Today we’d like to introduce you to Wes Hartman.
Hi Wes, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I’ve been a fan of, and have read, comics for nearly as long as I can remember. I was reading my favorite superheroes growing up and trying to recreate the art of some of my favorite panels and covers by my favorite artists, as well as constantly drawing and creating my characters. During college, I reached out to local comic publisher Antarctic Press to see if they had any jobs available, and they offered me an unpaid internship. Not ideal, but I could get my foot in the door of the comics industry. I worked with AP for the next 13 years. Starting as an unpaid intern and eventually running the day-to-day affairs of the office and production schedule as the higher-ups worked remotely and trusted me to handle what came up or to get hold of them if something needed their attention.
My favorite times at AP were when I took over writing the series I HUNT MONSTERS, or co-created/co-wrote stories like PIRATES VS, NINJAS, and most especially when I created my very first creator-owned comic series, SKY SHARKS. I learned so much about storytelling and the craft of making comics by working with everyone at AP. It was a great experience for me. As well as working at AP, during my tenure there, I also worked and grew my skills as a freelance colorist working with GURU-eFX on almost every major character and property for Marvel Comics.
Eventually, I graduated from GURU and worked as a color artist for DC Comics, Image. Dark Horse, Aspen, Archie, Valiant, and almost every major comic publisher in the US, and even Paquet Publishing, based in Europe, with whom I was awarded an Audience Choice for Best Coloring in 2010.
When I moved on from AP, I had planned to go strictly into freelancing and leave the stress of the day-to-day office grind behind. Instead, I was recruited to help create a brand new comic publisher, GUARDIAN KNIGHT COMICS (GKC), along with Alfredo “Apple” De La Fuente, owner of ALAMO CITY COMIC CON. While building and creating what would become the short-lived GKC, I also began working as part of Alamo City Comic Con with Apple and his great staff. I’m incredibly proud of my work with GKC and ACCC staff, but unfortunately, I could not finish everything I’d set out to do. It’sIt’s been 6 years since I was with GKC and ACCC, and in that time, I’ve gone back to freelancing and am focusing more on my creator-owned properties like SAVAGE SASQUANAUT and my imprint COSMIC ROOTS STUDIO. I’ve gotten married and have an almost 4-year-old daughter, and I’m living the best time of my life.
SAVAGE SASQUANAUT is an idea I’ve had for years, way back when I was at AP. Developing a relationship with an audience and creating actual fans of my comics through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter is the best transformation of the comic book industry that I’ve seen in my 20 years of making comics. And finally, being able to devote the time necessary to put out my comics and bring to life more of the ideas that have been kicking around in my head has been rejuvenating.
Would it have been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t believe there is anyone who would describe making comics as a “smooth road.” It’s like driving off-road on a mountain trail in a busted-up old sedan with no suspension! It’s bumpy! Most people need to realize how much time and effort go into creating a comic. Hint: it’s a lot! And then, if you’re working on the monthly schedule for companies like Marvel and DC, it’s brutal and can be detrimental to one’s overall health. Don’t get me wrong. I loved working on Spider-Man, X-Men, Batman, Gears of War, and all of it. But I am glad my current working situation does not include the countless sleepless nights to hit arbitrary deadlines. I’m far, far, far better off creating my comics like SAVAGE SASQUANAUT and being more selective with my freelance work, and working with people who are more interested in the quality of the book overall and are not require quick turnaround times at the expense of the quality of work and most importantly the quality of life.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a comic book creator and color artist (I color comic books). Primarily, I’m known as a color artist as most of my career has been freelancing for 20 years, working with Marvel, DC, Aspen, Zenescope, and almost every major US comic book publisher. However, in the last few years, I have shifted my priorities and focused more on creating and self-publishing my creator-owned comic, SAVAGE SASQUANAUT. I have several other new titles in production as well. I’m happy to know many people now only know me as the “Bigfoot in space guy!”
I’ve opted to self-publish SAVAGE SASQUANAUT and all of my future projects thanks to the changes and innovations of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. They have transformed the creative world and have made it possible for anyone and everyone to have a shot and to create anything you’ve ever wanted. I hope to bring more to the crowdfunding comics industry.
Self-published and crowdfunded projects are usually sold at a premium as it’s about the only way to make it work and knowing that I am charging a premium. I will ensure that I use every ounce of my 20 years of creating comics to provide everyone with the best-looking book with the best paper. The best art, the best coloring, the best customer service, the best experience, and, I hope, the best story that you can pay for.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
Starting is as easy as putting pen to paper. Write your story. Draw it. The best way to learn is to do it and then figure out how you could have done it better and again. It all starts the same way if you want to work with your favorite characters. Make comics on your own so you can learn how to do it and then play in someone else’s sandbox.
Pricing:
- SAVAGE SASQUANAUT Vol. 1 Collected Edition = $30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wes-hartman.com
- Instagram: thesasquanaut
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/cosmicrootsstudio
- Twitter: @sasquanaut
Image Credits
SAVAGE SASQUANAUT art by Gab Santos, Jimbo Salgado, and Wes Hartman SHI by Billy Tucci and Wes Hartman WONDER WOMAN by Billy Tucci and Wes Hartman
