Focus on Art: Interview with John Muller
Today I’m sharing another interview I did, this time with comic artist John Muller! John is an exceptional talent who works quickly and does amazing artwork, I absolutely love his style, and I recommend following him on social media, especially Instagram.
What industry do you work in?
I mainly like to work on comics and games, but have done some other illustration and design work. I self publish my own comics and zines as well.
What do you enjoy illustrating? Like specifically what genre or subject?
Overall I like the freedom of scifi and fantasy. I love drawing monsters. I’m a comic book guy, and I have a lot of fun drawing superheroes when I get the chance.
Is there anything you are tired of having to illustrate?
Not yet. :)
What medium do you normally use for your art?
Pencil and paper for most of my initial drawings. Until recently I’ve been inking them with traditional materials too but I have started to rely more and more on digital inking as I’m able to make changes quickly without destroying the original art. For digital inking I use Clip Studio Paint with an XP Pen drawing tablet. If I’m adding color I generally use Clip Studio as well, but will sometimes use Corel Painter, Affinity, and Krita.
How do you define "art"?
I think art is anything in which a person can express themselves whether it be something in the visual arts, photography, video, music, cooking, woodworking, writing… the list goes on and on…
What's a piece of art you created that you think would make an amazing basis for a roleplaying or board game?
I think that the alien world from the cover that I did for Tetragrammaton Fragments #271 could be an interesting basis for a scifi game.
What's your "go-to" music or media you put on when you're on a tight deadline and need to get in the zone?
While I’m drawing I often turn on YouTube videos or listen to some music or podcasts. Sometimes I’ll put on a commentary track to a movie that I just watched. If I’m writing I might just listen to some music.
How do you handle a difficult client?
I don’t think I’ve had a truly difficult one. Any challenges have been fairly minor and I just try to give the client what they are looking for to the best of my ability. If I were to encounter difficulties with a client I would complete the assignment and then probably just not work with them again.
If a client wants changes to your work, how do you facilitate that?
The way I work generally eliminates that problem. I will usually give a client a few sketches of what I’m thinking of, and from those drawings, we pick one to focus on. Sometimes there’s a little back and forth until it’s closer to their vision. I only move forward once a preliminary sketch is approved. Usually, there are only minor tweaks that are needed after that. By using digital inks, I can quickly and easily make those changes. If there is a major change or a total reworking after we agreed on the preliminary drawing, then I would ask for additional payment. I can’t think of an instance where that has happened though.
What's been your most rewarding experience working in your industry as an artist?
That’s a tough one. There have been so many awesome projects that I’ve had the honor of being a part of. They’ve all been rewarding in their own right, but the one project that comes to mind is that I recently contributed a 2 page story to a back up feature in issue #26 of Rick Veitch’s ‘Rare Bit Fiends.’ That was a bit of a full circle moment for me as Rick was the letterer and art assistant to Al Williamson for the Empire Strikes Back comic, which was my first comic as a kid. Not sure it was my most rewarding, but it was pretty cool to be included in one of his books on a personal level.
What's the best part of collaborating with a writer or game designer? What's the hardest part?
I think the best part is when one of the illustrations just clicks with them. To feel the excitement in their email or smile on their face when the design or art nails what they were looking for. The most difficult thing is when that doesn’t happen. Sometimes an idea doesn’t click right away and it can take a while to find what they are looking for.
If you could reboot the art style for any classic RPG or setting, which one would it be and what would you do?
I love the art from the old Marvel Super Heroes RPG game. So I wouldn’t necessarily want to reboot it. But if Marvel wanted someone to provide art for a new version I’d be more than happy to oblige. :)
What's the single weirdest piece of feedback you've ever gotten from an art director?
I don’t think I’ve ever gotten anything too weird. I’ve worked with some pretty cool people!
What's the best way for people to find you?
People can find links to my site, social media and a few other things at:
itstoohardtothinkofagoodname.com – art and design for comics and games
How about contacting you for work?
Anyone can DM me via social media or contact me via email at:
johnmullerillustration@gmail.com