We recently connected with Michael Cortez and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Well, I’m still learning to do what I do. I think that’s the fun part about doing this, and I don’t believe I’ll ever stop learning. The minute I think I’ve officially known something is the time that my head has gotten too damn big. But I am learning about page layouts, I’m learning how to write shorter stories, and I’m learning anatomy. And you only learn this stuff by practicing it over and over again. As far as the writing part is concerned, I’m a terrible writer regarding grammar and punctuation and you can probably tell that by reading this article. But I do believe on some level I can tell stories and as long as I can convey that, then I am fine with the results. But I tell any writer that I meet, that they could absolutely kick my ass in writing, and that’s okay because I can kick their ass in drawing. Hahaha, and that’s the fun part about the art world. It’s learning from the people around you, it’s being inspired and competitive. As far as speeding up my process, I don’t worry about that. The skills that are essential in the art world are to be self-motivated and persistent. It’s easy in this field to be discouraged and give up, which is why you have to enjoy the act of making art. You have to be interested in the journey and not the destination or you will burn yourself out. The only obstacle that stood in the way of learning more is money and time, but I don’t like to think about that because there are always going to be obstacles, and that’s just life.

Michael, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Well, currently I draw and write comics. I’m responsible for drawing pictures and writing stories. I’ve tried tons of mediums and comics have become my clear favorite. What I’d like to bring to comics is a mix of reality and outward influences. I find that comics can limit themselves sometimes with styles and the type of characters created. I’d like to bring some outside elements to the work to make it interesting and create work that looks different but adds to the story.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Specifically, making comics, It’s being able to hold your work and having a physical catalog of your progress. Having done graffiti as a kid there was a rebellion and excitement in knowing my work would be taken down and destroyed. But as I’ve grown older there is a part of me that wants to see my work and reflect upon it. With books, you can physically hold and be alone with them, and appreciate them- over and over again.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think spreading out opportunities to more areas than just the big two. Just to go to a comic store I got to drive across town because there are only gas stations and fast food joints around me. In my head, I’d like to open a place in my area, but I’m pretty sure I’d get robbed or shot in the head, hahaha. It’s fine though, while I’d like to see big art studios and publishing companies around me, I got to make do with the cards I’m dealt. I just think for younger people in the neighborhood growing up seeing something more would inspire and create better creative environments.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cortezcomics.creator-spring.com/
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/Violent-New-World-Michael-Cortez/dp/1737621614