Hero Spy: Hello there Felipe,

First I would like to say I am a big fan of your art and thanks for the interview, even though English is not your first language. YOU ARE GREAT.

Felipe Massafera: Thanks a lot Isaac

Hero Spy: When would you say you realized you could be doing art as a profession?

Felipe Massafera: Well, since I was a kid, everyone in my family was involved in art in one way or another, so it would not be so different with me .

Hero Spy: I am a major fan of your X-Men drawings, is that your favorite stuff to draw?

Felipe Massafera: I can say that I started reading comics because of the X-men TV cartoon in the early nineties. When I met the works of Claremont and Byrne at the age of nine, I ended up falling in love with the characters for the rest of my life.

Hero Spy: I love painted art and your art is especially awesome, so what would be the tools you use?

Felipe Massafera: Basically the same tools Alex ross (my main influence) and other artists that use watercolor techniques: gouache paints, paper and brushes.

Hero Spy: Do you have any art training, a school you attended?

Felipe Massafera: I´m self-taught, but I learned a lot from my brother-in-law, who is an art teacher.

Hero Spy: Do you use any references such as models?

Felipe Massafera: Yes I do. Most of the time, I use myself and some friends as models, but I also use pictures of naked women I get in the internet. You know, it’s not easy to find hot chicks in a bikini who are willing to pose for you (laughs).

Hero Spy: Your Zantana picture extremely cool, how long would a painting like that take, oh and I will be sure to put a link to the video? Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UotyJdB8HtI

Felipe Massafera: A painting like that takes about a day or two to get finished. That’s because it’s a single character in a simple concept.

Hero Spy: I know you do amazing painted pieces, but I would also like to know what tools you use for your sketches. What would they be?

Felipe Massafera: I usually use pencils and common markers when I want something colorful. Man, I love sketching!

Hero Spy: Who would you consider to be a great artist?

Felipe Massafera: Oh, it´s a long list, but I would easily point the names of Rien Poortvliet, Rodolfo Damaggio and Steve Rude.

Hero Spy: When you are not drawing what take up your time?

Felipe Massafera: I usually hang out with my friends for a beer, and I watch tons of movies and read tons of comics, of course.

Hero Spy: Do you do commission work, that is if you have a break in your schedule?

Felipe Massafera: Yes, I do some commissions when I have time. It’s always a good addition to my portfolio.

Hero Spy: You did a Lecture at the Ânima Academy of Art, how was that experience?

Felipe Massafera: Well, it was fun, despite my shyness. I´m not a big public-speaker. I´m a low-profile dude. But it was really positive. I just got back from Jedicon (brazilian Star Wars Convention, obviously) and I had a similar experience there, signing posters and talking to people.

Hero Spy: I am guessing you are a movie viewer; are there any movies you are looking forward to?

Felipe Massafera: I´m really curious about Heath Ledger’s Joker in Dark Knight, and Watchmen of course, as everyone else.

Hero Spy:Are there any Projects that you are now working on?

Felipe Massafera: I´m painting a 48-page graphic novel for Avatar Press that will be released next year. I´m also starting a personal project with a friend and doing some covers, sketches and commissions.

Hero Spy:I always ask this question at the end of my interviews

Finally, what would be your favorite Fast Food Joint?

Felipe Massafera: Oh, any who offers Italian food, my favorite.

Thanks for the Cool Interview!