FAQ’s
How did the idea of Captain Wayne come about?
My original intent was to create conceptual work for a video game. The sole purpose at that point was to create a set of characters, a plot, a setting and a production design that could be used to pitch an idea for a game: “Captain Wayne and the Mutant Cavemen from Far Away”.
Why did Cpt Wayne end up becoming a graphic novel?
I soon came to the realisation that story drives everything and in order for this project to be tangible I needed to have a story. I wrote a complete script for what now had become an idea for an animated movie. Once the script was completed, I storyboarded it and even though digital 2d animation tools had by then come a long way I was faced with a hard truth: there was no way I could pull this off, unless I devoted the rest of my life to it. Since I had always had the idea to make a comic on the back-burner, making the decision of turning it into a graphic novel was easy.
What is your background?
I am a designer by trade. I majored in Transportation Design at Art Center College of Design (Europe) and moved on to work as a graphic designer. I have occupied positions as Head of a graphic design department in a printing company, as Project Manager in a design studio, as a freelance designer and I currently work as in-house web & graphic designer in a non-profit organisation. Since the age of 7, I’ve always had a passion for graphic novels in whatever form they came in: bandes dessinées, comics, manga, etc. And now my passion is making one.
Why are you posting it as a webcomic for free?
Because I want YOU to be able to read it! Captain Wayne was always designed to be printed but until that happens in a way that makes sense for everyone, it’s no use keeping it locked up in a safe where no one can enjoy it. The creative process satisfies my needs as an artist but ultimately I would like the whole world to see it!
Can I buy Cpt Wayne & the Unexplained Dimension right now?
Yes! Of course you can. I designed a very simple but cool eBook version that’s also available on the iBookstore. There is also a Print On Demand edition for the true fans. For more info, check out the ‘Read Cpt Wayne’ page.
How did you write the story?
I wanted the story to be character driven. After creating the setting, I came up with a general story arc and then all I did was launch Wayne on his latest mission and let the characters and their interaction with one another determine how the story unfolded. Of course I had to give them a light push once in a while to make sure they were going in the right direction but that is very simply put how I developed the story. Characters make decisions based on their persona, experiences and background, that affects the way the story is told and what happens. Sometimes, stuff happens and there’s nothing you can do about it; that affects the story as well…
What is your illustration process
Initial sketches are done on paper with a ballpoint, pencil, or fineliner, it depends on my mood really. These are used as underlays that I import in Fireworks. The line work is completely done in vectors as it gives me a lot of control over line quality and give it the dynamic I like to develop on traditional media. From there I do the colouring straight in Fireworks by filing all the vector paths. For certain effects or touch-ups I take the illustration to Photoshop or Painter depending on what needs achieving. Sometimes I will paint backgrounds in Painter or Photoshop as well and import them in my Fireworks file.
More Questions faq’s to come…
And hopefully some answers as well.
