An Interview with Edwin Huang
Interview: Tae Querney
ABC: Tell us a little bit about what you do.
EH: I’m a freelance comic artist and illustrator. I was born and raised in San Diego, California and I’m currently living in New York City.
ABC: What was the worst critique/review/feedback you were ever given and how did it make you feel?
EH: Back in college, one of my sophomore year teachers called me out for drawing pretty pin up girls. He also said that my career won’t excel beyond that.
ABC: How did that experience change or not change the way you feel/felt about your art?
EH: The class helped me realize that story is(obviously) essential to comics and sequential art. But having a class based solely on storytelling really did change my mindset on the comic industry as a whole. Comics are more than just a pretty image and flashy action poses.
ABC: What did you do about it?
EH: I decided to take my profession a little more seriously. I started to study and read more comics outside of classes to try and understand the medium. The control of pacing, panel composition, page layouts, they were all foreign to me at the time. I think I have a better grasp of the medium now.
ABC: who are your biggest influences/inspiration for your comics/stories you write and how so?
EH: My teachers are truly my biggest influences. Klaus Janson and Phil Jimenez really jump-started my career. Before then, I really didn’t have a focus on what I really wanted to do. Both are remarkable artists with invaluable lessons and tips.
ABC: how does your work stand out in the comic industry?
EH: As a kid, I grew up reading cheesy Chinese manhua(the Chinese equivalent to Japanese manga). It almost seemed like the entire spectrum of manhua was just martial arts comics and video game adaptations. As goofy and cliched as they are, some of their unique character proportions and excessive use of speed lines did seem to carry over to my drawing style today.
ABC: what would be your dream job?
EH: I’m not quite sure what my dream job is at the moment. I would love to work at Marvel and DC, but not for my entire span of my career.
ABC: You’re graduating pretty soon, what are you plans after college?
EH: I’m trying to stay in the City at the very least. I tend to get a little distracted in San Diego. Here in New York, I am currently working at the Bodies Exhibit two days a week so I can sustain a decent living while working on comic related jobs throughout the rest of the week.
ABC: Do you feel like you got the best education as an cartoonist?
EH: A bit expensive (and a lifetime’s amount of loans), but yes. I came in without a clue and left with a portfolio that I am confident in.
ABC: What would you like to say to the other underdogs out there?
EH:The comic industry doesn’t pay well. The paycheck will weed out the comic artists from the fan boys.
edwin@edwinhuang.com
