I'
m excited to share with you
Travis Hanson, an Eisner nominated creator of the webcomic/graphic novel series
the Bean. An epic fantasy tale of a dishwasher. I have been a fan of Travis’
work and was happy he accepted the invitation to be interviewed. Here is a
little about him:
Travis
Hanson: I am an artist and storyteller. I
have been illustrating professionally for about 15 years now. I am also a
father of 5 incredible kids, and husband of a beautiful enduring wife. “the Bean” is my story. Published both as
a webcomic and as printed graphic novels. In 2011 Bean was nominated for an Eisner in the “Best Digital”. That was a
huge motivation to keep the story going. I am lover of fantasy art and epic
story telling. I am also a believer that “If you truly want something bad
enough, you will find a way to make it happen.”. I also believe that it is our
responsibility to teach others how to achieve their dreams as well. Yet, in the
end it really comes down to how bad do you want to see your own dream happen.
I have to say I am a fan of your work and look
forward to your weekly posts. The Bean series is a compilation of graphic
novels. For those unfamiliar with graphic novels can your share what sets these
apart from say comic books?
Travis
Hanson: Why thank you, I am excited you are
enjoying my fantasy adventure of a dishwasher. I would say though as for
what sets graphic novels apart from comics is not much really. They are comics
and they both tell a story. Comic books though tend to tell in 24 pages while
graphic novels take a little longer.
As
an illustrator myself, I know that hours of work go into creating one
illustration; from sketching, to penning, then paining it can be a challenge.
Can you explain the process you go through in creating your art?
Travis
Hanson: It usually just starts with a
sketch. Nothing more, nothing less. Once I get the pencils done, I then ink on
vellum, tracing paper. This creates a perfect piece of line art when I scan.
After that it goes into a layout program or a coloring program, depending on
the needs. Music though is a big part of my art. I use it all the time in the
creation process.
How
did you get your start in illustrating? Have you always done it or was it
something you picked up later in life?
Travis
Hanson: I have always drawn pictures but I
did not get into the industry until my mid-twenties. I got a little sidetrack
and then was pleasantly reminded that artistic gifts can go away if you do
nothing with them, After that I got my first job as a cartoonist for a local
print shop and the rest is history. :)
I
can tell from The Bean series that you favor fantasy and epic stories.
What inspired you to write these books?
Travis
Hanson: I love epic fantasy and my
inspiration comes from many sources. Books like Bone and ElfQuest, to a
general disdain of doing dishes, to watching my kids play. It all sort of just
got lumped together and gelled. I am still getting inspiration on my story
though and it is getting stronger because of it.
I
believe you used a Kickstarter program to help publish your series of graphic
novels. Can you share how that worked and if you recommend others like you to
use it? How has your journey to publication been?
Travis
Hanson: I have run 3 successful Kickstarter
campaigns. Each one was stronger than the last. It's been a fantastic ride. The
key though is to have an audience (hence my love for webcomics) and build off
that. I would also say prepare. Just don’t jump into it. It can be a very, very
bumpy ride. :)
I
am a fan of James Owen and I have a quote of his attached to my computer
screen. It helps me stay positive and focus on my goals as an
author/illustrator. “Never, ever, sacrifice what you want most, for what you
want most at the moment.” I’ve seen that you and I favor a lot of the same
artists. Can you share one or two things that you have learned from your
mentors?
Travis
Hanson: James asked me a question when I
first got into this field. He asked, “Trav, how bad do you want this?” before I
could answer he stopped me and said, “you cannot tell me how bad you want it,
you have to show me.” I have lived by that ever since.
What
are some tips you can share to an author/illustrator just starting out?
Travis
Hanson: Stick it out, pay your dues, listen
to c/c, treat it as a job, and . . . “How bad do you want it?” I can't repeat
that enough. Only you as a creator know the answer to that and if you want
something bad enough you will figure out how to be successful at it—No matter
what the odds.
Is
there anything else you’d like to share or shout out?
Travis
Hanson: That dreams are meant to be
followed and sometimes it's a rough road, but in the end the payoff is not
always monetary but satisfaction that you created something that people
appreciate.
Thank you so much Travis, these are words
to truly live by.
The realization of this hit me as I looked at myself
sitting on these panels. I was surrounded by several successful, amazing
illustrators. In the back of my head I had the naysayer Mikey telling me I didn’t
belong and yet I did. What made me stick out from the others was not my
overwhelming success as an illustrator—I am in the early stages of my career,
what made me stick out was I was true to myself as an artist. I embraced my
art, not someone else’s.
I shared on one panel something I feel applies to
this train of thought. I was sitting next to James A. Owen, a man I greatly
admire, not only for his art, but for his determination to share his dream with
the world. My books were propped up next to his, all of them with dragons on
the covers. I pointed this out to the audience. “I could draw James’ dragons if
I spent my entire life drawing his dragons, but they would always be James’
dragons. They would never be Mikey’s. I had to find my own voice in the crowd
and sing it. I had to draw my own kind of dragon.”
