4 After 5 Q&A: Meet Brad

Brad Campbell

Graphic Designer @ Gremillion & Pou

Q. Personally, what does the 4 After 5 art exhibit represent? 

Cartooning is an art form. Most adults would disagree. The majority of people have the preconceived notion that cartoons are for kids.  Due to that negative social stigma, I believe that, within the art community, cartoons and illustrations are regarded as low art. The 4 After 5 exhibit affords us, the cartoonists, the opportunity to showcase our work in the realm of high art. I’m hoping, that in some small way, our exhibit will help raise the awareness of cartooning as a legitimate art form.

Q. When did you first take an interest in drawing?

At the age of 10, I knew I wanted to be a syndicated cartoonist, and I didn't even know what the word "syndicated" meant.  I was born with asthma, so I stayed indoors and drew a lot. I taught myself how to draw from reading and tracing the Sunday Comics. That’s probably why I love comic strips specifically. I wrote and drew my first original comic strip when I was 11-years-old.

Q. Is it hard to work a full-time job and find time to draw? 

Amidst a busy schedule, you really have to make yourself do it.  This year, I started an art blog so I could share my artwork with friends, family and other artists. Day after day, I have been posting illustrations, sketches and various comic strips. Maintaining that blog really helped my artistic process and it forced me to be creative on a daily basis.

Q. Your inspirations?

I'm a pop culture junkie. Animation, toys, comic books, movies, TV shows...they all inspire me. When I'm drawing I often listen to music, comedy albums or various podcasts. Specifically, my comic strip inspirations are Charles Schulz (Peanuts), Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes) and Berkeley Breathed (Bloom County, Outland).

Sample Panel from a 4 After 5 Jam Comic

Q. The 4 After 5 exhibit comprises of 4 artists. How much collaboration between artists was there and what was that experience like? 

Cartooning is such an isolated experience. Being a part of this group has given me personally the opportunity to share that experience. It's inspiring to discuss the artistic process with other artists who are genuinely interested in the topic. It's a dedicated group. We have monthly meetings in which we talk shop, plan events and, most importantly, draw comics. I love the Jam Comics that we've created together.

Q. Drawing medium. Any preference (pen, ink, digital)?

For years, I've used pen and ink, but recently, I've started using my Wacom tablet. At first, it was a challenge to re-teach myself to draw, because it's quite different from drawing on paper. I eventually embraced the digital format. It really speeds up the process: no scanning, no messy erasers, no white out. I love it.

Q. What type of art will you exhibit at 4 After 5?

It will be a mix of illustration and comic strips. Usually, people read comic strips in the newspaper or online. When people attend the 4 After 5 exhibit, they'll have the unique opportunity of reading framed, oversized comic strips on canvas. That's not something you see everyday.

Q. What project or projects are you currently working on?

To coincide with the 4 After 5 exhibit, I will be launching a Roofus web comic. Also, My first Roofus book, "Roofus U", is available for purchase. It will be available at the show. Plus, check out my art blog at www.bybradcampbell.blogspot.com.

For more info about the 4 After 5 art exhibit, visit www.4after5.com or the 4 After 5 event page on Facebook.