Welcome once again Comic Natives; today we have with us Carol –Anne McFarlane. Carol may not recall this but she and I met more than two years ago at a little known comic convention, Mega Con; (you might have heard about it…) while trolling the Isles for talent to interview for my savvy bunch of readers, I noticed Carol. The first thing that caught my eye was her excitement; as represented by her smile; it was like a kid that just got the video game it had been begging its mother and farther for months. I could tell she was an artist (as evidenced by all the art work she had with her) and not just a looker; like me.
Carol - Anne McFarlane At Her Legacy ShowCase October 2010
Carol even had well-dressed gentlemen with her, I could only “assume” that he was her manager (my suspicions were confirmed). This impressed me so I walked over to her table to be greeted by some of the brightest teeth imaginable (if you did’t get that, let me translate; she had one hell of a smile). Now enough with my virtual flirting; Carol is special for more than just her beautiful smile. She is special because she is a rarity; as far as comic artist go, she is a woman (evidently), and in a field dominated by “Mucho Men,” (I am making nerds and geeks cool again, or is it for the first time…) I had to interview her.
However, this interview was not to be, or at least for a couple of years…during our brief meeting I was called away, and I was not able to reconnect with her at that event. So, after two years I came across her info via the viral psychic network known as Facebook … I reached out to her as if speaking to the dead, and she agreed to conduct this interview. Artist, Writer, and Publishers…you are in for a treat (Especially Artist, one piece of advice she gives you need to hear and adopt ASASP). So… without further virtual serenading, Comic Natives I present to you Carol-Anne McFarlane.
Comic Privy: I always start my interviews as though the interviewee is the CEO of a major enterprise, so with that being said. Carol, what plans do you have for your current project(s)?
Carol-Anne McFarlane: I am a Visual Storyteller. My intention is to create entertaining comics for people to enjoy. Right now, I am working on a comic with a friend of mine. We are working on the character designs and designing the world now. When the book is completed, the book will be available at conventions and online as digital downloads.
I am working on incorporating a online store into my site that will sell products related to the comic.
Comic Privy: Many projects suffer setbacks, whether it is development, marketing, budget, or even “meeting deadlines.” What were or are some of the most challenging aspects regarding the book creation process, and how do you counter these challenges?
Carol-Anne McFarlane: The biggest challenge now, is finding time to create around a day job and social life. It is not just creating, it’s thinking about marketing and avenues to connect to our target audience.
Comic Privy: Like comic characters, every artist has an “origins” story. Carol, tell us a little about how you discovered comics, what was your fascination with the characters, the medium, the fans, and how it translated into your involvement in the comic book industry today?
Carol-Anne McFarlane: I was introduced to comics in the fifth grade. The X-Men 90s cartoon was on the air and my brother introduced me to it. I really got into the series. I talked to the boys in my class about it. It was around this time that I discovered that I got along better with the boys than the girls. I was in love with art and drew often at that time. I heard about comics and comic shops. My siblings and I begged our mother to take us to Tropic Comics (They had an ad on TV.) We each got a single issue and I really fell in love with the medium. The visually nature of it and the storytelling was so compelling. After that, I was hooked. I bought comics whenever I could, at Toys R Us, Albertsons, etc.
I created my own knock-off characters and comics. My siblings and I talked about stories and characters. We collected action figures and made up our own adventures. The personalities of the action figures were molded to our liking.
I started attending comic conventions at 16. I’ve been to so many shows. I really loved the art and meeting our comic book collectors. By this time, most of my friends that were into comics were boys. I remember signing my name to a drawing I did in high school and an upperclassman asked me why I signed McFarlane as my last name. I said, “Because it’s my name.” He response was. I was just asking because there is a comic book artist with that last name.” “Oh” I never paid attention to the artists or writers at that time. I started following artists and writers after that experience.
In college, my collecting went into overdrive, I worked in a toy store and I used my employee discount and access to buy the best and variant action figures. I attended Art School and met more people that were into comics. I would go to the comic shop and buy comics and posters. My walls in the dorms were covered with posters and comics were scattered everywhere. I had a friend of mine, a guy, walk into my room one day and tell me, “ I don’t mean to offend you, but your room looks like a guy’s room.” I was not offended at all.
