My comics start off as an idea that gets hastily storyboarded on a scrap of paper in simplified stick figures. I try to do this as soon as I get an idea because I can just as quickly lose it. Having the basic idea is the most important part of the process for me because I cannot progress any further without it. As a result, my pockets are always full of scrap paper and ideas.

Using the storyboard, I will sketch the comic in blue graphite, then ink it using micron pens. After erasing the graphite, I can scan the images into Photoshop for cleaning up, color, and text. While I could draw on my tablet, I have always preferred the feel of paper.

I usually play video game playthroughs on an iPad next to me as I create. The music is great at keeping me motivated, and an occasional glance at the graphics is enough to give my eyes a break. It also helps with my time management, since I love video games, but do not have time to play them all.

Given that I have no set number of panels for my comics, the time invested in each comic can vary wildly. My shortest comics have been 4 panels, with the longest comic taking up 9 panels, which happened because I detailed the story of Thor eating part of a pie tin and I didn’t want to leave anyone worrying until the next week about whether he was okay or not. I estimate that I spend an hour or two sketching, another hour or two inking, and 3-5 hours in Photoshop if I can stay focused.

Creative block is a subject I fought with a lot over the years. I recently came out of a decade-long drought caused by my rotating shift work and a toxic environment. I could not create anything and became increasingly frustrated as I struggled with it. I know that some artists speak of their creativity like a fruit tree, where growth/rest cycles must be respected. Using the same analogy, my creative “tree” could not thrive until it was moved to a better, less toxic place.

As I slowly recovered, I wanted to create a positive comic that would be easier to maintain with my work schedule. I recognized that Taz and Thor were the constant shining lights in my life, and there was always fun and humor to be found with them. Thankfully, they always provide me with lots of inspiration, so I have not lacked ideas since I went live with the comic.

Dogs Love Bacon is the type of comic that I believe I could continue for a long time, and I am working on it with that in mind. I have to be careful not to overextend myself for the time being due to my job and its challenging schedule, but I look forward to launching a website for Dogs Love Bacon in the near future and working on some other supporting items to accompany it.