We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Poindexter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

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

So learning to draw was the easy part, I’m largely self taught. I’ve always had the raw talent of being able to sketch and illustrate and would memorize characters from my favorite cartoons and draw them as best I could from memory. Over time, I just got better at this and art teachers in school would then teach me about the color wheel, focal points, scale, depth, gradient, and shading which are essential skills in taking an otherwise simple illustration to the next level. I don’t know that I had real obstacles standing in my way of learning more, outside of time. It just took me time and practice to get better overall, and now, having switched to a digital medium for my comic books, I’m still learning and getting better everyday.

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?

So I’m the creator, author and writer for my graphic novel series, ‘Rabbit’. I am also, the editor, sketch artist, illustrator, colorist and inker for all of my titles so far and I think this alone is what sets me and ‘Rabbit Comics’ apart from most other properties. I create each book from start to finish using an app on my iPad, as well as self publish through KDP; there is no team involved. The only problem this has presented so far, is the amount of time in between releases, however, I am extremely proud that I’ve been able to conceptualize and actualize the original characters and world I’m creating without any outside help. I have always been a huge fan of ancient mythology and folklore, and of course modern fiction; specifically the hero genre. I’m an avid consumer of Marvel/DC/Darkhorse properties in particular.

My goal is to create a fun immersive universe of suspended reality that gives readers a sense of wonder and awe. Story telling has long been one of the best methods of passing on information and ideas and temporary escapism not just from person to person, but from one generation to the next. Every fictitious story, has heart and meaning beyond that of what is written on the page. When you read a ‘Rabbit’ comic, you are immersed in an amalgam of ideas inspired by my own imagination and my favorite works from other creators, though I try really hard (and I would say successfully) to make sure to present unique stories and characters through my personal lens.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the idea that all comic art has to “look a certain way” to be valid. I would constantly compare my illustrations against others and while this can be healthy in a way that informs and helps one to be a better artist all around, it can also be deflating. As a creative, its fairly common for us to be our own worst critic. I didn’t think I was fit to be a comic book artist because of my skewed perception of what comic art should look like. It can be daunting when you’re just starting something and you’re comparing yourself to folks who are more seasoned.

I’ve learned that all artists have a “style” and though some techniques are universal, the thing that makes art is its individualism. My style is a derivative of lots of things and I execute in my unique approach, as such my illustrations are as valid as anything else. I am now comfortable in my art style and I don’t question my abilities anymore. I am also in practice on a more consistent basis so I’m learning new skills to help elevate the quality of my art, as I see it. As such I have developed a “kinder eye” and I’m more forgiving of my own work. Most people don’t even see the things that I’d consider a flaw…as flaws, and that’s what’s been the most helpful realization.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, bar none, is seeing people enjoy what you have created! Hearing readers discuss their favorite characters and stories, or getting enthusiastic questions about what’s next, having them recite lines back to me from my books…it’s the best feeling in the world! That I am able to infuse a bit of my essence into these books and have my words and ideas exist outside of my own mind in a tangible way for others to ingest, is really wild. I am very grateful that I am in a position to create in this way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shopsavou.com
• Instagram: @rabbit.comic, @thedepartmentfiles
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBennyDomino