Throughout April Octane is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Kentucky’s elite group of comic art creators, the SIX BOMB BOARDS. Get to know them and celebrate with them on Avengers Day at the Six Bomb Boards Con at Movie Tavern April 27, 2019 from noon to 10pm.
Your name:
Josh Penrose
Your published credits:
None in the comic world, I have diagrams in a science journal out there.
Where do you live:
Lexington, KY
Josh Penrose Josh Penrose Josh Penrose
When did you first decide that you wanted to create your own comics as a career?
I never thought of it as a career. I did run the comic book club while I was in college and we published some anthology stuff as a collective. We also participated in some 24 hour challenges. Recently I have just done some stuff with comics like promo art for a friend but nothing too much like a career.
Who has had the biggest influence on you outside the comics industry, and how did they affect your life? As far as influence on my life I would have to say my partner Mouse. She constantly pushes me to keep creating and supports me when I am feeling down on my art. Not to mention supporting me on my career choice which is not always easy.
Who has had the biggest influence on your comics career, and how has that person changed your work?
As far as artists that influence me I have a couple:Frank Miller: The art in Sin City really made me want to work in the high contrast style that I am currently exploring.Alan Moore: His writing and strict devotion to his creations is an inspiration. To be able to write fiction based on fictional characters being brought together is impressive. His work has always entertained me and I could reread any of it over and over.Ralph Steadman: My favorite artist of all time. I grew up loving the Gonzo art and later became completely enthralled with anything he created from children’s books, artwork, political cartoons, to his writing. He will always be an inspiration to keep working on my style.
What do you do to recharge your creative batteries?
Coffee. I am a big time coffee drinker. Even the act of making the coffee has some recharging power for me.
Describe your typical work routine.
Sitting down in front of my pencils. Looking confused at my pencils. Putting ink to the paper. Messing up that ink. Not caring that I messed up. Moving on to the next one. Inking is my favorite part and I often just go for it no matter how confusing I made my pencils.
What tools do you use to create comics and what makes them the “right tools” for you?
INK! I use ink and brush while at home mostly. When I do events like live art I move to markers. I found some markers that I really like UNI Posca’s. I burn through so much ink though that I have gotten used to re-filling them with Montana inks. Really for me any tool has a purpose and it is just waiting to be found.
What element of your work gives you the most personal satisfaction?
It’s hard to describe this. Once a piece is finished there is joy that it is finished but the real satisfaction I think comes from making it. That being said I don’t like doing pencils so I guess the REAL satisfaction is when I can finally put ink to the paper.
What has been the most rewarding project in your professional career – in or out of comics – and why?
If I were to look at my career in terms of my art I would think that the most rewarding part is when I see people post pictures of my art hanging in their house, or hearing that people were very happy with their gift (my art).
We’ve seen very talented newcomers who are trying to get their first professional projects. What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard given to a promising new creator?
Keep creating. It’s hard to stay positive but the real truth is that you need to keep creating.
Let’s get deep: What’s the most important “big idea” that you’ve learned in life – in or out of comics – and why is it important?
To let the past happen and not keep it in the present. Learn and move forward, always forward.
That and, always have an out.
