I was always into comic books when I was a kid, X-Men, Venom, Spawn, Batman. That really got me into art. I got back into it when I worked for a metal magazine based out of Tampa. I had tinkered around for them doing ad’s, logos and fliers for shows. I soon started doing artwork for local bands, t-shirt designs and album covers and stuff. But illustration really caught my eye, I really don’t do much “design” work, anything I do with CSS or Corel programs is on my Wacom Tablet. I got a book that featured these two amazing comic artists Bernie Wrightson, he did Swamp-thing and Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein and a alot of work for DC. And this other guy, Marc Silvestri, he worked for Marvel doing X-men then Image comics doing Witchblade then started his own company called Top Cow doing Darkness and all kinds of stuff. Also found out about Gustave Dore and Alphonse Mucha. Kinda blossomed from there. I also really love Jim Lee’s stuff, Alex Ross, David Finch, Mike Mignola, John Dyer Baizley….too many to name. To really sum it up, comic books again are what got me doing it.

I love doing work, mostly freelance, I run my own thing called IWELSHART. I mostly do artwork for bands, labels and private clients. I also do some comic work and other illustrated publications.

Being able to put something that is in my mind on paper. That is my favorite aspect of graphic design.

Comics, for one of the big three, Marvel, DC or Image. That is it.

Anything worth doing is worth doing right. Monotony is part of the job, if you want a piece to stand out be prepared to work 60+ hours on it.

Cheesy, but my parents, they always indulged what ever crazy thing I wanted to try.

I always listen to music when I work, usually when I do work for a band I have them send me their lyrics, their ideas and their mp3’s. I will immerse my self in their work and it will trigger something. I have a sketch book I just doodle random things in then when I get something good going I finish it up then transfer it to the Bristol.

Other than comics, I am a big history buff. Specifically the civil war, also love nature. Growing up in a area that 20 minute drive in any direction and you’re in the middle of no where with swamps and forests. It is great.

Doing comics or my own work, hopefully a mixture of both. Ultimate would have to be running my own imprint.

Thank you very much!

Ian Welsh