Post by richardvasseur on Aug 21, 2021 19:36:49 GMT
Interview with: James Art Ville
Graphic Designer & Digital Illustrator
Graphic Novel name: Raising Dragons
Publisher: Scrubjay Journeys
Story type: Youth Fantasy/Graphic Novel
First printing: October 2015
Interviewed by: Allen Klingelhoets
Jazma Online
Allen: How long have you been involved in comics?
James Art Ville: I have been reading and making my own comics since I was in grade school. In 2013 I became freelance and illustrated comics to independent publishers for online, print, and newspapers.
Allen: Who are some of your artist influences? What are some comic books you liked to read growing up?
James Art Ville: My favorite artists include Scott McCloud, Art Spiegelman, Ken Akamatsu, and Akira Himekawa. I enjoy slice of life graphic novels as well as shonen manga.
Allen: How would you best describe your comic book art style? What are your art tools you feel most comfortable working with?
James Art Ville: My art style is constantly evolving but I would say that it is definitely a blend of Eastern (anime) and Western (superhero comics/cartoons) styles. For most my life I preferred drawing in physical sketchbooks using a mechanical pencil and precision felt-tip pen but now I have moved to completely digital using my iPad and an app called Clip Studio Paint.
Allen: How did you and Bryan Davis and you meet? How did you decide to work on "Raising Dragons" Graphic Novel?
James Art Ville: Bryan was touring and I met him at a local book signing. I gave him a printed drawing of the characters from his story as a gift and it was well received. When asked, he said he was interested in adapting his stories into graphic novels and it made sense to start with his first published book. I offered to illustrate Raising Dragons and we worked up an agreement to fund the project through Kickstarter.
Allen: How long was "Raising Dragons" graphic novel in the works?
James Art Ville: From initial concept art to publication took around 3 years.
Allen: Where did the idea for "Raising Dragons" title come from?
James Art Ville: Raising Dragons was the title of the novel that the graphic novel was adapted from. The term refers to the fact that the protagonists discover they are half dragon as their parents were dragons turned human.
Allen: Any particular influences in the story like (Dungeons and Dragons. J. R. Tolkien, movies, etc.)
James Art Ville: Bryan Davis, the writer, would be the one to answer that specific question.
Allen: What are some of your favorite things about "Raising Dragons"? I really appreciated your art work. I noticed that this was the first book of Bryan Davis's to receive a comic book adaption. It was also your first time illustrating 150 sequential pages from start to finish. I felt like reading story in cartoon not graphic novel format.
James Art Ville: Graphic novels are a medium, not a style. Comics in general is a form of story-telling. Browse through the graphic novel section at your local bookstore and you’ll be surprised by the range of detail in the work. You can paint, draw, sketch, or even use photographs in the panels to tell a story in sequence.
Allen: I have only read "Raising Dragons" Graphic Novel. How has story evolved beyond graphic novel?
James Art Ville: The story of Raising Dragons in part of the larger series called Dragons in Our Midst, which has three more books. This series has sequel series called “Oracles of Fire” and “Children of the Bard”, which contribute 8 more books for a total of 12.
Allen: Was there always a spiritual Bible feeling in story ? I was really impressed how worked religion into story. The girl was even praying on cover image.
James Art Ville: Yes, it’s no secret the story and series as a whole uses spirituality and Scripture as a vehicle to tell an engaging contemporary story. Bryan does wonders of weaving Biblical history in an interesting fashion to tell a simultaneous modern and fantastical tale.
Allen: Does the world of "Raising Dragons" fit into another comic book series world?
James Art Ville: Funny enough, I also illustrated a children’s book written by Bryan Davis called “Beelzebed” and it was decided that the characters in this bed-time story should be drawn from the world of Raising Dragons.
Allen: Besides "Raising Dragons" are there any comic books or characters that you have worked on . Or are there other characters you would like to work on?
James Art Ville: Yes, I have dabbed into several other comic book series by other writers, including some of my own creation as well. These include the web-comic “What the Fott?”, the newspaper series “Notes Notations”, and currently a comic called “Broken Fingers”, a collaboration with a childhood friend of mine.
Allen: Is this the sort of comic that can cross over with other comic books?
James Art Ville: The world that Raising Dragons takes place in is vast and spans many generations. The story has already concluded in the novels, but perhaps it could be possible that Bryan Davis considers a spin-off series where the characters can cross over with.
Allen: What sort of comic books do you like to read?
James Art Ville: My favorite comics are adventure series, typical of teen-young adult audiences. These can include fantasy stories, superhero tales, and sci-fi.
Allen: What is the main reason someone should pick up Raising dragons or other Bryan Davis books?
James Art Ville: Bryan Davis is not only a top tier writer, but a very respectable person. His stories contain so much heart, profound truths, and hope. I have even read testimonies from readers who have decided not to take their own lives after reading his work. So many people have had their lives changed for the better, inspired by his characters, struggles, and victories. I am honored to have been able to participate in touching people’s lives through the adaptation of his first story.
Allen: Anything else you want the fans to know?
James Art Ville: I am thankful for the opportunity Bryan has given me to partner with him on Raising Dragons. It was a milestone on my career path but also a pivot in my person life as well. I consider him a friend and hold him and his family in such high regards. A blessing and nothing less.
this is my review link for Raising Dragons Graphic Novel
jazmaonline.boards.net/board/13/reviews-allen