I used the time at art school to get better at drawing and learning. I LOVED art school. I graduated with two portfolios, one eight-page story, and a regular illustration portfolio. I still attended comic cons and getting portfolio reviews. After college, I started hanging out at a local comic shop. Sundays were Artist Workshop days, where people could come and draw or write at the shop. I met someone there that hired me for a one-page story/ad.
Comic Privy: In my experience, success with comics as with everything else happens because of a series of skillful steps, what were some of your first footprints in comic culture?
Carol-Anne McFarlane: I did a one-page story for RGB Studios; it was intended to be printed as an ad in a magazine. I don’t know if it was published. I submitted an illustration for UVC magazine, but the magazine folded after a few issues. I submitted a Spawn cover for a cover contest.
Comic Privy: The inspiration (whether internal or external) to create is an artist or writers greatest gift. How did you come up with the idea for your book?
Carol-Anne McFarlane: I came across a sentence that really intrigued me. I gave the sentence to my partner and he started writing the story from there. I like superhero books, but he did not want to do a superhero book. The book is definitely action adventure though. It satisfies both of us.
Comic Privy: I love the writing and the conceptualization process that takes place in comics. What do you enjoy most about the creating process?
Carol-Anne McFarlane: I really enjoy getting into the world building process now. We are creating the characters from scratch and getting to know them. “There is so much to telling a story than just what happens in the panel or on the page.” The best part will always be drawing. Drawing is my most favorite thing to do ever. It will always be the most enjoyable part for me.
Comic Privy: Comic Privy was created with one concept in mind, “Marketing is Key.” I see marketing as essential to succeeding in this business. What are your plans for promoting and marketing product?
Carol-Anne McFarlane: My partner, Alex, is a host on Just a Couple of G’s podcast. He has also been on other podcasts as well. He will talk about our book there. I will be writing about our book on my blog and newsletter when we really get going on the book. We’re printing promotional material for distribution at comic shops and conventions. We will also create a website for the book as well.
Comic Privy: As artist, we tend to have many pots cooking at the same time, so…what other projects do you have coming down the pipe?
Carol-Anne McFarlane: I have a vague idea for a story that I want to work on after this book is complete. I have started collecting reference and thinking about writing it myself.
The book is about a hero who is labeled a villain and is punished. He is unaware of his past life. The story takes place in the future where planet colonization is taking place. The settlers have questionable motives and are hated and feared by the inhabitants of the planets they colonize. The oppressed plan to attack their unwanted conquerors using the hero as their secret weapon.
Comic Privy: There are many comics on the shelves these days, but one, maybe two stick out most, and eventually take a special place on the shelf. What is your favorite comic title of all time?
Carol-Anne McFarlane: I always loved the X-Men in high school, but I got hooked on Spawn after hearing Todd McFarlane’s story. I’ve been in and out of these books lately.
I really liked I Kill Giants and Sky Doll. The storytelling was magnificent. I have suggested these books and made new fans of comics through these titles.
Comic Privy: What is the best advice you can give to aspiring Artist?
Carol-Anne McFarlane: Never work for free. What you create is valuable and you should be rewarded for that value. Do not let the “You’ll get exposure” remark fool you. You can get “exposure” on your own. You can promote your work yourself.
Think of it this way: When this so-called creator goes to the printer to have the book printed, do you think he is going to give the printer the “You’ll get exposure” routine? No. He is going to pay for the printing of the book. So why should the printer be paid, but not you? This guy will not have a book to print without you.
I do not care what your skill level is; you deserve to receive remuneration for your work. Do you remember your first few days at a new job? You made mistakes, but you still got a paycheck, right? The same goes for comics.
Community Question: What changes do you see happening in the comic industry, and how do you see it affecting the independent creator.
Carol-Anne McFarlane: Digital is here to stay, no doubt about that. DC and Marvel are adjusting to this fact. Digital makes it easier for independent creators to distribute content. (The co called creator/publisher, I mentioned earlier, has no excuse not to pay you now, because he is saving money by not printing the book.)
The playing field is becoming more level. The key differentiator will be quality and marketing. Independent creators will have to be forward thinking and understand marketing.
Any additional details you want your fans to know about your book:
Carol-Anne McFarlane: The latest updates will be on my website www.cmcfarlane.com and www.GhostShadowStudio.com.
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COMIC PRIVY 