We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shawn Crystal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shawn below.
Hi Shawn, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Yes, I have been able to make from my art. My childhood dream was to work for Marvel Comics. Along the road to making this dream happen, I earned an MFA in comic book art. I got hired as a college art professor and co-built the comic book program at SCAD Atlanta. I ended up running the department and guiding the curriculum. About 4 years in, I received a call from Marvel comics. I ended up working for Marvel for 5 more years while teaching. Eventually the two jobs became too much to manage, so I quit teaching and became a full time artist for Marvel and DC comics. Since then, i’ve missed teaching and built my own online comic book art school known as INKPULP INSTRUCTION. I currently own two business, my teaching business and my art business. It’s been wonderful and challenging.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I spent many years networking and honking my craft as a comic book artist and storyteller. I never gave up and it all paid off. I ended up working on Deadpool, The X-Men, Batman, Scarlet Witch, and others. Along the way i lean bred the importance of mining a schedule and meeting deadline while being pleasant to work with. I found that communication with your editor is your greatest asset. Letting them know where you are and how the schedule is going at all time helps the team remain calm and meet the print deadline.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
I am open to any new means of creative expression and any new avenues where my art business can grow. I have worked in the NFT realm a little bit and find it really interesting, creative, and promissing.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The hugest reward is waking up every morning and knowing that my creativity is the source of all of my income. Getting into the studio and putting my creative mind to work is the best life for me. Its not all about creating art, but constantly creating new importunities for my art to make money. If i think it, I can make it happen. Theres no one to tell me “no.” That is awesome, to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inkpulpinstruction.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkpulp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inkpulp
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/inkpulp
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
- Other: https://inkpulp.threadless.com
Image Credits
Portrait by Steve West of Steve West Photorpahy