Behind The Wonder Woman Tee
October Featured Artist: Emi Lenox
What formal training do you have in illustration/design?
I took art classes all four years in high school and took one term at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. What is your concept behind the ‘Wonder Woman’ graphic for October’s good cause?
I wanted to draw an iconic picture of Wonder Woman that shows power. What are your biggest artistic influences and inspirations?
Craig Thompson, Chris Ware, Jeff Smith to name a few. They are all comic writers/artists whose work have inspired me for years.
What is your favorite style of illustration/animation?
I'm not sure. I like whimsical styles and cutsey styles. Color palette has a lot to do with what looks pleasing to the eye so sometimes it depends on that. Can you describe your creative process - how you come up with ideas for a new drawing and how you take those ideas and create a finished piece of art.
I merely just think of what I really enjoy drawing and then work from there. Or other times I just vision a picture and work from there. I'm a simpleton in that department I guess. How do you keep your work fresh? Do you need to consciously adapt your style or does it progress naturally?
I try to use different techniques in regards to colors. Sometimes I will try to mimic a certain cartoonist's style to see if there is anything new from there I can add to my own. Also, at the same time, I find that my style naturally progresses as my skill progresses.
Do you have a favorite artist or an artist you admire?
James Jean. He is amazing. I am a huge fan of his comic cover work.
If you could be a character from a fantasy novel, movie or game, who would you be?
Charlotte from Sex & the City. I realize it's not fantasy....but isn't it?
Finally, what cartoons did you watch as a kid?
Batman the Animated Series, Gargoyles, Rainbow Brite, Animaniacs, Tiny Toon Adventures, etc.
What advice would you give an aspiring illustrator/animator/designer? -In hindsight, would you have done anything differently?
Do work for yourself and not for the money.
Where would you like your work to lead you? Have you any aspirations or plans for the future?
I would like to be able to survive on comic work alone. Perhaps my own series or graphic novel other than my sketch diary comic.
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Mucho thanks to our featured artist Emi Lenox for dedicating her time and talent to collaborate with tanQ for October's tee supporting Bradley Angle.
Wonder Woman is the classic all-American female icon: Brave, strong and a tireless defender of justice for all. This October, Wonder Woman joins with Bradley Angle in the fight against domestic violence. She believes that all people have the right to enjoy life free from the fear of violence and abuse, and tanQ is proud to join her as she champions this noble cause.
