Profile: Todd Gnacinski

Madbadcat’s Note: The retro style and story of Todd Gnacinski’s book grabbed me from the first moment I saw the cover on Etsy and it turns out we share a love of all things Dave McKean.

 

::: Artist(s) Name:::
Todd Gnacinski

::: Title of Work(s):::
Satellite State

::: Publisher:::
Self Published

::: Website:::
www.satellite-state.info
www.myspace.com/satellite_state

::: Q ::: Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Milwaukee WI. I began drawing when I was around 12. I majored in illustration at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design graduating in 1995. I began working as a freelance illustrator just after graduation. In 2004 I began writing my first pages of a yet untitled story, which after revising and tweeking became Satellite State.

::: Q ::: Were you much of a comics reader as a kid?

Yeah. I had always loved superheros. I would run home from the bus to watch the original Spiderman cartoon. I lived for friday nights when The incredable Hulk was on. One day my cousin brought me the 1st issue of the Transformers comic, I couldnt get enough. A few months later he took me to a local shop where the owner Piled up a stack of books including The Watchmen, Dark Knight Returns, and The Killing Joke. When you expose a 12 year old kid to epic stories like those, it cant help but impact and shape the rest of his life.

::: Q ::: What book are you reading now?

I read nothing but trades these days, the heck with monthlys. I just finished the last installment of Y the last man. Started in on Walking Dead. DMZ, The Preacher, Justice. I am continually re-reading The Sandman.

::: Q::: What about comic book genres interest you the most?

Its like no other story telling medium. When you find those magical stories, the ones that cant be put down, at there finest You can have the grand swooping visuals of a summer blockbuster, the prose of classic literature, Combined into one handy package that fits into your bag. And taken at face value thy are just good fun. Comic books may also be the best way to expose art to the masses.

::: Q::: Have they influenced your work?

God yes. Some of the work being created is more like walking through an art gallery, than paging through a book at a store. The first time I saw Dave Mckeans illustration (in Violent Cases) I was floored. I thought to myself "wow you can do that in comics?" It changed the way I wanted to work and made me want to put my own work out there.

::: Q::: How did you get involved in comics?

I was at Wizard World Chicago walking through artists ally. I had never been to a convention before 2002, and didnt realize that even if you wernt published by one of the major names you could have a table to show and sell your work. The Guys there inspired me, if they could do it I could too. The next year I had my 1st issue done and had a table among them. I just decided I had tro do it so I jumped in no knowing anything.

::: Q ::: What was your first comic?

The first one I read was the Transformers mini series in 85.

Satellite State is the first comic that I have ever created.

::: Q::: What is your favorite story you’ve ever drawn? Favorite character?

Don’t have one really.

::: Q::: How did you come up with the concept for Satellite State?

I have always been a history buff, and I got the basic idea when I was looking at a map if the world prior to WW1. It showed all of the colonies controlled by the super powers of the time (France England etc) . I was inspired by events transpiring in the world around us for the main story thread. And as for the visuals, I love old movie serials from the 40’s, and film noir.

::: Q ::: Who is your favorite character in Sattelite State? Why?

Hmmm… I like them all for different reasons, but I think Sgt. MacCarthy is my favorite so far. I have always been a fan of the reluctant hero. Mac overcomes being an alchoholic bigot, for the greater good, but he is always an unplesant ass. Plus hes just fun to draw.

::: Q ::: What was the hardest part of creating your comic book?

Time… I work a 40hr day job, and have to squeak in working when I have spare moments.

::: Q ::: What is the process you got through to create Satellite State?

I outline and write the story first. Then Sketches and then final art. I spend alot of time thinking in the shower, or staring into Lake Michigan

::: Q ::: Sketchbook? Pen/Pencil or Digital?

I draw all of the art with pencil first, 1 panel per sheet of paper (usually). Then I scan and assemble the drawings in the computer. I use the computer to add some gradients and backgrounds. Then add the text.

?::: Q ::: How do you promote your book/website/comic?

I have an epson scanner, and use adobe photoshop and a wacom tablet for the graphic elements. I add text with Adobe Illustrator.

?::: Q ::: How does being self-published change your approach towards your work?

I can do whatever I want cause Im the one in complete control.

?::: Q ::: How do you promote your book/website/comic?

Most effective is just going to conventions and getting a table to sell my book directly to the fans. People like to meet the creators and have them sign thier books, talk comics, and hear your pitch. I also promote online.

::: Q::: Other than ETSY, where is your book available for sale?

It is available at these stores in the Milwaukee area:
The Collectors Edge (all 4 locations)
Neptune Comics in Waukeshaua

The Source for comics and Games in St Paul Mionnesota

::: Q::: What is one stereotype about comic book writers/artists that is absolutely wrong?

We are very social creatures. Sure we spend alot of time locked away in basements and dark rooms drawing and writing, but we arent wierd and anti social (well maybe a few of us are). But is you have ever been to any of the Hotel Bars after convention hours its a crazy, boistrous time.

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