Bob Fingerman - Cartoonist Survey #114

Comic book artist and novelist Bob Fingerman was born in Queens New York on August 25, 1964. He attended the New York’s School of Visual Arts and while still in school he created work for Harvey Kurtzman’s satirical magazine “NUTS!”. After school, his work appeared in numerous publications including Heavy Metal, National Lampoon, Cracked, Screw, Penthouse, High Times and the Village Voice. In 1990 he spent a year working on the “ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” comic book, as well as several titles for the EROS line of adult comics. He also created short stories and covers for Vertigo and Dark Horse Comics. Bob wrote and drew his first graphic novel, ‘White Like She’ in 1993. His next creation was a semi-autobiographical series called “Minimum Wage”. In 2003 the “Minimum Wage” series was collected in the Fantagraphics graphic novel, ‘Beg the Question'. It went on to be nominated for two Eisner Awards and an Ignatz Award. Next came his humor collection ‘You Deserved It’, which was followed up by ‘Zombie World: Winter’s Dregs & Other Stories’ and ‘Recess Pieces’. In 2007 his debut prose novel, ‘Bottomfeeder’, was published and in 2009 Bob’s illustrated novella ‘Connective Tissue’ came out. Last month, 'From the Ashes' his post-apocalyptic "speculative memoir" was released as a graphic novel. In August of this year Bob’s second prose novel ‘Pariah’ will be published by Tor Books. He lives in New York City with his wife. To find out more about Bob and his work check out his website and follow him on his blog .

What is your favorite pen to use?
I don't use a pen, any more. I just draw in pencil. They discontinued the pen I liked (the Fountain Pentel).

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
See previous. I use Col-Erase.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Computer, usually. Though I used watercolor on 'From the Ashes'.

What type of paper do you use?
Cheap copy paper, generally.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Mechanical things. Cars. Machinery.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
I buy from an art supply store.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Not really.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Sometimes. These days I prefer spoken word. Audio books, podcasts.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Not many. I read comic strips more than comic books. Peanuts and Pogo were faves.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
See previous.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Some Richard Scarry, which I have in storage somewhere.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I wouldn't flatter it as "formal," but I went to the High School of Art & Design, then two years at The School of Visual Arts.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Both, in equal measure.

Did either of your parents draw?
My mother used to, but not often, unfortunately.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My mother and late aunt.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Not regularly.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
No.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Both, but without talent all the passion in the world isn't going to make your "art" any good.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Stuff. DVDs, toys and knickknacks, too many books. The usual.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Kif Kroker, unfortunately.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Lefty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Since I write novels, too, I'll go with that.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Functional but messier than it should be. But private.

Do you play any musical instruments?
No.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Toughen up. Be resilient. And have some talent, for Christ's sake.

Who is your favorite artist?
Moebius.

Thank you for taking the time to answer Bob.

Freelance illustrator, character and toy designer Cedric Hohnstadt will be next on David Wasting Paper.