We recently connected with Sam Chambers and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Sam thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I was the kid who was always drawing in class. So much so that my mom was called into the school because of my doodles in the corners of my math homework.
It’s hard to think of a time when comics weren’t in my life. My dad was a huge comic book fan and dressed me in Batman and Marvel t-shirts before I was big enough to fit them.
So growing up around comic book culture and having this natural love of art, I knew I wanted to make comics when I was very young.
A huge inspiration when I was young were the Captain Underpants books by Dav Pilkey.
In those books, there are two kids who write and draw their own comics.
I vividly remember reading those books and having this realization of “Oh! I can make my own comics like they do!”
Sam, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a Cartoonist! For those unfamiliar with what exactly a cartoonist is: A cartoonist is an artist who uses sequential art to tell stories. What makes a cartoonist special is that they’re a one-person team! They write, draw, letter and even color their own comics!
Getting into comics is much like any other artistic pursuit: YOU JUST DO IT!
Regardless if you’re getting paid, regardless if anyone notices, if you make comics, you are a cartoonist!
Right now I am releasing chapters of my comic, GOLEM GAGA, on the Webtoon website.
On the side I do draw commissions. My commissions are primarily of comic book or movie characters, all drawn in my style!
My art style is very cartoony and manga inspired. The major influences of my style are cartoonist such as Akira Toriyama, Tatsuki Fujimoto, Skottie Young and Bryan Lee O’Malley.
I also take huge inspiration from animation! You’ll definitely see hints of the anime FLCL and the cartoon Invader Zim in my art.
I’m always watching movies, cartoons, reading comics and manga. Constantly looking for new inspiration and just taking in all of the art that I can get my hands on. The world is full of so much art and I want to experience as much as I can while I’m here.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When you’re making comics, unless you are self-publishing, you’re going to have to deal with two things: publishers and rejection. It’s just apart of the process.
I’ve emailed publishers in the past and have gotten no reply, and when I have gotten a reply, it’s the infamous “It’s just not right for us” response.
There was even a time I had my portfolio reviewed by an editor who absolutely did not like the first 20 pages of my graphic novel that I spent months working on!
Nevertheless, I keep making comics.
I don’t think I can physically go through life and NOT make comics.
There is nothing else in the world that fulfills me more. I absolutely love the medium. It’s my passion.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Like and comment on the post!
It’s free and helps artists out a lot.
I understand more than anyone that times are tough and people can’t spare a dollar to support their favorite artists.
Being a cartoonist is like being a hermit. You spend hours with your back turned to the world, with very little human interaction. But liking a post lets us know that people are out there seeing our work and are enjoying the art.
That’s enough to help keep us motivated for the next round of late evenings and early mornings creating art!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/golem-gaga/list?title_no=966360
- Instagram: @samchambersart
- Twitter: @samchambersart
