- Where did you grow up? Did your childhood have any impact on your drawing?
A: I was an Army brat so we lived from coast to coast and all inbetween. It definitely did have an impact especially when we were in Washington State close to Seattle.It is beautiful there.
2. What were some of the first drawings you did growing up?
A: I was always doodling but around 3rd grade I started recreating the card art from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys. I had made a book out of it with cardboard covers. I wish I still had it.
3. What are you currently working on, art wise?
A: I have been doing a lot of 5×7 postcard size stuff and I would love to make tear-out postcard books of collections of characters when I get enough. I have also started digging out some old original characters to dress up and maybe do something with soon.
4. Who are your favorite characters you have ever created and why?
A: Diana, she is half human half angel that has lived among us for hundreds of years in human form. Her memories fall off after time so she only remembers things that relate to the current generation. Her warrior half is awoken when hell is breached and starts silently invading earth.
5. What are your warm-up exercises before starting a new project?
A: I zone out watching some youtube videos. When I feel good and braindead I turn on some music (mostly rap) and just see what happens.
6. What was your path like until you found art?
A: Art was a big part of my life until I was about 19. Quit a few years went by where I made anything. I guess I was busy trying to figure out life and start a family. Luckily I have surrounded myself with the best people you can have and all of them are creative in one way or another. When I discovered the convention network around 2017 the love of art all came back to me. Since then I have shipped art all over the world from Australia, Dubai, UK, Canada, all over the US and everywhere in between.
7. Have you ever worked with other artists or companies on a project? What is the key to a good rapport with them?
A: Just be yourself. Not everything is going to work for you. Don’t force yourself to do something that you don’t want to do, only force it if you are trying to get better at doing it.
8. What is your favorite piece of art you’ve worked on and why?
A: Everything that made someone smile. Anytime you can make someone happy with art it is a great day.
9. What artists inspire you?
A: Jim Lee with his precise line work. Clayton Crain and his out of nowhere painting transforms images. Early Skottie Young whose work has no fear or apologies, it just is what came out. Micheal Turner was my absolute favorite though, it was all beautiful.
10. How do you get reviews?
A: It has really all been word of mouth and the look on peoples faces.
11. What is hardest: creating, editing, or marketing?
A: All of these are fairly easy for me. My biggest issue is forcing myself to make time. These days your brain is always telling you what issues to deal with next and not just be in the present.
12. What type of genre for art do you dream of doing that you have not yet?
A: My dream job with art would be designing skateboard graphics.
13. Tell us about your experiences collaborating with other artists:
A: It has been nothing but fun. A lot of things never end up happening but I totally understand that family comes first.
14. What do you do to relax?
A: Lately doin resale has been my outlet. Buying and selling toy collections is my escape. I am like a nerd broker, I find toys that are not wanted anymore and get them to people who love them. Other than that a good tequila or bourbon paired with a cigar never hurts.
15. If you could tell your 14-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
A:Don’t stop. Somebody will like what you are doing regardless if people tell you it is a waste of time. The world will soon be ran by nerds so you be you. Also start buying key comic books to cut that mortgage time way down.
16. What advice would you have for this upcoming generation?
A: Do what you feel is right. People can not make you believe something that you don’t believe. Other people’s opinions are just that.
17. Have you ever watched a movie that changed your outlook on life?
A: Poolhall Junkies, never give up on your dream. You may get distracted and caught up in the money but it’s never too late to do it for the love.
18. Do you have a classic piece of art or a classic artist you are fond of?
A: I really like Frank Frazetta fantasy stuff.
19. Any type of music that gets your creative juices flowing?
A: Anything from Mac Miller, Yelawolf, or Zach Bryan
20. If you could pick three people who are your heroes or role models, who would they be and why?
A:Todd McFarlane – He is always over the top. Go big or go home. Keanu Reeves – He is selfless. Do it because you love it, you don’t need more than you need. Mac Miller – He is the most creative person I have found. Let it all come out, it’s all good even if it is not perfect.
21. Dog or cat person?
A: I like them both but I would give the edge to dogs.
22. What do you want to eat right now?
A: Watermelon
23. If you could be in any movie that has already been made, which one would it be?
A: Poolhall Junkies hands down.
24. What is your favorite holiday or time of year?
A: Any day off work!
25. Anything else you would like to add?
A: I want to thank everyone who has ever showed any kind of support to me and anyone else who work to make your convention experiences fun.
BIO:
Hello! My name is Dave and I love to cook, draw, hunt for toys, fish, and play pool. I am mostly self taught from absorbing the things I love like comics, nature, people, and toys. I have two boys, a wife of 22 years, a crazy dog named Maggie, and life would not be any fun without them. I am a collector by nature so of course I have a killer collection of comics, toys, and games. Recently I have shifted my habits from having to get it all to just getting what I like and I hope to keep it that way!
LINKS/URLS:
https://www.facebook.com/RedBananaArt