The People’s Publisher

Pencil ‘em up, Ink ‘em up,
Color ‘em up, Letter ‘em out,
Edit ‘em on, blog ‘em out Gustav!

As the rip on the Rawhide song goes, Gustav Hayes is rollin’ right along. Later today will will have half the inks done plus the coloring has started. It’s a busy busy time on the book these days and I need to get back to it so here is a great bio and interview with Gustav Hayes artist Daniel Bradford…

I live in the deserts of Arizona with the lizards, tumble weeds, cow skulls, my wife, and three daughters (whom I generally count among the lizards). I’m interested in pretty much all aspects of the comic book industry and am trying get familiar with it all. I’ve done work on numerous as an illustrator, colorist, lettererererer, and logo designer. I’ve yet to actually write a book because I suck.

I don’t like avocados. They’re slimy.

1. How did Zeros 2 Heroes get in touch with yourself?

Just sent me an email asking if I’d be interested. Pretty simple.

2. Your artwork is wonderful and shows off a great deal of influences from the likes of Mike Mignola, Steve Niles and others. Who are your influences?

Mignola is an obvious big one. Stephen Gammell, however, is an even larger influence for me. Most people that I’ve talked to have no clue who he is by name, but when I mention the children’s book series “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” their eyes bug out and they something to the effect of “Oh snap! That guy’s art scared the crap out of me when I was a kid!” I seriously get lost in his art…you can just feel the moisture and smell the rot in his work. Give the man a pencil and he’ll draw the creepiest crap.

Jae Lee is another huge influence for me. I really can’t think of another artist who can create such beautiful atmosphere and mood quite like Lee.

I have an arsenal of artists that really motivate me to draw, but when it comes to influences it really just boils down to those three. I’m sure there’s others, but none that have made such an impact on me as a studying artist. If I’m stuck, or I’m backed into a corner artistically I just look at my WWGD, WWMD, or WWLD wrist bands and go from there.

3. After working on Gustav Hayes, a beta book that is about a post-apocalyptic future with a reluctant hero, who is your favorite comic book hero?

Batman.

4. Gustav Hayes based in an eighties post apocalyptic world. What was your favorite eighties fad?

Pete Burns.
…wait, eighties FAD!? Sorry…read that wrong. I would have to say the heavy use of neon colored shapes and squiggly lines in 80’s design. And the fashion. The punk look was so brilliant then. Now it’s rubbish and smelly, but back then it was totally rad to the max.

5. Your favorite comic book(s) on the stands these days?

Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse.

6. You go by Daniel so Daniel Rand (Iron Fist) or Dan Garret (original Blue Bettle)?

Daniel Ketch.

7. You’re an artist, who is your favorite comic book artist?

I LOVE Chris Bachalo’s art. Ever since Death: The High Cost of Living I’ve adored his style. The man has a knack for combining cartoony art with emaculate detail…very groovy.

8. What tip(s) would you give an artist trying to break into the comic industry?

Take your time, find your artistic heros, and drown yourself with their work. Take criticism from your elders VERY seriously. They’ve succeeded in what you haven’t yet.

9. Who is an upcoming creator in the industry that you follow or support?

Ben Templesmith. He makes me laugh.

10. Being that Gustav Hayes himself is a singer, what music do you listen to while working on Gustav Hayes?

Well…normally I listen to talk radio while I work. But when it comes to music, I usually listen to alot of Tool or Nine Inch Nails. Something that gets my mind off what I’m working on. I seem to focus better when I’m distracted.

Great to get more insight on Daniel Bradford. Next week, more on the progress of the book, lettered Page X and hopefully an interview with Cristian Valdes! Same Gustav channel er blog, same Gustav time!