did you settle on the style you`re currently using?
Well all artist got they're own inspirations. One thing I've learned in comics, you gotta be flexible in styles 'coz I can say that artist is the one working for the editor not the editor working for the artist and if a lot of editors doesn't want your style what will be your next move if you got nothing to offer? 

I guess I developed my styles thru observation -- now that's what artist needs. BE OBSERVANT.

How did your parents take to the idea of working in comics?
They gave us the full support in doing the things we like..'cos they know it's not bad like taking drugs or being a "tambay" .

Anyway, how would you describe your work place?
I do my work inside my room. But when we got gigs, I also bring it..and do it during break time. 

That's why I make it a point that every project will not be delayed.

What job are you the proudest of?
Almost all of my work in Comics and Animation I'm proud of. I guess there's no embarrassing moment, and I hope it will never come. he heh!

What are your currently drawing?
I'm doing some Local stuff with PSI COM and ATLAS Publication . 

It's a nice project. And they're happy with my work..that's why I always got a script 'coz they love it. THANK GOD!! I also did a cover for WORD SQUAD . 

Tell me more about your family. Are you married?
Well, I just got married July 2002 . And my wife is very supportive 'coz she knows from the start that I'm into comics. She even helps me with my inking. And do the blackening.

What projects do you hope to work on in the future?
Well, I'm hoping to work with any big comic industry, can't say any 'coz I can adjust to what type of work they have to offer.

What is the interest in comics where you live? Do friends and neighbors know you draw comics for living?
Well, right now I'm with my wife's house but 5 months from now our own house will be finished and we'll be transferring. 

I guess they're reacting nice and even her brothers and sister ask me favors with their school project, which I can't say no..'coz I'm in their territory. 

He he heh! just kidding.

What`s one thing you`ll find in your refrigerator?
FRUITS..CHEESE..things to nibble.

What`s your favorite food?
ASIAN food.

What are your favorite interests—movies? Music? TV? Any hobbies?
I like watching movies especially FANTASY and ANIMATION 3d or 2d. Playing PS2, watching National Geographic.

I like Table Tennis and swimming.

Have you ever thought of writing your own stories?

I already did some short stories in 

G.A.S.I. and ATLAS (Publications). 

Just imagine a 4-page comics script. You start to introduce the hero then here comes the villain then fighting scene then the hero wins. ending. 

Whew!! SOOOOO SHORT..

What`s an average day in your life like?
Well, my day starts with a YAAWN! STRETCH my back. .UNGH! ooh my aching back..then brush my teeth and wash my face. Smile on the mirror and hope to have a smooth day.

Then I sit on the table, either I start drawing or doing some computer work. If I got a lot of printing to do, I make it sure to print while drawing. At least you do 2 things in one time. he he!

Then if my stomach is about to ache go to the ref. then cook some easy-to-cook food like TOCINO, HOTDOG or CHICKEN.

Then eat my lunch. Wash the dishes. (Of course..I'm no SENORITO ..)

Then back to work. If we got a gig on the evening about 5 or 6 p.m. I get all my stuff ready my clothes and all my drawing stuff. Bring it with me to our gig. I do my work during break time.

So I guess I'm not wasting any moment 'till we finished our set. Then 'bout to go home..back to the table and send some works to the internet if got any files to send..( it's better to send during early morning..) then..sleep ..NNGGRRKK..ZZZZZZZ

What is the single thing you'd most like to be remembered for in your life is...?
The funny guy onstage as a singer and a humorous artist in comics...

Any closing words to your fans?
Well. to all you comic geeks and artists... We're all living in a FANTASY.

It's nice to live in that kinda world but sometimes we must check REALITY sometimes.

To all the artist especially the aspiring one, never lose hope. JIM LEE, WHILCE or MADUREIRA and all the GREAT GODS of COMICS never thought in their wildest dream that they will be worship by MILLIONS of FANS.

You also got what it takes...remember you can DO what they can DO. HEY! they're not ALIEN or something ,you got two hands and brains right? So , USE IT!!

 

Any humorous or interesting anecdotes to tell about the comics business?

ARTISTS come and go but COMICS will always be there. 

So I guess if there's one opportunity comes your way grab it and don't let go. This maybe your last chance...there are a GAZILLION artist waiting, craving for that opportunity.

It's nice to be IMMORTAL in COMICS.

LIST OF CREDITS
(as penciler):

EXODUS #1 and 2

EXODUS ADVENTURE

KIASU (Singapore)

Silangan Shimbun ( Japan Newspaper)

Kick Fighter (Philippines)

Space Horror (Philippines)

Bata Batuta (Philippines)

Holiday (Philippines)

Pinoy Komiks (Philippines)

Wrestling Komiks (Philippines)