Isaac of Hero Spy: Hello there Blond,
Working with Comics the final touch is always the colors.
How did you get started in coloring comics?
Blond the Colorist: After spending several years as an unsuccessful penciller, I bought my first computer and soon discovered a new program called Adobe Photoshop 3.0. I taught myself to use it while continuing to reach new heights of mediocrity in penciling. As time went on the versions of Photoshop improved, as did I, finding the results of my coloring to be more satisfying and less daunting than illustrating blank pages. After a few years of attending the San Diego Comic Con, Glenn Danzig, the singer and publisher of Verotik, gave me my first professional coloring job. Flush with hubris, I soon parlayed that small success into bigger and bigger projects until I became the man I am today.
Hero Spy: When starting a page, what are the tools for your coloring?
Blond: I mainly use my eyes and hands, with assistance from a graphics tablet and Photoshop to help implement my vision.
Hero Spy: I really liked your digital painting art, is that your favorite stuff to draw?
Blond: Actually no, I found that to be tedious and time consuming. I enjoy coloring comic books more than anything.
Isaac of Hero Spy: I love your Sheena cover art, how long would something like take?
Blond: It usually takes 3 or 4 hours to get a page done right, then a little while longer to make the changes other people ask for.
Hero Spy: Do you have any art training, a school you attended?
Blond: I’ve taken non-accredited art classes, and had some fine arts training in college before dropping out, but that was mostly in regards to drawing. Everything regarding color I’ve learned on my own, not just software, but color theory as well. Whether I apply it correctly is another matter.
Hero Spy: Do you take any direction from the pencil artist on how to color?
Blond: I take notes from the penciller before I begin the page if they have a specific vision in mind, it is a collaborative process after all. Although some of the best jobs I’ve had were done without any such input, such as the Velocity Pilot Season issue.
Hero Spy: Do you also do the inking?
Blond: Not real inking, but sometimes when I have to color directly from pencils I’ll have to darken and clean them. But it’s no replacement for real inks.
Hero Spy: Who would you consider to be a great artist?
Blond: Real artists or comic book artists? A few of my favorite comic book artists are Tim Bradstreet, Bryan Hitch and Marc Silvestri.
Hero Spy: Is there any character you have not worked on that you would love to do?
Blond: I love Moon Knight, and the Punisher. Captain America or The New Avengers would be nice too. But that’s speaking as a fan. As an FX-heavy colorist I would probably do a better job on the more cosmic books.
Hero Spy: When you are not coloring what take up your time?
Blond: I enjoy weightlifting, watching movies, and promising myself that I’ll start writing soon.
Hero Spy: Do you do commission work, that is if you have a break in your schedule?
Blond: As long as it pays.
Blond: I’m not just a movie viewer, I’m a home theater enthusiast. I used to think I was a cinephile, but I realized that it’s actually the home theater experience that I enjoy more, watching movies on my projector in my living room, without the seat kicking, talking, cell phones or candy wrappers. The main reason I want to be a homeowner is to have a theater room with a house built around it. I’m looking forward to I Am Legend coming out in HD, and Cloverfield. The Iron Man movie should be good as well.
Hero Spy: Are there any Projects that you are now working on?
Blond: I’m currently working on Ultimate Fantastic Four for Marvel, and the GI Joe Comic Pack issues for Hasbro. I have more projects coming up for Top Cow as well.
Hero Spy: I always ask this question at the end of my interviews Finally, what would be your favorite Fast Food Joint?
Blond: I’m not a big fan of fast food. But when required, lately it’s been Del Taco, though I would prefer Taco Bell.
Check out all of Blond’s Great Talent HERE
