The following is an interview with critically acclaimed artist Tyler Kirkham (Ultimate Fantastic Four, X-Men: Phoenix Warsong) regarding the recent Kickstarter campaign launch for The Marvel Art of Tyler Kirkham in collaboration with Clover Press. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Kirkham about revisiting his body of work for the collection, the incredible backer rewards available through the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: You recently launched a Kickstarter campaign in conjunction with Clover Press for The Marvel Art of Tyler Kirkham, a coffee table book collecting your incredible artwork with Marvel Comics. As you look ahead to the combined collection, what has been your experience in revisiting your body of work?
Tyler Kirkham: Yes, I’m very excited about it, too! Can’t wait to get this in people’s hands! It’s been a pleasure working with Clover Press so far. They have a proven track record for amazing art books! It was fun going back through my hard drive and tracking down old and new art for the book! I think people will like the selection of art!
BD: Was there anything in particular about the sequential art medium that attracted you more than other artistic media?
TK: I always loved art as a kid. Drawing, painting, molding clay, making my own films. Just being creative. I didn’t think it would be a job, though. It wasn’t until Image Comics launched that I thought maybe I can pursue that as a career. Even though I had been reading comics already, that was when I found a real love for comic art and told my parents that’s what I wanted to do when I was older.
BD: In revisiting your work, was there anything new or intriguing that you took away from the imagery that you hadn’t anticipated when originally creating it?
TK: Any time I look at my older work, I notice stuff that could be done better; however, comics have deadlines, and I know that can sometimes limit what you can do. I think looking at old stuff can help you grow. It also brings back some good memories.
BD: : What can you tell us about your shared creative process in working with Clover Press for the collection?
TK: Clover has been great. Sharing what they are looking for has been smooth and easy. They are pros at these Kickstarter campaigns, so I’m leaning on them a lot!
BD: Are there any other projects on which you are working that you’re able to share with readers?
TK: Yeah. Always trying to keep busy. I’m actively working on covers for Marvel and multiple other publishers, as well as my creator-owned comic series, Final Boss, which issue 5 is launching soon. The rest can be found on tylerkirkhamart.com!
BD: Lastly, in light of the Kickstarter campaign, are there any particular backer rewards that you would like to highlight for our readers?
TK: We got some fun ones! I’m offering a limited amount of remark sketches, as well as other cool things like mini prints, and even puzzles! People should definitely check out the campaign and back it if they can! It’s great for any fan of comics, Marvel, or art!
