How To Draw Month: Jacob Bear

Jacob Bear is a penciller and inker who took time out of his daily grind to answer some questions for us to highlight our How To Draw Month editorial feature. Here what he has to say in this PREVIEWSworld Exclusive interview!

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PREVIEWSworld: Who were your favorite artists growing up?

Jacob Bear: The guys that really inspired me growing up were basically the Image guys. McFarlane, Liefeld, Jim Lee, etc. Those were the guys that really drove my work. Especially McFarlane. There was an issue of Amazing Spider-Man that I saw with the Prowler on it that first introduced me to his work. When I saw that, that made me realize I wanted to draw comics for a living.

PREVIEWSworld: Were you self-taught, formally educated, or a combination of both?

Jacob Bear: Mostly self-taught, but I did go to school to get my degree in animation.

PREVIEWSworld: Can we discuss your studio environment? Do you watch or listen to anything while you draw?

Jacob Bear: Right now my studio is in my basement. My very cluttered basement. One of these days I'll get it organized. I can't watch TV while I work as it's too distracting, but music is a definite must. I'll pretty much listen to anything depending on my mood, but mostly I'll listen to movie or game scores that have good epic action in it, especially when I'm drawing epic action scenes.

PREVIEWSworld: What tools do you prefer while drawing? Pencils, pens, art boards, etc.?

Jacob Bear: My Cintiq and Clip Studio Paint are my tools of choice.

PREVIEWSworld: Do you prefer drawing by hand, digitally, or both?

Jacob Bear: Definitely digital.

PREVIEWSworld: How long does it normally take to draw a page?

Jacob Bear: On average, it takes me about a day to complete a page.

PREVIEWSworld: Are there any books you would recommend to help with art?

Jacob Bear: Drawing Comics the Marvel Way is always a good one. Character Mentor by Tom Bancroft is another one I would recommend.

PREVIEWSworld: What’s your favorite thing to draw?

Jacob Bear: Hmmm, I don't know. Drawing comics is my favorite thing to draw. I guess if I had to choose one thing, it would probably be the eyes. Eyes are the gateway to the soul. At least that's what I've heard.

PREVIEWSworld: What's the most unique thing you've been asked to draw at a convention?

Jacob Bear: The one that comes to mind is a guy asked me to draw him naked laying on a bearskin rug in front of a burning fireplace.

PREVIEWSworld: Finally, what’s the best advice you have for beginning artists?

Jacob Bear: If you want to draw comics, then draw comics. It might not be good at first, but the more you do, the better you'll become.

Jason's workstation.