CROM Update: 026 with Guest Artist Jason Schoonover
Navigating Creativity and Marketability in Comics with Kurt Brugel and Jason Schoonover
In the 26th episode of the Crom Updates Podcast, Kurt Brugel and Jason Schoonover discuss Jason's latest version of his mini-comic, "Gut & Ghost." They explore the evolution of this comic from its initial small format to a more substantial but still manageable size. Jason describes his creative process, mentioning how he packs a lot of content into just nine pages and faces challenges balancing readability with detail. They delve into the comic's narrative complexity, starting with simple events that escalate into more surreal and chaotic scenarios, reflecting Jason's personal experiences and emotional journey.
The conversation shifts to the struggles of staying true to creative inspiration while making the work sellable. Jason shares his method of using dream journaling and active imagination to fuel his stories, revealing how personal and often bizarre elements are integrated into his comics. Kurt and Jason also discuss the impact of therapy on Jason's creative output, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of his work and its grounding in both personal and universal themes. The discussion touches on the importance of balancing personal artistic expression with the need to make the work accessible and marketable to a wider audience.
Finally, Kurt updates listeners on his CROM COLLECTED Revised Edition and expresses his enthusiasm for collaborating on future projects, including a short story for the CROM Anthology. They both reflect on the realities of the comic industry, the pressures of conforming to market demands, and the joys of independent creation. Jason expresses his excitement about participating in a zine fest and his strategies for making his comics more marketable, including creating custom covers and improving his lettering. The episode highlights the intersection of personal creativity, professional development, and the broader artistic community.
Watch the CROM Update 026 video on YouTube:
The educational highlights from this podcast discussion include:
Creative Process and Evolution: The discussion offers insights into the evolution of a mini-comic, "Gut & Ghost," from its initial small format to a more readable and detailed version, highlighting the importance of adapting formats to improve the reader's experience.
Balancing Art and Marketability: Jason and Kurt explore the challenge of staying true to creative inspiration while making work marketable. This includes practical strategies like improving lettering and creating custom covers to enhance the comic's appeal.
Therapeutic Influence on Creativity: Jason shares how therapy and dream journaling have impacted his creative process, emphasizing the role of personal experiences and subconscious exploration in storytelling.
Community Engagement and Collaboration: The podcast emphasizes the value of community engagement and collaboration in the indie comic scene, detailing plans for participation in zine fests and collaborative projects like the CROM Anthology.
Navigating the Comic Industry: Kurt and Jason discuss the realities of the comic industry, including the pressures of conforming to market demands and the joys and challenges of independent creation.
Jason Schoonover is one of the few Artists who has been invited to create a pin-up for the Revised Edition of Crom Collected.
Use these links to find out more about Jason.
Use these links to find out more about Kurt inker Brugel.
