Where I Work

Lots of comics creators post pictures of their workspaces online, because people are interested in seeing what the day-to-day lives of creative people are like, and getting a glimpse of "how it's done". But I've never done it because I'm always either: a) too busy, or b) my office is far too messy for public consumption. I've got a news crew coming to tape a story here later today, though, so the place is in good enough shape that I took some pictures for posterity.

Join me, won't you, for a quick tour. As always, you can click the images for larger versions:

At left is my drawing table, situated right under a window so that it gets the most natural light. I like to keep the desk flat when I'm inking (like now) to avoid spills, but I tilt it when I'm pencilling. Above the desk is a cork board where I like to hang reference material or inspiration. Right now there's art by Al Hirschfeld, Seth, Scott Morse, Kazu Kibuishi, Darwyn Cooke, Jack Kirby, Bruce Timm, and Cameron Stewart, but it's always changing. The metal drawers and cupboards to the right of the desk hold my art supplies and original art. The black-framed picture nearly cropped out of the shot above them is a framed print of a Bruce Timm Batman: The Animated Series storyboard.


When I'm writing or colouring, it's over to the other desk, with its antique (7 year-old) computer system, cheap A3 scanner, and various other nowhere-near-top-of-the-line equipment. Here also is where I keep any of my writing notebooks, books on writing, backup CDs, etc. Speaking of CDs, if you'll look closely you'll see a small stack of the last remaining albums I need to upload into iTunes. I've nearly joined the 21st Century, I swear!

 To the left of the writing desk is my "Wall of Hats", most of which are antiques. The two scout hats were my dad's and uncle's, the ladies' hat was my grandmother's, the tweed cap and two brown fedoras were my grandfather's, and the bowlers were my great-grandfather's. The white one is mine. You may also notice on the shelf below them my grandfather's WWII helmet (seen in Two Generals) and a replica flintlock pistol I used for reference when I was drawing Northwest Passage.

And hidden behind the door are more shelves, where I keep a lot of my books and comics (there are books all over the house, but this is one of their main gathering places). There's also a CD tower which is empty, because, as mentioned, I've now joined the 21st Century. The safe at bottom left houses my grandfather's medals and diary, some war-era photos, and other antique stuff I wouldn't want to lose in a fire. No bars of gold or precious gems, unfortunately.