| Do you create full time, or do you have another full-time job? What is your educational background? I have a BFA from the University of Michigan in Photography & Illustration and an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Visual Communication. I freelance as an illustrator, designer and writer as well as teach classes in multimedia at Chicago State University. |
| What tools of the trade do you most like to create with? Blue pencil, Adobe Photoshop & Adobe Illustrator |
| Who are some of your biggest comic book artist influences? George Perez, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Brian Stelfreeze, Larry Stroman and Walt Simonson |
| Do you have a particular project or projects which stand out as your favorite(s)? My latest book, Contrast: Blackness In White, is my current favorite title I’ve worked on. |
| As a black comic book artist, do you feel a personal responsibility to the black community to create content which not only entertains, but also uplifts and educates? |
| No. To me, that’s a given. I’m an African American so of course I’m going to make work that reflects my culture, my bi-cultural, Pan-African viewpoint and my community. My goal is to get other people outside of my community to get on board and take that ride with me. |
How and why is it important that black people are represented in this medium and how important is it that black creators work together to encourage, empower and educate the black community through their work?
It’s important because too many Black fans focus on how many comic book characters of color companies like Marvel and DC have as opposed to how many Black creators work at these companies. The more these fans see that the creators of these characters look like the fanbase, it reinforces that creativity in this medium is not the sole domain of the “other.” It shows that we do not have to wait for the “other” to represent us, our hopes, dreams and representations of the fantastic. It shows that we have command of our own imaginations.
| How long does it usually take you to complete work on a comic book piece/project? It depends on the page count and whether the book is in color or black & white. Usually, it takes about 2 – 3 months to complete a 32-48 page book with no distractions or prior obligations. |
| What are the names of some of the titles you’ve illustrated? The Horsemen, Outworld: Return of the Master Teachers, The Song of Lionogo: An Indian Ocean Mythological Remix, The Union & Contrast: Blackness In White |
What does artistic success in the comic book world look like to you?
Being able to touch people, to give them something they’ve never seen before but always wanted in their lives.
Where can the readers continue to follow your career? Do you have a website or blog?
John F. Allen Author 