How To Draw Month: Jeff Austin

Jeff Austin is an inker at AC Comics who took time out of his daily grind to answer some questions for us to highlight our How To Draw Month editorial feature. Here what he has to say in this PREVIEWSworld Exclusive interview!

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PREVIEWSworld: Who were your favorite artists growing up?

Jeff Austin: Originally, Neal Adams, Nick Cardy, Jim Aparo, Dick Dillin [I was a DC kid]. As I got older I discovered Hal Foster, Alex Raymond, Bernie Wrightson, The whole EC Comics stable. Then I discovered the great Filipino artists, Nestor Redondo, Rudy Nebres, Alex Nino, and dozens more.

PREVIEWSworld: Were you self-taught, formally educated, or a combination of both?

Jeff Austin: Went to a so-called design school. After that disappointment, I started teaching myself.

PREVIEWSworld: Can we discuss your studio environment? Do you watch or listen to anything while you draw?

Jeff Austin: I need music, a movie, or some background noise when I work. Can’t stand drawing in a quiet room

PREVIEWSworld: What tools do you prefer while drawing? Pencils, pens, art boards, etc.?

Jeff Austin: I’m open on types of bristol board. My weapon of choice in inks is the Pentel Pocket Brush. Assisting that tool is an array of pens. Some drawing pens, others not.

PREVIEWSworld: Do you prefer drawing by hand, digitally, or both?

Jeff Austin: It took me a long time to get this down by hand. I’m stuck there for the duration.

PREVIEWSworld: How long does it normally take to draw a page?

Jeff Austin: Pencils, roughly a day a page. Inks, between a page to a page and a half.

PREVIEWSworld: Are there any books you would recommend to help with art?

Jeff Austin: There are so many…where would I start?

PREVIEWSworld: What’s your favorite thing to draw?

Jeff Austin: Shadows and textures.

PREVIEWSworld: What's the most unique thing you've been asked to draw at a convention?

Jeff Austin: The Atom hanging off a giant beer mug.

PREVIEWSworld: Finally, what’s the best advice you have for beginning artists?

Jeff Austin: Learn business. It’s not enough to just be an artist.