Get Graphic: Under The (Artistic) Influence with Stefano Simeone

In the following interview, artist Stefano Simeone tells us all about his new Mad Cave mini-series, Under the Influence. 

Firstly, who are you and where do hail from?

I’m a comic book artist from Rome. I’ve been working several years in Italy and in the U.S., for publishers such as Disney, Pixar, Image Comics, Dark Horse, and Boom! Studios, on titles such Black Hammer, Star Wars, Megaman, Star Trek, Radiant Black, Transformers, and much more.

How did you get into comic books as a fan?

I’ve been reading comics before I could really read at all. So I think comics are a big part of who I am. So when I think of how to tell a story, it simply comes to my mind in panels. The other part of the history, it’s all hard work and getting better every page.

What can you tell us about the story behind Under The Influence?

I really enjoyed the experience. Eliot is a great writer, and with Chas and Frank, the team was so perfect. Basically, on my end, I focused on bringing movement to the pages. It’s a novel about social media so another big goal was to deeply focus on the reaction of the characters. I hope I succeeded in a little part.

How did you go about designing the look of Cara Cole and Paul Kozac?

I just designed what I like, following the suggestions by Eliot and Chas. I wanted to give them some “contrast” inside of them that would reflect on their exterior side. So Cara is an agent but still very careful about her look. On the opposite, Paul, a social media star, seems to be wearing random t-shirts like he just jumped into his closet without looking.

How did you get into art as a professional? 

With a lot of work - day and nights [Laughs]. I think mine is a privileged work, so I’ll not start talking about what doesn’t work in the industry - which is a lot.  Let me be clear about this. But with time, work, and luck...here I am.

I’ve done so much work for so many different publishers. Starting with writing and drawing my own books here in Italy. Then I colored a lot and, in the meantime, I started drawing for the U.S. When I reached the goal to color my own work, my workflow totally changed and I felt a lot better about the process, because I think coloring is a very personal thing. So in my process, it often happens at the same time as the inks.

What tools do you use to draw?

I’ve used a lot of tools, but all my work is made by an Ipad pro, using Clip Studio Paint.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on a new Image Series to be announced. [Also,] some covers in the meantime. [Then] another project to be announced.