Schooling?  Art training?

Architecture. My original drawing style was brought up by those comics from Hong Kong. But it has evolved much differently as suggested by David to incorporate it for western readers. I have learned a lot more from David Campiti. It’s excellent to learn from someone who knows his trade.

How long have you been working professionally in comics?

It has been 4 years since I jumped aboard GHG. I do a lot of layout work for other artists.

What things -- both in art and otherwise – have you worked on, besides comics?  Are comics a full-time gig for you or part-time?

Aside from my profession's work after graduating, helping out at my family's wholesale business. But I’m full time now in this industry.

Talk about how you broke into the business --was it easy? Hard? Ups? Downs? Any interesting anecdotes?

It took too long, as with high-end jobs, often hard. Similar to other artists, we scribble a lot and make ourselves a collection. But I didn't follow through and lost interest in  comics for some time. Until I was encouraged again after seeing many comics-to-movie adaptation. I did some searching and finally ended up here at GHG Manila office and coincidentally, David Campiti was around at that time. Showed him my portfolio and was hired.

When you held your first published work in your hands, how did you feel?

There weren’t any arresting reactions. I always have this sense of need to mature or improve something even if it’s all done. But nonetheless, it helps me see any blunder better on print and learn from it.

Did you work as an assistant to any other artists? If so, please talk a bit about those experiences.

I did. I was assigned as a layout artist. But my layouts are much misinterpreted and the project suffered in the end. It was a horrible start for me.

How did your parents take to the idea of working in comics?

Hesitantly, because I have my own business to run. And in a family where work stability and finances are strong issues, I still have to prove that I can earn as much for them to believe. It’s sort of breaking the chain.

How would you describe your workspace? Is it part of your home, or do you go "to the studio"?

My workplace is at home, my own private study room. Very quiet, clean and organized which makes me productive and serious every time I enter the room. And I wish to continue working here instead of going someplace else.

What job are you the proudest of?  What's your most embarrassing?

I wouldn’t use the word ‘proud’, but it’s those small efforts I do for people that’s gratifying. Embarrassing? Seeing the results of my offer turn out bad.

What are you currently drawing?  Comments on that project?

I’m currently into various assignments for Dynamic Forces. Some licensed titles I am not familiar with had me researching on the internet. I’ve just finished working with Christopher Hart on a how-to book as well as a storyboard for LEGO and some illustrations for a gaming website.

Talk about your Family: Parents, siblings, home situation. Are you Married? Have kids? Anecdotes about married life, how it relates to your busy schedule, etc. If you have kids do they understand your job? What do they say about it? Do they read comics?

I’m single, living with my mother and brothers. All of us are always striving and busy working. I imagined I will still be drawing (or writing) on my deathbed. There’s none in our family tree who reads comics except me and my youngest brother.

What projects do you hope to work on in the future?

Obviously, those familiar titles that I’ve grown accustomed to. Like Superman, I really believe I can give him the power and majesty he deserves with my style. But mostly action oriented, my style would best applied to those genres.

Where do you see yourself in five years?  ten?

I hope I’d still be drawing or writing at the sideline while managing my very own art studio.

What is the interest in comics where you live? Do friends and neighbors know you draw comics for a living?  How do they react?

Not many of my friends are interested in this. So I don’t bother mentioning it.

What's 1 thing you'll always find in your refrigerator?

Ice.

What's your favorite food?

Steak.
 
What are your favorite interests --Movies? Music?  TV?  Any hobbies?  Sports?

I love books. If I go to a mall, I go straight to the bookstore and could spend the whole day there. There are always some things that need to get done. I listen to self-helps, history and literature, biographies, university courses in audio, and I’m currently into strategies and investments.
 
Have you ever thought of writing your own stories?

Yes. I did one when I wasn’t engaged in any rush work. A children storybook entitled “Of buts and again.” It’s up on sale at Lulu.com.

Ever been in a gang?

None.
 
What's an average day in your life like?  Walk us through a typical day.

Typical office-hour routine. But I’m always gratified with the accomplishment by the end of the day. It’s getting unhealthy though. My back hurts.

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

Visual literatures are big business, but most people I know don’t see it that way. They only see comic books.

Do you have any great, unsold projects in your files that nobody's gotten to see published?

I’m sure what I consider trash here will be someone else’s treasure. I practice here and there, doing sequential art on my own (2-4 pages), and in one occasion I did an entire issue from an available script just for practice.

If you weren't a comic-book artist today, what would you be?

Businessman. My family has this solid mold of who we’re suppose to be.

Have you taught comic-book art or had any assistants?  If so, talk about that.

I did a story-telling/layout tutorial to my fellow artists back at the studio. And I also help anybody who wishes to learn about composition. It helps me get better whenever I share what I know.

The single thing you'd most like to be remembered for in your life is...?

It’s not an issue for me if I’ll be remembered. I only hope that I may be beneficial for the people around me to know Christ as savior.

Any closing words for your fans?

Thank you.

 

Complete list of published credits

Of Buts and Again – self published
Guinea Pigs – Keith Marran
The Witness – Markosia                                             
Battlestar Galactica (new) – Dynamic Forces
Xena Warrior Princess – Dynamic Forces
Red Sonja – Dynamic Forces
Vampirella (layout).
M.I.T.H. Operation Smoking Jaguar graphic novel (layout) – Top Cow
Astonishing Fantasy Worlds – Christopher Hart
Battlestar Pegasus - Dynamic Forces
Battlestar Galactica Origins: Baltar
Battlestar Galactica Origins: Adama
Battlestar Galactica Origins: Starbuck and Helo