Bill Nichols’ Prescription:
Comics 10ccs of the Process with
Jose Fuentes

Jose is one of the many talented creators working on Roland Mann’s relaunched comics line Silverline Comics. 

What inspires you to create and keeps you going?

When I was younger my inspiration and drive came from wanting to prove people wrong about me drawing for a living. After art school it was seeing my kids love what I do and want to draw with me. I strive to keep inspiring them. 

Do you have a set routine?

I usually try and keep it between 9am to 3pm but sometimes I have to put in more time after the kids go to bed. 

What kind of output do you try to achieve?

I feel the the industry standard is about an inked page a day. So I try and work towards that goal. Some days I’m closer than others. 

What inspires you WHEN you create? Music? Noise? Silence?

lol funny thing; silence usually means my kids are getting into trouble! I love working with music on. The tone of music varies depending on what I’m inking.  Everything from classical to Rage Against the Machine. 

Who was the first comic book creator that influenced you to pursue this?

Originally I got into comics when I found my dad’s old Conan comics with John Buscema art, but it was really Afua Richardson that helped to encourage me to really work to be an artist. Her insight and help encouraged me that I was on the right path. 

When did you realize you could follow this path yourself?

My wife was a huge factor in my realization that I could work as a comic artist. She helped to push me to challenge myself with my art. That led to my receiving a Facebook message from Joe Kubert asking if I had ever considered going to the Kubert School. Those two things combined helped me to realize I could really make a go of it as a comic book artist. 

What do you find to be a challenge in creating?

I feel the most challenging  is trying to put my ideas in order to properly tell a story. Writing stories tends to vex me. 

What else do you have to learn?

I would love to learn how to better digital paint, but I mean we technically never stop learning . I like to study great artists like the Kuberts, Sergio Toppi, and John Buscema, and Todd Nauck, just to name a few. 

What keeps you motivated to get better?

Again I answer with my kids. My 15 yr old daughter has taken up digital art and so I feel I need to learn anything she is dabbling into so I can help her if she hits a roadblock. Also, the closer I get to understanding the fundamentals the better I can help all my kids to be better artists if they decide to go that path. 

Can you turn your brain (creativity) off (and on)?

You know, I’ve tried. I tell myself that I’m sitting down to watch a show with my wife and shut my brain off but it never really happens. I’m always noticing folds in clothes, building angles and how can I imitate that in my art.  

Booster Shots

What advice do you have for aspiring creators?

Draw every day! I know it sounds cliché but it’s tried and true. Also pick something to work on. I wanted to get better at drawing hands so I challenged myself to only draw hands as my warmups for a year. 

Do you ever worry about running out of ideas?

I more worry that they won’t make sense to anyone else but myself lol.

How do you handle the slow times?

I like to go hang out at Reflection Comics, my local comic shop. The shop owner, Rico, sets up a weekly drawing night for some of us local comic artists where we get a theme each week and we draw according to that theme. That helps to keep my hand moving and I get to pick other artist’s brains on their techniques or workarounds and just have fun with fellow friends and artists.

How do you feel about the industry?

I’ve always been a big fan of the big two comic companies but I feel they are going in a direction that is making many creators unhappy and making them walk away. I feel the heart and soul of comics can be found in independent creators and small press comic companies. They are bringing fresh ideas  and stories with little to no personal politics. They just want to tell a great story and get that story into your hands. That’s what I love about working for Silverline Comics, they are making comic with great stories of action and adventure, horror and mystery.  I’m working on books that tell great stories and having fun doing it.

Thank you for the opportunity to give you my thoughts and opinions on these questions. 

Jose Fuentes 

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed by the above creator are theirs. This interview may not 

be reprinted or reposted without permission.